Blog
N. Mark Kramoltz, JD, GRI, CIPS writes blog articles on the metro Phoenix, Arizona, national and global real estate markets. Written from his perspective as a designated broker and real estate attorney, his articles avoid the inaccuracies and vacuous industry propaganda common to most real estate writings. He also blogs about animals (mostly dogs in the military) due to his love of pets and military history.
You Already Have A Down Payment, Part 2.
In part 1, I showed how lack of awareness of low-down-payment mortgage options can discourage potential buyers from trying to purchase a home. Historically only 5% of the purchase price is enough. And one way to get there is a government sponsored down payment...
Pending Sales Drop.
In the Western U.S. in last 2 months of 2016, the National Association of Realtors’ home sales index fell to its lowest level since the start of the year. But in the metro Phoenix area, sales were up 3.4% and inventory decreased 1.6% in December over November. So as...
Chinese Investment Soars.
Over the last 5 years, Chinese nationals have invested over $150 billion into the U.S. housing market, pouring in $28.6 billion in 2015 alone. Supplanting Canadians, Chinese are currently the biggest foreign buyers of American homes. While Chinese buyers purchase...
Do you Know the Uses for WD-40?
WD-40 was invented for use on metal parts to displace water and repel water (its full name is water displacement formula number 40). Besides using it for that, it can be very handy around the house. Here are 8 things you can use it for: 1. Gives floors that...
Get International Exposure!
SimplySOLD™ advertises its listings globally through ListHub, which distributes to the world’s largest international websites in Australia, Europe and Asia. These market-leading websites reach consumers in China (4 websites!), Australia, Italy, Luxembourg,...
How Much is Solar Worth? Part 3.
A study conducted by appraisers between 2010 and 2013 in six states (Arizona wasn’t one of them) found that solar homes with a typically-sized system sold, on average, for around $14,000 more. With our lower than average energy costs, metro Phoenix area solar owners...
Need a job? Move to Scottsdale!
The best city in the U.S. to get a job is Scottsdale, Arizona. Chandler and Tempe, two other metro Phoenix cities, were also in the top 10, coming in 7th and 9th, respectively. Scottsdale’s job-market strength - including job opportunities, median annual income, and...
Title Insurance In Mexico, Part 2.
In part 1, I pointed out the importance of title insurance when purchasing property in Mexico. It isn’t automatic like the U.S. and Canada, so you have to check. I also noted what risks should be covered. And another thing to look for is that the title insurance...
Five Home Trends.
1. Open spaces. An open floor plan may feel like old hat, but use of this layout will accelerate in both condos and single-family homes. Eliminating walls and barriers provides greater access to the kitchen - the room most buyers feel is the most important space in a...