by Paul Slaybaugh | Jan 23, 2020 | Home Buying, Home Selling, Scottsdale Real Estate
The year was 2005. The market was hot. White hot. Jump up and down, and yell I’m a pony! hot. Everyone within the city limits of Scottsdale AZ had or was in the process of obtaining their Real Estate license. By July, I had lost former clients to chiropractors, dentists, doctors, doctors’ spouses, doctors’ spouses’ doctors … I thought I had experienced it all. Mind you, the prevailing thought at the time was that a chimpanzee with a business card could sell a house. And he probably could have with a Multiple Offer Addendum and a cell phone, but I digress. One day while running my daily search of the new inventory in McCormick Ranch, I see a suspiciously familiar address. I pull up the listing and do the whole Is that …? No, can’t be. But it looks …? NOOOO!!! bit.
Sure enough, it was the lovely couple I had sold the home to a few years back and had only recently visited over the holidays. My mind raced.
What did I do wrong? Are they upset with me? Did I fail to keep in touch? Did I keep in touch too much? Is it because I mangled their son’s name that time we ran into each other at the coffee shop?
After letting my stomach churn over the myriad ways I could have potentially brought this upon myself, I finally picked up the phone. After two rings, a familiar voice answered. Mindful to make sure that I did not say anything that could be construed as tampering with another agent’s listing, I simply blurted out, “What happened?”
Long story short: The wife’s hairdresser had recently gotten her Real Estate license to use on the side. Now, in my opinion, the words “hairdresser” and “Realtor” should never collide in the same sentence, but apparently not everyone agrees. No one would ever in a million years sit down at a chair and let me go to town with a pair of clippers and #2 attachment, but my highly educated clients made the decision to help her out by listing a $500,000 asset for sale and purchasing a million dollar property with her.
Now, I will not pretend that I did not first take the news personally and selfishly. That is a big chunk of business to lose to a hobbyist, and it stung. The value proposition of hiring a full-time, active agent did not outweigh the desire to help a friend get started in the industry. That is not an easy pill to swallow. What’s worse and ultimately paramount, however, is the disservice such a choice can do to the consumer him or herself. When you don’t engage in the practice of selling Real Estate but once or twice a year, if it all, you put the people you represent at an immediate disadvantage. You simply don’t know what you don’t know.
And sadly, in this case, my former clients … ultimately got a bad haircut.
It serves as a reminder that it doesn’t go without saying to the general public that all agents are not interchangeable. The effect of the misconception that we are can have a monumental effect on your bottom line and long-term satisfaction. As such, I try to use such experiences as teachable moments.
Remember, folks. We all want to help our friends and family members when and where we can, but think carefully before employing someone to guide you through a home sale or purchase if it is just their “side hustle.” This is not a profession that requires an advanced degree or special skill set over and above modest intelligence, tenacity, and a willingness to leverage your knowledge and experience for the benefit of your clients, but it does require practice. Experience. Repetition. Like any other human endeavor performed exceptionally, if never perfectly.
I don’t begrudge anyone the opportunity to make a little extra money in their spare time, but I firmly believe there is value to hiring someone who is working in their primary field of expertise. Hire your neighbor’s kid to pull your weeds. Hire your nephew’s girlfriend to walk your dog.
But when you have a major service need, I would advise the following:
- Need roof work done? Hire a roofer.
- Need your transmission serviced? Hire a mechanic.
- Need a haircut? Hire a barber.
- Need to buy or sell a home? Hire a Realtor.
And not a moonlighter. An active, full-time Real Estate professional who has been there, done that, and won the cheesy t-shirt in a home tour group raffle.
After all, if you don’t want me fixing your fade after spending my evenings learning the craft via YouTube, you probably don’t want your hair stylist selling your house.
Paul has been selling the greater Phoenix area as a full-time Realtor for over 20 years now. For all of your Scottsdale AZ Real Estate needs, please visit him at www.scottsdalepropertyshop.com
by Paul Slaybaugh | Sep 16, 2018 | Featured Properties
New in Old Town Scottsdale!
1301 N. 70th St
Do you love the vibrancy and convenience of living in Old Town Scottsdale, but not necessarily the older, outdated mid-century homes that come with it?
Do you love the sleek, modern feel of new construction, but don’t feel like commuting from the boonies where you can afford it?
South Scottsdale home buyers, I feel your pain! Fortunately, I am not here to commiserate, but to present a solution to your dilemma in the form of our new listing at 1301 N. 70th Street. Located in the Papago Parkway subdivision near McDowell and Scottsdale Rd, this home is ideally situated at the gateway to downtown Scottsdale. Not only is it convenient to all of the shops, restaurants, and nightlife of Old Town, but it is mere minutes from ASU, the Phoenix Zoo, the Desert Botanical Gardens, and smack dab in the middle of re-development and new construction that is completely transforming the area into one of the most sought after locations in the valley.
Now, I know what you are thinking. You can’t afford to drop the $500-800k for the new homes that are being built just down the street, nor do you necessarily care for the mid-century ranches with popcorn ceilings, shoebox layouts, and kitty-cats-playing-with-balls-of-yarn wallpapering. If you could only find an older home with some character that didn’t feel quite so … old. Or break the bank.
Just when you thought you would never find such a unicorn, I bring to you this South Scottsdale marvel, saddled up and ready to ride!
From the moment you walk through the front door, you will be mesmerized by the wide open great room concept. The living room wall was removed and replaced with a beautiful, exposed wooden beam. Porcelain faux-wood plank flooring stretches throughout the main living areas, giving the home a warm feeling to compliment its easy care. If you are familiar with the old galley style kitchens that most of these homes originally came with, you will truly appreciate the new (2013) island kitchen that greets you beyond the great room. Featuring highly upgraded new cabinetry, slab granite counter tops, and stainless steel appliances, this is a kitchen befitting a home several price ranges higher.
All new (2018) carpet in the three bedrooms. Remodeled bathrooms with new (2013) tile shower surrounds, vanities, and flooring. New, tall baseboards throughout. The roof was replaced in 2013. ZERO popcorn ceilings remain in the home. The bonus room is a perfect space for a home office/den, play room, exercise room … you name it!
Last, but most certainly not least, is the incredible back yard. Located on a prime corner lot, the home sits on one of the largest lots in the entire neighborhood. Better yet, it is usable space on a rectangular lot that offers a covered patio, grass lawn, children’s play area, and bare gravel beyond the RV gate that is an ideal pad for parking your boat, trailer, cars, toys, etc.
I could drone on and on, but I know you are really here for the pictures. I’ve been teasing them out one at a time, but now for the big reveal. Feast your eyes on these pixels (click to enlarge), and contact me today for a showing or to learn more about all of the exciting things that are going on in the area!
Full Property Details: 1301 N. 70th St
by Paul Slaybaugh | Feb 21, 2018 | Featured Properties
To call this beautiful Estate Los Arboles home in McCormick Ranch a simple remodel would be a disservice. This Camelot Embassy model has been utterly transformed from a dated time capsule with great bones and potential into a modern Tuscan showplace. This was no slap-dash investor fix and flip with the same formulaic greys and whites that everyone else is currently buying at Remodels R Us, but a labor of love crafted to the demanding tastes of an owner who actually lived in the home.
The wall between the living room and family room was opened up to give the home a more modern, great room feel. The sunken living room, which was common in homes of this vintage across McCormick Ranch, was filled in. The kitchen was opened up to the family room … and oh, what a kitchen it is! All new (in 2014) cabinetry with loads of storage, slab granite counters, stainless steel appliances and vent hood, pendant and recessed lighting, a large walk-in pantry, breakfast nook with bay windows and more make it a must see.
Two gunslot windows on either side of the fireplace were replaced and expanded to bring in more natural light and take advantage of the view of the inviting backyard.
Where there was once a center atrium and bar, a huge walk-in master closet (complete with an organization system) now stands. The original closet was removed, paving the way for an expanded and fully remodeled master bathroom with a separate tub and shower. Anyone familiar with the limitations of late 1970s and early 1980s construction knows exactly what a rarity it is to find a decent sized master bath OR a generous master closet in these parts, let alone BOTH!
Indeed, this home is a unicorn.
Versailles pattern tumbled travertine stone flooring stretches throughout the entire home. Plantation shutters cover the windows, not that excessive sun is an issue with the ideal North/South exposure on a prime corner lot. Elevated ceilings greet you at the front door, accentuating the modern feel of the architecture.
The fourth bedroom was converted to a den/office; its entryway relocated to the front foyer. Even the laundry room is a work of art with new (2014) cabinetry, granite counter, and sink.
The backyard is, itself, a great place to entertain under the large covered patio, or cool off with a dip in the pool. Not relaxing enough? Slip into the in-ground spa that underscores one simple, but not to be overlooked asset this home has over other properties across McCormick Ranch: natural gas.
Estate Los Arboles is one of the ONLY pockets of McCormick Ranch that is serviced by Southwest Gas, meaning you can actually heat a pool here without spending a small fortune on propane. Yes, I’m looking at you, winter visitors!
With immediate neighborhood access to the walking path / greenbelt that stretches throughout the Ranch, it is a quick stroll to Comanche Park to the East, and the booming shopping center of Paseo Village to the West. New establishments like The Vig, Luci’s at the Grove (currently under construction – slated to open in the fall), Starbucks, and LA Fitness join community favorites like Lox Stock & Bagel to turn this once-sleepy center into one of the most vibrant hubs in the area. And you don’t even need a car to get there!
*Click to contact us today to schedule your own private tour*
This is a unique opportunity to take advantage of a unique property. Don’t miss it!
Learn more about Estate Los Arboles
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View McCormick Ranch Floor Plans
Full property details
by Paul Slaybaugh | Feb 18, 2018 | Open Houses
You are invited!
Be among the first to see this beautiful old world style home in McCormick Ranch! New to the market, this beautiful 4 bedroom, 2.5 bath home features hickory wood floors, tongue and groove wood-finished vaulted ceilings, two way fireplace between family and living rooms, large open kitchen with granite counters and stainless steel appliances, master suite with large walk-in closet and inviting bath, split guest suite with its own bath, large entertaining back patio, swimming pool, and all the warmth you have been missing in the “modern” grey and white remodels that have all the soul of a dentist’s office.
Join us between 1-4 PM on Sunday, February 18th.
This just might be your only crack at this one!
by Paul Slaybaugh | Feb 15, 2018 | Featured Properties
Tired of living on Grey Street? Sick to death of the lifeless color palettes and hyper-modern finishes that every investor/flipper under the sun is using these days? Looking for something with a little more … soul?
Coming soon to Estados De La Mancha in McCormick Ranch, this unique semi-custom home flies in the face of convention with its old world charm and warmth. From the rich hickory wood floors to the tongue and groove wood ceilings and everything in between, this is the home that frustrated McCormick Ranch home shoppers have been pining for as they sift through the overpriced ocean of greys and whites that litter the market at present.
While nearly everyone loves the location and amenities that McCormick Ranch offers, there are four primary complaints with the standard McCormick Ranch home: 1) small, closed-in kitchens, 2) small master bathrooms, 3) small master closets, and 4) sunken rooms.
This is the rare gem that carries none of those burdens. The generous kitchen opens to the family room, making it a wonderful entertaining home. A two-way fireplace separates the living and family rooms into two distinct areas without closing them in or making them feel isolated from each other. Even the back patio is a revelation for entertaining or private reflection.
The master suite includes a luxurious bathroom with separate shower and tub, and a walk-in closet that is the envy of every neighbor who had to sacrifice in this area.
There are no sunken rooms, much to the delight of anyone who has been through enough McCormick Ranch homes to know exactly how rare that is. Living rooms, dining rooms, family rooms, etc with differing elevations is a way of life for many in the area. Thank you very much, 1970s. Fortunately, no such tripping hazards exist here.
One of the four bedrooms includes an en suite bathroom, and is split to the other side of the home, making it an ideal guest/in-law/teenager suite.
Relax on the front patio, take a dip in the pool, or stroll the Camelback Walk multi-use path that follows the greenbelt past Cochise Elementary School and Mountain View Park just down the street.
Offered for sale at $720,000, this one will sell in a flash. Call us today to get in before the rush and see it before we go live on the MLS this weekend!
Full property details to follow, stay tuned!
Learn more about McCormick Ranch
