ROX Real Estate Welcome Guide

Welcome to

2024 is the year of change in the world of real estate. When we first started discussing the directional changes we wanted to make at the brokerage, we wanted to go back to our original roots from our founding in 2008 locally in Casa Grande.

For our brokerage, it brings the return to the original name, ROX Real Estate (formerly Coldwell Banker ROX Realty). This allows us to do what we do best - help people buy and sell real estate. Our team of professional, dedicated REALTORS® are here to help you with every step on your journey to a successful closing.

With the ever-changing changes in the real estate industry from interest rates to changing buyer and seller demands and other market-driven variables, we do know ROX Real Estate will continue as we have in the past - providing our clients with the best possible transaction with knowledgeable local agents who live and invest in this very community.

Our future also brings expansion. Recruiting new agents and expanding property management services are top priorities. Our agents are excited about the new tools we’ve added to make this happen.

The world of real estate is evolving and ROX Real Estate is poised to be part of the future of the Pinal County market.

Same great ownership. Same outstanding agents reaching for a bright future!

Designated Broker, REALTOR®

In April 2004, Connie Rush along with some of the other agents left The Mahoney Group and opened a new real estate brokerage called Coldwell Banker Excel Realty.

In 2008, the owners of The Mahoney Group decided to focus on insurance and discontinue real estate. Rock Earle was approached by several of the agents to open a residential real estate brokerage. On September 22, 2008 ROX Real Estate opened in the lakefront building at the corner of Pinal Ave and Kortsen Rd.

On August 23, 2012 ROX Real Estate merged with Coldwell Banker Excel Realty to become Coldwell Banker ROX Realty.

And now, at the end of March 2024, we return to our roots as ROX Real Estate.

In Memory of:

Sarah Campbell

Charlie Weaver

Jerry Kirkpatrick

Kay Kerby

7

Reasons to Work With a REALTOR®

REALTORS® are members of the National Association of REALTORS® and subscribe to its strict Code of Ethics. When you’re buying a home, here’s what an agent who’s a REALTOR® can do for you.

1. Act as an expert guide. Buying a home typically requires a variety of forms, reports, disclosures, and other legal and financial documents. A knowledgeable real estate agent will know what's required in your market, helping you avoid delays and costly mistakes. Also, there’s a lot of jargon involved in a real estate transaction; you want to work with a professional who can speak the language.

2. Offer objective information and opinions. A great real estate agent will guide you through the home search with an unbiased eye, helping you meet your buying objectives while staying within your budget. Agents are also a great source when you have questions about local amenities, utilities, zoning rules, contractors, and more.

3. Give you expanded search power. You want access to the full range of opportunities. Using a cooperative system called the multiple listing service, your agent can help you evaluate all active listings that meet your criteria, alert you to listings soon to come on the market, and provide data on recent sales. Your agent can also save you time by helping you winnow away properties that are still appearing on public sites but are no longer on the market.

4. Stand in your corner during negotiations. There are many factors up for discussion in any real estate transaction— from price to repairs to possession date. A real estate professional who’s representing you will look at the transaction from your perspective, helping you negotiate a purchase agreement that meets your needs and allows you to do due diligence before you’re bound to the purchase.

5. Ensure an up-to-date experience. Most people buy only a few homes in a lifetime, usually with quite a few years between purchases. Even if you’ve bought a home before, laws and regulations change. Real estate practitioners may handle hundreds or thousands of transactions over the course of their career.

6. Be your rock during emotional moments. A home is so much more than four walls and a roof. And for most buyers, a home is the biggest purchase they’ll ever make. Having a concerned, but objective, third party helps you stay focused on the issues most important to you when emotions threaten to sink an otherwise sound transaction.

7. Provide fair and ethical treatment. When you're interviewing agents, ask if they're a REALTOR®, a member of the National Association of REALTORS®. Every member must adhere to the REALTOR® Code of Ethics, which is based on professionalism, serving the interests of clients, and protecting the public.

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Real estate agents are licensed professionals who facilitate property transactions between buyers and sellers.

REALTORS® are licensed professionals who facilitate property transactions between buyers and sellers and are members of NAR (National Association of REALTORS®), adhering to a strict Code of Ethics and high standards of conduct. All REALTORS® are licensed real estate professionals, but not all real estate agents are REALTORS®.

What is a Real Estate Agent?

A real estate agent is a licensed professional qualified to help clients buy and sell property. They use knowledge of the local market, property values, and negotiation skills to facilitate real estate transactions for buyers and sellers.

When Is a Real Estate Agent a REALTOR®?

Agents may work in residential or commercial real estate and handle various aspects of the transaction, like running property searches, organizing or taking clients to showings, drafting purchase agreements, and negotiating real estate contracts. They provide guidance, support, and market insights to buyers and sellers.

Real estate agents may specialize in specific areas or property types; residential properties like apartments or single-family homes, or commercial real estate like office buildings or warehouses. Some agents may specialize in land sales or other types of real property.

To list properties in the United States, individuals must possess a real estate license (unless they are the property owner.) To acquire a real estate license, a person must usually complete a course or a certain number of training

and education hours. Depending on the city or state, licensees may also be required to complete and track continued education hours to maintain their real estate agent status.

What is a REALTOR®?

A REALTOR® is a member of NAR, National Association of REALTORS® as well as a licensed real estate professional. So, in addition to their professional license, they have taken another step in their professional endeavors to join NAR and become a REALTOR®. The term signifies a dedication to professionalism and ethical practices in the real estate industry.

Beyond the duties of a real estate agent, a REALTOR® pledges to uphold integrity, honesty, and client interests through NAR Code of Ethics and complete ethics training every three years.

ICommercial Real Estate Trends in Arizona: A Look at Casa Grande, Eloy, and Maricopa

n the vibrant landscape of Arizona's commercial real estate market, key trends are shaping the market across various sectors, including industrial, retail and vacant land.

Casa Grande is emerging as a significant hub for industrial development, reflecting a robust demand that aligns with its strategic location between Phoenix and Tucson. The industrial property inventory in Casa Grande has been expanding, with new developments and facilities catering to logistics, manufacturing and warehousing with semiconductor and related sectors currently a big focus. This growth is fueled by the city's strategic positioning and the increasing demand for industrial space driven by e-commerce and supply chain diversification.

Eloy, on the other hand, is witnessing a shift in retail building availability. While traditionally known for its agricultural and correctional facilities, Eloy is now seeing an uptick in retail developments. These changes are indicative of a broader economic diversification, aiming to attract more businesses and consumers to the area. Retail spaces are becoming more available, offering opportunities for new entrants and expansion for existing businesses.

Industrial development continues with the Gold Bond Building Products manufacturing facility under construction along I-10.

The city of Maricopa is becoming a hotspot for investors looking at its fast-dimishing vacant land. With

its rapid population growth and strategic location within the Phoenix Metropolitan Area, Maricopa offers substantial opportunities for residential, commercial and mixed-use developments. Maricopa’s remaining land is attracting developers keen on capitalizing on the region's growth potential, making it a key area to watch in Arizona's commercial real estate landscape.

Pricing in all markets has risen dramatically, fueled by high-demand and and scarcity of available property. Pinal County is still seen as a less costly alternative to the Metro Phoenix Area, which in turn is keeping demand high.

The Essential Guide to Buying Your Dream Home : Top 7 Steps

Buying a house is a significant milestone, but it can be overwhelming without knowing where to start. By following these top 7 steps, including key processes like getting financed and selecting the right REALTOR®, you can make your homebuying experience smoother and more enjoyable.

Step 1: Assess Your Financial Health Before embarking on your home-buying journey, it's crucial to evaluate your financial situation. Check your credit score, understand your debt-to-income ratio, and ensure you have enough savings for a down payment and closing costs. This initial

step sets a solid foundation for the subsequent stages of buying a house.

Step 2: Get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage Securing a mortgage preapproval is essential. It gives you an idea of how much you can afford, making your house hunt more focused. Compare different lenders to find the best rates and terms. Pre-approval also positions you as a serious buyer when making an offer.

Step 3: Select a REALTOR®

Choosing the right realtor can make a significant difference. Look for someone with experience, local market knowledge, and a communication style that matches yours. A good REALTOR®

will guide you through the process, from finding homes that meet your criteria to negotiating the best deal.

Step 4: Create Your Wishlist

Knowing what you want in your future home is key. Distinguish between your must-haves and nice-to-haves. Consider factors like location, size, and specific home features that are important to you.

Step 5: Search for Homes With your wishlist and pre-approval in hand, start searching for homes. Use online tools and rely on your REALTOR’s® expertise to find properties that match your preferences and budget.

Step 6: Make an Offer and Negotiate Once you've found a house you love, it's time to make an offer. Your REALTOR® will help you determine a competitive yet fair offer based on market analysis. Be prepared to negotiate with the seller to reach an agreement that works for both parties.

Step 7: Closing the Deal After your offer is accepted, you'll go through the closing process, which includes a home inspection, finalizing your mortgage, and handling closing costs. Once everything is in order, you'll be ready to move into your new home.

Buying a house is a complex process, but by following these seven essential steps, you can navigate it with confidence. Take your time, do your homework, and soon you'll be holding the keys to your dream home.

This article provides a concise guide to the home-buying process, emphasizing the importance of preparation, the right financial steps, and the selection of a compatible realtor to ensure a smooth journey to homeownership.

What is a DPA?

DPA stands for "Down Payment Assistance." Down payment assistance programs are initiatives offered by various organizations, including government agencies, nonprofits, and some private entities, to help home buyers cover all or part of their down payment and closing costs when purchasing a home. These programs are typically designed to assist individuals or families who may have difficulty saving up for a down payment on their own. Each program has different requirements and guidelines. Some of the program highlights and restrictions may include:

• County specific

• An income cap usually applies

• Minimum FICO score and DTI ratio limit

• Some require first time homeownership or time period without owning a property

• May be tied to a specific loan type (FHA, VA, USDA, or Conventional)

• May require repayment of grant with either an occupancy requirement or term

• May require a home buyer education course completion

Local lenders typically are more knowledgeable on the various programs currently active in that specific community. While national lenders are very qualified to help you get a mortgage loan, they may not be as knowledgeable in the various programs that are specific to that community.

Tips To Improve Curb Appeal Inside And Out

Top Steps to Take to Get Your Arizona Home Ready to Sell

Everyone has heard the message before but it is worth repeating again and again. To maximize your sale price you need to make your home look fresh and inviting to buyers. You only get ONE first impression!

1. Curb Appeal: Enhance your home’s exterior by maintaining the landscaping, adding fresh mulch or rocks in the bare places, and painting the front door to create a welcoming first impression. Buyers aren’t looking for homes with weeds and cobwebs!

2. Declutter and Depersonalize: Remove personal items and clutter to help potential buyers envision themselves living in the space. Rent a storage unit and put seasonal items, extra furniture and unused “stuff” out of sight.

3. Deep Clean: Thoroughly clean every room, including carpets, windows, and appliances, to make the house shine.

4. Repair and Maintenance: Fix any visible defects such as leaky faucets, cracked tiles, or chipped paint to show buyers that your home is well-maintained.

5. Neutralize Décor: Paint walls in neutral colors and remove bold or outdated décor to appeal to a wider range of buyers.

6. Stage the Space: Arrange furniture to maximize space and highlight key features of each room, creating a welcoming atmosphere.

7. Upgrade Lighting: Replace outdated light fixtures with modern ones to brighten up rooms and add a touch of elegance.

8. Enhance Energy Efficiency: Install energy-efficient upgrades such as LED lighting, programmable thermostats, and low-flow faucets to attract eco-conscious buyers.

9. Address Outdoor Spaces: Spruce up outdoor living areas such as patios or decks with cozy furniture and potted plants to showcase the potential for outdoor enjoyment.

10. Professional Photography: Hire a professional photographer to capture high-quality images that showcase your home in its best light for online listings and marketing materials.

By following these top 10 tips, you can maximize the appeal of your Arizona home and increase its chances of selling quickly and at a favorable price.

There are many reasons someone decides to sell their home. Common reasons include job relocation, divorce and upsizing/downsizing for a variety of personal reasons. No matter what your motivation to sell, selling your home can be stressful and confusing.

Step One: Hire a Realtor®: This step can save you lots of time and money. A professional real estate agent will be there to help you along the way. Agents do much more than unlock the door! In Arizona, agents not only negotiate the sale, they prepare the contracts as well. Your agent will run a comparable pricing analysis to determine a recommended sale price. There are dozens of reasons why the home down the street sold for more than the suggested price for your home. Property condition, upgrades (or the lack of), landscaping, pool, square footage of house, lot size and location - all these and more can impact your sale price.

It is suggested you have a pre-list home inspection done. This will help determine potential issues before buyers see the home. Think of it this way, if you would want the broken garage door fixed in a home you were buying, your potential buyer may think the same way!

Next is the listing agreement: This contract is between the seller and the listing brokerage. It details the terms of the listing and includes information on the commission charged for selling your property. One of the forms you are given to complete is the Seller Property Disclosure Statement. Please complete this to the best of your ability and disclose what you know.

Once you sign the listing agreement with your agent, they will most likely hire a professional photographer to take photos and possibly drone footage of the house and neighborhood. Now it’s time to market on the MLS, various home search websites and in some cases social media.

The Many Steps to Selling Your Home

Agents will start showing your home and may provide feedback. Don’t take the feedback personally! Once you receive an offer your REALTOR® can help negotiate the terms of the offer. Now the time-critical steps happen quickly!

• Buyer will deposit Earnest Money with the neutral 3rdparty party, the title company.

• Inspections: The default is a 10 day buyer inspection period but it will be noted on the contract if different.

1. Buyer has 10 days for an inspection where they have an opportunity to request repairs.

2. Seller then has 5 days to reply. This gives you time to get estimates, get a second opinion etc.

3. If the seller doesn’t agree to all repairs, the buyer has 5 days to accept the response or cancel.

• Repairs: Once repairs have been agreed upon, the seller has up to 3 days prior to close of escrow to complete agreed upon repairs.

• Final Walk-through: Prior to close of escrow, the buyer will conduct a final walk-through to confirm requested repairs are completed and the property is in the same condition as when the offer was presented.

• Signing the closing documents: Both buyer and seller will schedule a time to sign closing documents with the title company. Once funds have been delivered to title and the county recorder’s office has confirmed recording, it has officially closed and at that time keys can be delivered to the buyer.

Thinking of renting your home? We have a consistently high occupancy rate and we are successful at finding tenants quickly. Contact ROX Real Estate today for a FREE consultation.

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Do I Need a Property Manager?

Rental properties can be a great source of income or a giant headache for some. Having a professional manage your real estate portfolio, whether it is one house or several, may relieve many ongoing responsibilities(and stress) and make owning investment property easier for you. Whether you own one property or hundreds, the convenience of having someone else answer the phone when the tenant calls in the middle of the night is huge!

Property managers undergo additional training and continuing education to be up-to-date with current laws regarding Fair Housing and the Arizona LandlordTenant Act. ROX Real Estate works with attorneys when evictions are necessary to ensure proper compliance.

Responsibilities of a Property Manager

Property managers are the middleman

between owners, tenants and trades. Here is a list of potential responsibilities of a property management company:

• Market vacant properties and show properties to prospective tenants

• Keep up with current rental statistics to price your property correctly for market conditions

• Process rental applications and screen potential tenants

• Prepare and sign lease agreement on behalf of owner and collect security deposit

• Move-in and move-out inspections

• Collect monthly rent

• Collect HOA fines/fees and educate tenant to avoid future issues

• Collect and pay Arizona transaction privilege tax (TPT)

• Provide year-end accounting data for income taxes

• Process collections and evictions

• Schedule maintenance - both preventative and emergent

• Handle emergencies at the property 24/7/365

• Maintain a large network of trades and handymen available for repairs

• Follow state and federal real estate and landlord-tenant laws

For more information on our property management services, give us a call at 520-423-8250 to schedule an appointment.

How to Get a Home Loan: What are the steps?

Ask any real estate agent and they will say the first step to buying a home is to get prequalified for the loan. By applying for and getting approved for a home loan, this will help you set the purchase price that fits your budget.

Getting a home loan will require upfront documentation including: paystubs, tax returns, bank statements, etc. Each loan scenario is unique and your experienced lender will request all docs needed to ensure your success. Your lender evaluates your credit and financial history and will work with you to clear up any discrepancies on your credit report; educate you on the process and give you an estimate showing how much money you will need for the downpayment and closing costs.

Not all loan officers are the same, even though they provide the same or similar products or services. Mortgage bankers work for one company or institution and control the loan process from application to closing/servicing. They write and process loans for a single lender, whether it’s a bricks and mortar bank or online mortgage company. They can “shop” your loan scenario via various outlets ensuring you receive the lowest possible rate available. Mortgage brokers, on the other hand, also have multiple lending sources and can shop your loan to find the best deal for you. They typically do not have full control of the file process and are the “middle man” until closing. There are advantages and disadvantages to both.

Once you find a home, the lender will continue to gather documentation from you as needed for underwriting. They will also order the appraisal to confirm the value of the property.

IMPORTANT WARNINGS!

Once you are under contract to purchase a home, you need to be careful to NOT make any changes that will negatively impact your credit score or debt-to-income ratio.

• DON’T buy a new vehicle

• DON’T charge new furniture or appliances on a credit card

• DON’T change employers

• DON’T change your spending habits

• DO save money for your down payment and closing costs!

Discuss all of the above with your lender if you must get a vehicle or change jobs!

Title and Escrow: What do They Do?

The title company and escrow company may be the same company or it can be two or more companies working together.

An escrow company is an independent, neutral intermediary that manages the exchange of money for real property.

Whether you are the buyer, seller, lender or borrower, you want the assurance of knowing that no funds or real property will be exchanged until all the written contract instructions have been followed and the conditions met. All changes to the contract must be in writing and signed by all parties to indicate agreement. The escrow office maintains confidentiality and keeps the funds and documents safe during the escrow. When all the terms and conditions of the contract are met, and all parties agree, the escrow officer will disburse funds and record the documents with the county recorder’s office.

A title company is a specialty insurance company that insures the property is free and clear of title defects. Depending on whether the transaction is cash or financed there will be one title policy issued for the owner and if financed, a second policy written to provide the lender additional coverage.

Prior to issuing the policy, effective with the close of escrow, the title company will do perform an extensive title search and examination. If a defect is found, the examiner will work with the seller to resolve the issue. Some of the common title defects include liens including mechanics’ liens, back taxes, claims related to homeowner divorce and remarriage and death of an owner.

Title insurance is a single premium policy, issued once at close of escrow. The premium is collected as part of the transaction. If you refinance the loan at a later date, a new title insurance policy is issued.

So You Want To Be a REALTOR®

Have you thought about a career in real estate? Current active agents will agree there are many benefits to a real estate career. Some of the advantages include:

• Flexible hours

• Control over your income potential

• You’re your own boss

• Ability to work from home, office or practically anywhere

Sounds great? It is! But there are disadvantages to consider as well, including:

• Income is not consistent every week

• You’re your own boss - which means you pay for all your own expenses

• Clients reach out 7 days a week for assistance

How to become a real estate agent in four easy steps!

• Take an approved real estate prelicensing course - in-person or online

• Pass the state of Arizona real estate licensing exam

• Activate your real estate license

• Join a brokerage

In Arizona, getting your real estate license requires a 90 hour pre-licensing school course and can be completed in as little as two weeks with the “crash course”. The school typically assists with scheduling your fingerprint clearance and background check.

ROX Real Estate is looking for motivated agents to join our AWARD-WINNING team! Give us a call to find out what we can offer you.