Fireside Lifestyle

Fireside

May | June 2013

YOUR FIRESIDE REAL ESTATE SPECIALIST

TOP 3 MISTAKES SELLERS MAKE WHEN CHOOSING A REALTOR® Selling a home should be like any other important business transaction, but all too often sellers make emotional or impulsive decisions that cost them money and time. Choosing the right REALTOR® to market a property and negotiate the sale is one of the most important steps in the process.

MISTAKE #1: “My friend, family member (or friend’s dog walker) sells real estate.”

www.FiresideIsabella.com

Pristine “Isabella” model with open view backyard!

Kevin Owens, with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage, is the top selling REALTOR® in Fireside at Desert Ridge and is known for his industry-leading marketing strategies. Your neighbors have trusted Kevin to sell their homes due to his unique pricing abilities, in-depth market knowledge, and unrivaled marketing to sell your property. Kevin Owens is expertly trained as a Certified Negotiation Expert and Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist. Contact Kevin today for a no-obligation, confidential, home marketing consultation!

KEVIN OWENS, REALTOR® Your Fireside at Desert Ridge Real Estate Specialist

480.217.9184

kevin@fineAZliving.com www.fineAZliving.com

MISTAKE #2: “I am going to list with the agent who agrees with my selling price.”

Some agents tell you what you want to hear. In the real estate profession, this is known as “buying a listing” and is employed by shortsighted agents who are more interested in their success rather than yours.

These agents take the risk of overpricing a home, knowing that they can later get the sellers to reduce the price to market value. This is used as a “sales tactic” in obtaining the listing, but is an extremely poor strategy in selling a home at the highest possible price. Work with an agent who will price your home based on the relevant sales in the area and the market trends, not the price that they think you want to hear.

MISTAKE #3: “I’m going to list with the agent who has the lowest commission.”

As they say, you get what you pay for. Paying a cut-rate discount commission will often get you a sign in the front yard and placement in the Multiple Listing Service, but little additional effort from your agent. In today’s market, it takes more marketing than a sign up in the front yard to sell a home. Realize that agents and real estate companies use their own funds to market and advertise your home. Marketing your home costs money -- the lower the commission, the less incentive for an agent to put up his or her own money to market your home. Incentive plays a very important role in sales. A “full service” agent earning a full commission will prioritize your sale as important and handle any challenges that come along – an agent earning a discounted commission does not have that same incentive. Finally, negotiating ability is an important skill in a listing agent. Are you willing to put your faith in an agent to fully negotiate on your behalf when he can’t even negotiate his own commission?

Market Statistics For Fireside 2013 $724,990

71

AVERAGE DAYS ON MARKET

HIGHEST SOLD PRICE IN 2013

LOWEST SOLD PRICE IN 2013

CALL TO PRE-QUALIFY FOR A LOAN

Pat Reiniger

preiniger@homeownersfg.com | 480.305.8562

NMLS#180869 BK#0906222

If your home is currently listed, this is not a solicitation for that listing. Owned and operated by NRT, LLC.

$247,500

thirteen

# of active listings in fireside

AVERAGE SALE/LIST PRICE

99 %

$171.40 Average Sold Price Per Square Foot In 2013

7:(17<

21630 N. 38th WAY, Phoenix, AZ 85050

NUMBER OF FIRESIDE HOMES SOLD SO FAR IN 2013

JUST LISTED BY KEVIN OWENS IN FIRESIDE!

Friendship alone isn’t enough to establish a professional’s credentials. Use tough standards when selecting an agent, just as you would when hiring an attorney, a doctor, or an accountant to handle your taxes.

A true friend will understand and appreciate that selling real estate is a business decision. Selling your property often requires sharing confidential financial information with your real estate agent that you may not feel comfortable divulging to a friend or family member. Also, not all agents and brokerages are the same. Some agents treat real estate as a part-time hobby, while others practice real estate as their full-time career. Work with a REALTOR® who specializes in your neighborhood and will treat selling your home as their full-time job.

ISSN-1939-943X Produced by Desert Lifestyle Publishing • 480.460.0996 • www.DesertLifestyle.net

Summer Camp for Adults

Home Background Checks Property Investigations for Buyers

A Twist on Tradition Relish Burger Bistro’s Crab Cake Sliders

Fireside Market Statistics

By Kevin Owens | Your Fireside Real Estate Specialist See back cover for report

In Good Taste Featuring Relish Burger Bistro at The Phoenician 480.423.2530 | ThePhoenician.com

CRAB CAKE SLIDERS WITH CHIPOTLE SLAW & AVOCADO For this recipe you will also need: Mini slider buns (Kings Hawaiian Mini Rolls work well) Approximately 20 large cocktail toothpicks 1 package grape tomatoes Chipotle Mayonnaise: 1/2 cup mayonnaise 1 Tbs. chipotle puree (blended chipotle in adobo) *combine Chipotle Slaw: 1 bag shredded green cabbage (about 5 cups) 1/2 cup chipotle mayonnaise (see recipe above) *combine; add salt & pepper to taste Avocado Puree: 1 avocado (skin and pit removed) 1 Tbs. lime juice *In a bowl, mash avocado and lime juice together with a fork Crab Sliders: 1 pound jumbo lump crab meat 1 egg 3/4 cup regular mayonnaise 1 tsp. Old Bay seasoning 1 tsp. Dijon mustard 2 Tbs. chopped cilantro 1 3/4 cup Panko bread crumbs *Mix all ingredients together and portion into 2 oz. patties Procedure: In a pan, add 1 Tbs. canola oil and pan fry on medium-high heat for 3 minutes; turn over and pan fry for another 3 minutes.

On bottom half of buns, spread chipotle mayonnaise thinly; place cooked crab sliders on top. Place 1 Tbs. chipotle slaw on top of each slider. On top half of buns, spread avocado puree thinly; place top half of buns onto sliders. Using cocktail picks, skewer 1 grape tomato per pick and place vertically through center of each slider.

The Academy of Golf Dynamics Austin, Texas | 800.879.2008 GolfDynamics.com Ranked by Golf magazine as one of the top 25 golf schools in the country, this Jack Nicklaus designed facility offers a 3-to-1 ratio of students to teachers. The Academy is also the first-ever site designed specifically for learning to play better golf. Three-day school sessions offered.

Has it been a few years (alright, maybe decades) since you went off to summer camp?

Why not treat yourself to a mini-vacation at a golf academy? Whether you’re new to the links or yearning to perfect your putting once and for all, a few intensive days at a golf academy are sure to improve your game.

But just what makes a golf academy better than taking lessons from your local club’s golf pro? For one, you are immersed in all that driving, chipping, and putting for several days at a time (most schools let you choose the length of your stay). At many golf academies, you will be taught by top-notch PGA and LPGA professionals who are trained to instruct novices and almost-pros alike. These teachers will create custom-made instruction based on your ability, style, and goals. Many schools also offer specific classes to improve certain aspects, such as your short game. Others offer “ladies-only” instruction and “junior academies” for younger players.

Cutting-edge technology is also a key component to a good golf school. You’ll want to look for an academy that provides computer and video analysis, looking at everything from your swing, to the rotation on the ball and even your putting style.

The top academies are also often found on beautiful, championship-level golf courses … and are sometimes based at some of the most exclusive and luxurious resort areas. So why not treat yourself to your own version of summer camp…all while bringing your golf game up to par. Check out these top-rated golf academies below.

Choose from two- or three-day sessions, with or without hotel accommodations. Features include one-on-one instruction taught by PGA and LPGA professionals for a nine-hole playing lesson each day. You choose the dates that fit your schedule. Troon North also offers the Callaway Authorized Performance Center, which analyzes club head speed, ball speed, launch angle, and spin rates. Cost: $2199-$4499, depending on number of days and hotel options.

The Advantage Golf School Four Seasons Troon North, Scottsdale, Arizona 877.239.6609 | AdvantageGolfSchool.com Set in the Sonoran Desert, the Troon North Golf Club offers a beautiful backdrop for golf.

The Advantage Golf School Stone Creek Golf Club, Phoenix, Arizona 877.239.6609 | AdvantageGolfSchool.com At Stone Creek Golf Club, surrounded by desert mountain views, golfers get six hours of

For years car buyers have relied on a “background check” on the pre-owned vehicle they are interested in buying. We all know this as a CARFAX report. The report has become so popular with car buyers that many say “show me the CARFAX” before any final buying decision.

In real estate, most states require a seller to complete some form of a seller’s disclosure statement that will provide potential buyers with information about the property’s history

and potential defects. Other than the report generated by the seller, what third-party, neutral sources of background information about a property can a real estate buyer rely upon? Is there a “background check” that can be requested for a particular property? How does a buyer obtain it?

Buyers usually rely on the traditional property inspection to reveal any defects or issues with a property. But, there are several other sources of information about a property’s past that buyers may want to consider when making one of the biggest purchase decisions of their life.

BuildFax.com has created a database of permit information from building departments in more than 4,000 cities and counties across the United States. BuildFax compiles a report that shows major renovations or repairs to a property, the date those were done, and the list of contractors who worked on the project.

Local regulations vary on what types of work require a permit, but usually any significant remodel will require a permit. Discrepancies between information provided by the seller and information revealed on the report may raise concerns or provide the buyer

Yield: 18

TAKE YOUR GAME

one-on-one instruction from elite PGA veteran instructors. The latest computer swing analysis is also offered. Cost: $1299-$2599, depending on number of days and hotel options.

Barton Creek Golf Academy Barton Creek Resort & Spa, Austin, Texas 512.306.5805 | BartonCreekGolfAcademy.com Located at the beautiful Fazio Canyons golf course, the instructors use the latest technology to analyze your game. Academy offerings range from a three-hour, half-day instruction to one-, two-, and three-day golf academy options. Most classes are limited to 12 students per session. Cost: Ranges from $495 to $1395.

additional information when negotiating the sale price. The BuildFax report can also reveal whether renovations were done by licensed contractors or not.

Since 2010, the Realtors Property Resource has been available to all National Association of Realtors® members. The system provides data on a range of property-specific information such as public records, tax assessment data, liens, mortgages and foreclosure information, school district statistics, zoning restrictions, flood plain maps and more. Your Realtor® can compile a custom report about a property so a buyer can make better informed decisions about that property.

Past insurance claims may impact a buyer’s ability to obtain insurance on a property or, at a minimum, may impact the insurance rates the new buyer will pay.

LexisNexis offers a C.L.U.E. Home Seller’s Report that contains five years history of insurance claims on the property. This Comprehensive Loss Underwriting Exchange report details types of losses, dates of claims and insurance company payouts. The report may only be obtained by the seller, but buyers can make an offer contingent

La Cantera Golf School La Cantera Hill Country Resort, San Antonio, Texas 888.603.4653 | LaCanteraGolfClub.com This hilltop retreat just north of San Antonio offers half-, one-, two- and three-day golf school sessions. Most three-hour classes offer a 4-to-1 student-instructor ratio. The resort boasts two championship golf courses: the Resort Course at La Cantera and The Palmer Course at La Cantera, designed by Arnold Palmer. Prices range from $179-$299 per person per day.

TOURAcademy La Costa La Costa Resort & Spa, Carlsbad, California 800.766.7939 | PGATourExperiences.com.

Located in Southern California’s only Gold Medal Golf Resort, TOURAcademy offers two- to five-day golf schools for all levels of players. This is one of eight TOURAcademy locations throughout the U.S. offering instruction with PGA and LPGA pros. Highlights include video swing analysis, Flightscope technology, and the Tomi Putting System, to analyze your putting game. Rates: $1395$3195 depending on number of days, hotel options, and time of year.

upon an acceptable C.L.U.E. report if they have any concerns about prior damage reported in a seller’s disclosure. Sellers who have had property damage may want to provide the report along with their seller’s disclosure – even if they are not obligated by law to do so.

Buyers generally receive little to no background information on a bank or lender-owned property since the bank or mortgage company has no knowledge about the property’s past. Requesting a C.L.U.E. report can be especially valuable to the buyer in those cases.

Informed real estate buyers have many other sources of information beyond the seller’s disclosure statement and home inspection that can provide a “background check” on a particular property. A Realtor® can help buyers obtain this information and can assist them in reading and interpreting the results.

Event Calendar MAY | JUNE 2013 Arizona Foundation for Women Sandra Day O’Connor Awards Luncheon Arizona Biltmore Resort, May 17th 602.532.2800 | azfw.org The luncheon pays tribute to those who make a difference in the lives of women and children. Past award recipients include Madeleine Albright, Tipper Gore, Billie Jean King, Barbara Bush, and more. This year AFW will recognize three individuals who have made significant impact in the lives and women and children: Goldie Hawn, Sandra Day O’Connor Lifetime Achievement Award; Ernie Allen, Voice for Women Award; and Missy Anderson, Marilyn R. Seymann Award.

AmeriCAN Canned Craft Beer Festival Scottsdale Civic Center, May 18th 480.234.4232 | CannedCraftBeerFest.com SanTan Brewing presents the 3rd Annual Ameri-CAN Canned Craft Beer Festival supporting and celebrating the craft beer movement. Come out to experience the Craft Can award ceremony, live entertainment, delicious food, VIP quarters, nano beer garden, Beer Olympics and over 150 local and national beers celebrating the canned craft beer revolution. A portion of the proceeds benefit the Scottsdale Cultural Council.

Peach Festival Schnepf Farms, May 18th – 19th, May 25th – 27th 480.987.3100 | SchnepfFarms.com What signifies the coming of summer better than juicy peaches fresh off the tree? Come celebrate the annual Peach Festival at a designated “Arizona Treasure,” Schnepf Farms! The event includes peach pit spitting and pie eating contests, live music, a peach pancake breakfast, food vendors, carnival rides, and a terrific farmer’s market.

Arizona Restaurant Week Various locations, May 19th – 27th 602.307.9134 | ArizonaRestaurantWeek.com Channel your inner foodie and make reservations at Arizona’s premiere restaurants. It’s the perfect opportunity to grab a bite, plan a romantic evening out, schedule a long overdue get together, or finally try that restaurant you’ve had on your wish list. Participating restaurants are not only known for their exceptional cuisine, they aspire to give guests an extraordinary atmosphere for a special night on the town.

Cirque Musica Phoenix Symphony Hall, June 6th – 7th 602.495.1999 | PhoenixSymphony.org Take a journey to a faraway land of dazzling beauty and mystery! Cirque Musica combines the grace and tricks of circus performers with the symphonic sounds of classical and pops repertoire. You’ll be on the edge of your seat experiencing an action-packed display of talented acrobats, high-flying aerialists, strong-men and more performing alongside our own Phoenix Symphony. Cirque Musica features top circus performers from around the world including veterans of Ringling Bros., Barnum & Bailey and Cirque du Soleil.

In Good Taste Featuring Relish Burger Bistro at The Phoenician 480.423.2530 | ThePhoenician.com

CRAB CAKE SLIDERS WITH CHIPOTLE SLAW & AVOCADO For this recipe you will also need: Mini slider buns (Kings Hawaiian Mini Rolls work well) Approximately 20 large cocktail toothpicks 1 package grape tomatoes Chipotle Mayonnaise: 1/2 cup mayonnaise 1 Tbs. chipotle puree (blended chipotle in adobo) *combine Chipotle Slaw: 1 bag shredded green cabbage (about 5 cups) 1/2 cup chipotle mayonnaise (see recipe above) *combine; add salt & pepper to taste Avocado Puree: 1 avocado (skin and pit removed) 1 Tbs. lime juice *In a bowl, mash avocado and lime juice together with a fork Crab Sliders: 1 pound jumbo lump crab meat 1 egg 3/4 cup regular mayonnaise 1 tsp. Old Bay seasoning 1 tsp. Dijon mustard 2 Tbs. chopped cilantro 1 3/4 cup Panko bread crumbs *Mix all ingredients together and portion into 2 oz. patties Procedure: In a pan, add 1 Tbs. canola oil and pan fry on medium-high heat for 3 minutes; turn over and pan fry for another 3 minutes.

On bottom half of buns, spread chipotle mayonnaise thinly; place cooked crab sliders on top. Place 1 Tbs. chipotle slaw on top of each slider. On top half of buns, spread avocado puree thinly; place top half of buns onto sliders. Using cocktail picks, skewer 1 grape tomato per pick and place vertically through center of each slider.

The Academy of Golf Dynamics Austin, Texas | 800.879.2008 GolfDynamics.com Ranked by Golf magazine as one of the top 25 golf schools in the country, this Jack Nicklaus designed facility offers a 3-to-1 ratio of students to teachers. The Academy is also the first-ever site designed specifically for learning to play better golf. Three-day school sessions offered.

Has it been a few years (alright, maybe decades) since you went off to summer camp?

Why not treat yourself to a mini-vacation at a golf academy? Whether you’re new to the links or yearning to perfect your putting once and for all, a few intensive days at a golf academy are sure to improve your game.

But just what makes a golf academy better than taking lessons from your local club’s golf pro? For one, you are immersed in all that driving, chipping, and putting for several days at a time (most schools let you choose the length of your stay). At many golf academies, you will be taught by top-notch PGA and LPGA professionals who are trained to instruct novices and almost-pros alike. These teachers will create custom-made instruction based on your ability, style, and goals. Many schools also offer specific classes to improve certain aspects, such as your short game. Others offer “ladies-only” instruction and “junior academies” for younger players.

Cutting-edge technology is also a key component to a good golf school. You’ll want to look for an academy that provides computer and video analysis, looking at everything from your swing, to the rotation on the ball and even your putting style.

The top academies are also often found on beautiful, championship-level golf courses … and are sometimes based at some of the most exclusive and luxurious resort areas. So why not treat yourself to your own version of summer camp…all while bringing your golf game up to par. Check out these top-rated golf academies below.

Choose from two- or three-day sessions, with or without hotel accommodations. Features include one-on-one instruction taught by PGA and LPGA professionals for a nine-hole playing lesson each day. You choose the dates that fit your schedule. Troon North also offers the Callaway Authorized Performance Center, which analyzes club head speed, ball speed, launch angle, and spin rates. Cost: $2199-$4499, depending on number of days and hotel options.

The Advantage Golf School Four Seasons Troon North, Scottsdale, Arizona 877.239.6609 | AdvantageGolfSchool.com Set in the Sonoran Desert, the Troon North Golf Club offers a beautiful backdrop for golf.

The Advantage Golf School Stone Creek Golf Club, Phoenix, Arizona 877.239.6609 | AdvantageGolfSchool.com At Stone Creek Golf Club, surrounded by desert mountain views, golfers get six hours of

For years car buyers have relied on a “background check” on the pre-owned vehicle they are interested in buying. We all know this as a CARFAX report. The report has become so popular with car buyers that many say “show me the CARFAX” before any final buying decision.

In real estate, most states require a seller to complete some form of a seller’s disclosure statement that will provide potential buyers with information about the property’s history

and potential defects. Other than the report generated by the seller, what third-party, neutral sources of background information about a property can a real estate buyer rely upon? Is there a “background check” that can be requested for a particular property? How does a buyer obtain it?

Buyers usually rely on the traditional property inspection to reveal any defects or issues with a property. But, there are several other sources of information about a property’s past that buyers may want to consider when making one of the biggest purchase decisions of their life.

BuildFax.com has created a database of permit information from building departments in more than 4,000 cities and counties across the United States. BuildFax compiles a report that shows major renovations or repairs to a property, the date those were done, and the list of contractors who worked on the project.

Local regulations vary on what types of work require a permit, but usually any significant remodel will require a permit. Discrepancies between information provided by the seller and information revealed on the report may raise concerns or provide the buyer

Yield: 18

TAKE YOUR GAME

one-on-one instruction from elite PGA veteran instructors. The latest computer swing analysis is also offered. Cost: $1299-$2599, depending on number of days and hotel options.

Barton Creek Golf Academy Barton Creek Resort & Spa, Austin, Texas 512.306.5805 | BartonCreekGolfAcademy.com Located at the beautiful Fazio Canyons golf course, the instructors use the latest technology to analyze your game. Academy offerings range from a three-hour, half-day instruction to one-, two-, and three-day golf academy options. Most classes are limited to 12 students per session. Cost: Ranges from $495 to $1395.

additional information when negotiating the sale price. The BuildFax report can also reveal whether renovations were done by licensed contractors or not.

Since 2010, the Realtors Property Resource has been available to all National Association of Realtors® members. The system provides data on a range of property-specific information such as public records, tax assessment data, liens, mortgages and foreclosure information, school district statistics, zoning restrictions, flood plain maps and more. Your Realtor® can compile a custom report about a property so a buyer can make better informed decisions about that property.

Past insurance claims may impact a buyer’s ability to obtain insurance on a property or, at a minimum, may impact the insurance rates the new buyer will pay.

LexisNexis offers a C.L.U.E. Home Seller’s Report that contains five years history of insurance claims on the property. This Comprehensive Loss Underwriting Exchange report details types of losses, dates of claims and insurance company payouts. The report may only be obtained by the seller, but buyers can make an offer contingent

La Cantera Golf School La Cantera Hill Country Resort, San Antonio, Texas 888.603.4653 | LaCanteraGolfClub.com This hilltop retreat just north of San Antonio offers half-, one-, two- and three-day golf school sessions. Most three-hour classes offer a 4-to-1 student-instructor ratio. The resort boasts two championship golf courses: the Resort Course at La Cantera and The Palmer Course at La Cantera, designed by Arnold Palmer. Prices range from $179-$299 per person per day.

TOURAcademy La Costa La Costa Resort & Spa, Carlsbad, California 800.766.7939 | PGATourExperiences.com.

Located in Southern California’s only Gold Medal Golf Resort, TOURAcademy offers two- to five-day golf schools for all levels of players. This is one of eight TOURAcademy locations throughout the U.S. offering instruction with PGA and LPGA pros. Highlights include video swing analysis, Flightscope technology, and the Tomi Putting System, to analyze your putting game. Rates: $1395$3195 depending on number of days, hotel options, and time of year.

upon an acceptable C.L.U.E. report if they have any concerns about prior damage reported in a seller’s disclosure. Sellers who have had property damage may want to provide the report along with their seller’s disclosure – even if they are not obligated by law to do so.

Buyers generally receive little to no background information on a bank or lender-owned property since the bank or mortgage company has no knowledge about the property’s past. Requesting a C.L.U.E. report can be especially valuable to the buyer in those cases.

Informed real estate buyers have many other sources of information beyond the seller’s disclosure statement and home inspection that can provide a “background check” on a particular property. A Realtor® can help buyers obtain this information and can assist them in reading and interpreting the results.

Event Calendar MAY | JUNE 2013 Arizona Foundation for Women Sandra Day O’Connor Awards Luncheon Arizona Biltmore Resort, May 17th 602.532.2800 | azfw.org The luncheon pays tribute to those who make a difference in the lives of women and children. Past award recipients include Madeleine Albright, Tipper Gore, Billie Jean King, Barbara Bush, and more. This year AFW will recognize three individuals who have made significant impact in the lives and women and children: Goldie Hawn, Sandra Day O’Connor Lifetime Achievement Award; Ernie Allen, Voice for Women Award; and Missy Anderson, Marilyn R. Seymann Award.

AmeriCAN Canned Craft Beer Festival Scottsdale Civic Center, May 18th 480.234.4232 | CannedCraftBeerFest.com SanTan Brewing presents the 3rd Annual Ameri-CAN Canned Craft Beer Festival supporting and celebrating the craft beer movement. Come out to experience the Craft Can award ceremony, live entertainment, delicious food, VIP quarters, nano beer garden, Beer Olympics and over 150 local and national beers celebrating the canned craft beer revolution. A portion of the proceeds benefit the Scottsdale Cultural Council.

Peach Festival Schnepf Farms, May 18th – 19th, May 25th – 27th 480.987.3100 | SchnepfFarms.com What signifies the coming of summer better than juicy peaches fresh off the tree? Come celebrate the annual Peach Festival at a designated “Arizona Treasure,” Schnepf Farms! The event includes peach pit spitting and pie eating contests, live music, a peach pancake breakfast, food vendors, carnival rides, and a terrific farmer’s market.

Arizona Restaurant Week Various locations, May 19th – 27th 602.307.9134 | ArizonaRestaurantWeek.com Channel your inner foodie and make reservations at Arizona’s premiere restaurants. It’s the perfect opportunity to grab a bite, plan a romantic evening out, schedule a long overdue get together, or finally try that restaurant you’ve had on your wish list. Participating restaurants are not only known for their exceptional cuisine, they aspire to give guests an extraordinary atmosphere for a special night on the town.

Cirque Musica Phoenix Symphony Hall, June 6th – 7th 602.495.1999 | PhoenixSymphony.org Take a journey to a faraway land of dazzling beauty and mystery! Cirque Musica combines the grace and tricks of circus performers with the symphonic sounds of classical and pops repertoire. You’ll be on the edge of your seat experiencing an action-packed display of talented acrobats, high-flying aerialists, strong-men and more performing alongside our own Phoenix Symphony. Cirque Musica features top circus performers from around the world including veterans of Ringling Bros., Barnum & Bailey and Cirque du Soleil.

Fireside

May | June 2013

YOUR FIRESIDE REAL ESTATE SPECIALIST

TOP 3 MISTAKES SELLERS MAKE WHEN CHOOSING A REALTOR® Selling a home should be like any other important business transaction, but all too often sellers make emotional or impulsive decisions that cost them money and time. Choosing the right REALTOR® to market a property and negotiate the sale is one of the most important steps in the process.

MISTAKE #1: “My friend, family member (or friend’s dog walker) sells real estate.”

www.FiresideIsabella.com

Pristine “Isabella” model with open view backyard!

Kevin Owens, with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage, is the top selling REALTOR® in Fireside at Desert Ridge and is known for his industry-leading marketing strategies. Your neighbors have trusted Kevin to sell their homes due to his unique pricing abilities, in-depth market knowledge, and unrivaled marketing to sell your property. Kevin Owens is expertly trained as a Certified Negotiation Expert and Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist. Contact Kevin today for a no-obligation, confidential, home marketing consultation!

KEVIN OWENS, REALTOR® Your Fireside at Desert Ridge Real Estate Specialist

480.217.9184

kevin@fineAZliving.com www.fineAZliving.com

MISTAKE #2: “I am going to list with the agent who agrees with my selling price.”

Some agents tell you what you want to hear. In the real estate profession, this is known as “buying a listing” and is employed by shortsighted agents who are more interested in their success rather than yours.

These agents take the risk of overpricing a home, knowing that they can later get the sellers to reduce the price to market value. This is used as a “sales tactic” in obtaining the listing, but is an extremely poor strategy in selling a home at the highest possible price. Work with an agent who will price your home based on the relevant sales in the area and the market trends, not the price that they think you want to hear.

MISTAKE #3: “I’m going to list with the agent who has the lowest commission.”

As they say, you get what you pay for. Paying a cut-rate discount commission will often get you a sign in the front yard and placement in the Multiple Listing Service, but little additional effort from your agent. In today’s market, it takes more marketing than a sign up in the front yard to sell a home. Realize that agents and real estate companies use their own funds to market and advertise your home. Marketing your home costs money -- the lower the commission, the less incentive for an agent to put up his or her own money to market your home. Incentive plays a very important role in sales. A “full service” agent earning a full commission will prioritize your sale as important and handle any challenges that come along – an agent earning a discounted commission does not have that same incentive. Finally, negotiating ability is an important skill in a listing agent. Are you willing to put your faith in an agent to fully negotiate on your behalf when he can’t even negotiate his own commission?

Market Statistics For Fireside 2013 $724,990

71

AVERAGE DAYS ON MARKET

HIGHEST SOLD PRICE IN 2013

LOWEST SOLD PRICE IN 2013

CALL TO PRE-QUALIFY FOR A LOAN

Pat Reiniger

preiniger@homeownersfg.com | 480.305.8562

NMLS#180869 BK#0906222

If your home is currently listed, this is not a solicitation for that listing. Owned and operated by NRT, LLC.

$247,500

thirteen

# of active listings in fireside

AVERAGE SALE/LIST PRICE

99 %

$171.40 Average Sold Price Per Square Foot In 2013

7:(17<

21630 N. 38th WAY, Phoenix, AZ 85050

NUMBER OF FIRESIDE HOMES SOLD SO FAR IN 2013

JUST LISTED BY KEVIN OWENS IN FIRESIDE!

Friendship alone isn’t enough to establish a professional’s credentials. Use tough standards when selecting an agent, just as you would when hiring an attorney, a doctor, or an accountant to handle your taxes.

A true friend will understand and appreciate that selling real estate is a business decision. Selling your property often requires sharing confidential financial information with your real estate agent that you may not feel comfortable divulging to a friend or family member. Also, not all agents and brokerages are the same. Some agents treat real estate as a part-time hobby, while others practice real estate as their full-time career. Work with a REALTOR® who specializes in your neighborhood and will treat selling your home as their full-time job.

ISSN-1939-943X Produced by Desert Lifestyle Publishing • 480.460.0996 • www.DesertLifestyle.net

Summer Camp for Adults

Home Background Checks Property Investigations for Buyers

A Twist on Tradition Relish Burger Bistro’s Crab Cake Sliders

Fireside Market Statistics

By Kevin Owens | Your Fireside Real Estate Specialist See back cover for report