Blog
Latest NewsN. 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. Due to his love of animals and military history, he also frequently writes about dogs, cats and horses that have played a role in military conflicts. Subscribe to his blog now!
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...
Buyers Want More Bathrooms.
In the last several years, the share of new single-family homes with 3 or more full bathrooms has increased and those with less have edged downward. Census Bureau data shows 27% of new single-family homes started in 2015 had 3 full bathrooms and 10% had four or more....
Banks Are Back in the Home Loan Market?
Not too long ago in Banks Leaving the Mortgage Business, I wrote about a report that large #banks have left the home #loan market - originating just 52% mortgages in 2014, down from more than 70% seven years earlier. But bank portfolio loans (the mortgages they make...