Sales Incentives, Do They Work?

Sales incentives are just like us, they come in all shapes and sizes; some work really well and some are virtually worthless. I have said this many times, and regular readers will be aware of this, that price fixes everything. It is my mantra.

Let’s discuss the shapes and sizes. Here in Phoenix, Arizona it is quite common, and increasingly so, in this slow market, for new home builders to offer inducements to both buyers and buyers agents. Incentives to buyers range from upgrades to the home itself, i.e. Granite counter tops or premium appliances, low interest rate or no money down loans, free swimming pools and sometimes free automobiles. Incentives to buyers agents are almost always in the form of higher commissions (Realtors only respond to cash or food) to try to persuade agents to bring their clients round.

The advantage to the seller/builder is obvious. They desire to keep prices up, so that all future sales can remain higher. Offering incentives allows them to not lower prices, but still attract buyers. Which is good for them.

But is it good for the Buyer? Well, please remember that, whatever the incentive, the buyer is the one who is paying for it. I would agree that upgrades to the home itself are a benefit. However, when your agent receives an 8%, as I have seen offered in the greater Phoenix area, you, Mr. and Mrs. Buyer, are paying that commission and paying interest on it, most likely, for the next 30 years with your mortgage. I always have believed that paying much higher commission to an agent as an “inducement” indicated that the buyer is paying too much. I have always questioned the ethics of such an arrangement as an agent is supposed to represent the best interests of a client. However, the choice of either a 3% or 8% commission is bound to sway the thinking process; but to whose benefit?

As to receiving a “free” car. Well, I am not an accountant, nor do I play one on T.V., but I believe there would be tax consequences for a buyer. Also, for a private seller offering such an arrangement, it would also have tax consequences as it affects your tax basis in the home. Please consult your C.P.A.

Having said all that, it is extremely difficult to persuade a builder to drop all this fancy packaging and just lower the price for reasons stated above. Remember, in many communities in the Phoenix area, builders are selling the exact same properties that they could build, market and turn a profit on for the low $100’s three years ago, for the mid $200’s today. Sure, a little of that goes to higher material costs and inflation, but please! They could sell you a property for much less but they have an obvious vested interest to maintain price levels.

Eventually, prices will adjust to correct market levels driven, as much as anything, by falling prices on re-sale homes.

So, before you drive that “free” car, drive a hard bargain first. Happy Haggling!

Tips on Selling in a "Down Market", Pitfalls to Avoid

As I have been saying for some time now, prices are not going up here in Phoenix; nor are they flat; they are, in fact, declining. People are beginning to realize this and the latest figures in the Arizona press back up this assertion. Those folks blaming these reports for depressing home prices need to get their heads out of the sand and face reality.

Having said all that, I am definitely getting the feeling that buyers are beginning to come out of their shells here in the Valley of the Sun. With prices down considerably from the peak, but interest rates still at almost historical lows, buyers, quite rightly, feel that this is a good time to buy. However, they are in a strong position. Unlike recent years, they have plenty of inventory to view, can take their time making their selection, and can expect reasonable sellers to work with them on price and terms. Notice I said reasonable. Too many homes on the market today are so massively over-priced, and the owners are so ensconced in cloud cuckoo land, that they are not really for sale. Oftentimes, one of these owners of overpriced homes will tell you “Hey it gets shown a couple of times a week….” What they do not realize is that shrewd agents are showing the overpriced “turkey” in order to sell the fairly priced home down the same Arizona street.

What is a seller to do? Well, if you have to sell your home, you have to price it accordingly. “Price fixes everything” has always been my mantra and always will be. If you want to sell your Phoenix area home the list price has to be in what I call the “Top-Ten” of lowest prices. In order to sell a home, it has to be shown. It will not get shown, at all, if the price is unreasonable. If you want to sell your home make sure, at the minimum, that you have as many clear photos as possible. You should have a virtual tour. If your agent has neither of these things, fire him or her. Buyers, mostly on the internet, skip over properties without visual representation. You cannot afford to be skipped over.

Finally, in this type of market, watch out for the bottom-feeders. There are people, and agents, who churn out junk-offers by the score at an arbitrary 70-75% of the asking price in the hope of finding desperate sellers. Often, even if you agreed to their low price, they just want to tie up your property until they can find a buyer to sell it to, at a profit, of course.

Also, beware the offers that are 30-35% over asking price in which you kick back excess funds, over appraised value, to the buyer. These almost always involve bank fraud, corrupt appraisers and an excellent chance of a trip to the hoosegow.

Don’t let greed or desperation blind you.

Anthem Arizona, A Terrific Place To Call Home

Many times over the years, a new subdivision is created with little or no real thought about the infrastructure required to support the newly-created community. Well, this is categorically not the case with Anthem. Everything you need is there, or on its way, and then some.
Created by Dell-Webb, this Arizona town on the outskirts of Phoenix offers homes to suit all budgets; from the mid to low $200K all the way up to “oh my goodness gracious.” There is something for everyone. From a young family just starting out to a retired couple looking for space to entertain the grand-kids, from time to time, Anthem has you covered. All of this, plus an easy commute via I-17 to Phoenix if that is where work takes you.
Also, for the family, there is the lure of brand new schools, with excellent sport facilities, libraries and, in some cases, theatre complexes to help keep your children motivated and actively involved.
Plus, the recreation facilities are world class. The park-like, open space communal area with duck-ponds and waterfalls are an absolute joy to behold. Early one evening, recently, I saw a father with his young son and daughter doing a little fishing. What better way to unwind after a long day of work, than to kick back with your children and exchange stories of your day, whilst teaching a worm to swim at the end of a fishing pole? Remember, though, “catch and release” only! Arizona living at its finest.
There is also a model railroad that runs through the park offering rides to one and all.
For the more energetic amongst us, the diversions are endless, offering basketball and tennis courts plus a gymnasium complex with 2 swimming pools that are the envy of the surrounding Arizona communities.
The huge gym is stocked with up-to-the-minute equipment, including stationary bikes, treadmills, free weights; you name it, it’s got it! Aerobic classes are offered and there is also a rock-climbing wall for those days when you don’t have enough time to conquer Everest.
Then there are the pools. An enormous regular pool for swimming and an even larger one with water slides and water features worthy of a water park anywhere in the world. Watch out for the enormous bucket in the air that fills up and then overturns and splashes down on everyone. Great fun for all kids aged from 8 to 80. Lifeguards are in attendance but please, be careful out there.
Anthem, like much of the Valley of the Sun, has golf courses that rival the finest that Scottsdale and Phoenix have to offer.
Everything is right here in Anthem including Wal-Mart, Home Depot and many other nationally renowned “Big Box” stores. There is also an outlet mall for those canny shoppers among us who like saving money. Plenty of good eating to be found from upscale local restaurants to well known fast-food stores.
In all my years of selling real estate, I have rarely seen such a well planned and executed community. Anthem AZ is truly a great place to start or raise a family. What are you waiting for?

It's An Ill Wind...

Headlines are a funny thing. By their very nature, they are, of course, designed to catch our eye. They are supposed to entice the reader to read further. Unfortunately, in this day and age, few do. I mention this because a client recently pointed out a headline, in a local Phoenix newspaper, which said, or words to this effect "survey shows Phoenix house prices to rise." Boy, was he excited; and no, he did not read the article. The poll was conducted, and I will not name names, by a cable company. Yes, a T.V. cable company. Respondents were invited to answer a series of questions by pressing a button on the remote. They overwhelmingly thought that house prices would rise next year. How unscientific can you get? A poll is only valid when questions are asked of a broad-based demographic, in this case hopefully of people buying or selling a home in the next year, or at least having the wherewithal to do so. Likely respondents in this "poll" could range from bored teens, the baby-sitter, folks trying to change the channel or even the family dog's errant paw. But people point to the headline because they want to believe. The facts, unfortunately, might lead you to a different conclusion.
I decided to do some research to see where this might all lead. I picked an area, the type of subdivision of which there are many in the Valley of the Sun, again I won't name it, that had 37 homes for sale, all in close proximity, in the $200-$300K range. Essentially, all were 3 bedroom, 2 bath, and essentially the homes were very similar, having been built by the same contractor. Of those 37, fully 29 were either vacant or had a tenant. This means that 78% of them are owned by an "investor". What does logic tell you will happen to prices if some of these guys "start to panic", (if you are a seller), or "Get real" (if you are a buyer)? Couple this to the fact that the Builder is still frantically constructing more competition on a daily basis: Plus he is offering no-money down, low interest rate financing, granite counter-tops and sundry other upgrades. Still think prices are going up?
Disaster, huh? Not at all. The vast majority of folks bought these homes 2 or 3 years ago in the $150-175K range. Admittedly, some folks who bought last year may have bought at the top, but historically all should be well over a 5 year, or more, period. Just not in 6 months. But the folks who still have equity in their property get real stubborn. They hope against hope that prices will rise at the same rate they did 2 years ago. Extremely unlikely. It never ceases to amaze me when, otherwise, sane folks; doctors, lawyers and other professionals, get real blinkered in the face of evidence to the contrary. Many say to me, "I'll just rent it for 6 months, and it'll be fine...won't it?" It might but I somehow doubt it.
Let's look at the positive sides. For those folks who thought they had missed out forever, on owning a home in Phoenix, here is another chance to get a foot on the ladder with sellers, both private and corporate, bending over backwards to help you. Have at it!
This is also a great time to trade up. Remember, a year ago you were so happy your house was worth $500K? But sad also, because your dream home with pool and horse facilities on an acre was $1,000,000? Well guess what? This year your house is only worth $350K, but your dream home is now only $700K. So last year the move would have cost you $500K ($1,000,000 - $500,000= $500,000); This year it will only cost you $350K to effect that move. What are you waiting for?
Seafaring folk have an old saying "It's an ill wind that blows no good..."

Desert Hills, Arizona; Rustic Ranches to Sophisticated Custom Homes

Desert Hills is a newer community the boundaries of which are, approximately, Anthem to the north, Carefree Highway to the south, 24th St. to the east, and I-17 to the west.

It has a very interesting mix of smaller cottages at the lower end of the scale, up to million dollar properties at the higher end.

Definitely a favorite amongst equestrians as demonstrated by the many ranches in the area, plus the varied homes that enjoy horse privileges and have corrals and tack barns in their backyard.

One of the big advantages of Desert Hills is the proximity, and ease of access, to downtown Phoenix afforded by I-17. It is eminently possible to work downtown during the week, but at weekends enjoy all the fun of horseback riding, easily achieved with a 30-40 minute commute.

Not too long ago, some would have deemed Desert Hills as a little too remote, although that may have been a bonus to others, but today as more and more homes are being built, the infrastructure is starting to arrive. Also, with the building of the eclectic and wonderfully charming development called Tramonto, at the western most end of Desert Hills, there are now supermarkets and fast food restaurants to serve the new residents. As of this writing, Home Depot is about to open a new store further increasing amenities in the area.

So, whether you are a horse lover or not, Desert Hills is a wonderful community to raise a family; or to retire and relax and enjoy the wide open spaces, and magnificent mountain backdrop.

Come set a spell, I'll bet you'll want to stay!

Carefree living in Carefree, Arizona. Desert dwelling at its finest.

On the north-eastern outer reaches of the Valley of the Sun lies Carefree, like neighboring Cave Creek, a hamlet nestled just to the north of Scottsdale. Principally known as a haven for retired folk, many of whom visit during the winter from colder climes and are known as "snowbirds", however, of late, many year-round residents are opting for the tranquility of Carefree, while commuting to their jobs in either Phoenix or Scottsdale. Consequently Carefree, much like Cave Creek and the surrounding environs has seen considerable growth in recent years.

Spanish Village is a shopping center in the heart of Carefree with many eclectic stores and restaurants. It is also host to antique car shows, home shows, art shows and horticultural events during the course of a year, making it an extremely popular destination for both residents and tourists alike.

A little further south on Tom Darlington Road we have another shopping complex known as "El Pedregal". This is a more upscale development with many art galleries, gourmet shops, boutiques and jewellers. There are several excellent restaurants at the facility, which is a two storey affair arranged in a circular fashion. There is a stage at one end and, due to the "amphi-theater" style arrangement, it is an excellent venue for the many musical concerts, of all genres, that El Pedregal hosts each year. Grab a glass of wine, sit back, relax and enjoy the show.

Carefree also has a general aviation facility with a 4100 ft. runway, which is home to many aviation enthusiasts covering vintage aircraft to modern experimental lightweight craft. This year, at a combined antique car and plane show. We were privileged to have a bit "flying fortress" of World War II vintage fly over in all it's majesty. Very awe inspiring; an what a crowd it drew that day. We also were fortunate to have two F16 fighter jets do a fly-by from Luke Air Force Base. All in all a good day out for all the family.

That sums Carefree up really. Many people come to visit from all around, and some just cannot bear to leave. It has all the benefits of a small town with all the attractions and facilities of two major cities, Scottsdale and Phoenix, just a scant 30 minute drive away.

It cannot be beaten.

Cave Creek, Arizona; A Great Place to Call Home

Cave Creek is one of those towns you must visit the next time you are in Arizona. Situated in Maricopa County, about half an hour northeast of downtown Phoenix, in the Valley of the Sun.

First settled in the 1870s as a mining camp the town incorporated in 1986; consequently it will celebrate its 20th Anniversary this year. In fact, a visit to the Cave Creek Museum is very informative and is well worth it.

Nestled on the western side of Black Mountain, the town recently took steps that will lead to the opening of hiking trails on that mountain, which hopefully will lead to its preservation as a nature reserve. In that light, in recent years Cave Creekers voted to buy, via a self-imposed tax, the several thousand acres that now form the Spur Cross Ranch Preservation area. This is a very popular local attraction that provides many hiking trails, of varying difficulty, as well as many guided tours by park rangers through normally restricted areas several times a year.

About 10 miles east is the Tonto National Forest, which just recently was blanketed in a foot of snow; an occurrence that happens roughly once a decade that brought many visitors from all around, the youngest of which were glimpsing the white stuff, in person, for the first time.

Cave Creek is well known as an equestrian town and seeing a horse on the highway is almost a daily occurrence. Many homes, usually on more than 2 acres, are zoned with horse privileges in mind. (Check with the very helpful folks at Cave Creek Town Hall to make sure). The two main equestrian events are Fiesta Days in the spring and Wild West Days in the fall, which attract many visitors to the town.

The main street offers western flavored stores, including many saloon-style Bar/Restaurants. And yes, you will see a horse tied up outside, just like the movies. We also have a world class five star restaurant, Binkley's, which is a treat this writer reserves for special occasions.

Buying a single family home in Cave Creek "proper", generally, but not exclusively, north of Carefree Highway starts in the low $400s, and goes all the way up to the multi-millions. At the higher end, many homes have between 4 and 10 car garages, and it is not at all unusual, on the weekend, to see motorcycles and antique cars touring through the countryside.

If you were ever thinking of coming to Cave Creek, there has never been a better time. Prices have leveled, if not dipped slightly, since the madness of last year, giving buyers an opportunity to negotiate a fair price for their next home.

I live in Cave Creek myself, and heartily recommend it.

Before You Buy That Home, Do Your Homework

When it comes to buying a house, I often think that people do more due diligence and research when buying a computer or a stereo, than they ever do when buying a home. They know all about woofers and tweeters and gigabytes and hard drives, but get a blank look when you mention GFCIs and R-factors in insulation. Why is that?

Firstly, I think with certain products, say a new car, we've read consumer reports; we know the mileage; we know how well it holds it's value; so, all we really have to do is pick the colors. All the research is already done for us; an Accord is an Accord is an Accord, they are all the same.

Houses, generally speaking are not and I think we approach the purchase of a home from a much more emotional standpoint. That is entirely understandable. Sure, we check to make sure we are in the required school district, but after that it all gets a bit hazy. We walk onto the property, we love the rose bushes in the front yard, the flooring in the dining room is superb, the window coverings are to die for and the backyard barbeque area is just perfect.

In reality, and realty, these things are just superficial accoutrements. They are important, at some level, in the sense that you have to be attracted to the home in the first place, but before you make an offer you really need to cast a more critical eye over the property. Walk to the very back of the property. You might get a better view of the roof and chimney. Does it look ship shape up there, or will it need work. Are the floors even, or do they slope? Do the stairs creak and groan? How are the walls? Are they straight and even or do they look like they've been patched up lately, maybe from water damage. Sniff around the bathroom and under the sink. Any mildew-like odors emanating from there? Walk the perimeter of the structure looking for any foundation cracks or settling. Walk to the street for a different angle of the roof. Check the driveways and walkways for cracking. Their replacement can add up to big bucks.

I know what you're thinking; I'm going to get a professional inspection done anyway. Right you are and, of course, you always should. But you might discover something that puts you off the property before you incur that expense. Plus, having a good look around may influence the price you wish to offer, if you find items that will require attention.

Two final points. If they are around, talk to the neighbors as they can be invaluable sources of information, both good and bad. Finally, come check the place out after dark, you never know what you may discover.

Happy Hunting.

Preparing Your Home For Sale-A Guide to Listing Your Home

When You drive up to your house, maybe on the way home from work, or the gym, do you always approach from the same direction? Well, stop it. My point is, and bear with me because I do have one, how does your home present itself from all directions to a potential buyer? By driving up from the other direction, you may see your trash cans or some other visually displeasing feature that might be easily fixed, and improve the chances of your homes first impression being a good one for everybody. It's a variation of an old Realtor trick. When approaching a home, we try to take the most scenic route. Is it dishonest? Not at all. It is our job to show the home in the best possible light.

Do you ever walk up to your front door? I rarely do. I drive up, park my car and walk round to the back door, where I am greeted by my dog, and enter the house through the kitchen door. Just my habit. However, the point is that you need to view the front of your home very critically as this is what potential home buyers will see first. Is it neat and tidy? Is it swept? Is the front door clean and shiny or could it use a lick of paint? How about some colorful plants; maybe in pots? You get the idea. The point is, as they say, you only get ONE chance to make a first impression, so make it count.

Recently, I have been showing and selling a lot of homes in the Gilbert, Arizona area that are vacant, normally owned by "investors" deserting us for calmer seas. The problem is that some of them look a bit worn out. You can see the vague outline on the wall where pictures used to hang. Or the rubbing mark left on the wall where the sofa used to be. Often, you leave the home feeling a little "grubby". One of the best investments you can make when "fluffing up" your home is paint and carpet. For around $20 per room, you can paint and transform a room from drab to dynamite in about half a day. Add new carpet, with temporary plastic trails to protect it, and a buyer feels like they are getting something special and new. We all like that feeling. The point here is that as the market has returned to normal, especially here in Phoenix, buyers have a lot more choices, so your home needs to stand out. In some Arizona communities there are upwards of 500 homes available within a price range that are all competing for buyers. In some of those communities they are still building comparably priced new homes that are also in competition. The market is really quite healthy at the moment, although prices are softening a little. Homes are back to selling in around 60 days, as opposed to the 30 day average of last year. Interest rates remain historically low. Many buyers, who last year thought their chances of home ownership had slipped out of their reach, are back; ready and able to buy as the market temporarily slows and gives them a second bite of the apple.

Remember, it is very competitive out there. Make your home stand out, price it well, and it will sell.

Now go sweep that porch.

Listing Your Home is Easy, Selling is the Hard Part

Last year, to be a successful real estate agent all you had to do was get any listing. Underpriced? Never mind, multiple offers will fix that. Overpriced? Never mind, we'll get there in a week or two. Anyone who could fog a mirror could be a real estate pro.
This year, it's going to be a slightly bumpier ride, so make sure the Realtor you list your home with has enough experience to handle the current market conditions. Last January, the Greater Phoenix area had just above 3000 listings; this January the number is over 33,000, which is a much more normal level and will restore balance to the market. The key to success in the real estate market is often said to be listings. That is partly true. The real key is "saleable" listings which means the price has to be right. Yesterday, a lender remarked to me that many appraisals, of late, have been coming in over price. That is to be expected because the superheated market of last fall, which has cooled considerably, is still recent enough to be used as comparables. And therein lies the rub. An inexperienced agent will use those comps to justify a high listing price which will placate an owner temporarily, but won't get the house sold. I have had supposedly experienced agents attempt to justify their high, in my opinion, listing prices by stating "similar homes in the area are for sale at the same price". Right, and they're not selling either.
A good Realtor should persuade an owner of the benefits of not overpricing, in order to list and sell a property promptly for the best price. The only thing that fixes everything wrong with a home is price.
In order to survive a species has to adapt; the same can be said of Realtors and, of course, sellers.

Thinking About Retiring to Arizona?

When moving to an unfamiliar community, like Cave Creek or Carefree, Arizona, it is important that you engage a Cave Creek Realtor who will possess intimate knowledge of the amenities and nuances of the neighborhood. Cave Creek, Arizona is essentially an old cowboy town that, whilst retaining true to its roots, also caters to a growing core of residents who enjoy the equestrian, hiking and golfing opportunities that Cave Creek has to offer. Cave Creek provides homes that range from simple seasonal townhomes to luxurious spacious compounds. Cave Creek real estate runs the gamut from desert landscaping, mountain top aeries, hillside estates, golf club properties and spectacular wilderness getaways bordering state land.
Carefree is another upscale community bordering Cave Creek, AZ, which also sports a thriving community with upscale shopping, dining, and an artist community that is the envy of the state, all minutes from Scottsdale.
Carefree and Cave Creek real estate is a magnet to automobile enthusiasts from around the country. Arizona offers fantastic scenic drives on uncrowded roads that attract both motoring and motorcycling aficionados alike. Recreational vehicles abound and many Cave Creek and Carefree luxury homes include facilities to accommodate them. Oversized garages are often included in these Sonoran desert hideaways to house the family toys and heirlooms.
Many people are astonished to learn that the great state of Arizona is also home to the highest number of boats per capita in the USA. Yes, even in the middle of the Arizona desert, waterfront real estate is a possibility for the marine enthusiast.
Of course, your Cave Creek real estate professional would be privy to all this information and is the reason that when selecting an agent for that long awaited move to Arizona, you should pick someone who lives in the community you are considering. Go to our website at www.garizonaproperties.com for complete information on Cave Creek, AZ and the surrounding communities.
Finally, your Cave Creek home will be an excellent central base from which to discover the rest of the state of Arizona, be it the theater district of downtown Phoenix all the way up to the Grand Canyon.
Come home to Cave Creek or Carefree Arizona, you know it makes sense.

The Times They Are A-Changing....

What started out as a trickle is now becoming a very steady stream of price reductions in the Phoenix metropolitan area. Admittedly, some of these homes were overpriced to begin with, but the cold harsh reality is that prices will come down as supply now exceeds demand.
So who, or what, is driving the steady fall of prices. The same folks who helped fuel the dramatic increase of the last year, or so; "investors". In many communities in the greater Phoenix area a very large percentage of homes are owned by "investors". In many cases they have seen a 50% increase in the homes value in the last 18 months and now they want to cash out. As quickly as the prices ran up, that's how quickly they could go down again. Remember, as eagerly as these "investors" trampled over each other to overbid prices on the way up, that's exactly what they will do to each other on the way down. It's going to be a dog eat dog world for a while on the way back to normalcy.
Yesterday, I read of a couple who, having already purchased a larger home, were not getting anywhere near the interest they thought they would on their currently listed home. They decided to wait it out. I would have to say that is a very brave decision. Plus the fact that area rents remain relatively low, it is also an expensive decision as these homes will not carry themselves financially.
What does it all mean? Well, genuine owner-occupiers will be giving back some of the equity they have earned, although I would be very surprised if we see wholesale price plummeting. More likely, if you picked up 40-50%, you might give back 10-15%, but in the long haul (say 5-10 years) you will be fine. For buyers it's good news. They will benefit from lower, and steady prices, with more choices and a bit more time to make their decisions. Now, they will have the luxury of being able so sleep on a decision without pressure.
What of the "investors" I hear you cry? Let's hope they don't get burnt. Too badly.

Wanna Junk Junk Mail?

I'm willing to bet that junk mail is like cockroaches, difficult to destroy entirely. But here are a few tips I came across recently, that might save a few trees, along with your sanity.
Firstly, you can have your name removed from the mailing lists used to flood you with unsolicited credit card and insurance offers. Just by calling (888)567-8688, an automated service, will remove you from the lists of the major credit bureaus. Or you can do it online at www.optoutprescreen.com .
Next, are you one of those that always fills out the warranty card on your new purchase? Well, you don't have to and you are still covered. Mostly, they use the info you provide to create a mailing list. To be removed, write to this address:
NDL List Order Services
1621 18th St., STE 300
Denver, CO 80202
Then, and this may be the most effective of all, the Direct Marketing Assoc. believes that dropping them a line will stop up to 75% of all mailings to your house.
Drop them a postcard with your name, address and signature to:
Mail Preference Service
Direct Marketing Assoc.
P.O. Box 643
Carmel, NY 10512
Finally, I hear you cry, how can I stop realtors from calling me? Just register on line at the National Do Not Call registry.
You can't say I'm not a fair man.....

New Year, New Attitude and New Batteries

Welcome to 2006. This is the time of year that we traditionally make resolutions to be slimmer, better and healthier. How about safer?
This is a great time of year to go around the house and test those smoke-detectors. Press the button, listen for the squeak, comfort the dog and move on. Remember, a waning detector will start to make plaintive squeaks to let you know it's on the way out. Eventually it will die! Many people, and I'm one of them, say "hang the expense" and replace the batteries annually. Small price to pay for peace of mind. If you are installing new ones remember to read the instructions carefully regarding positioning as this can have a vital effect on performance. Also, do not paint them when redecorating as this can render them useless, with potentially disastrous results. This year I installed an additional one in my office area at the far end of the house. Because, like most of us, my computer, fax machine and printer are always plugged in , and early warning of any problem would be greatly appreciated.
Another potential danger area is the exhaust on your tumble dryer. Over the course of a year, lint can build up in the flexible tube, which not only represents a fire hazard, but also reduces the efficiency of your dryer which will cost you more money to run. Unclip both ends, clean it out and replace.
Who knows, after going up and down the step-ladder checking detectors, and bending down to service the dryer, you might even lose a couple of pounds for your trouble.
Good luck and stay safe in 2006.

Selecting An Agent

Whether you are a seller or a buyer, selecting an agent to work with can be a daunting task. Unfortunately, for many folks, real estate practitioners rank slightly above snake-oil salesmen in the popularity scale of life. Every profession has its rogues, and real estate is no exception, but the reality is that the vast majority are hard-working, honest people just like you. Make sure your agent is a member of the National Association of Realtors, as this means they have a written "Code of Ethics" that must be strictly adhered to, and gives you some recourse if there is a problem.
Everybody always says interview three agents before you decide and I agree, but even then it can be hard to make a decision. Always go with you gut. If you feel a little uncomfortable, move on. You will spend a lot of time with your agent so it is essential that you feel at ease.
One of the best ways of finding a good agent, as is the case with many service providers, is by referral: ask your friends, colleagues and neighbors who they used. Nothing is more pleasing to a real estate professional than a referral from a satisfied client.
Finally, many people say stay away from a rookie. I disagree, with the following caveat. Under the right supervision, from a reputable company, often with a mentor, a newbie can be a great agent. They often have great enthusiasm, can offer undivided attention and will likely repay your faith in them. Remember, this is a rookie who admits to being a rookie, not someone who tries to pull the wool over your eyes. Who knows, you might meet an agent for life.