Mesa, Arizona Real Estate - Teri Ellis - Homes Arizona Real Estate: January 2009

We took one of our day trips from Mesa, Arizona today - about 1/2 hour west of Mesa into Phoenix/Tempe area. There is a special blown glass display which is scattered and integrated into the Desert Botanical Garden. It is located at 1201 North Galvin Parkway, Phoenix 85008.

This is Chihuly's first installation entirely within a desert garden environment. I've uploaded quite a few of the photos HERE ON Flickr and invite you the check them out. I have also included some special photos here to whet your appetite. There is so much to see here, in our very own state of Arizona, and I, for one am going to try and see it all and then share it with you.

Check out these plants....they are blown glass with the sun coming in from the side. This was a fun trip.

 

 

 

Mesa, Arizona Real Estate. Call me at: 480.216-3334 for information on purchasing or selling a home in Mesa, Arizona or surrounding towns. OR email me: Teri@TeriEllis.com. Feel free to visit one of my websites: HomesAzRE.com, MoveToMesaAz.com or MoveToSunnyAz.com. Or stop by my blogs at: Active Rain; or Phoenix Valley Real Estate Blog

 

First scenario: I just recently received a call from a childhood friend...waaaaay back when. This person didn't ask me about "me," just rattled on and on and on and on repeating the same thing over again. I can assume that this individual is lonely, BUT are WE ever the ones that dominate and DO not listen or HEAR or TAKE A BREATH. Every time I thought this individual had taken a breath and I would try and interject anything, they would just talk over me. Needless to say, I've memorized the phone number and won't soon pick up the phone.

Second scenario: I received a call from an agent located in another state. She was interested in referring me to a client that had asked her for a referral. He had formerly worked with another agent who - you guessed it - didn't listen to what he wanted. Did not hear. He asked for an agent that would listen and for her to make that known to whomever she selected.

Listening is a skill - truly! Most of us are more interested in what WE have to say, what WE have done, where WE have been. It's all about ME, isn't it? A skill such as listening can bring us more friends and more money than all of the websites, blogs, or classes we take.

A few years ago, I had referred a client to another agent here in town because I would be gone for a couple of weeks and he wanted to move forward. After working with the other agent - WHO DID NOT LISTEN - he decided to wait for my return. After showing him five homes - and he commented about this very fact - he and his wife found what they were looking for. He emphasized that it was because I WAS LISTENING AND HEARING WHAT HE SAID. Too many times, our minds are all over the place.

Even in personal relationships with spouses, with children, with ANYONE, one of the truly cool things in life is to feel "listened to." To be "heard!" Isn't it? Aren't you DRAWN to the people who listen and hear you? Just food for thought. ;-)

Mesa, Arizona Real Estate. Call me at: 480.216-3334 for information on purchasing or selling a home in Mesa, Arizona or surrounding towns. OR email me: Teri@TeriEllis.com. Feel free to visit one of my websites: HomesAzRE.com, MoveToMesaAz.com or MoveToSunnyAz.com. Or stop by my blogs at: Active Rain; or Phoenix Valley Real Estate Blog

 

 

This is somewhat of a rant - I know, unusual for me, but I gotta tell you that I consider it downright RUDE when someone doesn't call me back - ESPECIALLY Realtors - when I'm submitting an offer to purchase one of YOUR listings. They could send a message via pony express for all I care - JUST COMMUNICATE! NO WONDER Realtors get such a bad rap!

Here's my story in a nutshell and I'm stickin' to it!

 

On Saturday - last, I call the agent, tell him/her that I will be submitting an offer for his/her listing. They provide me the fax and email, and one hour later, I call him/her, leaving a message on the mobile to let them know that I am emailing the offer. A couple of hours later, I receive no call, so I call the person and leave a message on his/her mobile. Then, I fax over a copy of the contract.

 

The problem is this: my client is being evicted 'cause the landlord was foreclosed upon. They didn't know they could buy a home, but after speaking with them, I thought they could and sent them to a lender. Voila! They're approved for an FHA - my client has the money down. So? You see where I'm going with this? You're right...we have time constraints - so NO short sale, NO bank owned....we're limited to the price they can afford.

 

On the contract, the seller was given until 5:00 on Sunday to respond. Nothing all day on Sunday...no answer on cell phone, no email, natta! I finally email this individual indicating that if I don't hear "something" that I will have no other recourse than to call their broker on Monday. A short time later, I received an email, "I will call you tomorrow."

 

Tomorrow (today) comes, and no call, no email, no return message or call from my new emails and my new telephone message...so, about 12:00, I contact the voice mail of the broker. All of this time, I'm updating my clients as to the latest NOTHING! About an hour later folks, I receive a phone call....from the agent. Did I mention that this individual owns the property along with a partner? Well, the partner "thinks" there is a cash buyer...no written offer, only perhaps, verbal.....The agent I spoke to mentions that there is an actual written offer, but the partner decides to wait for the cash investor and walk away from a sure deal.

 

I really believe that I was being stalled all weekend because there "might" be an investor with cash. I accepted the apology and moved on.

The moral and point of this story....is: communicate...even if it's about nothing. "hello, I got your paperwork, your contract, whatever," "I'll be getting back to you," or, howabout "we have another potential offer." It really bugs me how rude and inconsiderate and unprofessional real estate "professionals" can be.

 

SO THERE - You're ALL on notice! ;-)

Mesa, Arizona Real Estate. Call me at: 480.216-3334 for information on purchasing or selling a home in Mesa, Arizona or surrounding towns. OR email me: Teri@TeriEllis.com. Feel free to visit one of my websites: HomesAzRE.com, MoveToMesaAz.com or MoveToSunnyAz.com. Or stop by my blogs at: Active Rain; or Phoenix Valley Real Estate Blog

 

Mountain Vista Medical Center is located at Crismon and North of the 60. In July 2007, I took photos of the new medical center and shared them on a post here. The post was later commented on by the architect. Pretty cool!

Mountain Vista Medical Center is offering special education events for all of those 55 and older. I've posted the events and the dates and times below, but be sure to click on the link above for the Medical Center for further information.

Heart Healthy Day - Saturday February 28, 8-11 a.m.

Seminar Series - FREE health seminars are designed to help us stay healthy.

Rotator Cuff Repair - How This Can Help You Reach the Top Shelf - Tuesday, January 27, noon-1 p.m.

Varicose Veins - Causes and Treatments - Thursday January 29, 6-7 p.m.

Heel Pain - catch the Wave in New Therapies - Thursday, February 5, noon - 1 p.m.

A Woman's Heart - What are the Differences - Tuesday, February 10, 6-7 p.m.

Pros and Cons of Hormone Therapy - Wednesday February 25, noon - 1 p.m.

 

This Medical Center is located in a perfect part of our Phoenix and Mesa, Arizona Valley. Many 55+ live in this part of town - including ME! ;-)

Mesa, Arizona Real Estate. Call me at: 480.216-3334 for information on purchasing or selling a home in Mesa, Arizona or surrounding towns. OR email me: Teri@TeriEllis.com. Feel free to visit one of my websites: HomesAzRE.com, MoveToMesaAz.com or MoveToSunnyAz.com. Or stop by my blogs at: Active Rain; or Phoenix Valley Real Estate Blog

 

 

If you love to hike, you will LOVE Arizona. Right now, we are unusually warm - in the mid to high 70's, but it's perfect for being outdoors. For anyone that hikes or just wants to stroll along a trail, be sure to be prepared. Bring plenty of water and a cell phone.  Even when I take a stroll - because it certainly isn't a "hike" for me, I bring water, and I'm never alone.

When those that are unfamiliar with our climate, exit the airplaine with shorts and t-shirts, (coming from the east) they're ready to rock and roll and love our warm and sunny outdoors.

I'm providing a list of some of our hiking trails for those of you looking for a good trail.

1.  Camelback Mountain Echo Canyon Recreation Area - East McDonald Drive - Phoenix, Az 85018; Phone: 602.262-4837

2.  Piestewa Peak - 2701 East Squaw Peak Drive, Phoenix, Az 85016; Phone: 602.262-7901 (right off of the 51)

3.  Superstition Mountains at Lost Dutchman State Park - State Route 88, Apache Junction, Az; Phone: 520.982-4485

4.  Dreamy Draw Recreation Area - 2421 East Northern Avenue, Phoenix 85021; Phone: 602.262-6696

5.  Tempe Town Lake - Mill Avenue and Rio Salado, Tempe 85289; Phone: 480.350-8625

6.  Papago Park - 625 North Galvin Parkway, Phoenix 85008; Phone: 602.256-3220

7.  South Mountain Park - 10919 South Central Avenue, Phoenix 85042; Phone: 602.495-0222

8.  Shaw Butte Park - 12898 North Central Avenue, Phoenix 85020; Phone: 602.262-6696

9.  Thunderbird Park - 9170 East Thunderbird Road, Scottsdale 85260; Phone: 480.312-2771

 

These trails are very popular and well marked. There are others as well. Just off of I-60 heading east from Mesa into Gold Canyon, there is a nice and mild hill on the north side of the freeway. I see cars parked there daily. Enjoy your hike, but again - take plenty of water, wear good hiking shoes, and take a cell and a friend. ;-)

 

Mesa, Arizona Real Estate. Call me at: 480.216-3334 for information on purchasing or selling a home in Mesa, Arizona or surrounding towns. OR email me: Teri@TeriEllis.com. Feel free to visit one of my websites: HomesAzRE.com, MoveToMesaAz.com or MoveToSunnyAz.com. Or stop by my blogs at: MesaAzRealEstateVoice; or Phoenix Valley Real Estate Blog

A few months back, I posted a blog about a house swap that my client and another seller/buyer had consummated here in Mesa, Arizona. It was a wonderful experience. There were no problems, and the other agent and I worked seamlessly with one another. As in many instances, my client was looking for a larger home, and the other a smaller home. They loved each other's homes, financed through their own lenders, and closed on time.

Last night I heard on the news that many homeowners are swapping homes, that it's the new rage! Could it be they are swapping homes without the benefit of a Realtor! Wow, does that sound scarey to anyone else but me? The news was focusing on a homeowner here in town who was hoping to swap with someone else from out of town since his home was not selling or even getting visitors to his home. I can understand sellers wanting to do SOMETHING to sell his/her home, but I am concerned for many reasons. We've had so much treachery and thievery in the housing market that I can only imagine how the crooks will get involved with this idea. ALL the more reason, that if you, as a seller, or a buyer, are even thinking about a SWAP - get your Realtors involved - PLEASE! There are too many opportunities for the sale to fall through, and buyers and sellers are simply not equipped to deal with these unknowns.

This is, of course, is my two cents. As always, I invite the opinion of the other real estate professionals. Does anyone else think like I do? Though I wrote this article about the happenings in Phoenix and Mesa, Arizona valley, I know this has to be happening across the country. There are absolutely myriad problems that could occur.....let's share our experience to help those considering this idea.

Mesa, Arizona Real Estate. Call me at: 480.216-3334 for information on purchasing or selling a home in Mesa, Arizona or surrounding towns. OR email me: Teri@TeriEllis.com. Feel free to visit one of my websites: HomesAzRE.com, MoveToMesaAz.com or MoveToSunnyAz.com. Or stop by my blogs at: Active Rain; or Phoenix Valley Real Estate Blog

 

 

I've posted an article or two warning potential tenants in and around the Phoenix Valley and Mesa, Arizona that some of the landlords are upside down - thereby creating foreclosure proceedings. One of the unintended victims: the tenant. I have been searching for a way for the tenant to protect themselves in this situation. I've listed four ideas below:

1. Try and find out just when the home was purchased. Sometimes you can do this through a Realtor or the title company, or on line with the Maricopa County Recorder's Office. Finding out the year (2004-2006) could be a red flag. Better yet, if you can find out what the mortgage amount is, that will help as well. True, it is difficult, but being diligent in this regard can save stress down the line.
2. Have a clause written in the Lease that will allow you, the tenant, to be given notice or permission to check with the lender to make sure the owner is keeping up with the payments.
3. Record your lease with the County Recorder, thereby getting faster notice of pending problems. Notices of Trustee's Sales are typically sent to everyone with a recorded document.
4. Always deal with a management firm, because deposits will likely be kept in an escrow account that's off limits to the owner.

These are just a few precautionary steps to take when leasing a home. Otherwise, unbeknown to the tenant, a Trustee's Sale could be in the works, and the tenant isn't informed until perhaps 30 days or less before they are required to vacate the premises.

 

 

 

Mesa, Arizona Real Estate. Call me at: 480.216-3334 for information on purchasing or selling a home in Mesa, Arizona or surrounding towns. OR email me: Teri@TeriEllis.com. Feel free to visit one of my websites: HomesAzRE.com, MoveToMesaAz.com or MoveToSunnyAz.com. Or stop by my blogs at: MesaAzRealEstateVoice; or Phoenix Valley Real Estate Blog

Does anyone else make lists? Here's a list I compiled, and each time I come across a good thought or a good idea or reminder, I add it to this list. It will continue to grow, but here are some basic rules that I believe, I think, and I do. I know that I am in control of what I think, about how I feel, about how I react or act. I do not allow others to determine how I will feel or how I will act.

I do not let others control my future or my decisions. I know that I will never be finished with all of the myriad tasks at hand. I am happy. I am enjoying life. I've learned lots of good stuff - along the way to being me! And I am enjoying my life NOW!

Perhaps you can add something to this list that you adhere to and believe. For each one you agree with, add ten points. For each you do not believe in, deduct ten points. It will help you see how you think...and maybe how you can take charge of your own life. Would you rather be around someone positive? How do our friends and clients feel? How would they rate us?

1. No one can ruin your day without YOUR permission.

2. Most people will be about as happy, as they decide to be.

3. Others can stop you temporarily, but only you can do it permanently.

4. Whatever you are willing to put up with, is exactly what you will have.

5. Success stops when you do.

6. When your ship comes in.... make sure you are willing to unload it.

7. You will never "have it all together".

8. Life is a journey...not a destination. Enjoy the trip!

9. The biggest lie on the planet: "When I get what I want I will be happy" and the second: "when I get older, I'll have more time."

10. The best way to escape your problem is to solve it.

11. I've learned that ultimately , 'takers' lose and 'givers' win.

12. Life's precious moments don't have value, unless they are shared.

13. If you don't start, it's certain you won't arrive.

14. We often fear the thing we want the most.

15. He or she who laughs......lasts.

16. Yesterday was the deadline for all complaints.

17. Look for opportunities...not guarantees.

18. Life is what's coming....not what was.

19. Success is getting up one more time.

20. Now is the most interesting time of all.

21. When things go wrong.....don't go with them.

22. Turn OFF the news channel

23.  Per Carol: And there is a lesson to be learned from each encounter.  It is up to you to figure out what the lesson is.  If you don't learn it, it will re-appear in another form.

23.  Joddie shares: When your ship comes in.... make sure you are willing to unload it ~ we all want the goods without the work!

24.  Todd opines: if you have someone negative in your life bringing you down, just walk away from them. Nothing can help change a negative attitude more than hanging around a positive person

25.  And Elizabeth announces: When it rains on your parade, parade in the rain. I never let anything put me out of commission. :)

26.  Sheldon has two: "Go after your dreams with a passion" "If you believe you can do it, or believe you cant .... you're right" !

NOW, I have more to add to my great list of reminders! Thanks guys and gals!

 

Mesa, Arizona Real Estate. Call me at: 480.216-3334 for information on purchasing or selling a home in Mesa, Arizona or surrounding towns. OR email me: Teri@TeriEllis.com. Feel free to visit one of my websites: HomesAzRE.com, MoveToMesaAz.com or MoveToSunnyAz.com. Or stop by my blogs at: MesaAzRealEstateVoice; or Phoenix Valley Real Estate Blog

 

Some Arizona Energy Saving Tips!

Those of us who live year round in Arizona, are fairly energy efficient during the summer months because of our higher electric bills; however, during the winter, we need be equally as diligent in exercising care. Just a few small tips will save us the money we would prefer spending on food, clothing, and necessities:

1.  Set your thermostat between 66-68 degrees (health permitting) - and at night, turn your thermostat off....stay warm under comforters and blankets. We wear longer sleeved shirts, and flannels around the house during the day to stay comfortable.

2.  Keeping our window blinds open during the day with the sun shining in, and closed as it cools down.

3.  Change our heater/furnace filters regularly.

4.  Weatherize your home including caulking and weather stripping around drafty doors and windows.

5.  Install a digital thermostat which enables you to program it to turn down or off while away or in the late evening.

This is just a small sampling of ideas - it does get cold, even in Arizona!

Mesa, Arizona Real Estate. Call me at: 480.216-3334 for information on purchasing or selling a home in Mesa, Arizona or surrounding towns. OR email me: Teri@TeriEllis.com. Feel free to visit one of my websites: HomesAzRE.com, MoveToMesaAz.com or MoveToSunnyAz.com. Or stop by my blogs at: Active Rain; or Phoenix Valley Real Estate Blog

 

So...you want to be a landlord! For all of the landlords out there - I share your pain! I shared the problems tenants are experiencing because of the landlord's failing to pay the mortgage, now I'll share the other side - the landlord's challenges.

Many of my investors have purchased homes as a rental, and I refer them to a property management company 'cause I manage my own - and I'm not a property manager nor do I want to be one. ;-)

Owning rental property is not for the faint of heart! Recently we evicted a tenant of ten years because of his failure to pay rent - and - because he was a "collector" of "anything," as seen in the photos I've shared. In spite of letters, warnings, etc., we were forced to have him evicted. We hired one of our other tenants to remove and carry and shovel the trash into five roll away bins.....10 tons' worth.

First I will display "some" of the photos that I took prior to the fix-up pictures. Then I will show the difference after we had it repainted, etc.

I recommend that anyone thinking of purchasing a property to rent out...to do everything humanly possible to check credit, etc. That is not a sure thing, but it will help. Hire a good property management company to oversee the credit check and ask them to visit the property on a regular basis to make sure it is being maintained.

Here are the "before" pictures:

Definitely NOT for the faint of heart!

This is the backyard AFTER the junk was moved to the driveway

 

Here are the "after" pictures:

New paint.....

 

New flooring throughout the entire 900 square foot, two bedroom home.

 

.....and now the kitchen

Amazing what paint, new flooring, new window coverings, and replacement of hardware can make. I didn't show you ALL of the photos, but you get the idea. This cost us about $10,000 just to clean out the trash, haul it away, and make ready the inside for someone to move in. New screens, replacement of windows, hardware, light fixtures, and more. AND we still have to replace the heater and the cooler. It would cost us $7000 to put in an air conditioning unit...not going to happen - yet!!!

Mesa, Arizona Real Estate. Call me at: 480.216-3334 for information on purchasing or selling a home in Mesa, Arizona or surrounding towns. OR email me: Teri@TeriEllis.com. Feel free to visit one of my websites: HomesAzRE.com, MoveToMesaAz.com or MoveToSunnyAz.com. Or stop by my blogs at: Active Rain; or Phoenix Valley Real Estate Blog