Author Archives: Erica Anderson

Homeowners Association (HOA) board meeting in a desert community location, with casually dressed homeowners discussing and reviewing documents

Living in a Homeowners Association (HOA): Pros and Cons

Homeowners Associations (HOAs) are governing bodies that oversee the management and maintenance of residential communities. Living in an HOA community has its advantages and disadvantages, which are important to consider before purchasing a property in such an area. Pros of Living in an HOA Common Area Maintenance: HOAs typically take care of the maintenance and upkeep of common areas such as parks, pools, landscaping, and clubhouses. This ensures that the community remains attractive and well-maintained. Amenities: Many HOA communities offer […]

Earthship with bottle walls, large south-facing windows, solar panels, and lush green surroundings

Are Earthships the Ultimate Prepper Paradise?

To start this discussion we must first understand….What is an Earthship. An Earthship is a type of passive solar house made of natural and upcycled materials, designed to be self-sufficient and environmentally friendly. The concept was developed in the 1970s by architect Michael Reynolds. Earthships are constructed using earth-packed tires, recycled cans, and bottles, making them sustainable and cost-effective. They incorporate six key design principles: Thermal/Solar Heating and Cooling: Earthships use thermal mass and passive solar design to regulate indoor […]

For Rent sign in front of a residential home, highlighting rental market dynamics in Arizona.

Arizona AG’s Lawsuit Against RealPage: What It Means for the Real Estate Market

A note from the team leader, Erica… In a significant move for the real estate market, Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes has filed a lawsuit against RealPage, a prominent real estate technology and analytics company, along with nine other prominent landlords as co-defendants. The lawsuit alleges that RealPage along with the landlords engaged in anti-competitive practices and price-fixing, impacting rental prices and housing affordability in Arizona. This article delves into the details of the lawsuit and my opinion about the […]

Featured / Market

Young woman in a striped shirt using a laptop at her kitchen counter, deep in thought with a pen in her hand.

Building Wealth: Your Guide to Rental Property Investment

Real estate investment offers a compelling path to financial security, promising passive income, portfolio diversification, and long-term wealth accumulation. For beginners, rental properties provide an attractive entry point. This comprehensive guide explores the fundamentals of real estate investment, from understanding market dynamics to navigating property management. Charting Your Course: Goals and Market Analysis Before diving into the real estate market, solidify your investment goals. Are you seeking steady passive income, aiming to build long-term equity, or hoping to diversify your […]

Buying

Person writing notes on a checklist while sitting on a couch, focusing on home preparation tasks.

Essential Checklist for Snowbirds Preparing Their Arizona Home for the Summer

As winter retreats and temperatures rise, snowbirds begin their migration from sunny Arizona back to their cooler homes for the summer. Preparing your winter home before you leave is crucial to ensure it remains safe, secure, and well-maintained during your absence. Here’s a comprehensive checklist to help you get your home ready: Secure Your Home Lock all doors and windows: Ensure all entry points, including garage doors, are securely locked. Consider using dowel rods in older windows and sliding doors […]

Featured / Homeownership Advice

Asian-American woman reviewing mortgage estimates on laptop, papers and pen in hand, sitting at table with natural light from picture window in background.

Navigating Mortgage Estimates: Understanding Loan Estimates (LE)

In the realm of real estate transactions, understanding the intricacies of mortgage estimates is crucial for buyers embarking on their homeownership journey. While the Good Faith Estimate (GFE) had long been a staple in providing buyers with upfront cost estimates, regulatory changes in 2015 introduced a new player: the Loan Estimate (LE). In this article we will explore how this transition impacted buyers and why it’s essential to stay informed. The Evolution: From GFE to LE In the past, the […]

Buying / Homeownership Advice / Market

Family Pulling Downward Against Rising Mortgage Interest Rates in Phoenix Metro Area

Navigating Rising Interest Rates: Strategies for Homebuyers in the Phoenix Metro Area

With interest rates on the rise, prospective homebuyers in Maricopa County face new challenges in their quest to secure a home, let alone their dream home. In this article we will discuss the implications of these changes and adopting effective strategies for navigating this evolving landscape successfully. Current Interest Rate Trends: In recent times, the Phoenix area has experienced notable fluctuations in interest rates. Economic factors and the Federal Reserve’s policy decisions have contributed to this volatility. As of the […]

Buying / Homeownership Advice / Market

Red X over the word Opendoor against a blue background, emphasizing the risks of selling homes through the iBuyer, Opendoor.

The Hidden Costs of Selling Your Home Through Opendoor

Opendoor promises a quick and hassle-free sale of your home, which at first glance seems like a modern convenience suited to our fast-paced lives. However, this convenience might come at a greater cost than many homeowners realize. 1. Deceptive Profit Prospects: Opendoor’s service fee might seem standard at 5%, but it’s essential to question the value this fee actually provides. Traditional real estate professionals also operate around a similar commission rate, but they offer comprehensive services backed by fiduciary responsibilities. […]

Featured / Selling

Real estate legal professional finalizing documents, a scale of justice and gavel in view, with a house model, reflecting recent NAR settlement changes.

Navigating the NAR Settlement: Debunking Myths and Clarifying Real Estate Realities

A note from the team leader, Erica… In the wake of recent headlines surrounding the National Association of Realtors (NAR) settlement, a whirlwind of misinformation and misconceptions has emerged around the real estate industry. As your trusted real estate advisor, I’m here to provide clarity on what this settlement truly means for you, the consumer, moving forward. First and foremost, let’s address and debunk some myths. A prevalent misconception is that this settlement drastically changes the role of realtors and […]

Buying / Featured / Market / Selling

Excited new homeowners with a dog amidst moving boxes, celebrating their first home purchase in Arizona.

Navigating Your First Home Purchase: A Guide for the Aspiring Arizona Homeowner

Stepping into the world of homeownership is an exhilarating journey, especially for first-timers. In the vibrant and diverse Arizona real estate market, becoming a homeowner is a dream come true for many. However, the process can be complex, and a well-informed approach is your key to success. This guide will lead you through the essential steps and tips every first-time homebuyer should know. Get to Know Your Budget Inside and Out Before diving into the housing market, it’s crucial to […]

Buying / Standard

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