Mid-Century Modern Architecture with Classic, Luxury Finishes for sale in Uptown Phoenix for $1,299,900

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315 E MISSOURI AVE

Phoenix, AZ 85012

Beds/Baths: 6 bed/5 bath

Approx SqFt: 4,796/ County Assessor

Approx Lot SqFt: 36,242/ County Assessor

Year Built: 1947

Pool: Private Pool

 This home effortlessly combines distinctive mid-century modern architecture with classic, luxury finishes in a $1,000,000 permitted remodel + expansion. Situated in the heart of Uptown on an irrigated .83 acre estate. The residence is gated both in front and in back, for the utmost in privacy. A remote-controlled front metal gate opens to a guest parking court. A long driveway leads to newly constructed garage, which can accommodate 3+ cars. Enter through the courtyard or the dramatic, contemporary front entrance. Glass walls hug the commercial-grade, pivoted front door. The landscaping plan was designed by a landscape architect to compliment the contemporary lines of the home, with a palette of block, steel, concrete, stone and boulders. Architectural details include butterfly metal roof, walls of glass, solid block construction, soaring vaulted ceilings and clerestory windows. There are 5 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms in the main house, with a split floorplan. The detached guest house features a full kitchen, living room, 1 bedroom and 1 full bathroom. The main living spaces have modern concrete flooring. The front-most living room has a fireplace, floor outlets and a floor-to-ceiling glass wall that opens to the tranquil North yard. The house is pre-wired for surround sound. All original windows have been replaced with energy-efficient, dual pane window systems. 20′ ceilings really open the space. The kitchen is truly high-design with a high-performance appliance package (Stainless steel Miele wall oven, microwave, convection oven and gas cooktop). The custom millworks in the kitchen include high-end Euro cabinetry, ebony slab granite counters, expansive island breakfast bar, walk-in pantry and paneled dishwasher. Master suite is split from other bedrooms and has a dreamy walk-in closet. The master bathroom has dual vanities, slab granite counters with vessel sinks, shaker-style cabinetry, freestanding modern soaking tub, dual shower zones and expanses of natural stone. A 625 sq. ft. guest house has a full kitchen, large bedroom with custom walk-in closet and full bathroom (perfect for a pool bath) and is equipped with stainless steel appliances and natural stone floors. A permitted expansion in 2016 brought in 2 new bedrooms and a new shared bathroom with high-end finishes. The 700 sq. ft. garage is perfect for car and toy enthusiasts. The South-facing rear yard features expanses of grass and mature trees. An open patio leads to a freeform ‘heart’ shaped pool. Copper plumbing supply is 1 & ¼ inch. Less than .5 mile walk to St. Francis, Flower Child, Windsor, Churn, Creamistry, Postino, Joyride, Federal Pizza, AJs, Starbucks and more! This home would make a fantastic architectural AIRBNB vacation rental; it sleeps many and has an ideal, central location!

Contact Me For More Info!

About Rachell

Rachell Pintor | Licensed Realtor with Twins & Co. Realty | Mobile: (602) 574-3438 | Email:  Rachell@TwinsandCompany.com

How to Add Snow to Your Holiday Decor, Even in the Desert!

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It’s been awhile since I’ve been in a crafting mood, but something about the Holiday season always makes me want to do DIY projects. This year I decided that I wanted to add a little “snow” to my holiday decor. I personally used wine bottles as my vases as I always seem to have some around, but you can use any type of container that you would like!

What you Need:

-Vases or wine bottles

-White Primer

-Epsom Salt

-Glitter (if desired, I didn’t use any)

-Spray Adhesive

-Holiday Picks

First start by spraying your vase/bottle with a white primer. Be sure to do quick, light passes and slowly cover the bottles so you get a smooth surface. I let mine dry over night to be sure it was ready for the next step.

Next lay out some epsom salt on a drop cloth (I used a garbage bag) and spray the bottles with the adhesive. Then quickly roll the bottle into the salt so it sticks on and creates the snow texture. If you wanted to add glitter sprinkle it on at this point.

After that add in any type of pick that you want and you’re done! Here’s the example of my inspiration on Pinterest to see different ways you can use this same method.

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Retro-Cool Haver Home that was Featured on HGTV’s House Hunters for Sale in Town and Country Scottsdale for $350,000

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2220 N 72ND PL

Scottsdale, AZ 85257

Beds/Baths: 3 bed/1.75 bath

Approx SqFt: 1,576 / County Assessor

Approx Lot SqFt: 7,239/ County Assessor

Year Built: 1959

Pool: Private Pool

This 1959 mid-century modern Ralph Haver home showcases distinctive architecture + contemporary styling, in nationally and locally designated historic Town & Country Scottsdale. Signature Haver features include low-sloped roofline, vaulted ceilings, clerestory windows and iconic patio-port. This home was featured on House Hunters, one of HGTV’s top shows. Haver homes are highly-sought after for their retro-cool features. Unlike many homes of this era, here you’ll find vaulted ceilings in the living room, family room, bedrooms and bathrooms. Eco-conscious bamboo flooring is paired with neutral carpet. The high design, modern kitchen has Euro-style cabinetry in an espresso finish, white solid surface counters, glass subway tile backsplash and stainless steel appliances including gas range/oven and commercial vent hood. The master bedroom has a walk-in closet and a master bath with a mosaic-tiled shower, pebble flooring, custom floating vanity and a glass vessel sink. The hall bathroom features gray linen porcelain tile floors, white subway tiled tub/shower and retro pedastal sink. The rear yard includes lush lawns, grecian-style pool, slate poolside patio, custom metalwork including gabion walls and trellis and an RV gate + parking area. Additional features/updates: A/C 2010, Roof 2011, fresh paint in/out 2016, copper plumbing and inside laundry/storage room. Architectural-grade fixtures & fine finishes throughout. Premier location has a walkscore of 73/100. It is close to the 11 mile greenbelt (walking/biking paths, lakes, sports, playgrounds, dog park, etc), Phoenix zoo, ASU, the 101 and 202, Phx Sky Harbor, spring training, old town nightlife and arts district. Lots of hip dining and shopping nearby with a neighborhood trolly stops nearby. The home has been a great long-term rental at a rate of $1575/mo. This Haver floorplan/elevation featured in Alan Hess’s coffee table book ‘The Ranch House’. Check out the sales in Town & Country Scottsdale: 7333 E. Monte Vista Dr closed 11/16/16 for 440k and (include pending next door). Eligible for historic property tax discounts of up to 50%, since this is a conforming and contributing property within the historic district (owner-occupants only).

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About Rachell

Rachell Pintor | Licensed Realtor with Twins & Co. Realty | Mobile: (602) 574-3438 | Email:  Rachell@TwinsandCompany.com

What Affects Your Home Insurance?

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Research suggests that about 1 in 20 homeowners will make an insurance claim each year. So while it may seem that your monthly home insurance expenses aren’t worthwhile, the chances of needing your insurance are higher than you might think.

There’s are countless factors that influence your insurance rates, so here are few examples—some you’ve probably considered, and some that might be surprising.

Location: Some areas are simply naturally more prone to damage than others. Potential for weather and natural disaster-related damage will factor into your insurance, as will crime rates and fire protection. Don’t forget to talk to your insurance agent about flood zones and insurance during your inspection period!

Home value: This may seem like a no-brainer at first glance, but there are some extra considerations. The value of your home and the cost to replace your home from a total loss may not be the same—it can often cost more to rebuild.

Pets: Just like certain HOAs and neighborhoods forbid specific dog breeds, your insurance company may also increase your premiums for a specific breed. Breeds with reputations for being aggressive (fair or not) like pit bulls, German Shepherds, and rottweilers can cost you more.

Trampolines and swimming pools: All that fun comes at a price! Insurance companies see trampolines and pools as big risks for injury and even death, and that’ll affect your insurance rates.

Mortgage Monday with Matthew: Election, Economy & Escalating Interest Rates

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The number one question I’m getting these days is what is going on with interest rates?  To say for certain would require a crystal ball, but I can provide some information about how the election and changes in the economy could alter their trajectory.

Historically low interest rates lead to an influx of refinances and purchases in 2016.  People were cashing in on refi savings and enjoying their increased buying power.  Then, immediately after the presidential election on November 9th, interest rates took a sharp turn for the worse.  Yields on the 10-year treasury experienced their largest two-week increase since November 2001.  These changes were driven by rising inflation expectations and the market’s near-certainty that the Federal Reserve will raise interest rates in December.

With news of rising rates, it’s easy to forget that interest rates are still at historical lows and your purchasing power is greater now than at nearly any time in the last 45 years.  Even with the increases we have already seen, interest rates on a national level are basically the same as they were last year at this time.  And remember that during the boom, rates were in the 6’s.  However, experts are indicating that this latest rise might be a new floor, as opposed to a reactionary spike, as many people were hoping.

So what does all this mean?  Regarding real estate, it’s probably best to plan for slightly rising rates in the short term.  The expected movement in interest rates shouldn’t price buyers out of the market, but rather marginally increase their proposed monthly payments.  For sellers, be aware that steadily increasing interest rates may lead to a reduction in appreciation rates and home prices could slow.  Whether you are looking to buy or sell, it is critical to understand what is happening in the market to put yourself in the best possible situation.

 

Matthew Goldberg | Loan Officer | Primary Residential Mortgage Inc. 

P: 480-787-2233 | mgoldberg@primeres.com | NMLS # 1342195 | AZ LO-0930826

9280 S Kyrene Rd #134 |Tempe, Arizona 85284 | NMLS # 3094 | MB-0902614

Tips to Lower Your Monthly Expenses

Rachell Pintor, RealtorLeave a comment

My husband and I have been determined to lower our monthly expenses and have found some easy ways to go about it that I wanted to share. Hope there’s at least one that will work for you!

1. Refinance Your Home: By refinancing our home we just saved over $130 monthly. The amount you can save is tied to your current interest rate and mortgage amount. We also only have a mortgage of $100K, so if you owe more, you have potential to save even more. Another big reason to refinance is to get rid of any monthly mortgage insurance amount you may pay. To refinance you will need to have equity in your home, let me know if you want to look into it and see if it’s a good option for you!

 2. Shopping Different Insurance Companies: This is a quick way to save usually a couple hundred a year. I simply choose 3 companies that I trusted to get quotes from for our home and our cars. You can easily get quotes online too! Just remember if you’re going to move you house, you probably want to move your cars as well because of multi policy discounts. About 20 minutes of phone time and I saved us over $700 a year!

 3. Cable and Internet: We cut out cable 3 years ago and it’s amazing the difference it made in our monthly expenses! Instead we have Netflix for $10 a month and have never regretted our decision to ditch cable. I can’t speak for other providers, but if you have Cox keep a close eye on your monthly bill. If you see if go up take your bill to your local cox store. I’ve gone in and told them I would switch providers and they lowered it $20 monthly right there. Another trick is to switch the bill back and forth between people living in the house. By doing that you always get their new customer promotional rates which are always at least $35 less monthly, and that’s just for internet!

 4. Pay Off Loans: This is one that’s not worth it for everyone. My husband and I HATE debit and paying monthly interest. We decided to hit our car payments hard with any extra funds we had at the end of the month. It forced us to be a little tighter with our money, but with both cars being paid off in a little over a year (at different times) it was 100% worth it! Make sure if you’re making extra payments though that you’re putting it towards the principle only. That way it pushes out your next mandatory payment further just in case funds get a little tight.

5. Look up Utility Options: Many utilities have options to help you save. We decided to go to equal monthly payments to soften the blow of summer electric bills. It’s technically not saving us any money yearly, but it helps to keep our monthly expenses more balanced which helps. There are also different usage plans you can look into to save money. For us those don’t make sense as we both work from home but for most it can help save monthly.

Gorgeous Open Floor Plan with Contemporary Designer Touches for Sale in Gilbert $336,000

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2994 E Shannon St.

Gilbert, AZ 85295

Beds/Baths: 4 bed/3 bath

Bedrooms Plus: 6 (flex space and loft)

Approx SqFt: 2,780 / County Assessor

Approx Lot SqFt: 5,150/ County Assessor

Year Built: 2014

Pool: 3 Community Pools

Cross Streets: Ray & Higley

Gorgeous two story home with designer touches in Lyon’s Gate offers open living spaces and a contemporary feel. You’ll be wowed simply by walking through the front door. On the bottom story, once past the entryway, you’ll find an open floorplan with an oversized living room opening up to the dining area and stunningly upgraded kitchen.  The dream kitchen offers gorgeous espresso cabinetry with stainless steel hardware, “marble like” quartz counters , a modern designer backsplash, like new stainless steel appliances, stainless steel pendant lighting, and an enormous walk in pantry. Downstairs also offers a full bath with espresso cabinetry, additional storage closets, and a flex space that can be used as a den, office, playroom, or formal dining room. Once upstairs you’ll find a large loft that offers a second living area, a private master suite with an expansive walk in closet, a second  full bath, extra storage and 3 secondary bedrooms, one offering a walk in closet. The front and back landscaping are low maintenance, with the backyard offering the perfect space for entertaining with an extended covered patio, pavers, and synthetic grass. Other features include white plantation shutters, updated light fixtures, fans throughout, low flow fixtures, dual flush toilets, and energy efficient appliances, windows, and insulation. Lyon’s Gate is in a sought after area in Gilbert that is close to the loop 202 and US 60, walking distance from restaurants and coffee shops, and just down the street from  San Tan Village with shopping, entertainment, and additional restaurants. The community is in the Higley Unified School District and offers 3 pools, a clubhouse, multiple parks, basketball courts, ramadas, and grassy areas and more. Come see this remarkable, energy efficient home in a prime location today!

Contact Me For More Info!

About Rachell

 

Rachell Pintor | Licensed Realtor with Twins & Co. Realty | Mobile: (602) 574-3438 | Email:  Rachell@TwinsandCompany.com

What Does a Title/Escrow Company Do?

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Most understand what real estate agents and lenders do, but do you know the title company’s role in real estate transactions? With all the money you pay for a home, you want to make sure you spending your hard-earned dollars on a legitimate piece of property—and that’s where a title company comes in.

When you purchase a home, a title company will research the property to ensure that you are the rightful owner. They’ll look through records for anything that might cause problems—ownership disputes, restrictions, unpaid taxes, liens, and more. Their goal is to document the chain of title and identify any issues that could become major problems down the road. They’re also able to get rid of any problems that arise, or the buyer has a chance to back out of the contract and receive their earnest deposit back.

At the end of the process, the title company issues a title opinion. This is a legal document that states that the title is valid. It’s not something we think about, but it’s a very important part of the process!

The title opinion is part of obtaining title insurance. The insurance protects both the owner and the lender if there is a title dispute. If another party is actually the rightful owner of the home, your title insurance protects you from financial loss.

In addition to title opinions and title insurance, title companies also work as a neutral third party and handle escrow accounts and distribute money to the appropriate parties at closing. They’ll also deliver closing documents to the appropriate agencies.

About Rachell

 

Rachell Pintor | Licensed Realtor with Twins & Co. Realty | Mobile: (602) 574-3438 | Email:  Rachell@TwinsandCompany.com

Investment Opportunity in Camelback Corridor for Sale $99,900

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4111 E CAMELBACK RD 24

Phoenix, AZ 85018

Great Camelback Corridor condo, close to the Biltmore and Old Town Scottsdale. This one bedroom/one bathroom features laminate flooring throughout and an over sized patio with views of Camelback Mountain. Excellent investment property.

Beds/Baths: 1 bed/1 bath

Approx SqFt: 784 / County Assessor

Approx Lot SqFt: 1,020/ County Assessor

Year Built: 1966

Pool: Community Pool

Cross Streets: 40th Street & Camelback

Contact Me For More Info!

About Rachell

 

Rachell Pintor | Licensed Realtor with Twins & Co. Realty | Mobile: (602) 574-3438 | Email:  Rachell@TwinsandCompany.com

Thinking about buying soon? Make sure your credit is in order!

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There’s no more important time to work on your credit score than when you’re about to apply for a mortgage. Improving your credit can save you a ton of money—we’re talking about thousands of dollars over the life of the loan. Here are the actions you can take that will have a notable impact on your score.

Pay down your credit card balances
Credit utilization is one of the biggest factors in determining your credit score. Your credit utilization should at least be less than 30 percent of your limit, and it’s even better if you can get it below 15 percent. This rule applies to both individual cards and your overall credit limit.

It may even be worthwhile to use some of the cash funds you were planning to use for a down payment to pay off credit card balances. You can chat with a lender to find out if it would be beneficial for your specific situation.

Do no harm
While you certainly want to improve your score if possible, at the very least you’ll want to keep it steady. Avoid opening new lines of credit if you’re applying for a mortgage in the very near future. This will cause a hard inquiry to show up on your credit report.

Continue this while under contract, buying a houseful of furniture before you close can cause you to no longer qualify for your loan!

Take care of negative items
It’s good practice to check your credit report for negative items a few times a year—you can get one free report from each of the three major bureaus (Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion) per year.

If you find any negative items (collections, late payments, etc.), write a letter to or call the original creditor. Explain the circumstances that led to the negative item, and request that it be removed from your report. It can be surprisingly effective, and removing a negative item will improve your credit score in a hurry.

I had a 30 and 60 day late on my credit from B of A that were on accounts that hadn’t even been open for years. It was super easy to get them taken off and my credit score benefited greatly! The higher your credit score the lower your interest rate!

Talk to a Lender                                                                                                                                   Even if you’re not ready to buy yet, a lender can pull your credit for free and help you to create a plan to be in the best shape possible to buy a house. They can let you know items that will need to be paid off or paid down, how to increase your credit score, and help you to determine a good price point you’ll later be looking for which will help you to save up enough for a down payment! It never hurts to plan ahead. Especially for one of the biggest purchases of your life!

About Rachell

 

Rachell Pintor | Licensed Realtor with Twins & Co. Realty | Mobile: (602) 574-3438 | Email:  Rachell@TwinsandCompany.com