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What to Expect at a Closing by Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team

October 21, 2013 szabogroup

Joe Szabo Scottsdale Real Estate for Sale

You’ve survived house hunting and the bidding and negotiating on your new home, and now it’s time to make it yours. But to do so, you have to sit down with various people, which may include the seller, your real estate agent, title and mortgage company officials and possibly your attorney at what’s known in real estate lingo as the “closing table.” At closing, you will close on the purchase of your new home, and if you are taking out a mortgage, on your home loan, as well. The whole process may take about an hour. Here’s what’s expected of you:

Complete the walkthrough
Before the actual closing, you’ll most likely have the opportunity to perform a walkthrough of the property and confirm that the condition of the home is as it should be, as specified in the sales contract.
Bring enough cash
At closing, you’ll be paying for your share of the closing costs, and will be bringing the down payment, so be sure to bring a certified check or a cashier’s check. Your lender will provide a lender’s check for the remaining balance that’s due on the home. Your HUD Uniform Settlement Statement (which both you and the seller will sign) will detail the closing costs (plus all the monies involved in the transaction), as well as who is expected to pay them.
Show id
You will also be required to show proof of your identification, such as your driver’s license or passport.
Proof of insurance
Bring a copy of and proof of payment for your homeowner’s insurance, plus your flood insurance policy, if you have one. Your lender may want to review these before allowing you to close on the home.
Sign on the dotted line
To transfer ownership of the home, both the buyer and seller will be required to sign several documents. You may be required to review and sign the purchase agreement, a promissory note for your loan, mortgage documents, title documents, the settlement statement and the truth in lending statement (which will outline the costs of your loan, your payment schedule and amount financed), while the seller will also sign the settlement sheet — and, importantly — the deed to the home to transfer ownership of the property to you. Copies of these documents will be filed at the county recorder’s office, but be sure to keep your own copies as well.
Take the keys!
Once all the necessary paperwork is completed and everything is in order, you will be given keys to the home. While you will no doubt immediately change the locks upon moving in, the keys are the final sign that the home is indeed yours.

Please note that this Scottsdale Real Estate Blog is for informational purposes and not intended to take the place of a licensed Scottsdale Real Estate Agent. The Szabo Group offers first class real estate services to clients in the Scottsdale Greater Phoenix Metropolitan Area in the buying and selling of Luxury homes in Arizona. Award winning Realtors and Re/MAX top producers and best real estate agent for Luxury Homes in Scottsdale, The Szabo group delivers experience, knowledge, dedication and proven results. Contact Joe Szabo at 480.688.2020, info@ScottsdaleRealEstateTeam.com or visit https://scottsdalerealestateteam.com to find out more about Scottsdale Homes for Sale and Estates for Sale in Scottsdale and to search the Scottsdale MLS for Scottsdale Home Listings.

Considerations when Choosing a Contractor by Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team

October 18, 2013 szabogroup

joe szabo scottsdale real estate for sale

However you choose to find a contractor, please make sure you get several bids from several companies. And be aware that bids from different contractors may not compare apples with apples. For instance, Plumber Jones’ bid to redo your bathroom may be attractively low compared to Plumber Smith’s. But what you may not realize till the end is that Plumber Jones’ idea of bathroom fixtures are the cheapest ones he can find at the home improvement center, whereas Plumber Smith uses elegant fixtures from an upscale supplier. Always be sure you understand what kind of materials will be used even if it means asking a lot of questions. Any contractor who won’t take the time to answer your questions gets crossed off your list. And now a word about money: NEVER select a contractor based solely on money. The lowest bidder may sometimes be a good choice. But the old adage that you get what pay for is especially true in the construction industry. Contractors who do high-quality work hire high-quality subs and, because they’re experienced and skilled, they charge more. They are also less likely to cut corners by using shoddy materials or slap dash construction techniques. Contractors can charge by the job or by time and materials according to the project’s overall budget. If a contractor comes in with an especially low bid ask him how he figured the numbers. Does he pay his people a lot less than the competition? That’s a red flag that his workers are inexperienced. Does he get a “good deal” on materials? Where? Why? All busy contractors get some kind of discount at the suppliers they regularly buy from. So if a contractor with a low bid says he gets a super-low price on materials, they are very possibly sub-standard in some way. You should also select a contractor who is not only skilled and reliable but who is someone you can get along with. You may be on the phone with your contractor several times a day. You will be discussing money, how much of it you have, and what you want to do with it. You may have to work through disagreements over details. A contractor with lousy communication skills or someone who simply rubs you the wrong way is not the guy for you no matter how much your neighbor liked him.

Finding a Contractor when Selling your Home by Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team

October 11, 2013 szabogroup

joe szabo scottsdale real estate for sale

There are 3 main ways to find a contractor for an upcoming home improvement or repair project:

Personal Referrals Homeowners should talk to family, friends, and co-workers about reliable companies. It’s a great way to get a personal testimonial from a trusted source. Also, keep an eye out for neighbors’ projects that seem to be going well. Advantages of personal referrals:

Referring friend or family member may have already shopped around to find the best offer in the area
Their opinion of the contractor’s service is trustworthy
Homeowners can view the quality of the work

Disadvantages of personal referrals:

Homeowners may not need same type of work done on their house
Friend or family member may be able to afford a higher budget
Friend or family member may have a different style of house or be in a different neighborhood

Phone Books/Directories Homeowners can use a local directory to look up a contractor. Yellow pages and white pages have anything from a basic listing, which has the company name and phone number, to a full-page advertisement, which lists the company’s details and full range of services. Advantages of phone book:

Homeowners can choose from companies at their own pace.
Homeowners are able to call as many companies as they would like.
Homeowners can review company details in advance to determine how close they are, possibly how big the company is, and what services are offered.

Disadvantages of phone book:

Homeowners have to call each company individually, describe their requirements, and answer the same questions.
Homeowners tend to only call one or two companies. Receiving fewer bids on a project could mean the homeowner will end up paying a higher price.
No direct referrals from trusted friends or family members to rely upon.

Online Referrals For online referrerals, check with professional organizations such as the National Association of the Remodeling Industry, which has its own certification process for contractors. Zillow also offers a free professional directory where you can find the pro you need, where you live. There are also host of online companies that provide contractor referral services. Homeowners can post their project on these Web sites and let a set number of contractors contact them. It’s usually a free service for the homeowner. One excellent site to find local contractors, though be sure to look into references and liabilities, is Craigslist – this is one of many. Advantages of online referral services:

Homeowners will receive multiple bids, which allows them to get the best rate on the work.
Homeowners only have to post their project requirements once and answer questions one time, which saves time.
Homeowners may be able to find additional online resources, such as financing and informational articles.

Disadvantages of online referral services:

The Web site may not be a trusted resource. (Check if any complaints have been filed to the Better Business Bureau.)
The online referral service may not have a contractor, in their network, close to the homeowner.
No direct referrals from trusted friends or family members to rely upon.

Top Ten Home Improvement Myths by Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team

October 7, 2013 szabogroup

So you have decided to tackle a home improvement project, but like a mosquito buzzing in your ear a question lingers – Are you making the right choices when it comes to investing time and effort into improving your home? It’s a valid concern because not all home improvements are created equal. To separate fact from fiction let’s take a look at the top 10 home improvement myths:

Any remodeling project will add value to your home
Not true – while many remodeling projects will add value to your home, some can be seen as a negative by future buyers. For instance, combining two smaller bedrooms to create one larger bedroom may better fit your lifestyle today, but it may cause the home to lose value in the eyes of a future buyer who needs the two separate rooms.
Buying the highest quality materials attracts more buyers
Installing the highest quality materials always seems like a wise decision, but it can backfire. For instance, using the most expensive tile in a bathroom may impress your friends, but value conscious buyers may opt for a more affordable home if you have over improved for your neighborhood.
Adding square footage always adds value
A better way to think about this statement is to insert the word useable into the sentence. Square footage in attics and basements that are finished, and by county standards considered livable, may not be attractive to a buyer if the space is sub-standard compared to the rest of the home.
Colors and textures – safe and simple is better
Keeping a home vanilla so that buyers can choose their own style and décor sounds like a safe bet, but it ignores the fact that most buyers just don’t have the ability to visualize the home differently. Without splashes of color and mixtures of texture, you could lose value to other sellers that have taken the time to consult with an interior designer.
Inside improvements are better than outside improvements
Not necessarily. If a home buyer can’t get past the exterior of your home because it has been neglected or doesn’t offer good curb appeal, all of the work you have done on the inside may not net you any more dollars. To get the biggest bang for your remodeling buck, start from the outside and work your way in.
Adding a bedroom is better than adding a bathroom
It depends on the starting point. If you only have one or two bedrooms to start with, adding a bedroom before adding a second bath is probably a wise choice since most buyers are more attracted to a three bedroom home. On the other hand, if you already have three bedrooms and only one bath, your next investment would probably be in a new bathroom.
Paint hides a multitude of sins
Dry rot? Fungus damage? Mold problems? Carpenter ants? Termite issues? Nothing a can of paint can’t fix, right? Wrong! Not only does this practice violate disclosure laws in most states, it can set you up for liability after the sale as most buyers will want you to foot the bill for these hidden issues.
Converting a garage to living space is a great trade off
Nope. A garage conversion is almost always viewed negatively by future home buyers unless you replace the lost garage with another space of equal size (but then what’s the point?). If you are going to do one anyway make sure that the space can be easily converted back to a garage at the time of the sale.
Doing the work yourself will save you money
For many homeowners wiring a new lighting fixture or plumbing a new dishwasher is a no-brainer, for the rest of us it may end up costing us more later in repair costs when we have to order the work redone by a professional. Another consideration is local and state laws regarding remodeling work. In many states if you have purchased a home to remodel and resell, you must either hold a contractor’s license or hire a contractor to do the work for you.
Pools add value to your home
This is only true if you live in areas where they are must have amenities. Be warned that this isn’t true for most areas of the country and the idea of maintaining a pool for ten months out of the year when it can’t be enjoyed won’t appeal to most buyers.

Becoming an informed home owner is the first step in making wise and profitable decisions when it comes to choosing the right remodeling projects. But don’t stop here. Talk to remodeling professionals, contractors, home improvement specialists, and local agents about what amenities are coveted most by home buyers in your market. Please note that this Scottsdale Real Estate Blog is for informational purposes and not intended to take the place of a licensed Scottsdale Real Estate Agent. The Szabo Group offers first class real estate services to clients in the Scottsdale Greater Phoenix Metropolitan Area in the buying and selling of Luxury homes in Arizona. Award winning Realtors and Re/MAX top producers and best real estate agent for Luxury Homes in Scottsdale, The Szabo group delivers experience, knowledge, dedication and proven results. Contact Joe Szabo at 480.688.2020, info@ScottsdaleRealEstateTeam.com or visit https://scottsdalerealestateteam.com to find out more about Scottsdale Homes for Sale and Estates for Sale in Scottsdale and to search the Scottsdale MLS for Scottsdale Home Listings.

Red Flags for Online Real Estate Scams by Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team

October 5, 2013 szabogroup

Red Flags for Scams

Requests to wire funds via MoneyGram or Western Union

Most scams involve a request to wire funds. Do not wire funds to anyone you haven’t met personally. Scammers create convincing reasons why they need to deal remotely. Likewise, do not accept wire funds that you did not initiate.

Long-distance inquiries

Most scams come from users in foreign countries who claim to be interested in purchasing or renting out a home. Be wary of claims from people who are contacting you from abroad because they are missionaries, U.N. workers, or in the military.

Requests for verification codes

If you are asked to provide a code sent to your cell phone via text or phone call, this is a sign of a potential scam.

Requests for personal or financial information

Do not provide your bank account number or Social Security Number to unknown sources. First verify it is a trusted source and then only provide this information sparingly.

Typos and sob stories

Emails filled with spelling and grammatical errors are usually a sign of fraud. Messages involving stories of family or financial issues, or of agents who charge too high a premium are usually fraud.

Report Scams and Fraud

If you believe you have been scammed, report the incident to the FTC. If you sent money via Western Union or MoneyGram, report the incident immediately: if the recipient hasn’t collected the money yet, the wire transfer company can reverse the transfer.

When reporting scams, include as much as possible of the following: the name and address of the sender, the send location, the date and amount of the transfer, the transfer fee, the date and actual location of the receipt, the name of the receiver, any information recorded regarding the receiver’s identification, the reference number for the transfer, and the details of the nature of the issue.

Expensive Mistakes when Selling your Home by Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team

October 3, 2013 szabogroup

You’ve decided to sell your home. You have advertisements paid for and buyers lined up at your door. You are ready to accept an offer and sell your home today! A piece of cake, right? Not so fast. You could end up losing the sale or even worse, get sued by an angry buyer who misunderstood what was advertised or what was said.

1. Don’t Sell Before You Get Qualified to Buy Your New Home

If you signed a contract to sell your house before you were qualified to buy another, you’re asking for trouble. Here’s why: Your financial circumstances may have changed since your last purchase, and you might not be able to qualify for a loan, or you might not be able to sell at a price that allows you to buy the type of replacement house you want. You could end up renting or buying something that was far from ideal.

Before you decide to sell the house, get pre-approved by a lender you trust and research the housing market in the area where you wish to live so that you have a good idea how much it will take to buy a replacement. Make plans in case you have to move right away.

2. Don’t Guess Your Loan Payoff

Check your mortgage payoff. Call your lender to check the payoff for your current home mortgage. Make sure there are no penalties written in your contract for early payoff. Some lenders have a pre-payment penalty for paying off your loan to soon!

3. Don’t Guess on the Sale Price of Your Home

Determine your home’s fair market value. Real estate agents will usually help you determine value as a courtesy, but you might take it a step further and order a fair market appraisal. Not an appraisal for the purpose of a full loan amount, but an appraisal for the true market value. There is a difference!

Nothing loses potential buyers faster than an overpriced home. Then, when you lower the price it makes it look like you are getting desperate to sell. On the flip side, you don’t want to lose money by selling too cheap. It might get you a fast sale, but you might miss out on several thousand dollars, too. Learn how to price your house for sale the right way.

4. Don’t Underestimate Your Closing Costs to Sell

Don’t forget to calculate the following items:

Real estate commission, if you use an agency to sell.
Advertising costs, signs, other fees, if you plan to sell by owner.
Attorney, closing agent and other professional fees.
Excise/Gains tax for the sale, if applicable.
Prorated costs for your share of annual expenses, such as property taxes, home owner association fees, and utilities.
Any other fees sometimes paid by the seller (appraisals, inspections, buyer’s closing costs, etc.).

Real estate agents deal with transactions every day and can give you a very close estimate of seller closing costs.

5. Don’t Spend Earnest Money Given to You

Don’t assume the earnest money deposit is yours until the deal has closed and recorded. Also give the buyer a receipt. There are many stories about sellers who spent the deposit money prior to closing. When the transactions didn’t take place for valid reasons — such as financing or repair issues — the buyers had to fight or sue for a refund.

Whenever possible, give the money to your broker or a neutral party who will hold the deposit for you until closing day and make sure your contract dictates what happens to the funds if the transaction doesn’t close.

6. Don’t Let Your Emotions Take Over

Keep a cool head during the entire selling process, especially during and after a home inspection. Be realistic and assume there will be issues. No home is perfect, especially older homes. It’s not unusual to have to take care of some repairs yourself. Don’t let the buyer’s demand to do a small repair kill the deal.

On the other hand, don’t commit to fixing anything in advance, unless you’re sure you can handle it emotionally and financially. Decide what type of repairs you can realistically tackle, then stick with the decision. Some repairs can get out of hand and end up costing you big money.

7. Don’t Forget to Cancel or Switch Utilities & Insurance

That sounds simple, but you’d be surprised how many people forget to tell utilities they are moving or apply for utility service at their new home. Call the utilities and your insurance company as soon as you have a contract. Find out how many days lead time they need to switch or cancel, then get back with them when you have a firm closing date.

8. Don’t Become Best Friends with the Buyer

It’s great to be friendly, but don’t get into too many long discussions with the buyers, because personality conflicts often cloud judgments.

Remember, this could be their new home. You’re no doubt excited about moving. But buyers will start second guessing–everyone does. A casual statement about “gettin’ out while the gettin’s good” might be enough innocent chatter to kill the deal.

9. Don’t Panic if the Appraisal Comes in Low

At least not at first. There are some things you (and your agent) can do to correct the problem. Study your options.

10. Don’t Go It Alone

Selling a home can be one of the most stressful things in your life. Answering calls, setting appointments, cleaning house, boxing up memories can be overwhelming for most. If you’re working with an agent, it’s the agent’s duty to track many of the day-to-day details that involve the buyers and taking phone calls. The paperwork required in a sale alone is enough to drive anyone over the edge.

11. Don’t Ignore Inspection Requirements

Know what is expected of you and take care of it. For instance, a buyer getting an FHA loan will have an FHA inspector who may require some repairs to process the loan. That’s something you may have to handle yourself if the buyer can’t manage it. Answer inspector questions and provide required paperwork as quickly as possible–selling your home depends on it.

12. Don’t Go to Closing Unprepared

Do not go to closing without your “HUD Estimate” which is provided by your title company. It will outline your costs and will give you a good idea of how much money you will be getting or will need to bring at closing. Also, make certain you speak with your agent and/or title officer to get a more exact figure and to make sure no surprises have risen. Its always a good idea to choose your own title company, and get some quotes since title insurance is a large part of closing costs.

13. Don’t Write an Offer For the Buyer

With the exception of YOUR Agent, do not write an offer for the buyer. The buyer should write the offer themselves or with the help of their agent. Hire your own agent whenever possible to protect your interests. Remember, a listing agent WORKS FOR YOU. So avoid letting your listing agent act as a limited broker who will become neutral to both sides.

14. Don’t Show Your Home Unprepared

Get everything ready in advance, especially “eye-sores” or any repairs that may scare buyers away. Get rid of any water leaks, stains, broken windows/doors, bad smells, etc. You don’t want to lose a potential buyer. I’ve often sold a home to the first buyer on the first day!

15. Don’t Follow Buyers Around When Showing

Whenever possible, don’t be home when showing. If you’re listing with a real estate agent, they’ll often ask you to leave when the house is shown. Why? Because lurking sellers make buyers nervous–they don’t feel comfortable inspecting the house when they feel they are intruding. It’s easier for buyers to visualize the home being theirs when they have a chance to critique and discuss the home among themselves. If you must be home, try to stay out of the way and answer questions only if asked.

Unless there’s a real reason for it, don’t ask your agent to be present for all showings either. That’s the kiss of death for showing activity. Other agents want privacy with their buyers and they don’t usually have time to work around your agent’s schedule.

16. Don’t Waste Your Time With Non-Qualified Buyers

Nothing wastes time worse than showing your home to someone who can’t even buy it! I had a friend who spent two weeks preparing his home for a co-worker who wanted to buy his home. He spent over $1,000 removing a storage shed and met with the guy 2-3 more times discussing the price only to find out 3 weeks later that he could not qualify for a loan!

Mistakes that Can Cost You When Selling Your Home by Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team Arizona

September 26, 2013 szabogroup

1. Don’t Sell Before You Get Qualified to Buy Your New Home

2. Don’t Guess Your Loan Payoff

3. Don’t Guess on the Sale Price of Your Home

4. Don’t Underestimate Your Closing Costs to Sell

Don’t forget to calculate the following items:

Real estate commission, if you use an agency to sell.
Advertising costs, signs, other fees, if you plan to sell by owner.
Attorney, closing agent and other professional fees.
Excise/Gains tax for the sale, if applicable.
Prorated costs for your share of annual expenses, such as property taxes, home owner association fees, and utilities.
Any other fees sometimes paid by the seller (appraisals, inspections, buyer’s closing costs, etc.).

Real estate agents deal with transactions every day and can give you a very close estimate of seller closing costs.

5. Don’t Spend Earnest Money Given to You

6. Don’t Let Your Emotions Take Over

7. Don’t Forget to Cancel or Switch Utilities & Insurance

8. Don’t Become Best Friends with the Buyer

It’s great to be friendly, but don’t get into too many long discussions with the buyers, because personality conflicts often cloud judgments.

9. Don’t Panic if the Appraisal Comes in Low

At least not at first. There are some things you (and your agent) can do to correct the problem. Study your options.

10. Don’t Go It Alone

11. Don’t Ignore Inspection Requirements

12. Don’t Go to Closing Unprepared

13. Don’t Write an Offer For the Buyer

14. Don’t Show Your Home Unprepared

15. Don’t Follow Buyers Around When Showing

16. Don’t Waste Your Time With Non-Qualified Buyers

Upcoming September 11 Events for 2013 provided by Joes Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team

September 9, 2013 szabogroup

Organizers of tributes around the Valley are focusing on remembering those who were lost, honoring those who work to keep America safe and educating the generation that has come of age since 2001. Here’s a look at the events planned to commemorate September 11. Patriot Day Events Friends of Freedom, a Phoenix non-profit group, is raising funds to build a No One Left Behind Center in the West Valley to help military veterans transition to civilian life. A gala banquet Friday, Sept. 6, at Hotel Valley Ho in Scottsdale includes comedy, entertainment and an auction. Foursomes can golf Saturday, Sept. 7, at Trilogy Golf Club at Vistancia in Peoria. Details: Banquet: 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 6, 6850 E. Main St., Scottsdale. Golf: registration at 7 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 7, 12575 W. Golf Club Drive, Peoria. $100 for banquet; $2,500 per foursome to golf. 623-239-1437, friendsoffreedom.us. 9/11 Heroes Run Honor first responders, veterans and heroes of Sept. 11 by running a 5K through Tempe Beach Park, ending at an American flag-lined finish line. Instead of a medal, you’ll get your own dog tag. Music and video presentations are included in an opening ceremony. Music, food, vendors and giveaways are featured, and a most-patriotic prize is awarded. The 100 Club of Arizona, which helps families of fallen public-safety personnel, receives 50 percent of proceeds. This is one of 40 such events across the nation presented by the Travis Manion Foundation, which targets issues facing veterans, survivors and the military community. Details: 8 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 7. Mill Avenue and Rio Salado Parkway. $30; $100 for family of four. 215-348-9080, travismanion.org. 9/11 Charity Pancake Breakfast The El Mirage Firefighter Association Charity invites the public to its third annual 9/11 breakfast, which benefits the charity’s fund assisting families of fallen public-safety officers. A flag-raising ceremony begins at 8 a.m. A fire truck is on display and kids can enjoy bounce houses and a fire-hose game. Details: 8 a.m.-noon Saturday, Sept. 7. Fire Station 121, 13601 N. El Mirage Road. Free; donations welcome. 623-238-0300, cityofelmirage.org. Hands on Greater Phoenix Projects Participants are needed for a variety of projects in Phoenix, Mesa, Chandler, Peoria and Queen Creek honoring first responders, military members and veterans. Events include preparing and serving brunch for veterans, enhancing a low-income public-housing community garden and writing letters or making cards to show support for servicemen and women serving abroad. Details: Sept. 8-14. Event times and locations vary. Enter 9/11 in the keyword box at handsonphoenix.org. Massing of the Colors and Service of Remembrance Day Arizona’s active-duty military and former veterans are honored at this event, sponsored by the Phoenix Chapter of the Military Order of the World Wars, the Phoenix Union High School District and Carl Hayden Community High School Junior ROTC cadets. The 108th Army Band of the Arizona Army National Guard begins the day with a patriotic concert, and Arizona Secretary of State Ken Bennett speaks at 2:30 p.m. Prisoners of war and those missing in action are remembered by the Patriot Youth Corps and the JROTC. Boy Scouts form the color guard, and the Girl Scouts carry the 50 state flags. Details: 2 p.m. Sunday, Sept.8. Carl Hayden Community High School, 3333 W. Roosevelt St., Phoenix. Free. 480-595-8089. 9/11 Remembrance Display The National Flag of Unity honoring victims and heroes of 9/11 will be on display in the atrium of the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts. The flag, comprised of flags from 50 states and six districts of the U.S., includes the names of victims and first responders. The names of 9/11 victims will be read at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday. Details: 10 a.m.-5p.m. Monday-Friday, Sept. 9-13. 7380 E. Second St., Scottsdale. Free. 480-499-8587, scottsdaleaz.gov/events. Healing Field 9/11 Memorial Take in a display of nearly 3,000 U.S. flags at Tempe Beach Park honoring the victims of 9/11. The 10th annual tribute, presented by the city and the Exchange Club of Tempe, includes a concert by Kaitlin Jones, a memorial ceremony and a candlelight vigil. The American Red Cross will hold blood drives Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday; more information is available online. Details: Display 5 a.m.-11 p.m. daily; concert 7 p.m. Tuesday; ceremony 5:46 a.m. Wednesday; candlelight vigil 7 p.m. Wednesday. Sept. 10-14. Mill Avenue and Rio Salado Parkway. Free. 480-350-5209, 480-204-3864, tempe.gov, facebook.com/September11.HealingField. Phoenix September 11th Memorial Ceremony Phoenix City Hall holds a ceremony at which the public can remember police, firefighters and civilians who lost their lives Sept. 11, 2001. Details: 9:30-10 a.m., Wednesday, Sept. 11. 200 W. Washington St., First Floor Atrium. Free. 602-495-7398. Eleven Days of Peace & Sustainability A color guard presentation is given by the Marines, doves will be released, Native American spiritual leader Uqualla will speak and prayers for peace will be shared. Details: 10 a.m.-noon Wednesday, Sept. 11. 3535 E. McDowell Road. Free. 480-323-0933, starshineacademy.org. A Night of Remembrance The Casa Grande Youth Commission holds a candlelit ceremony at Peart Park. Candles are provided, students sing, and a guest speaker gives a presentation. Details: 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 11. 350 E. Sixth St., Casa Grande. Free. casagrandeaz.gov. 9/11 Hero Workout Honor the heroes of 9/11 by working out alongside men and women in uniform on Wednesday, Sept. 11. Donations will be accepted for the 100 Club of Arizona, which helps families of fallen public-safety personnel. Space is limited. Call or e-mail info@sicfit.com to reserve your spot. Details: 8 or 9 a.m., and 5 or 6 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 11. SICFIT Scottsdale, 14885 N. 83rd Place, Scottsdale. Donations accepted. 480-922-3253, 100club.org. 9/11 Memorial Ceremony Gather around Gilbert’s 9/11 memorial, a 1,500-pound beam from the North Tower of the World Trade Center surrounded by granite slabs and engraved bricks, for a remembrance celebration. Remarks will be shared by Mayor John Lewis and Fire Chief Jim Jobusch. A joint police and fire honor guard presentation of colors, and performances from Gilbert Fire and Rescue Department and the joint Arizona State Fire Department pipe and drum bands are included. Details: 8:30-9 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 11. 50 E. Civic Center Drive. Free. 480-503-6200, gilbertaz.gov/calendar. Massing of the Colors and Service of Remembrance Day Arizona’s active-duty military and former veterans are honored at this event, sponsored by the Phoenix Chapter of the Military Order of the World Wars, the Phoenix Union High School District and Carl Hayden Community High School Junior ROTC cadets. The 108th Army Band of the Arizona Army National Guard begins the day with a patriotic concert, and Arizona Secretary of State Ken Bennett speaks at 2:30 p.m. Prisoners of war and those missing in action are remembered by the Patriot Youth Corps and the JROTC. Boy Scouts form the color guard, and the Girl Scouts carry the 50 state flags. Details: 2 p.m. Sunday, Sept.8. Carl Hayden Community High School, 3333 W. Roosevelt St., Phoenix. Free. 480-595-8089. Phoenix September 11th Memorial Ceremony Phoenix City Hall holds a ceremony at which the public can remember police, firefighters and civilians who lost their lives Sept. 11, 2001. Details: 9:30-10 a.m., Wednesday, Sept. 11. 200 W. Washington St., First Floor Atrium. Free. 602-495-7398. Eleven Days of Peace & Sustainability A color guard presentation is given by the Marines, doves will be released, Native American spiritual leader Uqualla will speak and prayers for peace will be shared. Details: 10 a.m.-noon Wednesday, Sept. 11. 3535 E. McDowell Road. Free. 480-323-0933, starshineacademy.org. Emergency Preparedness Expo The Maricopa County Department of Public Health’s Office of Preparedness and Response presents information about CPR, water safety and first-aid. Free flu and tetanus and diptheria immunizations are available for the uninsured. Families will have the opportunity to practice drills and learn to evacuate in case of smoke or fire at the Phoenix Fire Department’s “smoke house.” Raffles will be held and new pairs of socks collected for the Phoenix Rescue Mission. Details: 3-7 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 11. Metrocenter, Interstate 17 and Peoria Avenue, Phoenix. Free. 602-722-0509, wearepublichealth.org. Please note that this Scottsdale Real Estate Blog is for informational purposes and not intended to take the place of a licensed Scottsdale Real Estate Agent. The Szabo Group offers first class real estate services to clients in the Scottsdale Greater Phoenix Metropolitan Area in the buying and selling of Luxury homes in Arizona. Award winning Realtors and Re/MAX top producers and best real estate agent for Luxury Homes in Scottsdale, The Szabo group delivers experience, knowledge, dedication and proven results. Contact Joe Szabo at 480.688.2020, info@ScottsdaleRealEstateTeam.com or visit https://scottsdalerealestateteam.com to find out more about Scottsdale Homes for Sale and Estates for Sale in Scottsdale and to search the Scottsdale MLS for Scottsdale Home Listings.

Paradise Valley School District Information provided by Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team

August 9, 2013 szabogroup

The Paradise Valley Unified School District offers a world-class education to students in kindergarten through grade 12. The district has 30 elementary schools offering free, full-day kindergarten through grade 6; eight middle schools with grades 7 and 8; and six high schools with grades 9 through 12. The district is also an Arizona Online Instruction provider with pvONLINE, which offers K-12 online instruction. Our education programs include:

K-12 International Baccalaureate
Core Knowledge®
Science, Technology, Engineering, Math and Global Geography
Gifted and special education
Fine arts
Career and technical education
Before- after-school programs
Sports and extracurricular activities
Pre-K programs including classes for gifted pre-K children

The district is located in 98-square miles of northeast Phoenix and north Scottsdale in an area bounded by 7th Avenue and Pima Road, and Northern Avenue and Jomax Road. With approximately 33,000 students, the PV Schools district is the seventh-largest in the state. PV Schools is also one of the Valley’s larger employers, with approximately 3,800 full time certified teachers and education support professionals.

VISION

The Paradise Valley Unified School District will be the national leader in setting high standards for student achievement in a college-ready environment that instills a sense of community. All students will acquire a thirst for learning through challenging and engaging content that is individually crafted to propel them into the 21st century confident, poised and prepared with skills that will endure the test of time and ensure individual success.

WE BELIEVE

All students can achieve… and all means all
The individual student is our main focus
The highest quality educators guarantee the highest quality education
Parents are partners and valued resources in the educational process
Global mindedness is essential for students
Technology plays a critical role in the lives and successes of our students
Community and business partnerships are essential

MISSION

The mission of the Paradise Valley Unified School District is to cultivate, lead and inspire world-class, innovative thinkers and expert communicators through a focus on the relationship between educator and student built around challenging, meaningful and engaging curriculum. Please note that this Scottsdale Real Estate Blog is for informational purposes and not intended to take the place of a licensed Scottsdale Real Estate Agent. The Szabo Group offers first class real estate services to clients in the Scottsdale Greater Phoenix Metropolitan Area in the buying and selling of Luxury homes in Arizona. Award winning Realtors and Re/MAX top producers and best real estate agent for Luxury Homes in Scottsdale, The Szabo group delivers experience, knowledge, dedication and proven results. Contact Joe Szabo at 480.688.2020, info@ScottsdaleRealEstateTeam.com or visit https://scottsdalerealestateteam.com to find out more about Scottsdale Homes for Sale and Estates for Sale in Scottsdale and to search the Scottsdale MLS for Scottsdale Home Listings.

Housing Market is Terrific, If You are Rich By Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team Arizona

June 24, 2013 szabogroup

By Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team Almost a quarter of American homeowners owe more on their house than it’s worth. Another quarter have less than 20% equity. About half of homeowners couldn’t get a mortgage if they applied today, says Paul Dales, seniorU.S.economist for Capital Economics. Then, there is the other housing market, occupied by 1.5% of theU.S.population, according to Zillow.com. Here, houses have outdoor kitchens and in-home spas, his-and-her boudoirs and closets the size of starter homes. This market is not local but global, with international buyers bidding in cash. And the gyrations of the stock market are cause for conversation, not cutting expenses. In this land of luxury properties, the Great Recession seems over. Prices of $1 million-plus properties have risen 0.7%, according to Zillow. Prices of houses under $1 million have fallen more than 1.5%. Normally, these two segments of the housing market rise and fall together. Now, they’re moving in opposite directions. “Luxury is the best performing segment of the housing market right now,” says Zillow.com chief economist Stan Humphries. After every recession since World War II, housing has led the economic recovery. Not this time. The renewed vitality in the comparatively small market for luxury homes is not enough to power a full-blown recovery. This bifurcation in the market is yet another reason Michelle Meyer, chief economist at Bank of America Merrill Lynch, says her housing outlook is “increasingly downbeat.” The phenomenon is not limited to real estate. You can see the same split elsewhere in the economy. Sales at Saks vs. Walmart. Pay on Wall Street vs.Main Street. Corporate profits vs. family balance sheets. The divide also is making credit a perk of the rich. Mortgage rates are the lowest in decades. But what good are absurdly cheap rates if you can’t get a mortgage? Please note that this Scottsdale Real Estate Blog is for informational purposes and not intended to take the place of a licensed Scottsdale Real Estate Agent. The Szabo Group offers first class real estate services to clients in the Scottsdale Greater Phoenix Metropolitan Area in the buying and selling of Luxury homes in Arizona. Award winning Realtors and Re/MAX top producers and best real estate agent for Luxury Homes in Scottsdale, The Szabo group delivers experience, knowledge, dedication and proven results. Contact Joe Szabo at 480.688.2020, info@ScottsdaleRealEstateTeam.com or visit www.scottsdalerealestateteam.com to find out more about Scottsdale Homes for Sale and Estates for Sale in Scottsdale and to search the Scottsdale MLS for Scottsdale Home Listings.

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Complete the walkthrough

Bring enough cash

Show id

Proof of insurance

Sign on the dotted line

Take the keys!

Any remodeling project will add value to your home

Buying the highest quality materials attracts more buyers

Adding square footage always adds value

Colors and textures – safe and simple is better

Inside improvements are better than outside improvements

Adding a bedroom is better than adding a bathroom

Paint hides a multitude of sins

Converting a garage to living space is a great trade off

Doing the work yourself will save you money

Pools add value to your home

Red Flags for Scams

1. Don’t Sell Before You Get Qualified to Buy Your New Home

2. Don’t Guess Your Loan Payoff

3. Don’t Guess on the Sale Price of Your Home

4. Don’t Underestimate Your Closing Costs to Sell

5. Don’t Spend Earnest Money Given to You

6. Don’t Let Your Emotions Take Over

7. Don’t Forget to Cancel or Switch Utilities & Insurance

8. Don’t Become Best Friends with the Buyer

9. Don’t Panic if the Appraisal Comes in Low

10. Don’t Go It Alone

11. Don’t Ignore Inspection Requirements

12. Don’t Go to Closing Unprepared

13. Don’t Write an Offer For the Buyer

14. Don’t Show Your Home Unprepared

15. Don’t Follow Buyers Around When Showing

16. Don’t Waste Your Time With Non-Qualified Buyers

1. Don’t Sell Before You Get Qualified to Buy Your New Home

2. Don’t Guess Your Loan Payoff

3. Don’t Guess on the Sale Price of Your Home

4. Don’t Underestimate Your Closing Costs to Sell

5. Don’t Spend Earnest Money Given to You

6. Don’t Let Your Emotions Take Over

7. Don’t Forget to Cancel or Switch Utilities & Insurance

8. Don’t Become Best Friends with the Buyer

9. Don’t Panic if the Appraisal Comes in Low

10. Don’t Go It Alone

11. Don’t Ignore Inspection Requirements

12. Don’t Go to Closing Unprepared

13. Don’t Write an Offer For the Buyer

14. Don’t Show Your Home Unprepared

15. Don’t Follow Buyers Around When Showing

16. Don’t Waste Your Time With Non-Qualified Buyers

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