Greetings! In this month's newsletter, we're going to go over what you can do to give your house that all important "curb appeal." We're also going to look a little bit at different paint colors and how they can affect the way you see things.
Gilbert, Arizona Homes Anthem at Merrill Ranch Tempe, Arizona Condos Million Dollar Plus Homes Power Ranch Homes Candace Robinson HomeSmart Real Estate 480.202.3558 direct 1745 S. Alma School Rd Mesa, AZ 85210
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Fronting Up Well | |||||||
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Some estimates say that whatever you put into your front yard in terms of investment, you will get back four times over. We are not making any hard and fast claims about that … but we do know that the front yard can absolutely make or break a home’s salability. Everybody knows, from being told as a kid, that true beauty is on the inside. But when it comes to real estate (and books, incidentally!) we still judge by the cover. If doesn’t matter how much you’ve spent on the bathroom, kitchen or carpeting in the bulk of the house, if you have left your front yard messy, there will be a majority of people who won’t even bother to see those things, because the front yard made them feel it wasn’t worth bothering. So where do you start in your front yard? Cleaning it up is the first big step. It has to be mean and clean – no exceptions. If you have bark or rock garden beds, get all of the weds out from the middle of them, rake them flat and blow them off using the gentlest setting on a garden blower. Remove any garden debris that hasn’t been removed by the blower. Wash off your driveway – either give it a good sweep down, hose it off or get down with a scrubbing brush for oil and other car fluid stains. Wash or scrub your paving. Wash all of your fences and handrails with soap and water. Clean out the gutters , and while you are up there, you could give the roof and the gutters themselves a wash down with a bucket. Grab a pressure washer (you can hire them or borrow them if you don’t already have one) to do the exterior walls, and grab a ladder to do the windows and windowsills. After this, go through your front yard and have a look at everything somebody will be touching or using on their way through – things like gate handles, paths, house numbers (which are used to find the house!), porches and door knockers or bells. Consider replacing these if they are getting a bit worn, or else just give them a bit of extra spit and polish. Think about getting things like a hose reel, a lock for the mailbox, even a remote control system for either the gate or garage … it will be noticed! The part that is a lot more fun, but also more time consuming and requires more investment, is in the structure of the yard. Here you can think about walling and sectioning areas, tree placement and garden bed placement. There are a thousand different best case scenarios for a thousand different homes, but this is where you consider fencing, usability and balance. In terms of trees, think about the visual balance of your home from the street. If your front door is in the middle of the house when viewed from the front, create roughly symmetrical plantings on either side of it. Use larger trees and more shrubs to create symmetry if your front door is off to one side. Use repeating patterns throughout your garden, and don’t choose too many different types of trees or plants – create a theme. Also, when you are planting, don’t allow the front door to be ‘covered’ – of course you will always be able to use it, but try not to obscure it visually. That makes your home seem less welcoming – and while privacy may be good, if you are trying to sell, potential buyers need to feel welcome. However, just remember you are halfway there simply by thinking about it and putting in a little effort. Not much more to go! Paint It … Black? You will often see it written that a fresh coat of paint is one of the easiest and cheapest ways to liven up your home for sale – not to mention adding to its value. When it comes to choosing the color though, you obviously have the whole rainbow to choose from … plus a little more, when you add metallic colors, and variations like pastel, tints and stains. However, when you are looking to sell your home, the color scheme you choose is not about you at all – it is about potential buyers, and what they want to see. So, how do you get inside their heads? Well, there is a little coda to start with – you can’t please all of the people all of the time. Even if you paint a natural color like white, beige or tan, some people will be utterly repulsed by it. Even when you have painted freshly, some people will still come in and the first thing they say will be “Gosh, it’d be a great home if it only wasn’t painted such an awful color!”. Don’t worry about this – it’s natural. You will always be guided somewhat by your own tastes and preferences, but there are some ways to make sure, within those parameters, that you choose colors that will sit with the widest range of people. A good starting point is looking at your surroundings. Even if your neighbor’s houses are painted sunset orange with violent purple windowsills, don’t ignore them completely in picking your paint. Choose a more subtle version of gaudy colors (plum, or perhaps terracotta for highlights on a neutral background would be a good choice in this case), or try to choose complementary colors. Grab a color wheel (with the spectrum on it) from a paint or hardware shop, and look at painting a color that is close to either side of your neighbors’ colors, or on the opposite side of the wheel. Your surroundings are also important in terms of your landscaping and yard. If you have a lot of trees around your house, don’t paint it green. You’ll never get it a green that matches every tree, nor one that complements every tree. If you have flowering trees or shrubs in your yard (especially your front yard – the first impression is the most important!), consider using these as a basis for a highlight color. Choose the ones that are either most prevalent, or will be in season when you are selling. As you will know if you have ever painted a house, it can soon become an executive decision as to what you paint which color. Does the ceiling detail get painted the highlight color (it just takes so long!), or is it better off downplayed? What color should the air conditioner be? What about the downspouts? They are really part of the body of the house, they should be the highlight color, right? Well, you need to decide according to what sort of feature the item is. If it is artistic, highlight it. If it is purely practical, then don’t. As to the actual color … don’t be limited to the neutral palette. Sure, some people might be put off by your choice, but this will also be true whatever color you paint. Feature walls and modern, fashionably colored detailing can make an indelible first impression on the right buyer, that is worth more than all of the unease on some other potentials. Don’t go crazy, but don’t be afraid of color, either. Remember, just like in clothing, white (or light colors) seem to expand, where black and darker colors draw in. If you have a small house that you want to seem larger, go lighter. If your house is large and you want to make the yard more of a feature, go dark. Don’t forget, you can try before you buy … that is the beauty of paint, that it can always be painted over! Sample pots are often free, and you can bring your ideas out of the realm of imagination, into what your potential buyers will actually see. Above all, have fun! Regards, |
Your credit score has a huge impact on your personal finances, especially now that it’s tougher to qualify for loans. If you have a good score, you can take advantage of today’s low mortgage rates. If you have a bad score, you might not be able to get a loan at all.
I found this fascinating quote today:
The advent of common use of credit scores has become commonplace. One provider of these has become so dominant in this service that its name has become synonymous– Fair Isaac Company, “FICO”, was founded in 1956 by Bill Fair, an engineer, and another gentleman, Earl Isaac, a mathematician. Today, the FICO score ranks a potential buyer/borrower applicant according to the likelihood that they will default in the future, with higher credit scores indicative of lower risk and lower credit scores indicative of higher risk. FICO Bureau Scores range approximately from 375 to above 850.Is Your Credit Score Scary?
You should read the whole article.
This year, VA-backed loans are up 31 percent nationwide over last year due in no small part to it being one of the few 100% financing options available after 3rd party down payment assistance were eliminated effective October 1 of this year.
I found this fascinating quote today:
VA loans were designed to help veterans of the armed services, either currently serving in active duty or in the reserves, as well as their spouses. In order to qualify for a VA loan, a veteran must meet the eligibility guidelines set by the Department of Veterans Affairs. VA Loans enable veterans that qualify to put no money down on a mortgage loan up to $417,000.VA Loans Are A Great Option For Veterans, Oct 2008
You should read the whole article.
Homeowner insurance is probably the least appreciated or thought about policy in your home. You buy it when you buy your home, the premium is paid through your mortgage and when you get the renewal you just look at it and then wonder if you should file it or throw it away.
I found this fascinating quote today:
Here are the basics of what your homeowners insurance policy covers and how you can determine if you’re covered correctly or if you’re paying for something you don’t want..Home Insurance Basics
You should read the whole article.
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HomeSmart Difference - The Smart Move! How Much is Your Home Worth? How Much Can You Afford? Serving Gilbert, Mesa, Chandler, Ocotillo, Tempe, Phoenix, Scottsdale and more... AZ REALTOR®
Representing Buyers and Sellers Valley Wide
Welcome to your virtual Arizona directory. I'm Candace Robinson, an Arizona Licensed Real Estate agent with HomeSmart Internation Real Estate in Phoenix metro area. As a member of our local Arizona Association of REALTORS® and the National Association of REALTORS®. I work with both Buyers and Sellers serving the East Valley and surrounding areas including Gilbert, Chandler, Tempe, Mesa, Fountain Hills, Apache Junction, Ocotillo, Scottsdale, Cave Creek, Phoenix, Queen Creek, Casa Grande, Maricopa, Ahwatukee and more.
Providing a full range of real estate services HomeSmart is the smart move for all your real estate needs. If you are looking into buying or selling a home in the Phoenix metropolitan area, hire a REALTOR® like myself, who wants to win your business and trust. I will be honored to share with you an educated idea of what your home's value is based on experience, local knowledge, and comparable actual sales in your neighborhood! To get a FREE no-obligation Home Evaluation specific to your needs be sure to contact me. If you have any general questions about buying or selling real estate with my HomeSmart marketing plan please don't hesitate to contact me.
Gilbert is one of the fastest growing municipalities in the nation. And for good reason! For those seeking a dynamic, community minded environment, Gilbert has it all, delivering a contemporary suburban lifestyle bordered by the urban resources of the adjacent Phoenix.
Gilbert offers excellent freeway access. US-60 runs along the northern border of the Town, connecting to the other cities in the East Valley. The San Tan freeway runs directly through Gilbert from US-60 south, and west to the Interstate 10. Gilbert is only about 15 minutes from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.
Gilbert, Arizona has successfully maintained its small town feel and you will find the sense of community is focused on raising a family, quality education, plentiful leisure activities, and a fantastic business core. It is an excellent reference for businesses and residents alike. Gilbert was ranked #22 as the safest cities in US in 2006.
Gilbert and surrounding communities include parks, equestrian trails, golf courses, tennis courts, fishing, boating. Whatever your choice of lifestyle, Gilbert offers an excellent quality of life!
Town of Gilbert
Population by year
1950
1,833
1960
1,971
1970
5,717
1980
16,920
1990
29,122
2000
109,697
2005
173,989
2006
191,517
Gilbert is centrally located in Arizona and was incorporated on July 6, 1920. In 1902, the Arizona Eastern Railway asked for donations of right of way in order to establish a rail line between Phoenix and Florence. A rail siding was established on property owned by William "Bobby" Gilbert. The siding, and the town that sprung up around it, eventually became known as Gilbert. Gilbert was a prime farming community, fueled by the construction of the Roosevelt Dam and the Eastern and Consolidated Canals in 1911. It remained an agriculture town for many years, and was known as the "Hay Capital of the World" until the late 1920s. Gilbert began to take its current shape during the 1970s when the Town Council approved a strip annexation that encompassed 53 square miles of county land. Although the population was only 5,717 in 1970 the Council realized that Gilbert would eventually grow and develop much like the neighboring communities of Tempe, Mesa, and Chandler. In the last two decades, Gilbert has grown at a pace unparalleled by most communities in the United States, increasing in population from 29,122 in 1990 to over 191,000 in 2006.
I moved to Arizona in November of 1974 and have lived in the Gilbert/Mesa area ever since. I built my first home in Gilbert in 1987. I raised my three children in Gilbert and found this a very exciting place for all walks of life. The Gilbert School District was my main motivation to move from Mesa where my parents lived to Gilbert. Our first home was built by a local contractor, ALC Builders. I currently still live in Gilbert, Arizona and find this a fantastic place to raise your family, own your own business and be centrally located to so many wonderful restaurants, shopping malls, parks, and recreational activities. Enjoy yourself in Gilbert, Arizona!
Nearest cities:
Mesa, AZ (4.7 miles ), Chandler, AZ (7.7 miles ), Queen Creek, AZ (10.9 miles ), Salt River, AZ (11.5 miles ), Sun Lakes, AZ (11.6 miles ), Tempe, AZ (11.8 miles ), Santan, AZ (13.6 miles ), Guadalupe, AZ (13.8 miles ).
Southeast Regional Library Located on a 127-acre site, the Southeast Regional Library not only offers books, videos, CDs and access to the web, visitors also have spectacular views of the Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch
The 110-acre Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch is located at 2757 E. Guadalupe Road east of Greenfield Road, next to the Southeast Regional Library in Gilbert, Arizona. At the Riparian Preserve over 200 species of birds can be seen throughout the year. There are 4.5 miles of walking trails, and fishing at the recreation lake at Water Ranch. This unique area was designed to utilize recycled water to create community wetland wildlife sanctuaries for recreation, education, and research. The Riparian Institute also offers programs and classes to the public, like birds walks, kids camps and programs, and public viewings at the new observatory. Download Map
Heritage District An officially recognized and established historic area, the Heritage District marks the original Gilbert town site and is still the historic center of the community. The Heritage District includes one-of-a-kind restaurants, shops and offices.
The Hale Centre Theatre has a legendary heritage as the longest continuously running, privately owned and operated theater company in America. You can find it now in the Heritage District in downtown Gilbert, presenting a variety of theatrical performances.
Gilbert Town Square, an urban village created by Triple Five Arizona Development, features a 14-screen megaplex theater, retail shops and restaurants.
Gilbert Days November marks Gilbert Days, a unique, three-day celebration that marks the paving of Gilbert Road through downtown. Gilbert Days provides fun-filled activities for the entire family including the Gilbert Days 5K Run and 1 Mile Fun Run, a parade through downtown, and IPRA Rodeo action and carnival that takes places at Gilbert Rodeo Park.
Gilbert Historical Society Museum The town's history has been captured in the Gilbert Historical Society Museum. Located in a building that was once the original Town School at 10 S. Gilbert Road.
Freestone Skate Park From the novice in-line skater to the extreme skateboarder, Gilbert's 22,000 sq. ft. skate park offers features that accommodate all skill levels. The skate park located in Freestone Park offers free, non-supervised skating to visitors.
Freestone Park Gilbert's flagship park truly is a wonderful place to visit and play. Freestone Park features ball fields, sport courts, a train, batting cage concession, playgrounds and picnic ramadas for visitors to enjoy. Located at the park you will also find and amphitheatre, Gilbert's Skate Park and the Freestone Recreation Center.
Crossroads Dog Park This dog park is on the west side of Greenfield Road, south of Warner Road. The dog park hours are 6 a.m.- 10 p.m., seven days per week. 2155 E. Knox Road.
Cosmo Park is located at the northeast corner of Ray Road and the Santan Loop 202 in Gilbert. Hours are 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. The park features a lighted fenced dog park.
SPORTS & RECREATION Outdoor recreation abounds in the area. Among the offerings are:
The largest non-government employers in the Town of Gilbert and surrounding area:
References:
Schools in Gilbert and surrounding areas:
Gilbert school information (with maps)
Colleges/universities with over 2000 students nearest to Gilbert:
CHANDLER/GILBERT COMMUNITY COLLEGE (about 6 miles; CHANDLER, AZ)
MESA COMMUNITY COLLEGE (about 9 miles; MESA, AZ)
SCOTTSDALE COMMUNITY COLLEGE (about 12 miles; SCOTTSDALE)
RIO SALADO COMMUNITY COLLEGE (about 13 miles; TEMPE, AZ)
AL COLLINS GRAPHIC DESIGN SCHOOL LTD (about 13 miles; TEMPE)
ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY-MAIN CAMPUS (about 14 miles; TEMPE, AZ)
UNIVERSITY OF PHOENIX-PHOENIX CAMPUS (about 19 miles; PHOENIX, AZ)
Public high schools in Gilbert:
MESQUITE HIGH SCHOOL (Students: 3,034; Location: 500 S MCQUEEN RD; Grades: 09 - 12)
GILBERT HIGH SCHOOL (Students: 2,996; Location: 1101 EAST ELLIOT RD.; Grades: 09 - 12)
HIGHLAND HIGH SCHOOL (Students: 2,347; Location: 4301 EAST GUADALUPE ROAD; Grades: 09 - 12)
HIGLEY HIGH SCHOOL (Students: 1,126; Location: 4068 EAST PECOS ROAD; Grades: 09 - 12)
DESERT HILLS HIGH SCHOOL (Students: 384; Location: 1515 S. VAL VISTA DR.; Grades: 09 - 12)
GILBERT LEARNING CENTER (Students: 197; Location: 140 S. GILBERT RD.; Grades: 07 - 12)
GILBERT NIGHT SCHOOL (Students: 65; Location: 140 S. GILBERT RD.; Grades: 09 - 12)
WILLIAMS HIGH SCHOOL (Scheduled to Open 2007)
Biggest public primary/middle schools in Gilbert:
EVIT GILBERT (Students: 2,128; Location: 140 S GILBERT ROAD; Grades: UG - UG)
GREENFIELD JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL (Students: 1,472; Location: 101 SOUTH GREENFIELD ROAD; Grades: 07 - 08)
SAN TAN ELEMENTARY (Students: 1,185; Location: 3443 E. CALISTOGA; Grades: PK - 08)
EDU-PRIZE (Students: 1,128; Location: 580 W. MELODY AVE.; Grades: KG - 08)
MESQUITE JR HIGH SCHOOL (Students: 1,034; Location: 140 SOUTH GILBERT ROAD; Grades: 07 - 08)
GILBERT JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL (Students: 1,002; Location: 1016 N. BURK; Grades: 07 - 08)
FINLEY FARMS ELEMENTARY (Students: 989; Location: 375 S. COLUMBUS DRIVE; Grades: KG - 06)
CAROL RAE RANCH ELEMENTARY (Students: 968; Location: 3777 E. HOUSTON AVE; Grades: PK - 06)
GILBERT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (Students: 950; Location: 175 W. ELLIOTT; Grades: PK - 06)
SETTLERS POINT ELEMENTARY (Students: 900; Location: 423 E. SETTLER'S POINT DRIVE; Grades: KG - 06)
Private primary/middle schools in Gilbert:
LA PETITE ACADEMY (Students: 308; Location: 700 S. ISLAND DRIVE WEST; Grades: PK - 4)
CHRISTS GREENFIELD LUTHERAN SC (Students: 280; Location: 425 N GREENFIELD RD; Grades: PK - 6)
HERITAGE CHRISTIAN ACADEMY (Students: 375; Location: 919 E GUADALUPE ROAD; Grades: K2-8th)
SURREY GARDEN CHRISTIAN SCHOOL (Students: 100; Location: 450 E PARK AVE; Grades: KG - 9)
HomeSmart...the Smart Move
Free Market Analysis - NO Obligation!
The correct selling price of a home is the highest price that the market will bear. To assist you in determining the correct asking price I will provide you with a comprehensive market analysis of comparable properties sold and offered for sale in your neighborhood.
To provide a more detailed Comparative Market Analysis, I would be more than happy to also assess your listing in person. Feel free to contact me for your NO obligation analysis today!
Not sure which neighborhood is right for you? Need information about Gilbert schools, employers, local taxes and financing? Whether you are relocating for a new job, for family, or to retire, I can help make your move successful and stress free.
Contact me for all of your relocation needs including:
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