Sorry to interrupt your regularly scheduled PBS program in the drab, grey fields of irrational paranoia, fear and anarchy, but I have an important message for you: IT'S ALL IN YOUR HEAD. WE ARE NOT IN A HOUSING CRISIS. We are not about to be in one either! I know what you're thinking, "Oh, but Kristin, you're a REAL ESTATE agent. Of course you would tell us we're not in a housing crisis... You just want my $%#^@ MONEY!" No. I want you to be happy. And happiness comes from being educated by the facts. With knowledge comes power and confidence - not this fear bullcrap. Let's get rid of this fear thing. It never does anyone any good … [Read more...]
Termites! A Horror Story…
Still wondering if you should spring for that home inspection? If this story doesn't convince you, nothing will...although termites are generally a very treatable problem here in Arizona, in this case, there was a perfect storm of conditions to create a huge termite problem. It was a beautiful home and we never imagined it had such extensive problems. Since bank-owned listings come with no disclosures, it's up to the buyer to uncover problems with the condition of the home. … [Read more...]
Phoenix Real Estate FAQs – 3-26-2010
In this episode of Phoenix Real Estate FAQ's Dean Ouellette and I ponder the answer these questions: * What's a better value...resale or new build? * When do I get the keys to my new house? * How many houses should I look at before I put in an offer? * Who should be present at a home inspection? Thanks to Sasha Lopez for keeping us on track! … [Read more...]
Phoenix Real Estate FAQs – 3-12-2010
Dean Ouellette, the Tempe Short Sale Guy , joins me as we ponder the answers to: * Is it a good time to buy a house? * Do I need a home inspection if I am buying As-Is? * Can my Realtor give me the lockbox codes so I can check out a house? * Why do short sales take so long? Thanks, Sasha (Speilberg) Lopez for keeping us on track! Send us your questions...we'd love to hear from you... … [Read more...]
When Should You Get A Home Inspection? Always!
A professional home inspector should be one of the first people you call when your offer to purchase a home has been accepted. A home inspector will go over your home with a fine tooth comb and provide a detailed report on the condition of the home. He will check the condition of your roof, your AC unit, your electrical and plumbing systems. Your inspector will check for structural problems, and code violations. Some inspectors even do thermal imaging scans to check for hot spots or leaks that may indicate major problems with the home. In our Arizona contract, you are entitled to a 10-day period to conduct any inspections you deem … [Read more...]