October, 2008



Jacquie's Real Estate Newsletter


Jacquie Graham

Looking for neighborhood Information?

Want to know what homes are selling for in your neighborhood? Well, the easiest way is to call me. I will do the research for you and send you the information you are looking for. Click here to see an example.

But, if you are a "do it yourselfer" there are ways for you find out on your own.

Much of the information you need isonline so you can do your homework at home in your pajamas.You can track down the recorded documents on properties through our Maricopa County Assessor's office. In their information they will have the "book and page" of the recorded documents on the property: the mortgage, the Declaration of Value,and other pertinent documents. The Assessor's Office will also tell you information about the property such as square footage, lot size, year built, sale date and much much more.

County Recorder's Office is an excellent place to go for information about indiviual documents.

Public records on home sales are by their very nature free to access by anyone, so the public can track prices on sold properties, so anyone can know what a property sold for to compare it to other possible sold properties.


Learn From A Home Inspection

When you are buying a home it is important that you hire a reputable home inspector, someone you can trust and who will take the time to show you the intimate details of your new home. Getting acquainted with your new home in this way may save you time and money.
CONTINUED.


Home Maintenance Checklist

Keep track of all your home's mechanical systems and appliances - easily!
Click here to see checklist



Really Good Soup!

Now that our temperatures are finally on the way down, soup may start sounding pretty tasty. A few years ago, I made this soup with ingredients I had on hand. I surprised even myself when it turned out to be really good soup.


Times have changed!
(This is an actual ad from 1950.)

 

Planning on Painting Your Home?

Check out Benjamin Moore's Personal Color Viewer. It allows you to preview how your home's rooms or exterior will look with different colors before you paint. Try it. It's fun!


If a tree falls in the forest and no one is around to see it, do the other trees make fun of it?

Why banks charge you a "non-sufficient funds fee" on money they already know you don't have?

Why is it called lipstick if you can still move your lips?

When your pet bird sees you reading the news-paper, does he wonder Why you're just sitting there, staring at carpeting?


Appliances on the "Blink"?

Before you get costly repairs, consider this... According to Consumer Reports, the average life of some major appliances are as follows:

Refrigerators: 14 years for side-by-sides and top mounts, while bottom-mount refrigerators are listed at around 17 years. Expect single-door refrigerators to last longer — around 19 years.
Washing machines: 11 to 14 years.
Dryers: 13 years.
Dishwashers: 11 to 13 years. (Depending on use.)
Microwaves: 9 years.
In-sink disposers: 12 years.
Gas or electric water heaters: 6years plus.
Stoves: The manufacturers association makes distinctions between built-in ovens (16 years); drop-in single ovens (11 years); and slide-in single and double oven ranges (17-18 years).
Cooktops: Single built-ins average around 13 years, while double built-ins are listed at 21 years.

Conclusion: If you are thinking of selling your home in a few years and your appliances are nearing the end of their useful life, it may be more cost effective to replace them...especially built-in kitchen appliances. Few improvements help sell a house more than an updated kitchen.


Well, friends, I hope you have enjoyed this month's issue. Please let me know if you or someone you know is ready to buy or sell a home. I can help!

Warm Regards,


Jacquie Graham
REALTOR® e-PRO
John Hall & Associates
Office: (602) 953-4000
Direct: (602) 703-7400
Toll Free:  1-866-202-8324
jacquie@liveindoors.com
www.liveindoors.com


...when it's time to move

PS~ Don't forget...You can search the entire Arizona regional MLS from my web site.

http://www.liveindoors.com

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