When I was growing up there used to be an old joke that the next improvement to television would be “smell-o-vision” (addressing a person’s other senses). The idea is not without its merits. In the 1930s theatre owners would pump in artificial smells into the theatre to enhance the experience. The scent of a freshly mowed lawn to an outdoor scene or salty air to an ocean scene. Some owners would cook bacon (who doesn’t love the smell of bacon cooking?) hoping it would make customers hungry....

It used to be a common practice that when a parent got older that they would simply add their children’s names to the deed of their home in an attempt to avoid probate and circumvent estate planning. But this practice is old thinking and presents several pitfalls to both the owner and their heirs.

This type of transaction may have tax implications now and in the future. Tax laws and the tracking of transfers and gifts has become more sophisticated over the years so the likelihood...

When it comes to real estate we often hear the familiar mantra “Location, Location, Location”. But what does it really mean and why is it so important? As an agent I often encounter buyers that look first at the building they are buying and secondly at the location. They rationalize by saying “I can get more square footage in this area, more bang for the buck” or “I really like this builder of this house”. While we all want the best house we can get for the money, we also must recognize...

Real Estate sales can be complex. Sellers need to stage and market their homes to attract the maximum amount of attention and the best offer(s). Buyers must shop for and find just the right home to meet their needs. Both tasks require them to step outside their comfort zones, and accept what a competitive market will offer. If the two parties are lucky enough to come together, they can go forward with the purchase and sale. That is where things get even more complex.

First they must...

Recently I had the chance to oversee a clients in a home purchase in one of Phoenix’s “no man’s land” communities. The property address was shown to be in one of the more desirable suburbs, but was actually physically located in a different town. This phenomenon occurs quite often here in the Valley of the Sun, and is often confusing to buyers. Buyers assume from the mailing address that the city provides municipal services, zoning guidelines, code enforcement and more, but that is not...