My advice to homeowners is to do it right, or don't do it at all. Financially, you'd be better off selling a fixer upper or turnkey home - but in the middle, it's all pain. Also, there's a lot of time and energy involved in remodeling, better to "rip the band-aid off" than do it piecemeal and have it occupy space in your brain and your calendar.

Paying Cash for a Home Without Protecting It - When someone purchases a property with cash in their own name (or the name of a revocable trust), they might as well be advertising they want to get sued. We live in a litigious world, and the best thing you can do is to make yourself a hard target. I'm amazed at how many people will buy properties for millions of dollars without consulting an expert. Talk to an asset protection lawyer, it's not cheap, but you're protecting a very valuable asset.

Inadequate Due Diligence - It's astonshingly common for people to do sloppy - or even no - due diligence when purchasing a home. Here's the dirty secret: unethical agents cut corners on due diligence to tip the scales on the side of finding no problems and closing the deal. It's so bad, I wrote about one instance here a few years ago where someone bought a multi-million dollar home without ANY inspection! They were represented by an agent who had been in the business for decades, no less.

Even if it's a huge home and it costs $1200 for an inspection, do it. The inspectors I recommend are ruthless. We've blown up many deals because of their diligence, and there will undoubtedly be many more. I'd much rather my clients move into their next home with no surprises. All problems can be dealt with, except the ones we don't know exist. So don't skimp, and if you don't see a thick report with lots of problems -- and there are problems on 99% of homes -- then be skeptical of the report.

Short Term Thinking - It's tough to make a bad real estate decision when your time horizon is 10 years or more. When people make decicions that are based on 2-5 years, however, they can wind up in a jam. What if market conditions change? What if interest rates change? Get the house that's going to work well for you and your family for a decade, if at all possible. There are too many variables that can impact you ability to make a move in the interim. It's counterintuitive, but when you account for rising prices, interest, and transaction costs, it can be better to "overspend" on the right house, than to buy a home that will need to be sold in the short term.

Failing to Plan for Privacy - The Arizona Republic wants to make your big home purchase a matter of public record. They will dig to get the information, so if you want privacy, you must plan ahead. As with asset protection, the "jack of all trades" lawyers may not get the job done. Nobody can promise the reporters won't sniff out the truth, but the lawyer you hire should have a track record of outwitting them.

"I've got a guy" - Building a luxury home with top quality finishes is a substantial investment. There's always someone who thinks their guy can do it for 50% less than the others, without sacrificing quality. What happens in most cases: people wind up with a home they don't love, and that is difficult to sell. If budget is driving your decision, a remodel is almost certainly the smarter choice than trying to build on the cheap.

False Limitations - We don't know what we don't know. Often times people make assumptions before they begin the process of looking for a home or investment property, or selling their home, and those assumptions may not be entirely accurate. This is why I invest time in relationships, to get to know people and understand WHY they want what they say they want. I'm often able to solve a problem or present an opportunity they wouldn't have considered.

I've talked clients out of multi-million dollar purchases because it was inconsistent with goals or values they had expressed. In every one of those cases, though I lost a deal, I gained a client for life. It's good business, and it helps me sleep at night.

So if you are thinking about real estate -- whether it may be months or years before you're ready to take action -- let's chat. You will NEVER be rushed, and if you don't believe me just read these client letters.

The more we get to know each other now, the better I can help you in the future. Just reply to this email to schedule a coffee.

At 3401 E Claremont, you'll find a charming Santa Barbara style home on a quiet street. There's a large circular drive, mature landscaping with tall trees and well manicured plants. Stroll into the courtyard and you'll be greeted by a fountain.

When you open the front door the first thing you will notice is the light, bright, large open floor plan. You can cook in the kitchen while everyone enjoys television in the family room or studies at the dining room table. The entire area is perfect for entertaining, opens up to the giant backyard with lush landscaping, a large pool, travertine pavers, a play set, fireplace, BBQ, and dual outdoor shower.

There are 2 garages at this exceptional home, for a total of 7 garage bays -- including a 5 car air-conditioned garage with a workshop. The owner also has plans for a third garage, which would bring the parking up to 10 cars.

The master suite was built in 2011, has very high ceilings and includes a sitting area, work area, gym, and a HUGE CLOSET. There is a second master suite which would make for a very large secondary bedroom, and is big enough to be a media room or play room. The office is just off the family room, and the kids bedrooms are on the opposite side of the home from the master.

The separate guest house is cozy and inviting, looking on to the trees and grass of the well-manicured backyard. It has a kitchenette, full bath, and sitting area so guests will be very comfortable.

There is tremendous value in this single-level home on a quiet street with 5 bedrooms plus a gym, office, and guest house for under $1.5 million. It's one of the most charming homes, and best values, in all of Paradise Valley.

Please reply to schedule a tour, or click here to see pictures.

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