Need to Rekey Your Mailbox? Information for the new home owner in Maricopa
Express Mailbox Lock, Key & Repair
24 hour line: (480)440-4424
Office: (480)558-3313
Fax: 480)813-2285
Monday-Friday 8am to 5pm, Saturday 7am-4pm
On day 1 of my move I got my locks changed for my doors but at that time I had no idea which mailbox was mine so they were unable to rekey it. I called the post office to find out the location of my mailbox and the next day I was informed that it was 3-D. I then called the locksmith to schedule an appointment. The owner of the company did express to me that her company likes to focus on doors not on mailboxes since the drilling of the mailbox can be difficult. However, she agreed to do it and said she would call on her next scheduled Maricopa appointment. I haven’t heard from her since.
A client of mine recommended Express Mail Service. She said they did an excellent job and had her mailbox rekeyed quickly. I gave them a call and they provided the best customer service to date. They had my mailbox rekeyed that same day for $50.00, explained in detail their services and even mailed me brochures, magnets, pens, and a newsletter.
What I liked the best is that Express Mailbox Lock, Key & Repair made me feel secure. They hold a security clearance and carry keys for the USPS which helps avoid drilling out locks. Express has the largest private mailbox database enabling them to access customer mailbox information fast and in most cases free of charge. Good thing I didn’t have my original locksmith drill my mailbox because later I found out that the mailbox location the post office gave to me was incorrect. My mailbox was actually 3-E I found out after Express Mailbox rekeyed my box. Disaster averted! This is a prime example of why it’s safer to go with a company that deals primarily with mailbox locks and who has access to a private mailbox database. This can help protect against mistakes such as what could have happened in my case. And what about identity theft? Couldn’t I just say mailbox 2-D is mine when in fact it’s a complete strangers? How would a private locksmith know if I was telling the truth? Express Mail Service works with USPS to avoid things like identity theft.
Bear in mind these are my experiences. If you have any information on another mailbox lock service that you feel is better, send the info my way. I’m open to any good deals out there.
For more MLS listings go to http://www.homesforsaleinmaricopa.com or
Bank owned or HUD homes click here
Pool homes click here
Karen Montgomery ~ Karen Sells Arizona
Call me directly or text me at 520-858-5359
Karen Montgomery ~ Karen Sells Arizona
Useful Maricopa websites
Maricopa Police Department- (520)316-6800/ 45147 W. Madison Ave
Information regarding elementary, middle, and high schools-www.maricopausd.org/
Pinal County information- http://pinalcountyaz.gov/Pages/Home.aspx
Golf Courses- The Duke at Rancho El Dorado http://www.thedukegolf.com
Ak-Chin Southern Dunes Golf Club http://www.golfsoutherndunes.com
Maricopa's Newspaper- http://www.copanews.com
Harrah's Ak-Chin Casino- http://www.harrahsakchin.com
Need to Rekey Your Mailbox? Information for the new home owner in Maricopa
Karen Sells Arizona presents video: 1st Edition of Maricopa Cribs (Senita)
Team Realty Force is excited to make viral the first edition of Maricopa Cribs!!!! Our goal is to showcase homes once they have sold and people have moved in. As a first time home owner I jumped at the opportunity to be the first to video my home. Buying a home can be an emotional roller coaster, especially if there is a loan involved but in the end it is well worth it. See this video of another happy home owner. Thank you Maricopa Cribs for allowing me to gloat about my new house!
My Maricopa Crib fact sheet:
4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1,937 square feet, next to a green belt, backyard has a covered patio/grass/ rocks/fruit tree, dual sinks in the master bathroom, built in 2007, DR Horton builder, 6,534 square foot lot, move in ready, vaulted ceilings, stove, microwave and dishwasher included for....
$85,000!
Note: There has been talk of Maricopa Cribs expansion already. Spin offs soon to come are CG Cribs (AKA Casa Grande), QC Cribs (AKA Queen Creek), and G -Canyon Cribs (Gold Canyon).
Karen Sells Arizona presents Maricopa Cribs video:
Cast in no particular order (oldest first)
Maricopa Cribs host played by Marc Montgomery
Charmin played by Ernesto Esguerra
Microphone played by Mike
Homeowner played by Karen Montgomery
Filming
Sonja Jamilla
Transportation
Mike
For more MLS listings go to http://www.homesforsaleinmaricopa.com or
Bank owned or HUD homes click here
Pool homes click here
Karen Montgomery ~ Karen Sells Arizona
Call me directly or text me at 520-858-5359
Karen Montgomery ~ Karen Sells Arizona
Useful Maricopa websites
Maricopa Police Department- (520)316-6800/ 45147 W. Madison Ave, Maricopa 85139
Information regarding elementary, middle, and high schools- http://www.maricopausd.org/
Pinal County information- http://pinalcountyaz.gov/Pages/Home.aspx
Golf Courses- The Duke at Rancho El Dorado http://www.thedukegolf.com
Ak-Chin Southern Dunes Golf Club http://www.golfsoutherndunes.com
Maricopa's Newspaper- http://www.copanews.com
Harrah's Ak-Chin Casino- http://www.harrahsakchin.com
Karen Sells Arizona presents video: 1st Edition of Maricopa Cribs (Senita)
Karen Sells Arizona Presents SCAM ALERT: "Sorry We Missed You. Please call to reschedule"
So if you are someone who has been following my blog (one of the few haha) than you probably know that I recently became a home owner. Yippee! So exciting! As a home owner there are more responsibilities and more issues to deal with. Yesterday, I was at home all day waiting for the cable guy, the internet guy, and the other guys that are needed to fully equip my new home and while I was waiting I heard someone talking loudly outside my front door. He was obviously talking on his cell phone and I expected to hear the door bell ring or a door knock. Nothing. Then I heard him drive off. I went to see what advertisement was left behind but instead I see on my door handle a notice saying, "Sorry We Missed You. Please call to reschedule." hmmmm.... This is what it looked like:
There was no way I was calling the phone numbers listed on this notification. I immediately looked up this company and found tons of postings from people warning others about this scam and that it's been occuring all throughout Arizona. This "Metro Delivery" fake company tends to target recent home owners (lucky me!). I told my dad and he told me to report it to the police. I did my duty and called the Police Department. The police officer I talked to was really friendly but said there wasn't much he could do. They have to catch these scammers in the act. He did mention that this is a common occurrence and to never call these people. They will likely try to get money from you and use fake email addresses and other methods so that they are untraceable. He recommended that I report it to the FBI and directed me to the following website:
Following this through to the end I reported the scam through this website. Super easy. Click on "Contact Us" and then click on "Submit a Tip on Crime/Terrorism." I had to fill in my contact information and write a brief summary of what happened.
Case Closed!
For more MLS listings go to http://www.homesforsaleinmaricopa.com or
Bank owned or HUD homes click here
Pool homes click here
Karen Montgomery ~ Karen Sells Arizona
Useful Maricopa websites
Maricopa Police Department- (520)316-6800/ 45147 W. Madison Ave, Maricopa 85139
Information regarding elementary, middle, and high schools- http://www.maricopausd.org/
Pinal County information- http://pinalcountyaz.gov/Pages/Home.aspx
Golf Courses- The Duke at Rancho El Dorado http://www.thedukegolf.com
Ak-Chin Southern Dunes Golf Club http://www.golfsoutherndunes.com
Maricopa's Newspaper- http://www.copanews.com
Harrah's Ak-Chin Casino- http://www.harrahsakchin.com
A Realtors Testimony Detailing Her Personal Home Loan Process in Senita Maricopa
Karen Sells Arizona: First-hand account as a first time home buyer
Part IV
Now I can completely understand why my clients freak out during the loan process. I have often heard from clients that they feel like their personal lives are being exposed and defensively say that their finances are being put under attack. They have complained that their lender has lost paperwork that they already sent and I clearly remember the moment when one of my clients said with exasperation, "Karen, I feel like I am going through the Spanish inquisition!" I'm not going to lie, at that time, I kind of thought there was some exaggeration, but now I can see that maybe they were onto something. What I have learned through the loan process is that getting a loan is stressful! Understandably, the lender wants to make sure they are making low-risk loans, and we are in the current housing mess because of shaky loans, but at times it does feel a bit much. The worst part of the whole process, especially in my case is the time crunch. I got a Freddie Mac foreclosed home (before I forget, I loved Freddie Mac through this process. They did everything I asked and more). You have a close of escrow date that must be abided by or else you run the risk of paying fines daily or face cancellation. You may not hear from your lender for days and then all of a sudden you need all this paperwork in less than 48 hours. You begin to dread phone calls from your lender because you know they are going to ask you for another piece of paperwork or write another letter of explanation.
My case is unique. I am completely relying on my parents' income to get a loan. I traveled overseas for the majority of 2010 and just started off my real estate career in November 2010 and of course needed to figure out this industry so didn't make any deals my first two months. I guess my lending company even had a board meeting to discuss my case focusing on the fact that I would be the primary occupant and my parents would be my silent savior if need be. My lender said in all his years they never had a board meeting in the preliminary stages for a situation such as mine. He also said he has never had three files, my mom, dad and mine with such clean credit histories for the last 10 years. Not one of us had any red flags, ever, not once in a decade (thanks Mommy for drilling that in). I wrote a letter explaining my track record in real estate up until now (pretty good for a newbie I might add) and my lender was given the green light.
I do feel like I understand what my clients go through when getting a loan. However, I also can let them know it will likely work out in the end and be well worth it. Because in the end you have a new house! Such a great prize for all that hard work :)
MY ESCROW TIMELINE:
May 6th-Lender needs copies of driver's license, social security card/passport, last 2 month bank statements (all pages), last 2 years federal tax returns, copy of last 2 years W2's, and copy of last 30 days pay stubs.
May ? -signed the application documents.
June 5th-Lender needs to know how many completed years of schooling for all parties, proof of my income with Top Five Real Estate Group, recent mortgage coupons for parents, a letter stating that my parent's house is not part of an HOA, signed US Patriot Act form, one month of recent pay stubs from parents, name and addresses of employers, pension letters, proof of cancelled earnest money deposit check through bank account, my 2008 and 2009 tax returns.
June 23rd -appraisal received
June 28th - Need more paperwork! What? We are supposed to close in 3 days. This was my freak out moment. I had been emailing my lender with no response for a couple of weeks. Why no answer? On vacation. Oh, and the company is understaffed. Great!
Lender needs anti steering paper (we already signed this in the beginning but it's missing), a couple of my real estate license, June mortgage statement is missing, letter of explanation why my parents are helping me, updated pay stubs for everyone, updated pension statement and Hazard agent contact information
June 29th - My birthday. Oh, and a 2 week extension with no per diem, phew! The bank addendums say $100/calendar day could be charged if file doesn't close on July 1st.
July 1st-close of escrow
July 7th - in underwriting
July 7th- I drive by the property and note that the Mesquite tree in the front yard is completely dead and the sages are soon to follow. The automatic watering system has been off for months. I call the listing agent and a landscaper is supposed to be tending to the landscaping once a week. Wow, that was obviously not happening. Listing agent said he would take care of it. Oh, and the other full grown mesquite has fallen down from that crazy dust storm.
July 8th-conditions: Need a note from parent's bank if they are paying interest only on their loan or if it's fully amortized, need November 2010 bank statement (long story), seller must get in writing that they do not need a formal letter stating who the primary occupant will be, HOA document needs a $ amount, homeowners insurance is fine (not really though), mom and dad must send an email stating they received the appraisal.
July 11th-every document is on underwriter's desk Monday morning for final approval
July 12th- lender tells me that American Family Insurance doesn't know about my new house. I thought my lender and parents were dealing with this. I have to call and get immediate approval with signatures. Thank goodness for scanners.
July 14th-title docs are signed by my parents and me. We rush to get a cashier's check for closing costs. Done!
July 15th-new close of escrow
July 15th- Seller needs to sign HUD-1
July 16th- I drive by my future house and see that a new mesquite tree is planted and that the other mesquite tree is now upright.
July 18th-Seller returns HUD-1 signed to the lender so that lender can fund.
My locked in interest rate is a problem. Today is the deadline from a funding aspect. We have until noon to fund with the lending company. I get a call at 12:15pm from the lender saying they can't get a hold of my parents' employers for employment confirmation. I contact my parents to make sure HR answers their phones. 12:30 they receive confirmation. We are now funded.
July 18th- Recordation! I am now a new home owner.
July 22nd-new close of escrow
My New Home!!!
SOLD
For more MLS listings go to http://www.homesforsaleinmaricopa.com or
click on HOME BARGAIN PLANET
Bank owned or HUD homes click here
Pool homes click here
OPEN HOUSE ALERT!!!
A daily open house is being held at this house located at 22359 Gibson Dr. in Cobblestone Farms (first subdivision on the left coming from I-10) until this house is sold. Usually a realtor is here Monday through Sunday 11am-5pm. Come and stop by to see this gorgeous house or to gain access to all the houses currently on the market.
Karen Montgomery ~ Karen Sells Arizona
Useful Maricopa websites
Information regarding elementary, middle, and high schools- http://www.maricopausd.org/
Pinal County information- http://pinalcountyaz.gov/Pages/Home.aspx
Golf Courses- The Duke at Rancho El Dorado http://www.thedukegolf.com
Ak-Chin Southern Dunes Golf Club http://www.golfsoutherndunes.com
Maricopa's Newspaper- http://www.copanews.com
Harrah's Ak-Chin Casino- http://www.harrahsakchin.com
HOA pricing in Maricopa Homes for Sale, Maricopa Homes for sale HOA pricing
A common question I get when searching for a home with clients is, "What are the HOA fees for this subdivision?" Another common question once we win an offer and the lovely escrow process begins is, "How much are the transfer fees?" So, I decided to call up most of the HOA companies in Maricopa to figure out their pricing. Now, these may not be the most up-to-date price list, but it will give you a general idea. Contacting the HOA company directly when you start becoming serious about a home is recommended. So here you go (in no particular order)......
Rancho El Dorado
Rossmar & Graham 480-551-4300 http://www.rossmar.com/
Quarterly fees: $175 ($58.33/month) which includes cable
One-time payment at the time of purchase (at closing and negotiable with seller): Transfer fees= $195.00 and Resale Disclosure= $374.95
Maricopa Meadows
Rossmar & Graham 480-551-4300 http://www.rossmar.com/
Quarterly dues: $207.38 ($69.13/month) which includes cable
One-time payment at the time of purchase (at closing and negotiable with seller): Resale transfer fees=$200.00 Working capital fees=$99.00 Reserve = $99.00 and Resale Disclosure = $374.95
Senita
Ogden and Company 480-396-4567 http://www.ogdenre.com/arizona/
http://www.senitahoa.com/Senita/outside_home.asp
Monthly dues: $55
One-time payment at the time of purchase (at closing and negotiable with seller): Transfer fees= $100.00 and disclosures=$175
Cobblestone Farms
AAM 602-957-9191 http://www.associatedasset.com/
Quarterly dues: $266.69 ($88.90/month) which includes cable
One-time payment at the time of purchase (at closing and negotiable with seller): Resale Transfer fees=$143.34, AAM transfer fee=$100, Disclosures = $175.00, Contribution=$215.15, Utility set-up fee=$34.34
Acacia Crossings
City Property Management 602-437-4777
Monthly dues: $63.79 including cable
Province
Province Community Asset Mgt (AAM) 602-957-9191 http://www.associatedasset.com/
Quarterly dues: $441 ($147/monthly)
One-time payment at the time of purchase (at closing and negotiable with seller): AAM Transfer Fee=$100, Disclosure fee=$175, HOA Transfer Fee=$441
Villages of El Dorado
Associated Asset Mgt (AAM) 602-957-9191 http://www.associatedasset.com/
Monthly dues: $62.17 which includes cable
One-time payment at the time of purchase (at closing and negotiable with seller): Transfer fee=$100, Disclosure Fee=$165
Homestead
Associated Asset Mgt (AAM) 602-957-9191 http://www.associatedasset.com/
Quarterly dues: $166.51 ($55.50/month)
One-time payment at the time of purchase (at closing and negotiable with seller): AAM Transfer fee= $100, Disclosure fee=$175, HOA transfer fee=$110.34
Alterra
Associated Asset Mgt (AAM) 602-957-9191 http://www.associatedasset.com/
Monthly dues $57.20
One-time payment at the time of purchase (at closing and negotiable with seller)One-time payment--Working Capital $171.60, HOA Transfer Fee= $150.00, AAMTransfer Fee=$100.00, Disclosure Fee=$175
The Lakes
Associated Asset Mgt (AAM) 602-957-9191 http://www.associatedasset.com/
Quarterly dues: $171.60 ($57.20/month)
One-time payment at the time of purchase (at closing and negotiable with seller): AAM transfer fee=$75, Working capital=$171.60, HOA transfer fee=$68.64
Glennwilde
AAM 602-957-9191 http://www.associatedasset.com/
Monthly dues: $65.23 (includes cable)
One-time payment at the time of purchase (at closing and negotiable with seller): AAM Transfer fee=$100, Disclosure fee= $175, Reserve fund fee=$96, Community enhancement fee=$96 , HOA transfer fee=$150
Just on the market in Maricopa Meadows!
4 bedrooms/2.5 bathrooms ~ 2654 square feet
Only $70,000
For more MLS listings go to http://www.homesforsaleinmaricopa.com or
click on HOME BARGAIN PLANET
Bank owned or HUD homes click here
Pool homes click here
OPEN HOUSE ALERT!!!
A daily open house is being held at 22359 Gibson Dr. in Cobblestone Farms (first subdivision on the left coming from I-10) until this house is sold. Usually a realtor is here Monday through Sunday 11am-5pm. Come and stop by to see this gorgeous house or to gain access to all the houses currently on the market.
Karen Montgomery ~ Karen Sells Arizona
Useful Maricopa websites
Information regarding elementary, middle, and high schools- http://www.maricopausd.org/
Pinal County information- http://pinalcountyaz.gov/Pages/Home.aspx
Golf Courses- The Duke at Rancho El Dorado http://www.thedukegolf.com
Ak-Chin Southern Dunes Golf Club http://www.golfsoutherndunes.com
Maricopa's Newspaper- http://www.copanews.com
Harrah's Ak-Chin Casino- http://www.harrahsakchin.com
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