Animals of the MLS

This week's featured pet in Animals of the MLS seems a bit surprised to find themselves in a photo shoot. It's as if they stumbled in to the room freshly awakened from their afternoon nap only to find a stranger with a camera snapping pictures of their domicile. They seem caught between wanting to go lay back down and the desire to go sniff out the unfamiliar guest. The look on this furry friend's face could also be conveying the message "Wait, you didn't get my good side. Let me turn around so you can take the picture again."

It's also a rare treat to have both an animal and a human being represented here in this MLS mishap. You would have thought the agent could have politely asked the homeowner to take a few moments out of their busy day to get up from the couch and vacate the area. Perhaps the seller was unaware that they were being photographed. I'm trying to grasp at straws and give the benefit of the doubt, however, the bottom line is neither the pooch nor the person apparently felt like moving. I can't imagine anyone involved with this listing could have possibly been happy with this sub-par representation, yet this picture found it's way on to the MLS and forever attached to this property's marketing strategy. 

As for the picture itself I don't even know where to begin. There just is no redeeming quality about it. If there were a perfect example of what not to do to prepare a home for the open market this picture represents every aspect. Every blind or window treatment in the room is shut creating a very cave-like atmosphere. There's a hodge podge of decor which is haphazardly displayed. The television is on and the entire left side of the photograph is so blurry and distorted it's hard to grasp what exactly it is we're looking at. This is no way to professionally represent a home seller. 

If you're selling your home in Gilbert, Arizona or the East Valley let the experts at Zion Realty help you. We take professional photos and put together a perfect marketing strategy to sell your property. Contact us Today!

Non HOA Homes for Sale in Gilbert, AZ - Update February 2016

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. 

The benefits of purchasing a home that is not maintained by a Home Owners Association are many. Two of the biggest positive aspects of owning a home that has no HOA are you'll never need to get pre-approval for any changes you want to do to your own home, and you don't have the extra monthly or quarterly fees which can add up to over $1,000 extra per year or more. 

Most homes in Gilbert, Arizona that are in areas not governed by an HOA are either located in County Islands or are rural horse properties which means these homes may not be connected to the city's water and sewer systems. These homes usually draw their water from a common well and/or have septic systems. It's important to consider all the positive and negative aspects of purchasing a home in these areas. 

Sales information for Non-HOA homes in Gilbert, Arizona February 2016:

Total Sold Homes: 20

Average List price: $406,788

Average Sold price: $387,738

Approximate Square Footage of Sold homes: 2,556

Average Sold Price per Square Foot: $154.51

Average Days on Market: 120

Click Here for a list of current Homes for sale in Gilbert, AZ with no HOA

There is quite a wide range of homes with no HOA's available in Gilbert. These homes can range from first-time home buyer prices all the way up to luxury homes. Let the Gilbert, Arizona real estate experts at Zion Realty help you through the process of determining whether purchasing a property with no Home Owner's Association is right for you. Contact us Today! 

Cooley Station Homes for Sale in Gilbert, AZ 85295 - Update Feb '16

When it comes to location, amenities, and lifestyle, Cooley Station is a highly sought after community situated in Gilbert, Arizona. While consistent residential and business growth has pushed new home builders further away from the center of Town, Cooley Station is perfectly positioned to take advantage of a bustling and vibrant area. Located between Higley Rd and Recker Rd to the East and West, and Pecos Rd and Williams Field Rd to the North and South, residents of this wonderful neighborhood have just enough room to stretch out yet are still conveniently within minutes of shopping, freeway access, and Nationally acclaimed restaurants. 

The classic look of red brick walls surrounding this subdivision add a refreshing change of scenery as compared to other communities that can have drab and boring cement block fencing. Once you pull in to Cooley Station you'll be greeted by tree-lined streets that are reminiscent of many subdivisions you would find in the suburbs of major cities such as New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, or even older neighborhoods of downtown Phoenix. 

Does your job require a long distance commute each day? Residents of Cooley Station have easy access to the 202 Red Mountain Freeway. Do you have children who range in age from toddler to college student? If you call Cooley Station your home you'll be minutes away from Chaparral Elementary School, Williams Field High School, Legacy Traditional Charter School, ASU Polytechnic Campus, and the East Valley Institute of Technology(EVIT). 

Need to catch a flight? Cooley Station is just a few miles away from Phoenix/Mesa Gateway Airport. Hungry for entertainment, shopping, and restaurants that have been featured on national television? If you reside in Cooley Station you'll have an endless amount of options to choose from since the San Tan Village Mall, Top Golf, and Joe's Farm Grill are all just minutes away. 

If venturing out isn't on your favorite to-do list then Cooley Station also has great options for family fun and entertainment built right in to the community. Seven greenbelt areas, four children's playground areas, and two large, crystal-clear, refreshing community pools will provide enough space for the kids, pets, and adults to play!

Neighborhood Sales information for Cooley Station February 2016:

Total Sold Homes: 0

Average List price: N/A

Average Sold price: N/A

Approximate Square Footage of Sold homes: N/A

Average Sold Price per Square Foot: N/A

Average Days on Market: N/A

Click Here for a current list of homes for sale in Cooley Station. 

If you or someone you know are interested in purchasing or selling a property in Cooley Station or in other areas of Gilbert, Arizona then contact us Today! We are a locally owned real estate brokerage right here in Gilbert and can educate you on the benefits of each community. 

Charlie Chaplin once lost his own look-alike contest

Younger generations may not be familiar with the slapstick comedian, silent film star, and Hollywood icon Charlie Chaplin but his legend is certainly solidified in the hearts and minds of film junkies and history lovers. Before Charlie hit the big-time he cut his teeth as a young performer by clog dancing at the age of 10, and landing his first acting job as a pageboy in a stage production of Sherlock Holmes by the time he was 12. 

In 1975, Charlie heard news of an establishment holding a Charlie Chaplin look-alike contest so he decided to secretly enter the challenge. He came in third place. It should serve as a lesson for all of us that if an acclaimed and prominent celebrity as well known as Charlie Chaplin can't even win at being himself then how much harder is it to act like someone else? Yet in the corporate world this is exactly the trap in which entrepreneurs and small business owners can find themselves entangled.  

It can be a long and difficult road creating a brand, starting a business, establishing a following, and formulating a model for success. There's a lot to be said about copying an already proven method or idea and adding your own unique twist or style. However, is imitating or replicating a previously created institute the best way to rise to the top, or the quickest way to drown in a sea of impersonators? 

How do you stand out among other companies that look like you? 

Charlie Chaplin lost his look-alike contest because his opponents did a better job of looking and acting like the famous figure. So how do you ensure your corporation separates itself from the competition? Small businesses are run by individuals who have a passion for their communities and are generally entrenched in their surroundings. The personalities and character traits of each owner are what set the tone for how a local bakery, clothing boutique, or carpet cleaner will be distinguished among clients and customers. 

Let your individuality, charm, and charisma shine through to establish a difference between you and your competitors. Although Chaplin was in a room of others who were all attempting to portray the same theatrical character, only the true Charlie knew his own personal quirks and mannerisms. Everyone else was simply pretending to be someone they were not, but in the end, Chaplin didn't do a good enough job of being himself. 

Don't let yourself be easily duplicated

All I need to do is mention the name Charlie Chaplin and immediately his signature look comes to mind. The hat, the suit, the mustache, the cane, and the humorous walk are all classically unforgettable. However, developing such a recognizable brand is a double-edged sword. On one hand, pulling off the not-so-easy task of establishing a highly marketable image allows potential clients to know exactly who you are and what you do upon a quick glance at your sign or logo. The flip-side of the coin is that becoming exceptionally recognizable makes you an easy target for imitation. Charlie lost his look-alike contest because it wasn't complicated for anyone to dress like him, act like him, and essentially fool others in to thinking they were him. 

Protecting yourself against impersonators is crucial for long-term business success. There may be several pizza parlors in the same city as you, but what does your restaurant do that can't be duplicated? Is your logo the same color and theme as all the rest? If you blind-folded your customers would they be able to tell the difference between your deep dish as compared to another? 

There are thousands of real estate agents, mortgage lenders, and insurance brokers in which we have to choose. What products and services do you provide that couldn't possibly get you confused with a competitor? Creating a decidedly recognizable brand will bring in customers but it will also put you in the cross-hairs of those who would seek to piggyback off of your accomplishments. 

Stop spinning your cane

Charlie Chaplin will forever be known in the annals of movie making history as the guy who waddled when he walked and spun his cane to incite laughter among his audience. But I'm sure to those who truly and personally knew him, he was much more than his signature role. Unfortunately for Charlie, acting diversity is not a trait in which he'll be remembered. As movie goers evolved and societal humor changed, no longer did crowds pack theater houses to catch his latest comical offering. 

What is your business offering today that may not be popular in the future? You may have struck gold with a product or service which quickly became prosperous but eventually your cane spinning will grow old and tiresome if you don't evolve with your clients changing tastes and demands. Don't allow your business to be painted in to a corner. Leave yourself room to grow, adapt, expand, and advance. 

Learn from your losses

You can bet there were a few lessons learned from Chaplin the night he was unsuccessful at being himself. I envision him later that evening, by himself, perhaps getting a chuckle at losing the competition, but also wondering where he went wrong. How could he have failed at doing the one task he should have been best at? 

If you're an entrepreneur or small business owner you've come up short a time or two.There have been, and will be, moments of defeat. However, that doesn't mean it's time for you to hang up your hat. Charlie Chaplin didn't suddenly stop being Charlie Chaplin because he lost a look-alike contest. In times of failure it's best to reflect on our true identity and remember who we are. Think about what got you to that point of loss. Make note of the missteps and miscalculations to avoid a similar outcome in the future. 

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When you're the leader of a small business it's hard being yourself. The latest trend in marketing or the most recent gimmick based advertising ideas threaten to take away our unique selves as we try and keep up with our competitors. Take a lesson from Charlie Chaplin. Would your clients and customers be able to pick you out of a line-up based upon how well you perform your services or how superior your product is when compared to imposter's and imitators?

Zion Realty is a locally owned Arizona real estate company based out of Gilbert, Arizona. Our knowledge, experience, and customer care is what sets us apart. You won't confuse us with other real estate agents. We would love the opportunity to assist you in your next home sale or purchase. Contact us Today!

The Most Expensive Home sold in Arizona last week - 3/8/16

The most expensive home that sold in Arizona last week is a real treat! Let me introduce you to Chateau on Central. Multiple designers came together to create a Luxury, privately gated Brownstone community right in the heart of Phoenix unlike anything you'd ever see in the area. Located in the landmark corridor on Central Avenue these unique properties offer Five levels of extravagant living and are zoned to allow for "mixed use" on the basement and lower level. This gives the residents the ability to establish and run a business right out of their own homes to allow for a live-work lifestyle. 

The particular unit that sold last week was 8,252 square feet of exquisitely designed perfection. The interior of this brownstone is modern, stylish, and perfect for a young, urban entrepreneur or even a large family in need of space to spread out. Multiple outdoor balconies provide for scenic city views and the central location puts you minutes away from sports arenas, nightlife, art and cultural centers, and award winning restaurants. Each chateau is semi-customizable and all come with a private resort-style elevator to effortlessly carry you from floor-to-floor. There is simply no other community like this one in the area and the fact that there are only 21 units being sold make it highly exclusive. Click on the picture below for the full MLS listing:

Location: Phoenix

Size: 8,252 sqft

Bedrooms: 5

Bathrooms: 3.5

Lot size: 5,479 sqft

If you are in the luxury home market and want a list of luxury homes available in Arizona, contact us Today! We'd love to help you find your dream home!

Market Report - Listing Prices in Gilbert, AZ - February 2016

Everything is looking up for the Gilbert, Arizona housing market. It looks like the busy Spring buying season is starting early in 2016. The average Active list price for a home in Gilbert for the month of February 2016 was $329,900 which is a $14,000 increase from February of 2015.  Sold home values also experienced an increase. The average price for a home sold in Gilbert, Arizona in February was $261,740 which is an increase of $8,000 over last years value. The biggest jump was seen in the New listings coming on to the market. New homes being put up for sale saw a big spike in what sellers are asking for from buyers to purchase their property. 

So what do these numbers mean if you are a current homeowner in Gilbert or you wish to become one? When the annual busy Spring and Summer real estate market begins, it doesn't take long for buyers and sellers to disagree on home prices and values. Sellers generally start to reach for the stars when it comes to pricing their homes, hoping that they can garner top dollar from eager buyers. Meanwhile, buyers are just now rubbing their eyes and waking up from their Winter slumber only to be shocked at the sticker price for homes that they once may have thought were in their budget. If you're attempting to sell your home during the Spring and Summer months it's more important than ever to set a realistic price for your home. If you price your home too high your home will be received by buyers with a resounding thud. The longer your home lingers on the market the more it becomes a stale listing and you may miss your sales window of opportunity. 

Regardless of the current prices in February, if you are a homeowner, you have seen some steady equity built in to your property over the past year. Conversely, if you have been thinking of purchasing a property in Gilbert there are some price ranges that are once again seeing multiple offers placed on homes and buyers are snapping up the most affordable houses that hit the market each week. But armed with a little knowledge and a hard-working real estate agent from Zion Realty wrapping up that perfect home before another buyer gets to it should be a little less stressful! 

If you need more information on homes for sale in Arizona or to find out what your current home is worth contact us Today!