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.
My latest listing…
MLS #527362 is a single story home in the prestigious, gated Scottsdale Mountain community that features gorgeous mountain views. Its open floor plan has a den/office, a living/dining room, a family room with wood burning fireplace, and a spacious kitchen that boasts...
The Five Things Agents Won’t Tell You.
Are there things agents will never tell you? Do agents avoid matters you need to know about, and replace them with topics that are designed to get you to hire them? Absolutely! The problem is that agents are taught that their primary job is to get the listing. So...
Get a Free Down Payment.
Need help coming up with a down payment? The AzHFA Home Plus Mortgage Loan Origination Program provides down payment assistance (DPA) throughout most of Arizona to qualifying home buyers who intend to occupy the home. The DPA is available in conjunction with a Home...
A Glass Half Full – The March Housing Numbers.
Resale home closings in the Phoenix metro area for March were up about 40% over February. But March’s housing supply was still well below normal. Total supply was 11.5% lower than March last year, and supply wasn’t that great in March, 2014. But there is good news. ...
Get a Down Payment Gift
One of the biggest problems first time buyers have is coming up with the down payment. A solution is to use a down payment “gift” from relatives. The National Association of Realtors says that about one quarter of first-time buyers do that. But be careful - lenders...
Canadian Snowbird Resources
As a member of the Canadian Snowbird Association, I have the following resources available to SimplySOLD clients:1. Travelers Checklist, a 24-page list of those things you shouldn’t forget in your travels to the U.S., Canada or anywhere else;2. Travel Information...
Don’t Rely on Zillow’s Forecasts!
Zillow is a source for much misinformation when it comes to market value in the metro Phoenix area. "Zillow's price forecasts are for entertainment purposes," said Mike Orr, ASU's real estate expert. Zillow has been "wildly inaccurate" in forecasting future home...
3 Reasons to Buy a Home Now.
The Price is Right. Although median prices have risen, most of the increase is at the low end, with moderate additions in prices higher than $400,000. And most price ranges are a good value historically. It's Cheaper to Buy than Rent. Rents have increased...
Lure More Buyers to Your Listing
Of course pricing it right is the number 1 concern. Once you've done that, when buyers get to your home you want them to fall love with it. Here's how: 1. Add curb appeal. Get them from the start with well kept landscaping, good condition or new...