If you're going to be in Historic Downtown Glendale this weekend for the 26th Annual Gibson Jazz & Blues Festival, I highly recommend making a stop at our favorite coffee stop - A Shot of Java. And we're not the only ones that think the coffee - with drinks like their signature Cocamochanut Frappe - is great.  A Shot of Java was voted Best Neighborhood Coffee House, West Valley, by the Phoenix New Times. Relax with a book or play a board game.  Free Wi-Fi is available.  Or, come enjoy the music of local musicians that appear regularly. Open daily, A Shot of Java is located behind Old Roma Pizza at 7003 North 58th Avenue, Glendale, AZ  85301.  Click here to check store hours. The weather forecast for this weekend looks perfect for getting outdoors.  For more information on the Festival v... 04/03/2009

In recent weeks I have been dealing with the false perception amongst some of my clients that a home buyer in today's market needs to have a sizable down payment. It seems that between the government assertions that we "need to get credit flowing again" to the media's constant negativity about banks and the housing markets, prospective home buyers have been scared into thinking that affordable low down payment loans are no longer available. Not only is this NOT true, but the current economic crisis has actually created NEW and BETTER buying opportunities for home buyers with little or no money down. How is this possible? The answer is simple. First, home prices have fallen so low that properties once out of reach of government loan programs like FHA, VA & USDA, are now well within these... 04/01/2009

WHO'S ON YOUR TEAM? TEAM U.N.I. Your Professional Realtor, Joy Brewster A successful purchase starts with the right representative.  As a professional Realtor, a member of the National Association of Realtors®, not only do I guide you through the entire purchasing process from beginning to end, I can also recommend other professionals to join our team, taking more of the responsibility off of your shoulders. Get Pre-Approved by a Qualified Lender First, do you know what monthly payment you can afford, i.e., your own, personal home affordability? Do you know what type of loan is right for you? You want to make sure that your lender and financial representative is someone with whom you feel comfortable, and be wary of any lender who promises you more than you think you can reasonably affo... 02/10/2009

When you are buying a home, having current and accurate knowledge of what area homes are listed for is important. Our best buy service enables you to get priority access to the hottest new listings so you can beat out other buyers and negotiate to get the most home for the least amount of money. Here's how it works. Every evening our computerized system searches through all the properties listed in the past 24 hours, from every real estate company. We review each and every one of these listings in order to find the best real estate buys in the community. From this, we print out a "hotlist" which we provide as a public service, free of charge, and without obligation. You then receive your free computerized list of the "10 best buys" in your specific price range and desired location. The ... 11/24/2008

With many people losing their homes to foreclosure or leaving them altogether, Glendale has seen an increase of vacant properties throughout the city.  Homeowners are worried about how these abandoned properties affect their home values.  The City of Glendale encourages its residents to call in to their offices  if they believe a property has been abandoned and poses a safety hazard, appears to have a property maintenance issue or if suspicious activity has been occurring at the property.  Glendale offers several programs to help residents maintain their neighborhoods.  The following are some of the programs Glendale officials have made available for residents with concerns regarding vacant properties in their neighborhood: 1. Property Maintenance Issues (Glendale Code Compliance Depart... 10/22/2008

Are you interested in finding out how you can reduce your carbon footprint?  Do you want to know what the heck a "carbon footprint" is?  The City of Glendale offers classes, tips and services to help Glendale citizens, business owners and visitors learn how to live more of a "green" lifestyle.  Ride your bike instead of driving your car.  If you can't carpool or utilize any of the Park and Ride centers in Glendale, check out the Valley Metro Public Transportation sytem or Gus Bus.  Water conservation is a huge deal in our desert climate.  Drought-resistent landscaping, sweeping dirt and grass cuttings from your driveways and sidewalks instead of using the hose and watering the lawn less often can go a long way in helping Glendale conserve its water consumption.  Every single-family hous... 09/10/2008

Reports show the average home spends $1900 a year on energy costs; many homeowners are unaware of how much they can save with proper dryer and dryer vent maintenance    Glendale, AZ-Chris Wiley is the owner of Dryer Vent Wizard in Maricopa County, Arizona.  He was interviewed recently and he said it is his policy that all technicians who work for him help to educate consumers on dryer fire safety.  "The job is not complete until each customer understands their dryer vent system, how it works, and how to properly maintain it between annual professional cleaning and repair," said Chris.  "Home owners who think its normal for their dryer to take more than one cycle to dry clothes are in danger of starting a fire due to clogged dryer vents"  Chris advises his customers that lint accumulatio... 09/09/2008

In a tough market like this, so often the difference between selling today and selling in 4 months is very simple--STAGE YOUR HOME!  Moreover, homes that have simple added touches tend to sell quicker. Here are some simple guideposts for a quicker sale: SIMPLE STAGING STRATEGIES #1 - Clean.  Your home should smell and look clean!  Typically this involves hiring a cleaning crew.  In fact, having a cleaning service return weekly while your house is for sale is probably a pretty good investment.  Get your windows professionally cleaned inside and out too.  #2 - Fix.  Does that faucet drip or that wall look scuffed?  These will send the wrong message to potential buyers.  Getting them fixed before you put your house on the market is a smart idea. Put your best foot forward. #3 - Get Rid of ... 09/02/2008

The 77 acre mixed use project called CBD 101, at Bethany Home and the 101 in Glendale is closer to reality with initial grading, and installation of water and sewer lines scheduled for later this year. Currently Phase 1 is scheduled to be completed in Fall 2010.  At this point it is our guess that the developer will elect to build 150 residential apartments in Phase 1, rather than condominiums (the property is zoned to allow either one) given the state of the real estate market today. Ultimately, the plans call for a total of 850 residential units.  We at WKU are hopeful that a majority of those are AFFORDABLE mid to high rise condominiums. 09/01/2008

People are busy; it's difficult to be without one's vehicle while it spends days in a body shop.  Mobil auto body service comes to home or office to do minor repairs quickly                           Glendale, AZ Steven Leon, a retail manager at Fry's, traded his business suit for a logo-ed uniform to own and operate a Collision on Wheels (CW), We Come to You franchise in the Metro West Valley.  "I liked that CW provided a much needed solution to consumers' minor collision repair problems which ultimately saves time and money," says Steven.    Collision on Wheels (CW), We Come to You is a national franchise company specializing in mobile collision and paint repair. The franchise services a niche market of consumers who don't have time to take their vehicle to a body shop for minor colli... 08/23/2008

Search Arrowhead Ranch Homes The first master-planned community in the West Valley of Phoenix, Arrowhead Ranch still has all the modern amenities of today’s planned communities. Situated in the Thunderbird Mountain Preserve, Arrowhead Ranch offers something for everyone in the family. These features include: shopping at Arrowhead Towne Center, golfing at The Legend at Arrowhead Ranch as well as hiking and biking along the trails at Thunderbird Mountain Park. Arrowhead Ranch is located in the heart of Glendale close to the boarder of nearby Peoria. This is the area along the Loop 101 where it curves from west to south (or north to east depending on which way you look at it). In this area you have the Arrowhead Towne Center and the Peoria Sports Complex. From this location residents of A... 08/15/2008

This may be just one of many opinions, but actually, buying now would not be a bad thing. How many of us remember when interest rates were as much as 17% in the 1980's. Using a professional (PREFERABLY ONE) to help you with this is the most important thing you could do. Take opinions from friends and relatives for what they're worth - but rely upon the person that makes it their business - preferably full time. That would be your favorite and competent real estate agent. And it seems that many people have forgotten the purpose of buying a house in the first place. TO FIND A PLACE TO LIVE AND ENJOY!!! To raise a family. To have a dog. To be able to park in your own garage! I could go on... but lets not loose sight of this as we all freak out about whether "it's a good investment or not."... 08/14/2008

A recent question was posed about the alternate forms of "Rent-to-Own" or "Seller Financing" and that got me thinking about several problems buyers face today. First of all, the times always seem to be right for scammers and profiteers to take advantage of those people who are just trying to figure a way into a home with the only financing choices available. I have witnessed agreements that, although they were legal (in my state and many others), were very restrictive toward the buyer's ability to actually complete a purchase considering their situation. Although many seller-financed agreements are handled without a hitch, there is also (as most are aware) the ability for the unscrupulous to take clear advantage of a buyer when they are at their weakest. As DPA (Down Payment Assistance)... 08/13/2008

Come to the University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale on Saturday, August 16, to partake in an attempt to set the record for World's Largest Pizza Buffet.  Admission is free and the event will be held from 11am-1pm.  Cici's Pizza is sponsoring the event.  There will be ice cold drinks, inflatable carnival games and, of course, pizza...over 300 feet of it.  Kids and adults are welcome to this free event.  If you want more information, please call (972) 745-9396.  Hope to see you there! 08/13/2008

Many people ask what an agent should be doing to market a property. This question often surfaces when a seller is trying to choose the right agent for the job. Many opinions are tossed around and at times it may look like posturing by agents trying to compete with others when discussing the issue at a listing appointment. However, one point - and probably the point every seller is looking to have explained is that the MOST effective marketing is always done with respect to targeting actual (qualified) buyers - not just "throwing your efforts out there like confetti" hoping that something will land on a prospect. I view a lot of print marketing to the general audience as such. Good, positive and focused marketing takes time, effort and money. You should not only be asking what your agent... 08/11/2008

One of my clients asked me the other day about the AS-IS policy that most banks assert in their addendums following the initial buyer's offer on REO properties. The question stemmed from the inspection period and just what the bank is obligated to repair and what they can refuse to correct. Let me start by saying three very important things to the buyer: 1) The bank WANTS to sell the property. 2) The bank understands that the preponderance of buyers are utilising FHA financing and thus , the home must comply with the FHA guidelines and thus must be at least habitable and not a danger to the buyer. and most importantly - 3) The bank WANTS to sell the property! I know, I know, 1 & 3 are the same but I wanted to make that point clearly. The bank is reasonable enough that if what the buyer ... 08/11/2008

I love to read questions posed on ActiveRain and this evening after reading a comment about when an agent should submit a copy of the earnest money, it brought to mind how we as agents are entrusted with our clients personal and sensitive information. We must remember that we have - sometimes without thinking about it - information that if in the wrong hands - could comprimise our clients' financial security. Case in point: When you fax your buyers' offer to another agent do you also fax a copy of their earnest money check as well? Now understand that I assume that all of us agents practice with the utmost in professionalism and care. But do you know who actually has access to that fax before it's intended recipient? Are there faxes left on the fax machine overnight when the cleaning cr... 08/11/2008

Andrew Monaghan | The Monaghan Group | 602-308-4660 26067 N 71st LN, Peoria, AZ 4BR/3BA Single Family House offered at $329,900 Year Built 2001 Sq Footage 3,098 Bedrooms 4 Bathrooms 3 full, 0 partial Floors 2 Parking 3 Car garage Lot Size 8,253 sqft HOA/Maint $15 per month DESCRIPTION This wonderful Hancock home is located on the end of a quiet cul de sac, This nicely upgraded home has all the touches you would expect, a oversized lot, large bedrooms, formal and informal living, Open Kitchen, game room and much more, Priced to sell now. Buyer to verify any and all information they deem important as seller has never occupied the home. see additional photos below PROPERTY FEATURES Central A/C Central heat Fireplace High/Vaulted ceiling Walk-in closet Tile floor Family room Living room Di... 07/05/2008

Photo GalleryWelcome home!The kitchen is not only spacious and roomy it is sparkling clean! Counters, cabinets, sink appliances all brand new and never been used!Room to have Thanksgiving at your home!Description5 HUGE bedrooms with WALK IN CLOSETS and more! AWESOME FLOOR PLAN- open and flowing! Spacious and completely REMODELED home! You will find a COMPLETELY NEW KITCHEN, ceiling fans in every room, NEW CABINETS, new counters, NEW FLOORING, new bathrooms and more, more, more!!! IMMACULATELY CLEAN, because it is completely remodeled you will never have to clean anyone else's dirt!! One bedroom is away from the rest, it is oversized with a private door outside~ perfect for MIL SUITE, college student or OFFICE!! MINUTES FROM new stadium, jobbing arena, ASU West, shopping. This home is PE... 07/03/2008

5687 W Del lago circle Glendale AZ This unbelievable home of almost 4000 sf is all you will need, a entertainers dream with all the touches you would desire. This home has been dramatically dropped in price and is the best value in teh area. 4 master suites, Living and dining room with Soaring ceilings, mountain views on all sides and its own forvate lake. Call Andrew for more details at 602-920-3434 06/28/2008