Randy Courtney

Stevie,

Good question. If you are ever in doubt, disclose and sleep much better every night in the future!
The local board of realtors typically has a disclosure form. Sometimes they can be confusing so when completing, take your time and consult the agent you choose to work with. He/she can explain what each question is after.

When completing your property disclosure, write anything you know about the past leak(s), what work was done to repair(always including any invoices which may show possible warranty info), when the work was done, and what area of the home was repaired.

If you tell the potential buyer everything you know, you are better off. The buyer usually has their own agent representing them so they typically pay for an independent inspection to check and verify the statements you have made.

Again, the agent you choose should have the experience and expertise to assist you with the disclosure.

The best of luck! - Fri Jun 20 2008, 03:41

Dianne,

Good questions and hopefully I can assist to shed some light on your questions. Maricopa was a small old town until a few large home builders went in and developed some large master planned communities. When the Arizona market took off in the early decade, many buyers rushed out and snatched up inexpensive homes. As values climbed steadily over a 5-6 year period, the area became a hot spot for investors and many people hoping to cash in on quick appreciation.

The market has since adjusted back to prices 3 years ago. There are many bank owned and short-sale opportunities that abound. A buyer in Maricopa today is a very good thing.

I can gladly email you a list of all the available homes within your desired price range. There are many.

The water company is regulated by the state and has to meet state and federal guidelines. When a developer applies for a public report/subdivision report from the state, he/she must demonstrate proof a at least a 99 year supply of water. The water meets state and federal guidelines for safety so no problems with the water in Maricopa.

Flood plains are present in some areas. If you are looking at a home within one, flood insurance is typically required. Most subdivisions have been engineered so flooding is miminized by proper drainage and retention basins. The State of Arizona has information available.

We are fortunate to have 5 lakes north east of the Phoenix area that provide surface runoff from the mountains, so we are not reliant on well water only. I have been selling in the area for the last 22 years and have lived here since 1980 and have never witnessed a water rationing to date. Keep in mind, Arizona has been in a normal drout cycle for the past 8 years and we have good supplies coming in from the mountain reservors.

Every home is served by a water meter. Prices for water, which typically include sewage discharge fees, and sometimes garbabe collection will run $35-60 a month.

Hope this helps. We love Canadians and look forward to your arrival.

Let me know if I can be of further assistance!

Successfully,
Randy Courtney
Broker/Owner, CRS
Courtney Valleywide Properties - Tue May 13 2008, 22:22

Ausin is a great place and I hear through broker associates there that the rental market is strong with upward demand. I have a network of broker/agents there that can assist you in your search for a great investment property. It sounds like you would like to first live in it, then rent it out in the future, correct?

Good plan since you can leverage in with less down payment, then let the market gain momentum, thus helping you gain equity while rents in general are moving north as well.

Let me know if you need a good agent with investment experience to assist you.

Successfully,
Randy Courtney
Broker/Owner, CRS
Courtney Valleywide Properties
Phoenix-Metro Area Served Since 1986 - Tue May 13 2008, 22:05

Rhonda,

A pool is crucial for selling in the summer here anywhere in the Phoenix area. When the murcury hits the 100 degree mark+, buyers have their sites set on a cool pool. Plus, the summer months are the most active for our resale and new home markets. Listings with pools typically always get more play.

The cost of filling in the pool is expensive as well. You can deck it, or "park" your pool, but this is expensive as well. When you fill in the pool, you technically need a permit, hire someone to bust a drainage area in the bottom so water doesn't seep in and have no where to go, then bring in a lot of fil dirt, bust up the perimeter edge of the pool, cutting any exposed rebar, and then putting in a landscape system over top.

All in all, it might be worth investing in a temporary fence that extends around the pool and can easily be pulled out and rolled up. It rests in small sleeves sunk into your cool deck. Put the fence out when your children are playing, then pull it out easily when your husband comes home and wants the view.

I have been selling for the past 22 summers so I do have some first hand experience with pools and buyer's desires.

Hope this helps.

Successfully,
Randy Courtney
Broker/Owner, CRS
Courtney Valleywide Properties - Tue May 13 2008, 21:56

6% is standard. The thing to remember is it is important that whatever commission you negotiate, you want to make sure your agent is offering 3% to the selling agent. For example, if you negotiate a 5% and he/she offers a 2.5% commission to selling agent, then most agents will not show it, simply because there are 54,000+ competing listings paying 3% or more.

Plus, with the buyer's market, and agents doing less business this year compared to last, they are more aware of what they are being paid on each transaction.

My advice is if the agent is experienced, very knowledgable about your neighborhood, and is full-time, upstanding professional, then 6% is worth it. You know the old saying, "you get what you pay for", well, this is typically true with selling property in today's market.

Hope this helps.
Randy Courtney, Broker
Courtney Vallywide Properties - Thu May 8 2008, 22:48