Mesa, Arizona Real Estate - Teri Ellis - Homes Arizona Real Estate

Wordless Wednesday! A Sea of Poppies in the Heart of Chicago!

Wed, 09 Dec 2009 23:57:09 -0600

I have to tell you what this is about! While we were in Chicago attending our grandson's graduation from the naval academy, I took my camera - duh! As we walked the streets of Chicago and took the boat out to see the skyline, and rode the water taxi, I took a gazillion photos. This is one I plan to upload on Twitter. This is just one of about five of the flowers. I LOVE tulips and poppies. Enjoy!

Mesa, Arizona Real Estate. Call me at: 480.216-3334 for information on purchasing or selling a home in Mesa, Arizona or surrounding towns. OR email me: Teri@TeriEllis.com. Feel free to visit one of my websites: HomesAzRE.com, MoveToMesaAz.com or MoveToSunnyAz.com. Or stop by my blogs at: MesaAzRealEstateVoice; Phoenix and Mesa Real Estate Blog; Phoenix Valley Real Estate Blog

Mill Avenue in Tempe! Shopping, great restaurants and ambience!

Mon, 07 Dec 2009 16:54:47 -0600

Mill Avenue in Tempe - shopping, great restaurants, and a great place to people watch. As promised, here is the second part of my story and photos that I shared about our trip on the Light Rail on Veteran's Day: One of our stops was to 3rd and Mill Avenue. We hopped off and walked down Mill Avenue looking for a place to stop and eat. While we were in this mode, a man from a building came up to us and asked us what we were looking for and were we hungry. Apparently the place was just opening, and since it was set back from the sidewalk, we hadn't noticed it - and there weren't that many people there. We agreed to give it a try.

Very contemporary, the Regions Bistro and Bar was a delight. Our waiter, Dustin, was part of the reason, and the food was very good. We were able to view the people walking up and down Mill, and Dustin kept us company while we ate. He plans to be a singer someday, and loves working at this restaurant.

Along our way from Phoenix back to Tempe, and in Tempe on Mill Avenue, I'm sharing a view of Mill Avenue. Note the brick/coblestone walkway. Very quaint with a lingering atmosphere.

One building that I have seen as long as I've lived in the Phoenix area is this one -but I don't know what it is. Anyone know? It's very large, perched on a hill, and has a gated entrance. I've looked all over and can't seem to identify it....maybe someone else can. Thanks to Deanne, this mystery building is the Tovrea Castle.

I'll end this for now, but suffice it to say that it was a spectacular day, and the Light Rail in Phoenix through Tempe and into Mesa is awesome!

Warning to everyone on Active Rain - 300,000 is in my sights!

Sun, 06 Dec 2009 22:18:45 -0600

Warning to everyone on Active Rain! I am heading for 300,000!!! I don't think I've ever shared this type of post, but I seriously cannot believe it!!!

I joined Active Rain in June 2006 - wrote a blog here and there, and then jumped on board in April or May 2007 for real. This is my 388th post - yeah, that's right. Cannot believe I had 388 things to talk about - but, then again, those who know me...;-)

I have learned so much here! So many of you/us share what we know, some of what we "don't" know, and the stuff in between. I have more toys, more SEO info, more blogging stuff, and more friends than I ever imagined possible before joining Active Rain. So, THUMBS UP TO THE ACTIVE RAIN FAMILY!

So, as I sail into 300,000 points, I just want to say to those who are on their way. Keep going, keep pushing, and keep blogging - and share with your new friends on Active Rain!

Warm hugs and warm wishes to all of my Active Rain family!

Hazardous Waste Collection and Recycling Event in Mesa, Arizona on December 12, 2009!

Sat, 05 Dec 2009 23:25:30 -0600

Hazardous Waste Collection and Recycling Event in Mesa on December 12, 2009! 2412 North Center (Center Street North of McKellips)

I appreciate the opportunity to clean out the garage, get rid of those "things" that have been sitting around forever and dispose of them in a safe and green manner.

Event Hours: 8 a.m. - 12 noon. Materials will not be accepted after 12 noon!!

Here's a list of ACCEPTABLE ITEMS:

Paints, polishes and varnishes;
paint related materials;
turpentine;
appliances (limit 2);
aerosol cans;
adhesives;
motor oil/antifreeze;
transmission fluid;
fuel additives;
pool chemicals;
prescription drugs;
gasoline;
batteries;
mercury;
pesticides;
computer equipment;
televisions;
compact fluorescent lights;
automobile tires (limit 5);
rims accepted only if tire has been removed

List of UNACCEPTABLE ITEMS:

Commercial/industrial waste;
55 gallon drums of material;
large truck tires;
radioactive material
explosives.

For more information, call City of Mesa Customer Service at: 480.644-2221 or visit www.mesaaz.gov/waste

Help Is On the Way for Homeowners - Short Sales instead of Foreclosures?

Fri, 04 Dec 2009 23:52:38 -0600

Help is on the way for homeowners!!! Maybe? Could it be? Great news on the horizon for homeowners struggling to go the short sale route. I've included the entire article I am referencing below, but have included the link as well. I suspect many of the real estate professionals are aware that this option HAS been available since last year, but MUST go into affect in April 2010.

So many homeowners are calling and calling and calling their lenders, and are given so much bogus information that they don't know just what to do. The lenders have dragged and dragged their feet, but now - as of April, they will be required to be prepared to respond in a timely manner. Short sales instead of foreclosures will be more of the norm in the coming year!

"This week the Treasury Department released new rules that will help homeowners who need to sell but can't get a price high enough to pay off their mortgage.

The guidelines make it easer for troubled homeowners to sell their home via short sales. In a short sale, the owner agrees to sell for less than the balance owed on the mortgage but avoids foreclosure and allows homeowners to avoid damage to their credit report. Short sales mitigate the impact on local markets because they avoid public auctions and foreclosure, where sales prices are usually lower. About one in 10 home sales this year was a short sale, or an estimated 500,000 sales, according to the National Association of Realtors.

The short sale program has been in effect since May, but few borrowers have utilized it. Borrowers often find themselves hung up by negotiations with multiple lien holders and mortgage insurance companies. Real estate agents have complained that sales fall through as lenders bicker over the sales price, what they should receive from the proceeds, and whether the borrower will be held accountable for the debt in the future. Mortgage servicers have only 10 days to approve or disapprove a request for short sale, and when done the transaction must fully release the borrower from the debt.

The new guidelines include a $1,000 to $1,500 payment to homeowners to help cover their moving costs and timelines and a standardized process. It would save time by requiring mortgage companies to use the financial and hardship documents submitted by borrowers seeking a loan modification. Mortgage companies will have to approve short sale terms, including the minimum listing price, before the house is put on the market, which should speed up the approval process.

However, it won't take effect for four months. Mortgage companies don't have to launch the program until April 5, 2010.

About half of homeowners in default have more than one home loan. Getting the approval of secondary lenders, who often take a greater loss proportionately than primary lenders in short sales and do better in foreclosures, has been a major barrier. The Treasury program is voluntary for lenders who hold second mortgages, such as home equity loans or second liens. Under the Treasury program, secondary debt holders can receive up to $3,000 to release their claims on the property, hardly an incentive when their losses could be ten or twenty times that amount."

Remembering Pearl Harbor - December 7, 1941!

Thu, 03 Dec 2009 23:55:39 -0600

Of course I am not old enough to remember this day, but approximately 3,000 people died in the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, in 1941. The attack catapulted the United States into World War II.

I have been fortunate enough to be in Hawaii at the Memorial and did take some photos including one or two of the wall of names, which was a sobering experience. Sometimes I think we take for granted the amazing men and women serving in the armed forces who continue to protect us.

I've included a history lesson about that day here:

"The attack on Pearl Harbor (or Hawaii Operation, Operation Z, as it was called by the Japanese Imperial General Headquarters)^[6] was an unannounced military strike conducted by the Japanese navy against the United States' naval base at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, on the morning of Sunday, December 7, 1941 (Hawaiian time, December 8 by Japan Standard Time), later resulting in the United States becoming militarily involved in World War II. It was intended as a preventive action to keep the U.S. Pacific Fleet from influencing the war the Empire of Japan was planning to wage in Southeast Asia against Britain, the Netherlands, and the United States. The attack consisted of two aerial attack waves totaling 353^[7] aircraft, launched from six Japanese aircraft carriers.

The attack sank four U.S. Navy battleships (two of which were raised and returned to service later in the war) and damaged four more. The Japanese also sank or damaged three cruisers, three destroyers, and one minelayer, destroyed 188 aircraft, and caused personnel losses of 2,402 killed^[8] and 1,282 wounded. The power station, shipyard, maintenance, and fuel and torpedo storage facilities, as well as the submarine piers and headquarters building (also home of the intelligence section) were not hit. Japanese losses were minimal, at 29 aircraft and five midget submarines, with 65 servicemen killed or wounded.

The attack was a major engagement of World War II. It occurred before a formal declaration of war and before the last part of a 14-part message was delivered to the State Department in Washington, D.C. The Japanese Embassy in Washington had been instructed to deliver it immediately prior to the scheduled time of the attack in Hawaii. The attack, and especially the surprise nature of it, were both factors in changing U.S. public opinion from an isolationist position to support for direct participation in the war. Germany's prompt declaration of war, unforced by any treaty commitment to Japan, quickly brought the United States into the European Theater as well. Despite numerous historical precedents of unannounced military action, the lack of any formal declaration prior to the attack led President Franklin D. Roosevelt to proclaim "December 7th, 1941 — a date which will live in infamy".

Be sure and give me a call for any information or direction on purchasing or selling real estate in the Phoenix and Mesa Valley!

Drop Bigging Illegal in Arizona - Alive and Well in Phoenix, Arizona!

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 21:33:58 -0600

Drop Bidding in Arizona is illegal! Apparently there is a disturbing trend in the Phoenix, Arizona real estate market known as "drop bidding" on the properties being put up for auction. I've provided a link for the reader's further enlightenment; however, "as usual" those that choose to stretch the boundaries of truth are finding other ways to cheat others out of purchasing these homes.

In a nut shell, a drop bid is a tactic used to sell a property faster. Though this practice is legal in some states, drop bids are illegal in Arizona. Arizona law requires that opening bids on the foreclosure properties are to be posted at 9:00 a.m. the day before the auctions. This is so all potential bidders, including the homeowner, have the information in time to research a property and line up the money to bid. [The Arizona Republic - 11/22/2009, p. A20]

The drop bid is happening on the courthouse steps the day of the auction. It appears as though a few "insiders" are the ones privy to this information and, thus, are able to grab the deals before the regular folk can even have a chance!

I cannot even believe how corrupt our country has become! Everywhere I turn, there's another story of thievery and greed! What is to become of our world if this continues?

Phoenix and Mesa, Arizona - Dollar Volume By City!

Mon, 30 Nov 2009 17:11:05 -0600

I've been doing a lot of searches for homes recently, and I'm noticing a trend. I am noticing that many of the listings sold by the homeowners are competing with the short sales and bank owned properties. I send them all to my buyers so they can see how comparable each are, but hopefully this means things are settling down a bit.

I came across a great graph available on our MLS which has been prepared by Mike Orr, of the Cromford Report - awesome. I'm sharing it here.

I enjoy seeing where the percentage of homes are purchased, and I think buyers and sellers will find it useful.

Visiting our local Farmer's Markets in Phoenix and Mesa, Arizona!

Fri, 27 Nov 2009 20:59:16 -0600

Visiting our local Farmer’s markets in the Phoenix and Mesa, Arizona valley is something I enjoy doing on a regular basis. I thought it would be useful for my readers if I provided a list of the Farmers’ Markets in the Southeast Valley including Mesa, Chandler, Phoenix, Tempe, Gilbert, Ahwatukee and Casa Grande.

Where possible, I’ve included any website information as well as time and dates of the Farmers’ Markets.

Downtown Chandler Farmers Market – Open on Thursdays fron 3–6 p.m. Located at the southwest corner of Chandler Boulevard and Arizona Avenue.
Farmers Market at Solera Community Center – open from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. on the 2^nd and 4^th Tuesdays of the Month from September-July. Located at 6360 South Mountain Boulevard, Chandler.
Farmers Market at Trilogy-Power Ranch - open 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. on the 2^nd and 4^th Tuesdays of the Month from September-July. Located at 4369 East Village Parkway, Gilbert
Agritopia Farm Stand – open from 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. Saturdays from November – May. Located at 3000 East Ray Road Gilbert.
Mesa Community Farmers Market – open 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. on Fridays. Located at the Rendezvous Center, 263 North Center Street, Mesa
McDonald Street Farmers Market – open 9:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. on Saturdays from October 24–May 1. Located at the northeastern corner of Main Street and MacDonald, Mesa
Ahwatukee Farmers Market – open 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sundays from October-April and May-September. Located at 4700 East Warner Road, Phoenix
Farm at South Mountain – open 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Saturdays October through May 16. Located at 6106 South 32^nd Street, Phoenix
Market on Mill – open 5 p.m. – 9 p.m. Thursdays. Located at 730 South Mill Avenue, Tempe

Casa Grande Farmers Market – open 8 a.m. – noon on Tuesdays. Located at the Christian Church of Casa Grande parking lot, 1510 North Casa Grande Avenue, in Casa Grande.

Hopefully this list will be useful in assisting our winter visitors to find these farmers' markets.

Take JUST FIVE minutes for YOU!!!

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 16:59:50 -0600

Do you ever take just "five minutes" for YOU? Life can be stressful, and the days whiz by before we know it, and we look around and wonder? Where did the time go?

Recently I read an article which inspired me to do just that - take five minutes! At first, I wondered whatever I could do in just "five mintues". I decided to compile a list [I am a fan of lists] of what "I" could do! How about YOU?

My first try at the "five" minute break, was to go into my closet and rid myself of the things that no longer fit - nor ever will. Okay, I spent maybe fifteen minutes - but, it felt GREAT!

Here is my list - by no means complete - feel free to add your ideas as well.

1 - Call - not email - someone! Take a minute to find out how they are doing, etc. It could be a friend, family member, or client!
2 - Go to your "go to" spot and sit and close your eyes for five minutes and think of all of the good things in your life! And express gratitude for all of those "good" things.
3 - Sit outside and enjoy seeing the flowers, trees, sky, birds - nature!
4 - Take a walk around the block.
5 - Visit with your husband or child or a friend
6 - Begin one of those projects you've wanted to do for a long while - just invest five minutes!
7 - Begin/finish your blog post!
8 - Read/learn something new!
9 - Practice on a talent!
10 - Clean out your purse - or wallet?
11 - Walk up and down the stairs five times.
12 - Give/get a back/shoulder rub
13 - Sit, relax, and dream for awhile -- and don't feel guilty!
14 - Sew on a missing button, or mend that hem or?
15 - Update family photos, or hang a picture on the wall.
16 - Polish a pair of shoes
17 - Water your plants!
18 - Get rid of a pile of old magazines or newspapers or catalogs
19 - Write a list of things for which you are grateful
20 - Plan your menus for a week
21 - Clean off your desk five minutes at a time
22 - Organize those files
23 - Clear off those things sticking to your refrigerator
24 - Look at your kitchen - get rid of the stuff laying on the counter that doesn't need to be there
25 - Clean out a drawer

I COULD go on and on, but you get the idea. These are some great five minute options - and, the way I look at it, if it takes a bit longer, that's okay too. If we begin with five minutes, that doesn't sound so overwhelming....five minutes at a time!

My wish for all of you is to have a wonderful and peaceful Thanksgiving.

You Think Your House is Worth WHAT?? Pricing Your Home to Sell

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 12:42:15 -0600

This is a great article for those thinking of listing their home in the Phoenix and Mesa, Arizona metropolitan area.

Via Liz Moras ~Chilliwack Realtor, Chilliwack,Hope,Langley,Abbotsford (Harrison Hot Springs, Cultus Lake):

You Think Your House is Worth WHAT? Pricing Your Home to Sell

O.k., so you've looked on the Internet, you've checked the Real Estate Weekly - and you've talked to your Neighbors. You're pretty sure you know what you WANT your home to be worth. Next step? You call the Realtors in.

Everyone says you should interview 3 Realtors - so that's what you do! And sceptically you await their Verdicts! Does the highest Bid (because that's what it often is) win your Vote? Well it shouldn't and let me tell you why.





                                                  BUT Your neighbor's house just sold for XXXXX!

First of all, Realtors have access to the same information Online. By doing a CMA (Comparative Market Analysis) they should be able to come very close to the Range of Your Home's Value. They will see which homes are currently Listed, those that will be in direct competition with Your Home; they will see which comparable homes have Sold recently; and they will ALSO see which homes have 'Expired'....(Listed But Not Sold). That's the Starting Point!

If you use a Local Realtor - which is what I Recommend- they'll also be able to take into consideration different factors about your neighborhood - like development, schools, safety, proximity to transport etc.

                                                            BUT Your House has been upgraded!



Now where no 2 homes are exactly alike - chances are we've seen most of the homes for sale in your area and have an inside view that you may not have seen. Even online photos won't give you a complete view of how these homes compare.

In many ways - it's the Buyer that ultimately determines the value of your home. A house is worth what somebody will pay for it. It's important to try and anticipate what MOST buyers will pay for it. If the price is too high - you may just end up remaining THAT Buyer! If your home should by some chance sell for more then the estimated value, remember the home still needs to be Appraised for the Buyer's Bank, and if it's overpriced it just may not!

                                      BUT That's What INEEEEEEEED to Get for My Home!

There is the odd time that a home is unusual and there are not direct comparables, sometimes this requires a trial and error strategy where we have to gage potential buyer responses in order to fine tune the price.

Another factor is the current 'Real Estate market'. Is it a Buyer's market or a Seller's market - or is it balanced? What kind of standing inventory is in the market in your price range. These will all factor in to your pricing.

The value of a home can also be estimated in part by using the price per square foot calculation. But you do have to use a sliding scale of adjustment. The 'core' of the home is worth more then the peripheral square footage. ie. the price per sq. foot for a 1000 sq. foot rancher will be higher then that of a 3000 sq. ft. basement home.

Should you start higher - after all - you can always come down??? No! If you do that you should be charging your competitor a fee for helping them sell THEIR home!

Remember the most critical time for selling your home is in the first 30 days. Longer then that you can bet your bottom dollar, (and unfortunately that's probably what it will end up being) that the Buyer will be paying attention to your 'days on market' when making both their buying decision and price point!

How do you know if your house is priced right? Feedback! Your Realtor will be calling to get feedback on showings from both the Buyer and their Realtor.  If you've had over 6 showings and have been on the market for 3 or so weeks that should give you some idea of what the market thinks. Unusual or high end homes could be the exception here though.

Sometimes the most important factor is YOUR motivation. How motivated are you to sell?   I know a lot of Seller's like to tell us that 'they don't HAVE to sell'.......and in most cases that's true - you don't! But if you do want to sell your home call a Realtor that knows your market and will be honest with you - because that's what a professional does - they Help you Price Your Home to Sell!







If you or someone you know is thinking of Buying or Selling property in Cultus Lake, Chilliwack, Hope, Abbotsford, Langley or anywhere in the Fraser Valley Area of B.C. - or if you would like more information please give Liz  Moras of Landmark Realty Chilliwack a call at- 604-799-0459 or e-mail at lizmoras@gmail.com.

Copyright © 2009 By Liz Moras, All Rights Reserved. All photos by Liz Moras ( except the one's I'm in!). All information provided by this author is only an opinion, it is not guaranteed, may be based on information collected from several sources, and may be time sensitive. It is not necessarily representative of the opinions of Landmark Realty Chwk. Ltd..

Taking a Day Trip from Mesa, through Tempe, into Phoenix, and back!

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 09:57:36 -0600

Since I had not yet availed myself of the opportunity to travel on our Light Rail from Mesa to Phoenix, hubby and I decided to take another day trip! On November 11, Veterans' Day, we boarded the Light Rail in Mesa at Dobson and Main. I love to take day trips to better appreciate the beautiful Phoenix Valley. I wanted to stop by the Tempe Farmers Market, walk along Mill Avenue in Tempe, and enjoy the sights of downtown Phoenix all of the way to the end of the line and back.

The price of an all-day ticket is very reasonable - I am thinking for both of us - $3.50. We purchased our tickets at Safeway in East Mesa. There were very few people traveling, and we enjoyed seeing the ongoing Veterans' Day parades in Tempe and in Central Phoenix. It was so cool! The trip took about 30-40 minutes to the end of the line at the Metro Center - 19th Avenue. We changed trains and headed back!

Since I grew up in Phoenix, I loved traveling through downtown Phoenix and being able to see how "modern" Phoenix has become. The Light Rail route is so nicely designed and maintained, there is a feeling that I could get off at any of the stations and feel "safe." We passed by a Phoenix icon, The Westward Ho, a skyscraper hotel located on Central Avenue built in 1928 - famous in the "day" and the tallest building in Phoenix until the year 1960. Anyone who has seen Alfred Hitchcock's movie, Pschyo, will remember that it was filmed in downtown Phoenix in 1960 though the hotel in the scenes was the Jefferson Hotel.

[As a child, my mom would drop us off in downtown Phoenix to watch movies, and we got in for a quarter.] ;-)

Then, there's my high school, Phoenix Union, located in downtown Phoenix along Van Buren - which has been torn down now; however, the memories are still very fresh of the "good old days"! Very nostalgic for me. The City has certainly "grown" up.

There is more to this story - I'll share photos of Mill Avenue, where we ate, and more photos in another post.

McDonald Street Market, Farmers' Markets, Mesa Old West Days Festival!

Sun, 08 Nov 2009 10:55:03 -0600

Now that the weather has cooled down, my husband and I decided to check out our Mesa Farmers’ Market Saturday morning - checking out farmers' markets is one of my favorite things to do. Mesa is also celebrating its Old West Days Festival yesterday (November 7) and today (November 8).

Shoot outs at the Mesa Old West Days

There were shootouts, people dressed in their “old west” garb, and plenty of food. Rides on the train for little ones, jewelry booths, and a wide assortment of opportunities to purchase goodies or just walk and enjoy the music and the sights.

Center Street, Mesa, Arizona

Winter visitors are back!! These events continue until May when visitors return to their cooler climates. There are plenty of these Farmers’ Markets, festivals, craft shows, and celebrations going on all winter.

Farmers' Market and Mesa Celebration of Old West Days

It was a balmy 78 degrees yesterday morning around 11:30, and we stopped by and tried out the homemade tamales. LOVE tamales! We purchased six, and will be having them for dinner soon. The Tamale Store is located in north Phoenix, but you can call and order your tamales, or go online at www.thetamalestore.com, and pick them up at the farmers’ markets in town. I do recommend them.

The McDonald Street Market is located in the center of Old Mesa at McDonald and Main. I’ve included a link to their website which provides dates, times, and other useful information for those who like to keep up on the local news. So - all of you wanting to find things to do this winter, just stop by now and again for an update to the "happenings" in Mesa, Arizona!!

Custom 5500 Square Foot Home at 19829 West Lower Buckeye Road, Buckeye, Arizona

Tue, 13 Oct 2009 17:35:30 -0500

Custom home located on 10 acres of irrigated land. Additional four bedroom guest house on the property as well. Two lots, (an 8-acre and a 2-acre) but to be sold together.

This home is particularly beautiful - with so many amenities, it is impossible to list them all. It boasts a center courtyard with a fireplace and a fountain, plants, trees, etc. The home completely wraps around the courtyard with windows opening to the center giving an open and pleasing view.

I took approximately 100 photos and have changed them around on the MLS as well as the Real Estate Show. One of my favorite "spots" in this beauty is the butler's pantry complete with plenty of granite counter space, sink, cabinets, and storage space. In the kitchen - another of my favorites - is the Wolf Range, two complete islands, with a sink on each.

The ceilings are high, pillars are everywhere, and nothing has been forgotten in putting this home together. Hopefully the photos will help you "see" the home. To really be appreciated, a personal visit is necessary!

What I Did This Summer - Year 2009!!!

Mon, 21 Sep 2009 00:40:47 -0500

What I did this summer! Catchy title doncha think? I actually took some time “away” from blogging, commenting, and working in real estate “24-7” and enjoyed some down time and alone time with my husband in Show Low, Arizona, a wonderful little town located in the White Mountains just north and east of Mesa, Arizona 140 miles.

I thought I would share just "some" of the things I chose to do during my down time, along with some photos: I learned to knit, played golf, ate, rested, lounged on the porch and read, read, read.

Some sights of interest along our way to Show Low! We pass through Superior, Miami, and Globe, mining towns in eastern Arizona. Then, as we head north to Show Low, we pass through the Salt River Canyon which is an amazing drive and has spectacularly beautiful scenic views.. As a child, I recall driving that area with a HUGE amount of trepidation....now, the roads are wider, passing lanes, etc.

There are many, many wonderful places to visit in Arizona. I've shared many photographs and tours in the past, and will continue to do so.

As described in Wikepedia: "Show Low is a city in Navajo County, Arizona, United States. It lies on the Mogollon Rim in east central Arizona, at an elevation of 6,400 feet (1,951 m). The city was established in 1870 and incorporated in 1953. According to 2007 Census Bureau estimates, the population was 11,763.[1]

“According to the legend, the city was named after a marathon poker game between C.E. Cooley and Marion Clark. The two men decided there was not enough room for both of them in their settlement. The two men agreed to let a game of cards decide who was to move. According to the tale, Clark said, "If you can show low, you win." Cooley turned up the deuce of clubs (the lowest possible card) and replied, "Show low it is." The stakes were a 100,000 acre (400 km²) ranch. Show Low's main street is named "Deuce of Clubs" in remembrance.

In 2002, a large forest fire, the Rodeo-Chediski fire, threatened the city and forced an evacuation. The city is near extensive forests, and in normal times is a popular recreational area."

Yes, I’m a huge fan of Arizona and, especially, those places I can visit easily from my home base in Mesa, Arizona.

Arizona! Phoenix Valley! Home Buyers and Sellers! Be Warned That There ARE Fissures Throughout Valley! Be Informed!

Tue, 18 Aug 2009 21:00:35 -0500

I posted a blog a year ago about fissures "appearing in and around Maricopa and Pinal County" and surrounding areas, including Queen Creek, Arizona!!! It appears as though problems are still occurring, so buyers and sellers - please be aware.

Check out my blog from last year in order to grab the links to the information you might need.

As a Realtor, IF we are aware of fissures in locations throughout the valley, we have a DUTY to inform our potential buyers. ABOVE ALL, BE SURE to provide a Buyer Advisory to each buyer that you represent. That document provides necessary information - including information about fissures in our state.

As a direct result of my blog of last August on Active Rain, I received a call yesterday from a woman living in Queen Creek in the community of Pecan Creek - North. She thought maybe I could “direct” her to a place she could lodge a concern or complaint about the “sink holes” appearing in her yard and that of her neighbors’ homes.

The builder, Fulton, had not remedied her problem, and customer service seemed unwilling to work with her. (FYI, fissures can just suddenly "appear," without warning!) She told me that there were now issues with her water pipe. Her neighbor was experiencing similar problems and, in fact, cracks seemed to be causing stress on her patio.

My immediate thought was: “I was showing homes in that neighborhood last Saturday!!!” These are definitely warnings that need to be out there for potential home buyers/sellers!

My suggestions included: writing to Builder, reviewing the information HERE!!!! - and checking out the Arizona Department of Real Estate website as well as sharing information on Twitter and Facebook to get the word out. I also told her I would post it on my blogs so people could be on the lookout. Hopefully those Active Rainers in the Phoenix Valley will be vigilant in looking out for their buyers!

Mesa, Arizona - The Buy and Bail Scheme Is Still Alive And Well!!!

Tue, 04 Aug 2009 22:32:51 -0500

Recently I received a telephone call from a Realtor from another state. He introduced himself, told me he had found me through Active Rain, and knew so and so, and so and so - yada, yada......

After we had finished with our introductions, he told me he had a client that had a home in Mesa, Arizona, and they wanted to find someone to list it for them. As I began to question him on the circumstances of the sale, he said that the sellers just “needed” it listed. I prodded him further asking if they had taken out a second and if they were upside down. He said, "yes," and basically needed it listed in order to complete their purchase of a home through him.

He further went on to tell me that they didn’t really care whether they sold it or not, and he didn’t need a referral fee. Sound fishy? Yep, to me it did – and it was.

I told him this: “they are buying another home and bailing on this one,” aren't they? He hemmed and hawed, and pretty much acknowledged this to be true - actually he "thought" it "might" be the case, but “he didn’t know for sure.”

I told him that it is mortgage fraud knowing when you purchase one home that you are walking away from the other one!! You see, I have very strong feelings about this type of mind set. (See my previous post written in June 2008 on the Buy and Bail phenomena.) NO WONDER we are in such dire straits in America!! Guess who picks up the tab? US!!! People don’t think twice about their obligations to keep their promises – AND – this agent had never heard of the Buy and Bail scheme. Maybe yes, maybe no!! Hopefully all Realtors are aware of this egregious behavior and DO not assist buyers/sellers with transactions of this type.

Mesa, Arizona Real Estate. Call me at: 480.216-3334 for information on purchasing or selling a home in Mesa, Arizona or surrounding towns. OR email me: Teri@TeriEllis.com. Feel free to visit one of my websites: HomesAzRE.com, ServingMesaArizona, MoveToMesaAz.com or MoveToSunnyAz.com. Or stop by my blogs at: MesaAzRealEstateVoice; or Phoenix Valley Real Estate Blog

MLS Stats for Mesa, Arizona - Zip Code 85209 - Last 24 Months

Mon, 03 Aug 2009 23:03:12 -0500

According to our MLS stats, the 85209 zip code in Mesa, Arizona shows that we are now in a buyer/seller market. Six months is typically the “middle” mark. We’ll have to see what July holds, but notice in August 2007, we had 11.4 months’ supply of homes on the market. As of June, 2009, 6.5 months’ supply of homes. I'm thinking it's time to make your move if you are thinking of purchasing or selling a home. Homes are definitely selling. Don't wait until it becomes a seller's market buyers - make your move now. ESPECIALLY first time home buyers who can take advantage of the $8,000 incentive!!!

Mesa, Arizona Real Estate. Call me at: 480.216-3334 for information on purchasing or selling a home in Mesa, Arizona or surrounding towns. OR email me: Teri@TeriEllis.com. Feel free to visit one of my websites: HomesAzRE.com, ServingMesaArizona, MoveToMesaAz.com or MoveToSunnyAz.com. Or stop by my blogs at: MesaAzRealEstateVoice; or Phoenix Valley Real Estate Blog

TODAY IS FRIENDSHIP DAY!!!! AND some other cool August days to remember!

Sun, 02 Aug 2009 19:03:23 -0500

I’ll bet you didn’t know that August has at least four days that are days we can celebrate!

August 2: Friendship Day!!! That day is TODAY!!! Did you know? the first Sunday in August was proclaimed National Friendship Day in 1935? Since that time, this day has caught on around the world and is now celebrated nationally!

How are you celebrating Friendship Day? What are some of the special things you do for your friends? Share some of your ideas for the rest of us. I give my friends a huge HUG or I'll share my soda!!

August 13: International Left-Hander Day: Wow! Who knew? I wonder if there is a special day for those of us who are right handed – or – BOTH! There is actually a club for left handers at: Lefthandersday.com.

August 19: National Aviation Day: This Day is celebrated on the birthday of Orville Wright (1871), who flew the Wright Brothers’ first successful airplane a distance of 120 feet in 12 seconds in Kitty Hawk, N.C.

August 24: National Waffle Day: Now this is certainly a day I can get into. This Day marks the anniversary of the waffle iron patented by Cornelius Swarthout of Toy, N.Y. in 1869!!! (Bet that one didn’t work like the one we use in our kitchens today!!! ;-)

So, there you have it…four days to celebrate in August. I think there’s something for everyone here! Okay, now I’m hungry for a nice hot waffle and a big glass of milk!!!

Have a great friendship day everyone!!!

Mesa, Arizona Real Estate. Call me at: 480.216-3334 for information on purchasing or selling a home in Mesa, Arizona or surrounding towns. OR email me: Teri@TeriEllis.com. Feel free to visit one of my websites: HomesAzRE.com, ServingMesaArizona, MoveToMesaAz.com or MoveToSunnyAz.com. Or stop by my blogs at: MesaAzRealEstateVoice; or Phoenix Valley Real Estate Blog

Your Well Dries Up When You Don't Blog!!! Mine Almost Did!!!

Sun, 02 Aug 2009 00:00:57 -0500

Seriously!! My well dries up when I don't blog!! Just think about this one! If you didn't speak for a week or two or three, wouldn't you run out of thought? Words? Wow!!!

I've been enjoying the Show Low (mountain) weather, escaping into the beautiful 6500 elevation complete with pine trees, afternoon rain showers, spending time hanging out with my husband, playing golf, reading, and LEARNING to knit!!! Yep, that's what I just said, KNIT!!!

For those who don't know, I have more than one dimension. I like to cook, to make bread from scratch, read, crochet, play card games, teach, dance, golf, BLOG, and now knitting! Does that mean I'm getting old 'cause I like to knit? (Oh, yeah, and I like working in real estate!)

Since my well has almost dried up, I thought I would test my vocabulary of words, of sentences, and stop by to let you ALL know I've not forgotten you at all.....just took a little (I hope) break away from blogging. I've promised myself to be better at sharing information and posting blogs on Active Rain! You see? After 3+ years, I've gotten to know so many of you that I miss knowing about what you're sharing, and what you're doing - so now, I'm committed...yes siree!!!

Just remember, your well can dry up, and maybe can never fill up with those blogging waters again. Trust me!! I know!!!

Mesa, Arizona Real Estate. Call me at: 480.216-3334 for information on purchasing or selling a home in Mesa, Arizona or surrounding towns. OR email me: Teri@TeriEllis.com. Feel free to visit one of my websites: HomesAzRE.com, ServingMesaArizona, MoveToMesaAz.com or MoveToSunnyAz.com. Or stop by my blogs at: MesaAzRealEstateVoice; or Phoenix Valley Real Estate Blog

My Last Update For Growth Leader/Vision Program

Fri, 17 Jul 2009 16:16:09 -0500

Hi Everyone! Just wanted to share some thoughts on the Growth Leader/Vision program that many of us have been/are testing. My "trial" period will end the end of July, but I have some comments on the program:

FIRST: Allow the change of passwords, or allow the one that signs on to choose their own. I've had complaints on the passwords, but have learned I cannot change them. When you have ajiihilll password, or something to that effect, it can be a challenge to read and enter correctly let alone remember it.

SECOND: Though I have had PLENTY of those that have signed on and registered, and I've contacted the prospect via email or telephone, NOT ONE of them has actually scheduled appointments, met with the lender, or purchased a home. Many of the phone numbers were bogus, many that I was able to contact said they were just "looking," and a HUGE number were looking in the low, low price ranges of $40,000, $35,000, etc. While I will work with those in that price range, there simply isn't really that much available, and if they are, they're mobile homes or really run down places.

As a result, I do not believe I will continue the program. In my opinion, there are myriad reasons for no tangible buyers.

1. Our market is rather topsy turvey right now
2. There are a lot of lookie loos trying to figure out how to purchase a home with no money down. That isn't going to happen - unless - it's a VA of course.
3. Many just are not qualified to purchase a home.
4. Investors (many cash buyers) have again entered into our market and have purchased a ton of homes and have put the homes up for rent, so we have a glut of rentals right now;
5. Listening to the news would scare anyone away from signing onto purchasing a home right now; and, last but certainly not least,
6. Our unemployment rate is nearing the 10% mark!

All of that said: I still receive viable leads via my blogs and my websites and via referrals - such as Active Rain. I've appreciated the opportunity to work with this program, and would seriously consider using it in the future should it become feasible to do so.

Mesa, Arizona Real Estate. Call me at: 480.216-3334 for information on purchasing or selling a home in Mesa, Arizona or surrounding towns. OR email me: Teri@TeriEllis.com. Feel free to visit one of my websites: HomesAzRE.com, ServingMesaArizona, MoveToMesaAz.com or MoveToSunnyAz.com. Or stop by my blogs at: MesaAzRealEstateVoice; or Phoenix Valley Real Estate Blog

Happy Birthday to Our America! A Tribute to Our United States of America!!

Sat, 04 Jul 2009 12:44:30 -0500

I want to join everyone else and wish America a Happy Birthday! I know all of us appreciate the tremendous blessing it is to live in such a wonderful country. Our forefathers sacrificed SO much in order that we might live with the many freedoms we love and enjoy! I, for one, extend a rousing "thank you" - and say to all of you: Have a wonderful 4th of July!

Mesa, Arizona Real Estate. Call me at: 480.216-3334 for information on purchasing or selling a home in Mesa, Arizona or surrounding towns. OR email me: Teri@TeriEllis.com. Feel free to visit one of my websites: HomesAzRE.com, ServingMesaArizona, MoveToMesaAz.com or MoveToSunnyAz.com. Or stop by my blogs at: MesaAzRealEstateVoice; or Phoenix Valley Real Estate Blog

How Will Cap and Trade Effect Your Real Estate Business?

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 12:11:19 -0500

Please folks - educate yourselves on the ENTIRE bill....not just the fluff. Katerina has posted and shared a great synopsis of what this bill will actually DO.

Via Nestor & Katerina Gasset Realtors® Wellington Florida Luxury Homes (International Properties and Investments, Inc.):

Real estate is local when it comes to market conditions and market trends. Real estate differs from region to region in styles, architecture and amenities generally speaking. For instance; in Florida fireplaces are not the norm whereas in cold winter areas such as Colorado, fireplaces are a standard addition to a home. In some areas of our country people have wood burning stoves and others have coal burning furnaces. There are areas of our country such as here in Florida where you would not dare live without Air Conditioning but in many homes in Washington for instance, air conditioning is more of a luxury than a necessity.

So when we are discussing the effects of cap and trade in your real estate business you will need to take into account the region in which you live as some areas will be more effected than others.

Here is a really good interactive map from the New York Times. The map I posted below is the map of the votes in the House for and against the Cap and Tax bill that just passed the House. But if you click on the link of the New York Times map, it is interactive.

You can move your mouse over the map and see who voted, what party they belong to and their district. You will be able to see that no matter whether they were democrats or republicans if they are in the farm country of America, high manufacturing areas of America, low energy bills of America and the heartland of America- they voted NO on this bill and for very good reasons.

"For a household of four, energy costs go up $436 that year, and they eventually reach $1,241 in 2035 and average $829 annually over that span. Electricity costs go up 90 percent by 2035, gasoline by 58 percent, and natural gas by 55 percent by 2035. The cumulative higher energy costs for a family of four by then will be nearly $20,000.

But direct energy costs are only part of the consumer impact. Nearly everything goes up, since higher energy costs raise production costs. If you look at the total cost of Waxman-Markey, it works out to an average of $2,979 annually from 2012-2035 for a household of four. By 2035 alone, the total cost is over $4,600." Heritage Foundation.

You will notice that the states where the votes were yes are also the states that already have the highest energy bills. The states that voted no are mostly states with presently low energy bills.

Instead of calling this to Cap and Trade- We can really call it the Tax On Electricity Bill.

How does this information pertain to real estate agents? If you live in the lower energy pricing states you are going to be seeing huge increases in household energy bills. If you live in states that are coal powered or oil powered you will see the largest increases ever in your energy bills because those energy sources are going to be punished with taxation.

How is that going to effect home prices?

How is that going to effect movement in and out of your state?

How is that going to effect your real estate office utility bills and who is going to pay for this?

The House is at it again. This was a 1,300 page bill and again as with so many large bills was not read by most of those that voted yes or no. What is it that they don't get? The American people expect our leaders to read what they vote on.

So what else is tucked away neatly into this bill that perhaps no one knows the full implications of yet?

How about the Federal imposition and takeover of building codes? Your local planning and building offices will not be qualified for any Federal funding of any kind unless they adopt what the FEDS say is the new energy efficient building standards. This will create higher prices in building new homes which is then passed on the homebuyers and then you as a real estate agent are also effected because less buyers will be able to afford to buy a new home built . Not to mention having to wait for the Feds to come and inspect the builders and the homes.

How about the new Federal Energy Nazis Inspectors who will come and rate your home before you can sell your home. So before you can list a home for sale, the seller will have to wait for the Federal inspectors to come out. DMV lines anyone? Once that inspector comes out, he or she will give the home an energy rating. If the home does not meet the guidelines the seller will be required to do the work necessary to bring the home up to energy standards before they can sell the home! Can we say money? Does that mean that there will be homeowners who will become prisoners in their homes because they can not afford to make the energy repairs that the feds require? Is that an invasion of your privacy as well as an attack on your property rights?

Hmmm, how is that going to effect short sales where the seller has no money to make the repairs and adjustments?

How is that going to effect your ability to get listings in a timely manner?

How is that going to effect your seller who is about to lose their home in a foreclosure?

How is that going to effect the seller who has to relocate for their job?

How is that going to effect the estates with heirs having to do these repairs and such when there won't be any money until the estate is sold?

I wonder if our House of Representatives and our Congress men and women EVER thought to actually ask us in the field working this business day in and day out how these bills will effect the housing market?

Of course, the US will be living Cap and Tax while the real perpetrators of dirty air like China and India get off scott free. There will be an unfair advantage in pricing products and manufacturing to the point that if a US company even stands a chance of staying in the manufacturing business will have no choice but to move their company oversees which in turn will cause a massive layoff of people increasing the already high unemployment problem we are facing in our country.

How will the unemployment effect your real estate business?

How will the unemployment effect the REOs and massive foreclosures in your community?

How will the unemployment effect home values as you get more and more vacant properties in your area?

If you are an agent in America's farmland you will begin to see farms no longer being able to produce a profit. Farms use a lot of energy. Energy use will be punished. This is why nearly every politician from a farm land state no matter what party they are affiliated with voted no to this bill. Their districts will suffer terribly. As this happens we will be buying more and more produce from other countries with far less health standards than our own. I don't trust foods, especially produce from China or other countries except Europe. But we don't import our veggies from Europe!

How is this going to effect your real esate business if you live and work in a farm land state?

When it comes down to the nitty and the gritty about this bill you must remember that GE is the biggest supporter of this bill. They stand to make billions of dollars from the passage of this bill. The politicians voting yes on this bill, many of them are getting paid to vote yes. And Al Gore will become the very first GREEN billionaire. It is just too bad that he is not a real capitalist. He could not become a billionaire playing fair and square. Instead, he has an unfair advantage, legislation to make him filthy rich. Not exactly the free market way. It is all about the money.

Contact your Senators now to vote NO now. Click on this link to find your Senators and contact them by email, phone and fax today. Let them know how this is going to effect your business and your community homeowners and buyers. Pass this on...

Growth Leader/Vision - Tracking Prospects! Very Cool!

Sun, 28 Jun 2009 12:10:34 -0500

I've discovered yet another cool feature of Growth Leader/Vision. As I was responding to a new prospect this morning, I decided to check out the Admin Tools again. This time, I noticed a tab with "prospects," along with others I've not yet investigated. The tab provides information on just how many prospects that have logged onto my website, www.ServingMesaArizona.com, AND from where! I've not yet investigated the other tabs, but loved this one. I've provided a look-see so you can see what I am seeing:

I'm still getting visitors, but so far - sadly - nothing has turned into a sale. I will definitely let all of you know if that happens - but, as you can clearly see, I am gathering the leads.

I truly think it's our Phoenix, Arizona market 'cause right now, at least in my area, it's not a buyer's market anymore - it's what I'd like to refer to as a "bank's" market IF you catch my drift.

Mesa, Arizona Real Estate. Call me at: 480.216-3334 for information on purchasing or selling a home in Mesa, Arizona or surrounding towns. OR email me: Teri@TeriEllis.com. Feel free to visit one of my websites: HomesAzRE.com, ServingMesaArizona, MoveToMesaAz.com or MoveToSunnyAz.com. Or stop by my blogs at: MesaAzRealEstateVoice; or Phoenix Valley Real Estate Blog

So? Does Technology Really Save us Time? What about about Social Networking? or???

Sat, 20 Jun 2009 00:36:36 -0500

Are we really "saving time" with all of our "ic" or "instant communication" via Twitter, Facebook and other social networking options? How about our mobile phones, faxes, or???

I've been giving a lot of thought lately as I've been trying to wean myself from spending literally HOURS each day on the computer with social networking and/or blogging. Granted, in my opinion, it's a "good thing" to become acquainted with other Realtors, to learn all of the amazing technology inventions, and get "in the know" with what's happening in real estate.

I know it benefits me in many ways to blog and keep myself "out in front" of the public eye; however when reflecting upon where my buyers/sellers are coming from - I don't think any have arrived via my social networking.

Some buyers/sellers HAVE come through as a direct result of my blogging on Active Rain, however, and I feel being "present" on this worthwhile platform is well worth any time I can devote to posting and commenting.

I do think, in MY case, being as active on the myriad social networks might not be what I want to continue to do. Of course tweeting and posting on Facebook is entertaining and a good way to "connect" with those NOT on Active Rain and may be of some value, but I plan to be more reasonable in time spent on any of these networks. My profile is evident on many, and for whatever that is worth, that's one more place I can plant my business card.

It seems that everyday - though I probably already have a presence in 20-30 social networking venues, I am invited or learn about joining join yet another group or "fan."

How are all of my friends on the Rain handling this GROWING phenomena?

With real estate and "life," it seems as if I need WANT to find time to read more books, play more golf, and spend time with my husband. AND, of course, spend a reasonable time blogging and sharing here on Active Rain!!! I'm just sayin.....

Mesa, Arizona Real Estate. Call me at: 480.216-3334 for information on purchasing or selling a home in Mesa, Arizona or surrounding towns. OR email me: Teri@TeriEllis.com. Feel free to visit one of my websites: HomesAzRE.com, ServingMesaArizona, MoveToMesaAz.com or MoveToSunnyAz.com. Or stop by my blogs at: MesaAzRealEstateVoice; or Phoenix Valley Real Estate Blog