Abraham's Wish is to Have a Kid-Sized Motorcycle

Diagnosed with a blood disorder, his days were often filled with frequent doctor visits, sometimes two to three times a week. After a bone marrow transplant, his condition left him feeling weak and unable to enjoy the simple joys of childhood, like playing outside or participating in P.E. class at school. During one of his numerous doctor visits, a social worker referred Abraham and his family to Make-A-Wish Arizona. At that time, they knew very little about the organization, but Abraham had a clear vision for his wish - a kid-sized motorcycle with a flag! “I remember the pure delight in his eyes when he heard about his wish coming true,” said his mother, Brenda. “I was not surprised by his wish, Abraham wants to be a police officer when he grows up, specifically the one that gets to drive motorcycles because he wants to chase bad guys.” His parents were eager to see his wish come to life and the anticipation built up to a beautiful day when Abraham's wish was granted. Abraham went on a shopping spree, picking out his mini motorcycle and other toys, and the experience was nothing short of magical. Seeing Abraham's joy brought an overwhelming sense of relief and happiness to his parents, who noticed an immediate change in him. It was as if Abraham came alive again, rediscovering the vibrant world around him. “He used to be so weak from all the treatments and he wouldn’t do anything, and now he’s so active and so different than before,” said Brenda. “I get to ride my motorcycle every day!” said Abraham. Today, Abraham continues to get stronger. He has returned to school and his wish is more than just a special memory. It is a reminder of the beautiful moments that can arise even in the toughest times.   ***********************************************************We are on a mission to raise $10,000 for Make-A- Wish Foundation ARIZONA, so for every house we sell this year we are donating a portion of our income to them. As you know Make-A-Wish Foundation does create life changing wishes for Arizona children with critical illnesses. The children we serve are fighting for their lives, and their families are doing everything that they can to help them in their battles. Last year they served thousands of children around Arizona. Chances are your family or someone you know has benefitted from the great work they do. Who do you know considering buying or selling a home you could refer to our real estate sales team? Not only will they benefit from our award- winning real estate service, a very worthy cause will benefit as well. I want to make it easy to refer your friends, neighbors, associates or family member.You can go to our website and enter their contact info online or forward the link to who you know considering a move. Of course you can always call me direct as well. Thank you so much for the referral!. "I Make Dreams A Reality In Realty"

Why an Agent Is Essential When Buying a Newly Built Home

For some buyers, there’s a misconception that newly built homes aren’t made to last or fall short of the quality you can find in older homes. Unfortunately, this is turning some buyers away from what may be one of their best options in today’s housing market. As Builder Online says: “As resale inventory remains limited and the price spread between new and resale homes narrows, new homes are increasingly an attractive value proposition for buyers, with incentives such as rate buydowns a way to help address ongoing affordability challenges.” So, is there any merit to the myth? Let’s break down the best way to make sure you feel good about looking into new home construction. That way, you’re not missing out on such a great option today. Choosing the Right Builder The key to making sure you get a quality newly built home is to choose a good builder. Reputable builders adhere to strict building codes and standards, use advanced construction techniques, and often offer warranties that cover structural issues for several years. That’s why the Mortgage Reports offers this advice: “When embarking on the journey of buying a new construction home, one of the most important steps is selecting the right builder. This decision can significantly impact the quality and satisfaction you derive from your new home.” And while you could dig into research about all the builders in your area, there’s an easier option to get the job done: lean on a pro. When you work with a local real estate agent, they already know about the builders and the new home communities under construction in your area. Beyond that, maybe they’ve even worked with other buyers who opted for a home in one of those neighborhoods. Here are just a few of the things your agent will help you with: 1. The Builder’s Reputation: Your agent will help point you toward builders with strong reputations and positive reviews from previous buyers. Additionally, your agent will make sure the builder is licensed and insured. Membership in professional organizations, such as the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), is also a good sign of a builder’s commitment to industry standards. 2. Their Model Homes: Your agent will also be able to tell you if the builders have model homes you can tour. And when your agent walks through the model with you, they’ll draw your attention to the little details that matter most. Things like the quality of finishes, layout, and overall feel of the home. 3. Builder Warranties: Your agent will also be able to help you navigate any builder offers or incentives. Reputable builders often provide warranties to cover major structural elements of the home for a significant period of time. This is a testament to their confidence in the quality of their construction. 4. Getting Inspections: Even with new homes, inspections are crucial. Your agent will coordinate the inspections with licensed professionals to ensure the home meets safety and quality standards before you move in. Agents Are the MVP When You’re Buying a Brand-New Home Maybe that’s why data shows homebuyers unanimously scored their agents higher than their builders when looking back on their recent purchase: So, you don’t need to worry that they just don’t make them like they used to. By working with a knowledgeable real estate agent to choose a reputable builder, you can feel confident when buying a newly built home today. As Realtor.com says: “If you are interested in buying a new construction . . . You need your own real estate agent from the get-go. Even if it seems like plug and play to sign up with the builder’s on-site agent, you’re going to want someone representing your side of the deal.” Bottom Line If you’re considering buying a brand-new home, don’t let misconceptions hold you back. Let’s work together to find a home you’ll love and be proud to call your own.

Why a Condo Could Be Your Perfect First Home

If you’re looking to break into homeownership but the price of single-family homes has you second-guessing, you might want to consider a condominium (condo) or townhome. These types of homes often come with a lower barrier to entry – and that can help you start to build equity and enjoy the benefits of owning a home sooner. Since they're usually smaller than single-family homes, they can be easier on your wallet. While it’s not always the case, smaller square footage usually comes with a smaller price tag too. As a result, according to the latest data from Realtor.com, condos typically have a lower asking price than single-family homes (see graph below): And here’s some exciting news: builders are focusing more on homes like these. The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) says: “The share of townhomes being built is at an all-time high.” That means there’s a good number of options to add to your home search if you broaden it to include condos and townhomes. And you may even find something that works better for your budget. So, if you're comfortable with a smaller space and want to buy your first home before the spring rush, adding these types of homes to your search might be your answer. The Perks of a Condo Lifestyle Living in a condo has a bunch of other perks, too. Let’s look closer at why condos are appealing for first-time buyers: They help you start building equity. When you buy a condo or townhome, you build equity and your net worth as you make your mortgage payments and as your condo’s value goes up over time. They can be low maintenance. Condos are great if you want to own your place but don't want to mow the lawn, shovel snow, or fix the roof. Your real estate agent can help explain any associated fees and details for the condos you’re interested in. They usually come with a range of amenities. Your condo might come with access to a pool, dog park, or parking. And the best part? You don’t have to take care of any of them. They create a sense of community. Buying a condo means you'll be living close to other people, which is nice if you want a more close-knit feel. Many communities like these hold fun events such as barbecues and parties to help create that sense of connection among residents. Remember, your first home doesn't have to be the one you stay in forever. The important thing is to get your foot in the door as a homeowner so you can start to gain home equity. Later on, that equity can help you buy another place if you want something different. Ultimately, owning and living in a condo or townhome is a lifestyle choice. If you want to see if it makes sense for you, talk to a local real estate agent.  Bottom Line Ready to find a home that suits your goals? A condo might be the perfect fit for your first home purchase. Let’s connect today to start your search.