rjaarizona

Who will maintain my vacation property?

I have had so many clients ask me, “who will I have maintain my vacation property for 4 months while I am gone?”  With so many  vacant vacation properties here, I thought it would be an easy answer.  There has to be a company out there that maintains vacation properties, right??

  As I researched companies in the metro Phoenix area I found that most offer rental management services, not maintenance services.  A lot of people don’t want their property to become a rental while they are gone.  Some clients rented out their property, thinking it would bring in some money and come to find out the management company rented to people who made the house into a old folks home.

After one of my clients who purchased a home from me had pipes explode in their bathroom with thousands of dollars in damages, and other client horror stories of renting their home out, I decided to create a Property Maintenance Company.  I called it Diamond Desert Property Maintenance.  I am so excited to offer this service to the community.If you are interested in this service and want more information, please contact me today and take advantage of the amazing deals we will have for first time clients. 

Check out our website for prices and more information:

http://diamonddesert.com/

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Suntech chooses Arizona for new Solar Project.

Here is some great news for the Arizona economy. Suntech A Chinese-owned solar panel maker is planning to build a 100,000-square-foot headquarters and manufacturing plant in the Phoenix area.

This is huge for the economy and will initially bring 75 jobs to the local area and expand over the years to come. Suntech originally started with 15 states that were a consideration for this project, it came down to Arizona and Texas, Arizona won!

Here are some great links to read more information on the new compnay coming to the area.

www.suntech-power.com

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5jyM3IImsM90llBP3XCxeAQ92JJjwD9C0NUH00

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Passing of the bill SB1403

A new bill has passed in Arizona, SB1403, Arizona Renewable Energy Tax Incentive Program and it could mean a lot to the economy.  Passing of this bill has the potential to bring hundreds of jobs and of course using resources that are all natural.

Going green is the topic everywhere, but in Arizona has taken it even further.  This is going to be huge for Arizona and the future looks bright.

SB1403 provides incentives to out of state companies to relocate to the greater Phoenix area.  There are tax credit’s based on the number of jobs created and capital invested.

Please see the link below for more information. 

http://66.39.135.99/blog-gpec/?p=420

http://www.azfamily.com/news/local/Renewable-energy-tax-incentive-about-to-become-law-69556527.html

http://www.gpec.org/media/docs/News_Events/SB1403/AAED_Update_April09web.pdf

 

Rachel Anderson

480-309-7968

rjaarizona

Some think Arizona is just desert.

If you are considering moving out to the Phoenix metro area. I wanted to post some pictures of the area.  This should give you a better feel of what Phoenix has to offer.

Here is a map of the local area, showing you where the different cities are located.   Chandler is a southern city and to get up to Cave Creek it is about a 2 hour drive depending on traffic.  Sun City is about 1 north from Phoenix.  The most central location is Scottsdale or Tempe.  In Scottsdale, standard home prices are $300,000-$400,000 for a 3bedroom/2bath.  Now this depends on where you purchase and if it is a foreclosure or a short sale.

This photo is of the Four Season’s Resort.  This unique Resort has so much to offer and is a destination many find hard to leave.  

“The resort – which features individual casitas as well as three restaurants, two pool areas, several tennis courts and an award-winning spa-and-workout facility – is perfectly integrated into the Arizona desert environment. Consistently a recipient of AAA’s prestigious five-diamond award, the resort provides nothing short of top-notch service and luxury amenities.” San Francisco Examiner, June 7, 2009

Some think Arizona is only desert with no lush landscape at all.  Even I was surprised when I moved here how green it actually is.  Arizona, has mountains, lakes, rivers and much much more to offer. 

If you are searching for a home, and not sure what area you are interested in. Here is a helpful map with zip code designations.  Get set up on a search today and let me know the zip code you are most interested in.  There are other zip codes in Phoenix, these are the top searched codes.

 

 

I hope you found this blog useful and when you do decide to make the move out to Arizona, contact me.

Rachel Anderson 480-309-7968 or rachel@phoenixpowersearch.com

rjaarizona

Dolce Vita, a retirement community worth moving into.

So you want a community that suites your lifestyle, but doesn’t restrict you in any way.  You want to live in a community where other people are your age and have the same interests…

A list of events fill their calendar at Dolce Vita, so you will never find yourself with nothing to do.  Amenities include: 33,000 sq ft clubhouse, including a beautiful ballroom, book filled library, workout facility, craft room with kiln, billiards room, card room, computer center, and movie theatre.

It is located at the base of the superstition mountains,  beautiful views and a well planned community await you.

Rated in the nation’s top 100 communities.

Where to Retire Magazine

The best, new active adult community we’ve seen

Builder/Architect Magazine

Close to shopping, activities, culture and entertainment.

Visit their website for more information: http://www.dolce-vita-az.com/

Contact me today to make an appointment to view their lovely properties.

Rachel Anderson

480-309-7968

rjaarizona

List of items you will need to get your short sale closed quicker.

I know what you are going through, I feel your pain and I want you to know I am here to help you.

Are your mortgage payments at least 3 months behind?  Have you received that dreaded letter, Trustee Sale?

As a Realtor, I have sold many short sale homes, more on the buyers side, but also on the sellers side.  I know what you are going through and I can advice you what to do and help you list your home.

DO, keep your house clean and free of clutter

DO NOT, punch holes in walls

DO, keep up with your HOA payments as much as possible.

DO NOT, strip away any of the appliances

DO, get a hold of a Realtor (Rachel Anderson) and allow me to help you.

REMEMBER: Your Realtor will give you an estimated sales price based on the comps in the area, however it is ultimately up to the bank(s) to come up with a sales price.

Here is a list of some of the items you will need to get ready if you are considering a short sale before the foreclosure.

2 most recent pay stubs

2 years of the most recent tax returns

2 most recent bank statements

A hardship letter describing why you can no longer keep up with your payments. There are some other items you will need and some banks require specific paperwork, but this will get you started.

Get a hold of me today to get your house on the market before the foreclosure goes into affect.  Short sales are better on your credit then a foreclosure, and it doesn’t hurt to try.

Rachel Anderson 480-309-7968

rjaarizona

Realtor Safety, are you playing it safe?

Realtor’s and home owners, are you playing it safe when it comes to showing your house to potential clients?  Have you ever had someone stop by your house, knock on your door and ask to see your house?  Have you ever let a complete stranger in without second guessing yourself?

Well, if you have answered yes to one of those questions,  you aren’t playing it safe.  The other day in Glendale, AZ a home owner was out watering his front lawn, when he was approached by a couple about seeing the inside of his property.  The home owner did as he was told by his agent, and referred the inquiry to the agent who was representing him.  After some casual conversation, the owner changed his mind and let the couple in to view the property.

The couple distracted the home owner by asking what was on the floor.  Once the owner looked down to see what they were talking about he was attacked from behind and beaten severly.

I am posting this not to scare you, but to raise a red flag when you are dealilng with people you do not know.

I used to pick clients up from the airport, without knowing who these people were.  I would show up, take them out to view homes and drop them off at their hotel room.  Never once thinking I could be in danger.  I haven’t had a horrible situation, but I have learned to be much more aware of who I am dealing with.

I now meet all of my clients at the office and get copies of their Photo ID.  I ask questions and make sure they are who they say they are.  I  no longer take clients in my car to view properties. Once inside the home, I follow the client and never put myself in the corner or in a situation I can’t get out of.

Think smart and always raise a red flag if something doesn’t seem right.

 

Rachel Anderson 480-309-7968

rjaarizona

Why is the Arizona Valley so spread apart?

Oh my gosh, so I never thought when I moved to Arizona that I would do so much driving around.  I moved out here from Washington, DC where I would simply jump on a train and it would take me everywhere I wanted to go.  Here in Arizona I drive everywhere and EVERYTHING is SO FAR apart from each other!

I moved here and was told that Scottsdale was far from Chandler or that Glendale was far from Mesa, but didn’t wrap my head around it.  Three years later and thousands of miles later on my car, I realize now that the Valley is SPREAD APART!

The reason I think the Valley is this way is because of the Indian Reservations that surround the Metro Area.  Drive up 101 North and you will see empty land everywhere. When I first moved here I thought Chandler, Gilbert and Mesa could fit in that vacant land right there.

For those of you that don’t know let me try to break it down for you with the help of  Wikipedia:

Loop 101 begins as the Aqua Fria Freeway west of Phoenix in Tolleson at a 3 level interchange with interstate 10.  It heads north through Glendale where you will find the Phoenix Stadium and Jobing.com Arena.  It continues on through cities like Peoria, Scottsdale, Chandler and more.  To see more information on this please use this link.  http://en.wikipedia.or/wiki/arizona_state_route_101

Also, HOW MANY MILES IS THE 101?? DOES ANYONE KNOW?

If you or someone you know is in the Real Estate market and wants to buy now contact me, Rachel Anderson 480-309-7968

rjaarizona

Property Virgins, HGTV

Have you watched HGTV lately?  Are you thinking of diving into home ownership?

If you are and your not really ready to talk to a Realtor quite yet, you should watch, HGTV, “Property Virgins Show.”

http://www.hgtv.com/property-virgins/show/index.html

This show gives you the do’s and don’ts when purchasing a home for the first time. The other day I watched an episode  where the clients were first time home buyers and they went house shopping first, mortgage shopping second.  They found a house they loved, but didn’t get approved for their loan in time to close on the house.

They built a custom home, picked out all of the amenities and still lost it to another buyer who was qualified for a loan.

When buying a home, it’s not like buying a furniture.  It is a huge commitment one that should be taken very seriously.  You should also listen to the advice given to you buy your Realtor, we do know what we are talking about.

Are you a property pro or a real estate rookie?  What is your Real Estate IQ?

Take the quiz below, courtesy of HGTV and see, rookie or pro?

http://www.frontdoor.com/Buy/Are-you-a-property-pro-or-a-real-estate-rookie/2265

Contact me if you are ready to get your feet wet in the Arizona Market.  

Rachel Anderson 480-309-7968

rachel@phoenixpowersearch.com

rjaarizona

Why not buy a home over the internet?

Times are changing and with the amazing technology we can do pretty much anything. We truly never have to leave our house to buy anything anymore. Most of us have purchased something from the Internet, cars, clothes, furniture and now houses are included in that list. Why leave the comfort of your home to find the new home of your dreams??

In Arizona right now the temperature is around 111 during the day.  If you have a Realtor that knows exactly what you are looking for then why would you want to spend hours in the sun?

I have been out taking videos and and over 300 pictures for clients who are wanting to purchase a home in Arizona, but live in New York.  We found exactly what they wanted and they never left the comfort of their home.

We will get an inspection with detailed information and pictures and the owners will be here once the weather cools down a bit.

If you are thinking about purchasing home, let me set you up with a search today.  I can do for you what I have done for my other clients.
Rachel Anderson 480-309-7968 or rachel@phoenixpowersearch.com

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