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Home Inspections When Purchasing Real Estate

The standard Arizona Association of Realtors purchase contract states that a buyer has ten days to conduct home inspections when purchasing real estate. This may not be enough and the contract allows a buyer to take more time to perform inspections but the buyer must specifically state in the contract…
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hy Arizona residents should be wary of Timeshare presentations

Why Arizona residents should be wary of Timeshare presentations

Many of us have been on relaxing vacations only to find ourselves being lured into a timeshare presentation.   Often, potential clients are offered valuable gifts for spending a couple of hours reviewing a nicely-packaged offer and meeting with a persuasive salesperson.  However, attendees can sometimes end up falling victim…
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Converting Your Arizona Lawn to Xeriscape: What to Expect

Converting Your Arizona Lawn to Xeriscape: What to Expect

Enduring an Arizona summer while trying to keep your lawn and landscape features alive, can feel like an exercise in futility. While having verdant grass and plants to enjoy can be beautiful, caring for them under extreme weather conditions may prove to be costly and unrealistic. Many Arizonians have opted…
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Should I Sell My Home During the Pandemic

Should I Sell My Home During the Pandemic?

In March, Arizonians sheltered in place to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus. At that time, real estate activity halted as health officials and citizens determined safety protocols. Today, the state is operating according to a phased reopening plan, and the Arizona real estate industry has adapted to the…
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What is Happening with Flagstaff Real Estate

What is Happening with Flagstaff Real Estate?

If you are looking to buy real estate in Flagstaff, Arizona, you are not alone. Recently, this northern Arizona city has caught the attention of investors, innovative developers, prospective property owners, and the online real estate industry. Here is more about what is happening with Flagstaff real estate. Redfin.com Has…
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Getting Rid of a Bad Tennant

Getting Rid of a Bad Tenant

With Arizona home prices rising in value in several communities in and around Maricopa County, some owners and investors have opted to become landlords. While there is no shortage in the supply of renters in the Phoenix-area market, this does not mean you will always get the perfect tenant.  When…
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Affordable Housing Developments in Maricopa County

Affordable Housing Developments in Maricopa County

With an estimated 200 people per day moving into the area, Maricopa is considered to be one of the fastest-growing counties in the country. Metro Phoenix has become one of the most sought-after places to live in the nation. This cutting-edge community has every modern convenience, major employers, several top-notch…
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In Arizona, using solar power for your home seems like a logical way to save money on your monthly energy bills. If you talk to one of the many companies who offer installation, representatives will undoubtedly tell you about all of the benefits of having solar power in the Grand Canyon State. However, solar panels are expensive and there are several variables to consider before making this kind of investment. Here are some considerations for those who are wondering: Should I convert to solar power for my home? Your Home’s Energy Efficiency It's essential to start the process with full awareness of your home's current energy efficiency. If your residence needs updates such as window replacements, insulation work, or air duct repair, a conversion may not be as beneficial. In this situation, it may make more sense to make the necessary improvements before adding a solar energy system. Additionally, an energy-efficient home is likely to need fewer solar panels, thereby cutting down on the overall costs. Landscaping Issues If you have extensive landscaping, you should be aware that installing solar energy may require removing trees from your property or cutting limbs. Although trees provide shade and relief from the Arizona sun, they may interfere with panels receiving direct sunlight. Homeowners in this situation will have to assess whether solar panels provide enough benefits to justify losing or altering established trees. However, there may be ways to get around cutting limbs and removing trees, so it's important to explore these options before making a decision. Home Owner’s Associations If you live in a community with a Home Owner’s Association (HOA), you will need to check whether any restrictions will prevent you from going forward with the installation. Arizona law prohibits HOAs from banning the installation of a solar energy device. However, an HOA “may adopt reasonable rules regarding the placement of a solar energy device if those rules do not prevent the installation, impair the functioning of the device or restrict its use or adversely affect the cost or efficiency of the device.” It would be advisable to find out as much as you can about your HOA's applicable rules before paying a deposit or signing a solar energy installation contract. How Long do You Plan to Live in the Home? Arizona homeowners lease or buy solar panels. If you plan on leasing and then need to move before your term has finished, a subsequent owner may or may not be able to take over your lease. Leased panels don’t add value to a home upon resale because they are not part of the home. Anyone buying the property will have to qualify to take over the lease, and if they can’t, you may have to pay a penalty to end your contract. If you are considering buying solar equipment and know you plan to sell, you should talk with a real estate attorney to assess how the addition will impact your home’s selling price and marketability. In some cases, installing a solar energy system can be economical as well as environmentally friendly. However, the degree to which you may benefit depends on multiple variables. Additionally, prices for these systems can vary tremendously, and it's important to get estimates from multiple companies before getting started. You should also consult with an experienced Arizona real estate attorney to discuss the pros and cons of adding solar energy to your home. Laura B. Bramnick is an experienced Arizona real estate attorney who can help you examine all aspects of your solar energy addition and any related real estate issues. If you are seeking an exceptional, client-driven real estate lawyer in Scottsdale, Phoenix, Sedona, and throughout the State of Arizona, contact Laura B. Bramnick to schedule your consultation.

Should I Covert to Solar Power for my Arizona Home?

In Arizona, using solar power for your home seems like a logical way to save money on your monthly energy bills. If you talk to one of the many companies who offer installation, representatives will undoubtedly tell you about all of the benefits of having solar power in the Grand…
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What are Dark Sky Communities

What are Dark Sky Communities?

Arizona is widely known for its breathtaking desert landscapes.  Tourists come from all over the world to enjoy the beauty of the state’s many nature preserves and to take in the wonders of the Grand Canyon. However, Arizona is also home to another natural phenomenon, its night skies. For decades…
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