Dear Friends & Neighbors,

During this trying time, it’s not surprising that so many homeowners are anxious and exhausted. Perhaps you’ve been feeling the same way. If so, keep in mind that the COVID-19 outbreak will eventually wind down and, hopefully, things will be back to normal soon.

We’re all in this together – and we’ll get through it.

As you probably already know, a key to getting through challenges like this one is to remember to reach out for help when you need it. That’s why I’ve been making myself fully available to those who have real estate questions or need advice and help.

As a real estate professional, I have access to the latest data and information, and can give you a clear picture of what’s going on in the local real estate scene. I can offer you some clarity, which is so important in a time of so much uncertainty.

So, please, don’t hesitate to reach out to me. I’m here to help. Call today 928-273-0538… Cheers!

What kind of stool is most likely to keep you from toppling over when you sit on it? Of course, two-legged stools won’t even stand on their own. Three-legged stools are okay, but still unstable. Four-legged stools are rock solid.

What does this have to do with shopping for a new home? Well, if you want to find the right home quickly and for the best price, you need to have four things in place – the four legs of the stool. They will help ensure the experience goes smoothly. The first leg is your wish list. You need to have a clear picture of the type of home you want. How many bedrooms? A large deck? Don’t forget about the neighborhood. Do you need to be close to major highways for ease of commuting? The second leg is a pre-approved mortgage. Getting the financing handled upfront takes the guesswork out of what you can afford. And, sellers are more likely to take any offers you make more seriously. The third leg is realistic expectations. Of homes that sell, 99% sell at or near their current market values. That doesn’t mean you can’t find a good deal. It does mean you’re unlikely to find a “steal”. Fortunately, there are likely several wonderful properties available within your price range. The final leg of the stool is a great real estate professional. Choosing the right real estate professional is crucial to making your home shopping experience less stressful and more productive. So, when you’re hunting for a new home, make sure you start with a stable “four-legged stool”. It will dramatically increase your chances of finding a home that fits your needs and budget. Need help with that? Call Cathi today. (928) 273-0538

19907 N. 69th Ave. Glendale, AZ 85308, Lovely custom home on the 12th fairway of The Arrowhead Ranch Golf course! $379,000. 2,181 sq feet. Call Cathi Pospisil, HOMESMART Chandler for more info. 928-273-0538, text or email: cathi@myrebroker.com

By Jennifer Kelly Geddes | Jan 15, 2020

Has the new year prompted you to take a fresh look at some of the eyesores in your home? Maybe you’re itching to replace those drafty windows, or eager to install a spiffy new deck so you can finally accommodate all your friends when the weather warms up.

But jumping into a home remodeling project isn’t for the faint of heart, especially since you’ll want to make sure you can recoup a good part of your investment when it comes time to sell. To help you pinpoint the right projects, Remodeling magazine has just released its annual Cost vs. Value report highlighting how much various projects cost, plus their return on investment.

To come up with their 33rd edition of this report, researchers took a look at the top 22 home renovation projects in 101 metropolitan areas across the country. The report lists the cost of each renovation, the value of the project at resale (based on estimates by real estate professionals), the percentage of the project’s cost you can expect to recoup, and whether that value has increased or dropped from last year.

So which remodeling project really pays off the most? According to their data, the installation of manufactured stone veneer takes the top spot among remodeling projects, with a return on investment of 95.6%—nearly the full amount you’ll spend.

Inside Remodeling’s Cost vs. Value report: Why faux stone rules

Why is adding faux stone so hot, you might ask? As it turns out, making a good impression on possible buyers is the reason, which is also key to a potential sale.

“Manufactured veneer has been one of the top ROI projects over the past few years, in part because it reflects a wider trend of curb appeal investments tending to add more overall value than interior renovations,” explains Vincent Salandro, an assistant editor at both Remodeling and ProSales magazines.

Photo by Coronado Stone Products

In fact, 9 of the top 10 high-return projects in the report are ones that pertain to a home’s exterior. Replacing the garage door came in second place (and was first last year), where it now earns an ROI of 94.5%. Other top ROI projects include window replacement, outdoor decks, and new siding, which was broken out into two categories for the first time this year (fiber-cement and vinyl).

This leaves minor kitchen remodeling (such as installing new cabinet fronts, hardware, countertops, and flooring, and replacing old cooktops and fridges with more energy-efficient models) as the lone interior project in the top 10. Clearly, when it comes to ROI on home remodeling, it’s what’s on the outside that counts!

Why remodeling costs are up—and values down

This year’s findings also indicate an overall uptick in costs for all of these projects—as well as a downturn in their perceived value.

By comparison, last year’s report revealed that homeowners would make back 66.1% of the money they shelled out for remodeling projects, but in 2020 the overall number dropped to 63.7% of cost recouped.

This significant difference over the past year may be related to consumer confidence. Editor Clay DeKorne, who managed the cost/value report and wrote about its key trends, notes that Americans might be feeling leery about purchasing property due to the less-than-steady world markets and possible future trade wars that could unfold at any moment.

DeKorne’s trends analysis also notes that bigger, more personalized home projects like bathroom and kitchen makeovers don’t exactly appeal to the greater public. The bottom line: One person’s tile obsession is another’s worst nightmare—and a potential home buyer may end up wanting to rip out all of your carefully curated work.

Photo by Del Casa Homes

Wondering which project sits in last place on this year’s list? Alas, it’s the same as in 2019: an upscale master suite addition, which costs a shocking $282,062, while the resale value is just about half—$145,486, or a cost recoup of 51.6%.

Granted, if you’re pining for a new spa tub and heated floors and you’ve found your forever home, you might consider this money well-spent. But the rest of us are probably better off considering better shingles for the roof, or splurging on a new front door.

Ready to take a deeper dive into the data? Check out which home renovations will give you the best (and worst) return on your investment in the chart below.

Waste Management Phoenix Open Repeats as PGA TOUR Tournament of the Year

Phoenix-area TOUR stop also wins award for “Best Integrated Marketing Plan” in 2019

PONTE VEDRA BEACH, FLORIDA – The Waste Management Phoenix Open (Scottsdale, Arizona) was honored by the PGA TOUR at the TOUR’s Tournament Meetings on November 20.

For the second consecutive season, the Waste Management Phoenix Open was named the PGA TOUR “Tournament of the Year,” marking the fourth time (2014, 2015, 2018 and 2019) in the last six years the event has taken top honors. The Phoenix-area tournament also won the “Best Integrated Marketing” award for its engaging and creative year-round integrated marketing plan.

“On behalf of the PGA TOUR, I am thrilled to congratulate the Waste Management Phoenix Open on once again being named the ‘Tournament of the Year,’” said PGA TOUR Chief Tournaments and Competitions Officer Andy Pazder. “The Thunderbirds and title sponsor Waste Management continue to reach new heights each year with an unparalleled fan experience, seamless title sponsor integration and record charitable impact, all while continuing their mission as a zero-waste event.”

The 2019 Waste Management Phoenix Open, won by Rickie Fowler, continued to reach new levels with its fan experience, marketing and social media strategy, and charitable impact. In recent years, the tournament has enhanced the overall experience for general admission holders, adding and expanding public venues along the closing stretch of holes at TPC Scottsdale, beginning with its famous coliseum-style 16th hole. As part of a sold-out, four-night concert series, more than 38,000 fans enjoyed 11 musical acts, with headliners including Old Dominion, Jake Owen, The Chainsmokers and Snoop Dogg.

Working closely with the PGA TOUR, Skratch and Golf Channel, the tournament reached new audiences with engaging content through the “Legends of the Green” campaign, celebrity influencers and an unforgettable moment shared between 2018 Waste Management Phoenix Open champion Gary Woodland and Special Olympics golfer Amy Bockerstette. More than 50 million people have since watched Amy, who has Down Syndrome, sink a par putt on the 16th hole during a practice round with Woodland, making it one of the most viewed Facebook videos in PGA TOUR history. The moment has been covered by all major sports and news outlets, and garnered new attention when Woodland won the 2019 U.S. Open and reunited with Amy on the TODAY Show.

“We’re extremely proud to be acknowledged by the PGA TOUR in back-to-back years and we want to say thank you to our fans, sponsors and the community for their commitment to our event,” said Chance Cozby, 2019 WM Phoenix Open Tournament Chairman. “The Thunderbirds could not achieve this success without the tireless effort of so many involved, starting with our title sponsor Waste Management. Our goal each year is to make the Waste Management Phoenix Open better than the last so we can continue to grow our charitable give to the Valley of the Sun.”

As the tournament continues to grow, so does the charitable impact. Proceeds from the 2019 Waste Management Phoenix Open generated a record $13.2 million for local charities, the highest single-year charitable donation in tournament history. Since Waste Management became title sponsor in 2010, the tournament has raised more than $81 million for local charities.

“Since Waste Management became title sponsor in 2010, we are proud of the positive impact the Waste Management Phoenix Open continues to bring to benefit the community and the environment,” said Jim Fish, President and CEO of Waste Management. “Together, with our partners The Thunderbirds, we strive to find new ways to improve one of the top sporting events in the world, and this recognition acknowledges our collaborative effort. We’re thrilled to be the title sponsor of this event for the next decade to come.”

The 2020 Waste Management Phoenix Open, won this year by Rickie Fowler, will be held January 27 – February 2 at TPC Scottsdale.

ABOUT PGA TOUR

By showcasing golf’s greatest players, the PGA TOUR engages, inspires and positively impacts our fans, partners and communities worldwide.

The PGA TOUR, headquartered in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, co-sanctions more than 130 tournaments on the PGA TOUR, PGA TOUR Champions, Korn Ferry Tour, PGA TOUR Latinoamérica, Mackenzie Tour-PGA TOUR Canada and PGA TOUR Series-China. Members on the PGA TOUR represent the world’s best players, hailing from 28 countries and regions (93 members are from outside the United States). Worldwide, PGA TOUR tournaments are broadcast to 226 countries and territories in 23 languages. Virtually all tournaments are organized as non-profit organizations to maximize charitable giving. In 2018, tournaments across all Tours generated a record $190 million for local and national charitable organizations, bringing the all-time total to $2.84 billion.

Fans can follow the PGA TOUR on PGATOUR.COM, the No. 1 site in golf, on the PGA TOUR app and on social media channels, including Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter.

cathi@myrebroker.com – MyREBroker.com Mail

Events Disney On Ice – Mickey’s Search Party Thu. 01/16 – Sun. 01/19, times vary Talking Stick Resort Arena, Phoenix This brand-new immersive ice skating experience brings the magic closer to fans than ever before through engaging elements that take place on the ice, in the air and in the seats. $20 more info   map Cinderella Thu. 01/16 – Sun. 01/19, times vary Great Arizona Puppet Theatre, Phoenix Lots of laughs, beautiful puppets, and plentry of special effects make Cinderella an audience favorite. $8+ more info   map The Temptations & The Four Tops Fri. 01/17, 8pm Comerica Theatre, Phoenix Two legendary groups from the classic Motown era will guaranteed a legendary night of all their favorite hits. more info   map Agatha Christie’s “And Then There Were None” Fri. 01/17 – Sun. 01/19, times vary Blackbox Theater, Scottsdale “And Then There Were None” tells the story of ten people who were lured onto Indian Island by a man named U. N. Owen. Once all ten people were in the house on the island, the story picks up when someone is poisoned. $25 more info   map 57th Annual Fine Arts Competition Fri. 01/17 – Sun. 01/19, 10am-5pm Sahuaro Ranch Park, Glendale Features paintings, sculpture and mixed-media works by artists from throughout Arizona. Proceeds provide scholarships supporting all forms of art in the Glendale community. more info   map Performance – Charlotte’s Web Fri. 01/17 – Sun. 01/19, times vary Theatre Works, Peoria E.B. White’s award-winning work about a friendship between a determined spider and a livestock pig in a heart-warming theatrical presentation. more info   map 27th Annual Winter Carefree Fine Art & Wine Festival Fri. 01/17 – Sun. 01/19, 10am-5pm Carefree Desert Gardens This festival features 150 world-class artists from throughout the globe, wine and micro-brew tasting, spirit sampling, delectable edibles, sweet treats and live music. $3 more info   map Humana Rock ‘N’ Roll Arizona Marathon & ½ Marathon  Fri. 01/17 – Sun. 01/19, times vary Tempe Beach Park Participants will experience great runner support and community engagement as they move along to the music with live on-course bands. more info   map Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Car Auction Fri. 01/17 – Sun. 01/19, 8am-end varies Barret-Jackson For nearly 50 years, enthusiasts from all over the world have flocked to the Barrett-Jackson collector car auctions, named America’s No. 1 Attraction for Car Lovers in the 2019 USA Today Readers’ Choice Contest. $12+ more info   map Chandler International Film Festival Fri. 01/17 – Mon. 01/20, times vary Harkins Chandler Fashion 20 Featuring over 120 films from more than 35 countries, includes a red carpet, opening ceremony, award ceremony, and more. $10+ more info   map Superhero Saturday Sat. 01/18, 12pm-5pm 2120 N Central Ave Phoenix There will be an auction, food, exhibitors, a car show, AZ local VIP guests, costumers, cosplayers and a costume contest. more info   map Downtown Mesa Festival of the Arts Sat. 01/18, 10am-4pm MacDonald Street, Mesa DT Mesa Fest is a free event featuring unique artistic creations, music, food and fun for the whole family.  more info   map Jurassic Hike Sat. 01/18, 10am Skyline Regional Park, Goodyear Journey back 66 millions years ago as we invite families to brave the park during the Jurassic time period.Free, but pre-registration is required. Bring a camera, water, and closed-toe shoes. more info   map Gilbert Winter Art Walk Sat. 01/18, 9am-1pm Water Tower Plaza With an array of artists showcasing their creation in many art mediums like painting, jewelry, ceramic, woodworking, photography and much more. Also enjoy live music. Free admission and parking. more info   map Red Mountain Farmers Market Sat. 01/18, 8am-1pm Mesa Community College Shop local produce, artisan vendors, local meats, and much more. more info   map Phoenix Symphony: Mendelssohn and Schumann 1 Sat. 01/18, 2pm & 7:30pm Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts The Phoenix Symphony focuses on the similarities and contrasts of the works of Mendelssohn and Schumann. more info   30th Annual Celebration of Fine Art Sat. 01/18, 10am-6pm Celebration of Fine Art, Scottsdale Meet 100 of the finest artists in the country, watch them work and share in the creative process. more info   map                        Movies  In Theaters     Rated Dolittle       PG Like A Boss   R Bad Boys For Life         R  New DVD Release  Rated     Critics Say The Addams Family    PGZombieland: Double Tap       R Jexi      R Pro Sports PRO FOOTBALL PLAYOFFS 2020  Schedule PHOENIX PRO BASKETBALL @ Boston 01/18 @ 5:00pm Schedule GOLF TOUR The American Express 01/16-01/19, times vary La Quinta, CA Golf Network ScheduleARIZONA HOCKEY@ Edmonton 01/18 @ 1:00pm Schedule College Sports –  ARIZONA STATE SUN DEVILS  Men’s Basketball vs Utah 01/18 @ 7:00pm Women’s Basketball @ Washington 01/17 @ 8:00pm @ Washington State 01/19 @ 1:00pmARIZONA WILDCATS     Men’s Basketball vs Colorado 01/18 @ 12:30pm Women’s Basketball @ Washington State 01/17 @ 8:00pm @ Washington 01/19 @ 1:00pm       Click here for the most up to date                             Enjoy a Concert This Winter                       Phoenix Zoo – Through Jan. 19th                          Upcoming Performances                                 Upcoming Events         TOOL ~ Gila River Arena, 1/18         Post Malone – Runaway Tour, 1/19         Jan. 20th – Where to Celebrate

Things to do in Phoenix this weekend! – cathi@myrebroker.com – MyREBroker.com Mail

Events  Mesa Turkey Trot Thu. 11/28, 4am-1pm Red Mountain Park, Mesa One of Arizona’s oldest running events. Each age group winner will receive a Pie. more info   map Fountain Hills Thanksgiving Day Parade  Thu. 11/28, 9am Downtown Fountain Hills A lot of the local businesses participate as well as the VFW, classic cars clubs, Girl Scout troops, school groups and many others. With a few dozen floats, marching bands, dance routines, motorcycle shows, and Santa, it is sure to entertain. more info   map Arizona International Auto Show Thu. 11/28 – Sun. 12/01, times vary Phoenix Convention Center Over 500 of the latest cars, trucks, crossovers and more are set to take over the Phoenix Convention Center Thanksgiving weekend. more info   map Rawhide Snowy Christmas Thu. 11/28 – Sun. 12/01, times vary Rawhide Western Town, Chandler The Town will be decked out with holiday décor and thousands of lights. Rawhide will feature holiday festivities nightly. $9.95+ more info   map Holiday Lights Maricopa Live Steamers Fri. 11/29, 6-9pm Maricopa County Steamers, Glendale Our 13th year of having Holiday Train Rides and lights. Take a trip past the North Pole around our 1.5 mile decorated train route. Lights, animations and our 50′ tall Megatree. more info   map Merry Main Street Kick-off and Tree Lighting! Fri. 11/29, 5-10pm Downtown Mesa Join us for the opening night for the holiday festivities along Main Street. 5pm – Holiday music, 5:45pm – Tree lighting, 6pm – live music, ice skating rink opening and more. more info   map Fantasy of Lights Opening Night Parade Fri. 11/29, 4pm-9pm Downtown Tempe Take a free selfie with Santa, get a head start on your holiday shopping at the Holiday Market, enjoy live entertainment and watch the streets of Downtown Tempe as they light up with festive décor. more info   map 26th Annual Glendale Glitters Spectacular Opening Fri. 11/29 & Sat. 11/30, 5-10pm Murphy Park, Glendale Glendale lights up with 1.6 million twinkling lights. Enjoy holiday entertainment, food, crafts and play in a snowfield. more info   map Surprise Arts Festival Fri. 11/29 & Sat. 11/30, 10am-5pm Mark Coronado Park, Surprise The Surprise Festival of Arts returns featuring jury selected Fine Arts and Crafts, Gourmet Food Trucks, Wine and Beer Garden, Confectionery booths. more info   map Holiday Pops Concert Fri. 11/29 – Sun. 12/01, times vary Symphony Hall, Phoenix Experience the magical music of the holiday season with The Phoenix Symphony, The Phoenix Symphony Chorus and acclaimed Broadway vocalists. $25+ more info   map Ballet Etudes presents “The Nutcracker” Fri. 11/29 – Sun. 12/01, times vary Chandler Center for the Arts Let Clara’s magical journey surround you as she encounters life-size mice, swirling snowflakes, dancing confections and the Sugar Plum Fairy. $25+ more info   map Santa’s Wonderland Fri. 11/29 – Sun. 12/01, times vary Cabela’s, Phoenix Phoenix-area families are invited to enjoy this enchanting Christmas village offering free 4×6 studio-quality photos with Santa and free family holiday activities including fun crafts and games. more info   map Feeling of Fall Festival Sat. 11/30 & Sun. 12/01, 10am-3pm Boyce Thompson Arboretum State Park, Superior Bring your out-of-town guests here Thanksgiving weekend for two days worth of live music, spiced cider and arts/crafts vendors. $5+ more info   map Sing-Along & Tree Lighting Ceremony Sat. 11/30, 7-9pm Scottsdale Waterfront Family-friendly kickoff of Scottsdazzle welcomes guests of all ages to enjoy a magical evening of a Sing Along led by local celebrities and Tree Lighting. Hot chocolate and holiday treats for purchase. more info   map Festival of Lights Holiday Kick-Off Party Sat. 11/30, noon – 8pm Desert Foothills Pkw., Ahwatukee Always the Saturday after Thanksgiving. Carnival rides, community entertainment, Beer Garden, Marketplace Street Fair and the Motorcycle Parade more info   map Trans-Siberian Orchestra Sun. 12/01, 3pm & 7:30pm Talking Stick Resort Arena, Phoenix Trans-Siberian Orchestra is a staple of the Christmas Season. Every year this progressive rock orchestra brings the holiday spirit all across North America.  more info   map                                 Pro Sports  ARIZONA PRO FOOTBALL  vs Los Angeles 12/01 @ 2:05pm State Farm Stadium FOX SchedulePHOENIX PRO BASKETBALL      vs Denver 11/29 @ 7:00pm ScheduleGOLF TOUR     Resumes 12/04 Golf Network ScheduleARIZONA HOCKEY@ VGK 11/29 @ 4:00pm vs SJS 11/30 @ 6:00pm Schedule College Sports ARIZONA STATE SUN DEVILS  Football vs Arizona 11/30 @ 8:00pm Men’s Basketball Resumes 12/03 Women’s Basketball Florida Gulf Coast Showcase vs Maine 11/29 @ 3:00pm vs TBA 11/30 @ TBD vs TBA 12/01 @ TBD Women’s Volleyball @ Arizona 11/30 @ 12:00pmARIZONA WILDCATS      Football @ Arizona State 11/30 @ 8:00pm Men’s Basketball Wooden Legacy vs Pepperdine 11/28 @ 9:00pm 11/29 TBA 12/01 TBA Women’s Basketball vs UC Riverside 11/29 @ 4:00pm Volleyball vs Arizona State 11/30 @ 12:00pm

• November 2019

Before purchasing a car, many consumers like to give it a test drive to make sure the vehicle is the right fit for them. Likewise, some house hunters are asking for a “test stay” at a home before signing the sale contract. While that’s not always possible, here are some tips in a realtor.com® article to accommodate as much of your buyers’ request as possible.

• Book an Airbnb or other short-term rental. Your clients should aim for at least a three-day trip over a Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. This will give them a chance to scout out the neighborhood on a weekday and weekend.
• Check real-time crime updates in the area. Your clients can use apps such as Citizen, which crowdsources crime reports.
• Do a run-through of the commute. Suggest that your clients drive the route they would take between home and work, as well as the most convenient avenues to accommodate their shopping routine and other regular errands.
• Visit local happy hours and weekend festivities. This will give your clients more of a feel for the neighborhood they’re considering. “Your goals should be to see as many venues as you possibly can, to get a sense of the ambiance and demographics of the local nightlife and social scene.

Next to a major kitchen renovation, replacing appliances is the most expensive way to upgrade the space. So, if you’re purchasing a new refrigerator, stove or dishwasher in order to make your home more attractive to buyers, you want to make wise purchasing decisions.

The most important consideration is how the appliances will look in the kitchen. Ideally, they should match in color and style. They should also be the right size for the space. The last thing you want is a fridge that’s so large it dominates the room, or a stove that’s a completely different style and looks out-of-place. Appearance is important, but so are the features. Buyers viewing your home will scrutinize the appliances. They’ll notice if the fridge has a cold water and ice dispenser. They’ll ask if the dishwasher has noise-reduction features. Double ovens and quick-heating burners (which are now available on electric stoves) will also get a buyer’s attention. Power consumption is also a big issue these days. Increasingly, buyers are interested in the energy efficient features of a home – appliances included.  Kitchen appliances may seem minor compared to the overall appeal of your property, but they do make a difference. Purchase wisely!

Imagine you’re at a dinner party and someone brings up the topic of plumbing. They’ve had some difficulties with hot water pipes during a renovation and they’re telling the story of what happened. Then, another person in the room says, “I have a friend who’s a plumber. I always call him with my plumbing questions.”

Wouldn’t that make you think it would be nice to have a friend who’s a plumber that you could call? (In fact, you might just have that kind of a friend!)

Well, for valued clients like you, I try to be the kind of friend you’d like to have: Your friend the real estate agent!

I want you to feel comfortable calling me whenever you have a question or concern regarding the housing market, buying or selling a home, or anything else that’s real estate related. Even if you have no plans to move in the foreseeable future, please consider me your source for real estate answers and advice. My handy information:

Cathi Pospisil Cell: 928-273-0538, Email: cathi@myrebroker.com