A few years ago, I was aware of Mechanic's Liens filed on properties in the east valley. The builder walked, and the home owners were stuck with a lien on their home.

Foreclosures, Trustees Sales, Bankruptcies and Suspended Sales, which seem to be self-explanatory round out the status of the builders and their communities. As a Realtor, it is important that I keep apprised of the very latest information available to protect my buyers. I've copied and pasted the actual graphic for the six pages, but you can visit it in person in the article here. I recommend to buyers and/or agents reading this, to keep up with what's going on with the Department of Real Estate so we can be informed! I do not like to put any more negative news out there, but the consumer needs to be aware, that even more than ever, they need to work with a Realtor that is up to date with what is going on!

I love working with new home builders, and many of my sales have been in new home communities. I know most of the reputations of the builders in the Phoenix and Mesa, Arizona area. As in anything else, reputations exist whether good or bad - 'cause the consumer shares the information with all of us.

Hopefully this list will help at least one consumer! Just going to the link that I provided will be useful to a home buyer - that link is constantly updated.

Did you know?

January 21 - is National Hugging Day! A great excuse (if you need one) to give someone a hug. Everyone needs a hug, and you can send me one. Check out the site and give your special friend or somebody a great big hug! Can you imagine what a better world we would live in if we all gave each other a hug? One of the things that attracted me to my husband - just one - is that he was a great hugger. Doncha just LOVE a nice bear hug? Not a pat on the back hug, but a full on hug?

January 24 - is Compliment Day! Don't we all agree - that everyday is a good day for a compliment? But, if you can only do it one day, be sure to remember January 24. This website offers lots of good ways to compliment and explains how to accept a compliment.  Set yourself a goal to compliment 5-10-15 people. See how many you can compliment - AND - notice what it does for THEM and for YOU!!!

Okay, that's all...for now, for today, perhaps, but I thought these websites were very cool. Giving hugs and compliments the same month. ;-) How cool is that?

I, for one, am sending each of you a compliment and a hug!

Now, don't you feel better? ;-)

In Phoenix and Mesa, Arizona, many/most of the newer communities have a Home Owner Association. That means, for those who don't know, that there are "Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions" governing the community. Buyers when you purchase a home in Phoenix or in Mesa, or in Phoenix Valley, you will be given a copy of the By-Laws and CC&R's for your community. Generally title will mail them to you within ten days of opening escrow.  It would behoove each buyer to actually review and/or read the CC&R's to make sure they are aware of the rules and regulations set forth therein. I'll cite some "for instances" below:

1.  Say, for instance, you the buyer, purchase a home and move into a family community. You have four children, and of course want to install a trampoline (with a net for safety reasons) and a swing set with a fort at the top and a slide, swing, etc. Have you read your CC&R's?

2.  Next, you want to utilize your RV gate, and park an RV trailer, or a boat alongside your home, or even in the back if the lot is large enough. Have you read your CC&R's?

3.  How about this one: You realize you need extra storage in your back yard, so you build a storage shed (which is 6-10 inches above the wall).  Have you read your CC&R's?

4.  Since your children love to play basketball, you install a basketball hoop in the backyard.....again, have you read your CC&R's.

5.  You'd like to paint your home a different color....

I've just cited a few problematic situations. You, the buyer, will quickly learn what the rules of the HOA are when you attempt to do any of the above without getting Board approval. Many times the Board will be able to approve certain requests based on the contents of the CC&Rs.  Keep in mind that the Board did not structure the rules. They are merely serving on the Board to carry out the rules you agreed to when you purchased your new home. As a former member of the Board of Directors in my community, I was privy to all of the behind the scenes' action. Most of the problems could have been resolved before ever being presented to the Board if only the Buyer had read the CC&R's.

The builders and their attorneys are the ones that typically put together the CC&R's - and from what I've seen, they are pretty much boiler plate.....

Learn to work within the boundaries of the CC&R's, and offer to join the Board to help make your community one in which everyone will want to live.

In Phoenix and Mesa, Arizona, we have a Save Our Space Campaign. I would think this would be viable across the country, but I wanted to share this information for those who disregard that blue sign.

I don't know about you, but it irritates the heck out of me when I see someone young, agile and clearly NOT disabled park in a spot designated for the disabled! Some "just for a minute."  We saw someone the other evening, park in the handicapped parking to run into Block Busters.  Fortunately, in Mesa, each shopping area has myriad spots reserved for the disabled. 

Warnings to those who want to park in such a spot - even if it's for a minute. The Save our Space campaign warns motorists that if they park in a spot disignated for the disabled, they could be taking away a space from someone who really needs it. AND, if they get caught, it will cost them between $250 and $500!

During the holidays, the parking spots become primo, but there are police officers and volunteers patroling the parking lots, and they issue tickets to violators. To report violations, botain information or become a volunteer, call 602.534-7722. OR log on at phoenix.gov/mcdi/dispark.html.

One day, YOU may be disabled or at least old, and need a spot to park closer....Be kind and thoughtful and don't use one of the disabled parking spots - unless you are.

Not all real estate practitioners are REALTORS®. The term REALTOR® is a registered trademark that identifies a real estate professional who is a member of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION of REALTORS® and subscribes to its strict Code of Ethics. Here’s why it pays to work with a REALTOR®

1. Navigate a complicated process. Buying or selling a home usually requires disclosure forms, inspection reports, mortgage documents, insurance policies, deeds, and multipage settlement statements. A knowledgeable expert will help you prepare the best deal, and avoid delays or costly mistakes.

2. Information and opinions. REALTORS® can provide local community information on utilities, zoning, schools, and more. They’ll also be able to provide objective information about each property. A professional will be able to help you answer these two important questions: Will the property provide the environment I want for a home or investment? Second, will the property have resale value when I am ready to sell?

3. Help finding the best property out there. Sometimes the property you are seeking is available but not actively advertised in the market, and it will take some investigation by your REALTOR® to find all available properties.

4. Negotiating skills. There are many negotiating factors, including but not limited to price, financing, terms, date of possession, and inclusion or exclusion of repairs, furnishings, or equipment. In addition, the purchase agreement should provide a period of time for you to complete appropriate inspections and investigations of the property before you are bound to complete the purchase. Your agent can advise you as to which investigations and inspections are recommended or required.

5. Property marketing power. Real estate doesn’t sell due to advertising alone. In fact, a large share of real estate sales comes as the result of a practitioner’s contacts through previous clients, referrals, friends, and family. When a property is marketed with the help of a REALTOR®, you do not have to allow strangers into your home. Your REALTOR® will generally prescreen and accompany qualified prospects through your property.

6. Someone who speaks the language. If you don’t know a CMA from a PUD, you can understand why it’s important to work with a professional who is immersed in the industry and knows the real estate language.

7. Experience. Most people buy and sell only a few homes in a lifetime, usually with quite a few years in between each purchase. Even if you have done it before, laws and regulations change. REALTORS®, on the other hand, handle hundreds of real estate transactions over the course of their career. Having an expert on your side is critical.

I wasn't even aware of this "move over" law until I heard about a tow truck driver who, changing a tire for someone on the freeway, was struck and killed along with the driver of the disabled car. I had no idea it was a law until I heard this news. I've always moved over for emergency vehicles and police cars out of a sense of being courteous or cautious. Now I know that it's the law. Do YOU have a law in your state like this? Check it out on this link.  I plan to post this on my website and other blogs as well. It just MIGHT save a life.

Now there is a push in Arizona to move over for tow truck drivers as well....Personally I think that if someone is pulled over on the side of the road - we need to move over a lane -- or at least slow waaaaay down. ;-)

Thinking about relocating to Mesa, Arizona or the Phoenix Valley? Call me at: 480.216-3334 for information on purchasing or selling a home in Mesa, Arizona or surrounding towns. OR email me: This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it . OR visit one of my websites: HomesAzRE.com MoveToSunnyAz

In the last month, I have heard of two instances where a tenant signs a lease, pays a deposit, and then moves into their home - only to find out months later, that the rent they have paid to the landlord has not been paid to the lender; therefore, a Notice of Trustee's Sale is delivered to the owner. 30 days before the Trustee's Sale, a notice is posted or mailed to the present tenant notifying them they have 30 days to move. Gone is the deposit and tenant must find a new place to land within 30 days.

This is absolutely ridiculous, and I, for one, am trying to figure out a way to prevent this from happening. The tenants should be able to receive notification of payments being made to the lender. Must I - include in the lease - a stipulation that the tenants are privy to the lender information? There must be a way to protect these tenants.

What will the crooks think of next?

Please tenants, protect yourself. Do your research....work with a reputable homeowner or property management company. Beware of the unscrupulous ground huggers out there just waiting to rip you off!

How do I "really" feel about this? Greed has gotten way out of hand.

I found a really good website that will provide you with the information you need to recycle just about anything. You simply plug in your zip code, what you want to recycle, and voila, Earth911.com will provide the answer. This website also provides a plethora of other great information.

Since I live and work in Phoenix and Mesa, Arizona, I've provided battery disposal information for those who live in my area!

Check out this cool website....it has lots of very cool information to help us stay green!!!

Thinking about relocating to Mesa, Arizona or the Phoenix Valley? Call me at: 480.216-3334 for information on purchasing or selling a home in Mesa, Arizona or surrounding towns. OR email me: This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it . OR visit one of my websites: HomesAzRE.com, MoveToMesaAz.com or MoveToSunnyAz.com.