Buyer Advice

If you are in the market to purchase a home, it is a very good idea to have an experienced buyer's agent represent you. Many people do not realize that there is normally not a cost for a buyer's agent to represent their interest when they purchase a new or re-sale home.
A few other benefits to having your own agent are:

1.Help in finding the "perfect" home.
2.Represent YOUR best interest in ALL negotiations.
3.Help with all paperwork and disclosures.
4.Help determine a fair price for your new home.
5.Help arrange financing.
6.Provide you with pressure free advice and guidance.
7.Give you access to free, on-line resources.

There are many other benefits to working with myself and my associates. Please feel free to look around my web site. Once you decide that we are a good fit, "Just Call Nick" and I'll be glad to help!

Just Drivin' By?

New home subdivisions, open house signs, web site ads from the mls with cool pictures and driving directions ever catch your eye? Of course they do.. It happens all the time to most of us. Can that ever be a problem? Ever notice the little signs builders use at the entry to the sales office that says: “If you are working with a Realtor, they MUST accompany you on your first visit.”? What the heck does that mean and how does it effect you/us? Here’s the deal.. Agents at new homes and at an “Open House” represent the SELLER. If you are looking at the house, you are a potential BUYER. Do you want to get all of your information from someone that does not work just for YOU? Any time you see something you like, or want information about ANY property, please remember one thing.. “Just Call Nick!” Representing YOUR interest is what I do! It is the MOST important job that I can do as your agent. I do this every day and can help you with the sale or purchase of ANY property. Yep, it is “fun” to drive around and look at properties but please remember that real estate is a serious business and can be a major investment. I am here to help and to work hard to make sure all goes well!

Nothing to Lose?

No down payment? "No problem" say many mortgage companies. In fact, a recent survey showed that over 35% of loans are "No Down" loans. The VA use to be one of the few ways people could buy a home for no down payment. It also wasn't long ago when most people assumed that a twenty percent down payment was necessary to purchase a home. I can recall many times when people felt they would "never" have enough of a down payment to buy a home. Today's world of financing is much different than yesterdays. A recent study by the National Association of Realtors mentioned that the average buyer made a TWO percent down payment. Zero down loans are very common in today's market for many reasons. First time buyers might have a good credit and a good new job but not a ton of cash in the bank. Most agree that it is better to purchase a home instead of "throwing away" money on rent every month. Others choose to finance as much home as they can and use their hard earned money for other things. Things such as investments, college, home improvements, investment properties etc. etc. Of course, it is hard to pin point a right or wrong answer when deciding on what kind of loan to use for your next purchase. As always, it is best to rely on the help or guidance of people in the real estate or mortgage business. If you have any questions, I'll be happy to discuss some of your options and to point you in the right direction.. Remember to "Just Call Nick!"

Trimming Some Fat in the New Year

As I sit here and think back on the past few months of holiday and Christmas parties, I notice that I have probably added a bit more to my "bottom line" than is necessary. Too many family, work and friends had dinners, parties, get togethers etc..
It's kind of funny to think of the analogy between the last couple of months and the last year and a half in the real estate industry.
I met MANY people recently that were looking to take advantage of the "easy money" in the real estate game. As we begin what I think will be a very interesting year for the Arizona real estate market, I look around and notice people leaving the real estate and lending business by the thousands. There is no doubt that many of my past clients had jumped in to the real estate business for the quick and easy money. I also have no doubt that many new agents will not be sticking around for the long haul. To be honest, I would hate to just be getting started in the business right now. The amount of competition and the challenges of the current market need to be taken very seriously. Heck, look at some of the huge mistakes made by some of the builders during the past run up in "values."
Our market will find level ground. It is my goal for the year to continue to keep an eye on trends, continue to take many classes and attend seminars and to take advantage of many of the new technologies that are available in my business. I guess you could say that I intend to be a "lean, mean real estate machine" so that people have confidence in knowing that when they are buying or selling real estate, all they have to do is... "Just Call Nick!" :-)
Happy New Year to you...

Why Live on the Edge If You can Live on the Line?

There is an interesting dynamic coming to the valley... It's called Light Rail... You have probably seen it "gaining steam" in the news lately as it comes closer to reality for Arizona. I recently attended a meeting with city and national planners of the light rail line to gather some more information. There is some real economic potential here for people and businesses alike. Currently, there are approximately 3000 businesses located along the rail line that consists of 5 "sections" covering 20 miles from Phoenix, through Tempe and in to Mesa. The ASU facilities in Tempe and Phx will be easily accessed as well as major and college sporting events of the Suns, Diamondbacks and Devils. There are already many large employers along the line as well as some great restaurants and a ton of different types of housing near the light rail route from the affordable to multi million dollar projects. Several large projects are in place along Central Avenue that have completion dates scheduled for 2008 which just happens to coincide with the scheduled opening of the rail system.

With the struggles and inventory issues of Queen Creek, Maricopa and some of the outlying areas, there may be a shift to properties with easier access to more centralized locations.
Tempe, Scottsdale and much of Central and North Phx still appear to be doing "pretty well" as far as sales and demand. Light rail should bring some interesting changes to our growing core. As always, I'll be keeping a close eye on the valley's real estate market so check back often for more updates... Remember, if you have any real estate related questions.. "Just Call Nick!"