Mark R. Hardy's Blog

It is now summertime in Arizona, which means folks are spending more time in their pools cooling down. Please be careful in and around water at all times. Keep these easy tips in mind this summer – and all year round: Always watch your children around any body of water. Designate a water watcher....

Happy Fourth of July from Mesa, Arizona.  Thanks to all the troops that support and pay the price to keep the greatest nation of earth free!  Happy Birthday America. Call me if you want to start living the American dream...or make more money with real estate investments...   God Bless America!  

A common question I get is "When do I get pre-qualified in the home buying process?" The answer may differ in certain situations but ultimately the advantages of having a prequalification in hand when looking for a house far outweigh any disadvantages:   Situation #1: "I will be buying in 6-8 mon...

If you've been thinking of relocating somewhere warm, this is a great time to consider Phoenix - "The Valley of the Sun." Consisting of over 20 communities, surrounding Phoenix (Arizona's capital), the Valley of the Sun offers endless opportunities for art, culture and fun! From Frank Lloyd Wrigh...

NOTE: This post was re-posted with permission from Lori Dwyer with PrimeLending. I have been working with Lori for two years now, and I highly recommend her to anyone considering obtaining home financing. Please give her a call today and then call me and together we will have you in your new home...

  If you have chosen to renovate your home then you know the price can easily exceed your predictions. Home renovations tend to have what is known as "scope creep." This is when the renovations start and as they progress new things or problems cause there to be more work than originally predicted...

1. Curb Appeal - At minimum, lawns should be freshly mowed and ensure garbage and recycling are tucked neatly away from the front of the house 2. Reduce Clutter - Pick one room or area at a time and arrange it simple and clean  3. Watch Where the Eye Goes -  Walk through the home and each room an...

Lately, I have been getting a lot of questions about the timeframe sellers that successfully completed a short sale on their home have to wait before they can buy again.  Because of depressed home prices, many consumers understand the benefits with initiating a short sale (if appropriate to their...

Before leaving for your vacation this summer, there are a few safety precautions you should take to protect your home and belongings: Lock all doors and windows. Set light timers inside and use photo cells in porch lights (motion sensors).  I always insure an interior light is left on at all time...

  Below are eleven (11) categories of real estate, and different ways to invest in them. The best one for you is something only you can decide, according to your particular needs. To help you do that, I list a couple good points and bad points for each type. (NOTE: This list is very high level an...