15. December 2011 by Teri Ellis.

A GREAT OPPORTUNITY TO RECYCLE!! Gather up your documents, old checks, personal stuff, Christmas trees, computer hard drives, and bring them to the ULTIMATE recycling event scheduled for December 30 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Seventh Avenue and Camelback Road (northwest corner).  “I Recycle Festival 2” is presented by “Keep Phoenix Beautiful”, the city of Phoenix and a group of other businesses and nonprofit organizations. Be sure to visit the website for more information at: phoenixrecycles.org.

Posted in Blogroll | Print | No Comments »

27. November 2011 by Teri Ellis.

Mesa residents looking for a quick and easy way to recycle their appliances, computers and electronics can take advantage of the City’s A.C.E. Express drop-off recycling collection events.

Upcoming event:

Saturday, December 3, 2011

Center Street Facility
2412 N. Center St.

8 a.m. - Noon
Materials not accepted after 12:00 noon

Acceptable items include:

• Computers, printers & scanners
• Refrigerators, freezers, stoves, microwaves & dishwashers
• Televisions, stereos, DVD players, etc.
• Washers & dryers
• Water heaters

Posted in Blogroll | Print | No Comments »

23. November 2011 by Teri Ellis.

What a great idea! Shop at locally owned business to find that unique gift. We have so many shopping opportunities in the Phoenix area. Keep our money in our state which means more jobs, neighborhood improvements and community development for Phoenix.

DID YOU KNOW? the taxes you pay on the merchandise you buy goes directly to the city’s General Fund. City sales taxes are about 40% of total General Fund revenue which pays for city services such as police and fire protection, parks, libraries, senior centers and street maintenance.

A great resource, go to phoenix.gov/shopphoenix.

Holiday Garbage/Recycling Pickup Schedule!

Thanksgiving Day – Thursday, November 24: Thursday’s collection moves to Friday, November 25, and Friday’s collection moves to Saturday, November 26

Christmas Day – Monday, December 26: Monday’s collection moves to Tuesday, December 27, Tuesday’s collection moves to Wednesday, December 28

New Year’s Day – Monday, January 2: Monday’s collection moves to Tuesday, January 3, Tuesday’s collection moves to Wednesday, January 4.

Posted in Blogroll | Print | No Comments »

25. August 2011 by Teri Ellis.

Sellers, we are clearly in a complex real estate market! Since so many homes are “not” selling, I want to suggest some tips so that you can make your home more “sale – able”.  As of today, you are competing with over 19,000 other sellers, so your home needs to have the best edge possible. You may want to consider some of my suggestions below – and remember, first impressions are HUGE! You will only have one time to make that first impression! These are just a few ideas – you might be able to think of more.

10 Ways to Make Your House More Sale-able

1. Get rid of clutter. Throw out or file stacks of newspapers and magazines. Pack away most of your small decorative items. Store out-of-season clothing to make closets seem roomier. Remove unnecessary furniture – after all, you plan to move. Clean out the garage. Put extra stuff into a storage container.

2. Wash your windows and screens to let more light into the interior.  During the listing, have them cleaned regularly.

3. Keep everything extra clean. Wash fingerprints from light switch plates. Mop and wax floors. Clean the stove and refrigerator. A clean house makes a better first impression and convinces buyers that the home has been well cared for. Trust me, buyers look inside your cabinets, closets and drawers!

4. Get rid of smells. Clean carpeting and drapes to eliminate cooking odors, smoke, and pet smells. Open the windows. Potpourri or room deoderizers can make your home smell warm and inviting.

5. Put higher wattage bulbs in light sockets to make rooms seem brighter, especially basements and other dark rooms. Replace any burnt-out bulbs.

6. Make minor repairs that can create a bad impression. Small problems such as sticky doors, torn screens, cracked caulking, peeling paint on the outside, or a dripping faucet may seem trivial, but they’ll give buyers the impression that the house isn’t well maintained. On that note, keeping your home maintained while living in it can cut down on fixes needed when preparing to sell your home.

7. Pretty up your yard. Cut the grass, rake the leaves, trim the bushes, and edge the walks. Put a pot or two of bright flowers near the entryway. Plant flowers in the flower beds! First impressions are important!

8. Patch holes in your driveway and reapply sealant, if applicable.

9. Clean your gutters.

10. Polish your front doorknob and door numbers.

5 Ways to Speed Up Your Sale

1. Price it right- GET IT SOLD! Set a price at the lower end of your property’s realistic price range.

2. Get your house market ready for at least two weeks before you begin showing it.

3. Be flexible about showings. It’s often disruptive to have a house ready to show on the spur of the moment, but the more often someone can see your home, the sooner you’ll find a seller.

4. Be ready for the offers. Decide in advance what price and terms you’ll accept!

5. Don’t refuse to drop the price. If your home has been on the market for more than 30 days without an offer, be prepared to lower your asking price.

Just some additional things for Sellers to consider. We are not in a “typical” market! Bank owned, short sales, mortgage restrictions, and even more will be out there to slow down, change the process, and create problems. Be sure to listen to your Realtor’s advice. After all - that’s what we do! We do this every day, so – NO MATTER THE ADVICE OF YOUR “FRIENDS”, hire a Realtor you trust, and then utilize his/her skills!

Posted in Blogroll | Print | No Comments »

20. August 2011 by Teri Ellis.

APS Offers Shade Trees to Homeowners of Historic Homes

APS wants to spread the word about its Shade Tree Program. This is a great opportunity for historic homeowners to add shade to their homes and to conserve energy without altering windows or other historic features of their homes.

APS will give qualified Maricopa County residents up to three free five-gallon shade trees after attending the free one-hour Shade Tree workshop. You can receive up to two Palo Verde, Mesquite, Desert Willow or Chaste (Vitex) trees for homes built 1980 or later and three trees for homes built prior to 1980. Program participants are responsible for picking up the trees at a distribution event and planting and maintaining the trees. Please visit TREES for more information.

Shade Tree Workshops:

Aug 27th: Avondale Care1st Resource Center
328 W. Western Ave.
Avondale, AZ 85323

Oct 1st & 2nd: Avondale Care1st Resource Center
328 W. Western Ave.
Avondale, AZ 85323

Posted in Blogroll | Print | No Comments »

7. August 2011 by Teri Ellis.

I’m wondering how many Buyers and those who rent or lease a home in Mesa or Phoenix and adjoining areas in the Phoenix valley know about their rights. Yes, rights! Buyers, as consumers, are entitled to rights as set forth in the  Home Buyers’ Bill of Rights!   The Bill of Rights for consumers in Arizona begins with the statement:

"THE ARIZONA DEPARTMENT OF REAL ESTATE, IN COOPERATION WITH INDUSTRY PROFESSIONALS AND THE PUBLIC, CREATED THIS “BILL OF RIGHTS” TO HELP EDUCATE YOU, THE CONSUMER, OF YOUR RIGHTS WHEN PURCHASING OR RENTING PROPERTY.  AS A REAL ESTATE CONSUMER IN ARIZONA, YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO KNOW MATERIAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE PROPERTY.

THE FOLLOWING LIST REPRESENTS SOME OF THE IMPORTANT MATERIAL FACTS YOU SHOULD EDUCATE YOURSELF ON BEFORE PURCHASING ANY TYPE OF PROPERTY IN ARIZONA."

In an effort to better acquaint home buyers and renters with their "rights", I have included a link to the information above, and shared the material below as well.

BUYERS AND TENANTS: YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO KNOW:

• If the property is located in an incorporated city or unincorporated part of the county.
• If title insurance is available and if fire insurance can be acquired.
• If you will have fire and police protection and, if so, who provides this service.
• If the roads provide access for fire protection and police service.
• If the roads are maintained, and by whom.
• If utilities are available, and who provides them. (Water, Electric, Gas, Sewer, Trash)
• If the water supply is adequate.
• If the jurisdiction the property is located in has conservation restrictions and policies.
• If the property is located in a school district, and the distance to the closest schools.
• If there are any natural or geological hazards, pests or wildlife.
• If there are essential services near the property such as grocery and medical services.
• If there is crime in the area and the crime rate.
• That you have a right to equal housing opportunity free of discrimination.
• If the property is affected by a military installation.
• If there is an Arizona Subdivision Disclosure Report, an Affidavit of Disclosure or a Seller’s Property Disclosure Statement.  You should read these disclosure documents before you purchase or rent.

THERE MAY BE OTHER ITEMS NOT LISTED ABOVE THAT YOU SHOULD EDUCATE YOURSELF ON BEFORE BUYING OR RENTING PROPERTY.  FOR A LARGER LIST, PLEASE REFERENCE THE BUYER’S ADVISORY GUIDE.

Visit www.AZRE.gov – a great resource for the public! As REALTORS, we are here to protect you and the public.

The more informed the buyers are here in the Mesa, Arizona and surrounding areas, the more informed their decisions can be.

Posted in Blogroll | Print | No Comments »

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.

Posted in Blogroll | Print | No Comments »

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!

Posted in Blogroll | Print | No Comments »

25. May 2011 by Teri Ellis.

Crismon Creek is a small community located in East Mesa. Situated just east of Crismon Street and north of Baseline, this popular spot in Mesa sports three parks/tot lots, retention basins, a great mix of families and retirees, is 1/2 mile from the 60 Freeway and only one mile from the 202. Just east of Crismon Creek is the Mesa Swap Meet and Superstition Gateway which boasts such big stores as Wal-mart, Kohls, Best Buy, restaurants, theaters and more.

One of the favorite activities that the HOA Board oversees each year is the Easter Egg Hunt. I’ve heard that even  some of the streets have an Easter Egg Hunt totally put together by the homeowners. I’ve included some photos of our recent “Hunt.”

The community also holds two garage sale events during the year. For current and up to date information on Crismon Creek, check out the CrismonCreekBlog. For a search of homes in Crismon Creek simply click here – Crismon Creek. To search the entire Phoenix Metropolitan area including Mesa, Gilbert, Gold Canyon, Chandler, Queen Creek, click here – MLS. For any questions or information requests regarding Crismon Creek or surrounding areas, just call me, Teri Ellis, at Homes Arizona Real Estate - 480.382-8711. OR you can email me at: Teri@TeriEllis.com, follow me at Facebook – Mesa Arizona Real Estate, or Twitter – MesaAzHomes!

Posted in Arizona, four bedroom pool home, Mesa, Homes Arizona, Buyers, Real Estate Market, Blogroll | Print | No Comments »

11. May 2011 by Teri Ellis.

Just yesterday morning, a landmark located in northern Arizona, burned down. Fortunately, I’ve been one of the many who had the opportunity to visit this pristine area.  I’ve taken several photos of the Lodge and the area, and share them here.

Located about three hours north and east of Mesa, Arizona, this mountain community is special. Scattered around the “former” Lodge are cabins, catch and release fishing, green, green meadows and lakes, streams and trees and mountains.

Truly this amazing Lodge will be missed sitting as a reminder that a community such as this still is alive and well. I’ve heard the owner will rebuild, and I, of course, will continue to visit and enjoy the beauty of northern Arizona.

Posted in Day Trip from Mesa, Arizona, Mesa, Buyers, Blogroll | Print | No Comments »