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Articles: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7

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" });
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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" });
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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" });
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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" });
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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" });
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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" });
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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… . ...
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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" });

Phoenix MLS Search - A New Map-based Solution
2008-04-08 09:52:00
Finally, a map-based Phoenix home search I can sink my teeth into. And more importantly, one that plays well with our MLS system. For a long (long) time, the number of choices a Phoenix real estate agent had for implementing a map-based home search was woefully limited. Fortunately, the leadership at ARMLS (Arizona Multiple Listing Service) ...SHARETHIS.addEntry({ title: "Phoenix MLS Search - A New Map-based Solution ", url: "http://www.phoenixrealestateguy.com/phoe nix-mls-search-a-new-map-based-solution/8 78" });

Arizona Real Estate Investors Association 4th Annual Conference and Expo is
2008-04-08 00:20:00
The Arizona Real Estate Investors Association (AZREIA) is holding its 4th Annual Real Estate Investing Conference & Expo on May 17 – 18 at the Phoenix Convention Center. Elliot Pollack, real estate economic guru and Sharon Lechter, co-author of Rich Dad, Poor Dad are keynoting (and there are a plethora of other speakers on tap). Pollack ...SHARETHIS.addEntry({ title: "Arizona Real Estate Investors Association 4th Annual Conference and Expo is Coming", url: "http://www.phoenixrealestateguy.com/ariz ona-real-estate-investors-association-4th -annual-conference-and-expo-is-coming/876 " });
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Upcoming Speaking Engagements: Chandler Chamber of Commerce and Scottsdale
2008-04-07 05:18:00
I love to talk. About pretty much anything. But ask me to speak about blogging and you may find I have trouble shutting up… I’m honored to have been asked to speak at two local events this month. If you’re in the area, they may be worth checking out. Unfortunately, they both have (small) registration fees.  The Chandler Chamber ...SHARETHIS.addEntry({ title: "Upcoming Speaking Engagements: Chandler Chamber of Commerce and Scottsdale Area Association of Realtors", url: "http://www.phoenixrealestateguy.com/upco ming-speaking-engagements-chandler-chambe r-of-commerce-and-scottsdale-area-associa tion-of-realtors/875" });
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Leisure World: Phoenix East Valley Real Estate for the ?Active Adult?
2008-04-07 03:49:00
Leisure World , located in East Mesa, is a premier active adult (age 55+) community. Amenities abound. The community is loaded with impeccably maintained lakes, walking / biking trails and a clubhouse with dozens and dozens of activities to appeal to anyone. Leisure World real estate provides many affordable options — Single-family detached homes, duplex’s and condos ...SHARETHIS.addEntry({ title: "Leisure World: Phoenix East Valley Real Estate for the “Active Adult”", url: "http://www.phoenixrealestateguy.com/leis ure-world-phoenix-east-valley-real-estate -for-the-active-adult/872" });
More About: Real Estate

Arizona Coffee - Site of the Week
2008-04-05 18:05:00
Usually my “Site of the Week Month Quarter when I get around to it” revolves around real estate. This time not-so-much (though our “office” typically winds up being in a local coffee shop, preferably one with free WiFi). Chris Tingom, a 27 year old web designer / developer in Scottsdale has done a masterful job with Arizona ...SHARETHIS.addEntry({ title: "Arizona Coffee - Site of the Week", url: "http://www.phoenixrealestateguy.com/ariz ona-coffee-site-of-the-week/869" });
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Couple Sues Google for ?Street View? Invasion of Privacy
2008-04-05 00:09:00
I mentioned back in October that Google ’s “Street View ” was rolling out in Phoenix. Street View allows web users to “navigate” Google Maps and view 360–degree panoramic images. In that post I briefly touched on the privacy concerns some folks have with Street View. Now The Smoking Gun reports a Pittsburgh couple has filed a lawsuit against Google ...SHARETHIS.addEntry({ title: "Couple Sues Google for “Street View” Invasion of Privacy ", url: "http://www.phoenixrealestateguy.com/coup le-sues-google-for-street-view-invasion-o f-privacy/867" });

Ummel v. Little Update: Jury Trial begins
2008-04-04 15:34:00
Trial in the case of Marty Ummel (home buyer) suing Mike Little (Real Estate Agent) is underway. Jury trial begins in contested home sale . ...SHARETHIS.addEntry({ title: "Ummel v. Little Update : Jury Trial begins", url: "http://www.phoenixrealestateguy.com/umme l-v-little-update-jury-trial-begins/866" });
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Zillow.com Releases Mortgage Marketplace
2008-04-03 07:00:00
Tonight Zillow launched their “Mortgage Marketplace ”. Borrowers (and potential borrowers) be they looking to purchase real estate, refinance an existing loan or take out a HELOC (Home Equity Line of Credit) can submit an anonymous request to multiple lenders by filling out a simple form. I emphasize anonymous because if you’ve ever done any sort of “e ...SHARETHIS.addEntry({ title: "Zillow.com Releases Mortgage Marketplace", url: "http://www.phoenixrealestateguy.com/zill owcom-releases-mortgage-marketplace/865" });
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The What Would You Do? Game
2008-04-03 01:56:00
There are several variations out there of a “What Would You Do?” game. Typically they involve moral or ethical dilemmas. You know, “You find $10,000 cash in a bag. What would you do?” or, “You back into a car. No one sees you. What would you do?” I had a real life What What Would You Do situation today…. “You are in a ...SHARETHIS.addEntry({ title: "The What Would You Do? Game ", url: "http://www.phoenixrealestateguy.com/the- what-would-you-do-game/863" });
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Ok, I?ll Confess - I Watch American Idol
2008-04-02 21:28:00
I’ll probably lose my Man Card for admitting it, but I watch virtually every second of American Idol . Sure, it’s mindless television. But much of TV is for pure entertainment purposes, and American Idol is entertaining. April Groves watches too. But she’s a girl. (And she does some great summaries after each show. Like this, and this.) You ...SHARETHIS.addEntry({ title: "Ok, I’ll Confess - I Watch American Idol", url: "http://www.phoenixrealestateguy.com/ok-i ll-confess-i-watch-american-idol/862" });
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Is it a Porch or a Patio?
2008-04-01 19:37:00
A couple of days ago, I labeled a listing photo “covered back porch”. My lovely bride said, “It’s a patio you knucklehead, no one around here calls them porches”. What ever. It’s always been “porch” to me. I suppose it comes from my parents, both born and bred in southern Middle Tennessee. We never sat out ...SHARETHIS.addEntry({ title: "Is it a Porch or a Patio ?", url: "http://www.phoenixrealestateguy.com/is-i t-a-porch-or-a-patio/860" });