Blog - Page 80 of 140 - Team EvoAZ at eXp Realty

3 Tips for the Final Stage of a Home Remodel from a Phoenix, AZ Realtor ?

by Katie Halle Lambert
March 18, 2018August 18, 2020

Many phases of a home remodel are fun and challenging but none will test you more than the two-thirds mark. Two thirds of the way through the job, the light at the end of the tunnel is visible and the finish is near… or is it?

Once through demolition, framing, electrical, plumbing, flooring, paint, and tile it starts to feel like you are ready for professional photos, a party or movers. It’s time for final checklists, final touches and blue tape markings for paint and cosmetic repairs but then reality emerges. The list starts growing quickly and that finish line becomes foggy and descends further away.

Detail is everything, especially in a competitive market, and cutting corners at this stage only diminishes the quality materials used and the brand you stand behind. Oh, don’t get me wrong, that path of least resistance is so tempting when it’s 10pm and I am on a ladder troubleshooting a can light that is not working. It always happens when I’m getting down from that ladder, exhausted, I catch a glimpse of some cabinet hardware that was not installed evenly. Ugh! That bothers me more than a loud chewer!

At this point it can be very easy to slip into a negative mindset and start dwelling on things like holding costs, additional material costs and market changes. For a one-man show this phase is most definitely a beast. Finish work is tedious and testing and being at the end of a project has an almost supernatural cursing feel that will really get to you if you let it. This is where most people will fail, whether it be as an investment or a personal home.

Any corners cut will rear their ugly head…trust me on this one! It’s never at an opportune time, like during the inspection or appraisal period when under contract for sale or during the family vacation.

The silver lining to this, I believe, is that this is the phase that allows you to grow in many ways. Take the time to not only correct but reflect on why or how things were missed, inefficient or why delays were caused. Always have clear communication and expectations set with any contractors or hired help and never attempt to motivate negatively. This will just push the finish line further and reduce morale. It’s very important to always remember that it’s the small details that define you and your product. Don’t let laziness be that final impression. Remodel on!

So, let’s recap on the 3 tips in the final stages of a home remodel:

Pay attention to detail and stay the course. Do not cut corners!
Keep a positive mindset. Any focus on negativity will only prolong the job.
Reflect and assess your process each time to become more effective and efficient. Communicate clearly and set clear expectations with contractors and hired help.

By Matt Lambert

Phoenix, AZ area Realtor

5 Things To Consider When Choosing a Neighborhood

by Team EvoAZ
March 12, 2018July 28, 2020

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1) Check Crime Stats and Sex Offenders

Be sure to check the crime stats and registered sex offenders list. There’s nothing worse than moving into a neighborhood to discover that there are less desirable areas nearby. When we built our first home, we didn’t do any exploring past 2 miles from the home site and regretted it later when the crime increased in our area. We knew right then that when we decided to start a family we would need to move. Crime statistics, the sex offender registry and more can be found in the Buyer Advisory.

2) Check Upcoming Foreclosures

Most agents don’t know to do this! If there are one or two…that’s typical and shouldn’t have too much impact. If it’s 10 or 20 then that could be something to consider when thinking about your future home value.

3) Talk With Other Moms!

Talk with other Moms or people that are familiar with the area. Try to join the Facebook neighborhood groups and ask questions about things to do in the immediate area. You’ll want to ask about schools, parks, restaurants, etc. MOMnationAZ is a great place to start. What is better than a network of over 4,500 Moms who live all over the Valley? We all know Moms crave adult conversation away from their kids so start asking away!

Think about if you want a neighborhood that is amenity rich like Eastmark, a family favorite, or if you’d like a no frills, no HOA neighborhood where you’re free to park work vehicles and RV’s and paint your home whatever color you please.

4) Do a Drive By

Drive by day and night, weekend and weekdays. Go hang out at the park and observe the area. It may be quiet all week long, but party central on the weekends, and not the kind of party you want to go to. Also, try talking with neighbors while visiting. This will be a great indicator to get a feel for the neighborhood and help you decide if you want to live there.

Remember, you have 10 days after making an offer on a home to do your due diligence and solidify your decision. Should you decide you want to back out of a home purchase in those 10 days, you will not be out any money.

5) Consider Commute Time

During the honeymoon phase of a new house, the 45 minute drive to work might not bother you, but it eventually will once the “newness wears off”. Dobson Ranch is a great neighborhood to consider if you’re looking for a neighborhood with great amenities, but also a quick commute to Phoenix.

Remember, your Realtor cannot steer you to or away from a certain area as it is against the Code of Ethics. You can, however, give them a wants/needs list of what you’re looking for in an area and they can go to work to help you find what you’re looking for based on experience and area knowledge.

As always, don’t hesitate to reach out with ANY Real Estate questions!

Happy House Hunting!

Jen Duncan a.k.a. JD!

[email protected]

480-707-7554 (Text Friendly)

FULL remodel! Home for sale in CACTILONE ACRES, Phoenix AZ!

by Katie Halle Lambert
March 12, 2018July 28, 2020

Welcome to Cactilone Acres and the perfect neighborhoods for bike rides! Close to the big beautiful historic neighborhoods and not far from Downtown Phoenix.

There are so many choices for dining out in this area! The Veggie Village restaurant (hip vegan restaurant), SunUp Brewing Company and Carlos O’Briens Mexican restaurant to name a few.

Close to Dreamy Draw Recreation Area, the Phoenix Mountain Preserve and Pestewa Peak. Granada Park and PetSmart Dog park aren’t too far away either!

Close to the 51 for easy access to the East Valley and Phoenix Sky Harbor.

Check out the before and after’s on the gorgeous remodeled home for sale in Phoenix! More Home Details

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Views of the Superstitions at this home for sale in Gold Canyon, AZ!

by Katie Halle Lambert
March 5, 2018August 18, 2020

Peaceful and serene against a backdrop of some of the most beautiful mountains in Arizona, The Superstitions. Spacious single level home boasts cul-de-sac lot, 3 car garage and spacious floor plan with den. All three bedrooms are split from den which could serve as a 4th bedroom, hobby room or home office. Large great room with vaulted ceilings and tile throughout. Tons of cabinet space in open kitchen with stainless appliances, kitchen island, corian counters and plant shelves. Spacious lot backs the wash with view fencing. This home is so close to hiking trails and the US 60.