Sept. 23, 2015

October 3rd-New Changes & New Terms When Buying a Home

Along with changing the rules and forms, the CFPB changes that take affect on October 3rd, 2015 also include new terms.  Here's another informative video from Fidelity National Title that explains the new terms:

 

Sept. 23, 2015

Coming October 3rd! New Forms and New Rules for Buying a Home!

Are you aware of the new changes happening October 3rd, 2015?  If you are using financing to purchase a home your transaction is about to change.  Here's a great video by Chicago Title explaining the new forms and the new rules.  Please note the video references August 1st being the start date, but it was postponed until October 3rd.

 

Sept. 23, 2015

What is Title Insurance?

Why do you need title insurance when you purchase a home?  Check out this video and find out why it's important to protect yourself:

 

Sept. 23, 2015

How Is Buying a Home Changing and What is the CFPB?

What is the CFPB?  Starting October 3rd the CFPB is changing the way you close on a new home.  Watch Fidelity National Title's video to learn more:

 

Sept. 23, 2015

Title Insurance and the CFPB TRID Changes

 

What do you need to know about title insurance and the new CFPB changes coming?  Check out this great video by Fidelity National Title Agency:

Sept. 5, 2015

August 2015 MLS Market Report for Phoenix

August 2015 MLS Monthly Market Report for Phoenix

The monthly market report is ready for you to view or download.  Click on the image below to access.  Please feel free to share this information with your friends and family.

Same story as last month, inventory continues to decrease and multiple offers are common with houses $200,000 and under.  Even though our selling season should be over, we are still seeing quite a bit of activity.  Buyers are trying to take advantage of interest rates that are still low.

Click on the image below to view the August 2015 Market Report, you can download this pdf: August 2015 MLS Market Report

Posted in Market Statistics
Sept. 4, 2015

An Annual Home Inspection Can Save You Money!

Annual Home InspectionWhen you purchased your home you most likely had a home inspection done by a licensed home inspector.  Hopefully you completed the small items and listened to the ideas the inspector pointed out (small items that the sellers didn't fix).  It's important that you don't stop there, your home will need attention throughout the years you live there.  By completing your own annual home inspection you can save money and prevent problems.

The National Association of Realtors has provided some great tips on what to look for:

  • Use binoculars to check out high walls, chimney, and the roof.  There shouldn't be any discoloration, cracks, uneven spots, wood rot or broken roof tiles.
  • Make sure gutters and downspouts are clear of debris and looked for cracked or peeling paint.
  • Keep an eye on the grade around the foundation (popular spot for termites too), check the driveway and garage for loose or cracked asphalt.
  • Examine the caulk and other seals around windows.
  • Make sure there are not any leaks in your landscaping watering system (this should be checked more than once a year).
  • Inside check the walls and ceilings for anything that suggest mildew, mold or moisture, including the inside of closets.
  • Inspect kitchen backsplashes and seals for any open spaces that may let moisture in.
  • Check tub and shower surrounds for entry points for water, caulk any areas.
  • Turn on hot and cold water at every faucet to look for leaks, make sure to look under the sink for any sign of leaks.
  • Turn on the heating and cooling system and let run for a few minutes.  Listen for any irregular sounds and check for loose pipes.  
  • Inspect the water heater to ensure there are no loose pipes. 

Especially in Arizona where we give our A/C units quite the workout during the summer, it's best to have a pre-summer annual check up by an A/C company.  You should also get a pre-winter check up for your heating system.  If you have a home warranty plan they may have a program for this.  It is also recommended to have your water heater flushed to remove the sediment that can build up.  

If any part of your home looks like it could use some repair call the appropriate contractor to come out and give you an opinion and/or a quote.  It's usually best to catch things early, most things just get worse with time.  If you live in Phoenix's West Valley and need a recommendation for a contractor contact Cinda at 623-252-9350.  Or by email at cinda@wvhometeam.com.

 

Sept. 4, 2015

What's the Real Estate Market Like? Sign Up For Market Snapshot

SELLERS:  Are you considering selling a home in Phoenix's West Valley?  Sign up below for Market Snapshot to keep tabs on all the activity around your home including new listings, pending and sold properties.

FREE MARKET REPORT-Featuring the MLS Market Snapshot with real time data, all data is straight from the MLS.  Find out:

  • What homes are currently for sale in my neighborhood?
  • What have homes sold for in my neighborhood?
  • How fast are homes selling right now in my neighborhood?
  • Hod do actual selling prices compare to listing prices in my area?

BUYERS:  This tool is great for buyers too!  Keep track of all the latest Active and Sold listings, view these homes on a map and find out the days on market for each listing.

To receive our FREE Market Snapshot just fill out the form below.

 

Our FREE Market Snapshot is the latest and greatest tool available to both Buyers and Sellers.  It is a fully interactive MLS enabled home search that:

  • Gives you all the latest ACTIVE and SOLD listings in Phoenix’s West Valley:  Goodyear, Litchfield Park, Avondale, Buckeye and Surprise Area.
  • Displays a full satellite map of the location of all the listings.
  • Enables you to compare list prices vs. sold prices.
  • Shows days on the market for each listing.
  • Number of homes listed vs. homes sold.
  • FREE neighborhood report.
  • FREE report delivered to your email within minutes of your request.

 

To receive our FREE Market Snapshot just fill out the form above, or call your local West Valley real estate expert at (623)252-9350.

In this changing Real Estate market it’s becoming more and more important for both Buyers and Sellers to become more informed not only on their local market but the market as a whole. Market Snapshot will enable Buyers to view all the recent Active and Sold listings in a specific zip code and compare all aspects of the listings enabling the Buyer to make a more educated and informed decision. 

For Sellers it will allow them to again view all Active and Sold listings in their neighborhood and help them properly price out their home for the best chance at a quick sale.  Sellers can also keep an eye on competition during their listing period and adjust their sales price accordingly.

Feel free to call us at 623-252-9350 with any questions.

 

 

Sept. 3, 2015

Things To Do After Moving to Arizona

You've found a home in Arizona and completed your move, now what?  Here's some important things you should do after relocating to a new state:

Register Your Vehicle in Arizona1.  Register Your Vehicle

When you move to a new state you are required to register your vehicle in the new state.  If you are moving to Arizona, here's click here to go to the Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicles site:  Driver Services

2.  Get a New Driver's License

While your there, also check out how you can obtain a new driver's license.

3.  Update Your Car Insurance and If Applicable Your Renter's Insurance

Contact your insurance company and update you car insurance or renter's insurance.  If you purchased a new home your home owner's insurance should have been updated during the transaction.  


We've Moved4.  Update Your Address With Important Contacts

Update your address with your banks, credit card companies, PayPal, Amazon, friends and family. If you haven't already done so fill out a change of address form with the United States Postal Service here:  Change of Address Online.

5.  Get to Know Your Neighborhood and Neighbors

There used to be a time when you moved into a new neighborhood neighbors would come over with cookies and introduce themselves.  Instead of waiting for the neighbors to come to you, host a open house at your house with wine and cheese.  Pass out invitations and try to meet your neighbors beforehand.

6.  Ask Around for Doctor and Dentist Referrals

During your open house or when you are passing out invitations, ask your neighbors for referrals to a primary care physician as well as a dentist.  If someone has a great doctor they are sure to recommend him or her which makes your search easier.  

7. Update Your Voting Registration

When you move you also need to update your voter registration.  You can do so by visiting www.eac.go.

8.  Check out the Restaurants and Shopping in Your New Neighborhood

During your open house you can also ask your new neighbors about great restaurants or the best grocery store in the neighborhood.  You can also find out about local farmer's markets and other activities.

Register Kids at New Schools9.  Register the Kids at Their New Schools

10.  Find a New Veterinarian For the Pets

11.  File Your Moving Expenses Receipts

Make sure you have your Bill of Lading and payment receipt, you may be able to claim your move on your tax return.

12.  Keep the closing documents provided by the title company for your taxes. 

Sept. 2, 2015

What is a Buckeye CFD?

Certain subdivisions in Buckeye have a Community Facilities District (CFD) assessment.   These assessments are not connected to the Homeowners Association (HOA).  The CFDs were put into place as a way to finance the acquisition, construction, operation and maintenance of various types of public infrastructure including:

  • Roadways and Parking
  • Water Systems & Sewer Systems
  • Parks and Open Spaces
  • Pedestrian Walk Ways, Hiking, Biking and Walking Trails
  • Landscaping
  • Drainage Systems
  • Public Lighting
  • Public Buildings
  • Fire Protection
  • Public Safety Facilities
  • Traffic Safety
  • Equipment, Furnishings and Vehicles

It is very important to speak with the City of Buckeye to find out if there is a balance due for the property.  The Buckeye CFD is considered a District Assessment Lien Bond that gets paid bi-annually by the homeowner.  Since the CFD is a lien, it could affect getting a loan on the property. If you are looking for a home in Buckeye it is imperative to speak to your lender to make sure they can complete a loan with a CFD attached to the property.  Since failure to pay the CFD can result in foreclosure, some lenders won't provide financing on a home with a CFD assessment.  With that being said we see buyers get loans on properties with a CFD all of the time.  

Some of the subdivisions may also have a General obligation bond which is repaid by property taxes on the taxable property within a CFD.  

Not every subdivision in Buckeye has a CFD.  Here's a list of the subdivisions listed on the City of Buckeye website that have a CFD:  

 

  CFD-Special Taxes-General
  Assessment Obligation  
  LIEN Bond Bond  
COMMUNITY FACILITIES DISTRICTS      
Anthem Sun Valley CFD No O&M  
Elianto CFD No O&M  
Festival Ranch CFD Yes Yes  
Mirielle CFD No O&M  
Sundance CFD Yes Yes  
Tartesso West CFD No Yes  
Trillium CFD No O&M  
Verrado District 1 CFD No Yes  
Verrado Western Overlay CFD No Yes  
Watson Rd CFD Yes No  
Westpark CFD Yes Yes  
IMPROVEMENT DISTRICTS      
Miller Rd ID Yes No  
Jackrabbit Trl ID

Yes

No

 

Assessments may be paid in full at any time without prepayment penalties.  It is the responsibility of the title company to notify you of a CFD as they have to ensure a buyer obtains clear title.  The title company will order a title report which will disclose the presence of a CFD.  However, it's best to call the City of Buckeye prior to making an offer on a property to find out the balance due or what your bi-annual payments would be.  And of course to notify your mortgage company of the CFD as well.  They may request that you pay off the balance.  You can call the City of Buckeye at 623-349-6159 to find out the property's CFD information.