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Gary and Claudia Scott - Scottsdale, AZ Real Estate

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Multiple Listing Service (MLS) still the most accurate source of listing information available

09-03-08
Gary and Claudia Scott - Scottsdale, AZ Real Estate
The conclusion of a recent independent real estate study conducted by the WAV Group released in August 2008 determined that the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) is the most accurate source of listing information available. The ’accuracy’ was defined as a percentage of listings on a site that matched the MLS.
Online real estate search engines have become an established part of the home-buying process over the past decade. Some popular real estate search sites such as Trulia, Google or Zillow rely on listings added by local agents, brokers and third-party resources. With less comprehensive coverage the number of properties being added to these sites is significantly smaller than the actual MLS for an area. Thus, the accuracy of the data as compared with the actual MLS was much lower. Some sites had as low of an accuracy as 8%! With less access to what is available in an area these sites struggle to collect a comparable, comprehensive data set of accurate listings. A site based on information from a local MLS will give consumers a more accurate picture of what’s available in a local market. Many local realtors will offer an Internet Data Exchange (IDX) search of their MLS on their web sites, and public sites such as Realtor.com or Roost.com are enabled by the MLS offering a more accurate representation of the actual markets.
We offer a free IDX searches of the Phoenix metro area market on our web site. We also offer a Power Search that allows you to search by individual city and subdivision. Sometimes the volume of information available can be overwhelming. We know the local area well. We can help you narrow your search and weed out properties/communities you are not interested in. Simply send us a request to create a “Personalized Web Page” for you that is automatically updated twice daily with any listings meeting your requirements. This page is available to you to review by logging on at any time. The interactive format offers detailed listing info, tax records, maps, comparisons and much more! You can categorize each listing, add comments to individual listings, and send direct email messages to us requesting a showing or additional information about a specific property or properties. We specialize in Service to our Clients.
The current market for home buyers with good interest rates and home prices still low provides a great opportunity to purchase a property.
The number of homes for sale continues to drop and the competition for homes will increase as we enter the second busiest home buying season of the year here in the Phoenix metro area.
Please Bookmark our site to search for your new home at any time:
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Our New Adopted Rescue Dog!

09-03-08
Gary and Claudia Scott - Scottsdale, AZ Real Estate

As animal lovers, it was very distressing when our beloved 15 year old mini Schnauzer, Daisy, passed away in June. We allowed some time before we began our search for a new dog to join our family. After such a long time of not having to search for a pet, we found that there are multiple sites on line for pet searching. In today’s environment with many pets needing homes, we opted to look to adopt a ‘rescue dog’ instead of a simply finding a new puppy. One more dog saved from facing ultimate death for lack of a new owner!!

We eventually found the size and type of dog we were searching for and she has now cheerfully joined our family. Of course, she already thinks she ‘rules the roost’. She has proved to be very sweet and bringing enjoyment into our lives.

We appreciate the many rescue organizations and shelters that work so diligently to save pets awaiting death at the county pound! We would highly recommend adopting your next pet through one of these reputable pet adoption agencies!

Meet Heidi

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Upgrades to Realtor.com

08-28-08
Gary and Claudia Scott - Scottsdale, AZ Real Estate
 
Did you know that REALTOR.com® is the most visited real estate web site with 6+ million visitors each month? And, these visitors stay 4 times longer and return more often than they do on other real estate web sites. This trusted web site is an official website of the National Association of Realtors providing reliable information to consumers. 
Now REALTOR.com® has become even better. The newly enhanced REALTOR.com® includes plenty of cutting-edge features and technology-including a new section that home buyers and sellers will find invaluable. The listings are updated every 15 minutes.
The new features include: new technology making the consumer search easy and informative.
· Find Home Values: a comprehensive search and content destination that displays property values and much more for any neighborhood. Site visitors can view the estimated value for a specific home or neighborhood, or they can explore a given area using an interactive map-based interface.
· Find a Neighborhood: Allows consumers to window shop by zooming in to any neighborhood they choose to view activity in that neighborhood.
Check out this upgraded web site: REALTOR.com®
The Internet has been revolutionizing real estate for years now: according to the National Association of Realtors (NAR) more than 80 percent of buyers look at homes on the Internet. Working with an Internet-savvy agent is as important for buyers as it is for sellers!
We are proud members of REALTOR.com® . We use syndication to publish our listing widely. In addition to the MLS, REALTOR.com® , Homes.com, our personal web sites we syndicate your listings to Myspace, Postlets, Zillow, Trulia, Craigslist, Yahoo!, Google, and MORE. 
 
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What Makes a Green Home?

08-27-08
Gary and Claudia Scott - Scottsdale, AZ Real Estate

What Makes a Green Home?

A green home incorporates smart design, technology, construction and maintenance elements to significantly lessen the negative impact of the home on the environment and improve the health of the people who live inside. No matter your location or living situation, the opportunities for living a greener life at home are limited only by your imagination.

On average, green buildings save 10% of utility costs each year -- and sometimes much more.

Check out the Green Home Guide below to discover ways to make your home more efficient

Green Home Building

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Today’s “Buyer’s Market”

08-25-08
Gary and Claudia Scott - Scottsdale, AZ Real Estate
   
Today’s “Buyer’s Market” - In today’s transitioning marketplace with a large inventory and uncertain direction, the buyer is often very anxious. The slide in late 2005 is in the process of recovering although no one has a crystal ball to predict when this market will turn around. Some buyers in these uncertain waters are concerned about the future value of the home they buy.
Buyers are not necessarily being greedy but many buyers are prepared to walk away from sellers who are unwilling to negotiate in this market. It is key for the seller to price his home realistically - price it right for maximum exposure. The longer a home is on the market the less attractive it appears. Listen to the experts, you are paying your Realtor for his advise and expertise. Review the comprehensive market analysis provided by your realtor and then go with your Realtor and actually preview your competition. The price should be set at what fair market value you can get, not at what you ‘think it is worth’. The appraisal you had in 2005 is not necessarily the value of your home in today’s market. With the tools available to them, buyers are well educated in the value of the homes in your neighborhood. The only thing that matters is what a buyer is willing to pay for the home today. 
Obviously the condition of your home is significant. You don’t necessarily have to install granite counter tops, but put your best food forward. Make sure it is clean, well maintained and free of extra clutter. If there are obvious items that need repair or replacement get it completed prior to listing the home. A fresh coat paint of one of the new “in colors” is an inexpensive way to give the home that designer look. Showcase your home to make it stand out from the crowd!!
Buyers—If you are serious about buying a home, you should decide if you are ready to actively shop and then negotiate a fair deal instead of waiting for prices to drop. Now is a great time to buy as it is like buying premium stocks when the market it down!! 
If you are thinking of buying or selling, contact us! Toll Free 899-464-2140
 
 
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