Nora 's Blog

Open House Tucson Eastside

Nora Adkins (Realty Executives) — Sat, 26 Apr 2008 15:58:14 -0500

Open House....Sunday 4/27/08 from 1:00PM - 4:00PM

812 S. Langley Ave #103 Tucson, AZ 85710

This beautifully maintained 3 bedroom, 2 full bath condo sits on the ground floor near the pool and playground. Home features: private patio, open living room, breakfast bar, ceramic tile, all appliances, 1 covered parking space and more. Property features lush grounds, 2 pools, rec center & laundry facilities. HOA covers water, garbage, grounds & more. 3 large mirrors stay. $2000 towards buyers closing costs w/full price offer. Welcome Home! $127,000

Nora Adkins Realty Executives So. AZ

520-909-3323

812 S. Langley Ave #103 Tucson, AZ For Sale

Nora Adkins (Realty Executives) — Sat, 26 Apr 2008 15:52:14 -0500

This beautifully maintained 3 bedroom, 2 bath condo sits on the ground floor near the pool and playground. Home features: private patio, open living room, breakfast bar, ceramic tile, all appliances, 1 covered space and more. Property features lush grounds, 2 pools, rec center & laundry facilities. HOA covers water, garbage, grounds & more. $2000 towards buyers closing costs with full price offer. $127,000

Nora Adkins Realty Executives So. AZ

520-909-3323

www.TucsonHomesByNora.com

What if I fall.....

Nora Adkins (Realty Executives) — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 19:20:47 -0500

The other day I was driving my daughter to a birthday party at a local skating rink. She was excited, this was the first party (of many I'm sure) of the new school year. My daughter is 9 years old and has never roller skated before. She's a very good roller blader...but has never done the 4 wheel skates before and she was a little nervous.

I told her that she would be fine and catch on quick. She looked at me so seriously and said....

Mom, what if I fall in front of everyone in my class? I'd be so embarrassed, what do I do?

I looked at her and told her............LAUGH!! If you are laughing, then what does it matter if they laugh also? She thought about this and seemed okay with it.

When I picked her up 2 hours later I asked her how she did. She said she only fell once and laughed it off and no one said anything more about it. She seemed happy with the outcome.

I'm happy for her, she learned a small life lesson that day...

1. If you don't make a big deal out of it, chances are...others will not either.

2. It's okay to try something new.

3. Don't take yourself so seriously.

4. Every now and then, mom does know what she is talking about!

So, now I ask ...can you laugh at yourself??

I'm on fire....Now on to Lotto!!!

Nora Adkins (Realty Executives) — Wed, 19 Sep 2007 16:41:51 -0500

If you never hear (or read) from me again, it means I won the lotto. You see, today I spent 3 hours at our annual Realtor Expo. The theme this year was Game Shows, so as you can imagine, there were lots of games and of course, where there are games, there are PRIZES!!

I had the touch today. Some of the stuff I won (not the free give-a-ways) was...a spice rack, a pair of binoculars, a stuffed teddy bear, a stuffed turtle, a gift card to McDonalds, $5 cash, a nice pen set and some other smaller stuff that I can't remember.

I love going to the expo each year. I get a lot of new ideas and the networking there is really great.

Now I think I'll play the lotto and go for the big stuff!!

If you haven't bought a refrigerator, you're probably not doing business.

Nora Adkins (Realty Executives) — Mon, 17 Sep 2007 22:08:56 -0500

Almost Five years ago when I was at Brodsky School of Real Estate I remember one of our instructors once told us..."If you haven't bought a refrigerator, you're probably not doing business"

At the time I didn't think much of this little quote, but over the last four years, I've thought about it a lot. I can't say that I've bought any refrigerators, but I have paid for some home warranties, toilet tank lids, doorknobs, screens and I'm sure some other stuff that I can't remember.

I'm just wondering....what have you bought that you originally didn't bargain for?.....

Prayer Journals

Nora Adkins (Realty Executives) — Fri, 14 Sep 2007 15:20:54 -0500

Every summer just before school gets back session, school supplies go on sale. Many places sell the spiral notebooks for just 10-cents each. I usually load up on these for a couple of reasons. First, I have three children and they usually do need them for school, but second...I use them for prayer journals.

About 5-6 years ago, I was taking part in a bible study at church. One of the things we did during that study was prayer journals. I'v heard of journals before, but I guess I never thought of prayer journals. I remember when I sat down to write that I didn't know what to say. I just stared at the blank paper and thought....okay, now what? Finally, I did get started writing and now you can't get me to stop!

What started out as little paragraphs to my Lord, has developed into pages and pages and now books on top of books of my prayers.

I love to randomly reach in my box and pull out a book, open it and read my past prayers to God. Looking back through them I get to see what was on my mind at the time, my praises, my dreams and my worries. The best part is now I know how God responded to each of those prayers. I love it!!

If you have never tried this, give it a month and see if you're hooked just as I was.

My experience at Rich Dad Education

Nora Adkins (Realty Executives) — Thu, 13 Sep 2007 22:56:57 -0500

I've spent the last three days at the Rich Dad Education Basic Training seminars in Phoenix, AZ. I have an investor client who signed up to go to the training and asked me to attend as her guest. I have to admit, I was a little reluctant to attend. I'm a motivated real estate agent, but not necessarily a motivated real estate investor.

The first day of the seminar, I was impressed... Wow!!! they have got some great stuff here, and I'm really learning some valuable information.

The second day of the seminar, I was a little deflated.... What do you mean.... Advanced Training!!! What's that?? It cost how much??!!!

The last day of the seminar, I got over my shock and awe of Advanced Training prices ($9K - $43K), and accepted that this may just be basic training, but I really did learn a lot and I'm happy to say it was completely worth my time.

No I didn't sign up for the Advanced Training, as I mentioned above, I'm not a motivated real estate investor. My client who is very much a motivated real estate investor did sign up and I really think that she will gain a lot from the additional training and run with it. I foresee her in 5 years laying on a beach somewhere, with not a care in the world. (if that's what she wants)

Before attending the Rich Dad seminars, I did a little research about it on-line. I found a lot negative comments and began to worry about what I was getting myself into. I'm sure those negative comments stem from people who attended the 3-day training expecting to learn all there is to know about real estate investing. I'm also sure they were a little shocked when they found out about the additional training costs felt a probably felt a little jaded. I have to admit, I was very much taken back by the costs involved. I didn't know the training I attended was a pre-cursor to more expensive training.

In the middle of the third day, I began to realize that there is no way to learn everything in 3 days!! I truly learned a lot and I learned that there is so much more that I don't know. I appreciate how our trainer spoke about doing everything within the letter of the law and that he was very interested in helping the people he worked with. I felt that he cared about the people, not just the money to be made. He stressed honesty and integrity in all deals.

As I was leaving on my third day, I knew that the program was good and that if a person was motivated enough to follow it, they would realize large profits quickly.

So if any of you are debating on going, my advice is definitely attend the 3-day basic training. If you like what you hear and feel motivated, go ahead and take that leap into Advanced Training. They will give you the knowledge, you just need to bring the gumption!!!

Rich Dad Education.....Day 1

Nora Adkins (Realty Executives) — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 23:24:52 -0500

Today was my first day of a three day seminar for Rich Dad Education. It was a pretty long day, 8:30AM - 7:00PM. I still don't know how I will come out of this. As I mentioned once before, I am going because a great investor client of mine is going and wanted me to go with her. So my motivation for going is a lot different then most in the class. I must say that I am enjoying myself. The instructor is keeping up on our toes and the day actually went by pretty fast.

We went over so much information today and we still have so much more to cover. Now I'm worried that 3 days isn't enough!!! Anyway, I must admit that I am enjoying myself so far and I definitely see myself learning a lot over the next few days, even if it is knowledge that I just use to make myself a better agent.

I hope to fill you all in once the seminar is complete.

Don't just think you know the contract.....really know it!!

Nora Adkins (Realty Executives) — Sat, 08 Sep 2007 23:47:12 -0500

This may come off as a bit of an rant and I'm sorry. I was speaking with another agent today, who seems to think he knows it all.

There is a common misconception that an As-Is addendum to a property means that the sellers will make no repairs. This is simply not true. If you read the contact (at least here in AZ) all an as-is addendum does is voids the section in the contacts that hold warranties on the property. It also makes no warranties as to the zoning and other uses of the premises. No where in the contract does it state that the buyer gives up their right to negotiate repairs or credits for repairs on the property.

I got a call from an agent today who represents the bank of a foreclosed property that one of my clients has an offer on. Right off the bat we knew of several issues with the property..(holes is walls, pet soiled flooring, painting, cleaning etc.) We elected to do an inspection and found several other issues with the property that we were not expecting (the house is only 3 years old). We sent notice to the bank asking for repairs or credits for these unexpected items. The agent called me back and acted like I didn't know what I was doing, because the property was sold As-Is.

I informed him that I have been doing this for a while and knew the contract and the As-Is addendum well. I explained that signing the addendum did not take away our right for inspection negotiation. Obviously the bank is welcome to deny our requests, but nonetheless, we have the right to make them. He told me that he strongly disagreed with my way of thinking. I then replied...you don't have to agree with me, just read the contract and the addendum. Well, he hung up in a huff and I have not yet heard back from him.

My problem is this, we are the professionals in this business. We should know what our documents say. This agent should have stated in the contract....."Seller will not make or negotiate any repairs to property" along with the As-Is addendum. But he didn't and obviously he's never read the addendum.

I feel much better now that I've gotten that off my chest!!

Thank you.

Get out the bullhorn!!!

Nora Adkins (Realty Executives) — Fri, 07 Sep 2007 23:47:52 -0500

People keep asking me..."so...how's business?, I hear it's pretty rough out there" I always smile and say its going well thank you. Then of course they go on about what a terrible market it is. I'm always baffled by this. It is not a terrible market...if your buying a home!! If you are in the market right now as a home-buyer, you are in a great market!

On Wednesday I sent out a bunch of letters to apartment complexes that are near some of my listings. My letter was all about what a great market this is for anyone looking to buy a home. I also went into to the rent vs. buy scenario...but the gist of my letter was "WOW.....Now is the time!!!" I'm happy to say that I have already gotten phone calls from these letters. Only time will tell if any of these leads turn to closings, but still, calls are good.

Are we failing to get the word out that this is a great market to buy a home? Why is it when it is a Seller's Market, we consider the market to be great, but when it flips to a buyer's market, we complain????

The media is destroying everyone's perception of real estate today. We as an industry need to take back control. Get on the bullhorn, let everyone know....

...."Right now is a wonderful time to buy a home!!!!!!"

What Buyers of New Construction Don't Know....

Nora Adkins (Realty Executives) — Thu, 06 Sep 2007 14:58:39 -0500

Many buyers don't understand the importance of having their own representation when purchasing new construction. They figure that the site agent can take care of everything.

First things first...site sales agents work for the seller. This is not representative of dual agency. In dual agency the agent works for both buyer and seller and has both of their best interest in mid. The site sales agent works only for the builder, with only their best interests in mind.

Below is one example why buyers need their own representation...

I recently saw that sales prices dropped in a certain new construction subdivision. I happen to have a client who is currently building in that subdivision. I called the site agent that we are working with and asked for a price reduction. I told him that our same house is now lower in price and that my client would be better off cancelling our contract and buying one of the discounted spec homes.

He agreed and told me that he is not allowed to bring this up if no one complains...again; he works in the best interest of the builder. He told me he would speak with his manager and see what we can work out. He called me the next day with a new sales price that was $35,000 lower than our contracted price! He was a great guy and apologized that he could not initiate the discount without my call.

My clients were thrilled when I told them the new price. The never would have thought of calling the builder one month before close and asking for a price reduction.

New construction is a huge business and most buyers think that they can go at this alone, even when those same buyers would never dream of buying an already built home by themselves.

Funny....Thought you all might enjoy this

Nora Adkins (Realty Executives) — Tue, 04 Sep 2007 20:25:19 -0500

Here is a cartoon from our local paper. I really enjoyed it and thought you all may like it as well.

Pricing Your Home Right in Tucson, AZ

Nora Adkins (Realty Executives) — Sat, 01 Sep 2007 11:37:20 -0500

You hear so much about this being a "Buyer's Market".....but, you don't have a choice, you have to join the other 8000+ sellers on the market and put your home up for sale. Are you doomed?

The answer is...you don't have to be.

Yes, our market has changed. As long as you understand the current market, you'll be okay.

You can't take what your neighbor got for their home last year and add $20K to it. That doesn't work, don't try!
You can't figure out what you owe on this home and what you need for a down payment on a new one and price your home that way either. That just doesn't make sense!
You can't listen to your friends and relatives who have bought and sold many personal residences in past and always seem to come out ahead. That is just dumb!

What you need to do is be informed, most importantly... hire an agent who is informed.

Keep in mind that when pricing your home it is in the agent's best interest to get the most for your home.

More $$ for you makes you a happy client, A happy client equals referrals for us, Referrals for us equals more business for us, More business for us equals more $$ for us!
Most agents are paid a percentage of the sales price. A higher sales price equals a higher paycheck for us. It really is that simple.

When pricing your home, it is all about Price and Condition!

Price reflects the condition of the home.

In this market it is important to spend a little time and truly "spruce" up the house. Curb appeal is more important than ever. To sell...we have to get them to want to come in!! Once inside the home, we have to get them to want to stay!

Your agent can help you decide what needs to be done prior to selling. Pre-sale inspections are a great way to know what needs to be done and lets not forget the importance of staging.

Condition reflects the price of the home.

Price reflects the conditions of the home.

Condition reflects the price of the home.

Price reflects the condition of the home.

Is your home priced accordingly?????

Investing in Tucson Real Estate through Rentals

Nora Adkins (Realty Executives) — Tue, 21 Aug 2007 22:06:21 -0500

Yes... We are in a Buyer's Market.

Yes... There are a lot of foreclosures on the market.

Yes... Many banks have toughened their standards for purchasing a home.

Yes... You can use the equity in your home to plan for your retirement.

Yes... This is a great time to get into the rental market.

Right now the purchasing power you have as a buyer is amazing! Sellers are motivated to make a deal and with the stricter lending practices going into effect many would-be homeowners will need to sit back and save up a little cash prior to purchasing a home. What this means for you is that now is a great time to purchase rentals. Get moving while the market is in your favor. Now really is the best time.

For more information on real estate investments, call today, or visit me on-line at TucsonHomesByNora.com

What does your car say about you?

Nora Adkins (Realty Executives) — Tue, 21 Aug 2007 17:41:50 -0500

As I was sitting at a stop light earlier today I found myself reading all of the bumper-stickers on the car in front of me. All the bumper-stickers were angry political and angry religious messages. I really began to feel sorry for that person. I couldn't imagine going through life so angry and full of hate. As I began to say a quick prayer for them I thought...wow, what am I saying to people? Now I don't know if the person who was driving the vehicle in front of me really was angry and full of hate, but that's the message I got. I was just wondering....what does your vehicle say about you?.....

By the way...All I have is the Christian fish symbol on my car and nothing on my truck.

Tucson's East Side Real Estate Expert

Nora Adkins (Realty Executives) — Mon, 20 Aug 2007 14:05:56 -0500

Tucson's east side is full of fun, adventure, shopping, great food and wonderful real estate. Having lived on Tucson's East Side for over 25 years I have come to know and love the area well.

For Fun and Adventure... I recommend the following Tucson East Side attractions:

Saguaro National Park East, www.nps.gov/sagu
Sabino Canyon, http://www.sabinocanyon.com/
Mt. Lemmon, http://www.mt-lemmon.com/
Golf n' Stuff, www.golfnstuff.com/location/tucson/index.htm
Movies, www.fandango.com/centuryparkplacemall20_aapqi/theaterpage

For Shopping... I recommend Park Place mall, http://www.parkplacemall.com/

For Great Food... I recommend the following:

For Real Estate...I recommend Me! http://www.tucsonhomesbynora.com/

For Crime statistics...I recommend http://www.tpdinternet.tucsonaz.gov/

For School Information...I recommend www.greatschools.net/search/search.page?state=AZ&q=tucson&type=school

For Daily News...I recommend www.azstarnet.com/sn/east

If you have any questions, please feel free to call me at 520-909-3323

Nora Adkins, Realty Executives So. AZ

Reduced in Midvale Park! 6214 S. Sarah Elizabeth Dr.

Nora Adkins (Realty Executives) — Sat, 18 Aug 2007 13:28:16 -0500

Wonderful home in popular Midvale Park awaits you! This three bedroom/2 FULL bath home with DEN sits on a corner lot with beautiful mountain views. Open floorplan with eat-in kitchen and pantry appears much larger than shown. Master bedroom is spacious and boasts large walk-in closet. Home is clean and move-in ready. Offered at $182,900. For more information, please contact Nora Adkins at 520-909-3323 or visit my website at: www.GoTucson.com/Nora.Adkins

For Sale at 3028 W. Camino Oro Blanco

Nora Adkins (Realty Executives) — Fri, 17 Aug 2007 16:07:29 -0500

Attention First-time homebuyers and investors.. This is your chance to own a great newer, frame/stucco home at an unbelievable price! Built in 2003 with AC, 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, interior laundry room, huge yard, 2 car carport and much, much more. Home needs a little TLC (painting and some flooring) and priced accordingly. Close to schools, shopping and the Casino. Hurry, at this price it wont last!! Offered at $138,000. Please contact Nora Adkins with Realty Executives at 520-909-3323 or visit my website at www.TucsonHomesByNora.com

My thoughts and Prayers are with you all

Nora Adkins (Realty Executives) — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 19:03:33 -0500

It's easy to sit back and discuss the "Mortgage Meltdown" that we are experiencing and feel relieved that we personally don't have any clients affected, feel scared for the future of our business or feel frustrated that we and our client have to go through the whole loan thing again and get pre-approved by a new lender. I just want to tell all you loan officers, buyers, and agents affected by this that my thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Good Luck and keep-on keepin-on.

Top 10 Reasons Why I Love Tucson Arizona

Nora Adkins (Realty Executives) — Wed, 15 Aug 2007 13:36:20 -0500

Tucson (TOO-sahn), Arizona is a great place to live. Here are some reasons why I love it here so much: (no particular order.)

We just passed the 1M mark and still feel and act like a small town.
We make a point to go outside when it rains (and most of us don't own umbrellas.)
The house with the biggest shade trees wins.
You can go through our zoo in 1 hour.
Rocky Point is only 4 hours away.
Mt. Lemon is only 20 minutes away.
We don't own heavy coats.
We never put our shorts away.
Home of the Chimichanga.
Can you say.....ARIZONA WILDCATS!!!

Reduced on Tucson's Southeast Side 8909 E. Worley

Nora Adkins (Realty Executives) — Mon, 13 Aug 2007 20:51:12 -0500

Your family will love the cul-de-sac location, the over quarter-acre lot, the mature trees and the comfort of owning a newer home. This beautiful home is pride of ownership and features: 3 beds/2 bths, open floorplan, bay window, kitchen pantry, screened patio, some new flooring, new garage door, new heating/AC installed in 06 w/10-yr warranty and much, much more. Close to shopping, Lakeside Park, bus line and DMAFB. A pleasure to show. Offered at $199,900 You can visit me online at http://www.gotucson.com/Nora.Adkins

Nora Adkins, Realty Executives Southern Arizona 520-909-3323 HomesbyNora@cox.net

Reduced Price in Southwest Tucson 7368 S. Messala Ct

Nora Adkins (Realty Executives) — Mon, 13 Aug 2007 20:45:46 -0500

Beautiful 3 bedroom, 2 FULL bath home with DEN awaits you. Home features, open kitchen with pantry, covered patio, ceiling fans, landscaped front yard on drip system, 2 car garage, gorgeous mountain views and much more. Close to schools, shopping and casino. VA assumable loan to those who qualify. Home is clean and move-in ready. Offered at $183,000 Call today. For more information you can visit my website at http://www.gotucson.com/Nora.Adkins

Nora Adkins, Realty Executives Southern Arizona, 520-909-3323, HomesbyNora@cox.net

Renting Vs Buying

Nora Adkins (Realty Executives) — Sat, 11 Aug 2007 14:05:36 -0500

Now is a great time for buying a home!!! Inventory is large. Many homes to choose from. Seller's are more flexible and negotiating more.

Buying Renting

Tax write-off No tax write-off

Housing expense may never go up Rent can go up anytime

You can use, decorate, make changes as you see fit You must get permission to make changes

You can build large equity as your home appreciates No equity, your money is gone for good

You are not at the mercy of your landlord You can be evicted

You house is a home, not a temporary living situation Your living situation is always temporary

Are we getting the word out????

Are you in it for the long haul?

Nora Adkins (Realty Executives) — Fri, 10 Aug 2007 12:38:03 -0500

Alan Mills posted a blog where he helped someone raise their credit score quickly and for only $35. That begs the questions....How many agents and lenders really take the time to educate and help their clients even if it means waiting a while to buy a home. As agents we need to do our part to make sure "The Team" (lender, inspector, insurer, Title, Escrow, etc.) is doing all they can.

Was a client given a subprime loan with pre-payment penalties and high rates over just a few fico points?
Was a client educated that waiting just a while longer, or doing as Alan suggested and paying a small fee to correct the score offered?
Is there any government bond money out there that may help?
Would the client get a better deal on PMI if they attended classes?
For those really hard ones.....Did you write them off completely? Or did you offer credit couseling?
Do you just sell them a house and walk away? or are you in it for the long haul?

As team members, we need to look at the WHOLE picture. Are we doing all we can, is everyone on our team doing all they can?

A good agent

Nora Adkins (Realty Executives) — Fri, 10 Aug 2007 09:35:11 -0500

Buying a home can be stressful. Where do you start? How do you find the right home? Where can you get the best loan? Are you ready to jump in and make this commitment? This is where your experienced Realtor can help! Many agents give what I call a Free Buyer Consultation. At this time they will sit down with the potential buyer and go over these things and many more. Let's face it...not everyone is ready to buy and not everyone should buy! A good agent has an already mapped out Buyer Consultation detailing what it takes to be a homeowner including all the wonderful benefits homeowners get. A good agent also has a detailed list of what they provide in that path to homeownership. Anyone can open a door, show a house and write a contract. A good agent does that and SO MUCH MORE. Are you a good agent? Are you working with a good agent?