The Phoenix Housing Blog

OK OK -- I've had enough of the emails and comments on my blog that don't belong!

I guess after over a year, I am going to do my very first official RANT!

Yep..Candace has a rant! I'd like to say that I'm a lover, not a fighter but most that know me know that I am always up for a good debate or like to be the devils advocate, so thus I get the title of the 'fighter'...it's not all bad since it has worked in my favor a few times.

But as I've aged and learned that life is just too short to sweat the small stuff, I'm learning to prioritize my debates and let many go  undefended.

It doesn't seem to help as much as it harms, so I've learned.

BUT!! 

BUT...she says...not today!!

I'm so tired of those that (unmentioned and some deleted) feel it necessary to leave a comment on my blog(s) to promote, suggest or simply bring attention to themselves!

I don't need your business, I don't need your website and services plastered all over my comments!

I don't like green eggs and I don't like your SPAM!!

I'm not sure there is a law that covers this, but there is blogsphere etiquette! But just incase you don't know it, keep reading!

Don't leave your business contact information for my readers on my blog, do it on your own comment section!

Don't spam me in my email to let me know you can help me or my buyers or sellers.

Don't call me because you found my phone number randomly while you search the entire Arizona data base on Activerain!

I don't like green eggs and I don't like YOUR SPAM!!! Sam I am!

If you are going to leave comments that are luring my clients in your direction, you can bet your comment won't stay long as you can count on me to delete it anyway!

So if you didn't get the message clear then perhaps you might need a little shout to get my point!

GO AWAY and DON'T think for one minute this is an unattended blog, I write, I share and I come here almost every day...you will be gone, I promise you that!

There I said it! Oh-- and if that isn't enough and you need a more creative way to get my point, perhaps watching the video up at the top will help! Apply this rule with all social networks and Activerain...you are not welcome! 

Phoenix Arizona Real Estate Homes is pleased to announce our very first live interview with using a fantastic online marketing tool, Podcasting!

PhoenixHousingBlog.com is live with Candace and her first podcast interview with local business owner, resident of Chandler, Debbie Wheeler, I.R.I.S., with Rooms Rearranged.

My goal is to interview local business owners that live, work and play in the Phoenix metro area. Future interviews will include a variety of business owners, whether they are in the real estate industry or restaurant business, theme park or local boutique!

Debbie Wheeler has a very successful home staging business based in Chandler, Arizona. Her sister, Vicki is her business partner and have been in the business since 2004. She works with both local builders, homeowners and agents/brokers that seek her expertise in home staging and redesigning homes, vacant homes or perhaps a room in a day!

Debbie and Vicki are both I.R.I.S. certified and provide clients a premier top-notch service and their customer service is their top priority. You can find Rooms Rearranged.com website with 100's of before and after pictures that will give you a great feel of the quality of work these local professional ladies can do!

Rooms Rearranged has a very large inventory of furniture and accessories that will appeal to every style of home, whether they need single room touches to vacant to looking completely lived in!

To hear the entire interview with Debbie Wheeler, I.R.I.S. with Rooms Rearranged live with Candace Robinson, PhoenixHousingBlog.com ... click here

Let me know what you think?

When buyers first begin looking for a home, many will ask "can't we do this on our own? Do we really need to use an Arizona Real Estate Agent?"

The answer is yes, you can do it on your own. There is no law that prevents you from buying property without professional Real Estate assistance. You can search for homes, arrange showings, and even negotiate on your own.  The real question may be "do we want to do it on our own?"

Often times buyers are of the understanding that they could go it alone to avoid having to pay the commissions to the Arizona Real Estate agent representing them. In virtually all situations, this is not the case.  The commission for the sale of a home is paid for by the seller, not the buyer.

If you do decide to "go it on your own," your choices will obviously be very limited. The only homes that you can buy without any Agent assistance are those that are "For Sale By Owner" (abbreviated as FSBO and pronounced /ˈfɪzboʊ/)--generally a small percentage of the market. These are home owners who, for whatever reason, have decided not to use an Arizona Real Estate Agent in the sale of their house. It may be because they think they can get more return by not paying a commission, or it may be because there was no Agent who would take their house listing at the price they demanded.

Read more...

If you have decided to hire a moving company, you should allow six to eight weeks to find just the right company for your valuable possessions.  You are looking for a company that is reliable, affordable, and “kind” to your possessions.

Ask Around

Start by asking friends, relatives, or neighbors who handled their move.  If you see someone moving into your neighborhood, stop to ask about their moving company.  If you would like, as your real estate agent, I would be happy to assist you in finding such companies to help make your move less stressful.

Questions to Ask

• Does the company subcontract its moving services?
• Which subcontractor would be used to move my home?
• Will the contents of my home be on one truck the entire time?
• What services are not listed on this bid and what do you charge for them?
• What training do your movers and packers receive (especially for moving and packing fragile items).
• Can you provide references from previous moving customers?
• Are you listed with the Better Business Bureau?
• Are you insured and licensed?

Moving Estimates

Moving companies usually offer a free estimate, it would be to your advantage to solicit from several companies for comparisons.  Be sure to tell the mover about any special circumstances which may add to the difficulty of the move, such as parking problems, road access, street accessibility, delivery time restrictions, gated communities, stairs and elevators.

There are generally three types of moving estimates:

Binding Estimate: In a binding bid, the mover will offer a guaranteed price within a small percentage of deviation that is based on a complete list of items to be moved and the type of service performed.

Non-Binding or Hourly Rate: This is really just a price list.  The rates are based upon the movers’ previous experience of jobs similar to yours.

Not to Exceed: This quote states that the final price for the move cannot exceed the estimated figure.  If the move comes in under the estimated amount, you the pay the lesser price.

Bids are created by using a method that is unique to the moving industry.  Each move is assigned a certain number of “cubes.” A cube equals seven pounds.  Estimators will multiply the final number of cubes by seven to determine the price.  Estimates should include all moving charges, such as carrying up stairs or elevators, additional transportation, moving bulky articles, carrying an excessive distance, overtime, and more.  Packing bids should state the labor charge as well as the cost of boxes and other moving materials.

It's the Grand Opening Celebration of Dana Park Village Square in Mesa! Friday, September 19th and Saturday, September 20th, 2008. Dana Park Village is one of the most impressive shopping malls in the east valley in my opinion.

A dramatic fashion-focused, lifestyle center offering an exciting mix of dining and upscale retail shopping. Dana Park Village Square's charming 'main street' setting features marble column accents combined with subdued hues of white and beige throughout the center. Every details has been considered from the date palm-lined sidewalks and the soothing courtyard fountains to the expansive pedestrian walkways and unique landscape decor. I love the beach California appeal and have several favorite spots at the shopping mall. You can find the following shops open now and more to come in future phases.

• Apricot Lane 
• Anthropologie 
• Arizona Premier Insurance
  
• Bar Tepo 
• Bath & Body Works 
• California Pizza Kitchen 
• Francesca’s Collections 
• Gymboree 
• J Jill Jos. A. Banks
  
• Little Blue Choo-Choo
  
• Lollilocks Kids Salon 
• Philosophy Cosmetics 
• RA Sushi 
• Stash Clothing
  
• Sweet Age Children’s Boutique
  
• Talbots 
• Z Gallerie

The Grand Opening Celebration Event Details are as follows: ALL ENTERTAINMENT:

Sept. 19 and 20th Stilt Walker, Face Painter, Balloon Twister, Living Statue , Henna Artist, Caricature Artist, Mimes, Grady

Friday Bands Sahnas Brothers (Mediterranean Guitar Duo) Patte’ Williams & Company (4 piece R&B Band) The Geetars (Country Western Trio) Ratio (5 piece R&B - Soul, Funk Band)

Saturday Bands Peppermint James (Top 40 - Beatles cover Duo) Patte’ Williams & Company (4 piece R&B Band) The Geetars (Country Western Trio)

September 19 – 6-9 p.m. Fireworks display at 8:30 p.m. Live entertainment, giveaways and excitement

September 20 - 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Snow Field for the Kids 11:00 a.m. Radio Disney live 2:30 p.m. – Cooking Demonstration with A.J.s 4 p.m. – Fashion Show 6-9 p.m. – Live entertainment, giveaways and excitement 8:30 p.m – Fireworks

WHERE: Dana Park – Mesa – Southwest Corner of US60 and Val Vista Map Here

ADOT plans to be very busy and will be focusing most of their resources working on projects slated for the I 17 and 101 freeways. There will be road closures on certain stretches of freeway this weekend - so be on the look out!

So, here is the good news; there is so much focus on the I 17 and 101 this weekend, if you can avoid these freeways - you should be in for a nice restful and relaxing drive. The bad news . . . as you can see below in our ADOT details, if you can't avoid these two freeways - just be prepared for delays and detours.

Phoenix – Several freeway improvement projects in the Phoenix area will require closures or lane restrictions this weekend (Sept. 19-22).  The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) recommends drivers allow extra travel time and consider alternate routes while the following restrictions are in place:Freeway restrictions in Phoenix Valley (Sept 19-22)