Realty Executives of Northern Arizona
A corner lot is a plot of land at the intersection of two roads or streets. Typically, the streets run in the front and one side of the lot or property. Corner lots have a range of locations; it could sit in the middle of a neighborhood or at the top of a very busy street.
Back in the ‘90s, when developers first started building cookie-cutter McMansions, builders had a challenging time selling corner lot homes. Buyers did not appreciate the additional street exposure, less privacy, and noise, among others.
To combat the negative feedback, some developers decided to add a premium to these corner lots of $5,000 to $10,000, which drew attention, and they began to sell. Now, they are more comparable to living on a cul-de-sac in terms of popularity. A corner lot is, typically, always preferred in today's market due to the characteristics and the many benefits these pieces of real estate offer buyers.
Here, we’ll explore the pros and cons of corner lot properties to help you make informed decisions before buying or building your next home in this type of unique zoning lot.
Bigger yard space
One of the most significant advantages of a corner lot is the increased yard space it offers compared to other regular lots. This provides opportunities for a home to have a different floor plan and yard configuration. For example, you could have a side-entry garage instead of a front-entry garage, which makes for great curb appeal as the front of your home won't be obscured.
Also, you have more room to create outdoor areas that can accommodate various activities—whether it’s a pool, play equipment for kids, a bigger garden, or just extra land space for playing sports or hosting gatherings.
Plenty of natural light
Corner lots offer more natural light than the others because, in most cases, no other homes are blocking the sunlight on three out of four sides. Especially for south-facing homes, you can enjoy natural light pouring into the home from every angle as the day progresses. It's also ideal for most sun-loving plants.
More privacy
With just one neighbor close to your home, you won't feel nearly as exposed whenever you’re spending time in your backyard. If you’re concerned about the people walking down the sidewalks, you can install a privacy fence that will prevent anyone from peering in. Research if there are any restrictions on fencing, especially when it comes to materials and height.
More prominent
If you enjoy the limelight and love exploring your creativity when it comes to landscaping and gardening, building a home on a corner lot will give you such freedom since they will feature prominently in the neighborhood.
A bigger yard means more yard work
Since these lots tend to have larger yards, it could mean more work to maintain. Be prepared to do the extra work when it comes to keeping your lawns, landscaping, and cleaning other debris, or save up extra money to hire gardeners and other necessary service providers.
More traffic
Corner lots see a lot more traffic given their location, bringing more noise, light from headlights shining into the home, and worse, some fairly bad accidents due to drivers running stop signs on the intersecting streets. However, it still depends on the neighborhood where the home is located since you won't likely get much traffic if it’s in a quiet, residential neighborhood. Depending on the layout of the house and the location of the windows, light at night may also interfere with your sleep. Determine if these things are a concern to you and consult with your real estate agent when assessing the home’s location.
Higher visibility
While you can get a bit more privacy with fewer neighbors surrounding your home, it can have higher visibility due to its corner location. This could pose a higher risk for burglaries since the property is more accessible from two streets. Still, there are ways to mitigate those risks if you're worried. You might consider having additional lighting and installing security cameras in various locations so you can have a bird’s eye view of what’s happening all around and near your property.
So, is a corner lot right for you? It's still up to you to decide. As with any other unique property location, you must evaluate the pros and cons, decide what features are most important to you, and do your due diligence on the home and neighborhood. Lastly, consult with your trusted real estate agent before making a huge decision. Maybe the right house for you is in a corner, just waiting for you to give it a second glance.
Gary Nelson, Delegated Broker, Realtor®
History
Visit the largest free-standing pueblo in Northern Arizona, less than an hour north of Flagstaff: Wupatki National Monument. This heritage site preserves many stories of indigenous people including the Hopi, Zuni and Ancestral Puebloan tribes that lived in or passed through the area. The monument encompasses several key sites, including Wupatki Pueblo, Citadel Pueblo, and Lomaki Pueblo, each offering a unique window into the past, and trails to enjoy.
Tour the Pueblo
Directly behind the visitor center, a scenic overlook frames a wondrous site. Wupatki, which means "Long Cut House" in the Hopi language, is a multistory pueblo dwelling comprising over 100 rooms and a community room. Visitors take a half-mile hike to get up close to the remnants of this amazing structure. Guided tours are available, providing insight into the architecture, cultural practices, and historical significance of the sites. Additionally, self-guided walking trails offer a chance to wander among the ruins at your own pace, allowing for a more immersive experience with the landscape. The site includes remnants of an ancient ball court and a natural blow hole. Keep an eye on nearby mesas and ridgelines to spot remnants of other heritage sites, but always stay on the designated trails and leave no trace during your visit. The average number of archeological sites in the greater area surrounding Wupatki is about 12 per square mile, so clearly things were really hopping in the Wupatki area.
Discover More Ruins
Thousands of people lived in this area supported by reliable water sources, innovative agriculture techniques and expert hunting methods. Drive 2.5 miles from the visitor center to access a short trail to Wukoki, a three-story pueblo. This impressive eight room structure was built on top of a large snadstone pedestal. The large tower still contains original wood beams from the roof and celing structure. The trail here is 0.2 miles round trip, acceessible up to the base of the pueblo, and offers grand views of the Sand Francisco Peaks in Flagstaff. Visitors can spend an entire day in the area, walking along up to four trails to find seven ancient pueblo structures.
The Citadel and Nalakihu Trail
Drive 10 miles from the visitor center to discover the massive Citadel, a 50-room pueblo. The Citadel Pueblo was built on top of a small extinct cinder hill. Its walls are mostly basalt rocks. There is evidence that people have lived in the Citadel area as far back as the Archaic period (8,000-500 BCE) using smaller sites as seasonal hunting camps. Nalakihu is a Hopi word meaning "house standing outside the village" and is the smaller sandstone structure at the beginning of the trail. Based on tree ring dating construction leikly occurred in the late 1190s CE. It had ten rooms on the ground floor and three or four rooms forming a second story. It is difficult to tell how many people would have lived here though it could have been one family with multiple generations and aunts and uncles living together at the same time. The trail here is accessible to the base of the cinder hill with a compacted decomposed granite surface. Pets are not allowed on this trail, but leashed service animals are ok.
Cultural and Historical Importance
Although it is no longer physically occupied, Hopi believe the people who lived and died here remain as spiritual guardians. The surrounding area is remembered and cared for, not abandoned. Trails and ruins are open sunrise to sunset year-round, and the Wupatki visitor center and museum is open daily 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Thank you for visiting respectfully and leaving no trace.
When you're ready to buy or sell, come by the office and speak with an on-duty Realtor®!
Realty Executives of Flagstaff - 15 E. Cherry Ave., Flagstaff, AZ 86001 - 928.773.9300
Being the longest running real estate brokerage in northern Arizona is carrying a torch of responsibility that Realty Executives of Flagstaff is proud to carry. This year, they are looking at two big milestones in their history: reaching 47 years of business along with the 30th anniversary celebration of their two veteran brokers, Wayne McCormick and Gary Nelson.
Forty-seven years does not seem like a long time to many, but in the real estate industry, it is quite a feat because in that same forty-seven years, many other real estate brokerages came and went. “With constantly shifting real estate markets, there are very few real estate offices that are built to last,” says McCormick, who owns Realty Executives of Flagstaff along with his wife, Debra. “Our commitment to the communities we serve is the difference.”
“I would add that being local is really what sets us apart from our competition,” says Delegated Broker Gary Nelson. “With many real estate brokerages from other parts of Arizona, the dedication to community just isn’t there.”
By their own estimation, Realty Executives of Flagstaff has dedicated hundreds of thousands of dollars over the years to local charities, non-profits, and youth activities. “We decided many years ago that our commitment to the people and nonprofits in our communities was the most important aspect of truly considering ourselves local," added McCormick. "The Realtors in our office have fully embraced that and do whatever they can to give back."
"We have such a great group of Realtors here," adds Nelson. “Each of them is a part of the community in their own way and has embraced the idea of ‘giving back.’ We have board members, committee volunteers, work horses, donors and Realtors that believe in a cause or event that is near and dear to their heart.”
Wayne McCormick and Gary Nelson are not only celebrating the forty-seven years that their brokerage has been running but also thirty years in the industry together. “We actually knew each other back in Boy Scouts here in Flagstaff, even though there were a few years between us,” says McCormick. “But we also started the same year in real estate and went through ‘orientation’ at the Northern Arizona Association of Realtors together. We are the last two left from 1994. And it was pretty much destiny that we would end up being partners like we are. Fifteen years ago, when I took over the brokerage that my father, Dave McCormick, founded, I needed someone to help me stay the course and commit to the community. Gary was that person, and we have never looked back.”
In September, Realty Executives of Flagstaff will throw a party – a big party! And it is not for themselves, but for the Realtors, other business people, and clients that have helped Wayne and Gary get to this landmark. “We have been in both competition and cooperation with thousands of Realtors in Flagstaff over the years,” says Debra McCormick. “They helped us get to where we are. Along with the lenders, escrow companies, contractors, and other professionals that worked with us to make this City a better place.”
“We throw a client appreciation party on the morning of the Fourth of July for about six hundred of our clients each year,” adds Debra. “Let’s see if we can get 600 of our fellow Realtors and industry professionals to help us celebrate in September! Even bigger, yet, will be our party in three years when we celebrate 50!”
Arizona Daily Sun, Shop Flagstaff (Local) Edition, June 29, 2024
Picture Canyon Trail is an easy scenic hiking trail located in Flagstaff, Arizona, known for its stunning geological formations, ancient petroglyphs, and diverse wildlife. Here's what you need to know about this popular trail.
Scenic Beauty
Picture Canyon Trail winds along the banks of the Rio de Flag, offering hikers breathtaking views of the canyon's towering sandstone cliffs, lush riparian vegetation, and tranquil streams. The trail meanders through a picturesque landscape that is rich in natural beauty and geological wonders, making it a favorite destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers.
Ancient Petroglyphs
One of the highlights of the Picture Canyon Trail is the opportunity to view ancient petroglyphs. The Northern Sinagua people who occupied the area from 700-1300 AD marked their presence with over 126 panels depicting archers, turtles, large mammals, birds, and geometric designs. Visitors can marvel at the intricate designs and symbols etched into the sandstone cliffs as they explore the trail.
Rich Cultural History
In addition to its natural beauty and archaeological significance, Picture Canyon Trail is steeped in cultural history. The area holds special significance for the indigenous tribes of the region, including the Hopi, Navajo, and Yavapai people, who consider it a sacred place. As you hike the trail, you'll have the opportunity to learn about the cultural heritage of the area and the enduring connections between the land and its indigenous inhabitants.
Wildlife Viewing
Picture Canyon Trail is home to a diverse array of wildlife, making it an excellent destination for birdwatching and wildlife viewing. Along the trail, hikers may encounter a variety of over 130 bird species, including hawks, eagles, herons, and waterfowl, as well as small mammals such as deer, rabbits, and squirrels. The riparian habitat along the Rio de Flag provides essential habitat for wildlife and offers visitors the chance to observe animals in their natural environment.
Practical Information
Conclusion
Picture Canyon Trail in Flagstaff, AZ, offers a captivating journey through stunning landscapes, ancient petroglyphs, and rich cultural history. Whether you're a seasoned hiker, a history enthusiast, or someone seeking a peaceful retreat into nature, this scenic trail promises an unforgettable experience that will leave you inspired and rejuvenated. So, lace up your hiking boots, grab your camera, and embark on a memorable journey to explore the wonders of Picture Canyon Trail.
And as you pass through downtown Flagstaff, stop into our office to learn more about the Flagstaff area and housing market!
Realty Executives of Flagstaff
15 E. Cherry Ave., Flagstaff, AZ 86001
928-773-9300
When you put an offer on a home, you'd want to do everything you can to make your bid more competitive. One way to do this is through earnest money. But what is it, exactly? And how much do you need?
Since providing earnest money deposits is an essential part of the home buying process, here's what you should know about them.
Earnest money is an upfront deposit that a buyer makes when planning to purchase a home, showing that they're making a serious offer. It’s also called a “good faith deposit” because the buyer is proving to the seller that they have every intention of buying the property if their conditions are met.
When a buyer and seller enter into a purchase agreement, the seller takes the home off the market while the transaction moves through the entire process to closing. Having earnest money keeps the buyer committed to moving forward with the home purchase while also giving the seller enough confidence and insurance to stop accepting new offers.
It’s important to remember that earnest money is different from the down payment. This deposit is usually cashed and held in a neutral third-party, such as the title company’s trust account or the broker’s escrow company account, for safe-keeping until the purchase agreement is either completed or terminated.
An earnest money deposit isn't required, as there are no laws stating that home offers must have money attached to them. But it’s a common practice and even a necessity, especially if you’re shopping for a home in a competitive market. Sellers are likely to favor an offer that includes an earnest money commitment as it provides them extra assurance. If it’s a seller’s market and you’re going up against multiple offers, you might be better off submitting an offer with earnest money attached.
While there are no set amounts, most home buyers offer between one percent to three percent of the home's sale price. The amount you’ll deposit as earnest money will also depend on factors such as the current market, the local policies and limitations in your state, what's customary in your market, or even what the seller requires. You can deposit more if you want to make your offer stand out, or offer less if you’re in a buyer’s market.
Work with a knowledgeable real estate agent to help you understand how much earnest money to offer. If you plan to purchase a home in a neighborhood where cash offers and bidding wars are common, they may recommend a higher good faith deposit as you could risk losing the home to the one with a stronger offer. But if it's a slow or moderate market, a good faith deposit in the standard range may suffice.
Your earnest money deposit will stay in the escrow account until you officially close on the home. Assuming that the deal goes smoothly, the deposit is then applied to your down payment or closing costs. Essentially, you're just putting up some of the money upfront.
For some loans that don't require a down payment, such as VA and USDA loans, the earnest money will be applied directly to closing costs. If the earnest money deposit is more than the closing costs, the buyer can get the remainder back.
But what if the deal falls through and you're unable to close on the home, will you get your earnest money back? It depends on how the purchase agreement is written. Your contract includes contingencies that spell out when the earnest money is refundable and when it becomes nonrefundable, as well as how the refund is handled.
If you include contingencies with your offer, you’ll get the earnest money back if a contingency isn’t met. For example, if you’ve included a home inspection contingency in your offer and the home inspection reveals structural damage or severe defects, you may choose to cancel the home purchase and your earnest money deposit will be refunded. Additionally, if a financing contingency is included in the contract and your financing falls through because of appraisal or approval issues, you’ll get your money back.
But if you break the contract without cause, back out of the deal for a reason not listed in any of the contingencies, or simply change your mind about the purchase, the seller might be able to keep your earnest money. You may also lose your earnest money if you cancel the deal after your contingencies have passed their expiration dates.
Earnest money deposits can mean several thousand dollars—a huge sum that can be put towards other aspects of your homeownership dream. This is why it's important to take steps to protect your money. The best way is to talk to your real estate agent about ways to safeguard your deposit, and have them walk you through the entire purchase contract before you sign anything. Other things you can do to protect your earnest money include:
Gary Nelson
Delegated Associate Broker
Realty Executives of Flagstaff
928-600-4279
2022 AZ Realtor of the Year
Where the Experts are - Serving Flagstaff and Northern Arizona since 1977
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