No Mow Grass

Is there really such a thing? I read about this in a past USA Weekend newspaper magazine and went to NoMowGrass.com to get more information. We have not yet tried this but it looks promising. They indicate that they have different types of seed for different zones and uses. Less mowing means less work but also less emissions from gas powered lawn mowers. If you have this type of grass, please leave a comment and let us know how it is working out for you. NoMowGrass also has some enivormentally friendly lawn care tips on their site as well.

What is an MLS?

MLS stands for Multiple Listing Service. MLS’s were formed as a way for brokers to share information about property listings to the benefit of their buyer and seller clients. Individual real estate agents and brokers become members or subscribers of the MLS. They pay an annual fee to the MLS in exchange for the services the MLS provides. The MLS is governed by a Board of Directors comprised of members who are brokers, owners, and/or agents.

Believe it or not, there have not always been multiple listing services in the United States. Before the advent of the MLS a buyer would have to visit individual brokerage offices in the area to discover what each had for sale. If a real estate agent wanted to show a property that was listed by another broker, his broker would have to call and arrange a cooperative agreement before a showing could take place. In the 1950’s local MLS’s began to be created. Some of you may remember books of listings that were published regularly and used by real estate agents to assist consumers in the sale and purchase of real estate. Thankfully, the books have been replaced by computer systems.

Each region has its own MLS. In the Greater Phoenix area, it is the Arizona Regional Multiple Listing Service (ARMLS). ARMLS provides several services including: an internet based multiple listing system, a lockbox system, management of the forms used to collect listing information, and enforcement of rules and regulations.

Each broker determines whether or not he wants information for his listings to be available to share with the public through broker and agent websites. Most but not all brokers choose to do this. The MLS then determines which information will be available to the public in this way. This limited property information is then available through sites such as REALTOR.com, broker sites, or agent sites. Real estate agents participating in the MLS have access to more detailed information than is available to the general public. So, if you would like a more detailed search of property done for you, just give us a call at 480-917-1922.

Browse properties from the MLS at our websites: http://www.townhomesonly.com/ and http://www.realtysecrets.net/.

Sources of additional information about MLS’s:
Arizona Regional Multiple Listing Service
National Association of REALTORS®

Pests around the desert

Occassionally, people moving to the desert will ask about scorpions, rattlesnakes and black widows. Yes, we have them but not in all homes. I've lived in Arizona for over 12 years now and I've never seen a live scorpion in a home. I have only seen one rattlesnake in the wild and it was on a desert road. And, I've seen a black widow in a backyard about 8 years ago.

If you are buying real estate anywhere, you should be aware of pests for that area. It might be field mice or pigeons. It might be termites or cockroaches. Arizona Exterminating has a list of 28 pests to be aware of here in the valley. Let your REALTOR know if any of these pests are unacceptable. The 'Seller's Property Disclosure Statement' (SPDS) asks the seller if there are any pests, but I never see pigeons listed and they are pests. So, relying on the SPDS is not a good plan. If you cannot live with scorpions, the question about their existance has to be made separately and directly.

If you need the correct verbage on an addendum asking about pests, email me and we can send it out to you.

And remember, wherever you call home, there are pests living with you.

Lowest Gas Prices

Did you know that there is a website where you can find low gas prices? It is PhoenixGasPrices.com . Scroll down the left side of the home page and you can do a search by city and type of gas. The prices are reported by members so they don't include all stations. But, with prices as high as they are, it might be worthwhile to find the cheapest gas near your home or on your way to work.

Field of Dreams

2008 brings us some new softball / baseball fields in the east valley. It's called Big League Dreams and it truly is. When you're driving near the intersection of Power and Elliot Roads you see this large complex with huge walls. You park and see the entrance with baseball sculptures and the ticket office. Go see your friends or kids play here and you pay to get in. $3 gets you entrance and a $1 coupon for food or drink.


Once inside you notice why people are going to love playing here. The fields are manicured to a tee. The seating behind home is stadium seating. But, what people love the most are the walls. Click on the photos to enlarge and leave a comment on what you think of "Big League Dreams"

This field is a replica of the Big A in Anahiem.
I'm sure Angels fans will love seeing this.











Boston fans will recognize the Green Monster right away. Yankee stadium is right next to it, too.













If you lived in St. Louis way back when, you might recall Sportsman's Park. Here it is back to life. This is a view from the right field wall. The fans you see are photo on board. From a distance you can tell what it is, but you'll still love it.







This is the Sportsman's Park infield. Do you remember where The Polo Grounds werer? You can even play in a replica of that grand old park.












And for Chicago Cubs fans, here's Wrigley Field. The only thing missing is the ivy on the walls.

In the middle of the park is the clubhouse with all kinds of food to eat and a large indoor soccer field.

This is just another reason to love living in the east valley.

Welcome to the Neighborhood.

Ice-T from Law and Order: Special Victims Unit and his wife CoCo, a model just moved into south Chandler. Right down the street from our clients Janet, James and Yoshiko.

There model is the Shea Laguna and is approximately 2400 square feet with a beautiful pool in the back.

Maricopa County Records show they paid $435,000 for their new digs.