The Scott's Sell Scottsdale

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What is the True Market Value of your home?

It is What a Buyer is Willing to Pay for the Property
  1. Based on today's market.Property Market Value
  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
 
Properties That Sell in Today's Market:
  • On a Scale of 1-10, The "10's" Are The Ones That Are Selling.
How can Your property be a "10"?
  1. By improving the condition dramatically.   
  2. By offering good terms.  
  3. By improving the way the home shows.    How much is your home worth
  4. By adjusting the price.
Contact us to assist you in the process of selling your home   --   

As a Seller you can control:
  1. The price you ask.
  2. The condition of the property.
  3. Access to the property.
 
As a Seller you do not control:
  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,

866-464-2140

 

Information does not necessarily indicate knowledge

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?

Choose your realtor wiselyBe 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!

Feel free to browse our Phoenix Home Search for your new home!
If you are looking for information on buying Scottsdale or Phoenix Homes
check out our Buyers Toolkit
 
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
 

How much value will that remodel provide ??

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….

Home Improvements - Return Value

One of the examples I will always remember from my experience at real estate school many years ago was regarding the issue of home improvement. The instructor gave the scenario regarding a seller who had done some extensive remodeling/upgrading and wanted a significant compensation for his efforts is to be reflected in his selling price. The Realtor asked the seller if he had been on vacation that year. To which the seller replied ‘yes’. Then the Realtor followed with ’Did you enjoy your trip?’ Again the seller replied with a positive answer. Finally, the Realtor asked the seller if the seller had expected to be reimbursed for part or all of his vacation. The seller responded ’No’. Then the Realtor explained that the same was true for the upgrades/home improvements that the seller had added. The seller got enjoyment of them but should not necessarily expect to be refunded in full for the expense of installing them.
 
There is no magic answer to what/where to spend your money with home improvements, but there are some average costs vs value statistics available to give you some guidelines as to where to invest most productively. The December 2008 issue of Realtor.org magazine has an excellent article titled “2008 Cost vs. Value Report: Still Many Happy Returns for Home Rehabswith some great projects provide a good recovery of your investment.
 
In any case, do not over spend for your particular neighborhood! If you are unsure of what the average home is selling for in your neighborhood/subdivision, contact a local Realtor and ask for the latest comparables of what similar homes are selling for in your area. This will give you a ‘baseline’ for how much you may want to invest in your upgrades. Then enjoy your new improvements.
 
Request a home evaluation for your neighborhood
 
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
 

What's Your Market's Median Home Price?

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

NAR Yearly Real Estate Median Price Stats

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

Why buy a home?

 All debt is not created equal.

While financial advisers almost reflexively urge consumers to avoid carrying credit card balances from month to month and to go easy on boat loans, car loans and other forms of debt, they usually make an exception for a mortgage used to buy your home.
A home mortgage is one of the very best uses of credit.
The fundamental reasoning is simple:
 
While you could save your money and buy clothes, cars and maybe even college tuition outright with cash, very few people could ever hope to save enough to buy a home for cash, especially during their child-rearing years when they have the greatest need.
A mortgage allows you to buy a home after having saved only a relatively small amount of its value, perhaps 5 percent or less, and to reap the financial gains as its value grows over the years.

 

Buy what you can afford
Choosing the right mortgage, however, can be a make-or-break decision for your overall financial picture. Just as the home is the Buying Real Estategreatest 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 Benefits of Home Ownership
· Good investment   Home ownership is a highly leveraged investment that can yield substantial profit on a nominal front-end investment. A house offers leverage, and the possibility for appreciation in value. And, a home is an investment you can live in, even while it's working for you!  
· Tax benefits, such as mortgage interest deductions   The tax breaks of home ownership are substantial. Since both mortgage interest and property taxes are tax deductible, home ownership can save you significant amounts of money every year.  
· Accumulation of equity Why keep throwing your money away on rent? Why not build equity with that money, instead? Renting doesn't protect you against rising housing prices. Rental units are just as susceptible as homes to increases in taxes, insurance, utilities and other costs. Landlords will pass these increases along to tenants.  
· Control of housing costs You decide what to spend on your home, and when to spend it. Repairs, improvements, changes-everything is up to you, and only you. Unlike renters, homeowners who secure a fixed-rate loan can lock in their monthly housing costs, and make prudent investment plans knowing these expenses will not increase substantially.  
· Opportunity to make improvements on the property   No more futile daydreaming about that sundeck, or new bath, or exterior paint job. You can make any improvement on your own property that you wish, and you will be increasing your home's value in the meantime!  
· Pride of ownership   There's nothing like owning your own home. And don't think you have to wait to buy. You're never too young to own!

 

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
 

December in the Desert

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!

Chistmas in the Desert

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

 

The new Valley Metro Light Rail Coming-Out Party!

 The much anticipated running of the light rail with using state-of-the art light rail vehicles with a modern, streamlined design is almost upon us. After years of planning, construction and endurance of torn up streets, the trains begin to operate on December 27th

 

The big event will be celebrated by a ‘coming-out’ party from 10Phoenix AZ Light Rail Grand Opening a.m. to 5 p.m. with free train rides until 8 p.m. on the 27th . Free rides will continue through December 31st. Nine large scale celebrations and several smaller festivities are scheduled along the 20 mile alignment. The fun begins at the Sycamore & Main Street station in Mesa where the Salt River Project is sponsoring an event with live music, food, a classic car show and a kid zone. Various other parties along the line will include festival booths, farmers markets, entertainment and exhibits.

The light rail will be a blessing for those who will now be able to commute without the hassle of fighting the traffic! And, for those who are not able to take advantage of the rail system, at least there will now be fewer cars on the road. A fully loaded rail car can take up to 180 cars off the road and a typical three-car train could take 540 cars off the road! The implementation of the light rail will bring opportunities for businesses to grow and develop along the route. Already anticipating the benefits of the new mass transit, Metro is already in the process of planning the development of future extensions of the light rail to encompass even more areas of the valley. The greater Phoenix metro area finally joins other large cities in providing much needed efficient public transportation.
 
Hours of service. On weekdays, you can catch the first train of the day at any station at 4:40 a.m. and the last train at 11 p.m., arriving at the opposite end of the line at midnight. On weekends and holidays, the service day begins at 5 a.m. and the last full trip begins at 11 p.m. at all stations, arriving at the opposite end of the line at midnight. The trains will operate 365 days a year.
 
 
Mark your calendar for this milestone celebration and join in the fun!
 
 
Gary and Claudia online at AZ-Real- -Estate-Sales.com.
Toll Free: 866-464-5140
 

About Arizona USA

So where exactly is Arizona???Arizona USA
Situated in the western region of the US, te hstate of Arizona offers a diverse topography from desert plateaus to high mountains and the deep gorges of the majestic Grand Canyon. Arizona is one of the Four Corners states, situated south and east of the Colorado River.  Arizona borders New Mexico, Utah, Nevada, California, touches Colorado, and has a long international border with Mexico. Arizona is the sixth largest state in land area.
 
Nickname:  "The Grand Canyon State"
  • Became 48th State: Feb 14, 1912
  • Population: 6,166,318 (estimated 2006) - the 20th most populous state in the USA
  • Size 113,998 square mile
  • Home to: The Grand canyon - one of the seven natural wonders of the world
  • Major Lakes - Lake Mead, Lake Havasu, Lake Mohave, Theodore Roosevelt LakArizona state map  and flage, San Carlos Lake, Lake Powell
  • Highest Point - Humphreys Peak - 12,633 feet (3,581 m) above sea level 
  • State Flower: 
  • State Bird: Cactus Wren
  • Largest City: Phoenix is the Capital city of Arizona and seat of Maricopa County, located on the Salt River in the south central part of the state. Phoenix sits on the eastern edge of the Sonoran Desert. Average daily maximum temperature is 84.9 F degrees, average daily minimum is 56.1 F degrees, average precipitation is 6.74 inches per year. Known for the mountain views and crimson desert sunsets, the Phoenix metro area has been one of the fastest growing areas of the US for many years.Phoenix population ranks as the 5th  largest in the US. (estimated 1,552,259 in 2007)
    • Homes typify southwestern architecture with stucco exteriors; tile roofs; amenities such as large master suites, walk-in closets, high ceilings, arched windows, and three-car garages; and access to recreational facilities and lakes. Resale homes in Phoenix and bordering suburbs are more centrally located. There are a large number of master-planned communities, as well as popular and well-equipped retirement communities. 
    • For those who prefer the low-maintenance lifestyle, there are a wealth of options, including apartments, condominiums and town houses located in every area of the Valley. These include everything from small economy units to high-end apartment complexes offering such amenities as carports and golf course views.
Although many may think ‘desert’ and ‘HOT’ when they think of Arizona, the state actually offers a variety of topography and temperatures. Even the large Phoenix metro area is only hot for about 3 months and then has wonderful weather for 9 months!! No wonder so many ‘snowbirds’ flock to our state in the fall and winter months. See Arizona is not just a desert blog for some additional details about the beauty of the state!
 
Arizona is a great place to live, work and play!!!
 

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

Scottsdale Arizona -- Traditional Real Estate Sales vs Foreclosures Octber 2008

The foreclosure market varies greatly across the valley of the Sun. According to Realty Studies associated with the Morrison School of Management and Agribusiness at Arizona State University’s Polytechnic campus, there is a total number of 39,055 traditional sales and 28,755 foreclosures across the valley so far in 2008. 
 
In October 2008 - Scottsdale had 160 foreclosed properties and 385 traditional properties sell. Although this was an increase from the October 2007 numbers (45 foreclosed and 445 traditional properties); Scottsdale is one of the cities with the fewest overall number of foreclosures. 

 

Scottsdale Resale Volume 2007 - 2008
Scottsdale OCT 2008 Real Estate Sales Volume
  Scottsdale Resale Median Price 2007 - 2008
Scottsdale Real Estate Sales Median Prices Oct 2008

 

Review the ASU Realty Studies report for a complete report of the traditional sales and foreclosures for October 2008 for many metro Phoenix valley cities.
 
For information on visit Scottsdale real estate   ***   search the Scottsdale MLS
 
Gary and Claudia on-line at  AZ-Real-etate-Sales.com.
Toll Free: 866-464-5140
 

My newly acquired e-PRO designation!

As a former computer programmer, I thought I knew a lot about computers. So, needless to say, I was somewhat humbled by the vast amount of information available that I was unaware of. In this evEpo Logoer evolving ‘computer age’ the technology advances are increasing is available. Sometimes too much info is so overwhelming that you don’t even know where to begin. I am truly excited and amazed at how much I learned from this class that I can now effectively incorporate in to my real estate business to benefit both buyers and sellers!
 
The e-PRO Internet Technology Certification Program which teaches Realtors the intricacies of Intenet business principals is the only  Internet certification program approved by the National Association of Realtors (NAR). It is a rigorous on-line class of multiple modules covering a wide range of the latest computer technology and resources. As you progress through the course, you are tested on your understanding and knowledge and then have to pass the final exam to gain your new designation. It is a lot of work but well worth it!!
 
So what does this mean for my clients??
The real estate industry is a constantly evolving on-line business and the e-PRO is leading the charge. Consumers need the right information and they need someone acting in their best interests to help them interpret and apply the right information to their particular needs and situation.
It is true that today’s consumers now have ready access to volumes of information on the Internet. But, they often are also often overwhelmed and confused by the "information overload" generated by the Internet. One of the goals of e-PRO is to extract information from the Internet and the local MLS and then to interpret and reassemble the information into useful and understandable knowledge to create value for the consumer.
The number of people using the Internet is staggering. Internet World Stats estimates that more than a billion users are taking advantage of the Internet today. A recent NAR Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers found that 84% of recent home buyers used the Internet for their home search. Although buyers are further along in the home buying process they still require that the real estate agent, the local expert, transform the mass of information into knowledge, which will help them make a better home buying decision. As an e-PRO I can add value for the buyer by interpreting and evaluating the information that they have gathered.
The e-PRO can also benefit sellers as they understand how to effectively market the sellers home on the Internet to capture those information empowered buyers. The Internet is the ultimate exposure vehicle. Using some of the latest technology for successful marketing by immediately syndicate a listing to as many places as possible, adding toll free numbers to capture prospective buyers contact info, implementing automatic feedback of Realtors showing a property, creating professional e-mail communication and efficiently work with the automated on line transaction, the e-PRO is equipped to sell your property in today’s market place.

Once the e-PRO has completed his designation, the learning curve continues as they remain connected by participating private real estate networks for on-line interviews and seminars ("webinars") presented by panels of national experts. Participation in on-line communities with other e-PRO real estate professionals is another excellent resource to keep the e-PRO informed and connected. These on-line e-PRO Communities provide an venue for sharing the latest ideas, asking questions and keeping abreast of the newest technologies available. Being on a part of an on-line community is like having your own
think tank at your immediate disposal! 
 
As the future of the industry unfolds, one thing is certain . . .
technology and the Internet will continue to play a dominant role.
 
The knowledge acquired by the e-PRO is truly a value added service to our clients!!
Let me help you make sense of the Internet.
Request a copy of our Marketing Plan
 
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