Thursday, March 10, 2011

Know what a HERS score is?

I was so impressed when I recently visited and learned about Meritage homes "green" new builds and I learned a couple things.  The first is the HERS score.  HERS stands for Housing Energy Rating System and to be built to code the home must rate at least 100 on the scale.  You've heard of Energy Star ratings before right?  Those homes must rate 85 or lower on the HERS which is 15% less than code.  Meritage homes are rated 20 -30!!!  That's 70 - 80% savings on your energy costs AND they say that the air is so pristine inside the home it is virtually dust free!  DUST FREE in the desert???? (Meritage builds nationally but I'm here in sunny Phoenix/Scottsdale AZ and it's dusty!!)  Could it be?
Click this link to read the whole online article:  http://www.avidbuilder.com/content/revolutionary-green

I was already totally impressed but then I saw the prices and the floorplans!  They're AWESOME!  Ok, it's true that they aren't as cheap as a foreclosure but l don't think I have to explain why do I??? (and they don't stink or have holes in the walls or old pet stains to deal with HA).  The community I visited is Cibola Vista in Peoria and the prices started in the mid $200k's and ranged from 2258 - 3721 sq feet but they have communities all over the Valley of the Sun from N. Scottsdale to Gilbert in the Southeast valley as well (with more amazing prices I might add....).

All this and you can feel good about reducing your carbon footprint.  Cool.

For updated info contact me and I'm happy to gather all the current availability and exact prices.  There is no MLS for new homes so let me do the work for you.  Remember if you are planning to visit a new home community have your agent there with you or you may WAIVE your right to your own representation!  The sales agent at the new home office represents the builder.  Starting my career as a New Home Sales agent has given me good knowledge on how to get you the best deal and what to expect in the process.  NO, your home does not cost more if you have your own representation!

Thursday, February 10, 2011

Richmond American incentives

Current incentives at Richmond American!!
  • Stainless-steel ENERGY STAR® appliance upgrades included1
  • 4.25% (5.10% APR) fixed-rate financing2 on select quick move-in homes3
  • Closing cost assistance4—online sign-up only
PLUS, they'll enjoy the benefits of our ENERGY STAR® qualified homes: lower cost of ownership, greater comfort and a reduced carbon footprint!


Thinking of buying a home?  Did you know that you can and should have a buyer representative when you purchase a new home?   If you are considering a new home purchase, contact me and I can direct you to the right place.  There is no "one stop shop" for all the new home information. Starting my career as a New Home Sales agent has given me good knowledge on how to get you the best deal and what to expect in the process.  NO, your home does not cost more if you have your own representation.  The sales agents at the model complexes work for the builder and do not represent you.

REALTOR® Magazine-Daily News-Home Ownership Offers Plenty of Tax Benefits

Doing your taxes? Thinking of buying vs. renting? Below is some information that will help.


REALTOR® Magazine-Daily News-Home Ownership Offers Plenty of Tax Benefits

Monday, January 24, 2011

A breath of fresh air

I just love new homes!  In my current practice as a resale real estate agent, foreclosures and distressed properties account for a large portion of the homes I am working with.  Sometimes they smell, need repair, have holes in the walls, and/or are missing appliances.  YUCK.  Yes I understand that you might get a good deal and if you are handy you can turn it into a lovely home.  Yes it can be a good investment but from just a pure enjoyment perspective, walking into a new home model is just LOVELY!  The new homes have all the newest technology and are energy efficient, they come with a warranty and you can customize your home the way you want it.  They also have access to volume discounts and can offer wonderful incentives.  For example Taylor Morrison is offering an introductory interest rate of 3.25%  with a cap at 5.25%!  Fireside at Desert Ridge homes have a guaranteed energy bill! 

Thinking of buying a home?  Did you know that you can and should have a buyer representative when you purchase a new home?   If you are considering a new home purchase, contact me and I can direct you to the right place.  There is no "one stop shop" for all the new home information. Starting my career as a New Home Sales agent has given me good knowledge on how to get you the best deal and what to expect in the process.  NO, your home does not cost more if you have your own representation.  The sales agents at the model complexes work for the builder and do not represent you.