As you know, word of mouth and referrals are a major part of my business. I’m always looking to help anyone who could use my services.

I’m sure you’ve heard a lot of talk about today’s competitive housing market. You probably even know someone who dealt with a bidding war on a home they really wanted.

Competition is so different from one neighborhood to the next, and it’s vital to work with a local agent who understands your needs. More importantly, I know how to make this market work for you.

Whether you or someone you know needs help finding your first home, or you’re trying to coordinate selling a house while buying a new one, I’d love to help with your real estate needs.  Call today (928) 273-0538 or email me via “cathi@myrebroker.com” Cheers!

6 Less Obvious Tips to Increase Your Productivity

As the temperatures start to rise, we’re all looking for ways to beat the heat. We have no shortage of pools and water parks, but there’s a lot of other ways to keep cool in the Valley. Here are a few you may not have considered.

1. Ice Bar

Polar Play Ice Bar is the best place in town to chill out. Literally. The admission ticket includes a parka, gloves and all-day access to fun and games within a 23-degree environment. This arctic playground is part of the Odysea in the Desert entertainment complex, which has an aquarium and a variety of other indoor attractions.

2. Mini-Golf

Move your golf game indoors where it’s nice and cool. Play Pebble Beach or 20 other world-class courses in air conditioned comfort at Under Par or play 18 holes of glow-in-the-dark mini golf at Glow Putt. Take golf to a whole new level at Top Golf, a huge driving range/restaurant/bar with four Arizona locations that adds a fun and competitive twist to the game. Stalls have air conditioning and misters so you’ll never break a sweat.

3. Indoor Skydiving

Feel the wind in your face and the rush of a lifetime at iFLY, an indoor skydiving experience. To make it extra cool, add in the virtual reality option and BASE jump the Alps or fly over some of the world’s most exotic destinations.

4. Indoor Go-Kart Racing

Not quite ready for skydiving? You can still feel the wind in your face while firmly on the ground with indoor go-kart racing at Octane Raceway or K1 Speed. Both are indoors and offer courses for children and adults.

5. Bowling 

Bowling is cool by every definition of the word! Bowling alleys like Bowlero and Brunswick Zone have opened locations all over the Valley, offering an exciting atmosphere with a wide range of entertainment options–all tucked away from the outdoors. Skylanes takes it a step further by combining bowling with clubbing for the 21 and over crowd.

Whatever you do to beat the heat this summer, have fun and think cool thoughts!

We’re approaching spring, which means the housing market is getting ramped up.

Experts agree that the market is softening for buyers, but will it be a full-on buyer’s market? Definitely not — at least, not by springtime.

This spring, buyers will likely see fewer bidding wars, slower price growth and less competition. But sellers will still have some leverage.

Are you thinking of buying or selling a home this spring? Keep these things in mind:

1. Prices won’t skyrocket.
The last few years have seen massive jumps in home prices, especially during the busy spring buying season. This year price growth is likely to slow down a bit in most markets. We may see higher prices at the height of the buying season, but they’re unlikely to be drastically higher than those seen at the end of 2018.

2. Year-over-year inventory will likely remain stagnant.
Because mortgage rates are rising, many homeowners are staying put. New home construction continues to grow, but it still lags behind buyer demand. This means we are unlikely to see an increase in listings from previous years.

3. Bidding wars will lessen.
The days of sight-unseen offers and heated bidding wars are mostly over. Except for a few hotter markets, most buyers will enjoy a slower-paced market and a little more leverage than in years past.

4. Sellers might have to make some concessions.
As mortgage rates rise, fewer buyers are looking to get in on the market, and that means sellers will need to do more to get their attention. This could mean more concessions and more room for negotiations.

Having a knowledgeable agent on your side is crucial to effectively navigating 2019’s changing housing market. If you’re considering buying or selling this year, get in touch today for personalized advice and guidance.

Thanks for reading my newsletter! I look forward to connecting on social media!

How practical is smart tech for you? 1/30/19

Smart tech has come a long way for homeowners. With the right tools, you no longer have to get up to turn on lights or change the thermostat. Have a habit of forgetting to lock the front door or turn on your porch light at night? Smart home tech can help with that, too.

Are you thinking of installing a few smart devices in your home? Here are some of the most popular and practical options to consider:

Security Products
This includes motion-activated doorbell cameras, door locks with timers and garage doors controlled by smartphone apps. These technologies can offer peace of mind for homeowners who live alone and added independence to anyone with limited mobility.

Lighting
Motion detecting exterior lights are the most publicized in this category. However, there are also indoor sensors that control lights as you enter and exit a room or open and close pantry doors. And Wi-Fi-enabled lightbulbs allow you to customize mood lighting throughout the house. These options offer convenience while at home and added security when you’re away.

Appliances
Virtually all appliances come in smart versions today — from kitchen scales with built-in recipes to Bluetooth-enabled slow cookers to washers and dryers that let you schedule your laundry loads. These can make housework more manageable for those on a busy schedule.

Assistants
These smart home tools do more than give you traffic updates. Using IFTTT (If This, Then That) customization, they can create a truly connected home. For example, they can turn on specific lights when your TV comes on or open the garage door when you get within a certain distance of the property. And they allow you to voice-activate many of your smart tech commands.

Smart home devices are also one of the most in-demand features with today’s homebuyers. Installing them could increase your property’s long-term value and marketability.

If you’re considering a new home, or have questions about your home’s value, get in touch today.

Thanks for reading my newsletter! I look forward to connecting on social media!

“Because Experience Matters!”

Mark your calendars for the biggest events of 2019

Barrett Jackson January 12-20, Scottsdale

This car auction attracts so many visitors that in 2016 the city of Scottsdale hired a consulting firm to study its economic impact and the results were staggering. The auction boasted 350,000 attendees from all 50 states and 15 countries, which translated to almost $170 million in revenue.

Waste Management Phoenix Open January 31-February 3, Scottsdale

This is so much more than just a golf tournament. “The Greatest Show on Grass” had over 700,000 spectators and pumped almost $400 million into the local economy last year. The golf and concerts that follow each night draw a wide range of age groups as well as celebrities to our area.

Arabian Horse Show February 14-24, Scottsdale

While the Arabian Horse Association has other shows throughout the year, this one is the largest in the world and continues to grow. It’s estimated that at least 310,000 horse lovers will flock to the 2019 event, which will showcase more than 2,200 horses (and their owners).

Cactus League Spring Training February 21-March 26

Ten stadiums are scattered across the metro Phoenix area. The 15 MLB teams that make their homes here each year sell 3.5 million tickets each season. Loyal fans from Chicago, San Francisco, Colorado and points all over the country make pilgrimages to watch their teams in action. Not only does this event last a lot longer than the others, it also draws a wider range of ages and socioeconomic groups.

Whether they are looking for a short-term rental, an investment property or a second home, tourists coming to town during this time have a lot of spending power. Be ready for them!

Welcome to the new year!   I hope 2019 is a wonderful year for you and your family.

I’m not sure what your plans are for the coming months. Chances are, you will need to speak to an expert in a specific field at some point during the year. For example, you might ask a gardening expert some questions later this spring, get some recommendations from a trusted investment advisor, or ask your doctor an important health question.

It makes sense to take advantage of expertise when you need it.  That’s why I’m here. When you need to talk to someone about real estate – someone who is knowledgeable about the local market and considers you a valued client – I will be available.

So, don’t forget to add me to your list of experts!  Cathi Pospisil, 30 YR Residential Real Estate Broker, Cell: 928-273-0538, Email: cathi@MyREBroker.com