Chandler Arizona Real Estate Blog

Support the Santan Jr. High School Band in Chandler and receive a tax credit!

Amy Jones (Chandler, Arizona RE/Max Elite) — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 20:59:12 -0600

Why not tell the State of Arizona exactly where to spend your tax dollars? Arizona offers taxpayers an opportunity to donate toward Arizona Public Schools extracurricular activities and receive a dollar for dollar tax credit for that donation. That means if you make a donation, you will get every penny of it back on your tax return!

How much can you donate? As much as you want of course...BUT if you would like the dollar for dollar tax credit there is a cap on that credit donation. Taxpayers who are "married filing jointly" can donate up to $400.00 per calendar year. For those filing "Single", "Head of Household" or "Married, filing separately", a $200.00 donation per calendar year can be made.

If you'd like to take advantage of this tax savings, and you're looking for a worthy extracurricular activity to donate to, please consider the Santan Band at Santan Jr. High in Chandler. Band Director, Jeremy Kane says the contributions are an important part of their music program and funds will be used to help buy instruments and music along with many other musical education needs. If you're wondering about the importance of band programs in our schools, Just check this out 10-reasons-to-stay-in-band.

Contributions eligible for tax credit are donated directly to schools, not to the state or school district.

Making a contribution to the Santan Jr. High Band Program is easy. You can contribute online using a credit card through the Chandler Unified School District Website.

Simply click on "Contribute Online",
then click on "Make a Donation"
select "Santan Jr. High" under the School Drop Down list
select "Band" under the Activity Drop Down list
input your contribution amount
click continue and you will be taken to the credit card information page

OR~

If you're more comfortable writing a check and sending it by mail simply download the contribution form and mail it in. That's all there is to it!

Some employers will match employees contributions, so make sure you check with your employer to see if your employer will match your contribution.

Your support of the Santan Jr. High Band is greatly appreciated. Jeremy Kane and his students thank you!

The day dad came home.

Amy Jones (Chandler, Arizona RE/Max Elite) — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 01:39:43 -0600

Dad came home today exactly 50 days after we said good-bye. He came home by special delivery...in a little black box.

ScienceCare took good care of him and enclosed a certificate that said he was cremated on 10/30/2008. Just as dad wanted, his body was used for medical research when his body could no longer be used by him.

I couldn't decide if I was happy or sad to see the little black box. I thought dad needed to sit in his chair just one last time. So we did...just him and me and that felt good somehow. We talked...well, I talked, he listened...and that felt good too. I turned on his beloved golf channel, but thought that was just a little over the border of sanity since I still don't like golf and I know dad understands that. So we sat....just dad and me... in the quiet...in his chair.

We sat and I thought. I thought about how mom came home much the same way after she died in 2001. Mom still gets mail, mostly from fitness centers. I thought about how Dad usually left mom's mail next to that little black box for a day because it made him smile. He'd also tap on the box to wish her ‘Happy Birthday' and ‘Happy Mother's Day'. Today I thought "I'll have to get a bigger box so they can share that space." I think they'd like that.

And then I thought... "So, this is it, huh?" All those years of living, loving, laughing and crying...then ‘poof'...just like that, you're a baggie full of ashes in a little black box.

But then I heard it...faintly, but I definitely heard it...a giggle...dad's giggle. A giggle that confirmed what I already knew...that the little black box is just the beginning. With faith and by the grace of God, the little black box means we've made it.

Dad didn't come home today...the little black box did. Dad's not in the box. Dad made it home 50 days ago. The little black box is just a reminder. A reminder that dad and mom free.

So, I tapped dad's little black box and set it next to mom's....right next to the mail he got today....and with that, like dad... I smiled.

A Veteran's Day without Dad

Amy Jones (Chandler, Arizona RE/Max Elite) — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 19:37:26 -0600

I've bragged about my dad, Richard "Mac" McGarrigle before and I'll probably brag about my dad until I draw my last breath. Dad was a US Navy Veteran (20 years, Retired, Chief Boiler Technician, WWII) who lived with my husband, TJ, and I until he passed away last month after a long brave fight with Cancer.

Dad taught me everything I know about patriotism... He taught me that you could have 3 ships sunk right out from under you and never hold a grudge against anyone. He taught me to salute our flag by putting my hand over my heart whenever it passes by in a parade or whenever the National Anthem is played. He taught me you don't talk or chew gum when you're saluting our flag. He taught me that you should never wear your hat when you're saluting our flag, either.

Sometimes I wonder if the general population knows anything about flag etiquette? It sure doesn't seem like it when I'm watching a crowd anytime the flag is presented or the National Anthem is played. So many seem oblivious to our flag as it passes by and aren't even hearing the words of our National Anthem. I know many feel it's not "cool" to salute our flag. But really, it's not "cool" when you don't.

Maybe we should do a better job as parents teaching our children about patriotism. Veteran's day is more than a day off work or school. It's more than just a day when the mail doesn't come. It's a day to remember those who have served our country. It's a day to fly the American Flag.

For the first time, Dad wasn't here to put the flag out today. So with tears in my eyes I gently unrolled dad's flag. The flag he had so carefully put away the last time he took it down. Today I put the flag out for Dad and the tears fell. Tears because I miss dad terribly and because I'm proud of him for giving 20 years of his life fighting for our country. So, for dad and for Veterans everywhere.... I say "thank you" from the bottom of my patriotic heart.

Just Listed in Carmel Bay at Ocotillo in Chandler, AZ

Amy Jones (Chandler, Arizona RE/Max Elite) — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 22:22:15 -0600

Amy Jones | RE/Max Elite | 480-250-3857

807 W Carob Drive, Chandler, AZ

3BR/2BA Single Family House

offered at $260,000

Year Built	1996
Sq Footage	1,899
Bedrooms	3
Bathrooms	2 full, 0 partial
Floors	1
Parking	2 Car garage
Lot Size	6,103 sqft
HOA/Maint	$56 per month

DESCRIPTION

Original owners have loved this home and it shows inside and out.
Popular 3 bedroom floorplan which includes master bedroom with large sitting room that could be used as a den/retreat.
Vaulted ceilings and decorator shelf accents & niches throughout.
Lushly landscaped lot and located just down the street from Basha Elementary School.
Situated in desirable Carmel Bay in Ocotillo, a community where residents can enjoy the lake & tennis court ammenities as well as discounts on golf at the award winning Ocotillo Golf Club.
This one's calling your name!

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

Central heat	High/Vaulted ceiling	Walk-in closet
Tile floor	Family room	Living room
Office/Den	Dining room	Breakfast nook
Dishwasher	Refrigerator	Stove/Oven
Microwave	Granite countertop	Washer
Dryer	Laundry area - inside	Balcony, Deck, or Patio
Yard

COMMUNITY FEATURES

Tennis court(s)

Golf course

Playground

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Seller contact info:

Amy Jones

RE/Max Elite

480-250-3857

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: Nov 10, 2008, 1:44pm PST

A snapshot of Gilbert AZ Home Prices

Amy Jones (Chandler, Arizona RE/Max Elite) — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 12:21:16 -0600

Home prices in Gilbert, Arizona continue to fall however, the decline seems to be tapering off. Good news for Sellers and a sign for buyers that it may be time to get off the fence!

Just Listed ~ Upgraded in Gated Community in Chandler, AZ

Amy Jones (Chandler, Arizona RE/Max Elite) — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 19:20:24 -0600

Amy Jones | RE/Max Elite | 480-250-3857

3906 W Roundabout Circle, Chandler, AZ

3 bedroom, 2 bath in fabulous location!

3BR/2BA Single Family House

offered at $250,000

Year Built	2005
Sq Footage	1,350
Bedrooms	3
Bathrooms	2 full, 0 partial
Floors	1
Parking	2 Car garage
Lot Size	4,265 sqft
HOA/Maint	$98 per month

DESCRIPTION

LOCATION! LOCATION! LOCATION and even better than gorgeous!
This home truly shows like a model. Upgrades galore including
Granite Countertops;
Upgraded Maple Cabinets;
Stainless Appliances;
18in. Tile;
Upgraded Carpet;
Built-in Maple Entertainment Center in Great Room;
Built-in Desk/Workstation in 3rd Bedroom/Den with double-door entry & closet;
Water Softener;
R/O System.
Windmill Villas is a Gated community nestled in the Kyrene Corridor near all amenities. This one deserves the 'WOW' rating!

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

Central A/C	Central heat	Walk-in closet
Tile floor	Living room	Office/Den
Dining room	Dishwasher	Stove/Oven
Stainless steel appliances	Laundry area - inside	Balcony, Deck, or Patio
Yard

COMMUNITY FEATURES

Playground

Gated property

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Seller contact info:

Amy Jones

RE/Max Elite

480-250-3857

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: Nov 5, 2008, 5:12pm PST

A new tax credit that will help AZ military families

Amy Jones (Chandler, Arizona RE/Max Elite) — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 21:39:56 -0600

Military families and the issues they face is something that's near and dear to my heart. Not only are these brave men and women fighting to keep our country safe, my dad was a 20-year retired US Navy Veteran, so I know the sacrifices these families make.

The Arizona Military Family Relief Fund was established to assist Arizona military families with any financial crisis that may occur.

By donating to this worthy effort, not only will you benefit from feeling the "warm fuzzies" knowing you have helped, this year you can donate up to $400 and receive a dollar for dollar state tax credit for your donation.

It's simple to do. Just download the contribution form. Fill out the form and mail it in with your check attached and they will send you a receipt you can use to receive your state tax credit.

Don't wait too long if you want the tax credit. According to their website, the total donation tax credits cannot exceed 1 Million Dollars.

You have to pay your Arizona State Taxes anyway, so why not tell them where to use the money? Oh...and don't keep this a secret. Please spread the word!

Arizona Builder Brown Family Communities closes their doors...but what happens to their buyers?

Amy Jones (Chandler, Arizona RE/Max Elite) — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 21:32:35 -0500

I was shocked when I heard the news this morning that Brown Family Communities (BFC) had gone out of business effective last Friday. It was especially concerning since I am currently representing an out of state buyer who is just a couple weeks away from closing on a BFC home being built in their Whispering Heights community in Chandler. So, now what? How do I break that to my buyer and what's going to happen to their thousands of dollars in earnest money?

I received a call from a representative from BFC this morning

How Old is Old When it Comes to a House?

Amy Jones (Chandler, Arizona RE/Max Elite) — Sun, 26 Oct 2008 16:06:10 -0500

I grew up in a house in the midwest that was built in the early 1800's. I guess that's why I laugh when a buyer tells me a house built in 1988 is too old.

The house I grew up in on Lincoln Street in Waukegan, Illinois had a cellar, complete with dirt floor. It had a coal bin with a shoot that led from the outside into the cellar so that the coal burning furnace could be stoked in the winter, until that was changed over to an oil furnace. I still remember the oil truck coming to fill up the tank. The cellar was shallow so that you had to bend over ever so slightly when you went down there to do the laundry. It was creepy. I miss it.

San Tan Village in Gilbert...still disappointing after a year

Amy Jones (Chandler, Arizona RE/Max Elite) — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 18:09:20 -0500

I thought it would be a nice day out for my daughter and I to browse the San Tan Village shops in Gilbert. I should have taken into consideration this is not your typical refrigerated mall. It was hot the day we started our trek. Something like 112 degrees...in the shade.

I was excited at the prospect of a "downtown" shopping experience. When I was growing up in Waukegan, Illinois, downtown was the only place to shop. But, I don't think it was ever 112 degrees (in the shade) in Waukegan.

San Tan Village disappointed me. Just a bunch of stores strung together. Not much in the way of ambiance at the street either. Read More

Sell your home in 60 minutes...with these magic beans!

Amy Jones (Chandler, Arizona RE/Max Elite) — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 19:10:39 -0500

I just about choked on my chalupa when I saw this ad on AZ Central. Call me crazy, but I don't think this is an honest ad. I don't believe you can get rid of wrinkles in 60 minutes with magic face cream. The fine print actually hints to the fact that this is not really a before and after photo. Umm, you're kidding...Really? Brilliant marketing however, as they certainly got my attention, even if they didn't get my credit card number.

Likewise, you probably can't sell a home in today's market in 60 minutes. 4 years ago? If a home was on the market longer than 60 minutes, we wondered what was wrong with it.

Stinky Cheese House and other infamous landmarks

Amy Jones (Chandler, Arizona RE/Max Elite) — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 22:38:41 -0500

Buyers today are looking at more than a few houses before finding the perfect home to buy. Some homes will invariably stand out more than others, but this is not necessarily a good thing. Houses with not-so-positive features often end up with some very creative nicknames by some very creative buyers. After all, the home seeking adventure should be fun, right?

Take for instance the home with the most indescribable odor that became known to my buyers as "Stinky Cheese House". Read more...

Despite Media Reports, Homes in Chandler ARE selling!

Amy Jones (Chandler, Arizona RE/Max Elite) — Sun, 19 Oct 2008 12:40:32 -0500

With all the doom and gloom market reporting in the media, home buyers think they have plenty of time to mull over their favorite home choices before making a decision to write an offer on one.

Yes, some homes are hanging around awhile on MLS, however half of my listings this year have sold in less than a month and several have sold in less than a week. This week one of my listings was only on the market 3 days when we accepted an offer. Agents calling to schedule a showing appointment are shocked when they find out the home sold in only a few days while their buyers pondered whether they wanted to go back for a second look. Nope...no time for second looks.

Does this house make my butt look big?

Amy Jones (Chandler, Arizona RE/Max Elite) — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 19:27:31 -0500

I've long ago given up thinking I know exactly what my buyers are looking for before I take them out for the first time to look at homes. It's a lot like picking out clothes for friend. You may it will fit them to a "T", but until they try it on...you just don't know.

I remember the day when I first starting selling real estate and I walked into a home with my buyer in tow. The house was a wreck and it smelled bad too. The first words out of my mouth were "Wow, what a dump". Much to my chagrin, my buyer's loved the house and ended up writing buying it. Little hard for me to get the foot out of my mouth on that one.

Just Listed on Greenbelt in Heatherbrook ~ Chandler, AZ

Amy Jones (Chandler, Arizona RE/Max Elite) — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 21:11:51 -0500

Amy Jones | RE/Max Elite | 480-250-3857

2412 W Mission Drive, Chandler, AZ

Just Listed! 4 bedroom, 2 bath beauty!

4BR/2BA Single Family House

offered at $290,000

Year Built	1985
Sq Footage	2,204
Bedrooms	4
Bathrooms	2 full, 0 partial
Floors	1
Parking	2 Car garage
Lot Size	8,751 sqft
HOA/Maint	$46 per month

DESCRIPTION

It's like owning your own park! Located at the end of a culdesac surrounded by greenbelt, with community pool & tennis courts...close but not too close...right across the greenbelt.

Home has been loved & it shows. Plantation shutters & custom tile flooring. Recently remodeled to include beautiful stone tiled master bath with stone vanity tops & custom fixtures.

Elegant formal entry with formal living & dining rooms. Kitchen open to family room with cozy woodburning fireplace. A covered patio & beautiful shade tree out back.

Save gas...see this one first! You'll be glad you did.

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

Central A/C	Central heat	Fireplace
High/Vaulted ceiling	Tile floor	Family room
Living room	Office/Den	Dining room
Breakfast nook	Dishwasher	Refrigerator
Stove/Oven	Microwave	Washer
Laundry area - inside	Balcony, Deck, or Patio	Yard

COMMUNITY FEATURES

Swimming pool(s)

Tennis court(s)

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Seller contact info:

Amy Jones

RE/Max Elite

480-250-3857

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: Oct 15, 2008, 7:18pm PDT

Tried & True? Will St. Joseph help you sell your home?

Amy Jones (Chandler, Arizona RE/Max Elite) — Sun, 12 Oct 2008 12:59:15 -0500

Sellers today feel more in need of a miracle than ever when trying to sell their homes. A plastic St. Joseph statue is the "miracle magnet" of choice for many.

The custom of burying a St. Joseph statue when trying to sell a home dates back to at least 1984 in the U.S. but it gained more popularity in 1990's when Realtors started buying mass quantities of the plastic saint, giving instructions to sellers to bury the little guy (can I call a Saint a "little guy"...hmmm maybe not) upside down in the front yard facing away from the home. I guess burying St. Joseph upside down makes him all the more desperate to get out of the dirt and back into the home? I'm not sure.

Why St. Joseph? Why not St. Jude, the Patron Saint of Desperate Causes? Or, St. Isadore of Seville, the Patron Saint of the Internet (did you know there was a Patron Saint of the Internet?)

Got Snakes, Spiders or Scorpions? Discovery Channel's "Verminators" Wants You! (and might be able to help!)

Amy Jones (Chandler, Arizona RE/Max Elite) — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 12:25:04 -0500

I've been contacted by Discovery's Channel's Verminators who also produce the other job related shows "Deadliest Catch", "Ax Men", "Ice Road Truckers" and "America's Toughest Jobs".

The new season of "Verminators" is ready to begin production and they are currently looking for "victims" of pest infestation in California, Arizona, Ohio, Texas and Florida who are experiencing problems with infestations of spiders and scorpions and snakes ..."oh my!"

The show is primarily presented to viewers in order to document the job itself...how exterminators work together, what type of equipment they use, what kind of problems they can run into on a job, how they get rid of the pest and how they interact with their clients, etc. The purpose of the show is not to make the client look bad, but rather quite the opposite.

If you are selected to participate on Verminators, their pest eradicators will come in to remedy the problem...at no cost to you (double bonus!) Producers assure me that their purpose is not to make the "victim" look bad and will not disclose names or places if that is a concern to the participant. Of course, it can't hurt if the participant is "fun and interesting!". Oh yes, that would be me...fun and interesting. Almost makes me wish I had a pest problem....almost.

If you are experiencing problems with snakes, spiders, scorpion or even lizards and live in one of the states mentioned AND would like to be considered for the show, you can contact the producers at verminators@gmail.com . Include your name, location and an explanation of your problem. Or..log on to www.discovery.com/verminators.

Let me know if you're selected ~ I'd love to tune in!!

Ocotillo Lakefront home...even comes with a paddle boat!

Amy Jones (Chandler, Arizona RE/Max Elite) — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 21:48:17 -0500

Amy Jones | RE/Max Elite | 480-250-3857

3680 S Heath Way, Chandler, AZ

Beautiful Lakefront Property with Pool!

3BR/2.5BA Single Family House

offered at $375,000

Year Built	1997
Sq Footage	1,910
Bedrooms	3
Bathrooms	2 full, 1 partial
Floors	2
Parking	2 Car garage
Lot Size	8,120 sqft
HOA/Maint	$51 per month

DESCRIPTION

Picture yourself here ~Living in your very own waterfront retreat.
Premium oversized lot features terraced area to waters edge with tiled steps leading to concrete boat dock (Paddle boat included!).
Enjoy the sunsets over the lake from your pool with water feature. Kooldeck extends from pool to patio.
Spacious eat-in kitchen with pantry & island. Enjoy the beautiful lake views from the breakfast nook.
Gas fireplace in great room which also features soaring vaulted ceiling and amazing views of the lake and pool. Windows are wood framed in interior. Attractive wood & spindle staircase.
New Carpet and wired for security. Lemon, Lime & Orange trees too! Located near grade school and Ocotillo Golf Club (golf discounts apply!)
Take a vacation without leaving home!

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

Central A/C	Fireplace	High/Vaulted ceiling
Walk-in closet	Tile floor	Living room
Dining room	Dishwasher	Refrigerator
Stove/Oven	Microwave	Washer
Dryer	Laundry area - inside	Balcony, Deck, or Patio
Yard	Swimming pool

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Seller contact info:

Amy Jones

RE/Max Elite

480-250-3857

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: Sep 28, 2008, 10:01am PDT

Selling or Buying a Home in Ahwatukee May Cost You More

Amy Jones (Chandler, Arizona RE/Max Elite) — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 23:56:48 -0500

Have you heard? The Ahwatukee Board of Management (ABM) governing all of Ahwatukee has increased their transfer fees and has also added a capital improvement fee on all real estate transactions in Ahwatukee (that's Ahwatukee proper...not the Foothills by the way). This was apparently done with no notice to the homeowners of Ahwatukee, so if you have heard...you're in the minority.

Saying Goodbye to Dad...one Teardrop at a time

Amy Jones (Chandler, Arizona RE/Max Elite) — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 16:20:22 -0500

Richard Jerrold (Mac) McGarrigle ~ March 22, 1924 - October 2, 2008

I'm sad to say that my dad Richard "Mac" McGarrigle lost his long battle with Cancer on Thursday, October 2nd at 0630 hours (That's 6:30 am for non-military types). I was blessed to have dad living with me for the past 8 years. He brought me so much joy and my heart aches at the sight of his empty chair.

Canadian Buyers return to the Phoenix area

Amy Jones (Chandler, Arizona RE/Max Elite) — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 22:04:03 -0500

How do I know summer is almost over? Canadian buyers are planning their house buying trips to the valley. I've taken 2-4 calls every day this week from Canadians who are looking for their vacation and retirement homes in the sunshine.