2016 is ending and I use this time to reflect and plan for the new year

"There is an ebb and flow in business and in life--it is like the wind-- you can either let it blow you over or you can lean into it and keep on moving!"

In looking back at the year, I like to note;

• 10 Highlights- accomplishments, best memories, proud of moments
• 10 Disappointments- Failures, missed opportunities, things I learned from
• 3 Game changers-unexpected events that shifted my priorities
• 3 Things I focused on/ did I get results I wanted- What I put my the most time into.
• 3 Things I forget to do-- just didn't get around to doing

Now that I have all this information gathered- What will the next year's plan look like?

There will be a few new things for me one of which is my new website;

"Beery" Good Realtor- website
But mostly it is going to be a year or tweaking what I already have in place, and refining systems to build on. For this year is my year to reach for the stars!!

I want to help you reach for your stars, so if you are thinking of buying or selling a home, please feel free to reach out to me and let me know how I can help! I believe we can change the world one good deed at a time if everyone pays it forward!

2016 3rd Quarter Arizona Real Estate Results (yes a bit late, but better done, than sorry)

Click the link for the full report--

http://www.armls.com/docs/market-watch-report-2016/3q-2016.pdf?sfvrsn=0

Maricopa
Median home sales-$236,900 + 7.7%  Average homes sales-$285,735 +5.9%  Average days on the market- 49

Pinal
Median home sales$171,000 + 8.6% Average home sales-$183,233 + 8.1% Average days on market- 60

All data from the Arizona Regional Multiple Listing Service, Inc. Powered by ShowingTime

Buying a New Construction Home Shouldn’t Be Scary…and Here’s Why

Just driving around the valley I am sure you have noticed all the new homes being constructed-- just waiting for you and your family to call home. There are a few things you need to know about buying a new built. Some good and some bad-- but if you know what you are getting into and you have dome all your research, brought a REALTOR to view the homes before you pick the one you would like to buy and you’ve weighed all the options and decided a new construction home is right for you. Now you want to find the perfect builder for your dream home. 

Congratulations! It’s a great undertaking – and a great reward – to walk into you own brand new house and make it home. The process to get from meeting builders to that moment can be stressful which is why we recommend working with a real estate agent.

The good news is that you don’t have to deal with negotiating with a seller like you might with a previously owned home. The Most Important Step you can take is having your REALTOR go with you at the first viewing of the show homes, and don't sign in without them.  Doing so is waiving your rights to be represented...As nice as the agents in the new build are--they are representing the builder, and have no fiduciary to you.   that is the easiest way to be sure the project goes smoothly!  At Beery Realty we think buying a new construction home shouldn’t be scary.

·       Research Builders. You’ve decided to build a home from the ground up, it’s essential to learn about the builders before selecting one. Working with a real estate agent who is familiar with new construction, you can identify reliable builders in the area and select one that best meets your needs.

·       Real Estate Agent. Bring a real estate agent with you to your initial visit at the builder’s location. If you don’t, you risk not being able to have an agent with you for the home building and buying process. That may seem not very important, but think about it, do you want the builder's agent to represent your interest, or do you want someone on your side?  I know I would want someone on my side concerned for what is best for me. 

·       Negotiating. There’s a fair amount of negotiating that happens when you’re working with a builder. An experienced real estate agent, like Beery Realty, can help you negotiate a fair price for the base home plus upgrades. I recommend selecting the essentials for your home first, then upgrades. You will have a better understanding of costs and your budget. Remember, you still have to furnish and add personal touches to the home after it’s built so you don’t want to spend all of your house savings on the build.

·       Get it in writing. Once you’ve negotiated a contract with a builder, get the agreement in writing. There’s way too much risk to build a home from a handshake deal or a promise to send a contract later. If the builder won’t put your deal in writing, walk away. There’s a better builder out there for you.

·       Inspection. When you build a home, you have the unique opportunity to inspect the home at various levels of construction. Be sure the builder understands and allows this to happen. Have an inspection of the home completed after the foundation is poured, after framing is completed (and before the drywall goes up), before cabinetry is installed, and a final inspection. This will protect your asset and ensure your home is built to code.

If you’re ready to start the process of building your own home,  the team at Beery Realty is here to help! If you want more information--Contact me at 480-570-1912 BeeryRealty@gmail.com or go to my website at www.AzBuysHomes.com  

This is the home you have been looking for in Chandler Arizona 85249!

UPDATE: So Proud to say- We had 8 showing the first day on the market and seller accepted an offer for above full price! This home just hit the market... $210,000 will make this beauty yours...

This home will make a great starter home, or perfect for the folks on the go! With 3 bedrooms+den/office & 2.5 baths 2 car garage it has everything you are looking for! It includes all kitchen appliances and washer/dryer. What a great layout- with a great room concept but also a formal living room/music room. It also boasts a finished- low maintenance backyard to enjoy the Arizona sunsets. HOA takes care of the front landscaping. Located with easy access to shopping- (San Tan Mall or Chandler Fashion mall), schools, hospitals, and entertainment galore. Your will be so glad you came by to check this one out!

For more information contact me- BeeryRealty@gmail.com or www.AzSellsHomes.com
for lots more details and pictures click here

July 2016 the weather is HOT in Arizona just like the Real Estate Market.

Last month STAT projected a median sales price for July of $223,000 with the added caveat that their mathematical projections have been coming in slightly lower than the actual results for most of this year. They expected a decline in the median sales price in July, but they also thought it would probably not be as low as our projection of $223,000. The actual median sales price in July was $225,000, 0.9% higher than the $223,000 projected by our mathematical model. 

Looking ahead to August, the ARMLS Pending Price Index projects a median sales price of $225,000. MLS sales volume in July 2016 was at 7,630, which was 284 fewer sales than July 2015 at 7,914. STAT had expected July sales volume to be lower than the total last year as there were only 20 business days this year compared to 22 business days last year. We begin August with 6,705 pending and 3,633 UCB listings giving us a total of 10,338 residential listings practically under contract. This compares to 9,726 of the same type of listings at this time last year. There are 23 business days in August this year compared to 21 business days in August of 2015. August 2016’s sales volume will definitely be higher than last year’s total of 7,010 and because of the calendar nuances they are expecting August sales volume to also surpass July’s sales total of 7,630.

There are 19,530 active listings in the valley, of those listed 8,752 sold. This equals to 3 months supply of homes, Average days on market were 74 days.  

Wow- what does all that mean?  If you are thinking of selling- now is a good time!  Contact me for a Free market analysis and a guide to get started!  

Check out my Website at;
www.AzSellsHomes.com 

Top 10 East Valley Neighborhoods for Families

If you’re looking for a home either new or a re-sale- in the South East Valley of Phoenix; including Tempe, Chandler, Mesa, Gilbert, Queen Creek, or San Tan Valley you’ve got a lot of choices. Here are 10 communities in no particular order. I think they are worth checking out for your consideration if you are looking for a resale home.  

1.     Dobson Ranch – Built between 1973 and 1999, this well-established community offers easy access to freeways, walking distance to schools, and year round community events. Dobson Ranch offers tennis courts, community pool, golf course, meeting space, and programs for all ages.

2.     Val Vista Lakes – Located in the heart of the fast-growing, family community of Gilbert, Val Vista Lakes offers more than 24 subdivisions and lakeside views, and a community center with heated pool and beach with sand, where you can enjoy special events with family and friends.

3.     Augusta Ranch – Located in Mesa, Augusta Ranch offers golf, good neighbors, and daily private security to the residents of its 2,000 homes.

4.     Parkwood Ranch – Located in East Mesa, this community of more than 1,400 homes includes 40+ acres of parks, five tot play areas, lighted basketball and volleyball courts, and an elementary school.

5.     Fulton Ranch – Located in a sprawling Chandler community, Fulton Ranch offers playgrounds for kids, community parks, shopping and restaurants, and nearby Hamilton High School.

6.     Ocotillo Lakes – With more than 162 acres of interconnected lakes and water features, it goes without saying that Ocotillo Lakes is a beautiful community. The Ocotillo Golf Resort is perfect for a round of golf, a wedding, or another special event for friends and family.

7.     Seville – This is the premier community in the Gilbert area because of its proximity to the Seville Golf & Country Club, freeways, and schools. Walking paths, parks, and sports courts are available throughout the community.

8.     The Islands – Walking distance to parks and schools, The Islands offers a great atmosphere, community activities, and three golf courses within ten miles.

9.     Power Ranch – Community pools and splash pads, 26+ miles of trails, community clubhouse and a 7.5 mile park make this a sought-after neighborhood, easy access to shopping and entertainment.   

10.  Red Mountain Ranch – Located in east Mesa, Red Mountain Ranch offers golf courses, community and fitness centers, and parks easy access to freeways and Canyon lake is only about 30 minutes away for the water lovers.

When you are ready to start looking for a home in one of these or other east valley neighborhoods, check out my website at www.AzBuysHomes.com go to the Map search and you will find all the listing on the MLS if any catch your eye I would be happy to help you see them- contact Beery Realty to schedule a buyer's consulation and get you on the right path!

Pre-qualified versus Pre-approved what is the difference and why does it matter.

Many banks will give you a pre-qualified letter-- but that is not enough if you are buying a home in Arizona. 

It is important to understand why you must do your part before looking to buy a home- this will save you many headache and will give you the best chance to buy your dream home when you do find it.  

If you are planning on buying a home in the next year, there are a few things you should do before you start looking: decide on the neighborhood that will provide you with good schools and a reasonable commute to work; get your credit reports and confirm all the information is accurate; and learn the difference between pre-qualified and pre-approved mortgage loans.

What Does Pre-qualified Mean?
The first thing you need to know is that being pre-qualified for a mortgage does not guarantee you will get one. When a lender sits down to talk to a prospective buyer, they will ask questions about the buyer's credit, assets, and income. It's important to note that no verification of income and assets takes place and no credit check is run. Pre-qualification is based solely on the information you provide to the lender, and it does not mean you will secure a loan.

What Does Pre-approval Mean?
When you are pre-approved by a lender, it means your credit check has been approved and your income and assets have been verified. The lender has made the decision to lend you a certain amount of money to purchase a home. The real estate agent and the seller know you can buy the house if you like it. A pre-approval letter from the lender defines how large a mortgage you are approved for. There is usually a time frame, such as 120 days, to use the pre-approval for the purchase of a home.

To Get Pre-approved You Will Need:

• At least two years of W-2 forms, several weeks of current pay stubs that provide year-to-date income, two most recent tax returns, plus, proof of bonuses, alimony, and any other earned money.
• Bank and investment account statements, which provide proof of assets that can cover the down payment and closing costs. If you receive money from family to use for your down payment, you will need a gift letter stating no loan is involved.
• A credit score of 740 or higher to get the lowest interest rates. If your score is lower, you will have to pay more in interest or possibly make a larger down payment. FHA loans require a minimum of a 640 credit score.
• A copy of your driver's license and Social Security number. You will also have to sign a release form allowing the lender to pull your credit report. You may be asked to provide additional paperwork if you have any specific circumstances that can affect your loan.
• In the state of Arizona, there is a pre-qualified form that must accompany your offer this process can take a couple of days so it just doesn't make any sense to go looking for a home without this being done, even if you find the PERFECT home, you can't make an offer without going through this process.  

A pre-approval letter is what you need to get before you go house shopping. Do your preparation work before approaching a lender. Be cooperative, answer all the questions you are asked, and provide requested documents promptly. Once you have your pre-approval, it's time to find your new home.

There are some great lenders out there- but here are a couple I can strongly recommend;

Jeff Hanks at AmericFirst- 480-779-0606 jhanks@amerifirst.us 

Greg Sorenson at MegaStar Financial Corp- 602-403-3586  gsorenson2@gmail.com 

To get you on the right path and start your home buying process with the right foot! I would love to be your guide through the process- so please contact me when you are ready!  

BeeryRealty@gmail.com  or 480-570-1912  my website is www.AZBuyshomes.com

Why Do You Need an Estate Plan?

Your house is one of the biggest investments you will ever make and I want to be sure you and your home are in good hands. The plain and simple fact of living is that one day we will die. It’s sad but true. How do you protect your biggest asset - your home? You have an estate plan.

Having an estate plan is important for your care if/when you are medically incapacitated and distribution of assets after your death. An estate plan should clearly define:

• ·       Medical instructions including naming a medical power of attorney
• ·       How to distribute your assets after your death
• ·       Custody of minor children and disabled adults in your care
• ·       Special requests for your assets such as naming a caretaker or leaving money for your pet(s).
• 
  

What is an estate Plan?

An estate plan is a plan for your well-being if you are medically incapacitated and a plan for your assets after your death. Having an estate plan means you are taken care of even if you are unable to communicate. It also means your assets are distributed to named beneficiaries, the people you want to receive the assets. Without a will or estate plan, your estate will go to a probate court where a judge decides who will receive your assets, including your home.

What is included in an estate plan?

An estate plan is a comprehensive document to protect your assets and includes the following:

• ·       Will
• ·       Living Will or Health Care Directive
• ·       Financial Power of Attorney
• ·       Life insurance and other insurance policies
• ·       Deeds to real estate
• ·       Bank and investment account information
• ·       Funeral Directive

Working with an estate planning attorney, you can organize all of these documents to protect your family and your assets in the event of your illness or death. For more information about Arizona estate planning, please contact Sally Worthington at Helm Livesay & Worthington for pointers and to get your plan started. Sally has helped my family with her needs and I know you can trust her with your plans for the future.

 You can call her at 480-345-9500 or her website it http://www.hlwaz.com

In Arizona Singles are Buying Homes Much More Frequently

Some highlights:

• 24% of all recent home buyers were single at the time of purchase
• 47% of single men cite the desire to own a home of their own as the primary reason to buy.
• 18% of first time buyers were single woman 

If you have been thinking of owning your own home- I LOVE helping first time buyers get on the right path so down the line you have the right home for your needs...Never any pressure, and always making it a fun experience!   

5 Tips for Finding a Home for Your Growing Family

With Summer just around the corner are you thinking of buying a home for your growing family? There are a few things to consider. What features mean the most to you? Maybe you need all the bedrooms on one floor or prefer a one-story home. What’s your budget? What part of the Phoenix area do you want to be? Answering all of the questions can get overwhelming which is why I offer the following tips:

 Buy a home with resale in mind. Families are transient here in the Phoenix area with many residents hailing from other cities and towns across the nation, making it important to think about reselling your home. For example, a kitchen and bathroom remodel could cost a lot of money but you may need to do it to sell your home at a good price.

Schools. Even if your children are young now, think about where you would want them to attend school. You wouldn’t have to move just to get into a better school district. Also, when you resell your home, the value may be different depending on the school district.

Location. More than likely you want to be close to family and friends and in an area that has good restaurants or kid-friendly activities. Consider your commute to work also. You don’t want to spend your life in the car, whether it’s a work commute or to see loved ones.

 Budget. It is my goal to get you in a house with most, if not all, of the features you want while also staying within your pre-approved mortgage amount. that is why it is so important to talk with a lender and get pre- qualified- before you go out looking.  

Floor plan. Consider how your family uses your home. Do you need an open floor plan to see kids from the kitchen? Do you need all the bedrooms on one floor? Perhaps you want your teens to have their very own space…Do you need a pool or are you aware of the cost of a pool, so a community pool will fit your needs better? This will help your real estate agent search for properties that are a good fit for you and your growing family.

I absolutely love to match the right home to your family and your needs.  To put you on the right path to a solid financial future is always my goal…no matter if your need this home for a few years or a few decades! 

The team at Beery Realty is here to help you find the home that’s right for you and your family! Contact me today to get started. 480-570-1912 or BeeryRealty@gmail.com or find my website at www.AzBuysHomes.com

Thinking of using rental income as a plan to retire

Lately many of the folks I come across are thinking of and acting on having a couple of rental homes as a second source of income to their retirement income. Does that sound like you—well know you are not alone.

A Harvard University recently published a report of the rental market in the United States. This study included rental-market trends over the last decade and predictions for the next ten years. One of the most surprising facts from the study is that renting a home has become a more common option for almost all types of Americans.

These are some of the results found in the report:

• The number of renters increased for people with all levels of household incomes. 
• The number of renters increased for single people, couples, and parents with children. 
• The number of single-family houses that have been converted to rental units also increased. 
• Rising Rent Costs in Most Cities 

This housing study also looked at America's largest rental markets. Three out of four of the biggest population centers had vacancy rates of less than five percent. Typically, 95% occupancy is considered full occupancy by property management professionals. Only one out of the 75 biggest markets had a vacancy rate that was over seven percent.

Because vacancy rates are low and demand is high, property owners have been steadily increasing rents. While renting has become popular with people in different economic classes, it may be the only choice for people with modest incomes. The main concern of the study was not that landlords would have trouble finding people to lease properties but that people with lower incomes would be unable to find affordable housing in many parts of the country. 

Will the Rental Boom Continue?

The study predicted an even greater demand for rental apartments and houses in the next decade. The baby boomer generation is now aging into senior citizens. The authors of the study believed that many seniors would choose to sell their houses in order to cash out their home equity and enjoy the simplicity of renting. If the predictions in this study are correct, many of those sold homes will get converted to rentals. This is because upcoming generations don't seem as eager to buy a house as their parents or grandparents once were. The study cited higher levels of student loan debt and tighter qualification rules for mortgages as some possible reasons.

Even though both small and large investors have been supplying more inventory to satisfy the needs of all kinds of renters, the supply is not keeping up with the demand in some places. The next great real estate opportunity in the United States might be an investment in rental property. Vacancies are very low and rental prices are rising. Of course, markets differ across the country and even in different parts of the same city, so wise investors should do their research.

• Make informed decisions not impulsive 
• Have an exit plan 
• Understand it will cost money to maintain your asset- so you can exit without losing all that you gained from rental income- and you should be standing on solid ground in the future. 

For more information or a guide to the next steps check out my website at www.BeeryRealty.com or contact me at 480-570-1912 or BeeryRealty@gmail.com.

Celebrating Earth Day

Almost everyone today shows some concern about what the inhabitants of Earth can do to keep the planet clean and livable. Because each of us is only one person, there are no large-scale projects we can do, but if we all do something that may seem small, our combined efforts will help to keep our planet viable. A few things we can do: 

• Plant a tree. Over time, a single tree can improve the environment in a large area around it. So planting a tree makes a lot of sense today. 
•  
• Learn about recycling. It's all about disposing of waste materials in a productive way. It's one of the best ideas for making the earth green forever. The impact of a landfill can harm the Earth as it continues to grow, so take recycling seriously.
•  
• Develop a better cleaning strategy. Most people don't have one. Your own cleaning plans might involve using natural products like vinegar for cleaning at home. Your home will be a nice place when it's free of dust and odors.
•  
• Check froschusa.com for a wide selection of cleaning products that can be used in various ways. They use ingredients like lemon, lavender and baking soda. Outdoors, chemicals can seep into the air and the ground, which could damage the environment.
•  

For about 35 years, The Green Team at Gardener's Supply (gardeners.com) has been a trusted resource for earth-friendly products. They help people garden in harmony with nature.

The Green Team has earth-friendly products that help people recycle waste into compost, build better soil, control pests organically, conserve water, protect biodiversity and grow their own food.

Spring cleaning tips

Once the chill is out of the air and the trees begin to bloom and Spring training starts for Baseball--I always feel there is some cleaning  to be done!

Here is a great chart from Good House Keeping that lines up when you should do what...

I love it for the simple fact that they break it up in easy to do chores.


If you are in the middle of cleaning and realize your home doesn't fit your needs any more, Please give me a call and we can talk about your options and how I can help you find just the right home for you again!

Or go to www.AzBuysHomes.com to see what is out there to buyer or what your competition is in your neighborhood.

Choosing Your First Home: What to Look for When House Hunting

It's important to remember that the first house you buy isn't likely to be the one you'll live in forever. 

Instead, you might consider looking for a starter home when you are tired of renting and unable to afford your dream house. Approaching the house-hunting process with this caveat in mind will allow you to forgive some of the property's shortcomings and put you in a good position to profit when you resell the home. Here are a few tips to consider:

Investigate the Neighborhood
While it might seem like a good idea to take advantage of the potential profitability of an up-and-coming neighborhood, you likely won't be living in your starter home long enough to see a major shift. Instead, look for your first home in an already established, safe neighborhood because it'll probably keep its desirable status, and this can be an advantage for you when you want to sell your house in the future. Many first-time buyers are also in the process of starting a family, which is another good reason to ensure that the neighborhood will be a comfortable and secure place to live. It's also a good idea to figure out how likely it is that you will have school-age children while you are living in this house. Accessibility to good schools really drives up home prices.

Maximize Resale Value
While you are in the process of buying your starter home, you should also be thinking ahead to reselling it. Put yourself in the shoes of other prospective buyers and figure out whether a property would meet most of the average buyer's criteria. Homes with fewer than two bedrooms or bathrooms can be difficult to market, for example, because they often exclude larger families. Even if you don't need two bathrooms at the moment, it might still be a good idea to look for a home that has them. Similarly, while you may not care about an open concept living space, trends show that most buyers want a home that feels spacious. Invest now in a property that will impress others, and you will have less trouble selling it in a few years.
 
Look for Potential
Your starter home might not be 100 percent perfect when you move in, so it's a good idea to look for a house that could be improved by a few cosmetic tweaks. You may be able to get a better deal on a house that needs work, and it will be relatively easy to increase its resale value. So if you aren't crazy about the counter tops, consider buying the home anyway and install granite yourself. In addition to being able to customize the house to your tastes, you'll also likely see a decent return on your investment when you list the property for sale.

Stay within your budget

The last thing you need to do is to at this point in your life is to decide that the perfect house for you is one that cost $20,000-$50,000 more than you are comfortable paying for. Remember, the monthly mortgage quoted is only the beginning of your bills as a home owner. Remember, a bigger house has bigger utility bills, you have to pay the HOA fees (depending on your community), Landscaping, pool care are a few things to consider.

Maintenance on all the components of your home will cost a bit each year, but for as as long as you maintain it, you are investing in your future.  A well kept home will always sell for more when you are ready to do so- Ok, it sound weird to mention selling as this is about buying a home, but if you are not consider everything- you may make a poor decision and an exit strategy is just as important as what neighborhood it is in or what school system it is in.

My wishes for you in 2016

Happy New Year!!

Wishing you and your family the very best in 2016!

As Most of you know I love quotes- here is one of my favorites for the New Year! 

“May Light always surround you;
Hope kindle and rebound you.
May your Hurts turn to Healing;
Your Heart embrace Feeling.
May Wounds become Wisdom;
Every Kindness a Prism.
May Laughter infect you;
Your Passion resurrect you.
May Goodness inspire 
your Deepest Desires.
Through all that you Reach For, 
May your arms Never Tire.” 
― D. Simone

I ask you what are you leaving behind in 2015?  What is your biggest goal in 2016? 

In 2016 May it hold all of your dreams, a few good surprises, lots of love and laughter~Blessings to you!