Find em on the web...

Let’s face it, the market always dictates the price of a property. BUT, in a market where a lot of competition exists, it is good to have real plans in place to aggressively promote your home over the competition. In my opinion, a “for sale by owner” home in this market is like a row boat in the middle of the ocean. We have been implementing new ways to market properties the past couple of years that help drive a ton of traffic to our web sites. This benefits all of our clients. Adding photos and descriptions to sites help as well. Examples are realtor.com, azcentral.com etc..
Property specific web sites can be fun, informative and useful. See an example at www.1605Brown.com. Even sites like zillow and craigslist can generate interest and mention specific features of a property while linking to our main site for even more information. Direct mail, if targeted correctly, can be useful as well. The process of submitting all of these sites can be costly (for the public) and time consuming but with most people beginning their search for a home on the web, we feel it is the best way for us to help sell properties in today’s market.
If you are thinking of making a move, please feel free to call and discuss your area, options etc. Several parts of town are doing fine, others will struggle for a while. “Just Call Nick!” I’m glad to help..

PLC - 3 very important words..

Everyone knows the old saying that the three most important words in real estate are: "Location, Location, Location!" I certainly agree that location remains, and will always be a very important factor in determining the value of a property. Over the past few years, when the market was in over drive, it appears many people forgot these three very key words and just wanted to get their hands on anything they could mortgage.
Our current market is now requiring Pricing, Location and Condition to be three words to be aware of. For example, with the current number (high) of available properties and the current number (not as high) of buyers in the market, a home needs to be priced (very) well, in a great location and in excellent condition in order to obtain a "normal" sale. Unfortunately, if even one of the three (price, location, condition) is not right, a home has a much harder time in our current market. Yep, the Summer selling season is upon us but buyers are picky and demanding and have every right to be. The shoe was on the other foot for a while.. For tips or advise on the current market, feel free to "Just Call Nick!" I'd be glad to help. :-)

Good or Bad?

With all of the doom and gloom real estate news that is popular with the media, I find it very interesting that billions of dollars are being invested in Arizona. A few of the projects and areas that I find interesting are the commercial and residential developments in the East Valley's Gateway area to the successful projects near Desert Ridge and the City North development that recently announced (4/17/07) $379 million dollars for phase one financing. Down town Tempe has plans for several new hotels and more "urban" housing projects that appear to be helped by the excitement of Light Rail. Other large projects are being developed in Phoenix and the West Valley as well. Our population is expanding, jobs are available and commercial development appears very strong. While the housing market still has a ton of inventory, it is allowing people to find more options than they have had the past couple of years. One page of the paper tells us the market is dead while the next says it is back to life. Fact is, some neighborhoods are doing great while others are struggling. If you are thinking of making a move, it is best to look at the values in your neighborhood and the neighborhood where you plan to live. That way, you get a better idea of what you are up against. If you need any help.. "Just Call Nick!"

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!