For Sale 22354 N Van Loo Dr. Maricopa, Arizona

In my efforts to market listings, I like to use video whenever possible. I believe it brings more attention to the property, peaks buyers interests and gets more people to view the home. I generally incorporate drone footage and professional photography and well as different camera angles and transitions in order to make the video more appealing and to keep the buyers interests.

In this latest marketing video, I learned a thing or two about keeping the interest on the video and thus on the house for sale. In general I tell my clients to hide the evidence of pets, but learning from my own dog, that may not always be the right way. I can't take all the credit for this one, I have to credit my creatively intelligent Pomeranian, Cookie. Enough talk, let's watch the video!

So let me know if you like the video! I appreciate if you share it with your friends and help make my dog a movie star. Just kidding, we just want to sell the house. Stayed tuned for more property videos, check my YouTube page for additional videos or call me today if there is a home you would like to buy or sell.

-Mr Knice Guy

3D Floor Plans and 3D Walkthrough Video To Sell Your Home Fast!

I utilize the latest in 3D technology to help sell your home. With the Matterport 3D Camera system, I am able to create a floor plan of your home and with the 3D program, create a walkable model to explore. I also take this technology a step further and create videos in which I showcase the 3D floor plan. My goal is to market your home to more people and to generate a lot of interest to sell the home fast.  Watch the video below to see what the heck I'm talking about.

Now that you have seen how the 3D technology works, its time to give me a call to discuss the rest of my marketing and how it differs from over 90% of my competition. I sell my listings faster than the average days on market and for more money! Mr Knice Guy, Josh Knicely 480-330-0371

3D Imaging and Selling Your Home! Get TOP Dollar and SELL Faster!!!

3D imaging is revolutionizing the buying process. More buyers are interested in homes they can view in 3D models online and more out of state buyers and investors are even buying sight unseen using this technology!

So what does this mean as a seller?

Reach more potential buyers!

Sell your home faster!

Get top dollar for your home!

Show the home less often!

As more and more Realtors start using this technology, home buyers will have an easier time choosing homes to view in person. It will be a lot easier to determine if the buyer likes the floor plan or not if they can actually see it online! This means showing your house less! A lot of buyers I take out to view homes don't even like half of the homes because of the floor plan and they picked those to go view!

Unfortunately due to agents not taking enough pictures, or having bad pictures, I end up taking clients to unnecessary homes that don't fit their needs because "you don't know until you show." Oh, the poor family that cleaned their home for me to show only for us to turn around and leave after the first room! If they were to see the floor plan online in a 3D model, there would be less homes to actually view in person before they found the home that best suits their family's needs.

I believe this is the future and am proud to be part of the first to use this technology.

I provide a 3D scan and professional pictures with each one of my listings to get the home sold fast and for top dollar!

You can check out a model at http://bit.ly/sparksJK and navigate yourself or watch a quick video on how it works for 2 story homes.

Contact me today if you are in the market to buy or sell- I get results!

-Mr Knice Guy

Josh Knicely

480-330-0371

MrKniceGuy@jkrealtyaz.com

www.MrKniceGuysHomes.com

3D Photography- "The New Virtual Tour"

New for 2015, the latest in 3D photography technology provides a virtual walkthrough, it's like you are there in person! What makes it different from virtual tours? Lets get into detail below.

Virtual tours were once thought to be the new wave in viewing and advertising homes. Basically you stick a camcorder in the middle of the room and scan in a circle. Or worse, a slideshow of the same still photos taken of the home. While this allows you to see each room in the house, it does not allow you to see the floor plan or layout of the home.

With this 3D technology, you are able to "walk' through the home as if you were there! Look at the ceiling, look at the floor if you want, or just walk the layout to get a feel for the home and if it works for your family.

This is going to revolutionize the way buyers look for homes. Imagine feeling like you are inside the home from your phone, tablet or desktop computer! Share it with your friends and family. Be anywhere in the world and look at the future home you will buy!

This new technology does come with a cost and unfortunately for sellers not all brokerages or real estate agents will have this technology. Fortunately for you, we have this technology!!! Being the only brokerage in Arizona with this technology, we can provide you the marketing your house needs to sell. I personally will provide this service for each of my clients that lists with me for FREE! No additional cost to you at all. It is my way of saying you are worth it and I will sell your home. Please see the link for my latest 3D model here

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Please contact me, Josh Knicely, at 480-330-0371 if you would like to list your home and take advantage of this NEW TECHNOLOGY!!!

That is not all either! I can provide aerial photos and video of your home, property and surrounding neighborhood with our top of the line drone and HD camera. Along with extensive marketing and of course professional photos of your home, I get results!

Thank you,

Mr Knice Guy

www.MrKniceGuysHomes.com

Copper Sky Recreation Complex

Maricopa city residents welcome the new Copper Sky Recreation Center, with something to do for anyone at any age in life. This 98 acre park includes a multigenerational center, aquatic center and regional park. Lets look at all the features Copper Sky has to offer.

Multigenerational Center- This 52,000 sq. ft. facility is a great recreational center where people of all ages can come together and enjoy amenities such as:

• Top of the line fitness equipment such as ellipticals, treadmills, spinning and stationary bikes
• Free weight lifting area
• Resistance training machinery 
• 2 full size indoor basketball courts
• An elevated walking/running track
• 2 dance/aerobics studios
• A study room
• Activity and multi-use program spaces
• A catering kitchen

In addition to these amenities, residents can rent areas of the facility for parties, luncheons, anniversaries or special events.

Copper Sky also offers members an aquatic facility for fun filled outdoor activities at the swim and sun oasis. The aquatic center features:

• An 8 lane, 25 yard lap pool with two 1-meter diving boards
• A leisure pool with a water-slide, lazy river and a rock climbing wall
• An interactive splash pad for the children

The lap pool is also heated and available for year round use.

Finally Copper Sky also boasts a huge 98 acre regional park, offering endless opportunities for fitness, fun and leisure. Amenities featured here are:

• A 5 acre fishing lake stocked with bass, rainbow trout, catfish, blue gill and white amur.
• A special event amphitheater surrounded by 9 acres of lush grass
• 2 interactive playgrounds
• A large dog park with areas for active dogs and timid dogs
• 6 shaded ramadas with BBQ grills and picnic tables
• A huge 5,000 sq. ft. group ramada
• 8 huge multipurpose sports fields, with 4 of them lighted for night play
• 3 lighted baseball or softball fields
• A full size lighted baseball field
• A lighted skate park with ramps and rails
• 2 lighted tennis courts
• 2 lighted basketball courts
• 2 lighted sand volleyball courts
• 2 regulation size horseshoe pits

With all these features what else could Copper Sky offer? Well how about a child watch facility. Let the young ones be taken care of while you enjoy the many amenities. Also enjoy fitness classes, dog training classes, sports lessons, zumba, yoga and even massages!!!

If you would like to know more about what the City of Maricopa has to offer, subscribe to my blog, follow me on facebook or google+ or you can contact me directly at MrKniceGuy@jkrealtyaz.com

Maricopa Subdivisions, Master Planned Communites

With just under 45,000 people in Maricopa, you may think there are only a few subdivisions and all the homes are the same. Well let me explain the abundance of subdivisions and the differences in them. With 20 different subdivisions, each offering different amenities, lets find out what part of the city will suit your family best!

Rancho El Dorado- The first Master Planned Community in Maricopa as well as the first community to see when you enter this beautiful city. A palm tree lined entry greats you with a large fountain and gorgeous lake. Just next to the lake sits Askew Park complete with a playground, covered picnic area with grills and basketball courts. With The Duke golf course centered in community, this is the only community with golf course lots. Rancho El Dorado also boats a restaurant, 2 elementary schools (Santa Rosa and Pima Butte) and a fantastic walking path that circles the entire community. With close proximity to the highway, many commuters prefer to live in this community.

Ranch El Dorado is managed by Rossmar and Graham. 


The Villages at Rancho El Dorado- The Villages is phase two of the master planned community of Rancho El Dorado. Left on Smith-Enke, when you first enter town will take you to the Villages. There is a community center with 2 pools, a play pool and a lap pool. The community center also includes a fitness facility, tennis courts and basketball courts. The community features playgrounds and a splash pad for the kids. 

The Villages subdivision is managed by Associated Asset Management HOA. The website for The Villages HOA can be seen at www.villagesatranchoeldoradohoa.org/


The Lakes at Rancho El Dorado- Phase three of the master planned community of Rancho El Dorado is The Lakes. One of two lakefront communities in Maricopa, the other which is a 55+ community. The Lakes features a beautiful lake to greet you in the entrance as well as walking paths, picnic areas and playgrounds for the kids. If you are looking to live on lakefront property, this subdivision is for you. 

There are still new builds in the community by Meritage Homes, although all of the lakefront lots are sold. There is however a large portion of the community with lakes, that is not currently being built out. There may be in the future another builder to start to build out the rest of the lakefront lots.

The Lakes subdivision is managed by Associated Asset Management HOA. The website for The Lakes HOA can be seen at www.lakesatranchoeldoradohoa.org


Cobblestone Farms- Just as you enter Maricopa, across from Rancho El Dorado, sits the subdivision of Cobblestone Farms. As you take the gorgeous, palm tree lined entry, a beautiful water feature greats you at the lakefront park. There are BBQ grills and picnic areas as well as plenty of grass at the lake and park. Other features include a community pool, 10 tot lots, basketball courts, a splash pad, a large field for soccer or baseball, horseshoe area and many greenbelts in the community. When Fulton Homes built the community, they offered the only basement model home in Maricopa. With easy access to the 347, many commuters prefer this community.

Cobblestone Farms is managed by AAM, LLC, the website for Cobblestone Farms HOA is www.cobblestonefarmshoa.net 



Acacia Crossings- Located behind Bashas Grocery right off Highway 238 is the Acacia Crossings community. One of the original as well as one of the smallest communities in Maricopa, Acacia Crossings also boasts one of the lowest monthly HOA dues around. With walking paths passing plenty of grassy parks and playgrounds, you can walk directly to the Bashas shopping center. Many people that like the small town feel enjoy this community.

The HOA management company for Acacia Crossings is City Property Management Company, the website for Acacia Crossings HOA is www.acaciacrossingshoa.com 



Province- Maricopa's only 55+ community featuring waterfront properties, the second of only two communities to offer lakefront homes. This community has gorgeous single family homes as well as Gemini or twin style homes. Province is also the only community that has 24 hour guarded gates at each entrance. There are 50 acres of stocked lakes and waterways throughout Province as well as some of the best waterfall features in any community in Maricopa. This Active Adult community offers a 32,000 sq ft clubhouse with everything from indoor and outdoor heated pools and spas to card rooms, painting studio, pottery classroom as well as a coffee bar and large workout facility. There is even a large ballroom for events and 125 acres of greenbelts throughout the community. 

There are still new homes being built in Province by Meritage Homes. They have 5 beautiful models on display. There are also new twin style Gemini homes on the other side of the community.

Province is managed by Associated Asset Management. The HOA website for Province can be seen at www.provincecoa.com


Homestead- Just off of Smith-Enke and Porter road is the fast growing subdivision of Homestead. Located near the Public Library and the Maricopa Clinic, Homestead was master planned by DR Horton and still offers new build homes in the subdivision. The community offers a variety of parks and playgrounds, greenbelts, walking paths and ramadas. The lake and park create a perfect place for family picnics and gatherings. There are volleyball and basketball courts as well as softball and baseball fields. 

The HOA for Homestead is managed by Associated Asset Management and the community website can be seen at www.homesteadnorthhoa.com



Senita- With great access to both Casa Grande and Phoenix, Senita is located between Honeycutt Rd. and the Maricopa/Casa Grande Hwy. Close to the Walmart shopping center, Senita residents also enjoy close proximity to the farmers market and city's community pool. Just across the railroad tracks sits the new Copper Sky Recreation Complex. 

Managed by Ogden & Company, the Senita HOA website can be found here www.senitahoa.com 



Glennwilde Groves- Backing up to the city's Pacana Park, which features a catch and release lake, the master planned community was built by a variety of builders. With lots of different floor plans, the subdivision also features 2 community pools, 8 tot lots and a soccer field. With lots of walking paths in the green belts and close proximity to the large public park Glennwilde Groves is a great community to call home.

Professionally managed by Associated Asset Management, Glennwilde Groves HOA website can be found here www.glennwildegroves.com



Desert Passage/Smith Farms- Located next to the new City Hall and Central Arizona College Maricopa Campus, Desert Passage or commonly called Smith Farms offers a heated community pool, tot lots, walking trails, splash pad, volley ball and basketball courts. With room to grow, KB Homes is building 2 separate neighborhoods, Watercress and Cliffrose. Between the two, there are a good variety of floor plans and pricing for both large and small families.

Desert Passage is managed by Trestle Management. 


Rancho Mirage Estates- With new homes being built by Pinnacle West Homes, Rancho Mirage Estates still has room to grow. With unique drive through garage homes and almost complete customization, this unique community has some very nice homes. You will be greeted to the community with a beautiful lake, with several water features walking paths and parks, this is a great subdivision to be outdoors. 

Associated Asset Management company manages the HOA for this community 


Tortosa- Located 7 miles east of the center of Maricopa sits the beautiful Tortosa community. With an Elementary School and Middle School, the builders had families in mind. There are great mountain views as well as a large community park with a nine hole disc golf course. There are also ramadas and bbq grills at the park as well as a large tot lot, volleyball and basketball courts. With extensive pedestrian trails, water features and greenbelts, this is a fantastic community. With affordable housing and easy access to Casa Grande this subdivision is a great choice.

Managed by CCMC the community HOA website can be found here www.tortosahoa.net




Sorrento- Located near Tortosa and Rancho Mirage Estates, Sorrento offers ease of access to Casa Grande for commuters. The community also features a beautiful pond, tennis court and kid's waterpark. With empty plots, this community will continue to grow in the future. With great value, affordable homes many people choose Sorrento as their home.

Sorrento is managed by Associated Asset Management



Alterra- Just south of the railroad tracks, Alterra has two main entrances that divide the subdivision into Alterra North and Alterra South. Alterra boasts multiple parks, picnic gazebos, playgrounds and plenty of bike and walking paths. With many trees lining the sidewalks and beautiful greenbelts, Alterra is a great place to live. Located by the Ultrastar Entertainment Center and the Copper Sky Recreation Complex, this community is great for entertainment. Also located close by are all levels of education, elementary, middle and high school.

Alterra is managed by Associated Asset Management and the community HOA website can be seen here www.alterrahoa.com




Desert Cedars- Just past the train tracks, across from Alterra North, sits the Desert Cedars community.With just 418 lots, this small community is located near all the city's entertainment. Ultrastar and Copper Sky are nearby as well as Saddleback Elementary, Maricopa Wells Middle School and Maricopa High. With a nice park, walking paths and great value many people enjoy Desert Cedars.

Managed by City Property Management Company the community HOA website can be seen here www.desertcedarshoa.com/modules/about/


Santa Rosa Springs- Located across the railroad tracks Santa Rosa Springs is an up and coming neighborhood. With new build homes offered by Elliot Homes, this community is growing fast. There are beautiful mountain views from this neighborhood as well as a basketball court and covered playgrounds. Scenic walking paths line this community and many people that commute to Casa Grande enjoy living in this smaller neighborhood.

HOA managed by Lighthouse Management.




Palo Brea- A small community located near Harrah's Ak-Chin Casino and Ultrastar Entertainment Center. Palo Brea is a subdivision that is just waiting to grow. If you enjoy a smaller community Palo Brea may be right for you.



Additional Communites Away From The City-


Thunderbird Farms- Southwest of town lies the horse property community of Thunderbird Farms. With custom homes and large lots this acreage community is still very affordable. Many winter visitors bring their horses to this area for year round riding and training. With easy access to town but far enough away to enjoy nature, Thunderbird Farms is a great community to live in. There are no HOAs in Thunderbird Farms, so bring your horses, trailers and toys!


Hidden Valley- Just south, outside the city and to the west is Hidden Valley. With breathtaking mountain views this is the community for your custom home. There is a good mix of homes ranging from modular to custom built million dollar homes, with still a lot of vacant lots. A small portion of the community is supplied by city water, the other majority has either a shared well or you need to haul water. 

 
Saddleback Farms- East of town is a small acreage community of Saddleback farms. This horse property community sits between Maricopa and Casa Grande and is ideal for anyone that wants acerage, but commutes to Casa Grande. 

If you are looking to move to Maricopa or if you have any questions about any of the communities above, please contact me, Josh Knicely at MrKniceGuy@jkrealtyaz.com You can also view houses for sale in any of these communities at www.MrKniceGuysHomes.com.

Looking for a Great Deal on a Home in Arizona? Maricopa or San Tan Valley May Be Your Best Options

When looking in Arizona for a great deal on a home, whether it is your dream home, investment property or winter home, many people choose the outer Phoenix suburbs. Maricopa and San Tan Valley are the two best "home for the money" cities. With housing prices so low, many people are starting to move a little farther away from the congested city. With great mountain views and starry nights, these two suburbs are a great choice for home buyers.

But which city is better? Lets look at the qualities and demographics of each city to find out.

Population- San Tan Valley boasts a population of over 81,000 while Maricopa has a growing population of around 45,500. When considering the drive from the heavily populated cities to the suburbs, the population of each city will determine the amount of traffic traveling to and from the city each day.

Ease of Access-  While San Tan Valley is growing into Queen Creek, there is no major freeway leading directly to San Tan Valley. From the 202, San Tan Valley is about 8 miles away at the closest point, whereas Maricopa is directly connected to a major highway, HWY 347. The 347 is just 16 miles from the I-10 whereas the 202 near San Tan Valley is around 18 miles to the I-10 plus the additional 8+ miles to San Tan Valley on side streets.

Medical and Fire assistance- San Tan Valley residents will need to pay an annual fee to have these services to their homes through Rural Metro Fire Department. Maricopa residents, however, have these services included in their city taxes.

Schools- San Tan Valley has a total of 8 elementary, 2 middle and 3 high schools with a total ranking of .475. Maricopa has a total of 8 elementary, 2 middle and 1 high schools with a total ranking of .525. Information via School Digger. With almost half the population, Maricopa has almost as many schools, all with a higher ranking as well.

Home Prices- With the median sales price of a home in San Tan Valley around 155,500, the average price per square foot was $99. In Maricopa, the median sales price was slightly lower around 140,000 and the average price per square foot at $88. With less per square foot, you could be able to buy "More Home For Your Money" in Maricopa!

If you are considering moving out of the big city, looking for a quality investment or just looking for a great place to live, Maricopa should be on the top of your list. If you prefer San Tan Valley, you will still be able to find great value as well as a great community. If you are looking for a quality Realtor to help you find your perfect home, Josh Knicely should be the only one on your list! For homes in Maricopa, San Tan Valley or any other part of Arizona, feel free to contact me directly anytime at MrKniceGuy@jkrealtyaz.com or to view homes on the MLS for free visit www.MrKniceGuysHomes.com

Home Warranty, What Is It? Who Should Have One?

So what exactly is a Home Warranty?

A home warranty is not the same as homeowners insurance. A home warranty covers the homes major components such as, but not limited to air conditioners, heating systems, electrical, plumbing and major appliances such as washer/dryer and refrigerator. Coverage can be extended to cover additional features such as a swimming pool or a solar hot water heater.

Home warranties are a 1 year contractual agreement that should any of the covered appliances fail due to normal wear and tear during the coverage period, those items would be repaired or replaced if repairs could not be made. There is a small trade call fee to have someone come out to do any repairs, usually around $60, but this will vary depending on the home warranty company you choose to cover your house.

With home warranties starting around $350 for a 1 year coverage period and only a $60 dollar trade call fee, this could pay for itself in just 1 repair!

The major benefit of having a home warranty is to protect yourself from unforeseen major expenses. It also provides you with peace of mind knowing you may not have to dig into your savings to pay for a major appliance going out. It is also helpful for a homeowner that doesn't have the best handyman skills or for those that don't want to worry about tracking down a contractor if they have an issue. Home warranty companies have specialized contractors to repair or replace anything that is covered in your warranty.

Should YOU have a Home Warranty?

For Buyers- When buying a home there are expenses with closing, down payments, inspections and moving. A new homeowner may be using most of their savings to get into a home. To avoid the worry of any large unforeseen expenses, you should have a home warranty in place.

For Sellers- When selling your home, offering a paid 1 year home warranty with the home purchase may provide a measure of protection against buyer complaints about any home defects that arise after the sale closes.

For Homeowners- Imagine the air compressor goes out in the air conditioner, in the middle of summer, right after you spent your savings on the family summer vacation! Was that worth not paying the $350 a year?

Experienced Real Estate Agents will advise their clients on home warranties with the sale or purchase of their home. They will already be familiar with local and multiple home warranty companies and can provide the necessary information. 

Here are the two companies I prefer to work with in my market:

Yvette Myer @ Old Republic Home Protection CO., INC.

Fidelity National Home Warranty

Smoke Detectors, Are Yours Too Old???

When was the last time you checked any of your smoke alarms? When was the last time you changed the battery? When was the last time you cleaned them? What year were they installed? 

At the time, I personally could not answer any of those questions, unless the answer was never or I don't know! 

So do smoke detectors have a working shelf life? YES they do! And here is how I found out.

One night I was working when I got a panicked call from my wife: "Honey, I just got home and all the smoke alarms are going off! I can't reset them or turn them off, Cookie (our Pomeranian) is freaking out and shaking."

What is going on I thought? "Is there a fire or smoke anywhere?" I asked. 

"No" She replied, "but I can't stay in here any longer, its too loud and I have to take Cookie outside."

With me being an hour away at the time there wasn't much I could do. There were so many thoughts going through my head, Is it a fire?, Is it Carbon Monoxide?, Do we even have a carbon monoxide detector?, How long have they been going off?, How can I get this fixed??? Arrrgghh, I thought.

Then it hit me, the Fire Department! Yeah, call them! So the fire department to the rescue! They showed up within 5 minutes to calm my wife and dog as well as fix the problem. When they checked the house there was no fire, thank God! Then they got all the smoke detectors turned off. 

When everything calmed down, the firemen and women explained to my wife the reason the smoke detectors were going off. They were TOO OLD, EXPIRED!!! They then showed her on the back of the smoke detectors the date of manufacture, 10 years ago!!! Our home is 10 years old and I had never once thought about the smoke detectors!!! 

My ignorance created panic at my house as well as a freaked out dog. I felt terrible as we do not know how long the detectors were going off. 

So the fire department recommended replacing the expired smoke detectors and checking them once a month as well as cleaning them and changing the batteries annually. 

To clean, the firefighters recommended using a can of compressed air to clean the dust out from inside.

Smoke detectors usually have a useful working life up to 10 years, depending on the model. There should be a date of manufacture on the back of each smoke detector.

If you have not checked or cleaned your smoke detectors in a while now is a good time to do so, especially if you have children or pets at home.

6 new smoke detectors and 1 new carbon monoxide detector later we have peace of mind. We are both very grateful for our local fire department coming to the rescue and educating both of us. 

 THANK YOU MARICOPA FIRE DEPARTMENT!!!

Short Sales, What are they? Are they Really Shorter?

House hunting? Confused with terms like "Short Sale"??? Don't be discouraged, let me explain why this may be an option for You!

What is a short sale? In short, no pun intended, a short sale is when the sales proceeds of a property fall short of the balance on the mortgage loan. Therefore the seller owes more money than what they are selling for. 

Why would a lender agree to a short sale? If the owner stops making payments and lets the property go into foreclosure, it could take several months for a bank or lender to take the property back. When the lender takes control of the property, they still have to put the house on the market and it could take months until the house is sold. Foreclosure is a very expensive process and it is one good reason why banks would rather short sell than to go through a foreclosure. 

Short sales are becoming increasingly more prevalent in the housing market. Why would this be a good option for you? Lets find out!

• More likely to get a better deal than a traditional sale!
• Get a great mortgage rate!
• Better condition than foreclosed homes
• Go through the home buying process easily! (with an experienced real estate agent)

Well that sounds great, but whats the catch??? The homes are sold in AS-IS condition and the process can be drawn out a little as the time frames are uncertain. Additionally the approving lender rarely agrees to pay for any extras that a regular seller may agree to. This could mean higher closing costs for the buyer. The buyer would have to pay those costs such as the cost for inspections and repairs.

But if you are not bound to a certain time frame and you would like a good deal on a house, then a short sale may be right for you! If you would like to start searching for short sales, traditional sales or foreclosures, please visit my website at www.MrKniceGuysHomes.com