1. Low water pressure
Low water flow can be an indication of plumbing problems such as corroded pipes or build up of deposits. To test, check for weak flow in the bathroom sinks, see if there is a long delay before the water turns hot and check for faucet flow when flushing the toilets. If low water pressure exists throughout the home, have a plumber come out to see if you have a potentially pricey problem.

2. Stains on the ceiling
Any kind of stains on the ceiling is usually an indication of water damage because of leak. It could be a leak from the roof or even a shower, if the stain appears beneath the bathroom. If the roof leak has existed for a lengthy amount of time, there could also be a more serious problem of mold. Having to replace a roof or eradicate mold can be an extremely expensive endeavor, so either keep looking or factor in this condition when you negotiate price with the seller.

3. Hard to close doors
One bad door usually isn’t a problem. But if several doors in the home are hard to close, swing open by themselves or fail to open fully, there could be foundation problems or framing that is deteriorating.

4. Odors
Pet odors, musty smells or cigarette smoke can be extremely difficult to get rid of. If the house smells too clean, the owner may be trying to cover up. Be sure to investigate thoroughly and ask plenty of questions.

5. Sloping exterior features
A porch or driveway that slopes towards the home usually mean water in the basement which can lead to structural damage and mold. If the basement smells musty, or the walls have stains, these are good indications there has been flooding or water penetration. Solving the problem can be cheap if you only have to add gutter extensions or cost thousands of dollars if you have to excavate and build exterior or buried drains.

If you are looking to buy an Arizona home, and need a honest realtor who can help you find the perfect house for your needs, please give me a call day or night at 602-904-1496 or send me an email by clicking here.

1. You might not have time to do research: If you decide to buy a foreclosed home at auction, you won’t have time to research it. Liens will be wiped clean and you will be responsible for any property taxes. There is also no home inspection, and homes sell sight unseen. You could also get into a bidding war and end up paying more that you intended. Bargains can be had at auctions, but the risk may not be worth it.

2. Your profit can disappear with repair costs: Many foreclosed homes can be bought at a great price; however, if you don’t factor in the costs of repairs and maintenance your profit margin can be slim or next to none. For example, let’s say you buy a foreclosed home at $300,000 that’s worth $350,000. But the previous owners trashed the place. So you have to spend, $10,000 on carpet and paint, and then another $15,000 on the leaky roof and mold that has been discovered. Throw in more repair costs and your closing costs, and now your foreclosed home doesn’t look like so much of a great deal.

3. You run the risk of legal entanglement: As long as the owner still occupies the property, you could end up trying to process an eviction or finding yourself liable for back taxes on the property. Make sure you have an experienced Arizona real estate attorney or realtor working for you in order to negotiate aggressively and to mitigate your risks.

4. You may have to evict the current homeowners: Things could get nasty if you have to evict lingering residents from their lost home. Plus evicting homeowners can be an emotional process for you. Be prepared for previous owners to take out their anger and disappointment over the foreclosure of their property if you have them evicted.

This is a buyer’s market and there are many houses available at great deals that aren’t foreclosed. However, if you really want to buy foreclosed Arizona real estate, look for pre-foreclosures and don’t buy sight unseen. Buying a pre-foreclosed home will give you time to get a comparable market analysis and have the home inspected. You’ll also have time to negotiate the best deal. Whatever you do, don’t downplay the role of a qualified Arizona realtor to help you find and purchase foreclosures at the best possible prices. If you are looking to buy a home for your own personal residence or as an investment, please give me a call at 602-904-1496.

A: In one word: absolutely. Just because the home is new, doesn’t mean there won’t be defects that need to be corrected. It is not unusual for a general contractor not to know what his subcontractors have done. Home inspectors often find defects in the crawl space under the home or in the attic, such as broken trusses, crimped duct work or lack of insulation. There can also be foundation problems or incorrect wiring which can cause huge problems in the future.

A good time to have a home inspector come is for a “pre-drywall” inspection so the insulation can be inspected before the drywall is installed. A few people will also hire the inspector to come back and examine their house before their warranty ends on cosmetic issues. When looking for a home inspector, do your homework and find one who is experienced in building or remodeling. You can search online at websites such as www.nahi.org or your realtor can also provide you a list of recommendations. If you are looking to purchase Arizona real estate, please give me a call at 602-904-1496. I can help you through the entire real estate process from finding the right home to selecting a professional home inspector who can give you peace of mind and protect your investment for years to come.

1. Install a home security system
Home alarm companies recognize that home security systems reduce theft and home invasions. By installing a home alarm system with a monitoring service you can lower your homeowner’s insurance premiums by up to 20%. Check with companies such as ADT, Broadview Security or APX Alarm who all offer premium reductions.

2. Install additional smoke alarms
New homes come with smoke alarms, but by installing additional smoke alarms in older homes, you can reduce your rates by 5-10%. Home alarm companies also offer fire and smoke detection services which can not only reduce your premiums but save your life in case of a fire.

3. Look for multiple policy discounts
Some insurance companies will offer a discount if you have more than one policy with their company. See if your homeowner’s insurance company also offers auto or life insurance which can usually save you up to 10% on a combined policy.

4. Review your policy annually
It’s a good idea to review your insurance policy once a year and compare with other companies to see if there is a better rate available. If you have made any changes (such as added a burglar alarm), an annual review is the time to address those changes which could lower your premiums.

5. Be careful of recreational risks
Trampolines, swimming pools and hot tubs will almost always raise your damage liability premiums because of the high rate of injuries and death. If these recreational additions are important to you, consider building a fence around your pool, or installing a safety net around your trampoline, to help mitigate the additional costs.

6. Raise your deductible
The higher the deductible, the lower your homeowner’s insurance premiums will be. However, be prepared to absorb the cost of smaller claims such as a broken window or leaky pipe. Raising your deductible too high may not be worth it for an older home that needs constant maintenance and repairs.

1. Am I ready to buy a home?
If you are unsure of whether or not you are ready to buy a new home, ask yourself these questions: Do I have a steady income? Can I pay my bills on time? Do I have enough money for a down payment? Can I afford to pay the mortgage and any additional maintenance costs? If you can answer “yes” to these questions, then most likely, you are ready to buy.

2. What are the advantages to buying a home?
Owning a home allows you to build equity, apply for tax breaks, and gives you stability and security that renting does not. Renting keeps you free from maintenance responsibilities; however the advantages of owning a home are far greater. When you own a home, you can protect yourself against rent increases, and an Arizona real estate investment gives you the freedom that doesn’t come with renting a home or apartment.

Click here for information on home buyer tax credit.

3. How do I find the right Arizona real estate consultant?
Talk to friends and family for recommendations or do a search online. Talk to several and look for one that is knowledgeable about the area, communicates well and understands your needs. Overall, you want a consultant that makes you feel comfortable and has the passion and drive to help you find the right home for you.

4. What should I look for when searching for a home?
Your home should fit the way you live. Establish a list of priorities that a house must have. Does the house need to be close to certain schools or a job? How big do you need the house to be? What amenities are important to you? Do you want quick access to local facilities? Your home and your community should be where you feel most comfortable and that fits your minimum requirements.

5. Should I buy an old home or a new home?
There is no right or wrong answer to this question. Although older homes usually require more maintenance and repairs, they also may be in more established neighborhoods and have lower property tax rates. Newer homes are usually easier to maintain, energy-efficient and “live-in” ready. Ultimately, evaluate each home based on its characteristics and your needs.

6. What questions should I ask my Arizona realtor when looking at homes?
Your questions will usually depend on the age of the home, the neighborhood and maintenance requirements. Some questions may include: Is the house structurally sound? Do all appliances work and how old are they? Has there been any mold or termite issues? If you have a knowledgeable and thorough Arizona real estate consultant, they will have these answers readily available, but also making a list of questions ahead of time will assure that you don’t miss any important information.

Now is the best time to leave the world of renting behind and invest in your future. Start your search by clicking on the Arizona MLS link or please give me a call at 602-904-1496 today!

1. Lack of planning: This is one of the biggest mistakes a new investor can make. Don’t plan a strategy after you find a home. Develop a plan, pick your investment model and then find the house to fit that plan. You should also educate yourself and do your homework before putting your financial security on the line. If you go in with an investment strategy, you will be much better off in the long run when you decide to sell.

2. Going solo: If you want to succeed in your investment, you need the right team of professionals. You need a solid Arizona Real Estate consultant, an appraiser, a home inspector and a lender. If you have the right Arizona realtor, he/she can help you immensely in analyzing deals and researching costs and market conditions. If you need to remodel, your team will most likely consist of a plumber, electrician, painter, a floor installer and/or handyman. Trying to accomplish everything on your own will only lead to frustration and mistakes.

3. Paying too much: Investors don’t make money usually because they have paid too much for a property. Once an investor buys a property, the profit is locked in immediately. If you have made mistakes in your analysis, don’t be surprised if in the long run, you are in the “hole” financially.

4. Underestimating expenses: Most first-time investors underestimate what it takes to do repairs on a home. If you are buying a foreclosed property that needs extensive repairs, you should double the amount of time and money you think it will take to remodel. If you can still make money and possibly rent it out, it’s most likely a good deal.

5. Miscalculating cash flow: If you want to buy and then rent out a property, you need sufficient cash flow to cover maintenance or pay a property manager who will charge up to 10% of the monthly rent. And if you can’t rent out the property, you still have to pay mortgage, taxes, insurance, condo association dues and the cost of advertising. That asset can quickly become a liability if you don’t have enough money.

By avoiding these common pitfalls, investing in real estate can be a rewarding and profitable business.  If you are looking to invest in Arizona Real Estate I would be happy to help you with your real estate needs. Please contact me at 602-904-1496 or send an email to aboydston@cox.net.

1. Arizona Real Estate: Even though the economy is struggling, the best deals to be had in Arizona are right now. Whether you need a 2 bedroom condo, a small adobe house or luxury estate, Arizona has a variety of homes to choose from for every budget. For example, if you want to live out of the city in a town such as Queen Creek, you can get a brand new 2,700 sq ft home with incentives for under $150,000. If you are a savvy buyer, you can take advantage of some huge bargains and get the dream home you always wanted.

2. Unbeatable weather: Arizona is called the “Valley of the Sun” for a reason. With over 300 days of sunshine a year, Arizona has some of the best weather for a variety of activities.  If you still want snow during the winter, head up to Flagstaff (peak elevation is 12,000 feet) for some skiing and snowboarding fun.

3. Thriving Business:  Although Arizona (like every other state) has taken a hit during the recession, the state still has a thriving business sector which includes aerospace, manufacturing, high-tech companies, aviation, and a wide spectrum of other industries. Phoenix is currently home to seven Fortune 1000 companies as well as other companies such as U-Haul, Intel, and Honeywell. Tempe is the headquarters of two Fortune 500 companies-US Airways and Insight Enterprises. The city is also home to the largest research university in the United States, Arizona State University. In all, over 150 of Fortune 500 companies maintain a presence in Metro Phoenix.

4. Diversity:  There are 110 languages spoken in the Greater Metro Phoenix area representing a variety of ethnicities. There are currently 14 Indian tribes throughout Arizona as well as Hispanics, Latinos, Asians, Europeans and residents that hail from every state in the US.

5. Recreation:  The great weather affords many recreational activities including golf, museums, zoos, swimming, hiking, fishing, boating, skiing and shopping. Arizona has over 200 golf courses, 6 professional sports teams, the largest mountain preserve in the United States and one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the Grand Canyon. No matter your interests, there is no shortage of things to do.

Are you convinced on why you should relocate to Arizona?  There is no doubt that Arizona is unique in terms of its residents, culture, and attractions. If you are ready to make the move and want to purchase a home, please contact me anytime at 602-904-1496.

• $8,000 tax credit is available for first-time buyers or those who have not owned a home for 3 years.
• Homeowners who buy a new principal residence after living in their current home for at least the last five years can claim up to $6,500.
• Credit is available for homes that go under contract by April 30, 2010 and close within 60 days after that
• Income limits are $125,000 a year for individuals and $225,000 a year for married couples.
• The plan will include anti-fraud measures such as minimum age requirements and additional authorities for the IRS

If you are a first-time homeowner, don’t wait for Congress to act.  Take advantage of the current home buyer tax credit today!  Call me at 602-904-1496 for your real estate needs.

1. Green Building Incentive – The Green Building incentive was created to encourage environmentally responsible building. If you live in Scottsdale or Buckeye and build your home to the green standards given in the Green Home Rating Checklist, you can be eligible for an array of benefits including expedited plan review and free promotional green building materials In Tucson, there is a Permit Fee Credit for installing solar energy systems.

2. Personal Deduction – A personal deduction is available for biomass wood stoves that convert and existing wood stove into one which meets new industry standards. The maximum deduction for this incentive is $500.

3. Personal Tax Credit – Receive a 25% personal Tax Credit for installing solar and wind energy systems in your home.

4. Property Tax Exemption – If you install a solar energy device for heating and cooling, Arizona residents can claim 100% of the increased value.

5. Sales Tax Exemption – Those who purchase a solar power device for their residence are 100% exempt from sales tax. Retailer needs to be registered with the Arizona Department of Revenue.

6. Utility Loan Program – APS’s GEOSmart Financing Program encourages people to finance solar energy in their neighborhoods by offering loans for up to $50,000 at interest rates of 7.99% to 12.99%.

7. Utility Rebate Program – APS and SRP as well as several other small utility companies in Arizona offer utility rebate programs for renewable energy. To learn more visit: http://www.srpnet.com/environment/earthwise/solar/default.aspx or http://www.aps.com/main/green/choice/choice_2.html