Some Pitfalls to Watch for When Buying a Starter Home

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First time home-buyers are the power behind the real estate recovery. Without entry-level buyers, existing homes do not give sellers the ability to buy other homes. When it comes to the real estate economy, buyers of starter homes save the day.

Unfortunately, entry level home buyers frequently work with less experienced real estate professionals who are not as well prepared to support the inexperienced buyer who needs more explanation and coaching. 

The first home purchase is often more stressful than second or third home purchases. Stress and anxiety are contributing factors to the high statistics of pitfalls and setbacks that seem to accompany first home purchases.

Valuable Facts and Tips When Buying a Starter Home

• A small house with a yard is not the ideal starter home for everyone. Entry level buyers have the most success when homes have been viewed on a more recreational and educational level before pre-qualifying for a loan and submitting an offer to purchase. 

Although a downtown high rise condo is not your mother’s first home, a condominium project in an urban setting does not require a major investment in gardening tools, or in many cases, a second car. It is important to know what one really desires as well as what is within a person’s capabilities.

• Once an offer to purchase has been signed by both buyer and seller and the flurry of emotion following acceptance has calmed, the sales contract should be carefully read and reviewed by the buyers in a different setting with minimal distractions. The purpose of this review is to adjust the initial plan of action to conform to what is now a legally binding contract. There are inevitable questions that are best answered early on during the escrow and predictably will come up only after the deal is signed.

• Begin loan process immediately. An appraisal that is not timely, a missing employment verification, or an overlooked bank verification are just a few of the details that will hold up a sale closing and sabotage moving plans for all parties. By starting the financial procedure right away, margins of time are available to solve problems that are minor early on and major when it is time to close the escrow.

• Real estate agents representing first time home buyers are often the hardest workers when it comes to showing property. The lack of experience shows itself with overlooked details that grow into major issues. If questions arising from sales contract reviews are not answered clearly, insist on clarity from the escrow agent, loan officer or broker in charge of the agents’ real estate office as soon as possible.

A home purchase is the largest and most permanent investment most people will ever make. It is normal to have doubts. Whether it is a little cottage in the woods, or a downtown high rise condo; the essential considerations of the home to provide a sense of safety and security, and that the monthly loan payment, projected maintenance costs, insurance and dues are within the capabilities of the buyer(s). If that is the situation, they should make an offer!

If you are looking for a condo to buy in Arizona, We Know Urban Realty will help you find the perfect place. Their realtors are experts when it comes to urban living. Visit the site to see what's available right now: http://weknowurban.com/

Advantages of Buying a Condo

After many years of living in a single family home, many people begin to consider condominium ownership as a good alternative for their changing needs. 

Condominium living in an urban environment is significantly different than the big home in the suburbs. 

It can be the perfect option for young singles who are free to spend their time as they like and for older people thinking about shedding their big home in the suburbs.

If you’re shopping for a new residence, consider the many advantages of owning a condominium:

No Maintenance

If you are moving from a single family home, you are fully aware of the time and money this type of housing requires. High rise condos allow residents to avoid the long weekends of grass mowing and gutter cleaning, so you can spend more time doing the things you love. Maintenance expenses for the condominium are included in your regular monthly or quarterly condominium fee, so you can budget your money more easily.

Shared Amenities

Many condominium lofts and apartments have swimming pools, exercise rooms and clubrooms that are shared in common with other residents. The expense and maintenance for these items are included in your fees, so that you and your guests can enjoy them completely trouble-free.

Close to Urban Excitement

Urban condos are close to restaurants, theaters, shopping venues, museums and other activities, so that you can spend more time enjoying yourself and less time getting there. High rise condos are often located near city centers, which provide many opportunities to participate in civic events, such as holiday festivals, farmer’s markets and specifically- scheduled activities.

Easy Transportation

Urban condos also allow you to access public transportation easily; so that you can get anywhere you need to go. Buses, taxis, subways and walkways are easily accessible and provide cost-effective transportation throughout the area.

For Young Professionals

The purchase of a condominium puts young professionals in the middle of urban activities. These residents often spend long hours at their jobs and don’t have time for long commutes and maintenance. A condominium in an urban neighborhood allows them to easily meet with friends and enjoy all that the city provides.

For Retirees

For older people who have raised their families and now look forward to more freedom in life, the urban condominium can mean increased recreational opportunities and chances to get out with friends more easily. Maintenance expenses for the condominium are included in condominium fees, which make budgeting retirement income easier. Access to public transportation means that you don’t need a car, which can be an important feature for those who can no longer drive.

A Good Investment

Condominiums tend to hold their value under most market conditions. Many people look to condominium living for a variety of reasons, and the number of condominiums that are available tend to be limited. In some cases, condominiums can also provide rental income. For these reasons, your condominium purchase is likely to be a good investment for years to come.

The right condominium can add new dimensions to your life and can make life easier and more enjoyable for people, both young and old.

If you are looking for a condo to buy in Arizona, We Know Urban Realty will help you find the perfect place. Their realtors are experts when it comes to urban living. Visit the site to see what's available right now: http://weknowurban.com/

Creative Culinary Experiences in Phoenix and Scottsdale

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Phoenix and Scottsdale are known for the creativity of their restaurants and ability to offer very different culinary experiences and atmosphere to its appreciative customers. Scottsdale itself boasts of having more than 400 restaurants featuring every type of "melting pot" cuisine and cross-border influences, some of which is taught in the local top-rated Le Cordon Bleu culinary school.

Rustler's Rooste

8383 South 48th Street, Phoenix (South Mountain)

This steak house is Western-themed and greets customers of all ages with a a real live steer at the door and a giant slide that takes them down to the restaurant at the lower level. This two-story restaurant and saloon with a huge patio with a terrific view is situated on a small hill overlooking a golf course in the Arizona Grand Resort. It has been family owned and operated since 1971. The waiters dress up in boots and cowboy hats and boots, a western band plays every day, and there is rattlesnake and fried bread as well as excellent tender prime rib on the menu.

The Duce

Downtown Phoenix

This former warehouse features an old-style gym with a couple rounds of boxing with the South Central Mad Dogs boxing crew or training one-on-one with their house boxing coach. They also serve country-style eats, including breakfast or a rack of smoked ribs, and classic cocktails such as a fresh-squeezed Mimosa.

Rosie McCaffrey's Irish Pub

906 East Camelback Road, Phoenix

An Irishman named Seamus opened a little bar in downtown Phoenix, sold it, and opened this one named after his beloved wife, Rosie. Featured is battered fish and chips and a whole wall of whiskey. This place is packed on the weekends because people love being around others who are having a good time.

Virtu

Old Town Scottsdale

This charming tiny Mediterranean cafe with Southwestern zest is tucked away in the Bespoke Inn and has a world-class menu. When open just a few months, the eatery appeared in Esquire Magazine's annual "Best New Restaurants in America". Be sure to make a reservation if you want to sample the grilled octopus or the other unique selections.

Cafe Monarch

6934 East 1st Ave., Scottsdale

Experience a truly unusual dining ambiance in a cozy cafe that features one of the most unique brunches in town and monarch butterflies fluttering at a distance on the sun-drenched patio. The small brunch menu offers either a Sweet or Savory option of hand-crafted fresh and seasonal delightful dishes. Lunch and four-course dinners are also served.

The Mission

3815 North Brown Ave., Scottsdale

Celebrate a special occasion with a candlelit upscale dinner of a fusion of modern Spanish and Latin American flavors using a traditional "plancha" style grill, which infuses the traditional essence of mesquite and pecan wood. Try the Crispy Cola Pork Belly, the Pork Shoulder tacos with a house pineapple glaze, hand made corn tortillas, and other amazing dishes.

If you are fortunate to live in one of the Scottsdale high rise condos located in downtown Scottsdale, you are perfectly situated to check out and enjoy the dining experiences offered above.           

Nothing beats the class and elegance of urban restaurants. Living in the heart of the city gives one access to these establishments. If you are looking for a condo to buy in Tempe for your ASU student, We Know Urban Realty will help you find the perfect place. Their realtors are experts when it comes to urban living. Visit the site to see what's available right now: http://weknowurban.com/