So everyone wants a "Great Deal" so they say......
Some of my clients tell me they want a great deal......I begin the search for them. Where? How big? What schools? How soon do you need to move, what amenities, etc. Given our current market with a glut of inventory in the Phoenix area it is usually not a problem. Due to the misfortune of others who purchased homes a couple of years ago with loans they knew they probably shouldn't accept........today we can find homes loaded with goodies for thousands to hundreds of thousands less than they sold for 2 years ago!
My point is that in the community of Estrella in Goodyear, AZ, two years ago if a home was listed under 300k it must have been a typo. Today we have around 25 homes under 200k on the market in just this community! Last week a home listed for 105k! Foreclosure on a home less than 2 years old........great neighborhood, 3 car garage..........but stripped to the gills. Seriously, floors, cabinets, doors, toilets, tubs.....gone. It had an offer within 2 days I believe. That home was obviously for someone with the time and resources to put humpty dumpty back together again. But if someone has the gumption to take a paint brush in hand and order carpet from the local home store MANY, MANY other bargains are just waiting to have a new owner. A few of the foreclosures look like what you would expect.....derelict and depressed.....needing lots of work, but most of them just need a little love! The bargains are out there and your Realtor knows how to help. They may not have every upgrade you want, but that can be the fun of home ownership.....personalizing to your taste!
I find great satisfaction in helping someone locate and buy their home. Most clients understand that the price of a home has been set up with a Competitive Market Analysis and the knowledge of location. True it is a Buyers' Market and concessions in price, closing cost assistance, and other amenities may be asked for. But when it comes to "the deal" it is sometimes a better question to ask if the home fits "my criteria" of wants and needs.....and not just the lowest price on the block!
Friday, July 18, 2008
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Monday, July 14, 2008
A Cloud Forms in the Desert
So recently the kids (young adults) have noticed how excited people get here about clouds forming.
Well, it IS the celebrated Monsoon season here in the Valley of the Sun. Growing up in Southern California clouds were a daily fact for them. Morning fog, burn off.......head to the beach if you can. Here, it is all beach, (which is the logic I tried to use when we moved here........."It's ALL sandy beach here Mary, just no ocean"....she still isn't buying.........) Again, all beach and all sun.
After a few weeks of blazing hot "dry" heat, we desert rats look forward to our summer storms. As the clouds begin building up around the perimeter of the valley we hope and pray they blow over our area of town. Mostly we get huffs and puffs and a lot of wind, lightning and thunder. But on occasion we are blessed with a downpour. The backyard looks like spring has returned with just one evening of rain! All the trees and plants perked up and birds and butterflies are flitting through the yard. Yesterday a turkey vulture blocked the sun as it came passing by looking for good eats even. This morning the temperature felt like the high 70's with a breeze! Glorious! I quickly jumped at the chance to be in the yard figuring it may be September or October when it feels like this again. Back to the storms, I admit I even have the National Weather Service Radar Website as a favorite on my computer so I can watch the summer storms form and which direction they are headed! Afternoon storms are wonderful, if you aren't in traffic.......but the night skies as they light up are amazing. Layers upon layers of multicolored light shows. It really is beautiful.
I love being back in the desert, which comes with a great appreciation for rain showers, but the jewels of the desert skies are the clouds!
Well, it IS the celebrated Monsoon season here in the Valley of the Sun. Growing up in Southern California clouds were a daily fact for them. Morning fog, burn off.......head to the beach if you can. Here, it is all beach, (which is the logic I tried to use when we moved here........."It's ALL sandy beach here Mary, just no ocean"....she still isn't buying.........) Again, all beach and all sun.
After a few weeks of blazing hot "dry" heat, we desert rats look forward to our summer storms. As the clouds begin building up around the perimeter of the valley we hope and pray they blow over our area of town. Mostly we get huffs and puffs and a lot of wind, lightning and thunder. But on occasion we are blessed with a downpour. The backyard looks like spring has returned with just one evening of rain! All the trees and plants perked up and birds and butterflies are flitting through the yard. Yesterday a turkey vulture blocked the sun as it came passing by looking for good eats even. This morning the temperature felt like the high 70's with a breeze! Glorious! I quickly jumped at the chance to be in the yard figuring it may be September or October when it feels like this again. Back to the storms, I admit I even have the National Weather Service Radar Website as a favorite on my computer so I can watch the summer storms form and which direction they are headed! Afternoon storms are wonderful, if you aren't in traffic.......but the night skies as they light up are amazing. Layers upon layers of multicolored light shows. It really is beautiful.
I love being back in the desert, which comes with a great appreciation for rain showers, but the jewels of the desert skies are the clouds!
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Estrella Resident Realtor
Estrella, Estrella Mountain Ranch, Mountain Ranch at Estrella, Montecito at Estrella, all names for our community in Goodyear, AZ. Whatever you may call it, some of us call it home.
As many of you know in our current Real Estate Market many of the homes for sale are either "Short Sales" or "Bank Owned" (REO, Lender Owned, Corporate Owned) but "Traditional" resales are out there as well. (owner owned so to speak) As the great deals abound due to others misfortunes, my recommendation to anyone is........when looking for a home in a specific area, use a RESIDENT Realtor! Someone who knows that particular community, who enjoys living and playing there. Just because an agents card may say they are a specialist in that area, don't assume anything. Ask questions! A good resident agent will know about the HOA, any community assessments that may be on certain properties, schools, shopping, etc. So many homes are now on the market that are being represented by Agents who are just listing the homes for the banks. They have no idea about the city, community or even the house! Some have never even driven past the home they are listing! Ask specific questions when interviewing the agent that will be representing you on your next listing or purchase. What is the parking policy? Is parking overnight on the street ok? What about landscaping rules, are there any? Can we have an RV on our property? How many pets are allowed? Pool fencing laws? Curfew for teens? Where are the schools my children will attend? Is there 24 hour security patrols in the neighborhood? Community pools and clubhouse, who gets to use them? Especially if you are paying HOA fees, find out what you get for your money.
Just a little information that may help you avoid some mistakes! If it comes to buying or selling a home in Goodyear, AZ or Estrella, look no further......I'm your Resident Realtor!
As many of you know in our current Real Estate Market many of the homes for sale are either "Short Sales" or "Bank Owned" (REO, Lender Owned, Corporate Owned) but "Traditional" resales are out there as well. (owner owned so to speak) As the great deals abound due to others misfortunes, my recommendation to anyone is........when looking for a home in a specific area, use a RESIDENT Realtor! Someone who knows that particular community, who enjoys living and playing there. Just because an agents card may say they are a specialist in that area, don't assume anything. Ask questions! A good resident agent will know about the HOA, any community assessments that may be on certain properties, schools, shopping, etc. So many homes are now on the market that are being represented by Agents who are just listing the homes for the banks. They have no idea about the city, community or even the house! Some have never even driven past the home they are listing! Ask specific questions when interviewing the agent that will be representing you on your next listing or purchase. What is the parking policy? Is parking overnight on the street ok? What about landscaping rules, are there any? Can we have an RV on our property? How many pets are allowed? Pool fencing laws? Curfew for teens? Where are the schools my children will attend? Is there 24 hour security patrols in the neighborhood? Community pools and clubhouse, who gets to use them? Especially if you are paying HOA fees, find out what you get for your money.
Just a little information that may help you avoid some mistakes! If it comes to buying or selling a home in Goodyear, AZ or Estrella, look no further......I'm your Resident Realtor!
Monday, July 7, 2008
The "Good" about Goodyear, AZ
So what's so good about Goodyear?
Ask 10 people and you will get 10 different answers I'm sure.
As for me, it was the progressive thinking and planning from the Goodyear City Government.
After living in Southern California for 21 years we had become accustomed to a different pace. Orange County had quite a progressive and "upscale" feel to it and when returning to AZ we felt as though we had gone back in time where certain areas of the Valley of the Sun had not changed since 1984. Many changes HAVE occurred for the better don't get me wrong! Of course too, the north east side of the Valley still has the "allure" that dictates high Real Estate prices, but not everyone wants to live on the east side! So when we found Goodyear it just felt like a good fit....for us. As Goodyear is building out......especially with homes......the local city council knows it must attract business to keep the area vital and growing. As our city grows, planning and zoning are of the utmost importance in attracting new business and tourism. Kudos to the city council for attracting the Cincinnati Reds and Cleveland Indian Ball Clubs for a new spring training facility! Macy's, Amazon, multiple golf courses, Medical Centers and too many others to list. Also, the largest Mall in AZ will be joining our turf in a year or so. "Estrella" (my digs) is a nationally recognized Master Planned Community as well as our "Pebble Creek" Active Adult community.
Goodyear recently has received two prestigious national awards. "Most Livable City Outstanding Achievement Award" by the U.S. Conference of Mayors for its vision and successful recruitment of private universities and also an "All American City Award" by the National Civic League.
So, for our family Goodyear was a good fit! Housing options, education options and employment options grow daily, and the city planners are working diligently to make sure our quality of life continues to evolve in a positive way.
Ask 10 people and you will get 10 different answers I'm sure.
As for me, it was the progressive thinking and planning from the Goodyear City Government.
After living in Southern California for 21 years we had become accustomed to a different pace. Orange County had quite a progressive and "upscale" feel to it and when returning to AZ we felt as though we had gone back in time where certain areas of the Valley of the Sun had not changed since 1984. Many changes HAVE occurred for the better don't get me wrong! Of course too, the north east side of the Valley still has the "allure" that dictates high Real Estate prices, but not everyone wants to live on the east side! So when we found Goodyear it just felt like a good fit....for us. As Goodyear is building out......especially with homes......the local city council knows it must attract business to keep the area vital and growing. As our city grows, planning and zoning are of the utmost importance in attracting new business and tourism. Kudos to the city council for attracting the Cincinnati Reds and Cleveland Indian Ball Clubs for a new spring training facility! Macy's, Amazon, multiple golf courses, Medical Centers and too many others to list. Also, the largest Mall in AZ will be joining our turf in a year or so. "Estrella" (my digs) is a nationally recognized Master Planned Community as well as our "Pebble Creek" Active Adult community.
Goodyear recently has received two prestigious national awards. "Most Livable City Outstanding Achievement Award" by the U.S. Conference of Mayors for its vision and successful recruitment of private universities and also an "All American City Award" by the National Civic League.
So, for our family Goodyear was a good fit! Housing options, education options and employment options grow daily, and the city planners are working diligently to make sure our quality of life continues to evolve in a positive way.
Friday, July 4, 2008
Happy Birthday America
Yesterday no blog, due to the fact that I was driving all over the state to "Ceil the Deal" for some clients so they can move into their new home!
Ahhh July 4th....
"Our country may be likened to a new house. We lack many things, but we possess the most precious of all----liberty!" James Monroe
What's your July 4th first memory?
Mine is all of us Pelletier kids piling into the family station wagon and heading for Pecks Lake in Clarkdale, AZ. Cars lined the edges of the lake from all over the Verde Valley. Kids running around the cars playing around until darkness settled in and the OOOO's and AHHH's began. As we got older we were able to sit on our rooftop at home to watch. What a treat that was, a bowl of popcorn and sitting on the roof.
As an citizen and patriot of this free nation I grew up in a family that served our community, and country. Whether it was through scouting programs, community service to the elderly, VFW, American Legion or the sacrifice of committing years into Military Service. My Dad is Navy, through and through, many of my Uncles as well. My 2 older brothers served during Vietnam, 1 in the Navy and 1 in the Army, my husband of 31 years served in the Army as well during Vietnam. Our future Son in Law recently finished his 2 tours in Iraq as a Marine Sgt. Today whenever I see a Vet, active or retired I thank them for their service. So many are forgotten, but not by me. Sounds like I am rambling as though it is Veterans Day.........I'm not, just reflecting that without our brave men and women in service, we would not have our Liberty and Freedom and the ABILITY to celebrate our Nation's Birthday!
So here is a little History trivia for you today....
What do the colors of the American Flag stand for?
Red - Hardiness and Valour
The spilled blood of our Patriots
White -Purity and Innocence
Blue - Vigilance, Perseverance, Justice
Today go forth, eat, drink, wear red, white and blue, watch fireworks and ask yourself.....
Am I a Patriot? What do I do for my country?
Perhaps this is the year you will make a stand for your nation, no matter what the cause, no matter how small.
Ahhh July 4th....
"Our country may be likened to a new house. We lack many things, but we possess the most precious of all----liberty!" James Monroe
What's your July 4th first memory?
Mine is all of us Pelletier kids piling into the family station wagon and heading for Pecks Lake in Clarkdale, AZ. Cars lined the edges of the lake from all over the Verde Valley. Kids running around the cars playing around until darkness settled in and the OOOO's and AHHH's began. As we got older we were able to sit on our rooftop at home to watch. What a treat that was, a bowl of popcorn and sitting on the roof.
As an citizen and patriot of this free nation I grew up in a family that served our community, and country. Whether it was through scouting programs, community service to the elderly, VFW, American Legion or the sacrifice of committing years into Military Service. My Dad is Navy, through and through, many of my Uncles as well. My 2 older brothers served during Vietnam, 1 in the Navy and 1 in the Army, my husband of 31 years served in the Army as well during Vietnam. Our future Son in Law recently finished his 2 tours in Iraq as a Marine Sgt. Today whenever I see a Vet, active or retired I thank them for their service. So many are forgotten, but not by me. Sounds like I am rambling as though it is Veterans Day.........I'm not, just reflecting that without our brave men and women in service, we would not have our Liberty and Freedom and the ABILITY to celebrate our Nation's Birthday!
So here is a little History trivia for you today....
What do the colors of the American Flag stand for?
Red - Hardiness and Valour
The spilled blood of our Patriots
White -Purity and Innocence
Blue - Vigilance, Perseverance, Justice
Today go forth, eat, drink, wear red, white and blue, watch fireworks and ask yourself.....
Am I a Patriot? What do I do for my country?
Perhaps this is the year you will make a stand for your nation, no matter what the cause, no matter how small.
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
It's a Good day in Goodyear!
So why did we choose Goodyear when we came back to AZ?
We searched the entire valley. Literally. From Carefree, to Gilbert. Vistancia to Verrado. When we left the Valley of the Sun in 1984 Goodyear was basically farming and a regional park on Buckeye road (which by the way was the main road to Cali at the time!) The 1-10 east of the Gila Bend turn off didn't even exist! (no 101,202,303,51, etc) After quite a few trips over to find our new home we didn't have any real success. Of course it was July of '05 and prices were stupid high. Finally on one of our unsuccessful trips as we headed back to So Cal we found "Estrella Mountain Ranch!" First Dennis didn't think we should live that far removed from everything........."We can't bring the kids this far out".......
but
when we got to the top of the hill, saw Lakes and Lawns! Trees and hills! Blues and Greens! What was NOT to love. (I think I heard harps playing in my head) We sat across the lake at the home finding center at sunset. As the sun lowered itself over the surrounding purple hills, the sky lit up with oranges, pinks and blues reflecting over the lake........then faded to various shades from light blue to dark blue and STARS began popping out everywhere. From across the lake we could see Starpointe, the Residence Center lighting up and looking like a 5 Star Resort.
Done, decision made, this was to be our new home! It has almost been 3 years for us now. I am so happy to be back in my home state. I fell in love with our community of Estrella and our town of Goodyear so much I got my Real Estate License! Now I can share this lifestyle with others and help make their dreams come true as well!
We searched the entire valley. Literally. From Carefree, to Gilbert. Vistancia to Verrado. When we left the Valley of the Sun in 1984 Goodyear was basically farming and a regional park on Buckeye road (which by the way was the main road to Cali at the time!) The 1-10 east of the Gila Bend turn off didn't even exist! (no 101,202,303,51, etc) After quite a few trips over to find our new home we didn't have any real success. Of course it was July of '05 and prices were stupid high. Finally on one of our unsuccessful trips as we headed back to So Cal we found "Estrella Mountain Ranch!" First Dennis didn't think we should live that far removed from everything........."We can't bring the kids this far out".......
but
when we got to the top of the hill, saw Lakes and Lawns! Trees and hills! Blues and Greens! What was NOT to love. (I think I heard harps playing in my head) We sat across the lake at the home finding center at sunset. As the sun lowered itself over the surrounding purple hills, the sky lit up with oranges, pinks and blues reflecting over the lake........then faded to various shades from light blue to dark blue and STARS began popping out everywhere. From across the lake we could see Starpointe, the Residence Center lighting up and looking like a 5 Star Resort.
Done, decision made, this was to be our new home! It has almost been 3 years for us now. I am so happy to be back in my home state. I fell in love with our community of Estrella and our town of Goodyear so much I got my Real Estate License! Now I can share this lifestyle with others and help make their dreams come true as well!
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
And on we go.......
I've been told blogging is the way to go........gotta blog, gotta blog.
Friends, family, Real Estate, teenagers, marriage, upcoming daughter's wedding, good grief, where to begin?
For years my friends and family have encouraged me to write. So to all (or any) of you that may read this hang on for random postings as I am sure my mood will dictate the direction of the topics!
Cheers! (hmm...must be Miller Time)
Friends, family, Real Estate, teenagers, marriage, upcoming daughter's wedding, good grief, where to begin?
For years my friends and family have encouraged me to write. So to all (or any) of you that may read this hang on for random postings as I am sure my mood will dictate the direction of the topics!
Cheers! (hmm...must be Miller Time)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)