Gregg Maul – What's new in Tucson Real Estate

Are you getting ready for a big move? Are your kids taking the transition harder than you thought? Moving is already one of life’s more stressful events – but believe it or not, it can be even harder on kids who may have only lived in one home before. Whether they’re leaving neighborhood playmates or friends at school it can be intimidating, confusing, and even scary. If you’re making the leap to a new city or are just moving across the street, help your kids (and you too!) make the most fun out of your move with a few ideas.Out with the old – in with the new!Let your kids get creative with their new rooms. Help them personalize theirs by adding a color accent to the wall. Or if you’re willing to paint the room, let them have a say in what color scheme they might like (tip: you might need to resell later so think about a paint color that would appeal to buyers.) Once the moving van arrives, let them have a say in how they want their furniture arranged. Their involvement in the process takes their mind off the old room and allows them to pour their energy into the new!Explore the Great OutdoorsYour new neighborhood will most likely have new parks, stores, restaurants, and popular hang-out spots. Walk around the block to get the kids familiar with the area (and set boundaries), then let them pick out a nearby restaurant and maybe you’ll even find a new family favorite!A New State of MindChange is always hard. And it’s especially hard for kids who don’t always understand why it must happen. Set the tone for a fantastic transition by leading with a great mindset. Talk about all the new, exciting, and fun activities that will be available to your kids when they get into the new home. Communication is keySome children are more vocal than others and will willingly display their feelings about the move – others are shy. Make sure you give your kids the opportunity to express their hesitations, frustrations, and general fears about moving. Opening the lines of communication will help you understand how the move is impacting them and how you can help them cope.Travel BuddiesWe all know how important it is to keep the kids busy during long road trips. The same is true when packing up for the long haul. Pack a “Moving Day” Travel Kit with lots of games, DVDs, music, and snacks! If you’re traveling across state lines, try asking your kids if they can spot all 50 states’ license plates! Here are some other great ideas to make the big move a bit easier:

• Put together a playlist of songs to make the time go by faster
• Have your kids create a list of hopes and dreams for their new home
• Pack a fun box full of goodies that can be unpacked by the kids at your new home

School is nearly back in action! And that means children are getting as much pool time in as possible before they have to hit the books. While the sun is always fun for everyone, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) estimates each year nearly 300 children younger than five drown in swimming pools and spas, and more than 3,000 of the same age group go to hospital emergency rooms due to non-fatal submersion injuries. As parents, preventing accidents in and around the pool is a priority. The summer may be coming to an end in some areas of the country, but practicing pool safety is a year-round event!

Find out how you size up against these important strategies for pool

safety:

• Stay close, be alert, and watch. First and foremost, always

watch your children and never leave them unattended. Make

sure to keep children away from pool drains, pipes, and other

openings. In case of an emergency, have a phone close by at

all times. If a child is missing, check the pool first.

• Learn and practice water safety skills. Learn how to swim

and know how to perform CPR on children and adults.

Understand the basics of life saving so that you can assist in a

pool emergency.

• Have the appropriate equipment. If you have a pool at home,

install a fence of at least four feet high around the perimeter of

the pool and spa. Use self-closing and self-latching gates to

ensure children don’t wander in unattended. Make sure all

pools and spas have compliant drain covers and make sure all

covers are in working order. Install a door alarm from the house

to the pool area and always have life-saving equipment such as

life rings or reaching poles available for use.

Ingredients2 cups seeded small watermelon balls2 cups fresh mozzarella pieces1 cup chopped fresh basil(purple or green)1 bunch scallions, trimmed and chopped1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil1 pinch salt and pepper to taste1 dash balsamic vinegar as desiredInstructionsToss together the watermelon, mozzarella, basil, scallions and oil. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve over a bed of baby greens with crostini on the sides. Drizzle a bit of balsamic vinegar over if desired.

Servings: Serves 6 to 8

Real Estate as an Investment: optimistic and opportunistic

A slowly improving economy, limited new supply and improving capital markets are responsible for the spike in investor  confidence. The recent surge has brought to light the investment opportunities that are available to new and seasoned investors.

As mortgage rates continue to hang at historic lows and affordability reaches an all-time high, investors are becoming more “risk tolerant” and seeing the thawing markets as a great time to expand their portfolios. In fact, according to a recent survey by the National Real Estate Investor and Marcus and Millichap Real Estate Investment  Services, 69%  plan to add to their property  portfolios  in the next 12 months, that’s up 8%  over 2010 (61%)  a sizable increase.

The ability  to lock in extremely  low long- term rates has been the biggest force in their decision to increase investments and has provided a hedge against a slow  recovery as well as any unforeseen economic  issues that might emerge.

For those who remain sold on real estate’s ability  to build equity there are two types of opportunities: the active, and the passive.

Active real estate investments  are an excellent jumping off point for new investors interested in perking up their portfolio. In another study conducted by NAR,  the average apartment rent is projected to grow 3.4% this year and another 4.2%  in 2012. Trulia. com a homes for sale listing site, also noticed a huge uptick in people interested in homes for rent.

One thing’s for sure. If you are or someone you know is considering real estate as an investment opportunity, this summer is the season to start researching properties.

Investing in real estate isn’t a “get rich quick” scheme, rather, a long term investment that can be a great choice for people  and perseverance. The opportunity to build  financial wealth is open to everyone- and for those  who can afford to invest in today’s  market-now is the time!

Planning your Patriotic Party

Tips on making this year’s celebration star-spangled event!

Get out the Red, White, and Blue; it’s time to celebrate our nation’s independence. Whether you’re planning a big blowout this year, or want to pledge to make the next one even better, you’ll love some of the below ideas- we promise they’ll make your celebration spectacular!

Prepare to have fun

The most successful parties always start with careful planning. Start planning your Fourth of July party about six weeks out from the event. This will give you enough time to get invitations out to the family and friends and collect RSVPs far enough in advance.

Choose your theme and invite

Picnic. Patio. Pool. BBQ. The summer weather makes it easy to get creative about your party. Themes  are a great way  to help guest get involved in the party. Ask guest to wear costumes and bring food related to your theme. Of course, the tried and true Red, White, and Blue is always a hit and can be easier to find in June. Here’s a hint: Decoration prices are always dramatically discounted after the day has passed. If your planning on hosting a party again , pick up decor for half the price!

Who’s coming ?

Once you have your theme, it’s time to send out invitations. If paper invitations seem to costly or time-consuming, try an online Invitation or set up an even on Facebook! These free options are often very simple to set up and are becoming popular options for easily tracking whose coming and who is not. it’s also a simple way to stay in constant communication with guest closer to the event.

Fun with Food!

The trick to successful party is sticking to the traditional Fourth of July fare while adding creative new surprises throughout the day and night. Invite guest to bring their favorite dish.

The warm weather of the summer months means more family fun in the sun! From the park to the pool, to summer day camps and swimming lessons, staying protected from the sun’s UV-rays can have lasting effects, especially in children. Here are a few tips to block the sun, and keep the fun!

• Lather up. then do it again. Choose a sunscreen of at least SPF 35 or higher and apply prior to going out in the sun. After two hours, apply again to ensure you keep the sunburn at bay!
• Try to stay in the between 10a.m and 2 p.m  when the sun’s rays are the most harmful. At the very least, stake out a shaded area to place of refuge out of the sun!
• Wear a wide-brimmed hat. It not only  protects your head from the rays, your ears and neck will thank you too!
• Wear sunglasses that have UV-ray protection. This is important  for children and babies because some glasses are toys rather than protected eye-wear.
• If the kids are outside playing, be sure to apply more sunscreen  after sweating.

How to buy and sell a home in today’s market

Almost everyday I find myself in a conversation with someone who asks: “How’s the real estate market?” My answer, frankly, is always the same: “I’m glad you asked because it’s a great time  to buy or sell a home!” Lately, that answer has been met by surprise, even shock!

After i tell that individual why its’s a great time to be in real estate, they realize the truth: as long as you are properly represented by a real estate agent who fully understand the current market, and you’re prepared to follow their advice your experience will be a successful one! So back to the original question: what can you do to successfully buy or sell a home in today’s market?

The best thing you can do is realize that the market has changed.

A lot has happened since the boom days. We’ve seen a recession, which included a rise in unemployment, a drop in consumerism, and an entire realignment of the real estate and mortgage industries. Distressed properties(Foreclosures, Short Sales and Real Estated Owned or REO) dominated many local markets and clogged inventory, resulting in poorly priced homes sitting on the market for longer than expected. Buyers gained additional negotiating powers, and sellers have been creative about concessions in order to sell faster. While it’s not necessarily the right time to buy  for everyone, I still find homeowners, or those seeking to own a home, are confusing market conditions with market opportunities. The market is what you make of it and how you approach the process of buying or selling a home.  Buying a home in 2011 is one of the biggest investments many families make,  and you shouldn’t  just jump into it without considering a few factors:

Knowing your purchasing power. Lenders have wised up since the days when they were handing out loans with out proof of income. Before you even start your home search today you should get pre-approved by a trusted  lending professional.

Find a knowledgeable agent. In today’s market, you must fire someone who is knowledgeable, professional and ready to negotiate on your behalf. Interview a few agents before you decide, ask them what services they provide as a buyers agent, what you can expect when you work with them exclusively.

Give it time. there are a lot of homes on the market that could potentially meet your needs as a buyer and candidly, this market is giving buyers a little leeway during the home search.  Spend time thinking  about how you felt in house, look to see if it truly meets your needs, and always consider  its value in the future.

Selling a home in 2011.

• Although we’re still in a buyer’s market, as a seller you can take appropriate actions to position yourself for home selling success.
• Find your motivation. Why do you want or need to sell? And how badly-how important is it to you? What would it take to make selling make sense?
• Price it right. What does that really mean? Here’s the truth. Unfortunately, many sellers who were buyers back in the boom days are in trouble or are in a financially  distressing situation. If that’s you, you’re not to the point of filing for foreclosure, your most likely  want to avoid losing any more money on the house and as a result, you’re going to want to price it high from the beginning which would be a mistake. the higher you price it from the beginning , the longer it sits on the market. The longer  it sits on the market, the less likely it will sell, and you’ll most likely end up making larger and more painful reduction down the road.
• Follow  your agents’ advice. You are emotionally invested in this home and the money that you originally put into buying it. Your agent acts as an outsider, and is knowledgeable about buyers’ current behaviors and what homes are really selling  for in your area.

HOA 101- Understanding your Home Owners Association

Are you currently considering a home that requires you to become a member of their Homeowners  Association? As a member of your neighborhood’s HOA, you are obligated to pay fees to support management and maintenance. There are obvious pros and ons to living in a neighborhood with an HOA.

Pros to an HOA

• May maintain and pay for upkeep of certain community amenities, including tennis courts, pools, neighborhood parks, golf course and playgrounds.
• Helps to Preserve Property Values. Some  HOAs  may exercise some standards for how the outside of a home should look, including driveways, keeping garage doors closed, or limiting signs in yards. these standards are meant to keep the  neighborhood looking good keep everyone’s home prices up while luring more buyers to the community.
• May mediate disputes between residents.
• May mediate disputes  between residents. Should there be any animosity towards neighbors, the HOA can step in as an objective third-party  and make a decision for both parties.

Cons to an HOA

• Will add extra  cost to your monthly payments. HOA fees vary from community to community and its important to add the fee to your monthly mortgage  payment so that you can fit it into your overall budget. HOAs are not tax deductible.
• Can sometimes feel like a “Big Brother” is watching over you making sure you grass is mowed, landscaping is kept up and has appropriate flowers and have a qualified breed of dog…
• Can raise the dues at any time for any number  of reasons, such as assessments, lawsuits, cost of living, or simply because  other homeowners aren’t paying . this isn’t  common; however,  it is possibility  to consider.
• Can evict you or foreclose on your home if you don’t pay the dues on the time and accumulate back fees and additional fines.

If you  are considering buying a home with a HOA, ask to get a copy of the rules, regulations, and bylaws before you sign the purchase agreement, or make your offer contingent upon your receipt and acceptance of the rules. When managed well, an HOA can offer homeowners amenities that are well worth the dues- and is absolutely worth looking into  if you’re  in the market for a home.

The driving force behind Mother’s Day was Anna Jarvis, who organized observances in Grafton, W.Va., and Philadelphia exactly 103 years ago: May 10, 1908. As the annual celebration became popular around the country, Jarvis asked member of Congress to set aside a day to honor mothers. She finally succeeded in 1914, when Congress designated the second Sunday in May as Mother’s Day.

Happy Mother’s Day!

Memorial Day Macaroni Salad

• 1 (16 ounce) package macaroni
• 2 red bell peppers, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1/2 cup chopped green onions
• 1 stalk celery, chopped (optional)
• 1 tablespoon  olive oil
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 1 packet dry vegetable soup mix

Directions

• Bring a large pot of lightly  salted water to a boil. Add  pasta and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, or until al dente. Drain, and rise with cold water until no longer hot. Transfer noodles to a large bowl.
• Stir in red bell peppers, green bell peppers, green onions, celery and olive oil. Mix in mayonnaise and soup mix. Refrigerate for a few hours before serving.

April showers bring May flowers. May is also the month America pays tribute to those who laid down their lives while serving in the United States military. While we all enjoy this special day off filled with family, flags, food and fun, may we also remember and honor the men and women in uniform whose heroic efforts helped to preserve our country’s freedom.

Deck out your backyard

Summer will soon wing into gear and that means more time outside enjoying friends,  family and fun. For many homeowners , the deck  provides a great platform for backyard BBQ’s, pool parties and more. Today’s homeowners, especially first-time buyers, are taking  a great deal  of pride in their outside living area, and are investing in quality  products to ensure longevity and improve  design. Many decks are more than just a patio with furniture;  they often incorporate recreation ares, hot tubs and pools and have become a place where families are spending more and more of their time.  Whether you’re considering selling your home, or simply want to spruce up your outside space, the deck is a great place to make a low-cost improvements that add curb appeal and set your property apart from others in your neighborhood. Here are a few tips to get the most band for your buck:

• Check out your neighbor’s backyards. the best way to ensure your are able to recoup some money from your initial investment is to be competitive with other homes’ decks.
• Choose a deck finish wisely. Clear deck finishes provide adequate protection, and typically need to be redone as often as every year. Oil-based finishes provide  longer-lasting protection, however many homeowners think the tinted version hide the natural beauty of the wood. there are quite a few options and you’ll want to investigate  before investing in your final finish.
• If you’re  not prepared for a DIY  deck project, hire a professional. I can provide names of several contractors in our area that I trust and would recommend to any of my clients!

Economic outlook: Short Sales Here to Stay

The economy is beginning to show signs of a slow recovery  and less shock from external forces. That said, we still have a ways to go before we can see a “full recovery” in the housing market. This is due in large part, to the number of foreclosures being filed. Just last year, there were over a million homes listed as foreclosure according  to RealtyTrac, which publishes the largest database of foreclosure, auction and bank-owned homes in the country. And here’s where things get interesting. According to the National Association of Realtors,  of those million foreclosures, only 30 percent were listed!  That’s  more than 700,000 homeowners who did not  know their options! If you’re  in an unfortunate financial position and are facing foreclosure, please know that a short sale is an option. A short sale happens when the lender is shorted on a mortgage, meaning the lender accepts less than the total amount that is due. Here are some methods for determining if you qualify as a short sale candidate:

• The  home’s  market value has dropped. Based on comparable market analysis, you must be able to prove that your home is worth less than the unpaid balance to the lender.
• The mortgage is nearing or is currently in a default situation. Many  lenders are willing to work with homeowners  before the home is defaulted on in order  to head off future problems.
• The seller has fallen on hard times. If a seller can prove that  they are unable to pay their mortgage payment on time due to a significant  loss in income or other financial hardship, the lender  is willing to allow a short sale. Extensive documentation is usually needed  to prove the hardship,  and will be  denied if it involves bad purchasing decisions, buying  another home,  pregnancy or moving into an apartment.
• The seller has no assets. If the seller can prove that they have no assets, including a savings account, stock, other real estate investments or other accounts to their name, the lender will explore a short sales option. They will likely look at the sell;s tax returns and financial statements to verify that they do not  have any assets that could be used to pay down the difference that they owe on their mortgage.

Foreclosure isn’t  your only option. While short sales may take longer in some cases  and you still experience certain repercussions, you avoid significant credit  and costly tax implications that occur when you foreclosure on a home. This is often a difficult and highly stressful situation for homeowners. If you need  further information and are ready to look at your options, I’m  prepared to help you.   Please  give me a call to find out if you qualify for a short sales.