Friday, October 25, 2013

Don't Forget To Inspect Your Goodyear Home in the Excitement!



Finding the right Goodyear home (Your Home) can be an exciting time.  So exciting that sometimes home buyers forget some essential steps.  One of those steps is completing your home inspection.

Before the sale is closed and the deed transferred, you will need to have a professional inspection done anytime you purchase a home.
A full report can be completed in about two hours and will leave you with peace of mind and an awareness of potential issues in your future home. You may even choose to have a professional licensed in asbestos, lead, chemicals, mold, mildew, or pests inspect the home, too, to notify you of any unknown dangers.

Your home covers  the basics concerning:

    • walls
    • ceilings
    • floors
    • your roofs
    • firewalls
    • windows
    • your foundation and slab
    • electrical power
    • water supply and pressure
    • gas lines
Landscaping, walkways and driveways will also be evaluated.An inspector will note grading and drainage.  Any exposed general framing in beams, attics, roofing, HVAC and plumbing systems will be inspected, as well. Generally speaking the age and condition of roofing materials, plumbing and rain gutters will be noted, too, giving you an idea of your home's maintenance history. Water heaters, fireplaces and the sprinkler systems, if applicable, should also be evaluated, as should appliances, alarms, and smoke detectors being left in the home to ensure a safe move-in.

Tuesday, October 22, 2013

More Inventory, Means More Buyer Choices. Homebuying is Shifting.

More Inventory in the Phoenix Metro area means More Choices for Buyers.

The metro Phoenix housing market is shifting away from investors for the first time since the market crash, leaving more properties available for traditional buyers. The Real Estate market is predicting a proliferation of for-sale signs on front lawns. More buyers, outbid multiple times by investors in the spring, have been able to sign contracts recently. Also working in buyers’ favor are mortgage interest rates, which are falling again after a brief summer jump. This is an interesting 4 minute video describing which direction our market is heading. 

Friday, October 18, 2013

Relocating Your Goodyear Home With Kid


Your Goodyear home is a place of stability and peace for you and if you have children, it can be a grounding force in their lives. Relocating to a new community (or even a new block) can be a very challenging, though exciting, event for you and for them.

As friends and schools are left behind, regular landmarks and teams are changed, and even wallpaper is replaced, the longing for home, your home, can be very real and lead to lasting impact on your children's lives.
Developing happiness despite the relocation confusion and upset is important and several methods can help in calming your child's sense of upheaval.

Create a new start in your new community and in your home by:

  • Constructing a positive experience from your move. Teach your children that change is inevitable but that good can come by finding exciting things to do in your new town, involving them in planning activities, and the decorating of your home.
  • Making them feel at home. Recognize  that the move is a collective effort and honor and value your children by allowing them to have some input on qualities of your new home.
  • Explore your new community "virtually" or in-person first. Creating some excitement by researching the area where you will move always makes relocation easier, for every member of the household.
  • Schools are important - figure out how your move will impact your children's education and talk to them about it. Consider commute or carpooling needs, changes in systems (junior high vs. middle school), and try to find friends who attend the same schools quickly by getting involved early in local groups. Also, don't forget to call ahead and hand-carry any needed records, test scores, and immunizations so school enrollment goes smoothly.
  • Routine is key. Despite the fact that the move of your home has resulted in major change, it's possible to keep some things the same. Control what you can in those first weeks of transition, from food and favorite cereals to clothing and sports or instrument practice, and help your child maintain a personal schedule to make transition easier.
  • Be patient and listen. Complaints and adjustments are going to happen with any major adjustment, and the move of your home definitely qualifies! Keep that in mind and cut your kids some slack when you can, and you'll find that your transition will be easier.
When you are ready to make a move, give me a call 623.217.7548 or visit http://www.RodneyBarnesRealEstate.com.

Thursday, October 10, 2013

Thought About Who Lives Next Door to Your Goodyear Home Lately?


If you've just moved into your Goodyear home or are considering buying a new home in Goodyear, you may be wondering who lives next door. In this day and age with such busy lifestyles it can take awhile to meet your neighbors. However, for safety and community reasons, it's a good idea to introduce yourself and make some friends.

If you're shy about reaching out, you can always turn to the latest neighborhood introductory tool, Next Door. NextDoor.com allows you to meet your neighbors virtually and monitor neighborhood safety. You can also share recommendations or give and ask for advice, a helpful tool if you need a local contractor. If you'd like to start a neighborhood garage sale or host a block party, this is an easy way to get it started! You can even download an app for your smartphone to be updated when someone replies to your invitations or notices unusual activity near your home.
Used in more than 16,000 neighborhoods, this free private social network could be the answer to feeling more connected to your neighborhood and your home, even with your busy lifestyle. From finding the perfect babysitter or pediatrician to getting restaurant recommendations, Next Door can make your life easier and your neighborhood safer.

Wednesday, October 2, 2013

Considering a New Roof For Your Goodyear Home This Winter


Choosing a new roof for your Goodyear home can seem like a daunting task, but the process can proceed quicker than you might expect. Speed can be just the thing if you are trying to get your roof completed before winter arrives and keeping a few key points in mind can really aid in your decision!
First, realize that not every material will work for every roof. A flat roof would require a different material than a very steep roof. Materials like slate or tile are very heavy, so the structure of many homes would not be able to carry the load.
Next, consider cost and curb appeal. If you are working on a tight budget, then asphalt shingles are the way to go. This is by far the most popular option as the shingles themselves are inexpensive, installation is very simple, and they come in a wide variety of colors to match your home.
More expensive options include wood, metal, tile, and slate. All of these options have a longer lifespan, but the materials cost more and are more expensive to install. Often times, your home, existing roof, neighborhood, and energy needs will help make the decision for you. For instance, if you plan to install solar panels, you may need to adjust your roofing materials a bit. Also, if you have a home owner’s association, it's best to check in with them before getting bids, as many times they will have certain specifications for new roofs.
Lastly, be sure to find a great designer and installation team to help you make the best decisions and ensure the job gets done right.
For all your Real Estate Needs Contact Rodney Barnes Real Estate with Essential Properties at 623-217-7548.