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How to Drive a Home Buyer (and their agent) Insane
2008-04-28 20:08:00
I just don’t get it. Agent s talk about “How to Sell Your Home ” all the time. Pricing, curb appeal, condition, staging, marketing, declutter, blah blah blah. You can read real estate blogs for days and get great tips on how to sell your home. But there seems to be a disturbing trend developing. Oh, it’s been going on ...SHARETHIS.addEntry({ title: "How to Drive a Home Buyer (and their agent) Insane ", url: "http://www.phoenixrealestateguy.com/how- to-drive-a-home-buyer-and-their-agent-ins ane/925" });

Phoenix Real Estate Search Site Comes to Life
2008-04-27 23:16:00
Been toying around some this weekend with a new site dedicated solely to searching for Phoenix area homes. The URL is a mouthful, PhoenixRealEstate Search Site.com (affectionately now called PRESS…). There is no question that it will morph and change over time. Numerous pages and searches still need to be added. Eventually, it will have dedicated pages for home searches for specific ...SHARETHIS.addEntry({ title: "Phoenix Real Estate Search Site Comes to Life ", url: "http://www.phoenixrealestateguy.com/phoe nix-real-estate-search-site-comes-to-life /924" });

17 Years of Marital Bliss
2008-04-27 09:01:00
17 years ago today, I married my best friend. Every day, I’m amazed by her… Every time our eyes meet This feeling inside me Is almost more than I can take Baby when you touch me I can feel how much you love me And it just blows me away I’ve never been this close to anyone ...SHARETHIS.addEntry({ title: "17 Years of Marital Bliss", url: "http://www.phoenixrealestateguy.com/17-y ears-of-marital-bliss/922" });
More About: Life

Why Your Gated Community May Not Be the Bastion of Safety You Think It Is
2008-04-25 01:36:00
Conversation overheard today in Starbucks: Man on cell phone: “blah blah, yes the car is still available. Yep, that’s the correct address. The gate code is 4375 pound sign. OK, see you then.” Man’s apparent wife: “You just gave a complete stranger the gate access code.” Man: “So. Everyone from the pizza guy to the florist to all ...SHARETHIS.addEntry({ title: "Why Your Gated Community May Not Be the Bastion of Safety You Think It Is", url: "http://www.phoenixrealestateguy.com/why- your-gated-community-may-not-be-the-basti on-of-safety-you-think-it-is/921" });
More About: Real Estate , Gated Community

Phoenix MLS Search: Blinging the Blog
2008-04-24 23:28:00
We recently upgraded our MLS search to the map-based solution provided by Diverse Solutions, and I’m loving it. Judging from the feedback we’ve received and the number of searches being conducted, so are the users searching for Phoenix homes. I just installed a new toy over on the right side bar (just under the contact form). Using ...SHARETHIS.addEntry({ title: "Phoenix MLS Search : Blinging the Blog ", url: "http://www.phoenixrealestateguy.com/phoe nix-mls-search-blinging-the-blog/920" });

Phoenix Area Earth Fissure Maps Beginning to be Released
2008-04-24 16:44:00
Back in 2006, legislation was passed requiring the Arizona Geological Survey (AZGS) to deliver: A comprehensive mapping of earth fissures throughout Arizona Detailed earth fissure map data to the State Land Department for public access online The first two such maps for Chandler Heights / Queen Creek and Apache Junction (areas particularly prone to earth fissures) have been released (PDF format). In addition, there’s an interactive map site now available. The interactive map is slow and tedious, and doesn’t appear yet to have any real advantage over the PDF maps. “What’s an earth fissure?” you may be asking yourself. In a nutshell (that will have geologists cringing, I’m sure) earth fissures and subsidence occurs in certain areas when too much ground water is pumped out, causing cracks and collapses of the surrounding earth to occur. Why are earth fissures important to home owners? Because no one wants to walk out the door one day and see this r...
More About: Phoenix , Earth , Released , Maps , Area

Gilbert?s Power Ranch: Active Listings and Home Search
2008-04-23 20:09:00
Search all active Power Ranch real estate lisings. Power Ranch is a Master Planned Community in Gilbert, AZ.SHARETHIS.addEntry({ title: "Gilbert’s Power Ranch: Active Listings and Home Search", url: "http://www.phoenixrealestateguy.com/gilb erts-power-ranch-active-listings-and-home -search/917" });
More About: Search

Welcome Phoenix Magazine Readers!
2008-04-23 04:14:00
If you’ve stumbled across The Phoenix Real Estate Guy blog from this months edition of Phoenix Magazine , welcome! We are glad you are here. Feel free to poke around. You can search the Phoenix MLS, explore the archives or just wander about. You can use the search bar off to the right, or browse the various ...SHARETHIS.addEntry({ title: "Welcome Phoenix Magazine Readers !", url: "http://www.phoenixrealestateguy.com/welc ome-phoenix-magazine-readers/915" });

The Most Asinine Real Estate Blog Post Ever
2008-04-22 18:32:00
I have about 250 real estate blogs in my feed reader. As such, I read a LOT of real estate blog posts. They range from pure brilliance to not-so-swift. Today Carol Hian with Redfin in San Diego, posted what has to be the most asinine blog post I’ve ever read. Carol starts off her diatribe with, “I ...SHARETHIS.addEntry({ title: "The Most Asinine Real Estate Blog Post Ever", url: "http://www.phoenixrealestateguy.com/the- most-asinine-real-estate-blog-post-ever/9 13" });
More About: Life , Real Estate , Blogging

Thompson?s Realty Welcomes Damon Pace
2008-04-21 21:49:00
We are pleased to announce the addition of Damon Pace to Thompson ’s Realty .Those who are tuned in to real estate Internet space know Damon as the CEO of Incredible Agent — but he’s also a Realtor in the Phoenix area. Damon graduated from Arizona State University with a degree in Political Science and has held ...SHARETHIS.addEntry({ title: "Thompson’s Realty Welcomes Damon Pace", url: "http://www.phoenixrealestateguy.com/thom psons-realty-welcomes-damon-pace/912" });

AZ Real Estate Blogging Network: First Meet Up
2008-04-21 16:09:00
Candace Robinson, a HomeSmart agent in Gilbert, has spooled up what looks like a promising group — The AZ Real Estate Blogging Network . Several real estate bloggers from the ActiveRain network will be talking, and many others will be chatting and networking at what Candace (and I) hope will be a monthly event. Here are the details ...SHARETHIS.addEntry({ title: "AZ Real Estate Blogging Network: First Meet Up", url: "http://www.phoenixrealestateguy.com/az-r eal-estate-blogging-network-first-meet-up /909" });

The Home Buying Process: Part 3
2008-04-20 20:52:00
Write and negotiate an offer:  The Arizona Residential Resale Purchase Contract is the primary form used in residential sales.  There is a corresponding purchase contract used for vacant land sales.  The contract is between a buyer and a seller and establishes the terms and conditions of the sale of residential property. There is a lot ...SHARETHIS.addEntry({ title: "The Home Buying Process : Part 3", url: "http://www.phoenixrealestateguy.com/the- home-buying-process-part-3/907" });
More About: Part 3

A Couple of ?Worst of? Lists: Not Where the Phoenix Real Estate Market Want
2008-04-19 21:35:00
RealtyTrac recently released its March 2008 U.S. Foreclosure Market Report. This report shows foreclosure activity — which is not just the number of homes foreclosed. It includes default notices, auction sale notices and bank repossessions. Nationally, foreclosure activity was up 5% from February 2008. In Arizona, foreclosure activity dropped 5% from February. Here are the Top 10 ...SHARETHIS.addEntry({ title: "A Couple of “Worst of” Lists: Not Where the Phoenix Real Estate Market Wants to Be", url: "http://www.phoenixrealestateguy.com/a-co uple-of-worst-of-lists-not-where-the-phoe nix-real-estate-market-wants-to-be/906" });
More About: Real Estate , Real Estate Market

Short Sales: The Buck Stops at the Lender
2008-04-18 21:56:00
Short sales ? where the homeowner owes more on their loan than the home can be sold for ? are popping up a lot. In the MLS, in conversation, and even in the Wall Street Journal. Yesterday, the WSJ posted a good article titled, Why Lenders Are Leery Of Short Sales . The subtitle is fitting: ...SHARETHIS.addEntry({ title: "Short Sales: The Buck Stops at the Lender", url: "http://www.phoenixrealestateguy.com/shor t-sales-the-buck-stops-at-the-lender/902" });
More About: Short

Real Estate Radio USA Chat
2008-04-18 03:24:00
Thanks to the Barry’s at Real Estate Radio for having me on their show today! These guys do great stuff. They’ve got a wide variety of guests covering all aspects of real estate. (Go here for mp3’s of all their episodes) Tune in sometime, or scroll through and listen to recorded shows. If you are so inclined, ...SHARETHIS.addEntry({ title: "Real Estate Radio USA Chat ", url: "http://www.phoenixrealestateguy.com/real -estate-radio-usa-chat/900" });
More About: Blogging

A Proud Papa Moment
2008-04-17 14:56:00
Pardon me for a moment while I brag about my daughter Lauren… A couple of weeks ago Lauren auditioned for the nationally recognized  Highland High School Marching Band. The competition is tough, and not many incoming freshmen are accepted. Yesterday Lauren was thrilled to find out she was accepted and will be joining the Highland Hawks Marching Band ...SHARETHIS.addEntry({ title: "A Proud Papa Moment ", url: "http://www.phoenixrealestateguy.com/a-pr oud-papa-moment/899" });
More About: Life

Tips for Selling a Home in a Slow Market
2008-04-16 22:36:00
U.S. News & World Report writer Luke Mullins let me know he?d written an article titled 5 Tips for Selling a House in a Slow Market . It?s a good read, especially for home sellers in Phoenix (and other ?slow? markets ? of which there are many). Mullins? five tips are (basically): 1. Make repairs 2. Price appropriately 3. ...SHARETHIS.addEntry({ title: "Tips for Selling a Home in a Slow Market", url: "http://www.phoenixrealestateguy.com/tips -for-selling-a-home-in-a-slow-market/897" });

Cool Local Site of the Week: Feasting in Phoenix
2008-04-16 18:46:00
FeastingInPhoenix .com is a fantastic resource for deciding where to dine in and around Phoenix.SHARETHIS.addEntry({ title: "Cool Local Site of the Week : Feasting in Phoenix", url: "http://www.phoenixrealestateguy.com/cool -local-site-of-the-week-feasting-in-phoen ix/896" });

It?s April 15th?
2008-04-15 22:12:00
April 15th. Quite likely my least favorite day of the year. In case you’ve been living in a cave all your life (in which case, it’s doubtful you have Internet access to read this) that means your Federal and State (if applicable) income tax filing is due. For me, it means an extension is due (too easy ...SHARETHIS.addEntry({ title: "It’s April 15th…", url: "http://www.phoenixrealestateguy.com/its- april-15th/893" });
More About: Life , April

Realtor Marketing Gone Bad
2008-04-15 16:29:00
I don’t even know what to say. Immediate thoughts were: “Oh Dear God” “What the heck?!” “I think I just threw up in my mouth a little bit” Francy said posting this might offend someone (incidentally, she took the photo. We’ll try to get a better one, but you get the idea.). I said, “As a Realtor and an American, *I* ...SHARETHIS.addEntry({ title: "Realtor Marketing Gone Bad", url: "http://www.phoenixrealestateguy.com/real tor-marketing-gone-bad/892" });
More About: Humor

The Home Buying Process: Part 2
2008-04-15 05:46:00
Francy’s note: I have tried several times to shorten this post. It appears I have a lot more to say than I initially thought (no Jay, that doesn?t mean I?ll be posting more often ? it just means this may have to be a multi-post series). Identify a property. The internet can be a great ...SHARETHIS.addEntry({ title: "The Home Buying Process : Part 2", url: "http://www.phoenixrealestateguy.com/the- home-buying-process-part-2/890" });

A Note to ?Bob? at ?Bob.com?
2008-04-15 02:51:00
Someone named “Bob” (curiously with an email address of bob@bob.com, which of course bounced as undeliverable) just sent me this from the blog contact form: FYI your last post of sex offenders……search your name in public data base and your name comes up with numberous criminal records under Jay Thompson JAY ELLIOTT THOMPSON M-0751-CR-2007042936 JAY GRANT ...SHARETHIS.addEntry({ title: "A Note to “Bob” at “Bob.com”", url: "http://www.phoenixrealestateguy.com/a-no te-to-bob-at-bobcom/889" });
More About: Humor , Life

It?s That Time of Year - Watch EVERYONE Around Water
2008-04-14 23:17:00
Todays high temperature is supposed to be a toasty 97 degrees. With warmer temperatures comes swimming pool time. Don’t believe me? Go to your local home improvement store and note the barren shelves in the pool chemical area.  In just the last eight days, there has been a near drowning of a five year old in Gilbert, and ...SHARETHIS.addEntry({ title: "It’s That Time of Year - Watch EVERYONE Around Water ", url: "http://www.phoenixrealestateguy.com/its- that-time-of-year-watch-everyone-around-w ater/888" });
More About: Events

Cool (and not so cool) Search Terms
2008-04-14 18:55:00
I really like coming up #1, #2 and #7 for this Google search: real estate superior customer service Disturbing that someone is searching for “Jay Thompson sex offender” and the blog and sites we have are all over the results (due to posts here and links to sex offender registry systems. I assure you I’m not listed ...SHARETHIS.addEntry({ title: "Cool (and not so cool) Search Terms ", url: "http://www.phoenixrealestateguy.com/cool -and-not-so-cool-search-terms/887" });
More About: Real Estate , Blogging

Site of the Week: NewARMLS.com
2008-04-14 08:40:00
This will only be of interest to local Phoenix area real estate agents, but it’s worth interrupting your normally scheduled programming. Apologies to non-agents, sometimes these things pop up! NewARMLS.com is a new “blogsite” (think combination blog / website) that has been brought online to facilitate the transition from the Tempo MLS system to the shiny ...SHARETHIS.addEntry({ title: "Site of the Week : NewARMLS.com", url: "http://www.phoenixrealestateguy.com/site -of-the-week-newarmlscom/885" });

The Home Buying Process - Part 1
2008-04-13 03:53:00
Jay’s Note: I’ve been trying to get Francy to write a post for months years. Today, after handling email inquires from two first time buyers, she finally caved. For most of us buying a home is the most expensive purchase in our life. Making the right choices can save time, money and future headaches. ...SHARETHIS.addEntry({ title: "The Home Buying Process - Part 1", url: "http://www.phoenixrealestateguy.com/the- home-buying-process-part-1/883" });
More About: Real Estate

Real Estate Video of the Week #20: ActiveRain Winner
2008-04-12 03:42:00
ActiveRain, a network of 80,000 some odd real estate professionals had a video contest. I spend almost no time there any more, so I’m not sure what the rules and guidelines were, nor how many entries there were, but here is the winner — from Mike Lefebvre with Century 21 Commonwealth in Massachusetts.  Well done Mike! Mike’s got an interesting blog here, which includes a recent letter from the NAR informing him his domain name “AppraiserReal tor.com” is a trademark violation. Unfortunately the blog doesn’t allow comments (a mistake Mike, in my opinion), so I’ll answer his question here (note, Mike is not a Realtor): I replied to the NAR asking if I was indeed a member of your cult association, would I be able to use the term REALTOR (R) in my domain names, screen names, etc?…Waiting for a response. The answer Mike is no. Not even paying members are allowed to use the term “Realtor” in a domain name except in very lim...
More About: Video , Estate , Real Estate , Week

Breaking News: Ummel v. Little - Agent Prevails
2008-04-11 03:18:00
Agent prevails in Ummel v. Little caseSHARETHIS.addEntry({ title: "Breaking News : Ummel v. Little - Agent Prevails", url: "http://www.phoenixrealestateguy.com/brea king-news-ummel-v-little-agent-prevails/8 81" });
More About: Agent , Breaking News , Real Estate

Ummel v. Little Update: Going to the Jury
2008-04-11 02:43:00
The case of Marty and Vernon Ummel (home buyers) vs. Mike Little (Re/Max real estate agent) is headed to the jury. Closing arguments were delivered today and deliberations are expected to begin tomorrow. This is the case where the Ummels claim they paid $150,000 too much for their $1.2 million home. The Ummels blame their agent, saying he “failed the couple by not providing them the prices of comparable dwellings before they closed escrow”, and “he misrepresented the cost of homes in the area.” Little’s attorney said the problem is the Ummels buyer’s remorse and second guessing and that Little did not breach the standard of care. Teri Figueroa at the San Diego North County Times continues her coverage here. Given the potential ramifications of this case in the real estate  industry, I’m surprised there isn’t more buzz in the real estate blogiverse… . ...
More About: Update

ASU Realty Studies Releases March 2008 Home Sales Stats
2008-04-10 08:11:00
When Jay Butler Director of ASU’s Realty Studies Center releases and comments on data, the mainstream media jumps. Catherine Reagor of the Arizona Republic reports in “Home Sales Up but still Sputtering”, and Misty Williams of the East Valley Tribune has a more positive spin writing, “Home Sales Rising so far this Year.” The gist of ASU’s report is ...SHARETHIS.addEntry({ title: "ASU Realty Studies Releases March 2008 Home Sales Stats ", url: "http://www.phoenixrealestateguy.com/asu- realty-studies-releases-march-2008-home-s ales-stats/879" });