The Scott's Sell Scottsdale

• You need to decide whether you're financially ready to buy a home
• Do you have a steady job and income?
• Do you plan on remaining in the same area for a few years?
• Do you have enough money set aside for your down payment and closing costs?
• Do you have an emergency fund?
• Do you live within your means, avoiding credit card debt?

What is Escrow?   This is what takes place immediately after both the buyer and seller, assisted by a qualified Real Estate Agent, have agreed to the provisions of a contract and have signed that contract.  Escrow is defined as the holding of documents and funds by a neutral third party  pending the fulfillment of a particular condition or event.  The escrow holder has the obligation to safeguard the funds and/or documents until all provisions of the escrow have been satisfied and the contractual obligations by the Buyer and Seller have been met. Escrow is the disinterested third party, which makes them unbiased and impartial. 

Opening a Transaction. When escrow receives a fully executed contract (and earnest money if applicable), escrow will immediately order the title work so that a thorough title search and examination can be done.  When the title commitment, title or preliminary report is received, it is the Escrow Officer's job to review the commitment and then send them out to all appropriate parties.

Processing the Transaction. Once the Preliminary Report is received and reviewed, escrow then begins processing the file. Taxes, homeowner association dues, maintenance fees and payoffs for liens of records are checked and statements ordered.  All applicable charges are assembled and a settlement statement is prepared.

Escrow then begins processing and coordinating the flow of documents.  The escrow and conveying documents (Deed to transfer property) are drawn and sent to Buyer and Seller for proper execution. Although it is not the job of escrow agent to cure defects of title, performance, or other services extraneous to closing the transaction, Escrow Agent may assist in helping to determine what steps may be taken in order to clear any extraordinary circumstances that are disclosed by the Preliminary Title Report.    

Closing the Transaction:   Upon receipt of properly executed documents, the Escrow officer will review all the documents involved in the transaction to make sure they fit the transaction as contracted for.  A thorough investigation that everything needed to close the transaction has been satisfied. The analysis will include, but is not limited to the following; the proper execution of escrow and mortgage documents,  checking that all taxes have been paid and prorated between buyer and seller when necessary, ensuring financial consideration has passed and all monetary consideration can be properly disbursed.  After good funds are received,  the escrow officer, balances the disbursement sheet, ensures the transferring documents are filed of record at the County Recorder's office and funds and closes the escrow file.  Last, but certainly not least, the title policies are prepared and forwarded on to the owner and Lender. 

What can’t escrow do?
Anything that is not in the contract, counter-offers and addendums.

In addition, there are some other functions that the Escrow Agent is prevented from performing, due to reasons of liability, legal restrictions or because of its neutral position, such as:

• Give advice
• Negotiate
• Prepare contracts, counter-offers or addendums
• Prepare legal documents beyond the basic “fill-in-the-blank” forms

1. The price you ask.
2. The condition of the property.
3. Access to the property.

1. Market conditions.
2. Rhe motivation of your competition.
3. Market Value.

For additional information regarding Arizona Real Estate,

please send direct e-mail request to GaryandClaudia@cox.net

or call our Toll Free Number,

Convenience & Availability

It is never 'convenient' to have your house shown. But, you should make an effort to allow for showings if possible. Most agents will attempt to give you at least a couple of hours notice.  However, sometimes a buyer sees the sign in your yard and is interested in viewing your home. If you are not cooperative, it is possible that the potential buyer will skip your home and move on to someone else who is willing to cooperate. The more exposure the faster your home will sell.

• Why Use A Lockbox?                                                                       

  • A lockbox is a box that stores the listing key. Also known as a keybox, real estate agents hang a lockbox on or near a listing to store house keys.  Lockboxes allow agents to quickly and easily show listings. The keys are handily stored right at the listing, resulting in more showings and quicker sales. Since electronic lockboxes record who's opened them, if something is missing or the cat has been let out, listing agents have an audit trail of who's been in and when. Supra boxes have been instrumental in helping solve thefts. Knowing who's been in also gives the listing agent a marketing tool. Follow up with prospective buyers and find out why they didn't make an offer. Maybe new paint or carpet will make the difference on a written offer. With the ability to customize access hours in an electronic lockbox, day sleepers and latchkey kids needn't be disturbed by agents who might just drop by.

• Why You Should Not be Home
  Many Homebuyers will feel like intruders if you are home when they visit.  If possible leave the premises during a showing. If you absolutely cannot leave, try to remain in an out of they way area of the house or yard. Do not volunteer any information, but answer any questions the agent may ask.
•  Lighting
  • If possible turn on all the indoor and outdoor lights. This allows for a home impression,  prevents harsh shadows from sunlight and brightens up any dim areas. 
• Fragrances
  • Scented sprays often cause potential buyers to wonder what you are trying to cover up. And, some may be offensive or cause allergic reactions. If you want to have a pleasant aroma in your home, try something natural such as a drop of vanilla on a stove burner or oven. Baking cookies are always a crowd pleaser. If you have pets, attempt to keep them bathed and any hair vacuumed up.
• Pet Control
  • IF you have pets, make sure your listing agent includes that info and any instructions regarding them into the MLS listing. If at all possible take them away with you during a showing appointment. If not, try to keep the pets confined to an area that allows the buyers to adequately view your home without interfering with your pet. You want to prevent buyers from having to deal with the possibility that your pet could escape and get lost.  It is often a confusing time for pets to have strangers in your home when you are not there. Again, make sure that any pet odors or hair is not obvious. Not all buyers are animal lovers.
• The Kitchen Trash
  • Keep the trash cans fresh and as clean as possible.  This may mean that you have to empty the trash more frequently. Trash, especially smelly trash, does not send a positive message to potential buyers.
• Tidiness Counts
  • This is an area that is controllable.  It is recommended that you keep your home clean and clutter free. Don't leave dishes in the sink, or scattered about the house, pick up papers and unnecessary clutter. Remove extra furniture to make your rooms look bigger. Try to keep everything freshly dusted and vacuumed.  You want it to look like a model home.  Buyers like to envision living like that they can live like that.

1. Based on today's market.
2. Based on today's competition.
3. Based on today's financing.
4. Based on today's economic condition.
5. Based on the buyer's perception of the condition.
6. Based on location.
7. Based on normal marketing time.
8. Based on showing accessibility

• On a Scale of 1-10, The "10's" Are The Ones That Are Selling.

1. By improving the condition dramatically.   
2. By offering good terms.  
3. By improving the way the home shows.   
4. By adjusting the price.

1. The price you ask.
2. The condition of the property.
3. Access to the property.

1. Market conditions.
2. Rhe motivation of your competition.
3. Market Value.

For additional information regarding    Arizona Real Estate,

please send direct e-mail request to GaryandClaudia@cox.net

or call our Toll Free Number,

With the ever-increasing flow of data consumers are constantly mistaking information for expertise. There are several excellent sites for obtaining real estate data and advice and there are others that provide inaccurate housing information, statistics and predictions. The volume of information can be overwhelming and how do you know who to trust?

Be conscientious when you are seriously considering relocation to a new area. Review as much as you can about that area. Generally the local chamber of commerce will have a relocation package available to be sent to you. If you do not have a recommended Realtor in the new location, you can certainly find one on line (in fact, there will be multiple choices for any area you select!). View some web sites; review several resumes; and, to see a more personal side of the Realtor, check out their social media comments (blogs, tweets, posts etc). Once you have narrowed down your search, contact the Realtors to interview the ones you feel most comfortable dealing with. Send an email, call directly or respond to a comment.

The Realtor you select should respond promptly, have an expertise of the local area and real estate market, listen to your specific needs and show you homes meeting your criteria, use the latest technology to assist you throughout the transaction, explain the local real estate sale process, provide copies of the forms that you will be utilizing in the transaction and make available buyer guide resources for additional research the communities to select. Happy home buying!

Arizona a great place to live, work and play!

You have decided to stay put and implement some upgrades/improvements to your current home. But, where should you spend your money? What will bring the most value to you when you eventually opt to sell? The answers to these questions can vary depending on where you live. For instance, here in the Arizona desert, a private pool is a desirable amenity but probably not so in Alaska. A screened in porch would be an asset for the humid areas of the southeast. Of course, improvements that improve efficiency such as dual pane windows or solar water heater are always a plus in any market. But, what about room additions, kitchen or bath upgrades, new flooring….

The National Association of Realtors (NAR) releases statistics on state-by-state existing-home sales and metropolitan area median home prices each quarter.

Locate the latest quarterly median home prices for your market, as well as the percentage change from the previous quarter, using this interactive map. 

Here in the greater Phoenix metropolitan area, the median price of a single family home is now approximately $185,000 and for a condo the median price is $158,000.  However, the 7-year Housing Equity Gain   $63,900  and the 9-year Housing Equity Gain   $76,600. If you have owned your home for more than 5 years, you would have gained a significant equity in your property.

Search the local MLS by map

When looking to buy and/or sell, or know of anyone that is, feel free to  contact us.

Gary Scott -Realtor®, GRI -  - Claudia Scott -Realtor®, GRI , e-PRO
Call Toll Free at    866-464-2140       
or
e-mail -Garyandclaudia@cox.net
www.AZ-real-estate-sales.com

 All debt is not created equal.

Choosing the right mortgage, however, can be a make-or-break decision for your overall financial picture. Just as the home is the greatest asset for most people, their mortgage payment is usually their biggest monthly bill, so you need to shop carefully for the right one. Home borrowers should look at all types of loans and to choose the one with specific provisions that are most closely tailored to their financial situation.

The mild Arizona weather provides a perfect backdrop for many out door activities in December and throughout the winter season!

If your schedule is not already way too full in December, there are some great free fun family activities to take advantage of in 2008!

Arizona Public Service (APS) celebrating "Fantasy of Lights" is hosting 3 events:

1. Saturday, Nov 29, 08 from 5-9:00 p.m. - The APS Fantasy of Lights Electrical Parade will be marching along Mill Avenue in Tempe:  offering live entertainment, free kids arts and crafts, a light-up-a-luminary display and the arrival of Santa at the tree lighting at Centerpoint on Mill Plaza, it is guaranteed to be a fun time for all.

2. Friday Dec 5 thru Sunday Dec 7 on Mill Avenue from 10:00 a.m. until dusk - The Fall Festival of the Arts in Tempe exhibit unfolds touting more than 400 artists and craftsperson's will displaying and selling their handiworks.  Music, entertainment and food make this a fun affair for all who participate. It is also a great place to shop for unique Christmas presents for those hard to buy for folks on your list.

3. Saturday, December 13th from 4-9:00  p.m. - The APS Fantasy of Lights Boat Parade sails on Tempe Town Lake.  The Tempe Beach Park will feature free kids activities and 50 tons of snow to play in!  Live entertainment, food and the arrival of Santa will round out this enjoyable evening!

Other free events include:

• 4th Friday ArtWalk on Dec 26th  is offered in the Mesa Entertainment district. Mesa Photography, jewelry, crafts, paintings, sculptures and more. Live music. 6 p.m. 9 p.m.
• Snow in Scottsdale - Saturday, December 1 from 3:30-6:30 p.m. this "Snow and Glow" family-friendly event will include live performances, interactive booths, Santa's visit, real snow, and music! For those not too wet and cold, a tree-lighting and fireworks will cap-off the great afternoon of fun.
• Anthem's 7th Annual Lighting of Arizona's Largest Holiday Tree -November 22nd from 6-7:30 p.m. - Local  celebrities and special guests will host this tree lighting of more than 20,00 0 lights on an 80+ foot tree!  Santa will be there to countdown the flip of the switch illuminating this amazing tree.
• Glendale Glitters Spectacular-November 23-24th from 5-10:00 p.m. at Murphy Park and downtown Glendale.  Historic Downtown Glendale will be aglow with 1.5 million sparkling lights.  Entertainment, arts, crafts, food and horse-drawn carriage rides will be available in Murphy Park.
• Many communitiesoffer special events including tree lighting and holiday light viewing. Review the individual city events  on line to find out what is happening in your city.

Nominal fee events:

• Las Noches de las Luminarias  - at the Desert Botanical Gardens beginning November 28th and continuing through December 23rd.  This lighting of luminaries event offers entertainment, food, wine and snacks.  Stroll through the garden paths lined with thousands of luminaries presenting a unique evening desert glow. Stop by the gift shop on your way out for more unique Christmas gift idea.  We attended this event last year and found it to be beautiful!
• The McCormick-Stillman Railroad Holiday Lights in Scottsdale, December 12th through January 3rd, excluding Dec. 24th, 25th & 31st-trains run from 6:30 to 9:00 p.m. - Take a train ride through more than 100,000 lights and featuring a variety of holiday displays turning the Railroad Park into a winter wonderland.

Looking to buy or sell real estate in the greater Phoenix metro area?

Contact Gary and Claudia online at AZ-Real-Estate-Sales.com.

Toll Free: 866-464-5140