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April 28, 2019

What Is a Plat Map of a Property – How to Read It?

If you are wondering, ‘How to get a plat map of my property?’– it should be included when you purchase a new home. However, do not be afraid to ask for one if you do not get it. The plat map is part of the purchasing packet that normally comes to a buyer when they purchase a home. One of the documents a homeowner receives includes a plat map to help the buyer make the most of their investment.

As a new homebuyer, you may find a plat map confusing, but with a basic knowledge of the purpose, you can use the map to your advantage.

What is a Plat Map?

Buying a new home includes paperwork that comes along with the new set of keys and a lot of documents. The title company may include what is known as a plat map in the paperwork packet. This information includes loads of data about your neighborhood and also a map of land as it is divided into lots. This drawn to scale map shows the land size, boundary locations, flood zones, streets, and other easements including rights-of-way.

How to Read a Plat Map

Drawn to scale, the plat map shows the piece of land your new home is built upon, along with details including the neighboring properties, boundaries, land size, and more.

Other information on the plat map includes:

  • Coordinates of the property (north, south, east, west), the orientation of the property
  • Easements encroaching on your ownership
  • Property boundary lines
  • Designations of the roads, including private rights of way
  • Dedication of the land for public use
  • Zoning compliance

 

The numbers on your plat map make a big difference in deciphering what the map actually means. First, learn what the right side of the plat map means, typically it is developed by a country assessor. The tract number is often assigned along with the house number of each parcel, or boundary. Along the bottom of the parcel, you will find the width and depth of the parcel. Most plat maps have these numbers indicated in feet.

The APN or Assessor’s Parcel Number is assigned by an assessor, in the middle of the property. The corners of the plat map will also have the book and page number assigned to them.

zone map

Other Types of Plat Maps

Plat maps are not all created equal. In fact, land maps, or land survey maps, come in many forms. Here are the different types of plat maps you may encounter, depending on the situation.

As a landowner, the plat map varies depending on the parcel of land and the history of that land. That is why you need to be able to read the plat map regardless of the type of map you have. Here are the 5 main types of plat maps you could see:

 

  • Amending Plat – this is a correction to existing plats.

 

 

  • Plat of Consolidation – Consolidation is when a single landowner buys more than one lot and then combines them into a single parcel.  

 

 

  • Plat of Subdivision – When a landowner divides a tract, the smaller parcels are called a subdivision.

 

 

  • Short Plat – Four parcels can be considered a short plat. This type of subdivision is common.

 

 

  • Vacating Plat – This legally cancels a prior plat.

 

If you did not receive a plat map when you purchased your property, it is not too late to go to your local courthouse in the county. Get a copy of the deed and ask the clerk for a copy of the land plat map. Then use this article to help you decode the information and dig in deeper to your investment.

If you have more questions, feel free to contact the office of Jeff Barchi, today!

March 22, 2019

How to Find Distressed Real Estate Properties?

Distressed real estate flipping is one of the best ways to make money in a short amount of time. Reliable, and considered to be a somewhat affordable investment opportunity for regular people, this DIY real estate project isn’t always easy. The process of how to find distressed real estate properties and turning them into cash can be done, but you need to know the five-step process.

If you want to know how to find distressed properties, it is important to follow this simple five-step process. Then, call the office of Jeff Barchi to discuss other ways to locate privately listed properties.

How To Find Distressed Properties (in 5 steps!)

One of the hardest parts about flipping houses is finding the right properties. Use this list to learn how to find distressed real estate properties with ease.

  1. Create a Budget

One of the worst mistakes investors make when they try DIY property flipping is understating the total cost. In order to avoid potential pitfalls, create a budget that includes wiggle room for unexpected problems. When creating your budget, factor in your current credit score, the long-term growth potential of investments along with expenses associated with property acquisition.

  1. Online Search

Perform an internet search that includes public MLS listings. Also known as the Multiple Listing Service, an MLS database provides information on houses for sale. This search can also be customized to include advanced options, so tell your real estate agent about any specific terms to include, such as bank-owned, REO, government-owned, delinquent mortgage, foreclosure, and others.

  1. Location

The marketplace contains a lot of data that you can use to evaluate the sale price after you flip a distressed property. The location is a #1 research priority when attempting to know which renovations should be done first. You may find that curb appeal is a better investment choice than updating interior aspects like kitchen backdrops or bathroom tile. Look for properties based on neighborhood zones, address, and highest sale price in the area.

  1. Spend Time

It is never a waste of time to talk to other people in the real estate industry. This may include agents, brokers, community members, and more. You can learn from everyone you meet within the real estate community, and ideally, you will be able to build a supportive network that can sharpen your negotiating skills as well as flipping strategies.

NOTE: Never underestimate the value of a large network including neighbors, friends, advertisers, contractors, and other workers.   

Talking with real estate agent

 

  1. Make an Offer

Once you have done all of the leg work and spoken to a qualified professional about your goals, you can make an offer. Each property that you decide to purchase for a low price, make an investment, and flip for a profit, may also have competition.

So, make sure you know what the limits of your budget are and always set money aside to use during the negotiation process. Generally, market experts recommend at least 20% padding within your investment budget.

Finding Motivated Sellers of Distressed Properties

If you are able to locate properties publicly on the MLS, you may be able to find investment opportunities alone. However, you may not realize how many other distressed properties are available offline. Ask about properties with delinquent taxes and mortgage payments along with homes sold out of probate and government-owned property.

Remember that flipping houses for profit is not always a win for investors. Many times, a property can shock you with the cost of unexpected problems like plumbing leaks, electrical explosions, crumbling foundation, and many other things. Talking to a team member from the office of Jeff Barchi can help you avoid the most common mistakes investors make. Follow this process of how to find distressed real estate properties and turn an impressive profit.

February 22, 2019

What is a Duplex Apartment?

An apartment is a style of housing designed for one person or a small family. The specific type of apartment known as a duplex is a little different. Blending together the convenience of an apartment and the privacy of a single-family house, a duplex is one of the hottest trends of today’s housing market. This has a lot of people asking, “what is a duplex?”

If you want to know the answer, you may also be considering renting or purchasing a new home. A duplex could be the right choice for you; no matter what you decide as you browse through listings, it is best you know the difference between a duplex and other types of housing designed for singles or small families.

What is a Duplex Apartment?

An apartment designed to house two different single-family units in a single building, on one lot, is known as a duplex. A duplex apartment commonly has features you would expect from any other type of an apartment, including ownership by a sole proprietor, laundry, driveways, landscaping, patios, porches, and more.

Common features of duplex architecture include a shared wall, floor, and separate entrances into the same “house.” From the street, the duplex may look like one home, however, with enough curb appeal, a unit may take on the appearance of two very distinct homes albeit within a single structure.

Types of Duplexes

The most common type of duplex apartments is one entire building sharing a side or floor with another resident.

  • Single-Story

These are the types of duplex apartments that are one story, ground level units. These types of duplex units are convenient, especially for families with children because they offer easy access to the streets, are simple to move into, and can be customized for every type of style preference.

Duplex Apartment

  • Two-Story

This duplex apartment design includes units that are separated by a floor/ceiling. This accommodates many different lifestyles and diverse tenant needs. This is also referred to as one unit up, one down style.

  • Side-by-Side

These duplexes are multi-level. With two separate bi-level units, there is a shared wall to create a style comfortable for a private living of both residents.

An advantage of the dual construction includes units with private bedrooms and bathrooms. Many buildings also have additional square footage on the lot where the duplex is built.

A Duplex Versus a Townhouse or Condo

People shopping for a new home may decide to rent or purchase single-family housing. Before making the decision to live in a duplex, compare it to a townhouse or condominium. This is the best way to find the right home for you based on a combination of amenities including privacy, landscaping, and affordability.

  • Duplex

May look like a single home or bi-level; is owned by one person; a tenant may not have the right to make changes to the unit.

  • Townhouse

Traditionally, this row style building has a narrow design with three or more floors. Can be found in a city or small town.

  • Condominium

Commonly a multi-unit building with shared floors, ceilings, and walls. May also have special ownership rights.

Is Duplex Living for Me?

Every city offers its own charm, but there is no place like New York City. There, a Maisonette or New York style apartment, also known as a Manhattan duplex, is commonly considered to be an affordable option for single and multi-family living in Manhattan. These duplexes can also be some of the most expensive properties in New York City.

Architecturally, a Maisonette is a single occupancy unit in a tall two-story apartment building, including a spiral staircase. However, In your city, a duplex may have a completely different style, curb appeal, and custom look based on your design.

Call the office of Jeff Barchi to find your next home in the Phoenix area. Not only will you get to shop the best selection of Arizona real estate properties, but you will also get tips from the pros on how to find the right duplex apartment for you.

March 1, 2018

5 Signs You Need to Upgrade Your Kitchen

Our kitchens serve as the Grand Central Station of our homes, and the foot traffic is noticeable. Kitchens are where we hang out, watch TV, open mail, feed the family pet and entertain guests. It’s more than just a place to prepare and eat our daily meals.

Maintaining a working and well-designed kitchen is important not only for safety and sanitary reasons, but also to reduce costly repairs.  

Five signs you need to upgrade your kitchen.  

  1. Wear and tear

With a constant flow of traffic, wear and tear is sure to occur. Leaking pipes, damaged floors and walls, and cracked countertops all should be addressed immediately. These issues get worse with time and can contribute to harmful mold or bacteria. Painting and patching up problems will get you back up to standard.

  1. A Disorganized kitchenMessy kitchen

If you spend time searching for utensils, dishware, and appliances, then perhaps you need to reorganize your kitchen plan. Make it easy to find items so that you can spend more time cooking.

  1. Outdated appliances

Old appliances are generally less appealing and less energy efficient than newer models on the market. Replacing your appliances can be expensive, but they offer the best return on investment.  Make sure installation is done correctly by hiring a professional so the appliances are up to code.  

  1. Adequate counter spaceImage of counter and cabinets in kitchen

Kitchen counters are not storage spaces, if you can’t see more than 50% of your counter, it’s time to upgrade or expand.  If your layout allows, installing an extra counter or island can greatly add to usable counter space. If you have a small kitchen, consider reorganizing your cabinets to fit counter items into.

  1. You can’t sell your home

A great kitchen will sell a house, so take the time and money to invest in it. People often judge the rest of a house based on the kitchen. Make the home move-in ready so buyers are more motivated.

Adopt these five upgrades to get you the right kitchen improvements to increase home value.

July 15, 2017

Pueblo Revival Architecture and Other Popular Architecture of Phoenix

The southwestern region of the United States is known for a variety of things such as its Hispanic cuisine, year-round sun, and uniquely inspired architecture. Sure, you can throw in great golf courses, incredible landscapes, and absence of snow but you could be describing Florida with those. No, what really distinguishes the Southwest is its distinct architectural style. The term “Pueblo Revival” was coined to describe the architecture that drew upon inspiration from the Pueblos and Spanish missions from New Mexico. While this style is extremely popular in New Mexico, Arizona utilizes the Pueblo Revival Architecture style quite often.

Much of the original influences can be credited to the Pueblo, Zuni and Hopi tribes that inhabited the southwestern United States (New Mexico, Arizona, and Texas) hundreds of years ago. Pueblos (the common term used to describe Pueblo Native American homes) was first constructed out of stone and included terraced, multi-level and multi-family dwellings. When the Spanish explorers arrived in the 16th century, they brought with them the ancient adobe brick building technique that was commonly used in Europe and the Middle East. In Spanish, the word “Adobe” means “to plaster”.

The popularity of Pueblo Revival Architecture reached its peak in the 1920’s and 30’s but is still commonly used in the construction of new buildings throughout the southwest. Adobe is a sun-dried clay that is used to construct traditional homes and buildings.

Architects’ goal is to imitate the traditional style and features of the Pueblo-adobe buildings with features such as:

  • Square in design
  • Rounded corners and walls- this gave the homes a free-flowing feel that mimicked nature.
  • Irregular parapets
  • Think, battered walls- originally used to help regulate the temperature within the house during the intense heat and cold that occurred in the desert throughout the year.
  • Flat roofs
  • Projecting wood beams- that often served no structural support.

Today, many homes and buildings in Phoenix and Arizona adopt and utilize that traditional style of Pueblo Revival Architecture. Don’t be alarmed if traditional southwestern architecture isn’t your style because being a large, diverse city offers homes of every shape and size imaginable.

Most popular architecture styles in Phoenix and surrounding areas

  • Ranch – Easily identifiable by their long, one-story layouts (often an L shape), low-pitched roofs.
  • Mediterranean – Often referred to as “Spanish Modern”, this style incorporates a variety of features that are commonly found along the Mediterranean Sea (Spain, France, Greece, and Italy).  Features such as stucco finished, red tile roof, front courtyard, accent columns and arched windows.
  • Tuscan – Typically found in yellow-tinged and umber hues, these houses feature iron accents, ceramic and terra-cotta tiles, pergolas, stone walkways and colorful shutters.
  • Spanish Colonial – The adobe or stucco finish of these homes often lack extensive ornamentation but make up for it in architectural features such as archways, smaller windows and flat roofs with orange or red clay tiles.

Phoenix offers a wide variety home architecture styles that are sure to fit your own unique personality. The key to finding the right home is working with an experienced real estate agent that not only knows the Phoenix area real estate but also the defining features that make each style unique. Jeff Barchi is the top realtor in Scottsdale and Phoenix and he has over 17 years of experience. His track record of success and satisfaction speak for itself, so don’t waste another day and let Jeff Barchi help you find your next home today. To start your search today, visit https://homesellerarizona.com/contact/.

June 12, 2017

Meritage Homes and iStar Announce Joint Venture to Develop New Community in Scottsdale, Arizona

Upscale Condominium Project Completes the Long-Awaited Artesia Community

Meritage Homes Corporation, a leading U.S. homebuilder, announced plans to jointly develop a 30-acre site in Scottsdale, Ariz. with iStar Inc.

Known as Artesia, the master-planned project immediately adjacent to the northeast corner of Scottsdale Road and Indian Bend Road is poised to be the most anticipated new community in Scottsdale. The mixed-use development will include more than 500 luxury condominiums and townhouses, a private 10-acre recreational park with running and walking trails, resort-style pools and a 20,000-square-foot community clubhouse.

“Artesia will be one of the most desirable places to live in the greater Scottsdale and Paradise Valley area,” said Steve Hilton, chairman and chief executive officer of Meritage Homes. “The community caters to those looking for a health and wellness lifestyle with high-end homes, open outdoor spaces, mountain views and resort-style amenities. By forging strong relationships with our joint venture partner, iStar, we’re making Artesia a long-awaited reality.”

The initial development of Artesia was started in 2005 with 93 residences, 22,500 square feet of retail space and underground parking garages before coming to a standstill during the recession.  The property was re-zoned by iStar in 2015, with unanimous support from the City of Scottsdale, to facilitate the new and exciting development plan.

The new plan consists of three distinct planning areas of land, which will be developed in phases. Podium-style four-story buildings will offer 13-floor plans ranging from approximately 1,150 to 3,750 square feet. Individual residences will include outdoor entertaining verandas along with dedicated garage parking and many amenities. The two-, three- and four-bedroom residences are expected to be priced from the low $400,000s to more than $1 million.

Artesia is strategically located between Old Town, Kierland Commons and Scottsdale Quarter, with walkability to numerous restaurants, retail and entertainment choices. The site is conveniently located just 2 ½ miles west of Loop 101, which provides direct access to major employment centers in Tempe and North Scottsdale. Artesia will feature views to Mummy, Camelback and McDowell Mountains, in addition to McCormick Ranch golf course.

Home to many of the Valley’s wealthiest zip codes, Scottsdale is recognized as one of the most desirable places to live in the Phoenix metro area. While Artesia is physically located in the City of Scottsdale, it has a highly desirable Paradise Valley mailing address.

The onsite sales center will open in December of 2017, with first closings projected for early 2019.

About Meritage Homes

Meritage Homes is the seventh-largest home builder in the United States, based on homes closed in 2015. Meritage Homes builds and sells single-family homes for first-time, move-up, luxury and active adult buyers across the Western, Southwestern and Southeastern United States. Meritage Homes builds in markets including Sacramento, San Francisco Bay area, southern coastal and Inland Empire markets in California; Houston, Dallas-Ft. Worth, Austin and San Antonio, Texas; Phoenix/Scottsdale, Green Valley, and Tucson, Arizona; Denver and Fort Collins, Colorado; Orlando, Tampa and South Florida; Raleigh and Charlotte, North Carolina; Greenville-Spartanburg and York County, South Carolina; Nashville, Tennessee; and Atlanta, Georgia.

Meritage Homes has designed and built over 100,000 homes in its 31-year history and has a reputation for its distinctive style, quality construction, and positive customer experience. Meritage Homes is the industry leader in energy-efficient homebuilding and has received the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year for Sustained Excellence Award every year since 2013 for innovation and industry leadership in energy efficient homebuilding.

About iStar Inc.

iStar finances invests in and develops real estate and real estate related projects as part of its fully-integrated investment platform. Building on over two decades of experience and more than $35 billion of transactions, iStar brings uncommon capabilities and new ways of thinking about commercial real estate and adapts its investment strategy to changing market conditions. The Company is structured as a real estate investment trust (“REIT”), with a diversified portfolio focused on larger assets located in major metropolitan markets.

SOURCE

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