Patricia Paul Properties

In the past couple weeks I have been working with several different buyers trying to find them homes to purchase.   They didn't specifically start out to buy foreclosures, but they soon learned that more than half of the homes on the market in certain areas are either short sales or foreclosures.  They're hard to avoid these days.  In general, foreclosures are quicker and easier to purchase than short sales.  Some of the banks have actually gotten their acts together and can close a transaction in a reasonable length of time.
 
Some of these short sales and foreclosed homes have sat on the market for a long time.  As time goes by, like most private sellers, the banks discover they might need to lower the price of their homes to get them to sell.  
 
Here's the disappointment my buyers have recently experienced.  After diligently viewing and exploring a number of homes, they eventually find one they really like that meets their needs.  They decide they want to make an offer on the property.  
 
Couple #1 finds a home in Vail that they really like and before we can get together to write the offer, we discover that an offer has come in and the bank has accepted it.  
 
Buyer #2 finds a fixer-upper on the south side of town that is a bargain.  He wants to renovate it to live in it himself.  I call the listing agent before we write the offer to make sure it is still available, and I'm told it is.  We write a cash offer and submit it to the listing broker.  The agent does not respond by the time specified in the offer, and does not return my phone calls and e-mail.   Finally after a few days of me trying to hunt him down, he takes one of my phone calls and lets me know they had actually received a few offers on the property, and the bank chose one and countered it, instead of sending out a multiple counter offer to all buyers.
 
Couple #2 have looked at probably 20 houses or so, and find one on the east side they consider perfect for them.  I watched as their faces lit up as they always do when they find the right home.  The home had been on the market for 160 days.  We agree to meet the next day to write up the offer.  I prepare the offer in advance, and make an appointment to meet them at the house they want to purchase to sign the offer.  They get tied up in the Phoenix area and can't make it until the following day.  We drive up to the home to finish the offer, and find a new rider sign on the For Sale sign that says:  Sale Pending.   Even though the house has been for sale for over 4 months, we blink and the house gets plucked up.
 
It can be heartbreaking!  To avoid this kind of disappointment, I suggest the following:
 
     *  Get your details worked out with a lender in advance, and have your Loan Status Report (LSR) ready for when you find that perfect home.
 
     *  Don't assume that a long time on market means the home will stay available.  The
         good ones eventually sell.
 
     *  When you find the home you want to purchase, think carefully, then move on it!
 
Remember, interest rates are at an all time low.  Now is a fabulous time to buy a home!
 
 
Patricia Paul, GRI  ***  www.PatriciaPaulProperties.com  ***  (520) 548-2078

                                                                           
 
Happy Birthday, Tucson!  Today, August 20 is the 235th birthday of our Old Pueblo.  Tucson celebrates each year with various events. 
 
For more information, check out this website:

http://www.linkedin.com/news?viewArticle=&articleID=132451319&gid=2132059&type=member&item=27627614&articleURL=http://www.tucsonsbirthday.org&urlhash=fYuH&goback=.gde_2132059_member_27627614
 
Here's to many more!

 
Patricia Paul, GRI  ***  www.PatriciaPaulProperties.com  ***  (520) 548-2078

             
                 Mimi                                               Oreo                                              Jacob
 
Oh, how angelic they look!  Hard to believe these little guys could be such troublemakers when they're awake.  Yet I can hardly imagine life without them!
 
 
Patricia Paul, GRI   **  www.PatriciaPaulProperties.com   **   (520) 548-2078

                                          
 
 
Does my dog have the right idea, or what?  This is Jacob, and when I walked by him he looked soooo comfortable I had to go get my camera and snap a shot.   I should take his lead and hit the sack myself!
 
Jacob is one of our dalmatian trio.  All three are adorable!
 
Do you have any cute pics of your pets?  If so, please send them to me.  Be sure to identify them with their name and breed. 

 
Patricia Paul, GRI ** www.PatriciaPaulProperties.com ** (520) 548-2078 

As a property manager, this time of year I get a number of calls about air conditioners not working.   There are a number of items you should check before you call for service.  Some are quite basic and can save you some money for an unnecessary service call.
 
First, check the air filter.  Usually located in the air handler, it is either a disposable one with a cardboard-type frame, or a washable, reusable metal mesh variety.  Your filter should be either replaced or cleaned monthly.   If it's extremely dirty it can block the flow of air to the system, and can cause it to shut down.  If you have pets this is even more critical, because pet hair and dirt can cause this to happen quicker.

Make sure the power is on to the unit.  Maybe a circuit breaker has tripped due to an electrical overload or a short.  Check the breakers in the main electrical panel.  The circuit for the A/C unit should be identified, and is usually towards the top of the panel.   If the outside A/C unit is located on the ground, go outside and listen to hear if the compressor is working. 

Check the thermostat to make sure it's on the "On" or "Cool" position.
 
Make sure the cold air returns are not blocked by furniture.
 
Look for any standing water near the condensate pan.  When the condensate line is clogged the system can back up and stop functioning properly.
 
After checking these items if the system still does not operate, you may need to call for service on the system.
 
Patricia Paul, GRI ** www.PatriciaPaulProperties.com ** (520) 548-2078 

I went on a listing appointment today and before I went I sat down and thought about what sellers might look for in a realtor.  After all, a home is most people's largest investment, and it's important they select the right person for the job.
 
Here are some skills that are definitely important and that you might want to look for:
 
    *  Someone knowledgable of the area and the local market

    *  Someone hard working who will do what it takes to get the job done

    *  Someone who has a vision and a solid, effective marketing plan

    *  Someone innovative who will try new methods along with the tried and true
 
    *  Someone who possesses good negotiation skills
 
    *  Someone with experience who knows how to handle the snags that might arise

    *  Someone whose personality is a good fit with yours and with potential buyers 

Now I ask you:  Is there something great your REALTOR did that sets them apart?  
                              Is there something you wish they did differently?
                              What's the most important trait for you?
 
Patricia Paul, GRI ** www.PatriciaPaulProperties.com ** (520) 548-2078

                                     


Each season brings a list of home maintenance you should be performing.  Here are some of the items you might want to check or do this summer:


Check self-latching gates around pool areas.  

Perform seasonal maintenance on the HVAC (Heating ventilation, and air conditioning) system.

Make sure gutters are clear and leaf-free.

Make sure that water drains away from your home.

Check for evidence of termites.
 
Treat yard for weed pre-emergence.

Check roof for loose shingles, tiles, or ponding areas.
 
Trim unruly growth on trees and bushes.

Clean out the garage. 
 
Check clothes dryer vent to prevent or eliminate lint build-up.
 
Test all smoke/carbon dioxide detectors for proper operation.
 
 
Can you think of others I haven't mentioned? 
 
Patricia Paul, GRI ** www.PatriciaPaulProperties.com ** (520) 548-2078

Did you know that AARP named Tucson one of the 5 best places to take it easy and live the simple  life?  Among its other merits Tucson was noted for "...the people, the natural beauty, the cultural mix" by one of its residents, Elizabeth Rodriguez Miller.   To read the entire article by Sarah Mahoney from AARP The Magazine, click on the link below.

http://www.aarp.org/home-garden/livable-communities/info-07-2009/the_simple_life.html?cmp=NLC-WBLTR-CTRL-70210-F1-1
 
 
Patricia Paul, GRI  *** www.PatriciaPaulProperties.com *** (520) 548-2078
 

                                                     


Here are a few suggestions if you're looking for something fun to do this 4th of July, 2010...

FIREWORKS! 

Tucson's main site for fireworks is atop "A" Mountain, on the west side of town.  You can see them well from most anywhere on the west side of town.  Or, you may park in the TCC parking lot B (off Granada  near Cushing St.)  Between 7 to 9 there will be food vendors around.  The Southern Arizona Mustang Club is planning on showing some of their club vehicles at the same time.

The Tucson Toros baseball game and fireworks starts at 7 pm.  Tickets are from $6 to $10.  There are also fireworks shows planned at the Hilton El Conquistador, City of Marana, and other locations around town.  

For a rockin' 4th of July, consider heading to the Pima Country Fairgrounds for a free concert called  "Red, White, and Boom!", featuring Jackie L., Savor, and The Jons.  After the concert, stay for the fireworks!  Gates open at 4:00.  Music starts at 4:45.  Fireworks start at 9:00.

A BIT MORE UNUSUAL!   

Beat on the drum!  Bring a chair and a drum or other percussion instrument and join the crowd that meets at Himmel Park (1st Street & Tucson Blvd) on Sundays from 3-6 pm for the  "Community Drum Circle".

Head up Mt. Lemmon to a free concert series called "Music on the Mountain".  On Sunday, July 4 Kevin Pakulis Band will be playing.

Attend a very special concert Sunday at 3:00 at Saguaro High School Auditorium (545 N. Camino Seco, Tucson, AZ 85732) entitled "Let Freedom Ring".  Over 100 voices will put on an exciting show of patriotic music.  Event is free, but donations will be accepted.

So, get out there and do something fun!  There's lots to choose from!