30. July 2011 by Teri Ellis.

First of all, did you know? Not all real estate practitioners are REALTORS®. The term REALTOR® is a registered trademark that identifies a real estate professional who is a member of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION of REALTORS® and subscribes to its strict Code of Ethics. Here’s why it pays to work with a REALTOR® even when the market isn’t as convoluted as it is today!

1. REALTORS® Navigate a complicated process. Unbelievably complicated transactions with Banks require the REALTOR® to know what he/she is doing.  Many of the Buyer agents are dealing with so many bank-owned listing agents along with negotiators, along with automated and online purchase agreement submittals that it’s mind-boggling. Buying or selling a home usually requires disclosure forms, inspection reports, mortgage documents, insurance policies, deeds, and multipage settlement statements. A knowledgeable expert will help you prepare the best deal, and avoid delays or costly mistakes.

2. REALTORS® provide Invaluable Information and opinions. REALTORS® can and do provide local community information on utilities, zoning, schools, and more. They’ll also be able to provide objective information about each property.  A professional will be able to help you answer ALL of your important questions and concerns!

3. REALTORS® Help find the best property out there. Sometimes the property you are seeking is available but not actively advertised in the market, and it will take some investigation by your REALTOR® to find all available properties. Many REALTORS® – especially neighborhood specialists – are aware of something coming on the market and can help you find the best property to suit your needs and desires.

4. REALTORS HAVE GREAT Negotiating skills. There are many negotiating factors, including but not limited to price, financing, terms, date of possession, and inclusion or exclusion of repairs, furnishings, or equipment. In addition, the Purchase Agreement should provide a period of time for you to complete appropriate inspections and investigations of the property before you are bound to complete the purchase. Your agent can advise you as to which investigations and inspections are recommended or required.  Typically there is a ten day inspection period after all parties have signed the contract. Your REALTOR® should be aware of that and inform you the minute you have an accepted contract. The price for the home inspection generally runs about $350 depending on the size of the home.

5. REALTORS® provide the best property marketing power. Real estate doesn’t sell due due to advertising alone. In fact, a large share of real estate sales comes as the result of a practitioner’s contacts through previous clients, referrals, friends, and family. When a property is marketed with the help of a REALTOR®, you do not have to allow strangers into your home.  If you are present when a REALTOR® is showing your home be careful not to share personal information with the REALTOR® or the Buyers.

6. REALTORS® speak the language. If you don’t know a CMA from a CC&R, you can understand why it’s important to work with a professional REALTOR® who is immersed in the industry and knows the real estate language.

7. REALTORS® Experience. Most people buy and sell only a few homes in a lifetime, usually with quite a few years in between each purchase. Even if you have done it before, laws and regulations change. REALTORS®, on the other hand, handle hundreds of real estate transactions over the course of their career. Having an expert on your side is critical. AND “listen” to their advice and counsel – that’s another reason you hire them.

8. REALTORS® have an Objective voice. A home often symbolizes family, rest, and security — it’s not just four walls and a roof. Because of this, home buying and selling can be an emotional undertaking. And for most people, a home is the biggest purchase they’ll every make. Having a concerned, but objective, third party helps you stay focused on both the emotional and financial issues most important to you.

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22. July 2011 by Teri Ellis.

The Wildflower Walk at the Lost Dutchman State Park is a beautiful and close in place to visit. Whenever we have a great winter rain, the flowers are particularly beautiful.  If you are into photography, bring your camera. There will be plenty of beautiful vistas of poppies in hues of orange and yellow. Last year, I took this stroll/hike and shared some of my photos.  I will plan to go again next year sometime in March as the Superstition Foothills begin to bloom. Located just east of Mesa, Arizona at Highway 88, this is definitely worth the trip. For more details, you can log on to azstateparks. This site has a plethora of information about the State Park.

Another place I recommend nearby, is located in Sedona, Arizona. If you’ve not been to Sedona, you are truly missing out. Red rocks, red mountains, and beautiful, beautiful scenic views. From Phoenix, you would head north on the I-17, and then exit on 89A which takes you right through Sedona. If you were to continue on this highway, through Sedona, you would end up in Flagstaff at the top of about 17 miles of a switchback mountain climb. Breathtaking! Along the way, you would pass by a popular state park, Slide Rock. I’ve shared pictures from Sedona, Jerome and Slide Rock as well. Just click on the link. Also available in Sedona, are Hot-air balloon rides. Check out the information at: NorthernLightBalloon and RedRockBalloonAdventures.

The third place to visit is The Grand Canyon….there is a trail requiring the visitor to be physically fit called the Grandview Trail. For those of us not quite as athletic, spend the day strolling along the paved Rim Trail, and be sure to bring your camera for a snapshot of the beautiful sunsets and vistas. Here’s a link to find more information on visiting the Grand Canyon. I’ve not got photos to share, but I plan to visit there soon and will post photos of our beautiful canyon with all of you.

There are myriad places to visit and stuff to do in Mesa, Arizona and beyond. I am constantly shooting photos of areas I visit. Arizona is truly a beautiful state!

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