Missed the 8K tax credit. Forget it.

In case you have missed reading the newspaper, or you don’t follow the financial news, you might not be aware that 30 year mortgage rates are at historic lows. So is now the time to buy a new home? It was not very many months ago that we had absolutely wonderful rates around 5.5%. Hold [...]

Flying in to Shop for a Home – Allegiant Air and Phoenix Mesa Gateway Experience

I am sitting in seat 16A on a morning flight out of Mesa to Cedar Rapids. It is my first time taking Allegiant Air and I thought I would capture some of my thoughts about the experience for other travelers.
The trip began weeks ago when booking the flights for myself and 3 others. Two of [...]

Market Affordability – Holy Cow Batman – The Time Is NOW

A quick update on the market and its affordability.
I don’t know about you, but I love numbers. In the real estate business all kinds of numbers are critical. $ per sq ft, tax rates, HOA fees, lot sizes, travel distance to work, room dimensions, etc. But without question the most important number to just about [...]

Gilbert / Chandler Homes and BBQ – My Favorite Rub

About 5 years ago I built a lovely BBQ in my back yard. It features a 42” gas grill, a side burner that can cook a turkey, a small fridge, room for my trusty Weber, and seating for seven including the cook. Of course that meant that we needed to do some new things when [...]

Gilbert Homes and BBQ – Planked Salmon

Gilbert Homes and BBQ – Planked Salmon
If you’re not a fan of Steven Raichlen I guess you have not perused the BBQ book section at Barnes and Noble. I became a fan several years ago after watching one or two of his BBQ University shows on public TV. It wasn’t long before I had a [...]

Five Financial Tips to Keep You on Track–Stacie Kvanvig

The mortgage and lending climate has never been in such turmoil since I have been selling real estate. They have lent to substandard borrowers, lost loads of money and don’t want to lose anymore of it. As a result, lending requirements have become very stringent and buyers better have a plan.
Whether a buyer has a [...]

Gilbert Arizona’s Desert Oasis: The Riparian Reserve at Water Ranch

Located in Gilbert, Arizona, the Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch in Gilbert, Arizona, is truly an oasis in the desert. Visitors from across the country as well as internationally come to Riparian Preserve for the spectacular bird watching. Over 200 different birds have been sighted at the Riparian Preserve, and one visitor noted they [...]

FREE Foreclosure Survival Event for Gilbert Homeowners

Unfortunately as a result of today’s economy “foreclosure” has become a reality for too many Americans. Residents of Gilbert, Arizona, have been among those for whom foreclosure has become a reality, and surviving foreclosure has become a necessity for many of our neighbors, friends, and family members. To help Gilbert residents facing foreclosure, the [...]

2010 6th Annual Gilbert Global Village Festival

Gilbert, Arizona’s, Global Village Festival is a multi-cultural celebration for all ages. This family-friendly event “highlights some of the traditional and contemporary forms of dance, music, children’s activities, arts & crafts and ethnic foods from countries far away.”
The 2010 6th Annual Gilbert Global Village Festival will be held Saturday, April 17, 2010, at the [...]

Gilbert Homes and BBQ – Fleming’s Asian Chicken Wings

I don’t know about you, but the weather the last week or so has had me more interested in grilling than I have been in a long time. I cranked it up both Saturday and Sunday this past weekend. I went with Chicken thighs one night accompanied by some veggies. On Sunday I had it [...]

Foreclosure News–Soutwest–Gilbert Homes–Stacie Kvanvig

(New!)

Your Guide to Outdoor Maintenance — Southwest
If you live in the Southwest, prevent problems and preserve the value of your property with proactive outdoor maintenance. Read

Fight Foreclosures in Your Community
Even if you’re current on your mortgage, nearby foreclosures can affect your community through lower property values, higher crime [...]

Gilbert Real Estate Tip of the Day — Pre-approval for a Home Loan

Do not skip the home mortgage pre qualification and pre approval process.  Buyers make a big mistake by not knowing how much home they can afford.  By getting the pre approval for a home loan you walk into the home buying process knowing exactly how much money you can spend.  This narrows your search and [...]

Gilbert Real Estate Tip of the Day — Know Your Credit Score

Address your Credit Score!  If you listen to anyone who knows real estate, you will hear:  Good credit is everything.  Lending institutions and credit markets are tighter than ever.  This means an excellent credit score will help secure financing at a low interest rate.  You are allowed to pull your credit score at no cost [...]

Baseball Fans — Escape Winter at 2010 Spring Training in Arizona

With sunny and warm weather year round in Arizona it isn’t the weather that announces the arrival of spring but spring training! Baseball teams head to either Florida or Arizona (the Cactus League) for spring training and baseball fans from across the country flock to Phoenix to see their favorite baseball teams up close and [...]

What You Missed — The Most Popular PGA Event of the Year: the Waste Management Phoenix Open

The Waste Management Phoenix Open, formerly known as the FBR Open, is the best attended golf tournament in the world every year. Yes, every year. The prestigious Waste Management Phoenix Open draws the best golfers in the world and is held in the warm, sunny paradise that is Scottsdale, Arizona.
The Waste Management Phoenix Open [...]

Gilbert Homes – Think you might need an Inspector?

First in a series of photos sent to me by a friend. Is it any wonder why the AZ Real Estate Purchase Contract and the AZ State Buyers Advisory strongly suggest that you get a home inspection. With examples like this you might wonder if the typical 10 day inspection period is enough. What were [...]

5 Tips to Responsibly Manage Credit–Gilbert Homes for Sale–Stacie Kvanvig

RISMEDIA, February 22, 2010—As new regulations from the Credit CARD (Card Accountability, Responsibility and Disclosure) Act take effect on February 22, 2010, many consumers are still curious about the net impact to their daily lives. Bills.com, one of the leading resources for free, personalized and expert money advice, offers the following tips to help consumers [...]

Gilbert Homes and BBQ – Fleming’s Garlic Lemon Shrimp Skewers

For those of you who did not attend the Super Bowl BBQ seminar at Fleming’s of Chandler on Jan 30th I thought I would pass on one of the recipes was prepared for us.
This is an easy recipe. You can rev up or down the spices to your liking.
Here are the ingredients.

Large Shrimp – Thawed, [...]

Gilbert Homes and BBQ – Super Bowl Grilling Safety Tips

Grill masters everywhere are sharpening knives, buying bbq sauce in bulk, and excitedly preparing for the great grilling feast that is Super Bowl. Whether you are in a Chandler home with a state of the art backyard kitchen, or simply on your back patio with a Hibachi I thought it would be a good idea [...]

If You Don’t Buy Now, You are Stupid or Broke-Business Week-Gilbert Homes for Sale

If You Don’t Buy a House Now, You’re Stupid or Broke
Interest rates are at historic lows but cyclical trends suggest they will soon rise. Home buyers may never see such a chance again, writes Marc Roth
By Marc Roth
Well, you may not be stupid or broke. Maybe you already have a house and you don’t want [...]

The FIRST step to a Gilbert Home

As difficult as the economy, job loss, foreclosures and short sales are, there are positives to all of it. As a real estate agent, one of my favorite positives is that there is affordable housing again. First time buyers can actually buy, there are plenty of homes under the FHA limit and rates are low. [...]

Chandler / Gilbert Homes and BBQ – Turkey Time

This time we talk Turkey with the second edition of Chandler – Homes and BBQ.
If you have never experienced turkey from the grill you are missing something. The charcoal flavor alone makes the bird stand out from its oven baked brethren. It is hard for me to pinpoint exactly when I began doing the Thanksgiving [...]

Gilbert Grillers – Super Bowl BBQ Grilling Seminar

On Saturday Jan 30th from 1-2:30 Fleming’s Chandler Location will be hosting a Super Bowl Grilling Seminar. For 10 bucks you will get recipes, cooking tips, and a chance to eat some of the goodies prepared during the demo. Hope to see you there. To reserve your spot call 480-940-1900.
Your Griller and Chandler/Gilbert Real Estate [...]

Gilbert / Chandler – Homes and BBQ

You have to wonder why anyone would want to blog on this subject. I see one heck of a lot of homes in my line of work as a full time real estate professional. Living in this wonderful Arizona climate where year round outdoor activity is not only possible and short of the greatest extremes [...]