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You may get lots of advice from people about selling your home.  Here are some common mistakes that are made. 1.   Don’t base the sale of your home on the season.  Yes, spring may typically be a busier time of year for home sales, but homes are purchased year round.  Use your homes amenities, like perhaps a fire place to showcase how lovely your home can be during the winter months too! 2.   The contract process is complex.  Don’t be afraid to ask questions and read the fine print before signing.  You really want to understand what you are responsible for and what the buyer is expecting.  Speak with your attorney or real estate agent if you have questions.

You have just purchased your fabulous home in the Glendale area.  You have signed off on all the paperwork and made sure your home is insured but have you thought about getting a home warranty?  Chances are you haven’t given that much thought.  Here are some insights on what a home warranty is and why it could save you money in the long run. A home warranty is different from homeowner’s insurance in that the insurance covers the structure of your home, your personal belongings and liability coverage if someone gets injured on your property.  A home warranty covers things like your appliances and household operating systems like plumbing, electrical, and heating and cooling systems. 

It may seem like a daunting task, packing to move into a new home, but if you take a few minutes to do a few crucial things before you begin it may make your move go smoothly. 1.  First off you will want to make a list.  If you write things down you won’t forget things.  For example you may want to make a packing list.  So for every box you pack you will have the box numbered with the contents listed clearly on the box.  This will help not only you but the movers as well. If items are clearly labeled kitchen then the movers won’t put that box in a bedroom.  You will also know exactly what is in the box when you go to look for that coffee cup the morning you wake up in your new home.

Football season has officially started! Now where to go to watch the games, get some great food and drinks and hang out with your buddies.  There are lots of great locales in the west valley near the Glendale and Peoria areas.  Here are some top picks. R.T. O’Sullivans Sports Grill located on Bell Road and 59th Avenue has just what you are looking for in a neighborhood sports bar.  Food is your typical bar fare from appetizers like wings, nachos and potato skins. 

If you are still leasing a home or apartment, now would be the time to take the leap and venture into home ownership.  There are many reasons why it makes sense now more than over to own your own home. 1.  Mortgage rates are so low!  It’s incredible, just ask your parents what their interest rate was when they bought their first home.  You’ll be amazed at the difference.  You can get a 30 year fixed rate loan at about 5%.  Of course many things will be taken into consideration when the bank decides what rate to give you, but low rates are out there. 2.  Real estate is a fantastic investment.  Plan to be in it for the long haul unless you are a real estate investor. It is great to have a diversified portfolio and home prices will go back up, they are already showing signs in that direction.

1.What do you think of this home?

Elise: Well does this home have most of what you are looking for? How do you feel about the house? It is often difficult to not give my personal opinion on a home when I know that my client is looking to me for my guidance and expertise. If the home you are considering meets most of their criteria, then I do think they should say "Yes to the Home", but if there is some hesitation regarding price and/or condition then my suggestion would be to keep looking. If it is the right home, I believe you will know it pretty quickly.

I can clearly remember waking up on 9/11/01 in my apartment in Long Island, NY.  Just another typical day, I was going to start my final semester at St. John’s University in Queens, NY that week.  My phone rang early and my friend said turn on the TV....what?  I just woke up what the heck, but I did and could not believe my eyes! There was no one on the roads that day, neighbors chatted with each other in the streets.  You could hear fire trucks with sirens blaring racing into Manhattan, they were the only ones on the roads that day.  I, like so many others sat glued to the TV for updates.  I had family and friends that lived and worked in the city. I was eagerly awaiting for word from them that they were ok.....thankfully they all were but had harrowing tales of what they saw.

If you live in the Glendale area you may have driven past the Foothills Recreation and Aquatics Center, located on Union Hills Drive and 55th Avenue.  This beautiful 5,400 square foot facility has something for everyone to enjoy and you don’t have to be a resident to enjoy it. The center features a state of the art fitness center with cardiovascular and strength training equipment.  They also have an indoor walking and jogging track, great for keeping up with your workout even when it is so hot outside.  There is an indoor gymnasium with basketball and racquetball courts; there is even a rock climbing wall.  Whatever your interest is they offer a great way to stay in shape.  They also have personal trainers and nutritionists on staff to help you achieve your goals.

Living in the Greater Phoenix area we are blessed with having beautiful weather nearly year round.  With the fantastic weather we have many places which offer al fresco dining, and most restaurants in the area with patio seating welcome not only you but your four legged companion.  The Glendale area has many wonderful locations you can check out. The AJ’s patio at 67th Avenue and the 101 has many furry friends enjoying a morning cup of Joe with their owners, well maybe they are lapping up some cold water but it’s all relative.  It is a relaxing atmosphere with the covered patio area and lots of seating.  AJ’s has many delightful choices for you and your pet whether it’s breakfast, lunch or dinner and even dessert.  Another patio area that is nearby is the Starbucks just north of the 101 and 67th Avenue, they have a very nice patio area and I have seen many dogs just hanging out.