Animals of the MLS

This weeks featured guest on Animals of the MLS is exhausted! After a long day of chasing birds in the backyard it looks like our feline friend hit a little cat nip then headed for their favorite sleeping spot. By the looks of things I'm not sure anything less than a stampeding herd of buffalo would awaken this kitty. Having a stranger in the room snapping pictures wasn't even enough to get so much as an ear twitch or a head lift. If only I could sleep this carefree I'd have plenty of energy to tackle the day.  

Usually cats prefer a darker more confined space to sleep but this cozy cat found a perfectly suitable substitute choosing a soft comforter instead. If I was a betting girl I'd say this is a lap cat that gladly curls up with their owner on the couch any chance they get. Sweet dreams kitty! 

As for the picture of the room itself it leaves a lot to be desired. The early 90's brass floor lamp, bedspread, and nightstand don't give off the impression that this home has been updated recently. The walls are bare giving off a very cold and uninviting feeling. There is good lighting and high ceilings in this room but the photo is so narrowly focused it's hard to get an idea of it's size. Proper staging and a wide angle lens would have done wonders to bring life in to this otherwise boring room. The homeowner could have even taken it one step further by investing a small amount of time and money in to painting the room a neutral yet soothing color. 

Source: http://activerain.com/blogsview/4761822/an...

Homes for Sale in Gilbert, Arizona with No HOA

Home Owners Associations can be a very positive and necessary component to a neighborhood. They ensure cleanliness of the streets and sidewalks. In some subdivisions that have common green belt areas, parks, and playgrounds, they are in charge of trimming trees, grass, bushes, and the upkeep of the playground equipment. 

Your neighborhood Home Owners Association will also establish the rules and laws in regards to the appearance of front yards throughout the community which will maintain the integrity and manicured look of the entire subdivision. Did your neighbor share with you their desire to paint the exterior of their home a bright yellow? Well think again! Exterior paint colors must be approved by the HOA as well as most visual exterior home changes. 

Home Owners Associations do come with extra monthly or quarterly fees which are not negotiable and are required of you to pay if you choose to move in to a neighborhood that is managed by an HOA. Most homes currently built in Gilbert, Arizona are in subdivisions managed by Home Owners Associations, however, there are still many resale homes that are not...read more

Source: http://activerain.com/blogsview/4760799/ho...

The Most Expensive Home sold in Arizona last week

The most expensive home that sold in Arizona last week is representative of a typical Scottsdale luxury property. Located in Estancia, which is one of the most highly sought after subdivisions in the area, you will find no lack of custom touches and finishes here. The stonework inside and out could only have been completed by a master builder. A large iron and glass front entry door greets you while your eye will immediately be drawn towards the soaring ceilings with massive exposed beams and hanging chandeliers. Curved archways guide you throughout the home as you move from room to room. Built in bookshelves, numerous fireplaces and grand lighting are all expertly placed...read more

Source: http://activerain.com/blogsview/4758984/th...

Market Report - Listing Prices in Gilbert, AZ - September 2015

September brought about an unexpected increase across the board in Active median prices, New Median list prices, and Sold median sales prices. Just when we thought the Spring and Summer busy season was definitely on it's way out, September gave us one more small glimpse of an increasing market. Active median prices for homes here in Gilbert, Arizona for September increased to $326,000. Compare that to a year ago when that number was only $290,000. New homes coming on to the market flatlined in price from August to September but the average pricing for Sold listings were able to see gains and increased up to $263,500...read more

Source: http://activerain.com/blogsview/4758452/ma...

What I learned in Real Estate this week - 10/4/15

As the Broker/Owner of Zion Realty I not only have the pleasure of working for some really wonderful clients each week, but I also have the privilege of mentoring my agents that have put their trust and licenses under me. As real estate agents we meet dozens of new people each week and receive too many phone calls and emails to even count. You never know which new person or inquiry will result in a new transaction so you explore each one as they come in with the knowledge that some will end up being positive, some will be negative, and some will fall flat before they even get started. 

I received an email earlier this week from and agent looking to switch brokerages. She was doing some research on-line about brokerages in the Gilbert, Arizona when she came upon my website. She liked what she saw so she gave me a call. We spent about an hour chatting over the phone about how her needs were not being met in her current situation. It seemed to be a good fit for her to come on board with me so we set up a time to meet in person to finalize our new potential relationship...read more

Source: http://activerain.com/blogsview/4757779/wh...