Foreclosure….Now What?

Is there life after?

That’s been a question that has been asked of me a lot lately.  People are often inquiring about what a short-sale – or worse – foreclosure does to their ability to buy a home again.  My answer is always, the same – consult an attorney!

In this challenging market, where homeowners are struggling to make their payments on a home that may not be valued at what the currently owe, the decision on what to do is a tough one.  No two scenarios are the same.

If a short-sale or foreclosure is the best option for you, then what?  How does one unbury themselves and get back on track?

I had the pleasure of working with Dean Wegner at WJ Bradley on a transaction a year or so ago – a great lender, with a dynamite staff that went above and beyond to get the job done. One of the smoothest transactions in a long time, too!  That being said, Dean has just published a “must read” book that is creating quite a buzz:  Life After Foreclosure.

Here’s a very real-life guide with practical strategies you can implement to get back on track.  It discusses legal, emotional and even psychological issues that need to be dealt with so you can swim to shore.  I encourage you to check it out – Life After Foreclosure is available at most bookstores and online.

©2011 Tom Weiskopf, PLLC. Tom Weiskopf, PLLC is an AZ licensed real estate agent with John Hall & Associates serving the Phoenix area. For more information, Tom can be reached at (602) 953-4000 or via e-mail at phxareahomes@gmail.com.

When Life Gives You Lemons….

Yep, I know, how cliché…..make lemonade.

But, it’s true – and I’ll tell you why:

A couple of years ago I went on a listing appointment in Sweetwater Ranch, a charming community in Scottsdale.  It was a beautifully remodeled home where every detail was meticulous.  The homeowners toured me through the home and showed me the granite, the imported sink in the half bath, the glass tiles adorning the wall, the built-ins and even the new door hardware.  They had put a great deal of time, effort and money into this home and it clearly showed.  We hit it off immediately, shared some common interests and chatted for well over an hour.  Mrs. Homeowner took me to the rear grounds with a quaint brick-laid patio, a trickling fountain and view of the mountains.  She spent hours in the back and here she tended roses, herbs and tons of citrus. 

She had oranges and grapefruit and tangerine and a lemon grove with more trees than I thought was possible for a Scottsdale subdivision.  She graciously offered me lemons and I was thrilled.  I love a lemon wedge in my vodka, with my salad or on my fish.  I have always wanted to make a lemon meringue pie and that was all I could think about as she handed me two sacks filled to the brim with plump, fragrant lemons.  I couldn’t wait to get home to search for the perfect recipe to bake my pie.  Her generosity was unbelievable and so heart warming.  I so appreciated her bountiful gift.

I perused Betty Croker and found a recipe that called for a lemon or two.  I figured that couldn’t be a very good one since it didn’t require much fruit.  So, I continued thumbing through books.  Colorado Cache, Palm Springs Life, Better Homes & Gardens, and several charity books my mother had given me with recipes.  Any with a lemon meringue recipe asked for just a few lemons, two to three at tops. 

I had 50 or so overflowing from the sacks.  I soon understood why Mrs. Homeowner had been so generous.

How does one get rid of so much fruit?  When we’re talking lemons, go ahead and make that pie, but also make some lemonade as a good batch will use 5 or 6!  (See links to recipes below). 1 cup of juice equals 5 to 6 lemons.

It’s citrus season here and throughout the valley you will seeing trees dripping with heavy branches from citrus.  I scratch my head as I wander through the produce section at Fry’s.  Oranges sell for $1.00 a pound.  Lemons are two for $.88.  Most people that have citrus have more than they can possibly use or giveaway, yet people are buying citrus?  If you’re looking for citrus, I can almost guarantee that if you go up to the door of a neighbor (or even a stranger, for that matter) and ask if you can pick some fruit, they will run – not walk – to the kitchen to retrieve some bags for your haul.

Trust me when I say that homeowners growing citrus are THRILLED to get rid of their citrus.  Mature trees produce an abundant amount of fruit – bushels and bushels – and most go to waste.  They rot and if you’re not careful, will attract roof rats in a heart beat. 

Roof rats, the same critter accused of spreading the plague in the middle ages, have been a problem for quite some time.  Reportedly, the first outbreak was seen in early 2001 in the Arcadia neighborhood, but have since grown and spread throughout the valley.  If you have citrus, or want to know more about these little critters, I encourage you to read up on roof rats.  Bottom line is you need to get the fruit off the trees, and keep the branches away from the house.  Some experts say citrus needs to be removed from the trees by March 1.

We love this time of year – the Barrett-Jackson, the Waste Management Phoenix Open, the Arabian World Show…but it’s citrus season too!  Go ahead, get out there, knock on the neighbor’s door and offer some fruit.  Who knows, you might meet a new friend!

Some of my all-time favorite lemonade recipes are found online and include:

Gina’s Lemonade 

Farm Stand Lemonade with heavy cream  

Old-Fashioned Lemonade

And, mix it up a bit and add other delicate flavors like ginger, cherry or raspberry.  How ever you make it, you’ll bring a smile to someone’s face!

©2011 Tom Weiskopf, PLLC. Tom Weiskopf, PLLC is an AZ licensed real estate agent with John Hall & Associates serving the Phoenix area. For more information, Tom can be reached at (602) 953-4000 or via e-mail at phxareahomes@gmail.com.

Living the Dream

We all know someone who, despite it all, just seems to take everything for granted. 

For me, I am blessed – and know it!  As my Mom used to say, I thank my lucky stars everyday!

I have often said that I could live anywhere.  I am the type of person that looks for the good around me and soaks it all up.  I could probably be content in Des Moines or in Casper, although I’ll stick to where I am, thank you very much.  I’m just the kind of person that makes of best of things and my surroundings. 

But it doesn’t get much better than this!  I feel so fortunate to live in such a beautiful place, with clean streets, excellent schools, amazing restaurants, a plethora of cultural attractions, exhibits, events and other exciting things to do nearly every week of the year, plus, access to snowboarding, sailing and sandy beaches just a few hours away.  What a lifestyle!

Well, it seems the word is out.  The February issue of Sunset Magazine has arrived.  The cover boasts a snipe across it with “37 best towns to live your dream”.  As I always do with such a teaser, I immediately flip to the article and low and behold, there we are: Scottsdale, Arizona.  Our town was dubbed the best place to raise your kids! Low crime rates (and decreasing year over year), above state and national averages for standardized test scores, recreation and, of course, outstanding weather helped bump us to the top.   Runners up included Irvine, CA, Spokane and Missoula, MT.

So, if you already live in the Phoenix area, thank your lucky stars! If you’re shoveling the three feet of white stuff off the driveway, get on Orbitz.com and get out here.  I’d love to share our lifestyle with you and help you find your own piece of nirvana. And, if you have kids, even better! After all, I speak from experience: Mine turned out amazing and I couldn't be more proud.

To  check out the complete article and 36 other places that might make a nice getaway, pick up the February issue of Sunset Magazine and see for yourself (it’s too new to even be online!).

©2011 Tom Weiskopf, PLLC. Tom Weiskopf, PLLC is an AZ licensed real estate agent with John Hall & Associates serving the Phoenix area. For more information, Tom can be reached at (602) 953-4000 or via e-mail at phxareahomes@gmail.com.

2011: The Year of Change

Change.  We either hate it or embrace it.  One thing is certain - we'll always have it.

How fortunate I am to hang my license at John Hall & Associates.  Each year, my brokerage hosts an annual meeting – an event that the attendees actually look forward to attending.  The event gives the state of the state, the newest and the latest, where the industry has been and what to look forward to in the year ahead. 

The special guests and speakers read like a who’s who of the industry.  Judy Lowe, Commissioner, Arizona Department of Real Estate; Richard "Rick" Mack, Phoenix-based real estate attorney, Michelle Lind, General Counsel, Arizona Association of REALTORS, and John Hall’s own Jim Sexton and Marge Lindsay got the prime billing.  But there was so much more:  Key leaders from the Phoenix board, Scottsdale Area Association of Realtors, AAR, SEVRAR also joined us.  I can honestly say, all brokerages are NOT created equal.  To have such talent and wisdom all congregated together to share their insights and expertise was truly inspiring.  I am proud to hang my license with John Hall & Associates and work with such a talented and dedicated group of professionals where access to the industries greatest minds is always available and they're eager to assist.

Frankly, most of us are delighted to kiss 2010 goodbye.  We welcome 2011 with open arms but all need to embrace change. 

Change.  And how!  I’d say.  And for most – we’re talking more than just a new zodiac sign.

It’s a different time today than it was when I started in this crazy, exciting, fun and rewarding business.  How we did business 5 years ago – or even 2 for the matter – is no longer the case.  Short sales and REO’s have gone for less than 5% of the transactions several years ago to well over 80%.  If your agent hasn’t done or isn’t willing to do a short sale, chances are he or she should find another profession.  Short sales and REO’s are going to stick around awhile – Brace yourself, understand the facts and be prepared.

The number of licensees has dropped significantly the last couple of years.  And, still many of the “active” ones aren’t in it full time or involved with the direct buying and/or selling process.  Make sure your agent is devoted 100% of the time to real estate.  It’s the only way an agent can stay on top of things and give his or her very best fiduciary to the clients they serve.  If there not willing to do that, they should pack their bags.

Another change just around the corner is a new Arizona Purchase Contract.  At our meeting, the new proposed changes were unveiled – mainly dealing with the financing section.  Changes this past year with the lending institutions necessitate contract revisions.  AAR anticipates Executive Committee approval this week with the new changes going into effect February 28, 2011.  A word to the wise:  Make sure your agent knows how these changes will affect the buyer and the seller.  Significant money is on the table that could now be forfeited.

Technology is another roller coaster ride we all need to embrace.  Blackberry’s still hold the market but are quickly being challenged by the Android and other “smart” devices.  FLEXMLS, our computerized MLS system rolls out a new change nearly every week.  We’ve now got QR codes, digital video, new apps, digital signatures and oh-so-much-more that are allowing consumers greater access to more information on a daily basis.  Sellers should quiz their agent on how they are maximizing technology to get their property sold.

It’s going to be an exciting year – see ya later, 2010.  You’re outta here.  Change is here and we’re ready! Let 2011 bring renewed hope and optimism to us all. 

©2011 Tom Weiskopf, PLLC.  Tom Weiskopf, PLLC is an AZ licensed real estate agent with John Hall & Associates serving the Phoenix area. For more information, Tom can be reached at (602) 953-4000 or via e-mail at phxareahomes@gmail.com

Holiday Tips

Is it the season? Maybe the economy has something to do with it.  Is it just me or does it seem that everyone is on edge? 

I keep running across people that are just not happy -  It's more than just the lack of a smile.  It's their persona.  Deep from within, they're accustomed to being lonely, angry, unhappy people.

Well, it's the Holiday Season, folks.  Lighten up.  Get a grip.  Smile.  What goes around comes around and if you don't, I suspect your life is going to continue to be a downer for you and those around you.

I'm thankful for many things - my friends rank right at the top of that list.  I often get humorous e-mails with jokes, cartoons and anecdotes, all with the intent of bringing a smile to my day.  I know, we all get them in some form or fashion.  I usually don't pass them on to others, but one particular e-mail caught my eye.  I did have to share "Holiday Tips."  Share it with others, too - make someone smile and brighten their day.

As you're preparing your holiday get-togethers, or accepting an invite to one, consider these "HOLIDAY TIPS" ~

1.  Avoid carrot sticks. Anyone who puts carrots on a holiday buffet table knows nothing of the Holiday  spirit. In fact, if you see carrots, leave immediately.. Go next door, where they're serving rum balls.

2. Drink as much eggnog as you can. And quickly. It's rare.. You cannot find it any other time of year but now. So drink up! Who cares that it has 10,000 calories in every sip? It's not as if you're going to turn into an eggnog-alcoholic or something. It's a treat.. Enjoy it. Have one for me. Have two. It's later than you think It's Christmas!

3. If something comes with gravy, use it. That's the whole point of gravy. Gravy does not stand alone. Pour it on.  Make a volcano out of your mashed potatoes. Fill it with gravy. Eat the volcano. Repeat.

4. As for mashed potatoes, always ask if they're made with skim milk or whole milk. If it's skim, pass. Why bother? It's like buying a sports car with an automatic transmission.

5. Do not have a snack before going to a party in an effort to control your eating. The whole point of going to a  Holiday  party is to eat other people's food for free. Lots of it. Hello?

6. Under no circumstances should you exercise between now and New Year's. You can do that in January when you have nothing else to do. This is the time for long naps, which you'll need after circling the buffet table while carrying a 10-pound plate of food and that vat of eggnog.

7. If you come across something really good at a buffet table, like frosted Christmas cookies in the shape and size of Santa, position yourself near them and don't budge. Have as many as you can before becoming the center of attention. They're like a beautiful pair of shoes. If you leave them behind, you're never going to see them again.

8. Same for pies. Apple, Pumpkin, Mincemeat. Have a slice of each. Or if you don't like mincemeat, have two apples and one pumpkin. Always have three. When else do you get to have more than one dessert? Labor Day?

9. Did someone mention fruitcake? Granted, it's loaded with the mandatory celebratory calories, but avoid it at all cost. I mean, have some standards.

10. One final tip: If you don't feel terrible when you leave the party or get up from the table, you haven't been paying attention. Re-read tips; start over, but hurry, January is just around the corner. Remember this motto to live by:

"Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, chocolate and wine in one hand, body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming "WOO HOO what a ride!"

Have a great holiday season!!

Special thanks to Craig for brightening my day!

Chateaux on Central is Back!

Strolling by, you might think you're on the upper East side of Manhattan. These "mini-mansions" feature turrets, iron railings and tons of brick. Plagued by the changes in the recent real estate market, a new owner of Chateaux on Central stole the property and it's better than ever. These posh town homes are a welcome improvement to the central corridor. The development offers 21 units, now priced beginning at $1.3 million. In 2007, they were priced between $2 and $5 million.

The grand re-opening is set for this Friday, December 12 with ticket proceeds going to support Phoenix Children's Hospital. Check out the full story here: Upscale Condos in Downtown Phoenix Sold

Safari Condos back on track!

Well, looks as if they are back on track!

Across from the architecturally cool Optima at Goldwater and Scottsdale Road is Safari, a development that has taken a hiatus for the the past couple of years. This development originally included trendy retail, work and live spaces, entertainment and condos in the heart of Scottsdale's urban nivarna.

Safari Drive, a luxury-condominium complex along the Arizona Canal north of Camelback Road is back on track after a long dormancy. Last week, sales resumed on the 4.8 acre mid-rise development. Unit prices start at about $370,000 with three units priced around $1,000,000. The majority of the units are 1,200 to 2,100 square feet. A second, smaller phase is being planned that would be built in front of the project.

Read the full details here: Safari condos resume sales

The Future of Housing

Remember all the talk about the Baby Boomers?  Well, it seems like we are making a transition from the baby boomers making news to the....

Echo Boomers (born from 1981 to 1999)!

I always enjoy the articles in REALTOR Magazine - I found this one interesting as there is on-going discussion about real estate and housing trends - and it all ultimately translates into a homes resale appeal.  A previous post of mine discussed the end of the McMansion era and how people are looking to downsize. Architects are creating spaces that are more open and multi-purposed. Homeowners seek smaller digs with improved functionality, technology and efficiency.

Check out the trends according to Hanley-Woods Prosalesonline.com in REALTOR® Magazine-Daily News-7 Trends That Will Drive the Future of Housing

Historic Home Tour Kicks off the Holidays

FQ Story Luminaria Tour Set

Its official – the acclaimed holiday tour in downtown Phoenix’s FQ Story district is set – This highly regarded event has become a family tradition for many as a kick off to the holiday season.  Always something to look forward to – this year’s event takes place Saturday, December 4 from 6 pm to 9 pm.  If you haven’t been, you’re in for a treat.  This is a holiday event you don’t want to miss.

For the past 26 years, Phoenicians look forward to the festive event with luminarias lining the walks of this quaint historic district. Residents open their doors to their restored classics and welcome visitors, young and old into their homes. 

Ten homes along Culver Street - each a restored gem in its own right - will be open this year and promise to treat visitors with architectural beauty, historic integrity, Dickens-like carolers and plenty of holiday magic.

The tour resumes the following day, as well.  On Sunday, December 5 from 11 am to 5 pm, vendors set up booths with crafts, gift items, food, beverages and bakery items. 

With a non-perishable food item, tickets are $15 per person.   The event begins at 9th Avenue and Culver Street.  Tickets are available on-site.

For complete details, including a map and photos of homes being featured, visit FQ Story online.

©2010 Tom Weiskopf, PLLC.  Tom Weiskopf, PLLC is an AZ licensed real estate agent with John Hall & Associates serving the Phoenix area. For more information, Tom can be reached at (602) 953-4000 or via e-mail at phxareahomes@gmail.com. 

Have We Hit Bottom?

Maybe.

Home affordability is at an all time high. Interest rates are unbelievably low.

Some analysts suggest these factors will spur an onslaught of activity. Increase in demand, reduction in inventory, a rise in home prices and new construction picking back up.

We've all wished for the crystal ball - some of us realize we the ship has sailed without us. Real estate experts -  and now more and more media reports - are suggesting we've hit the bottom. One way to test that theory is to do nothing. Sit back and watch what happens. Just don't say, "I wish I would have..."

Check out what Beacon Economics says in REALTOR® Magazine-Daily News-Economists Say Housing at Bottom

Time will tell, but if my business is any sign, things are definately picking up.

©2010 Tom Weiskopf, PLLC. Tom Weiskopf, PLLC is an AZ licensed real estate agent with John Hall & Associates serving the Phoenix area. For more information, Tom can be reached at (602) 953-4000 or via e-mail at phxareahomes@gmail.com.

The Guide for the Winter Visitor

Welcome to Arizona! We’re delighted to have you in our magnificent state.  Whether your visit is for just a week or two, or you’re planning on being with us through “season”, we hope you relax and enjoy. 

You are essential to our economy and we are humbled that Arizona is part of your travel plans.  You’ll find locals to be welcoming and we are delighted to share the Valley of the Sun with you.  Area businesses and merchants are eager to serve and are so appreciative of your selecting Arizona for your winter respite. You’ll love our restaurants, world class golf, sparkling pools, pristine walking and biking paths and shopping galore.  Our museums, our libraries and our arts venues are “musts” for the to-do list. 

Perhaps you’ll even fall in love with our community and decide to own your own Phoenix area home. [I can help you with a top-notch real estate agent if you’d like].

To enjoy our community to the fullest extent and for your own safety, we appreciate your following these visitor guidelines when driving about:

 

1)  Right-hand turns should be executed from the right lane of the road.

2)  Left-hand turns should be executed from the left hand lane.

3)  Keep your vehicle in “D” when motoring through traffic. “P” and “R” should be reserved for your garage or parking areas, not in traffic lanes on the main roadways.

4)  Sometimes a difficult concept to remember, but green lights at intersections signal the driver to go.  Red means stop.  An easy way to remember this is to associate the first letter of each color with the appropriate action:  “G” for “GO; “R” for “REST.”

5)  Carefully observe signage that addresses the speed at which you are permitted to travel.  Please note, as a general rule and weather conditions permitting, you should be travelling at a speed of no less than one equal to approximately 78% of the posted maximum.  For example, if the speed limit posted is 45 mph – and it is safe to do so – your vehicle should be traveling at least 35 mph.  If you conditions are not safe to drive within the tacit range, move over to the right hand lane, or rest your vehicle in a nearby parking lot until it is safe to do so.  15 mph is acceptable in parking lots, some residential neighborhoods and in school zones, not major thorough fares.  If you are most comfortable driving at 20 or 25 mpg, please refrain from using the highway system.  

6)  Many roads in Arizona have white lines painted on the asphalt.  Please keep you vehicle between the lines.  They are not to be straddled.  This guideline can be applied to parking lots as well.

7)  We encourage you to take advantage of our extensive public transportation options available.  Our bus system, Valley Metro, is extremely reliable and provides a great way to enjoy the scenery while getting around town without the hassles of driving.  The Metro Light Rail is an adventurous way to travel Tempe to Phoenix and has received rave reviews and accolades from transportation gurus, proponents of the green movement, hip urbanites and drunken college kids alike. 

Once again, welcome to our great state - Have fun, think about a permanent home here, enjoy your winter and let's all stay safe!

©2010 Tom Weiskopf, PLLC.  Tom Weiskopf, PLLC is an AZ licensed real estate agent with John Hall & Associates serving the Phoenix area. For more information, Tom can be reached at (602) 953-4000 or via e-mail at phxareahomes@gmail.com. 

Phoenix Area Hiking

The complete guide to Phoenix area hiking is just a click away.

Now that the temps are coming down and the snakes are going wherever it is they go, it’s just about time to get back out there and hit the trail!

Maricopa County has a plethora of hiking trails through some of the most picturesque scenery you're bound to see.  The desert takes on its own life and the only way to really see it – and appreciate the unique beauty of our desert – is to get out there.  Whether you’ve got just a hour or so, or looking for an all day excursion, you’re in for a treat.

Growing up in Colorado, as a kid, we’d plan a day in a park.  Mom would put together a picnic lunch and we’d pack up the station wagon, get the leash out for Sam, our Newfoundland, jump in the car and head for the hills.  We’d spend the day as a family hiking the (easy) trails around Denver and Boulder.  The memories I’ll treasure from those excursions are priceless and will last a lifetime.

Now as a Phoenician, we’re fortunate to be blessed with terrific weather – ideal for hiking most anytime, as long as you’re prepared and know where to go.  At first, the number of hiking trails were mind boggling.  Trying to pick the right trail seemed daunting.  Until, I discovered a great resource.

One of the best sources for information on hiking trails in Maricopa County is online.  Check out the hiking section of  trails.com.  For me, it’s become mandatory reading and a hiking prerequisite.

Once you browser lands at trails.com, you’ll get a map. Click on it to zoom in and then you can navigate across the valley to find the perfect trail.  When you pick a trail, you can then drill down for some great information – trail length, degree of difficulty, elevation at start, elevation changes, reviews from past hikers, even a topo map. I think you’ll find it to be one of the most comprehensive tools on the subject available to us.

The complete link is http://www.trails.com/activity.aspx?area=11535

Don’t forget the camera, wear appropriate footwear, bring along sunscreen, a light jacket, a hat, plenty of water and some food bars – and hit the trail!

©2010 Tom Weiskopf, PLLC.  Tom Weiskopf, PLLC is an AZ licensed real estate agent with John Hall & Associates serving the Phoenix area. For more information, Tom can be reached at (602) 953-4000 or via e-mail at phxareahomes@gmail.com. 

Foreclosure halt creates another system clog

Seems as if this just won't go away. The recent foreclosure halt announced by Bank of America is - now in all 50 states, well, guess what.....?

....Muddying the waters. Suprise!

Hold on, gather your patience. The fat lady hasn't even thought about warming up those vocal chords.  Because 1 in 3 homes are distressed sales.

Read more about it here-
REALTOR® Magazine-Daily News-Foreclosure Halt Creates Problems for Buyers

Home Fire Sprinkler Systems

Scottsdale has had a progressive policy on fire prevention for a number of years.  In 1986, the City passed an ordinance that required single family residences to be equipped with a home fire sprinkler system.  At this time of year as we watch the evening news, I often wonder why more cities across America haven’t followed Scottsdale’s lead. 

America is burning up.  As I write this, across the country, 57,419 wild fires have been reported so far this year destroying over 3.1 million acres.  According to the US Fire Administration, in 2009, 377,000 residential fires were reported.  These fires claimed the lives of 2,590 people and injured another 13,000.  Scottsdale has been recognized across the country as one of the most progressive and diligent cities in terms of fire prevention.

People often wonder about home fire sprinklers.  Some even remember something about a recall.

Yes, in the ‘90’s, there was a recall on certain fire sprinkler heads – there known as Omega heads – and they were recalled due to system failure. 

Beginning in 1982, hospitals, prisons, schools, hotels, offices and homes across the country were being fitted with the Omega fire sprinkler heads manufactured by Central Sprinkler Company.  In the day, it was not uncommon to see them in many Scottsdale homes. Heck, they were in some of the most prestigious buildings across the country.  Then Smithsonian.  The US Capitol building. Even the White House.

In 1990, reports were being made that Omega heads were failing.  In some structures, only 40% of the heads would perform.  In others, none of the heads proved to be operational.  People were injured and millions of dollars in property damaged occurred.  When Central got word their heads were failing, they immediately took responsibility and announced a nationwide recall.  Over 8 million heads were to be replaced.

Photo from Consumer Product Safety Commission

Central launched an aggressive campaign to ensure all affected knew of the recall.  They provided replacement heads and even a cash settlement to get the heads replaced.  For homeowners, many did as they were instructed: called a licensed fire sprinkler contractor and had the heads replaced. 

Unfortunately, others put the box of new replacement heads in the garage, took the cash and headed to the casino. 

By now, most homes with a fire sprinkler system with heads that meet guidelines and pass muster.  From time to time, a home inspector will identify Omega heads that need to be corrected.  Call a licensed fire sprinkler contractor to get them changed out.  It’s a relatively easy correction and you’ll appreciate the peace of mind.

If you’re not sure about the type of heads your home has, contact your local fire department.  They’ll be happy to come out to your home, check the heads and run a system check to make sure your sprinkler system is operating correctly.

Other valuable resources on Fire Prevention and Fire Sprinklers:

• Read the complete press release issued by The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission on Central Sprinkler’s Omega recall
• City of Scottsdale residential fire sprinkler systems
•  For more information on fire sprinklers from the National Fire Sprinkler Association
• National Fire Protection Association
• National Interagency Fire Center

©2010 Tom Weiskopf, PLLC. Tom Weiskopf, PLLC is an AZ licensed real estate agent with John Hall & Associates serving the Phoenix area. For more information, Tom can be reached at (602) 953-4000 or via e-mail at phxareahomes@gmail.com.

An AZ Owner’s Manual?

Ever wish you had an owner’s manual for your life? 

We have ‘em for the toaster. And, for the vacuum.  One for the car.  I’ve got one for the TV, the microwave, the cell phone and even the alarm clock. 

But, when we move into a Phoenix area home, we have to go without? What’s up with that.

Ah, contraire. 

The home inspection is the important first step to learning about your new home.  The inspector will walk you through the home and can show you all sorts of things you’d never think to ask about – From the electrical box, to the fire sprinkler shut-off valves; they are a great source for all sorts of important stuff.  Ask and he (or she) will take all the time you need.  Have them walk you around the home and point out the sewer clean outs, the circuit breaker, the water main.  They can help with not only the items needing fixing, but with suggestions for on-going preventative maintenance to keep your new home in as good of condition as possible.  And, don’t feel you can’t get an inspection if you’re not buying a home.  Use them periodically to give your home a periodic “physical.”  You’ll be glad you did.

After moving in, another great resource is your home warranty company.  They want to keep your home running smoothly, so tap into them for all sorts of helpful preventative tips.

Ok, then what? 

Ask any one and they’ll tell you.  Arizona’s a bit different.  For one, it’s the climate.  For another, the soil is sand and hard as a rock.  Well, I’ve learned to look forward to a couple of publications that come to me monthly.  Sunset and Phoenix Home & Gardens.  I couldn’t go without.

Each month, I get gardening and landscaping advice from experts that understand Arizona, our soil and our plants.  There are tips about what to plant when, what to trim where and what to feed.  Plus, great ideas for the spontaneous weekend getaway.  Anything you need about living indoors or out.  I get the complete calendar of events – all the art events, the shows, charity fundraisers and happenings around the state and am never at a loss for what to do.  Plus, some terrific tips on keeping my home looking its best.

For me, these pubs are my Arizona owner’s manuals.  No one twisted my arm to give ‘em a plug – I’ve just found the recipe for great Arizona living.

©2010 Tom Weiskopf, PLLC.  Tom Weiskopf, PLLC is an AZ licensed real estate agent with John Hall & Associates serving the Phoenix area. For more information, Tom can be reached at (602) 953-4000 or via e-mail at phxareahomes@gmail.com. 

The 10 Best Cities for Babies

The latest issue of Parents Magazine has come out with the best places for young families. The report talks about best cities overall to raise young children, as well as the best small city and best large city.

Guess what folks? Scottsdale ranks number one overall.

Apparently, people in the know (pediatric "experts" and stay at home mom's who are spending their time blogging) cast their votes and it's official.

Get the full report by visiting The 10 Best Cities for Babies

Good stuff, Scottsdale!

Here’s to Pre-owned

I was talking with Kyle the other day about cars.  Not an uncommon subject with him.  He loves ‘em.  He’s like an auto-a-pedia.  He knows everything about them.  It doesn’t matter the make or model or the decade it came off the assembly line, he can fix ‘em and knows all about their power, how they are rate, etc.  He can talk liters’ and mpg’s, abs and suv’s with the best of them.  If my math is correct, in his seven years of being of legal driving age, he’s owned eight vehicles.  And that doesn’t count the go-carts or the go-peds.

This time, we weren’t talking about torque or tranny’s.  We were talking about their values.  “Cars have crazy depreciation.  You lose instant money the minute you drive a new car off the lot”, he said.  We’ve all heard that before, but he knew his stuff.  I did some research, and some say you can throw away about 20% of the value the second you take possession and drive off to Lo-Lo’s Chicken & Waffles.  And, you can flush 65% down the toilet by the fifth year. 

Ouch.                                                                      

I was pondering that concept and came to the conclusion the same is true for other things if you stop and think about it.  Many other things, if my hunch was correct.  We are all buying new things when there’s a choice to buy used.  In this economy, maybe we should apply Kyle’s wisdom to our everyday life.  After all, we think nothing of buying a pre-owned car or re-sale home.  What about our household items?

Enter EBay, Goodwill and countless other businesses that specialize in pre-owned, used, re-sale and refurbished.  There are a number of businesses that flourish off of someone else’s stuff.  Even Kyle practices what he preaches.  He has some rims for his Lexus, a bed, a computer, a refrigerator and even a couple of dogs that all had belonged to someone else first.

Like father, like son?  As for me, since moving to Arizona, I’ve become a huge fan of consignment stores.  And, the Valley has a ton of them – really great ones to boot.  There’s of course Terri and My Sister, and so many more.

My current home is largely furnished from treasures found in consignment stores.  Ok, most of it came from Recreate in Scottsdale, with a few items sprinkled in from Fabulous Finds and My Sister’s Attic.  Not only some great furniture finds, but you can discover some terrific lighting, great art, stuff for all the pot shelves and the patio, too.

This time, I needed to find a dining set and a new couch (new to me that is to say).  So, off to two my favorite consignment shops.  My first stop was Recreate.  I didn’t see a dining set that was suitable, but came across an incredible sectional, with a tag that boasted Crate and Barrel.  Great color, looked like it never even was sat on.  But, being my first stop, I made a mental note and moved on.



Lamp & glass top table are recycled treasures!



Next was to Switch.  If you haven’t been to this shop, fasten your seat belt. Amazing. Leather couches you would think came right from the pages of Architectural Digest.  Bar stools from a NY nightclub. Coffee tables you’d be hard pressed to find on the showroom floor of Robb & Stucky.  A vintage desk – stainless steel, mind you, with an iridescent glass tiled top.  I saw an amazing bamboo dining set in charcoal that was incredible [out of my budget, I’m afraid].  But, alas, around the corner was a Tommy Bahama styled set that was perfect.  And, the price was less than some dinners out!  Sign me up.

As I settled my check, we started talking about sectionals.  I mentioned the one I had seen earlier at Recreate. They told me any Crate and Barrel sectional they get shoots off their floor in just a few hours.   Now I was nervous.

I stopped at home for a sandwich, and fired up the internet.  I googled Crate and Barrel and discovered the very sectional I had seen at the consignment shop sells for $2400.  It was priced at Recreate for not even a third of that price.  I spat out my sandwich, picked up the phone and called Recreate.  “Yes, it was still here”, Stacy said.  “Hold that baby because I’m on my way”.

In less than an hour, my shopping was done.  And, that counted time out for lunch.  I doubt I could have found better choices with new - and the prices are unbeatable. 

Ah, the rewards of being a frugal shopper.  Cheers to re-sale.  What’s old is new.  Let someone else take the hit on the depreciation.

©2010 Tom Weiskopf, PLLC. Tom Weiskopf, PLLC is an AZ licensed real estate agent with John Hall & Associates serving the Phoenix area. For more information, Tom can be reached at (602) 953-4000 or via e-mail at phxareahomes@gmail.com.