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BlogArizona.com - the ORIGINAL Arizona Real Estate Blog
BlogArizona.com offers discussions on a wide variety of subjects, but focuses on Arizona and real estate.  The articles  posted here are contributed by various working professionals.  Their insights and experiences will inform, educate, challenge and entertain our readers week after week.  Some of the best reading on blogs often comes from reader Comments!  We encourage you to use the 'Comments' feature to join discussions and interact with both our Contributors, and our other readers.  We do require that you first review and accept our 'Comment Rules' in order to preserve the quality and integrity of this blog.  Also be aware that all visitors are subject to our Terms of Use.

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BlogArizona Category: Arizona Law

This page contains all BlogArizona posts related to Arizona Law.   Read a specific post by clicking on a title below, or scroll further down the page to read through all posts in this category.

  • Phoenix, AZ Road Rage Kills 70-Year Old Grandmother
  • Sheriff Joe Enforces Immigration Law, Phoenix Mayor Upset
  • Selling a Home in AZ and Not Sure What to Disclose to the Buyer?
  • Beware of Red Light Camera at Gilbert & McKellips in Mesa!
  • AZ Home Inspector Licensing Board going away?
  • AZ Termite Inspector Licensing Agency Going Away
  • Phoenix, Arizona's Baseline Killer Sentenced
  • Maricopa County Sheriff Has New DUI Chain Gang
  • Mesa, AZ Residents: Watch Your Trucks!
  • Zillow vs. Arizona Board of Appraisal
  • BlogArizona.com Welcomes the Arizona Mortgage Guru!
  • Scottsdale, Arizona Traffic Cameras
  • Voting on AZ Ballot Propositions that Affect Real Estate
  • AZ Voters - Be Informed When Casting Your Vote
  • Maricopa County Jails are English Only
  • New Arizona Disclosure Reports Reduce Seller & Agent Liability
  • New Law Affecting Arizona Builders?
  • Maricopa County Sheriff Says No to Kool-Aid
  • Mesa, AZ Ranked 3rd Best Big City
  • Help Support Jessica's Law and Protect Our Children
  • New Law Helps Arizona Homeowners with HOA's
  • Maricopa County Sheriff Plans "Ameri-con Idol"
  • New Arizona Law Allows Sale of Special Fuel in the Valley
  • Phoenix Residents Approve Bond Program
  • Phoenix Association of Realtors® Endorses All 7 Phoenix Bond Propositions
  • Arizona Ranked as 4th Most Dangerous State
  • Arizona Traffic School is Educational, But Not Fun!
  • Today is the Deadline for W-2's!
  • Arizona Sex Offender Registry
  • Arizona Schools ECA Tax Credit
  • Cell Phones and the Do Not Call Registry
  • Arizona Ranked "Top State"
  • Do You Like the New Arizona Real Estate Contract?
  • Official Launch of BlogArizona.com!
  • AZ Dept. of Real Estate Helps Home Buyers & Sellers
  • Home Inspection Reports and Confidentiality
  • Add Your Company Name & Logo to a Product in BlogArizona.com's Online Store!
  • Welcome to the blogosphere!
  • Real Estate Law



  • Monday, June 09, 2008

    Phoenix, AZ Road Rage Kills 70-Year Old Grandmother

    Valley streets are dangerous and I can certainly understand getting frustrated at another driver now and then.  But it's hard to believe somebody would actually kill another person over a traffic altercation.  Hard to believe maybe, but it happens all too often.

    Here's an article about a deadly road rage incident which took place in Phoenix over the weekend.  A 70-year old grandmother was shot and killed just for being a passenger.  A 4-year old child in the same car was shot in the arm and is in stable condition.

    Police are still looking for the alleged shooter...the 26-year old male passenger of an older model white Ford Escort, which was being driven by a 21-year old pregnant woman.  Sounds like this couple will make great parents, huh?

    I hate to see such negative news stories about our state, but this story has been all over the national news today.  Makes you wonder... what's our world coming to?  That's all I can say about this.

    Visit Shannon Hubbard's Home Page     Written By: Shannon Hubbard
    Realtor®-Investor

    Great American Realty, Inc.

    Cell: (480) 695-6672
    Email me

    Posted by Shannon Hubbard, Arizona Real Estate Agent on June 9, 2008 | Permalink | Comments (4) | TrackBack

    Monday, April 14, 2008

    Sheriff Joe Enforces Immigration Law, Phoenix Mayor Upset

    Normally, I don't post on such political topics.  But this Arizona Republic article was so one-sided, I had to blog about it just to mention the part of the story the AZ Republic blindly disregarded.  Phoenix Mayor Phil Gordon is asking the FBI to investigate Sheriff Joe Arpaio for alleged civil rights violations.  The Mayor is complaining about Sheriff Joe's recent illegal immigrant raids because Mayor Gordon claims Sheriff Joe is using racial profiling.  In short, the Mayor is complaining that Sheriff Joe is enforcing the law.

    I just wonder...is this the same Mayor Phil Gordon who recently gave press conferences about how he was going to end Phoenix's sanctuary city policy after a Phoenix police officer was needlessly shot and killed by an illegal alien?  I guess that was just for the news cameras.  When it comes to actually following through, perhaps a few more officers will have to be killed first.

    And don't you love the way the Arizona Republic article mentions (more than once) that Mayor Gordon recently "called on Phoenix police to play a more active role in enforcing immigration laws".  But nowhere in the article does it mention that Mayor Gordon took that stance after a Phoenix police officer was needlessly shot in the face and killed by an illegal immigrant, in cold blood.  And this was an illegal immigrant who had previously been arrested for less serious charges and deported.  But apparently, anybody who wants to walk across our border and kill our citizens is free to do so (thank you for trying to keep it that way Mayor Gordon).

    Mayor Gordon says Sheriff Joe should focus on real criminals.  Last I heard, being here illegally is illegal.  And when someone is killed needlessly by an illegal immigrant, doesn't it usually turn out that the killer was previously arrested for less serious crimes?  If authorities had only deported the person and meant it the first time, maybe we'd have one less dead Phoenix police officer.

    I realize all illegal immigrants are not criminals, but as long as our borders are wide open, the bad guys are coming across too.  In my opinion, people like Mayor Gordon who scream 'racist' everytime someone tries to actually deal with the problem need to wipe the blood off their hands and face reality.  How many people have to be killed and how many children have to be molested before we finally decide to enforce our laws...and mean it.

    We need to get past the politics and secure our borders... for real this time.  Until that happens, I say go Sheriff Joe!

    Visit Shannon Hubbard's Home Page     Written By: Shannon Hubbard
    Realtor®-Investor

    Great American Realty, Inc.

    Cell: (480) 695-6672
    Email me

    Posted by Shannon Hubbard, Arizona Real Estate Agent on April 14, 2008 | Permalink | Comments (7) | TrackBack

    Sunday, April 06, 2008

    Selling a Home in AZ and Not Sure What to Disclose to the Buyer?

    I recently received an email with this question about disclosure of sex offenders when selling a home in Arizona:

    "Recently in USA Today 3/20/2008 in an article written by Matt Reed, he stated  " Arizona has one of the nation's toughest laws, requiring sellers and agents to disclose neighboring sex offenders to potential buyers."

    Yet Arizona real estate law attorney Richard Keyt stated on his website the following: " The presence of a sex offender in the vicinity of the property is not a fact that is required to be disclosed by law."  His web page was last revised 3/23/2008.

    Additionally, a form from the Arizona Association of Realtors, Residential Seller Advisory version 02/2008 stated: "By law, sellers are not obligated to disclose that the property is or has been: ( I'll skip to paragraph 3: located in the vicinity of a sex offender."

    My question is has the governor or the legislation changed this provision of law recently? Who is correct?"

    First, I have to say that I'm not an attorney so I can only address this question in the general sense and from a Realtor's perspective.  So do not consider my answer as legal advice, and ALWAYS consult an attorney for questions about your own specific situation.

    Second, don't believe everything you read in the mainstream media!  Of course, you can't believe everything you read on the internet either.  But I do know bloggers who are much more thorough about checking facts than some of the major media outlets.

    Arizona legislators are constantly updating our laws, and real estate disclosure is a hot topic.  However, I don't think a change to the law is the source of confusion in this case.  From my experience, I'd say all of the sources quoted are technically correct.  I think this is the USA Today article that was referenced in the question, here's the AZ real estate attorney who was mentioned, and here's the Arizona Association of Realtors (AAR) Residential Seller Advisory form.

    The AAR Residential Seller Advisory does indeed state, "By law, sellers are not obligated to disclose that the property is or has been... located in the vicinity of a sex offender."  But if you keep reading, it goes on to say, "However, the law does not protect a seller who makes an intentional misrepresentation."  And then the top of the next page says, "Sellers are required by law to disclose all known material (important) facts about the Property to the Buyer".

    So what is considered to be "material" or "important"?  Generally, anything that may affect a buyer's decision to buy is definitely material and should be disclosed.  To be safe, I tell sellers that EVERYTHING is material to the buyer.  At least, a seller has to assume that everything is material because they don't know what's material to the buyer.  Every buyer is different... what seems minor and unimportant to the seller may very well be minor and unimportant to one buyer.  However, that same item may be extremely important, and thus material, to another buyer.  If it ends up in front of a judge, I would guess that anything and everything the buyers find out later, that the seller knew and didn't disclose, will be considered material!

    The AAR Residential Seller Advisory reinforces this idea with it's heading, "When in doubt, disclose!".  If the sellers know there's a sex offender living down the street and the buyers ask, I would tell the seller to disclose it, in writing, to protect both the sellers and the buyers.  Even if the buyers don't ask, I would still tell the sellers to disclose it, in writing.  It doesn't matter if the buyers are older or don't have kids.  You cannot assume they don't care about a sex offender living nearby.  They may have grandchildren who visit and play outside, or friends that come over and bring their kids.  My point is, you shouldn't try to get inside the buyer's head and figure out what is, or is not material.  Only the buyer can decide that.  Just disclose it and let the buyers make that call... whether it's a maintenance problem, or something you know about the neighbors, homeowners association, schools, etc.  Disclose whatever you know.

    I know many people are reading this thinking, "Disclose it, even if it they don't ask? That would probably kill the deal."  Well, it's better to kill the deal now than end up in court later.  And actually, being honest from the beginning by making full disclosure reduces the risk of a last minute deal-breaker, 29 days into the transaction.  As a seller, if the deal isn't going to close, don't you want to know right away instead of AFTER your house has been off the market for a month?

    Full disclosure isn't just for sellers either.  It's a two-way street.  Buyers should also disclose anything that might be material to the sellers, like if they know something which may affect their ability to qualify for a mortgage.  The "golden rule" can (and should) be applied to real estate transactions, just like anything else in life.  Every transaction is smoother, less stressful and turns out better in the end if both parties are honest and upfront with each other from the beginning. 

    But buyers, don't be naive!  You should NOT rely on the sellers to disclose all material facts about the property you're buying.  Even if the sellers are honest people, they may not know all the material facts.  So buyers must also do their "due diligence" by investigating everything that's important to them.  The AZ Department of Real Estate advises buyers to read and investigate the items on this checklist for Arizona home buyers.  While the law may require certain disclosures, "Buyer Beware" is a reality!

    Visit Shannon Hubbard's Home Page     Written By: Shannon Hubbard
    Realtor®-Investor

    Great American Realty, Inc.

    Cell: (480) 695-6672
    Email me

    Posted by Shannon Hubbard, Arizona Real Estate Agent on April 6, 2008 | Permalink | Comments (8) | TrackBack

    Saturday, March 29, 2008

    Beware of Red Light Camera at Gilbert & McKellips in Mesa!

    A couple years ago when I had to go to driving school, I was told the cameras in intersections can catch you either speeding or running a red light.  Some are set for red-light only while others are set for speed.  But the cameras are all the same, it just depends on how they're programmed. 

    Well apparently, the red light running camera at Gilbert and McKellips in Mesa has recently been re-programmed to catch speeders too.  Don't ask me how I know this!  :(

    Photo radar ticket at the intersection of Gilbert & McKellips in Mesa, AZI live just a few miles east of this intersection and drive through it quite frequently since it's between my house and my office.  For those readers who are lucky enough to have never seen a photo radar ticket, I've posted one of the pretty pictures the City of Mesa was nice enough to send me (with the speed removed to protect the innocent, of course!).  They say you have to be going at least 11 MPH over the speed limit to get your picture taken for a speed violation.

    Considering the fees they're charging for speeding tickets these days, I don't know how the City of Mesa is losing money on the photo radar program.  Perhaps this recent re-programming of cameras is an attempt to get a better return on Mesa's investment.  Obviously, I have mixed feelings about that!  As a Mesa resident and taxpayer, of course I want the city to keep the roads safe, and I want them to maximize the return on investment when they spend taxpayers money...but not at my expense!

    If you're wondering where other Mesa traffic cameras are located, the City of Mesa's website lists all the intersections with red light cameras, along with the locations of Mesa's photo radar vans.  Also, here's some more info on Arizona photo radar tickets.

    Remember, slow down at the intersection of Gilbert & McKellips and drive safe!  :)

    Related Articles you may also find interesting:
    Scottsdale, Arizona Traffic Cameras (February 2007)
    Mesa Adds Several New Traffic Cameras (April 2006)
    Arizona Traffic School is Educational, But Not Fun! (March 2006)

    Visit Shannon Hubbard's Home Page     Written By: Shannon Hubbard
    Realtor®-Investor

    Great American Realty, Inc.

    Cell: (480) 695-6672
    Email me

    Posted by Shannon Hubbard, Arizona Real Estate Agent on March 29, 2008 | Permalink | Comments (9) | TrackBack

    Monday, February 25, 2008

    AZ Home Inspector Licensing Board going away?

    Arizona Home Inspectors need your help!

    Arizona's home inspector licensing agency, the AZ Board of Technical Registration (BTR) is inefficient, expensive and allegedly corrupt.  In fact, Arizona lawmakers are thinking about eliminating the BTR altogether (SB1171), and moving home inspector licensing to the Registrar of Contractors (ROC).

    As most of my readers already know, I'm co-owner of Homewerx Home Inspections, one of the Valley's leading home inspection companies since 1999.  As such, I sincerely appreciate your support on this matter.

    While I do NOT support eliminating the BTR, it definitely needs some change - starting at the top with the guy in charge.  It's unfortunate, but AZ home inspector licensing seems to be alot more about money and power and industry organizations than it is about quality home inspections.  There are some real problems and conflicts of interest that have just been ignored at the BTR, and we all know that problems don't just go away when they're ignored...they get worse!  Now, the BTR is so inefficient and lacking accountability that I think the whole idea of protecting homebuyers got lost somewhere along the line.  Home Inspectors don't trust the BTR, consumers kind of laugh at them.

    And the cost of inefficient government regulation is real... look at how much it costs to be a home inspector in Arizona compared to other professionals licensed by the same agency.  And look at how much Arizona home inspectors pay compared to home inspectors in other states.  "Wow" is all I can say!  Home Inspection companies inevitably pass these ridiculous costs onto the homebuying consumer, who is already strapped for cash in case the BTR hasn't heard.  And a home inspection is an out-of-pocket expense - those are the ones that really hurt and will be a deal-breaker alot quicker than borrowed money will.

    So please Help support the 'little guy', and you will help keep Arizona home inspection prices down plus eliminate government incompetence at the same time.

    Thank you again for your support!

    Visit Shannon Hubbard's Home Page     Written By: Shannon Hubbard
    Realtor®-Investor

    Great American Realty, Inc.

    Cell: (480) 695-6672
    Email me

    Posted by Shannon Hubbard, Arizona Real Estate Agent on February 25, 2008 | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBack

    Friday, January 18, 2008

    AZ Termite Inspector Licensing Agency Going Away

    Termite tube found in an Arizona home during a pre-purchase termite inspection If you haven't already heard, the licensing agency for Arizona termite inspectors and pest control professionals is going away - for good.  That's right, the Arizona Structural Pest Control Commission (SPCC) is being eliminated.

    Amid allegations of "cronyism, inefficiency, overregulation and instability", the executive director was recently fired by the seven member Commission.  In protest, the 3 Commission members who voted against firing the executive director have resigned.  A committee of Arizona lawmakers have since voted in favor of, and are introducing a bill to disband the SPCC altogether.

    Under the new bill, regulation & licensing of pest control professionals, including termite inspectors, will be transferred to the AZ Department of Agriculture.  Arizona lawmakers also considered transferring the SPCC's duties to the AZ Registrar of Contractors (ROC) or the AZ Board of Technical Registration (BTR).  However, agricultural pest control is already regulated by the AZ Dept. of Agriculture, so they are the most logical choice.

    Last I heard, the bill was supposed to be introduced in early January when the AZ Legislature reconvened.  While I have not officially seen anything stating the bill has been introduced or approved, I was told by one of my State Representatives in early January that the SPCC's duties will be transferring to the AZ Department of Agriculture.  I think he told me a time frame, but I don't remember what it was.  So it sounds like a pretty done deal, even if it has not been officially approved.  AZ Governor Napolitano mentioned late last year that she would consider the recommendation to get rid of the SPCC, and the State Representative I spoke with did not say the SPCC might go away, he said it was going away.  Additionally, the SPCC (like all such agencies) is subject to review every ten years.  I believe the SPCC's sunset review is due in June of this year, and even in the absence of other legislation, I don't think the SPCC is expected to be re-authorized or renewed.

    So, the "good ole boy network" at an Arizona licensing agency...could it really happen?

    Of course, I'm being sarcastic - yes, it really happens and probably more than you'd ever believe.  I have personally witnessed the type of abuse of power alleged here at another AZ licensing agency.  Luckily, it was not not directed at me personally.  However, I would bet that it's much more widespread than the public really knows.  That's a real shame since these licensing agencies are intended to protect the public.  But when the agency is corrupt, it doesn't protect anybody - it just raises the cost of doing business.  And that cost is ultimately passed on to the consumer, which means the licensing agency ends up hurting the very consumers it was supposed to protect.

    By the way, I want to apologize to my loyal readers for my recent "vacation" from blogging.  Between the holidays, visiting relatives and another project I've been working on, the time has just gotten away from me.  But I promise to post again soon.  In fact, my friend the AZ Mortgage Guru recently sent me a very interesting article, which got me doing some research on another Arizona licensing agency.  And what I found is definitely worth coming back to read.  So be sure to check back in a few days and read all about it!

    Related articles:
    - State Pest Control Director Fired
    - Arizona Structural Pest Control Commission May Disband
    - Pest Control Agency May Be Disbanded
    - Napolitano willing to consider abolishing pest control agency

    Visit Shannon Hubbard's Home Page     Written By: Shannon Hubbard
    Realtor®-Investor

    Great American Realty, Inc.

    Cell: (480) 695-6672
    Email me

    Posted by Shannon Hubbard, Arizona Real Estate Agent on January 18, 2008 | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBack

    Friday, December 14, 2007

    Phoenix, Arizona's Baseline Killer Sentenced

    The Phoenix area has really been in the national news headlines today - mostly law enforcement stories like the Sheriff Joe DUI chain gang story I posted earlier.  Likewise, here's an update on the Baseline Killer story. 

    Earlier today, Mark Goudeau (aka the Baseline Killer) was sentenced to 438 years in prison... that's right - four hundred thirty eight years - and that's just for the sexual assault charges he was convicted of last September.  He still faces the death penalty in about 9 murder cases.  Here's more info on today's sentence for the Phoenix Baseline Killer.

    Visit Shannon Hubbard's Home Page     Written By: Shannon Hubbard
    Realtor®-Investor

    Great American Realty, Inc.

    Cell: (480) 695-6672
    Email me

    Posted by Shannon Hubbard, Arizona Real Estate Agent on December 14, 2007 | Permalink | Comments (3) | TrackBack

    Maricopa County Sheriff Has New DUI Chain Gang

    Arizona's favorite Sheriff, also known as America's Toughest Sheriff, is making national headlines again.  This time, Sheriff Joe Arpaio is being criticized for his DUI chain gang.  Much like Sheriff Joe's other chain gangs, his DUI chain gang cleans up streets and performs other community services while wearing eye-catching outfits.  The DUI chain gang wears bright pink shirts which say, "Sheriff D.U.I. Chain Gang" on the back, and "Clean (ing) and Sober" on the front.  According to Sheriff Joe, "Maybe this will warn people — knock it off, don't drink and drive. You'll end up in pink underwear on the chain gang".

    While critics have always denounced Sheriff Joe's pink attire, the services performed by this new chain gang have critics especially upset...

    -- because the chain gang performs burial services for homeless alcoholics at an indigent cemetery.  However, it's important to note that all of the members of the DUI chain gang are volunteers who want to participate.  And homeless alcoholics need to be buried too, right, so what's the problem?

    Sheriff Joe is getting even tougher on Arizona's drunk drivers because last year, Arizona had a 15% increase in alcohol-related fatalities from the previous year (according to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration records).  This increase made Arizona number six in the entire nation for alcohol-related deaths.

    Sheriff Joe is also known for having the nation's first female chain gang.  And apparently, the DUI Chain Gang is the first ever 'crime-specific' chain gang.  Of course, Sheriff Joe is already planning to extend the idea, possibly creating chain gangs for those convicted of auto theft and identity theft.  According to Sheriff Joe, "Hey, it's unlimited what we can put on a shirt".

    I say go Sheriff Joe, and thank you for at least trying to keep Maricopa County safe!  Sheriff Joe is dealing with a serious problem in a creative, yet common sense way.  He's getting community services performed for free by people who owe a debt to society.  In the process, they're learning an important lesson about the consequences of their actions, while also making a statement to the community about the dangers and consequences of driving drunk.  Even if you haven't seen the chain gangs, you've heard about them on the news.  In fact, just about every national news channel had a story today about Sheriff Joe's new chain gang "digging graves" for homeless alcoholics. 

    So not only is Sheriff Joe's getting work done in the community, he's got everybody talking about the serious problem of drinking and driving - without spending any taxpayer dollars!  He's a marketing genius if you ask me!  I'm sure other government agencies could spend millions of dollars to form a committee and do a study, and issue a report, and come up with a plan and blah, blah, blah...  Meanwhile, the DUI chain gang is getting work done while also sending a very clear and effective message to the public:  Drink and drive and you too could end up dead, homeless or on a chain gang.

    This is possibly the most common sense and efficient use of tax dollars I've ever seen!  Too bad we don't have more leaders like Sheriff Joe.

    Related posts from the past:
    Maricopa County Sheriff Says No to Kool-Aid - Aug 2006
    Maricopa County Sheriff Plans "Ameri-con Idol" - May 2006
    Maricopa County Jails are English Only - Oct 2006

    Visit Shannon Hubbard's Home Page     Written By: Shannon Hubbard
    Realtor®-Investor

    Great American Realty, Inc.

    Cell: (480) 695-6672
    Email me

    Posted by Shannon Hubbard, Arizona Real Estate Agent on December 14, 2007 | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBack

    Monday, April 30, 2007

    Mesa, AZ Residents: Watch Your Trucks!

    Homewerx Home Inspection truck - remember to have your home inspected prior to purchase, and regularly during ownership.  Because an ounce of inspection is worth a pound of repair!

    Some crook(s) in Mesa, AZ are stealing tailgates from pickup trucks.  Apparently, Ford and Chevrolet are the tailgates of choice.  So if you own a Ford or Chevrolet pickup truck and you live in Mesa, AZ (or nearby), the Mesa Police Department is recommending that you park your truck either inside your garage, or back it up against your house in order to make it difficult for someone to open the tailgate.  Apparently, these tailgates just lift right off - no tools are even required to remove the tailgate from a Chevrolet pickup - I'm not sure about Fords.  If you have a camper shell that locks, you should be okay.  They need to be able to open the tailgate to remove it.

    Visit Shannon Hubbard's Home Page     Written By: Shannon Hubbard
    Realtor®-Investor

    Great American Realty, Inc.

    Cell: (480) 695-6672
    Email me

    Posted by Shannon Hubbard, Arizona Real Estate Agent on April 30, 2007 | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack

    Wednesday, April 18, 2007

    Zillow vs. Arizona Board of Appraisal

    The blogosphere is buzzing this week with stories of the two Cease and Desist letters that Arizona's Board of Appraisal sent to Zillow.  Apparently, the Arizona Board of Appraisal is accusing Zillow of offering 'appraisals' in Arizona without the proper licensing. 

    To me, this sounds like something they could resolve by simply tweeking the verbage and/or more prominently displaying their Disclaimer and definition of Zestimate.  If it's about confused consumers that think Zestimates are appraisals, obvious disclosure that Zestimates are NOT appraisals should suffice.  Personally, I think Zillow could be more accurate and I think they should re-assess their accuracy rating (perhaps break it down by area since Zestimates for some geographical areas may be more accurate than for other areas).  For example, I don't think Maricopa County Zesitmates are particularly accurate - Zillow has consistently and severely overpriced the Arizona homes that I've checked.  But I think consumers, not the Arizona Board of Appraisal should be the ones to demand changes to Zillow.  And if it's really about the consumer, I think the Arizona Board of Appraisal will find a simple yet reasonable compromise to allow Zillow to continue offering Arizona Zestimates.  But many are claiming that Zillow is being treated unfairly simply because of their success.  Many other websites also offer home value estimates, as do many Arizona real estate agents and brokers (CMA's).  Yet the Arizona Board of Appraisal has not sent Cease and Desist letters to any of them.

    However, it's important to note that A.R.S. 32-3602 (1) specifically states that licensed Arizona real estate agents and brokers do NOT need an appraisor's license to offer:

    "an opinion as to the price of real estate for the purpose of prospective listing or sale if this opinion is not referred to as an appraisal".

    In other words, Arizona law allows real estate agents and brokers to give CMA's and Opinions of Value without an appraisor's license.  There are also several other exceptions to the Arizona law requiring real estate appraisors to be licensed.

    When Zillow was first launched, it was rumored that Zillow's CEO Rich Barton wanted to transform the way people buy and sell real estate, much like Expedia.com (also founded by Rich Barton) transformed the way we buy airline tickets.  To take it a step further, many thought Barton's plan for Zillow was to eliminate real estate agents (and their commissions) the way that Expedia.com pretty much eliminated travel agents.

    Perhaps now Mr. Barton and Zillow will be interviewing Arizona real estate brokers to be on the Zillow staff, so that they can continue to offer Zestimates "appraisals" in Arizona!

    Visit Shannon Hubbard's Home Page     Written By: Shannon Hubbard
    Realtor®-Investor

    Great American Realty, Inc.

    Cell: (480) 695-6672
    Email me

    Posted by Shannon Hubbard, Arizona Real Estate Agent on April 18, 2007 | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBack

    Friday, April 13, 2007

    BlogArizona.com Welcomes the Arizona Mortgage Guru!

    Those who read BlogArizona.com regularly have probably noticed that I myself have been a blog mute over the past few months!  To the many people who read BlogArizona.com each day, I sincerely apologize for my absence.  Of course, there's no excuse to neglect your blog :)   But I will say (in my defense and in defense of the AZ real estate market in general) that I've been crazy busy lately!  No matter what the newspaper or other media may say, BUYERS ARE BACK TO THE ARIZONA REAL ESTATE MARKET!  That's why I haven't blogged lately!

    Now that we've established that the Arizona "real estate bubble" is still not bursting, I want to welcome Shailesh Ghimire to BlogArizona.com.  Shailesh is the Arizona Mortgage Guru and a local Home Loan Expert.  Shailesh and his wife Aimee are a team at CTX Mortgage, serving the Greater Phoenix area.

    If you've read Shailesh's first BlogArizona post or visited his blog, I think you'll agree that Shailesh will make a great addition to BlogArizona.com.  I have no doubt that his posts will add interesting and current content that BlogArizona readers will enjoy.

    I also want to say that while I haven't posted much lately, I have been working on some new upgrades/features for BlogArizona. These improvements will be added over time, and that's all I'm saying so you'll have to keep checking back to find out what they are!  BlogArizona.com is also looking to add new Contributors.  Here's more information if you or someone you know is interested.

    Visit Shannon Hubbard's Home Page     Written By: Shannon Hubbard
    Realtor®-Investor

    Great American Realty, Inc.

    Cell: (480) 695-6672
    Email me

    Posted by Shannon Hubbard, Arizona Real Estate Agent on April 13, 2007 | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBack

    Sunday, February 25, 2007

    Scottsdale, Arizona Traffic Cameras

    I live in the East Valley, but today I had to take a drive to the Northwest Valley to show a house.  Since I drove the 101 freeway, I had to beware of the traffic cameras!  It's been awhile since I've been up that way, so I couldn't remember exactly what streets the cameras started and ended at.  Well, now I know and I thought this could be helpful information to people who are new to the Valley!  The cameras are located on the 101 freeway as you drive through Scottsdale.  There are several of them, covering both directions of traffic, located between the 90th St./Pima exit and the Scottsdale Rd. exit.

    There are also speed and red-light running cameras located in many other cities throught the Valley.  Here's some more information on many of the traffic cameras in MesaDrive safely!

    Visit Shannon Hubbard's Home Page     Written By: Shannon Hubbard
    Realtor®-Investor

    Great American Realty, Inc.

    Cell: (480) 695-6672
    Email me

    Posted by Shannon Hubbard, Arizona Real Estate Agent on February 25, 2007 | Permalink | Comments (4) | TrackBack

    Tuesday, November 07, 2006

    Voting on AZ Ballot Propositions that Affect Real Estate

    As a Realtor®, I pay special attention to political and other issues that may affect my industry.  I think most Americans do the same, regardless of what industry they work in.  With more propositions on this year's Arizona ballot than ever, it's especially important to know what you're voting for before getting to the polls.  I voted early from home and it literally took me half a day to vote, and I already knew how I was going to vote on most races and propositions!  But it took a great deal of time on the internet to find information on the less publicized candidates, and there's much more to some of the ballot propositions than the signs will tell you.

    For those of us in the Arizona real estate industry, the Realtors® of Arizona Political Action Committee (RAPAC) usually does a pretty good job of letting us know how different candidates and propositions will affect real estate.  This year, however, I think they did a very poor job.  They only took a position on 5 of the 19 ballot propositions, and one of those positions was 'neutral'.  I will list their positions on those 5 propositions below.  I will also provide some information on other propositions that affect real estate, since RAPAC didn't mention them.

    Proposition 101:  RAPAC Says SUPPORT: "Known as the "2006 Taxpayer Protection Act", Proposition 101 will reset property tax levies to their 2005 levels.  In doing so, it will remove much of the excess taxing capacity that certain jurisdictions have accumulated since 1980.  If Proposition 101 passes, local governments will not be able to make substantial increases to property taxes without first earning voter approval.  The Arizona Association of REALTORS® recommends a YES vote on Proposition 101."

    Proposition 104:  This has to do with municipal debt, and affects important local infrastructure which can definitely affect real estate.  I'm surprised RAPAC had no opinion on this proposition.

    Proposition 105 & 106:  RAPAC Says OPPOSE: "In previous elections, the Arizona Association of REALTORS® has supported the statewide conservation and reform efforts of state trust lands but is opposed to Propositions 105 & 106.  After reviewing both ballot measures and analysis conducted by renowned land use attorneys Robinson & Cole, LLP, the association is concerned that the implementation of either proposition will cause litigation, loss of revenue to the beneficiaries of the trust and negative planning implications of both trust land and private land.

    Currently there are serious disagreements among the stakeholders (education, real estate, conservation, grazing, etc.) surrounding how our state trust lands should be reformed.  When the stakeholders jointly craft a state trust land reform package the likelihood of broad statewide support will increase and the threat of endless litigation will decrease."

    Proposition 201 & 206:  These are the propositions that ban smoking in all public places statewide, including restaurants and bars (with very limited exceptions).  To me, these are restrictions on private property use disguised as bans on smoking.  I can't believe nobody spoke out against these propositions, not even the real estate associations.  I understand why they didn't - it's bad PR to be anything other than anti-smoker in today's day and age.  I personally don't smoke, nor do I like smoke blown in my face while I'm at a restaurant.  However, I'm even less fond of the government telling me that I cannot allow legal activities on my private property.  Why not let the free market dictate whether or not restaurants owners allow smoking in their restaurants/bars?  If the place is uncomfortably smoky, people won't go there.  But to require business owners to sink thousands of dollars into renovations (and lose money while the renovations are taking place) just to be allowed to keep operating the same way they've operated for years is just plain wrong in my book.  At a minimum, existing businesses should be grand-fathered into any legislation that restricts the use of their private property in any manner which was previously unrestricted.  RAPAC surprisingly has no opinion on this proposition.

    Proposition 204:  This proposition claims to be about animal cruelty but is really an effort by PETA to ultimately remove all meat and dairy (and their bi-products) from our diets.  Step #1 is to put these ranchers and farmers out of business.  This is an out-of-state supported initiative that should be voted down by Arizonans.

    Proposition 207:  This is Arizona's eminent domain proposition.  RAPAC Says NEUTRAL:  "The Private Property Rights Protection Act", has raised a considerable amount of debate regarding its potential impact by both supporters and opponents.  The Arizona Association of REALTORS® reviewed the current ballot proposition as well as earlier drafts of the same proposal and an analysis performed by Robinson & Cole, LLP.  While there are many areas within the ballot measure that the association finds supportable, the association also found language in the Proposition that is confusing and will likely lead to litigation.  The Arizona Association of REALTORS® is NEUTRAL on Proposition 207."

    Proposition 302:  This is the proposition that will raise the salaries of Arizona's 30 state senators and 60 state representatives from $24,000/year to $36,000/year.  RAPAC Says SUPPORT.  This makes alot of sense to me, as these people do important jobs and we should encourage, not discourage qualified people to run for elected offices.

    Proposition 100, 102, 103 & 300 all have to do with illegal immigration in some way.  To me, this is a clear statement that Arizonans are demanding a solution to the illegal immigration problem.

    Proposition 200 & 205 have nothing to do with real estate, and they're just crazy as far as I'm concerned!  Turning election day into a lottery is what Proposition 200 suggests.  Do we really want to contaminate the votes of informed people who made the effort to do their civic duty with the votes of people who just showed up for a chance to win $1 million?  How much fraud would there be and what would it cost to send everybody in the state a ballot to vote from home as Propositio