Posts in category General

Donald Keys REALTOR Customer Review

Mar31
2012 Leave a Comment

Written by donaldkeys

Donald Keys REALTOR Customer Review:

“If you are serious about finding YOUR dream home – Donald Keys is the person for the job!!! He is extremely knowledgeable and professional and most importantly he LISTENS!!! Donald worked diligently to find me the house I WANTED – in my price range, where I wanted to live, with all the amenities and features that were important to me. Using Donald’s personalized home search portal cut my house hunting time considerably. This nifty tool allowed me to really focus my home search and only spend time looking at properties that fit my parameters!! Donald is a “no pressure” agent – who actually follows up with you, returns phone calls and answers emails!!!! He works for you and your agenda. I had such a fantastic experience with Donald – I highly recommend him to ANYONE!!” Sherry M. – Phoenix, AZ

Should I Rent My Home?

Feb07
2012 Leave a Comment

Written by donaldkeys

Should You Rent Your Home?

If you, like a majority of Americans, own your own home, the though has probably crossed your mind: if you were to be offered your dream job out of state, should you sell or rent your home? Of course there are many factors to weigh before making such an important decision.

First, you’ll want to think about reasons for keeping ownership of the home. Do you like the home so much that you want to hold on to it in case you ever move back? Are you looking for an extra tax break through property depreciation? Do you want to use the home for a basis for retirement investment? These are all questions you will want to find out so you can answer the question: Should I Rent My Home?

These are all find reason for retaining ownership, but there are other factors to consider that may outweigh the perceived benefits. For instance, are you prepared to be a long-distance landlord, hiring someone to maintain and manage the property for you? There are other costs involved as well, such as advertising costs, turning costs (cleaning and painting between tenants), property taxes and insurance, utilities paid out of your pocket when your property is between tenants and accounting costs. In order to assess these costs, you should research the numbers in your market. Expenses often run 30 to 40 percent of the income before the monthly mortgage costs. More factors to consider when asking: Should I Rent My Home?

The one time you probably would not want to rent out your property is if you’ve recently purchased it. Unless there’s a housing shortage in the market, the costs will outweigh the benefits to rent it out.

If you do decide to rent out your home, here are some quick tips to help you out:

Interior paint – Keep the colors white or neutral
Exterior paint – Once again keep it simple with a nice neutral color scheme
Professional clean or replace carpets
Make sure home home is insulated and your AC / Heating unit is serviced to keep utility bills down
Clean the house from top to bottom and considering hiring a professional heavy duty cleaning service (not a maid service)
Set the proper rent price – Consult a REALTOR for current rent values
Decide if you will self manage or invest in a professional property manager
Consult a C.P.A., Attorney and Financial Advisor on the tax and legal implications of owning a rental property or converting a primary residence into a rental property
Consult with the local city for the current rent tax rates and how to register your home as a rental property
Download and read a copy of the Arizona Landlord Tenant Act to know your rights as a landlord and what rights a tenant has.

Should I Rent My Home? or sell it, is a question that people must take the time and careful consideration before making a decision. If you want to know what your home would bring in today’s rental market or if you sold it, call me for a free no obligation consultation at (602) 750-1744.

How To Lower Your Electric Bill In Phoenix

Dec31
2011 Leave a Comment

Written by donaldkeys

January 2012 Phoenix: Being a “Valley of the Sun” resident since 1971, I haves lived through many cold winters and record breaking hot summer temperatures. In today’s economy everyone is looking to save money including lowering their electric bill in Phoenix.

Here are some money saving tips on how you can lower your electric bill in Phoenix:

Sun Exposure

1) SUN EXPOSURE: If you are looking to buy a home in the near future or you currently own a home, take a look at the which way the home is situated on the land. The sun follows the southern sky in the winter and the northern sky in the summer. Keeping this in mind if you want to use less heat to warm your home in the winter time, then choose a home with a south backyard that has a lot of windows exposed to the south. If you have a private swimming pool then you may want an east backyard to maximize the shade coverage in the summer months. In general the south and west sections of a home will be the warmest during the winter months and the south and east sections of a home will be the coolest in the summer months.

Home Shaded by Trees

2) SHADE TREES: When looking to save money on electric bills, people often overlook the outside of the home. They try to put in shades and shutters on the inside of the home where the heat has already entered. The number one way to lower your utility bill in the summer time is to shade the home from the outside with natural shade from mature trees. If your home is shaded, it is often 20 to 25 degrees cooler in the summer months than an unshaded home. This equates to your air conditioner working less to keep your home cool during the 100 plus degree summer temperatures. Consider shading the north and west sides of your home with natural mature shade trees.

Blown Insulation

3) ATTIC INSULATION & MAINTENANCE: If you have been in your home for more than 5 years, chances are your attic insulation has settled or moved and is not unevenly distributed or has sunken down a few inches. I often attend home inspections with my buyers and time after time the inspector mentions that the attic insulation has settled or is distributed unevenly. Consider having extra fiberglass insulation rolled in, blown in or even a radiant barrier insulation that will help keep your attic cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter time.

Engergy Auditor

4) ENERGY AUDIT: If you want to lower your electric bill in Phoenix, then you may want to hire a professional to perform an energy audit. An energy audit is an in-depth analysis and inspection of your home to determine where you might be wasting energy and offer small or inexpensive solutions. You may also receive big or more expensive solutions such as replacing all of your windows, but I would not recommend replacing windows unless you plan on being in your home for more than 7 years as the cost is hard to recuperate.

If you lived in your home for a few years or plan on buying one in 2012, you definitely could use a few tips on how you can lower your electric bill in Phoenix. Donald Keys is a full time REALTOR selling new and resale homes since 1997.

Tagged money saving tip

Phoenix Freeway Closures Dec 9th to Dec 12th

Dec09
2011 Leave a Comment

Written by donaldkeys

Are you heading up north to have fun in the snow in Flagstaff? Planning a trip to Las Vegas? How about just zooming around the valley to visit family, friends or do a little holiday shopping? You might want to know what freeway closures and restrictions that might effect your travel plans:

Download the PDF Map here of Phoenix Freeway Closures Dec 9th to Dec 12th:

Phoenix Freeway Closures Dec 9th to Dec 12th

Local Restrictions:

Loop 303 closed in both directions between Waddell and
Bell roads in Surprise for work to set construction bypass at Greenway Rd. intersection. Greenway Rd. also closed in both directions between Cotton Lane and Sarival Rd. Alternate routes include Reems Rd. for north-south travel and Waddell or Bell roads for east-west travel.

10 p.m. Friday – 5 a.m. Monday (Dec. 12)

SR 143 SB closed overnight between McDowell Rd. and University Dr. near Sky Harbor Airport for new ramp construction. Loop 202 EB ramp to SR 143 SB closed. WB Sky Harbor Blvd. ramp to SR 143 SB closed. Consider 44th St. as alternate route to access airport and to reach University Dr. connection to SR 143.

9 p.m. Friday – 5 a.m. Saturday (Dec. 10)

I-10 EB narrowed to one lane between Perryville Rd. and Sarival Ave. in West Valley for lane striping shift in advance of Loop 303/I-10 interchange construction. Please allow extra travel time. 11:30 p.m. Friday – 8:30 a.m. Saturday (Dec. 10)

I-10 WB narrowed to one lane between Sarival Ave. and Perryville Rd. in West Valley for lane striping shift. Please allow extra travel time.
10 p.m. Saturday – 8:30 a.m. Sunday (Dec. 11)

Loop 101 EB right lane and on-ramp at 51st Ave. closed
for sound wall project. Consider using on-ramp at 35th Ave. Loop 101 WB right lane and Seventh St. off-ramp also closed. Consider using off-ramp at Seventh Ave.
10 p.m. Saturday – 9 a.m. Sunday (Dec. 11)

Statewide Restrictions:

Flagstaff, Northern Az. Travel: I-17 narrowed to one lane in each direction 20 miles south of Flagstaff (milepost 322) for bridge work at Munds Park. Please merge safely approaching work zone.

Kingman, Las Vegas Travel:
US 93 widening project has seven- mile long work zone in place north of Wikieup. No passing allowed. Please allow extra travel time during busiest travel periods.

Please Note: Work schedules are subject to change due to inclement weather or other factors, including material supplies and equipment availability. Information on Phoenix Freeway Closures Dec 9th to Dec 12th is courtesy of the Arizona Department of Transportation. www.azdot.gov

Price Reduced – Beautiful North Phoenix Home with Pool For Sale: Views & Privacy $484,000

Dec03
2011 Leave a Comment

Written by donaldkeys

North Phoenix Home with Pool

List Price: 484,000

Status: Active
City/Town Code: Phoenix
Zip Code: 85083
Approx SQFT: 3,090
# Bedrooms: 4
# Bathrooms: 3.5
Garage Spaces: 3
Pool:Private armls logo

Listing Courtesy Of: HomeSmart

Public Remarks: location,view and privacy, built 2009, moved in jan 2010,mountain view all around,backing to open erea,play ground in front,no TWO stories homes,all bathrooms are up graded,desert front land scape,synthetic grass in back,fromal living and dinnding room,watersoftner and REO system ,custom drapes and more. North Phoenix Home with Pool For Sale

Call 602-750-1744 For more information on this North Phoenix Home with Pool For Sale or to arrange a showing.Ask for home ID# 4677086

Phoenix Home with Pool For Sale

Prepared by Donald Keys

All information should be verified by the recipient and none is guaranteed as accurate by ARMLS.
DND2 ( D o N ot D isplay or D isclose) – the data in fields marked with DND2 is confidential, for agent use only, and may not be shared with customers or clients in any manner whatsoever.

This Phoenix Home with Pool For Sale Features:
Approx SqFt Range: 3,001 – 3,500Garage Spaces: 3Carport Spaces:Property Description: Mountain View(s)Landscaping: Desert Front; Synthetic Grass BackFeatures: 9+ Flat Ceilings; Water Softener OwnedCommunity Features: Biking/Walking Path; Children’s Playground Flooring: Carpet; TileKitchen Features: Range/Oven Elec; Cook Top Gas; Disposal; Built-in Microwave; Reverse Osmosis; Multiple Ovens; Granite Countertops; Kitchen Island Master Bathroom: Full Bth Master Bdrm; Separate Shwr & Tub; Double Sinks Laundry: Wshr/Dry HookUp Only Dining Area: Formal Other Rooms: Family Room County Code: Maricopa Legal Subdivision: STETSON VALLEY PARCELS 30 31 32 33 AN: 201-41-217 Lot Number: 104 Taxes/Yr: $2,987/2011 This is a great deal on a beautiful Phoenix Home with Pool For Sale in the Stetson Valley area of Phoenix. If you would like a list of other homes with Pools for sale in Phoenix, feel free to give Donald Keys – Professional REALTOR a call at 602-750-1744. Now is a great time to buy.

Phoenix Freeway Closures December 2nd to December 5th 2011

Dec03
2011 Leave a Comment

Written by donaldkeys

If you plan on taking a trip up to Flagstaff to see the snow, or just run around town to do some holiday shopping, you will want to know what freeway closures may effect your travel. Here is the Phoenix Freeway Closures for December 2nd through December 5th 2011 courtesy of the Arizona Department of Transportation:

Phoenix Freeway Closures December 2 to December 5 2011

Flagstaff, Northern Arizona Travel: I-17 SB traffic shift scheduled to be in place by mid-December at Cordes Junction for SR 69 interchange improvement project. Snow chains and tires are recommend.

Kingman, Las Vegas Travel:
US 93 widening project has seven- mile long work zone in place north of Wikieup. No passing allowed. Please allow extra travel time during busiest travel periods.

All I-17 ramps to Loop 101 (both directions) closed for lane striping work. I-17 SB traffic can exit at Deer Valley Rd. to 19th Ave to connect with Loop 101 EB or 27th Ave. to connect with Loop 101 WB. I-17 NB traffic can exit at Union Hills Dr. to 19th Ave. to connect with Loop 101 EB or 35th Ave. to connect with Loop 101 WB. Loop 101 EB narrowed to two lanes between 27th and Seventh avenues for lane striping and sign work. Loop 101 EB on-ramp at 27th Ave. closed.

10 p.m. Friday -9 a.m. Saturday (Dec. 3)

1. Both I-17 ramps to Loop 101 EB closed for lane striping work. I-17 NB traffic can exit at Union Hills Dr. and I-17 SB traffic can exit at Deer Valley Rd. and follow detour signs to connect with Loop 101 via 19th Ave. Loop 101 EB narrowed to two lanes between 27th and Seventh avenues for lane striping and sign work. Loop 101 EB on-ramp at 27th Ave. closed.
  10 p.m. Saturday – 9 a.m. Sunday (Dec. 4)
  1. SR 143 SB closed overnight between McDowell Rd. and University Dr. for barrier wall construction related to Sky Harbor Blvd. interchange ramp construction. Loop 202 EB ramp to SR 143 SB closed. Consider using 44th St. as alternate route to reach Sky Harbor Airport or University Dr. south of airport.
    9 p.m. Friday – 5 a.m. Saturday (Dec. 3)
    
    WB Sky Harbor Blvd. closed overnight between Loop 202 (Red Mountain Freeway) and 44th St. at Sky Harbor Airport. EB Sky Harbor Blvd also closed overnight between 44th St. and SR 143 for ramp construction. Loop 202 WB traffic can use SB 44th St. to access airport. EB Sky Harbor Blvd. traffic can use 44th St. as alternate route to depart east end of airport.
    9 p.m. Friday – 5 a.m. Saturday (Dec. 3)
    
    I-10 WB narrowed to two lanes at 67th Ave. for overhead sign work. Please use caution in work zone.
    10 p.m. Friday – 5 a.m. Saturday (Dec. 3)

Tagged Phoenix Freeways

5 Bedroom Phoenix Remodeled Home For Sale $199,990

Nov16
2011 Leave a Comment

Written by donaldkeys

5 Bedroom Phoenix Home For Sale $199,990

List Price: 199,990

Status: ActiveCity/Town Code: Phoenix

Zip Code:85083

Approx SQFT:2,511

# Bedrooms: 5 Bedroom Phoenix Home

# Bathrooms:3.5

Garage Spaces:2

Pool:None

armls logo

Listing Courtesy Of: Arizona Investment Link, LLC

Public Remarks: TRADITIONAL SALE! FULLY REMODELED!! One of the NICEST Homes in the Highly Sought After Community of Eagle Highlands. Elegantly Updated 5 Bedroom, 3.5 Bath, Featuring Brand New Interior 2-Tone Paint, NEW Granite Countertops with Backsplash, New Stainless Steel Appliances, Vaulted Ceilings, Ceiling Fans, 20” Tile, NEW Plush Carpet, Fireplace, and So Much More. Downstairs has master bedroom, and an additional 2nd master or dedicated mother-in-law suite. Home is located on a premium corner lot, with view wrought iron block fence, and fantastic mountain views!! CHECK OUT THE PHOTOS! This Home is an ABSOLUTE MUST SEE and MUST HAVE! This is NOT A BANK OWNED, NOT A SHORT SALE!!!

Call 623-337-8965 For more information or to arrange a showing.

Ask for home ID#

4647059

Prepared by Donald Keys

Phoenix Freeway Closures November 4th – 7th 2011

Nov04
2011 Leave a Comment

Written by donaldkeys

If you plan on using the Phoenix Freeways this weekend there are 5 major Phoenix Freeway Closures that you need to be aware of you can download a PDF Phoenix Freeway Closures here:

Phoenix Freeway Closures Nov 4th – 7th 2011

Loop 101 NB closed between Camelback Rd. and Glendale Ave. for HOV lane project lane striping. NB on-ramps at Thomas and Indian School roads closed. DETOUR: Consider using NB 91st or 99th avenues to travel beyond closure.

Loop 101 WB closed between State Route 51 and 35th Ave. for HOV lane project lane striping. WB on-ramps at 56th St. and Tatum Blvd. closed. Ramp from SR 51 NB to Loop 101 WB closed. Consider using WB Bell Rd., Union Hills Dr. or Deer Valley Rd. to travel beyond closure. Loop 101 WB frontage road open west of Cave Creek Rd.

I-10 EB closed overnight between I-17 and Seventh St. in downtown Phoenix for tunnel maintenance. Consider using I-17 SB to I-10 EB near Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.I-10 WB closed overnight between Seventh St. and Seventh Ave. in downtown Phoenix for tunnel maintenance. Consider using I-17 NB starting near Sky Harbor Airport to reach I-10 at ‘Stack’ interchange. I-10 WB traffic exiting at Seventh St. can detour on McDowell Rd.

I-10 WB (toward Phoenix) closed overnight between Elliot and Baseline roads in Tempe for message board installation. WB on-ramps at Elliot and Warner roads closed. Consider Loop 202 EB (Santan Fwy) to Loop 101 NB to US 60 WB to travel beyond closure. I-10 traffic exiting at Elliot Rd. will detour on local streets.

Arizona State Highway Restrictions Include:

Flagstaff/Northern Az. Travel: I-17 narrowed to one lane in either direction at night at SR 69 junction Sunday through Tuesday nights (Nov. 6-8)
for Cordes Junction interchange reconstruction. Also the high country is expecting possible snow, check if snow tires or chains are required before heading north.

Kingman/Las Vegas Travel: US 93 restricted at times north of Wikieup for widening project work zone. No passing allowed. Please allow extra travel time.

If you or someone you know has a real estate need (buying, investing or selling) give me a call Monday through Saturday 9am to 4pm and I will be happy to help them.

Have a great Arizona Weekend and be careful when traveling so you can avoid those Phoenix Freeway Closures for November 4th – 7th, 2011.

Tagged Freeway Closures, Phoenix