Tuesday, February 20, 2007
Amazing Deal in Gilbert: Someone's Gotta Take It!
My clients can't because they're in an ironclad lease for a few more months. But someone will love this home and it's a great price.
Brand new: 1756 square feet, 3 bedrooms plus loft, 2.5 baths. North/South facing, 2 AC units for energy control, 2 car garage, awesome driveway that kids will love. Great community with elementary school within walking distance plus a community pool. Walking trails and covered playgrounds galore.
Bargain price of $225k. Seriously. Like I said, awesome deal. Quality builder too, one of the Big 3. If you've been thinking of buying a home in the East Valley and waiting for a great deal, here it is.
Plus if you're first time home buyers, the mortgage company is using the Maricopa Country Bond Program, which gives you your down payment! What more could you ask for?
Where Integrity is Just the Beginning,
Elena Thurston
(480) 215-6536
Elena Thurston, Family Realtor @ 8:46 AM
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Monday, February 19, 2007
Top 5 Reasons to Relocate to Gilbert, AZ
Labels: az real estate, family real estate, first time home buyers, gilbert real estate, phoenix neighborhoods
So, you're hunting around, you've decided on AZ because you're finally sick of cold/earthquakes/hurricanes/floods/out of control housing costs, take your pick. But you're not quite sure of where to settle down and call home.
To help you out in this important decision, I'm going to run a series of the Top 5 Things about each East Valley city, Gilbert, Mesa, Chandler, Queen Creek, and Tempe. So without further ado (drumroll please..)
5. It's GREEN! Not many places in the Valley of the Sun can shout that acclamation. Sure, Gilbert's nowhere near as green as most of the country. But in comparison to almost every other Phoenix suburb, Gilbert neighborhoods are downright tropical. Every community has at least one neighborhood park, there are tons of city parks, along with dog parks. The city of Gilbert has done a great job of enforcing architecture standards that include low-water green foliage. If you're unsure about moving to the desert, you might consider this an integral part of your decision.
4. Gilbert has one of the lowest crime rates in the entire Valley. Enough said.
3. Gilbert has one of the top 3 school districts in the Valley. Particularly if you have a child that is disabled in any way, mentally or physically. Gilbert school starts a very early intevention program that includes at home therapy and a school bus pickup right from your front door.
2. Shopping! Even if you're not a shopping addict, having your home convenient to shopping greatly increases its resale potential. Gilbert is designed with stellar shopping within 2 miles of each neighborhood. Luckily shopping plazas are jumping on the boutique bandwagon so it's not one "big box" after another. We even have Sprouts, Sunflower and Trader Joe's for our groceries. My favorite grocerty store has free child care, which my boys love! Soon the brand new, Nordstrom-anchored mall will be completed and shopping addicts will be over the moon.
1. Best reason to relocate to Gilbert, AZ is the real estate diversity.
Want a condo in a resort-style community complete with lakes, sandy beach pool and numerous spas? Got it. Want a brand new home with no yard but a doggie park? Got it.
Want a huge house, huge yard, and a 3 car garage? Got it.
Want to live on a water-ski lake? Yup, got that too.
Want an older, custom home with room for horses and chickens? Got it.
We even have brand new Craftsmen style homes that surround an organic farm and farmer's market, with a neighborhood school, community pool, and putting green. Who wouldn't want that?!
The Gilbert area is full of friendly neighborhoods and fun activities. Call me today to help you find the right one for you!
Where Integrity is Just the Beginning,
Elena Thurston
Elena Thurston, Family Realtor @ 8:04 AM
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Episode 1: John and Jane are Thinking about buying
Labels: az real estate, first time home buyers
Since I have many first time home buyers, and many of you are first time home buyers, I thought you might benefit by reading about the experience of others. You'll get to see the search from beginning to ending for a young couple, getting ready to buy their first home. Names have been changed for privacy but the experiences are real.
John and Jane have been married for awhile, have two beautiful kids, recently finished his graduate program, found a great job, and are ready for the next step. HOUSE HUNTING!
I invited them over for dinner the other night so we could lay out our game plan. The kids played, we ate Mexican, and I listened to their concerns.
John is mourning the fact that he was simply two years late getting out of school and missed the real estate boom. Because of that, they decided to move from California to Arizona to greatly increase their chances of buying a first home. After he found a job here, they decided to rent for a year and get the feel of the land.
Jane also wants a home with more space for her two kids. However she's anxious that the only thing they can afford will be far away from civilization. I asked her to tell me about her life during the week and she mentioned three nearby stores she frequents along with social outings with the kids.
They have decided they they will get the largest house they can and probably sell in 2-5 years. Therefore we have to make sure whatever they buy is a great investment that they can turn around and sell fairly quickly. To me, that translates to fixer upper in fabulous neighborhood or brand new construction. Jane and John are open to both options.
John is intrigued by a county bond programthat will give them their down payment and assist with closing costs. The problem is that they are currently on the cusp of the income limit and by the time their lease is over, in five months, he will have probably received a bonus.
So, the question is out: Is it worth it to break the lease to get the free money and move asap or stay and live out the lease without that financial burden?
I suggest we go out to look at homes for two reasons: 1. They need to narrow down a search areaand decide if they really are comfortable with a fixer upper or if the slightly distant new build is more their style. 2. If we can find a resale home they love and the owner is desperate to sell, we might be able to have the seller pay all the closing costs, making it feasible for John and Jane to break their lease and get the free money.
So Saturday we're off, with a goal in mind of narrowing down the search area and keeping our hearts open to the possibility of the perfect home.
Episode 2 coming soon!
Where Integrity is Just the Beginning,
Elena Thurston
Elena Thurston, Family Realtor @ 7:57 AM
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Saturday, February 10, 2007
Lovin' It Up In The Valley: Phoenix Romance Guide
For those of you new to the Valley and needing a hint or two on a great place for Valentine's Day, you've come to the right place. Here's a list of my favorite romantic spots: The Phoenix area is a great place to live, filled with friendly neighborhoods and fun activities. Especially when you have a friend to show you all the great spots. Let me know if I can help your family find your next home in the Phoenix area! Where Integrity is Just the Beginning,
The Compass Restaurant in downtown Phoenix is the only rooftop-revolving restaurant in all of AZ. Absolutely incredible views. You could be really crazy and reserve a suite there at the hotel to surprise your love after dinner. Don't forget the flowers!
House of Tricks is off the main drag in Tempe and you barely remember you're in a college town when you're there. Incredible food and atmosphere.
You probably can't get a reservation there unless you're incredibly lucky but The Melting Pot is such a fun experience. You can't go wrong with melted cheese and chocolate and a private booth. Love it.
Elena Thurston
Elena Thurston, Family Realtor @ 10:46 AM
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Tuesday, February 06, 2007
Great Phoenix Neighborhood: Carino Estates
Labels: AZ neighborhoods, chandler real estate, family neighborhoods, great phoenix neighborhoods
Welcome Home: Carino Estates
Near Alma School and Germann in Chandler, Carino Estates is an inviting neighborhood that lands as a top pick. Residents feel safe and welcome in this great Phoenix-area community.
Built about six years ago, the friendly neighborhood is new enough to look great and old enough to feel established and comfortable. Residents say their favorite amenities include the playgrounds, the walking paths, and the friendly people.
Neighbors are sociable and it is not uncommon to see families walking, biking or playing ball in the greenbelts. In the spring, you can find the community picnic and garage sale.
Everyone enjoys the short walk to great coffee shops and restaurants. Parents appreciate the brand new city park, the elementary and high school, and library within walking distance. Kids enjoy seeing the decorations and participating in neighborhood activities during the holidays.
There are a few wonderful homes for sale in this great Chandler neighborhood. Call me today to find out more information.
Elena Thurston, Family Realtor @ 8:53 PM
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Name: Elena Thurston, Family Realtor
Home: Gilbert, Arizona, United States
About Me: My passion is Family Real Estate. Families need more than just a nice house, they need a neighborhood and community where they can give and receive a feeling of home. I am one of the rare Arizona natives. I received my bachelors degree at Arizona State University and my real estate license at Arizona School of Real Estate and Business.
See my complete profile
