Buying A Foreclosure Without A Buyer's Broker - ARE YOU KIDDING? - 09/30/10 07:56 AM
Thinking of buying a foreclosed home?  This is critical information to read and consider.  It is in your best interests to make sure you hire an agent that represents YOU - not the bank who now owns the house. Thanks to my associate and friend Candy Donofrio for writing and sharing this important information.
Via Candice A Donofrio, Broker Fort Mohave, AZ Txt 928-201-4242 :
Buying a foreclosure is risky enough without the protection and assistance your own buyer's broker can provide.
Foreclosures offer few, if any assurances from the seller.
You'll sign away more than a few sticks from your 'bundle of rights':
… (7 comments)

Craving a beer and feel good live music? Octoberfest at Moon Valley Grill with Copper Skies -- Phoenix, AZ - 09/30/10 07:44 AM
Craving a beer and feel good live music? Octoberfest at Moon Valley Grill with Copper Skies -- Phoenix, AZ

 
October is nearing, and you know what this means: OCTOBERFEST celebrations!
And this first weekend of October, you don’t want to miss Octoberfest at Moon Valley Grill. With great food, your favorite specialty brews and live music, why would you want to miss out?
A long-time friend of mine, Greg Drejza will be performing with Copper Skies alongside Ed Mendoza. These two great guys perform hits from the ‘70s to now that will be sure to bring back great memories. … (10 comments)

Take the time to help save a family: Save the Family foundation in Mesa, AZ - 09/29/10 09:58 AM
Take the time to help save a family: Save the Family foundation in Mesa, AZ


Whether you see it often or not, homeless families are abundant. And specifically in Phoenix, AZ, one foundation hasbeen helping to conquer family homelessness for more than 20 years & help said families become self-sufficient: Save the Family.
Save the Family helps homeless families with children by providing housing and programs to help these families achieve life-long independence and conquer homelessness.
In order to provide housing to as many families as possible, Save the Family teamed up with The Affordable Rental Movement (ARM). ARM … (6 comments)

HomePath® & Fannie Mae's Incentive: Closing Cost Assistance - 09/28/10 06:13 PM
HomePath® & Fannie Mae's Incentive: Closing Cost Assistance
 
Are you looking to purchase a home in the Phoenix area? But you don’t think you can afford the closing costs?
Don’t fret. There is an amazing program out there to help you out. But you’ve got to be quick; the offer ends soon.
HomePath® has a new incentive for new buyers and selling agents. Fannie Mae is offering buyers up to 3.5% in closing cost assistance. And for selling agents, Fannie Mae is offering a $1,500 bonus on HomePath® properties. Like I said, this ends soon: December 31, 2010.
But remember buyers, … (8 comments)

Musical Instrument Museum (MIM): Celebrating Music in Phoenix, AZ - 09/27/10 04:44 PM
Musical Instrument Museum (MIM): Celebrating Music in Phoenix, AZ

Silence is nearly uncommon. We listen to music in the car; music plays in most stores, and a silent room can send awkward and uncomfortable vibes throughout. Music can be an icebreaker, a relaxer, a source of joy in our lives – a common thread that binds most of us together, from all walks of life. So why not celebrate it? I am particularily excited about celebrating MIM as it's right here in Phoenix! What an awesome experience we had at the MIM.....amazing!
The Musical Instrument Museum (MIM) celebrates music as “a sustaining human … (14 comments)

Phoenix Property Shoppe’s OPEN HOUSE BONANZA! This Saturday & Sunday in Phoenix & Peoria - 09/25/10 11:52 PM
Phoenix Property Shoppe's OPEN HOUSE BONANZA! This Saturday & Sunday in Phoenix & Peoria
Here's your chance to walk through 3 different, but all beautiful homes in Phoenix & Peoria this weekend. Why Worry Estates Home: Located in a prestigious & private area of the Why Worry Estates subdivision in North Central Phoenix, this picture perfect 4-bedroom, 2-bath home with tons of storage & space is perfect for anyone looking purchase an affordable home in such a well-sought and beautiful area of Phoenix. One look and you'll want to create your dreams in this home!
 
Phoenix Property Shoppe invites … (6 comments)

Walk for Hope, Help Cure Women's Cancers: 14th Annual Phoenix Walk for Hope - 09/24/10 07:57 PM
Walk for Hope, Help Cure Women's Cancers: 14th Annual Phoenix Walk for Hope
How do you spread hope? With Hugs? Kind words? How about just by walking?
Hundreds of thousands of mothers, daughters, sisters and wives rely on hope everyday to battle the women’s cancers they’re facing. City of Hope, which offers award-winning care to help cure these diseases, is asking for your help. And all you have to do is register and walk.
City of Hope needs help raising funds for research, treatment & education through Walk for Hope.
Walk for Hope is held in 8 cities nationwide:
San Diego, … (8 comments)

Get your tennis game face on at the Gold Key Racket Club in Moon Valley, AZ - 09/23/10 04:49 PM
Get your tennis game face on at the Gold Key Racket Club in Moon Valley, AZ
 

Healthy living and lifestyles are the norm in the Moon Valley area of Phoenix, AZ – and the Gold Key Racquet Club has many members who support and perpetuate said lifestyle.
The Gold Key Racquet Club is located in a secluded & gorgeous location surrounded by the Phoenix North Mountain Preserve. The Club has programs and activities for the young and old tennis enthusiasts. With private and group instructions, members – whether a beginner or a nationally-ranked player – can hone their … (3 comments)

Homebuyers, why wait to invest in a Phoenix home? Strike now while it's HOT! - 09/22/10 05:54 PM
Homebuyers, why wait to invest in a Phoenix home? Strike now while it's HOT!
Tired of renting? Afraid you just can't afford a home right now? Well, now's the best time to BUY. The Phoenix, AZ home market is red hot, and here are the reasons why.
 
WHY INVEST NOW?
I strongly recommend that if you haven’t considered investing in a home in Phoenix, AZ, you do it SOON. And by soon, I mean now. Not only are interest rates at an unbelievable low (and the rates keep dropping week to week), home prices are also at their lowest – … (2 comments)

Football, fried food & friends: Moon Valley Grill Sports Bar & Restaurant – Phoenix, AZ - 09/22/10 09:26 AM
Football, fried food & friends: Moon Valley Grill Sports Bar & Restaurant – Phoenix, AZ 
It’s football season, and what better way to celebrate it then to eat some of the best grilled wings in Moon Valley, AZ & watch the game. Grab your friends and head down to Moon Valley Grill Sports Bar & Restaurant.
Moon Valley Grill offers sandwiches, burgers, wraps, salads, appetizers, specialty entrees (with each meal consciously paired with a specific wine on the menu) & daily specials such as .40-cent wings on Sundays and a 10 oz. cut prime rib dinner on Thursday nights for only … (7 comments)

Make sure you're not breaking the rules! Don't advertise in comments! - 09/21/10 09:29 PM
Make sure you're not breaking the rules! Don't advertise in comments!
Quite frankly, I don’t know too many people who bother really reading directions anymore. A lot of people believe they’ll understand something once they see it.
And as for this blogging stuff, psh, come on – easy! You type words into a box, slap a title and some photos on that piece of art & bam! You’ve got a blog.
But, it may come to a lot people’s surprise that there are rules within this world of ActiveRain. If there weren’t & the site wasn’t structured the way it is, … (64 comments)

Inside Moon Valley: Pointe Mountainside Golf Community -- Phoenix, AZ - 09/21/10 07:06 PM

Inside Moon Valley: Pointe Mountainside Golf Community -- Phoenix, AZ

The Pointe Mountainside Golf Community is a dream locale for those looking to live in a gorgeous, upscale area nestled in a small valley, with many amenities offered to their residents. The community has hiking & walking trails and access to the Lookout Mountain Preserve.
Pointe Mountainside has two community pools, a heated spa, volleyball courts, tennis courts & playground equipment. Residents also have access to the Hilton Hotel at the Pointe at Tapatio with golf, tennis, dining & resort amenities at a discount.
Point Mountainside Golf Community, surrounding … (7 comments)

Taking Photos: What are your tricks & techniques to show off your listings? - 09/21/10 12:31 PM
Taking Photos: What are your tricks & techniques to show off your listings?
Last week, I went out to take some photos and video of a home that I just listed: 1407 W. Ruth Ave in Phoenix, AZ. The home had previously been listed for 6 months and overpriced by over $50K. I knew we had our work cut out to make the home attractive enough so that agents would once again be interested in showing the home knowing it was priced correctly for our market.
I knew this task was going to be tricky, though. Why? Because there was nearly NOTHING … (15 comments)

Are you a street sweeper or a proactive, solution seeker? - 09/20/10 05:34 PM
Are you a street sweeper or a proactive, solution seeker?

We don't see them all the time, but when we do, boy do they crowd the streets. We can’t quite see past them & when they’re in your car lane, it’s a hassle to get around them they’re so slow moving. They’re big, obnoxious & just plain in the way – it’s bothersome. Yeah, you know what I’m talking about – STREET SWEEPERS.
I’ve always wondered if they truly serve a purpose. Upon staring at the work they do, it seems as though they just sweep dirt & debris in … (11 comments)

Moon Valley Schools & Education: Excellent Elementary, Junior High & High Schools - 09/20/10 05:10 PM
Moon Valley Schools & Education: Excellent Elementary, Junior High & High Schools
What is it about Moon Valley that makes it desirable?
How about its location, with gorgeous homes tucked and surrounded by the Phoenix Mountain Preserve? How about its reputation as a stunningly beautiful area of Phoenix with breathtaking views? How about its education?
Moon Valley boasts schools that excel in education & extracurricular activities. Don't believe me? Take a look for yourself, with all of the information provided by parent reviews from GreatSchools.org.


On GreatSchools.org, Lookout Mountain Elementary received a 9 out of 10 rating, offering excellent … (5 comments)

Phoenix Property Shoppe's OPEN HOUSE! Sept. 19 for 1407 W. Ruth Ave. Phoenix, AZ - 09/17/10 07:12 PM
Phoenix Property Shoppe's OPEN HOUSE! Sunday Sept. 19 for 1407 W. Ruth Ave. Phoenix, AZ
Here's your chance to walk through a beautiful Royal Palms Neighborhood home this weekend!
Located in a prestigious & private area of the Why Worry Estates subdivision in North Central Phoenix, this picture perfect 4-bedroom, 2-bath home with tons of storage & space is perfect for anyone looking purchase an affordable home in such a well-sought and beautiful area of Phoenix. One look and you'll want to create your dreams in this home!
Phoenix Property Shoppe invites you to the OPEN HOUSE:

More photos of … (2 comments)

How Persistant Are You? Take a lesson from a Dog- Friday Funnies! - 09/17/10 05:26 PM
How Persistant Are You? Take a lesson from a Dog Friday Funnies!
 This story is about Little Wookie and how he taught his 'Mom' a thing or two!  I adopted Wookie when he was just about 1 year old. He was amazingly well-trained and knew all kinds of tricks.  The gal who raised him told me he was trained to behave with the command of BAD DOG!  Well that didn't quite sit well with me calling him a BAD DOG. Even after trying to re-command him after 17 years that is the only thing he'd respond to!
Wookie loved to go out … (14 comments)

Be Heard at Phoenix Chamber of Commerce's Professional Women's Roundtable -- Phoenix, AZ - 09/17/10 05:01 PM
Be Heard at Phoenix Chamber of Commerce's Professional Women's Roundtable -- Phoenix, AZ
Sitting in the audience, I was expecting to be blown away by the speaker. She had an elaborate set up with an overhead presentation. She was composed, organized and tidy. Her clean-cut & well-kept wardrobe screamed “I’m important; listen to me!”
…but then she started talking.
She was nearly inaudible. Her voice remained monotone – one level, no expression, no emphasis, no nothing. I felt no passion in her words. She looked the part, but man did she bore the audience – half ended up texting or … (4 comments)

There's no limit to what Droid does? I can come up with one. Top Producer doesn't work! - 09/15/10 07:29 PM
There's no limit to what Droid does? I can come up with one. Top Producer help!
 
It's like I store my life in my pocket.
It can voice search for ANYTHING.It has a much easier way of checking voicemails.It syncs automatically with your Google, Facebook, Twitter accounts -- and more.It can download video and photos probably even quicker than my desktop can.
It feels like this Android phone can do everything...
Except for ONE thing.
Of all of the apps available for download -- Kindle, Barcode Scanner, Google Docs, Dropbox, Find Starbucks, and much, much more -- some serve a … (32 comments)

Guiding Homeowners, Leading the Way Home -- Phoenix Chamber of Commerce Luncheon - 09/13/10 07:33 PM
Guiding Homeowners, Leading the Way Home -- Phoenix Chamber of Commerce Luncheon
Arizona is definitely seeing its fair share of foreclosures & short sales. More and more Phoenix, AZ homeowners are finding themselves either underwater or nearly there, seeking help to keep them afloat & keep their homes.
For those homeowners interested in receiving help & guidance, one particular program should be considered, and the Phoenix Chamber of Commerce is holding a luncheon aimed to inform real estate professionals & Phoenix homeowners of Wells Fargo’s Leading the Way Home community outreach program.
Leading the Way Home® promotes responsible lending & offers … (4 comments)

Hey - Are you Coachable? Can You Learn New Tricks? - 09/10/10 06:28 PM
Hey - Are you Coachable? Can you Learn New Tricks?
As a broker of a small company Phoenix Property Shoppe I wear many hats. One hat that I particularly enjoy is coaching & mentoring.  Along my journey in the real estate industry I've had many coaches & mentors, as I still do to this day. 
Two years ago this month I attended an Internet marketing conference in CA. At the conference I met a gal that I knew I wanted to hire as my internet coach - Tracy Repchuk.  Tracy got me jumping into the fire that very first day and kept me running for months … (32 comments)

Friday Funnies: Living Will - 09/10/10 11:45 AM
Thanks to my fun sister Mary Margaret from St.Cloud MN for making me smile again......it's her job!
LIVING WILL
 
Last night, my kids and I were sitting in the living room and I said to them,
 
"I never want to live in a vegetative state, dependent on some machine and fluids from a bottle. If that ever happens, just pull the plug."
 
They got up, unplugged the computer, and threw out my wine.
 
 
They are SO on my sh*t list ...
 

< ****************************************************************************************************
If you're thinking of selling your Phoenix-area home, please give … (23 comments)

Baby Booster Seats - Do You Have One of These? - 09/09/10 06:09 PM
If you our your friends and families have little ones be sure to read this VERY IMPORTANT blog post on Baby Booster Seats.  Many are not safe! Thanks to Debra for passing on this information!

Via Debra Walsh Orange Cty NY Real Estate 845.928.8000 (Keller Williams Realty Goshen, NY - Realtor):
A report released this week by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety says that there are still booster seats out there that may not protect your child in a crash.  Out of 72 seats tested 21 were recommended as best bets because the belts fit well across most vehicles while … (5 comments)

Know Your Options, Avoid Foreclosure in Arizona: Sell the Property & Short Sales (Part 5 of 5) - 09/09/10 12:32 PM
Know Your Options, Avoid Foreclosure in Arizona: Sell the Property & Short Sales (Part 5 of 5)

Foreclosure is both devastating and avoidable. If you’re experiencing impending foreclosure in the Phoenix area, you have options to avoid it — know them.
Part 4 of this avoiding foreclosure series focused on the following two options: refinance & Servicemembers Civil Relief Act.
Keep in mind your situation & determine if any of the following solutions could work for you.
 
SELL THE PROPERTY
 

If the home owner has sufficient equity in their home they may list their home with … (10 comments)

Phoenix Property Shoppe - Paradise Valley, Ariz. Residential Real Estate Market Report – August 2010 - 09/08/10 04:43 PM
Phoenix Property Shoppe - Paradise Valley, Ariz. Residential Real Estate Market Report – August 2010
These are active listings, pending sales with contingencies, pending sales, and houses that have closed.

The following table includes how many short sales & REOs made up the grand total of homes within the active, pending & closed categories for each price range.

Here is a typical home for sale in Paradise Valley:

Asking price: $949,000 Subdivision: Firebrand RanchBuilt: 1985 Size: 4,206 sqft., 4 BR, 4 BA
 
******************************************************************
Have one of the Paradise Valley homes for sale caught your eye? Or … (3 comments)

Phoenix Property Shoppe - Moon Valley, Ariz. Residential Real Estate Market Report – August 2010 - 09/08/10 02:15 PM
Phoenix Property Shoppe - Moon Valley, Ariz. Residential Real Estate Market Report – August 2010
These are active listings, pending sales with contingencies, pending sales, and houses that have closed.

The following table includes how many short sales & REOs made up the grand total of homes within the active, pending & closed categories for each price range.

Here is a typical home for sale in Moon Valley:

Asking price: $424,900Subdivision: Lookout Canyon EstatesBuilt: 1990Size: 3,773 sqft., 4 BR, 3 BA
 
******************************************************************
Have one of the Moon Valley homes for sale caught your eye? Or … (0 comments)

Phoenix Property Shoppe - Anthem, Ariz. Residential Real Estate Market Report – August 2010 - 09/07/10 09:45 PM
Phoenix Property Shoppe - Anthem, Ariz. Residential Real Estate Market Report – August 2010
These are active listings, pending sales with contingencies, pending sales, and houses that have closed.

The following table includes how many short sales & REOs made up the grand total of homes within the active, pending & closed categories for each price range.

Here is a typical home for sale in Anthem:


Asking price: $264,900Subdivision: Anthem Unit 45Built: 2003 Size: 2,575 sqft., 4 BR, 2.5 BA
 
******************************************************************
Have one of the Anthem homes for sale caught your eye? Or do you know … (2 comments)

Phoenix Property Shoppe - Scottsdale, Ariz. Residential Real Estate Market Report – August 2010 - 09/07/10 09:44 PM
Phoenix Property Shoppe - Scottsdale, Ariz. Residential Real Estate Market Report – August 2010
These are active listings, pending sales with contingencies, pending sales, and houses that have closed.

The following table includes how many short sales & REOs made up the grand total of homes within the active, pending & closed categories for each price range.

Here is a typical home for sale in Scottsdale:

Asking price: $629,900Subdivision: TREVISOBuilt: 2006Size: 4,167 sqft., 3 BR, 3.5 BA
 
******************************************************************
Have one of the Scottsdale homes for sale caught your eye? Or do you know of someone … (0 comments)

Phoenix Property Shoppe - Mesa, Ariz. Residential Real Estate Market Report – August 2010 - 09/07/10 09:43 PM
Phoenix Property Shoppe - Mesa, Ariz. Residential Real Estate Market Report – August 2010
These are active listings, pending sales with contingencies, pending sales, and houses that have closed.

The following table includes how many short sales & REOs made up the grand total of homes within the active, pending & closed categories for each price range.

Here is a typical home for sale in Mesa:

Asking price: $420,000 Subdivision: The Groves NorthBuilt: 1993Size: 3,006 sqft., 4 BR, 3 BA
 
******************************************************************
Have one of the Mesa homes for sale caught your eye? Or do you … (0 comments)

Phoenix Property Shoppe - Glendale, Ariz. Residential Real Estate Market Report – August 2010 - 09/07/10 09:42 PM
Phoenix Property Shoppe - Glendale, Ariz. Residential Real Estate Market Report – August 2010
These are active listings, pending sales with contingencies, pending sales, and houses that have closed.

The following table includes how many short sales & REOs made up the grand total of homes within the active, pending & closed categories for each price range.

Here is a typical home for sale in Glendale:

Asking price: $325,000 Subdivision: Mission RanchBuilt: 2003Size: 4,719 sqft., 5 BR, 4.5 BA
 
 
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Have one of the Glendale homes for sale caught your eye? Or do you … (0 comments)

Phoenix Property Shoppe - Phoenix, Ariz. Residential Real Estate Market Report – August 2010 - 09/07/10 09:41 PM
Phoenix Property Shoppe - Phoenix, Ariz. Residential Real Estate Market Report – August 2010
These are active listings, pending sales with contingencies, pending sales, and houses that have closed.

The following table includes how many short sales & REOs made up the grand total of homes within the active, pending & closed categories for each price range.

Here is a typical home for sale in Phoenix:

Asking price: $489,000 Subdivision: Village at Aviano Built: 2006Size: 3,579 sqft., 4 BR, 3.5 BA
 
**********************************************************
Are you or someone you know interested in purchasing a home in Phoenix, … (0 comments)

Phoenix Property Shoppe - Peoria, Ariz. Residential Real Estate Market Report – August 2010 - 09/07/10 07:08 PM
Phoenix Property Shoppe - Peoria, Ariz. Residential Real Estate Market Report – August 2010
These are active listings, pending sales with contingencies, pending sales, and houses that have closed.

The following table includes how many short sales & REOs made up the grand total of homes within the active, pending & closed categories for each price range.

Here is a typical home for sale in Peoria:

Asking price: $324,900 Subdivision: Pleasant Valley Unit 2 Built: 2003Size: 3,084 sqft., 5 BR, 3 BA
 
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Have one of the Peoria homes for sale caught your eye? Or … (0 comments)

Phoenix Property Shoppe - Tempe, Ariz. Residential Real Estate Market Report – August 2010 - 09/07/10 07:02 PM
Phoenix Property Shoppe - Tempe, Ariz. Residential Real Estate Market Report – August 2010
These are active listings, pending sales with contingencies, pending sales, and houses that have closed.

The following table includes how many short sales & REOs made up the grand total of homes within the active, pending & closed categories for each price range.

Here is a typical home for sale in Tempe:

Asking price: $395,000 Subdivision: Warner RanchBuilt: 1989Size: 2,681 sqft., 4 BR, 2.5 BA
 
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Have one of the Tempe homes for sale caught your eye? Or do you know … (2 comments)

Fairy Tale Agents Please Put Your Magic Wand Away! - 09/02/10 03:39 PM
Fairy Tale Agents Please Put Your Magic Wand Away!


 
Yesterday I received a phone call from a very nice couple wanting to talk with me about selling their home. That seems normal enough, right? 
Not so fast! This was not the first time this couple had wanted me to go to work for them. In early January we had met to discuss getting their home on the market and they really wanted me to be their agent.  The husband just happened to mention that he had a potential offer coming in from his FISBO time on the market - at … (150 comments)

Prospecting made Easier - Follow the 3 C's - 09/01/10 01:37 PM
Prospecting made Easier - Follow the 3 C's
Prospecting is a subject that most agents read about and then maybe do a few things as suggested - or not.  Lately their seem to be quite a few agents complaining about the 'market', the 'economy' or whatever story they're telling themselves to be true.   So they stop doing the things they know they should be doing to prospect and they buy into their 'oh whoa is me' story.
So we all know what good ole Dr Phil says, How's that Working for You"?  And here's what I say Oh - it's not working?  … (48 comments)

 
Anna8rev2 Ambassador_large

Anna 'Banana' Kruchten - Phoenix Real Estate Broker,CRS 602-380-4886

Phoenix, AZ

More about me…

Phoenix Property Shoppe

Address: Phoenix, Scottsdale, Paradise Valley, Tempe,Glendale, Mesa, Gilbert, Peoria, Surprise, Anthem, Maricopa County

Office Phone: (602) 380-4886

Email Me

Anna "Banana" Kruchten is here to help you navigate buying or selling a home - valley wide. My blog is updated almost daily so be sure to subscribe and keep abreast of what's going on in the Phoenix Metropolitan Area.

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