Scottsdale-Phoenix Real Estate

5 Reasons You Should Relocate to Fireside at Norterra in North Phoenix, Arizona 85085

2012-01-19T15:38:00.000-08:00

5 Reasons You Should Relocate to Fireside at Norterra in North Phoenix, Arizona Maricopa County 85085

1. Fireside at Norterra was named Arizona’s #1 Master Planned Community in Maricopa County by Arizona Business Magazine’s Ranking Arizona. The prestigious honor reflects quality home construction and outstanding customer service. Fireside at Norterra has clearly won the confidence of homebuyers in Phoenix, Arizona.
2. Amenities in the Fireside at Norterra Community. A Lifestyle Director is available to facilitate the fun and plan daily activities and events, in true Del Webb fashion.

· Impressive Community Center to meet and greet family, friends or associates

· Fitness Center with aerobics and weight rooms for the health conscience means you don’t need to pay for an outside gym membership

· Indoor rock climbing wall for the adventurist that kids also love

· Spa treatment rooms to relax and unwind

· Adult lap & lounge pool plus a separate family pool with water slide

· Tennis and basketball courts for the sports enthusiast

3. Location of Fireside at Norterra. Living in the 85085 zip code in Fireside at Norterra means that you are among a hip, new and growing region of the Valley of the Sun. This can be seen by the retail growth at The Shops at Norterra and the brand new W.L. Gore campus, an international company voted as one of Fortune Magazines “100 Best Companies to Work For” in 2011.

You’re only minutes from popular shopping areas, restaurants, banks, and stores for daily errands. Experience the possibilities of the 85085 Lifestyle nearby shopping, dining and entertainment. Within 15-30 minutes, you can be on a golf course enjoying over 300 days of sunshine. Surrounding cities and metropolitan areas offer a unique mix of culture, shopping, sports stadiums, concert arenas, and attractions ranging from the Cosmopolitan to the Southwestern.

The Loop 101 and I-17 freeways give quick, easy access to Anthem, Scottsdale, Glendale, Peoria, downtown Phoenix, and Sky Harbor International Airport. Fireside at Norterra makes any valley destination easily reached, while its peaceful setting still makes you to feel like you’re far away from it all.

4.       Nature. Fireside at Norterra is nestled against a mountain preserve offering an intimate and peaceful hillside setting with spectacular views and hiking trails. The surrounding Sonoran Desert offers scenic beauty, miles of natural parkland, picturesque lakes, and a wide variety of activities, events, and attractions for every interest. Within 30 minutes, you can be at Lake Pleasant boating, skiing, fishing or watching a sunset. Celebrate a special occasion on a hot air balloon! Mountain biking, motorcycle riding, ballooning, swimming, hiking …you can have it all!

5.       Affordability and Style : Fireside at Norterra is an upscale, classy community with affordable home prices. New build and resale homes available from the $180s, single level and two story. The Maestro series are 1,654 to 2,693 s.f. from the $220’s and the Overlook series are from 1,254 to 1,819 s.f. from the $180’s. Both are available as specs and new builds. Incentives and financing offers available. Find foreclosures, short sales and traditional resale bargains available in Fireside at Norterra. Call or email Kelli Grant for details on new builds, specs or resale homes and townhomes available in Fireside at Norterra. Townhomes available, call or email for pricing.

Come home to Fireside at Norterra and experience the quality and integrity that have made Pulte Homes the nation’s leading homebuilder. At Fireside at Norterra, you’ll get premium features in your home and a thoughtfully planned out community with high-class amenities that suit your interests and lifestyle.

*** BONUS! Like weekend getaways? Prescott, Sedona, Flagstaff, Jerome, and many other cities are within a couple hour drive north on I-17 frwy. Whether you’re looking for a camp ground, a lakeside cabin, a cozy bed & breakfast or a resort in the mountains, you will find all of these options within reach.

Did you know that Northern Arizona has a magnificent wine country? Check out the latest on wineries, wine bars and all things wine at Arizona Vines & Wines. 14 wineries with exquisite wine, history and events available to wine enthusiasts within 1-2 hours from your home at Fireside at Norterra! Tour the Arizona wine country in style with AZ Wine Tours and their extraordinary limo. I can attest to the awesome experience with AZ Wine Tours as I did it in 2011 with a group of friends and it was a fun and exciting day to remember (just don’t drink too much wine and you’ll remember it too!).

Exciting Las Vegas is a 4 hour drive; Rocky Point, Mexico is a 4 hour drive; the ocean of San Diego is a 5 hour drive; the theme parks of Los Angeles are a 6 hour drive; and skiing or rafting in Durango, Colorado are an 8 hour drive or an hour airplane ride!

Other beautiful communities near Fireside at Norterra:

· Sonoran Foothills homes from the mid $100s

· Tramonto homes and townhomes from the $90s

· Tatum Ranch Golf Community apartment style condos, townhomes and homes from the low $100s

Relocating to the Phoenix Arizona? Contact your friendly and professional Relocation Specialist Kelli Grant, resident of 85085 since 2005 and Phoenix resident since 1976, I have enjoyed helping many families, business professionals and retirees relocate or buy a winter home in the area. I am already assisting some of the W.L. Gore employees with their relocation. I go beyond real estate needs. I assist clients with pairing down their winter wardrobe moving from a much colder region, clarify myths and facts about the desert critters, help book hotels for visits to look at properties, provide lists of excellent restaurants, and much more!

Relocation Client Testimony from W.L Gore This Week

A W.L. Gore client relocating from New York wrote this email to me this week: "After meeting you, we’re even more sure that you are the right person for us. We both found you extremely easy to talk to and very knowledgeable……..the two key ingredients." Contact Kelli Grant today for relocation assistance. 602-799-5420

Tatum Ranch Golf Community in Cave Creek, Arizona

2011-08-03T15:15:00.000-07:00

Tatum Ranch Golf Community in Cave Creek, Arizona

Tatum Ranch is a master-planned community of more than 3,000 homes with five commercial sites of restaurants, retail stores and offices in the northeast corner of Phoenix. Tatum Ranch Golf Community in Cave Creek is located where North Tatum Boulevard and Cave Creek Road meet. Tatum Ranch is in the Sonoran Desert life zone, including seven washes or arroyos from northeast to southwest.

Tatum Ranch Golf Community in Cave Creek is home to some of the most beautiful native Sonoran Desert vegetation and wildlife in the entire Southwest. Residents enjoy the quiet beauty and serenity of the Sonoran Desert while still within close proximity to shopping and dining in Cave Creek, Phoenix and Scottsdale. The elevation of Tatum Ranch Golf Community in Cave Creek is about 1,800 feet. Because of its distance from the heart of the Phoenix metropolitan area (22 air miles) and its proximity to the New River Mountains just north, the summer temperatures are usually 5 to 10 degrees cooler than recorded at Sky Harbor International Airport. Colorful sunsets and a dark night skies with twinkling stars are enjoyed in the backyards and on patios of residents in Tatum Ranch Golf Community in Cave Creek.

Whether you like to play golf or play in the pool, Tatum Ranch Golf Community in Cave Creek is a friendly, distinguished community of families and part-time residents from all over the country. Escape from the snow this winter! Tatum Ranch community is an excellent place to buy your winter home. Cave Creek, Arizona has Golf Course Communities, Gated Communities and Communities with Mountain Views.

Live amongst the beauty of the Sonoran Desert and mountain ranges Tatum Ranch Golf Community in Cave Creek. Relax and unwind in your backyard overlooking nature's most beautiful scenes. Whether you're in Cave Creek, Arizona part-time or full time, you always have something to look forward to! Hiking trails, wine bars, shopping, dining, art walks, and plenty more community festivities!

Entertain family and friends by the pool in summer or during a 70 degree evening in winter. Or, relax and unwind with your significant other and enjoy the beauty of the desert and mountains around you in peace and quiet. Whether you are looking specifically for a home in Tatum Ranch Golf Community in Cave Creek or one of the surrounding golf or mountain view communities, you win!

Tatum Ranch Golf Community in Cave Creek or any of the surrounding communities such as Dove Valley Ranch or Rancho Mańana, have all the amenities and beauty that a true nature-buff wants . . . unless you're looking for ocean views!

Call local resident and neighborhood REALTOR, Kelli Grant, at 602-799-5420 to start your home search today. Kelli Grant has lived in the Sonoran Desert area since 1976! She has helped several satisfied families relocate and helped couples buy their retirement home or a winter home. Because Kelli is familar with the area and knows local businesses, she can refer you to other qualified professionals such as Desert View Property Management to look after your winter home while you're away. Kelli@YourCommunityResource.com

More Sonoran Desert Communities

Tatum Ranch Community

Sonoran Foothills Community

Tramonto Community

3 Bedroom Townhouse in Grayhawk North Scottsdale Golf Community

2011-07-27T13:56:00.000-07:00

3 Bedroom Townhouse in Grayhawk North Scottsdale Golf Community
$389,000

This 3 Bedroom Townhouse in Grayhawk North Scottsdale Golf Community is perfect for a winter home in desirable Encore at Grayhawk. 1725 sq ft single level townhome has granite, dark stained Alder cabinets, Plantation shutters and wood blinds, 18” tile floors with mosaic marble entry. Chef’s kitchen has new brushed stainless upgraded appliances. This 3 Bedroom Townhouse in Grayhawk North Scottsdale Golf Community is a traditional sale so you can pack the moving van and get settled before winter! Go to the property website for full details

This gorgeous 3 Bedroom Townhouse in Grayhawk North Scottsdale Golf Community has mountain views of Pinnacle Peak and the McDowell mountains. Private location with no one behind you.

The lovely 3 Bedroom Townhouse in Grayhawk North Scottsdale Golf Community is a close walk to the swimming pool, spa, and workout facility within a gated community. There is easy access to TPC golf course, Barrett Jackson auction in January, spring training games, hiking, shopping, dining, or relaxing at a local spa.

Come home to your 3 Bedroom Townhouse in Grayhawk North Scottsdale Golf Community! It’s ready and waiting for you to move in. It’s not a short sale that you have to wait months for and it’s not a bank owned property that requires thousands in work. Spend your winters in sunny Scottsdale, Arizona in the premier golf course community of Grayhawk.

Call Kelli Grant at 602-799-5420 to see this home before it sells!

When will I qualify for a mortgage after a short sale or foreclosure?

2011-07-20T10:29:00.000-07:00

When will I qualify for a mortgage after a short sale or foreclosure?

Many clients who have gone through a short sale or foreclosure after 2007 are now asking me the question, “When will I qualify for a mortgage?” Housing is once again affordable and people want to take advantage of rock bottom deals. Prices in Phoenix, Arizona are hovering around the bottom. You can see from this chart that there haven’t been any drastic plunges or spikes over the past 9-12 mths as shown in previous years. Now is the time to buy a house and become a homeowner once again.

Another reason people are asking if they qualify to purchase a home again is because the FHA loan limits are said to be dropping significantly October 1, 2011. That means the buying power in the 3.5% down payment price range is much lower. In Maricopa County Arizona, the loan limit is currently $346,250. As of October 1st, it will be $271,050. That’s a decrease of $75,200 in buying power! Learn more about FHA Loan Limits.

Others questioning, "When will I qualify for a mortgage?" are homeowners who elected to do a strategic default because the equity is so upside down. These homeowners are hundreds of thousands upside down in a property and are well aware that the value will never rebound in their lifetime to what they originally paid, so they cut their losses short. They are now looking to invest in properties. Interest rates are low, prices are at bottom and there are several opportunities to fix up a foreclosed house and flip it - or buy and hold it to take advantage of the booming rental market.

Finally, the answer to the question: When will I qualify for a mortgage after a short sale or foreclosure?

The Waiting Period to Qualify for a Home Mortgage after a Short Sale, Foreclosure or Bankruptcy

* JUMBO waiting periods vary by lender
* Waiting period time frames may be less in situations with extenuating circumstance
*For LTV’s greater than 80% ‐ mortgage insurance guidelines may differ

Call Kelli Grant to set up your custom web portal of MLS listings that match the property criteria, location and price range you’re interested in researching. You’ll receive notification emails up to once a day when there are price changes or new listings to see. Call Mark Taylor for your free loan consultation about which loan programs best suit your needs.

Kelli Grant specializes in short sales, pre-foreclosure options such as the HAFAprogram, and strategic default options in the cities of Phoenix, Scottsdale, Cave Creek, Anthem, Glendale, and Peoria. Kelli Grant is the neighborhood specialist for Sonoran Foothills and Tramonto. If you need to speak to a reputable, reliable real estate attorney or CPA about the legal and tax consequences of a short sale or strategic default, contact Kelli Grant.

4 bed 3 bath house in Cave Creek School District Under $300,000

2011-06-21T08:35:00.000-07:00

4 bed 3 bath house in Cave Creek School District Under $300,000

This 4 bed 3 bath house in Cave Creek School District is perfect for your family in desirable Tatum Ranch. 2165 sq ft two story cul-de-sac home has a large backyard with a play area. You’ll love cooking in your beautifully updated kitchen with granite countertops, tumbled travertine, stunning cabinetry, and stainless appliances. A conveniently located walk-in pantry provides generous space for all of your cooking staples, soups and snacks. This 4 bed 3 bath house in Cave Creek School District is a traditional sale so you can pack the moving van and get settled before the school year starts!

Additional features in this gorgeous 4 bed 3 bath house in Cave Creek School District include shutters throughout along with modern lights and fans. This two-story home has one bedroom with walk-in closet and one full bathroom downstairs. The spacious two upstairs bedrooms share a jack-n-jill bathroom with double sinks.

The large master bedroom of this 4 bed 3 bath house in Cave Creek School District will fit all of your furniture at 15’ 10 x 13’ 10. Relax in your master bath’s garden tub, enjoy enough counter space with double sinks and the ease of a separate walk in shower. The walk-in closet has enough space for any shoe fanatic!

The substantial backyard of this 4 bed 3 bath house in Cave Creek School District is big enough for all of your family cook-outs and play dates. The large grass area is perfect for pets. After a sunny day outside, wash the grass stains out in the downstairs laundry room. The owner is even including the front loading washer and dryer that are only a year old. http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif

Come home to your Tatum Ranch 4 bed 3 bath house in Cave Creek School District! It’s ready and waiting for you to move in. It’s not a short sale that you have to wait months for and it’s not a bank owned property that requires thousands in work. This lovely 4 bed 3 bath house in Cave Creek School District is only waiting for a new family since its current owners have outgrown it.

Finance this 4 bed 3 bath house in Cave Creek School District Under $300,000 with FHA financing. Call Sue Lechman with AmeriFirst at 480-797-6000 to see how you can get this house for as little as 3.5% down. Then, call Kelli Grant at 602-799-5420 to see this home before it sells!

Create the Life You Desire in 2011

2011-01-01T14:34:00.000-08:00

A workbook I created for a workshop I used to do for the Fresh Start Women's Foundation with an excellent journal exercise to start the new year and create your plan for achieving what you truly desire this year. Enjoy!

Map out the goals that YOU desire to achieve & complete an exercise to help you find your passion, recognize your achievements & success, acknowledge the challenges, then let go of the past year to create the life you want going forward.

Create My Life for 2011 Now!

Top homebuying, selling predictions for 2011 | Inman News

2010-12-30T11:13:00.000-08:00

Top homebuying, selling predictions for 2011 | Inman News

Stay in Shape for Free in Scottsdale even on Christmas

2010-12-22T11:12:00.000-08:00

Stay in shape, even on Christmas

By: Destaney Sperry, ABC15.com
SCOTTSDALE, AZ - Don't let all of the holiday goodies get in the way of staying fit. CrossFit Scottsdale wants to help with your fitness goals and is offering a workout class on Christmas Day.

The class is free and open to everyone of all ages. You can bring your pet too. It will take place Saturday at noon at Horizon Park at 100th Street and Frank Lloyd Wright Boulevard.

You don't have to RSVP, but you are asked to arrive in proper workout attire.

Scottsdale Community News & Information courtesy of Scottsdale Realtor, Kelli Grant of Kelli Grant Realty

Sonoran Foothills Community in Deer Valley School District Phoenix, Arizona 85085

2010-12-16T18:27:00.000-08:00

Sonoran Foothills Community in Deer Valley School District Phoenix, Arizona 85085

The Community of Sonoran Foothills is located south of Carefree Highway east of I-17 freeway. The 85085 zip code is growing with residents, shopping, dining, and entertainment. Located in northwest Phoenix just south of Anthem, you will find beautiful mountain views and hiking trails throughout.

The Sonoran Foothills Community Center hosts several events and activities for the residents. This week, there is a Chili Cook Off for the adults, there was a Pumkin Patch for the kids in October, and soon Santa and snow ridden hills will host a holiday party for the residents of Sonoran Foothills.

Sonoran Foothills is host to seven prestigious builders among twelve communities within Sonoran Foothills Masterplan, some which are gated.

William Lyon Homes
Desert Crown
Desert Sierra (Courtyard Homes)

TW Lewis
Desert Springs
Desert Trails

Toll Bro
Desert Crest
Desert Canyon

Engle Homes
Desert Cove
Desert Crossings

Maracay
Desert Point
Desert Pass

Shea Homes
Desert Vista

Monterey Homes/Meritage Homes
Desert Enclave

Find a home in Sonoran Foothills Community, Deer Valley School District in Phoenix, Arizona 85085

The Masterplan of Sonoran Foothills can also be seen at www.SonoranFoothillsCommunity.com

The children of Sonoran Foothills Community attend one of the schools within the Deer Valley School District. According to SchoolDigger.com, Deer Valley School District received 4 out of 5 stars and is ranked 83rd of 418 school districts which is among the top 20%.

See amenities and events,

news, events & tips,

Local Merchants & Coupons,

Local Community Calendar of Sonoran Foothills and 85085 Area,

real estate for Sonoran Foothills Community, and

real estate for sale in Sonoran Foothills by Builder.

If you are a resident of Sonoran Foothills looking to sell your home or you are looking to buy a home in Sonoran Foothills Community, email the Sonoran Foothills Resident and Neighborhood Realtor Kelli Grant. Call or text 602-799-5420.

Should You Buy and Bail?

2010-11-09T10:55:00.000-08:00

The "Buy and Bail" is not the problem; it's a symptom of the problem. A problem that occurred years ago when the market was at its height when the legislators, realtors, lenders and builders didn't act ethically in their own rights; A negative equity problem that is currently not being addressed by our government.

They're focused on the monthly payment issue when it's much more widespread than that. The tiny percentage of people who actually qualify for a loan modification, don't make up the masses. The primary problem is being overlooked: Negative Equity.

This problem is going to perpetuate and ail the housing market for years to come.

Why are people bailing?

3-5 years ago, builders sold new homes to investors while having buyers sign off on documents promising they weren't an investor. Some of these communities ended up having 50% or more investor population. What does that mean? They did zero upgrades, never lived in the home, and didn't landscape the back and/or front yard. That sure doesn't help the value of a property, especially when the investors were the first phase of bailing on properties because they couldn't find renters and couldn't afford to keep them.

3-5 years ago, what were the lending guidelines? Face it, there were none. If you could sign your name, you got a loan.

The current system has a gaping hole in it. The government is handing out money right and left to the crooks in corporate America, the unfortunate population that has become victim to the economy, and to the people who over-bought on homes and abused their credit.

But, WAIT! What about the huge percentage of the population that did all the right things? The people who are making good incomes, have high credit scores, saved and put 20% or more cash down on a home, got into a conventional mortgage, spent wisely and did not abuse their credit cards and rack up debt throughout the years, and yet are down hundreds of thousands of dollars in equity? I’ll tell you what. They’re left holding the bill for all the neighbors who have abandoned their homes for whatever reason, and the new people who are buying the same house for hundreds of thousands of dollars under what these people paid. They’re the people being scoffed at and called unethical.

This population of homeowners who put tens of thousands or hundreds of thousands cash down and in upgrades has been accused of being immoral for walking away as if they’re not losing anything. When you look at the history of the housing market over decades, you see that the value increases that we saw a few years ago will never happen again in our lifetime. That’s right, NEVER again will we see a home increase 100% or more in one year. With that factoid in mind, then how will these homeowners recoup $300,000 or more in equity? They won’t. Therefore, it can be a good financial decision to cut your losses short and start over. Are they supposed to feel good that they’re paying on jumbo mortgages when all of their neighbors are paying teensy weensy mortgages for the same house? Just because they can pay, doesn’t mean they should have to.

Everyday, I hear things like, “We didn’t plan on spending this much for a home. The lender told us we could” …… “I knew we couldn’t spend this much, but they gave us the loan!”………. “We had no idea how we would make these payments, we just thought we’d figure it out as we go”……… “I have $20,000 in credit card debt and am leasing a brand new BMW. I can’t afford this house payment!” Many of these people were given a free ride and walked away and looked upon as someone with financial “hardship”. Hey, I have all the sympathy in the world for the people who had true financial devastation hit from something bad like losing a job or divorce, but not because they were spend thrifts. You know as well as I do that there are masses of people who created their own financial hardship, and they’re being rewarded for it. How is that right?

I’ve said it for the past 2 years and I’ll say it again. The people who are 200% or more down in equity and purchased their homes with good credit, money down and have not abused credit cards NEED a SOLUTION or the Buy and Bail will continue because it just plain makes good financial sense. Do the math. “You’ll ruin your credit” they all cry out. What did good credit get them? A swift kick in the a--.

Why don’t they come up with a solution modeled after the Mortgage Forgiveness Debt Relief Act of 2007 – which was extended to 2012 for a reason! If you bought a primary residence between 2003-2007, you put cash down, you can show income, you have good credit and you’re more than 40% down in equity from the mortgaged amount ---- you qualify for a principle reduction of xyz…. Now that makes more sense then letting all these properties foreclose, doesn’t it? Reward the people that DID THE RIGHT THINGS.

** You should always consult your realtor, CPA and a real estate attorney to decide what options you have to make a financial decision about your property. There are tax ramifications to consider. This is in no way intended to give advice or suggest people should walk away from their homes and mortgages. If you make a decision, whatever it is, you’re the one responsible. Don’t try to blame me and this article!

Down Payment Assistance Programs for Buyers

2008-08-07T11:04:00.000-07:00

It's been a busy week! Seller Down Payment Assistance Programs were eliminated by legislation and signed by President Bush on July 30, 2008. July 31, 2008, bill H.R. 6694 was introduced and sponsored by U.S. Rep. Al Green (TX-09).

The bill would remedy a harmful provision in the new housing law which limits homeownership opportunities for low and middle-income Americans. The legislation is co-sponsored by U.S. Representatives Gary Miller (CA-42), Maxine Waters (CA-35), and Christopher Shays (CT-4) and reauthorizes and reforms charitable downpayment assistance funded in part by sellers, which has helped over one million families and individuals become homeowners since 1999.

Congratulations! WE DID IT. More than 32,000 Americans have called on Congress and the Bush Administration to preserve charitable downpayment assistance over the past year through phone calls, letters, and emails. They join a broad coalition of supporters, including the National Association of Homebuilders, the Labor Council for Latin American Advancement, and the U.S. Conference of Mayors, the Congressional Black Caucus, and the Congressional Hispanic Caucus.

If you haven't yet, I still encourage you to visit www.getdownpayment.com and let your voice be heard.

Read More at www.Ameridream.org. Charitable downpayment assistance funded in part with seller participation has allowed homeownership to grow without using taxpayer dollars. To date, more than one million families and individuals have utilized this downpayment assistance, generating nearly $10 billion in home equity for those families. These working families qualify for FHA insured loans in every respect, but are unable to save the needed downpayment. AmeriDream has provided more than 250,000 gifts to aspiring homeowners, approximately 80% of whom were first-time homebuyers. AmeriDream also has helped educate 60,000 homebuyers through homebuyer education courses, helped 1,200 homeowners retain their homes when confronted with mortgage difficulties, and committed over $30 million to affordable housing development in local communities.

Trends in Housing Design and Features

2008-08-06T10:25:00.000-07:00

What's IN and What's OUT
Understanding the current trends and requirements of today's home buyer may help you stage your home better for sale. Consider these new up and coming styles to make your home updated, fresh and desirable to those looking to buy a new home.

What's In

Outdoor Living. Patios, balconies and courtyards are now considered an extension of the home and are viewed as another room in the house. Fireplaces, outdoor kitchens and comfortable outdoor accents and furniture are more popular than ever.

Fully Concealed Appliances. The cabinet fronts and wood-printed covers for the fridge aren't enough. Appliances are now hidden behind hinged doors.

Copper and Bronze Tones. The shimmery metallic finishes are being replaced with softer shades. The built-in refrigerator, oven/stoves, etc.. are outfitted with copper and bronze tones bringing warmth to metallic finishes.

Bathroom Suites. Bathrooms are now multi-functional. We're seeing flat screen t.v.'s, mini fridges, wine fridges, and cappuccino makers! This room will soon have all the funcationality of the entire home!

Freestanding Bathtubs. The claw foot tubs, oversized soaker tubs, or 'bath thrones', have replaced whirlpool baths as the new must-have bathroom piece.

Pet Showers. Clean pets mean clean homes. Who wants to mess up a bathtub when this feature can be added to a garage or outdoor patio area?

What's Out

Living Rooms. This unused room is ceasing to exist. Some floorplans that have the 'living room' space are being turned into game rooms. People are opting for the great room more and more. They'd rather have space in other areas (such as that bathroom suite!)

Cathedral Ceiling Heights. The absurd look and wasted space of 20 ft ceilings in 12x10 rooms is finally wearing on buyers.

Tiny Balconies. Since outdoor living is becoming an extension of indoor living, tiny balconies with room for one chair are worthless.

McMansions. Less is more. Along with the ceiling height, people are not looking at castle size homes like they used to.

With fuel costs rising and a focus on the environment, homeowners have completely redefined the "dream home". High ceilings, huge houses and wasted space just aren't a priority. Saving energy, functionality and warmth are taking a front seat!

How to Price Your House to Sell in Today’s Market

2008-07-30T20:08:00.000-07:00

This market is unlike what many realtors who have only been in the business a few years have experienced and has been forgotten by those who have sold real estate for over ten years.

Accurate Comparative Market Analysis
Be sure you/your realtor researches the neighborhood comps accurately. The pending contracts are key to you as a new listing on the market. In a declining market, you MUST be ahead of the activity. This is why pending sales tell us such important information, such as what homes must be listed at to attract potential buyers. They have more current data than the properties that sold a few months ago and are more relevant than the active listings sitting on the market.

Pay close attention to the square footage of the homes under contract in the neighborhood. What is the average dollar per sq foot of those homes? How long was each of the properties with pending contracts on the market?

How quickly do you want to sell? Compare the list price and days on market of the pending sales. Does your home fit into the same sq foot range? If not, how long has it been since a home of your size has sold? For instance, your house is1100 sq ft and the ones that are under contract are all between 1500 and 3000 sq ft.

The active listings are important as well. How many are on the market within your size of home? What is their condition compared to yours? How many short sales and foreclosures are coming up? An abundant amount of upcoming short sales and foreclosures will only decrease the value of your home. Therefore, your home should be priced on the aggressive side to get it sold quicker at a higher price.

Foreclosures and short sales matter. Many clients tell me that those houses don’t count because “their” house is in good condition. Unfortunately, they do count. In most cases, appraisers work for the lenders. They are appraising the value of the home to protect the lender’s asset.

Abundant inventory and upcoming short sales and foreclosures are a factor in the appraisal. Therefore, if you price your home too high because it’s in “mint” condition, and you’ve received an offer (so you’ve had it off the market for about 2-3 weeks as PENDING) and the appraisal doesn’t come in at purchase price, you’ve just wasted another 3 weeks off the market in which the cumulative days on market has increased during that time. YES, it’s true.

What about cash buyers? If you have enough cash to buy a house without a mortgage, I have one question for you. Put yourself in the buyer’s shoes, would you pay more than the appraised value for a property even if you had cash? Probably not, that’s why you have enough cash to buy a property outright.

Price Reductions should be appropriate. If you’ve had more than 10-15 showings in the first 30 days and no offers, a price adjustment is probably necessary. I’m not referring to a few hundred dollars or a couple thousand dollars –this is referred to as ‘chasing the market’ and you will always be one step behind. Talk this over with your realtor and look at the facts. The numbers don’t lie. No one’s “opinion” matters here. If the market won’t accept your asking price or even make an offer, it might not be fair but it is reality. Remember, your house is only worth as much as a buyer is willing to pay for it. How many homes went from Active listings to Pending contracts since you listed? Why did you miss those buyers?

Consider signing a Price Reduction form for your realtor in advance. Your realtor will not reduce the price without consulting you first and mutually agreeing on a new price. If you suspect he/she would, then why did you hire a non-trustworthy realtor to handle the most expensive asset you own?

No Reduced Price Signs! This is a classic and common error on behalf of realtors around the globe. You get stressed out and then your realtor gets stressed out and panics. He/she puts out the PRICE REDUCED sign rider and plasters it all over the MLS and marketing material. This has only informed the public that your house has something wrong with it and won’t sell. Take a proactive approach…..look at the comps again and I bet that price reduction is in order.

Remember, full time licensed realtors sell homes every month whereas you may only sell a few throughout your lifetime. They are trained and educated in the legal requirements and will protect you and the most expensive asset you own. “Home sellers who use a real estate professional can expect to sell their homes for 16% more, on average, than sellers who try to do it themselves.”-- 2005 National Association of REALTORS® Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers

I suggest interviewing three realtors before making your choice.

Upcoming topics:
• Ten questions to ask prospective listing agents
• Home & Design: What’s In and What’s Out
• 10 Tax Changes for 2008

10 Common REALTOR Short Sale Mistakes

2008-03-14T12:50:00.000-07:00

1. Listing the property at an amount that insures the property will go to foreclosure. (Not negotiating a big enough discount)

2. Failure to disclose that the sale of the property will/may require the lender's approval of a short sale in the MLS.

3. Allowing a listed property to remain on the market after the owner has filed bankruptcy. You must talk to the bankruptcy Trustee to leave it on the market.

4. Failure to have the seller disclosure form completed correctly.

5. Failing to understand that the lender cannot/and will not make a determination until they have received all the hardship package information. (With supporting documentation from the owner)

6. Advertising the co-op at 3% or any number on the MLS. The lender will always determine the actual commission which will be paid. I recommend you put 50/50 for the commission slot in the MLS unless you already have approval from the lender.

(My personal opinion is that the buyer-broker should actually get the full commission and the listing agent take a discount if required. For instance, if I'm the Listing Agent, I'll take 2% if the lender only pays 5% instead of 6%, and offer the 3% to the buyer-broker. It's good business etiquette.)

7. Failure to understand the role of the Loss Mitigation Department and how to best interact with them. "Give them what they need to get what you want."

8. Allowing the property to remain on the market AFTER foreclosure. Watch your listed property and know what stage it's in at all times.

9. Lack of understanding of the foreclosure process and not being familiar with the documents and state and Federal laws, which are applicable.

10. Failure to get the training needed so you don't make the above listed mistakes!

We keep hearing about a "slow" market, blah blah blah. Well, if you really are that slow, there's no better time to improve your realtor skills and knowledge than by taking some time get education on your weak areas. We always need to keep educating ourselves. The only constant is change. Many of us are seeing a side of the market we have not yet experienced so jump in and learn! There are many FREE seminars out there that are extremely helpful. Be the best realtor you can be for your clients, then you will still have a real estate business in 3 years.

Good luck!

Find a great fixer-upper and make it your dream home!

2008-02-25T13:06:00.000-08:00

Could a fixer-upper be the right house for you?

Before you jump in, you should do the research and make sure you're up for it! It's not as easy as you might think.

There are many reasons to buy a home that needs a little work over a home in top condition. Home improvement may be an interest of yours, and this could be your ultimate project! Or, you might just see that special house that you know in your gut is your house. Another reason people buy fixer uppers is the sales price. According to the National Association of Realtors, fixer-uppers sell for 24% less on average than other real estate properties.

Here are some tips on finding a great fixer-upper and making it your dream home.

Find the right fixer-upper.
Not always an easy task, as most "fixer-uppers" are beyond fixing up. One common resource for finding valuable fixer-uppers is the foreclosure market. Check your local paper and the web sites of banks or government agencies. You might, however, find that it is easiest to hire a real estate agent to help you avoid homes that need major repairs or are poor home buys.

Get a Home inspection.
Home inspections are always important, but they are especially critical if you are purchasing a fixer-upper home. Before deciding whether or not to make an offer, hire an inspector and make sure he or she thoroughly inspects the ceilings, roof, electrical system, foundation and walls. For many people, this can be a turning point. If there are major structural problems, you are in for very expensive repairs. If, however, the house needs work but there are no structural problems, it is a good bet.

Draw up a budget.
Another step that is important before you make an offer is budgeting. Interview potential contractors and ask them to give you renovation estimates in writing. You will need to add 10% to 40% to your budget to account for unforeseen bumps in the road and last-minute realizations. For instance, once you renovate the master bathroom, it may become clear how dire the guest bathroom is.

Research an offer price.
A good way to do this is to obtain the sale prices of three homes in the area that are of similar style and size and that sold in the last 90 days. Figure in the cost of your renovations, including your time and actual costs, and also the popularity of the neighborhood. This will give you a good idea of what your potential home might be worth after renovations. From here, you can decide what it is worth to you before renovations.

Plan ahead.
At some point after you make an offer and it is accepted, you will need to decide who is going to do what on your list of renovations. Do you have the time and expertise to knock down walls or lay tile? It's possible that you and your family can do smaller jobs, like removing carpeting or wallpaper, but decide you need experts to do bigger items. In the end, if you decide to perform the work yourself, make sure you obtain the necessary permits.

Above all, remember that a fixer-upper is a lot of work. But, you may find that it is more than worth it when you are left with the home of your dreams.

The Rotten House

2008-02-20T16:02:00.000-08:00

DISCLAIMER: I don't condone this behavior, approve of such acts, or recommend doing this at home....but it sure is funny!!

The Rotten House
She spent the first day packing her belongings into boxes, crates and suitcases.

On the second day, she had the movers come and collect her things.

On the third day, she sat down for the last time at their beautiful dining room table by candle-light, put on some soft background music, and feasted on a pound of shrimp, a jar of caviar, and a bottle of spring water.

When she had finished, she went into each and every room and deposited a few half-eaten shrimp shells dipped in caviar into the hollow of the curtain rods.

She then cleaned up the kitchen and left. When the husband returned with his new girlfriend, all was bliss for the first few days. Then slowly, the house began to smell.

They tried everything; cleaning, mopping and airing the place out.
Vents were checked for dead rodents and carpets were steam cleaned.

Air fresheners were hung everywhere. Exterminators were brought in to set off gas canisters, during which they had to move out for a few days and in the end they even paid to replace the expensive wool carpeting. Nothing worked.

People stopped coming over to visit. Repairmen refused to work in the house. The maid quit.

Finally, they could not take the stench any longer and decided to move. A month later, even though they had cut their price in half, they still could not find a buyer for their stinky house. Word got out to the local Realtors and eventually even the local Realtors refused to take their calls.

Finally, they had to borrow a huge sum of money from the bank to purchase a new place.

The ex-wife called the man and asked how things were going. He told her the saga of the rotting house. She listened politely and said that she missed her old home terribly and would be willing to reduce her divorce settlement in exchange for getting the house back.

Knowing his ex-wife had no idea how bad the smell was, he agreed on a price that was about 1/10th of what the house had been worth, but only if she were to sign the papers that very day. She agreed and within the hour his lawyers delivered the paperwork.

A week later the man and his girlfriend stood smiling as they watched the moving company pack everything to take to their new home......... And to spite the ex-wife, they even took the the curtain rods!!!!!!

Mortgage Forgiveness Debt Relief Act of 2007

2008-02-19T08:48:00.000-08:00

When a borrower is unable to meet the monthly mortgage payments on their home, the borrower will lose title to their home through:
1. A Short Sale
2. Foreclosure, or
3. Deed in Lieu of Foreclosure

But, did you know that under Section 108(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, a mortgage lender who forgave debt was required to provide a 1099 Form to the IRS stating the amount the borrower had been forgiven? The amount of debt forgiveness on a home is then taxed as ordinary income, for any of the previously three mentioned methods.

For example, you owe $250,000 on a mortgage and the lender reduced the amount owed to $200,000 to facilitate a short sale. Under current tax law, the $50,000 in forgiven mortgage debt becomes taxable income.

Unfortunately, the majority of people in a situation where that can't make the mortgage payments are in financial distress (DUH!) and are unable to pay the additional taxes.

Relief is in Sight!
On December 20, 2007, President Bush signed H.R. 3648, known as the Mortgage Forgiveness Debt Relief Act of 2007. It amends Section 108(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to ensure that any amount forgiven on mortgage debt secured by a principal residence will not be taxed. It was effective as of December 20, 2007 and applies to indebtedness discharged on a principal residence before January 1, 2010.

Three Factors To Consider Before Refinancing Your Home

2008-02-18T13:17:00.000-08:00

Is refinancing your home right for you?
Refinancing costs money. Like buying a new home, there are points, lender fees and closing costs to consider. Depending on the loan program, it could take years to recover the costs.

Three factors to consider before refinancing:

1. How much do you owe on the loan? The amount you can refinance is determined by the loan to value ratio. If your house has gone down in value since you bought it, it may not apprais at what the original value of the loan was. Therefore, the loan to value ratio may not be high enough for lender approval. OR, if you're not within the 80/20 rule, you may need two loans in which it might be better to stay with the loan you have currently. Many homeowners who bought at the peak of the market are facing this issue right now.

2. How long do you plan to stay in your house? If you plan on staying in your house for less than three years, then you will most likely not benefit. But if you plan on holding on to your home for longer than 5 years, refinancing can help you pay off your home sooner and save you some additional money.

3. What are the Costs? Besides closing costs, you also have to pay appraisal fees, loan and origination fees, title fees and insurance. These fees can add up to thousands. Rolling these costs into the loan adds even more to the balance of what you will owe. If you have to pay $3,000 in closing costs, but you're only saving about $150 a month by refinancing, it would take you almost 2 years to make up the cost of refinancing. Referring back to Point 2, this might be worth it to you if you are staying in the house for 3 more years or longer.

Do your homework before you refinance. In addition, talk to your current lender about lowering their fees. Most lenders would like to keep the loan in house as opposed to losing the loan. If you need a trustworthy, reliable and honest lender....I know several all over the country that would be happy to help my friends, clients and colleagues!

Common Credit Repair Scams & How to Avoid Them

2008-02-16T10:10:00.000-08:00

There are many legitimate organizations that help consumers fix their credit, but others are just waiting to take advantage of those needing help.

In today’s world of easy credit, bad credit and heavy debts are not uncommon. For many people, debt and credit problems become unmanageable. If you are looking for help, beware of several common credit-fix scams. First, understand that if there are errors on your credit report, such as debts that aren’t yours, you can fix these errors yourself for free. But, if your report is correct and simply contains information that you wish wasn’t yours, there isn’t much you can do. Creditors can keep debts on your credit report for seven years, and there is no magic trick that will make them go away.

Keeping that in mind, watch out for the following, as presented by Bankrate.com:

1. We speak the credit bureaus’ language or know some secret regulation that can make unappealing items on your credit report vanish.

Remember that there is no such thing as a secret formula that corrects unappealing citations on your report to make them go away. Some companies offering these services will just take your money and disappear. Others will bombard credit bureaus with frivolous disputes, and while these items are under investigation, they may temporarily be omitted from your report, after which they will return. The company, however, will show you your miraculously “clean” report and collect its fee. Also, keep in mind that the Credit Repair Organizations Act forbids any company from accepting money until after it does what it has promised, says Susan Grant, director of the National Fraud Information Center. Remember that scams will usually ask for money upfront.

2. We’ll convince the creditor that you don’t really owe the debt.

This works similarly to the first scam. Companies will concoct a scheme for you to challenge the debt or will claim that they will issue a deluge of procedural requests that will persuade the creditor to drop the claim.“Federal agencies have described these schemes as bogus,” says Deanne Loonin, staff attorney with the National Consumer Law Center. If you believe that you may actually have a defense with regard to a debt, you should consult a lawyer.

3. We will get you a brand-new, clean credit file. Remember that this is always illegal.

Companies may try to persuade you to apply for a new taxpayer identification number or employer identification number for the purposes of building a new credit history. This is a felony. Be especially vigilant of this one, because you may not realize what you are being asked to do because part of the con is not to explain the entire scheme. Besides being illegal, the “new” credit report would still list your name and address, which would still be connected to your old debts.

4. Call our 900 number for details on our credit-fix strategies.

This can be combined with any scam, and more than likely, the con artists will try to keep you on the phone as long as possible, extending huge per-minute charges.

5. We’ll clean your credit fast and use our contacts to get you a credit card, mortgage or loan.

This is a newer scam, and one of the most costly. Consumers who really need money or loans are especially susceptible to this, and can be persuaded to pay huge amounts to the scam. Some companies mimic credit-counseling agencies or mortgage companies, and will hit you up again and again, until you have nothing left. Since there are legitimate non-profit groups that help educate consumers with regard to their credit, it is best to keep a tight hold on your wallet and be wary of any quick-fixes or big promises. A little reference-checking on the Internet should quickly reveal the legitimacy of any companies.

Generally, be wary of companies that initiate contact, outrageous promises or huge fees. You should also be careful of two common mistakes that are not scams, but are costly. Refinancing your home to pay off credit cards is a bad idea since your home is now on the line. Also, since you are entitled to free copies of each of your credit reports annually, be careful of companies that ask you to pay for them.

Andorra Credit Repair Corporation is one reputable agency that you can contact with additional questions.

Your annual free credit report can be obtained at AnnualCreditReport.com. This site is sponsored by the three major credit reporting agencies, TransUnion, Experian and Equifax. You set up a log in and password, and it tracks the date and will remind you to pull your report again on the anniversary the following year.

Finding the Right Neighborhood for Your Lifestyle

2008-02-14T11:41:00.000-08:00

It's the e-Harmony or Match.com Strategy for Home Seekers!

"Location, location, location!" When we think of real estate, that phrase is usually the first thing that comes to mind.

Besides the obvious factors that most homeowners wonder about such as schools and crime statistics, how does a homeowner get a true feel for the neighborhood? When you buy a home, you are also buying a lifestyle. A neighborhood can be similar to finding a mate. On paper, the list may look good. The schools may have excellent ratings, the crime statistics may be low, and the curb appeal looks fantastic, but is that really the true tale signs of whether you and your neighborhood have made a love connection? I sometimes hear people complain that they just don't feel as if their neighborhood is their "home." They love their house but they wish they had more of a connection to the area.

So what can a homeowner do to get a good feel of the area? Here are some good ideas that I give prospective homeowners:

* Drive around the neighborhood at different hours of the day. Are people outside enjoying themselves - are they jogging, or taking their kids out with strollers. Are there people washing their cars in the driveways or working on their front yard? People who are usually working on their homes and who are enjoying their surroundings, tend to invest more in their houses because they like the neighborhood.

* Strike a conversation with some of the neighbors that you see. Introduce yourself and let them know that you are thinking of buying a home. Ask them them how long they have been in their current residence and if they like it. If you have children ask them if they know anything about the schools. This is a great way to get to meet your potential neighbors and get first hand information. I once had a client who preferred her privacy and didn't like a lot of neighborly interaction. She was considering buying a house at the end of a cul de sac. She decided to talk to her prospective neighbors and found out that in this cul-de-sac, it was customary for the homeowners to throw block parties and attend social gatherings on the block on a regular basis. This was way too much coziness for her so she decided that this may not be the perfect fit for her desired seclusion.

* Visit local restaurants,malls, theaters, and other businesses. After all, these are the places that you will be frequenting. If you can picture yourself shopping and eating at these local venues, that is a good indication that you will like the area. If you see yourself driving across town because you are not impressed or thrilled about what your area has to offer, you may want to reconsider the neighborhood.

* Check with the local chamber of commerce and see what projects are being developed. Do these stores and commercial developments fit your consumer needs?

The point is to spend time studying the location before you purchase the home. Most people would not buy a car without test driving it first. The same holds true for your home and where you live! When you buy a house, you buy into a lifestyle. Make sure your neighborhood and your lifestyle are a good match.

How to Be Smart Investing in Real Estate

2008-02-13T09:08:00.000-08:00

Your Primary Home is First.
Buying your own home gives you a place to live and teaches you the cost of home ownership, financing and market conditions. You receive tax benefits and an asset that you can sell, many times for a profit. You will also learn about property maintenance and build your own network of professionals who can prove to be invaluable when investing. Finally, your first home could later turn into your first investment property! When you decide to upgrade or get a bigger house, you might be able to keep your first home as a rental property. Consult your real estate advisor to find out if your house would make a good rental property.

Knowledge is Key.
Being a savvy investor takes more than just buying up properties. Having a good knowledge base goes a lot further than a “sixth sense” for good deals. Use the Internet, read books by reliable authors, and attend investment groups and college courses. These are all good resources to learning the best investment practices. You should also tap into other successful real estate investors and real estate agents for information.

Professional Help Is Essential.
Although you may not think you need help, a trustworthy and honest professional may be the partner you need. When it comes to spending tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars, I'm sure you want to invest it wisely. You go to a dentist for your teeth, a CPA to prepare your taxes, a doctor when you feel sick....so why would you think a realtor is any less necessary as an important professional to include on your family team? Real estate is usually what people spend the most money on in their lives and yet they'll take short cuts and risk losing thousands of dollars trying to be an expert on their own. Realtors manage real estate transactions every day, whereas you may only handle one every few years.

Management companies take the pain out of property management. For instance, managing a rental property takes a lot of time, and you will need to be prepared to make repairs, resolve issues and advertise for renters if you are taking on the task yourself. In the long run, a management company may be just what you need. Use the referrals of friends, family and associates to find reliable, honest professionals to help you.

Know the Market.
Before you invest, research the local market thoroughly. There is no universal real estate “bubble.” Each market is different, and has different fluctuations and trends. One market may be good for rental income but not appreciation, while another market may be excellent for appreciation but not for rental income. There are endless variables, and it is important for you to know exactly what you’re getting into. Remember that one area is never the same as another area. Even within your local market, different neighborhoods may have their own fluctuations and pros and cons. Turn to your realtor for advice about your intention and what neighborhoods and areas will best reach your goal.

With these basic tips under your belt, you are ready to venture out into the investment arena. Happy investing!

How to Get Your Asking Price in a Buyer's Market

2008-02-09T12:15:00.000-08:00

In a buyers’ market it can often be tricky to get even close to your asking price. There are, however, a few things you can do to help get a little closer, or even actually get your asking price. A recent Realty Times article discussed some of the following tips that most people can implement to help get the asking price... and sell the house as soon as possible. There are generally three categories that they fall in:

ONE
Finish the unfinished rooms or convert any convertible rooms, such as the basement or a recreational room. Not only does this give an increased amount of usable space, but it can also be used as a selling point since these are expenses that the buyer doesn't have to incur. Not to mention, there seems to be an increased desire for move-in ready homes where the buyer does not have to do a thing to the house.

In houses over $500,000, offer a free media room. With deals, you can probably have one installed for around $5,000. Media rooms are something many house shoppers see as a neat luxury, and could be the difference between someone going for your house or someone else’s. Just over a year ago, Architectural Digest united with Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates, Inc. in a consumer-trend study to find that 32% of people seeking a secondary home wanted a media room/home theater. For more info on top amenities buyers look for in luxury homes, click here.

TWO
You can make the mortgage on your house more desirable by buying down the interest rate. This is something fairly easy to offer someone, and a lower payment certainly makes your home more desirable!

Rather than offering a cash-specific incentive, you can offer something else like a vacation. Again, this makes your offer stand out from other offers.

Offer seller financing. This is actually not that difficult to do if you can make the deal work, and can actually end up earning you some money. Talk to your realtor about the possibilities.

THREE
Offer to pay their HOA fees for a year. This is a practical buyer benefit. If someone is carefully looking at their budget, not having to include these fees in their monthly expenses can be a big deal.

Offer to pay off some of their debt. If this is done as part of the loan program, then it could lead to the buyer qualifying for a larger loan, or a better interest rate. If just a side agreement, then again, it could mean lower monthly payments, which can be extremely important to the buyer.

Finally, you can always offer to pay the closing costs. These tend to be something that is a big hit to buyers’ pocketbooks, and something people don’t adequately budget for when shopping for a new house.

Unfortunately, other than the few aesthetically appealing things you can do to spruce up the house, real incentives tend not to be cheap. They can mean the difference from having to drop your asking price by quite a few thousand... or actually getting what you want! The key to choosing which incentive to go for is to think about what incentive works best for you AND what is a true attraction for the demographic of buyers looking to buy your house and in the community you're in.

Inexpensive Home Improvements And Tips to Sell Your House Faster

2008-02-04T16:09:00.001-08:00

Make your home desirable for a buyer. What made you fall in love with your home when you bought it? What are the home's weaknesses? Be clear on both of these and enhance the strengths and minimize the weaknesses. If the house lacks storage space, don't enhance that fact by not cleaning out the closets so when the prospective buyer opens it they get pummeled by your stuff falling on them! Organize the closets and cabinets so everything appears neat and spacious. This doesn't cost anything other than time and possibly a good friend to keep some of your stuff in boxes.

If you can’t afford big-ticket items such as renovating your kitchen or adding bathrooms, consider small improvements that can make a big difference. A recent survey found that a simple hanging storage system in the garage was more valued by buyers than a big kitchen, big backyard or a formal dining room!

Also make sure you do little maintenance things to enhance curb appeal, such as washing the windows, trimming bushes, repairing the driveway, repainting the front door and making sure the doorbell works.

Finally, a dirty house will always put buyers off. If you have to, hire a cleaning service to clean your home once a week while it’s on the market. With so many homes to choose from right now, buyers don't have to see pass the dirt and how a house "could" look like a home. They just want to see the next home on the list!

Pets are the Latest Foreclosure Victims

2008-02-01T13:24:00.000-08:00

Could you treat your family member like this??

As more and more home foreclosures hit the market, the biggest and most unknown losers are family pets who are being deserted by their owners.

Animal welfare experts say that the United States slumping housing market has led to an increase in the number of abandoned animals. For some of these homeowners, feeding their pets is just not affordable anymore. Many homeowners are having to move in with relatives or find rentals where pets are not allowed.

Pets are being dumped all over the country. Dogs are being found in farms and domestic cats are showing up in feral wild colonies. Even worse, some pets are being left behind in their foreclosed homes without any food and water.

Many foreclosure homes and go weeks without having a showing. An animal left behind does not stand a chance. It can take weeks for an animal to starve to death. Desperate scratch and bite marks are usually found on doors, windows and baseboards.

Recently, the animal rescue group, Paw Placement, was part of a a huge rescue mission to save abandoned cats that were left behind by their previous owners in a demolished apartment building. Many of these cats were starving and sick due to neglect.

Although some pet owners may think they are doing their pets a favor by not taking them to a shelter or the local pound, they are mistaken. Pets get dependent on their owners for food and their well being. They are domestic animals that are not equipped to survive on their own. They have no chance of survival by being abandoned and their fate is ultimately a painful and suffering death.

Homeowners facing foreclosures should be encouraged to bring their pets to the local humane society or Animal Care and Control facility. In these facilities, their pet at least has a good opportunity of being adopted. Although not every pet will find a home and may be euthanized, they still have a chance. As Stephanie Shain from the humane society put it, " They'll be fed, have water and/or have a humane euthanization, as opposed to spending the last days of their lives eating carpet or wallboard."

*** Pet abandonment and pet dumping are illegal in most of the United States. In Arizona, this is a class 6 felony.

How to Stop a Foreclosure

2008-01-30T09:29:00.000-08:00

On the news this morning, I saw that "foreclosures were up 75% from December 2006 to December 2007." 1 out of every 100 homes are going into foreclosure, with California and Florida hit the hardest. Knowing that this amount of people are entering into the foreclosure process, I felt that providing a few helpful tips on how to prevent a foreclosure was imperative.

For those of you who know me, this one's for you: I am aware that it's not all roses and sunshine in the housing market ('heck', I WORK in it every day), I don't completely have my head in the sand! However, I am a proactive person that looks for solutions. . . so let's get to it!!

If you're starting to miss payments, this is your big neon sign, your red flag, your 2x4 in the head. Pay Attention. This is also an OPPORTUNITY. What do you think the first mistake is? You got it. Homeowners stop answering the phone, returning phone calls or opening the letters from the lender. This is the opposite of what you should be doing. You need to ACT.

Take Action. There are several things you CAN do. Foreclosure begins once you miss three payments. You may have from 3 to 18 months before you actually have to get out of the house, depending on what state you live in. Therefore, you have some options. And, that does NOT include trashing the house. I just don't understand what people are thinking they will gain by doing this. ??

First of all, if you have a variable rate loan and your interest rate is going up and you can't afford the payments, which will get higher each time you miss a payment, call the lender. You heard me right. Reach out to them! Ask for a reduced and/or fixed rate. Realize that the bank loses an average of $59,000 for each foreclosure. Therefore, they might just be willing to negotiate a lower rate with you...especially if you have always been a good paying client until the rate started to increase!

Negotiate a short sale. A short sale is when you owe more than the property is worth. The declining market had something to do with this, but let's face facts. Some of you took out home equity lines of credit for vacations and toys. (It's true. You know who you are.) You will get a bad credit rating still, but you will only show the late payments while the loan is reported as "satisfied".

Apply for an FHA loan. It is a short term, secondary loan that buys you time. You can get up to 12 months of payments. You will have to pay them back, but it buys you more time.

Rent your house . Sometimes, you can rent your home out and move into a less expensive housing situation. Even while your home is in foreclosure, you may be able to do this. If you can get enough rent to cover the mortgage payment and find another alternative for yourself that you can afford, this could be an ideal situation.

Deed in lieu of foreclosure is another option. This is when you give the deed to the lender. You may even able to stay in the house for awhile.

I hate recommending this, but it is a last ditch option. File for bankruptcy. It doubles the time you can spend in your home, sometimes up to four years. Yes, you will have very bad credit. But, you will be able to stay in the house. When you file for personal bankruptcy, you actually keep your credit cards as long as you're making the monthly payments!

If you're starting to miss payments, don't put your head in the sand. Start to look at your options. There may even be 2 or 3 of the solutions listed here that you can take advantage of to prevent you from entering foreclosure and save your credit.

Buy a House Now or Wait?

2008-01-29T08:54:00.000-08:00

There are a number of good reasons why buying a home makes good economical sense regardless of the housing market.

1. Homeowners build equity in their homes that can be used as collateral for a home equity loan, or as part of a retirement plan when you finally downgrade into a smaller home.

2. Built up home equity can also be used for putting money down toward your next home.

3. Prolonged home ownerships brings with it equity growth in the form of debt reduction and general inflation.

4. Even if the market starts declining, history tells us that this will only be short-lived, and the market will start increasing again.

5. By using your income to pay off your mortgage, your income is in effect working for you. The opposite is true with renting.

6. One of the biggest benefits to having a mortgage is that, in most cases, the interest portion of your mortgage payment is tax deductible, which can save you a lot of money every year.

Making the decision to invest in such a way is never going to be easy, but by looking sensibly at the market, and by really considering whether the advantages above apply to your specific situation, you are able to make a more informed decision!

How to Come Up With a Down Payment to Buy a House

2008-01-28T15:54:00.000-08:00

It's a 'Buyer's Market' so jump in and get a great house that you own for the same amount you are renting! The dreaded down payment has deterred many qualified buyers. Coming up with a down payment can be the hardest part of affording a new house, especially if this is your first home. The good news is that there are more than just a couple of ways you can do this. We’ll take you through the top 10 ways, according to MSN.com, that will enable you to come up with that down payment!

1. Ask for help. Parents, friends and relatives may all be willing to give you a loan with favorable rates – with parents, that often means no interest rate, and no strict timeframe. If a loan (or gift) doesn’t seem feasible, maybe they would be willing to co-sign the loan.

2. Use your other assets – either by selling them, or by borrowing money against them. This can include things like cars, boats or bicycles, as well as stocks, or trinkets, such as heirlooms, or vintage trading cards.

3. If you have life insurance with any built-up value, you could cash in that value, or possibly borrow against it.

4. If you are a first-time homebuyer, you can take out $10,000 from your IRA, penalty-free, to put toward your home purchase.

5. You can also borrow against your retirement funds.

6. Sometimes you can get help from a non-profit organization, such as a church. There are loans out there that will let you put a lower down payment down, as long as a non-profit organization puts in part.

7. Increase your income by getting a second job or doing some freelance work (such as cleaning houses...)

8. If you can make it work, change your withholding taxes in anticipation of being able to deduct the interest. This will give you more take-home pay, which you can start saving!

9. Offer to give something other than cash for the down-payment. This could include offering the seller something like a car or a boat in lieu of the down payment, or it could be your services; for example, you could offer to do landscaping in the person’s new home, or give them automobile services, or do their taxes! (For the record, I don't necessarily concur with this method. Unless the seller is carrying the note, this is a mute point...unless you're talking about the closing costs.)

10. Finally, you can look for options that don’t require a large down payment. Such options include loan programs such as VA or FHA. Another option is to purchase a foreclosure property, which can often be had with little or no down payment. You can also consider getting an 80:20 loan, where you essentially have two loans; one is the regular mortgage on the property, and the other is a loan for the down payment – even through these are separate loans, they often come from the same lender.

The most important tip is to ask questions! As they say, the only dumb question is the one that didn't get asked. There have been so many changes in the mortgage industry over the past 6 months. Go to a trusted financial resource or lender and ask what programs are available. There are a lot more options than people are aware of! It can be scary to think you need to find thousands of dollars for a down payment, but hopefully one of the above methods will make things a little easier to face!

How to Bid Low Without Offending the Seller

2008-01-23T12:37:00.000-08:00

Today's market has brought about the illusion that buyers hold all the cards and can offer whatever they "feel" is a good price for a house and that every seller should appreciate whatever they can get and be happy someone wants to buy their house. To all the buyers out there, "Control yourselves! Your ego may just possibly force you to lose a great new home for your family. You are not 'king of the hill!" To all the sellers, "Hire a professional realtor who knows how to sell a house, listen to your realtor -it's what they do for a living, and for the love of "Pete"-do NOT take offensive offers personally!"

With the market having such high inventory and either stagnant or declining prices, buyers are making ridiculously low offers to the point that it offends the seller so much that the seller won't even counter on principle alone or they counter back at full price. I've seen it over and over again and whether you agree with it or not, it is a FACT. Some sellers get so ticked off that they refuse to even sell the house to the inquiring buyer at all. Again, this is not made up material for a good article, it is really happening!

First and foremost, when looking for your next home, you should hire a professional realtor. There are several benefits in it for you, and you don't pay the realtor. We are in the business of managing the biggest asset that most people own on a day to day basis. We are experts in negotiations, real estate laws and the transaction process which could quickly turn sour if you don't have someone looking out for your best interests and who knows which questions to ask and what to watch out for. If you don't have one yet, call me!

Determine the seller's motivation. As a realtor, I know how to expertly get this information with stealth like precision. As a third party who is not emotionally involved, I can see things clearer. And, I will ask the seller's realtor a myriad of questions and then listen closely for clues to their individual situation. Such as ....the seller has already purchased another home, the house has been on the market over the average days on market for the neighborhood, their relocating to another state.....etc.. All of these things are key factors to their level of motivation to sell.

Explain your offer. I have often included a cover letter explaining my reason and/or my client's reason for coming up with that number. Sometimes, having the buyer actually write a letter to the seller making their point is a positive step. They can express their interest in the home, the positive aspects that make them want to make it their home and also their concerns about the market conditions and dropping values... I recently made an offer on a house that was in an estate sale and needed a ton of improvements. I wrote the letter to the listing agent about how our intention was to fix it up and sell it right away. With that said, the only way we could possibly buy the house after calculating the estimated costs of improvement, would be to get it at XYZ price and that we had no intention of offending the owner's family....but if they wanted to get rid of it immediately, we could pay cash and close in 2 weeks. It worked.

Prepare yourself for rejection or heavy negotiating. This is where your realtor can offer a TON of value to you. We can negotiate hard enough to get the very best price the seller will offer, but not so much that we will tick the seller off. I always try to verbally discuss the offer price and situation with the seller's realtor. I guess it's that "good 'ol boy" philosophy of doing business with a handshake. I have had positive results when the other realtor and I can talk through an offer before getting it finalized on paper. It keeps it personal and there are certain things you just can't convey on a piece of paper, such as the client's good intentions and genuine nature.

"Believe there is a great power silently working all things for good, behave yourself and never mind the rest." -Beatrix Potter

Lively Decorating Ideas are In for 2008

2008-01-22T17:51:00.000-08:00

Breathe New Life Into Your Home!

A new year brings plenty of opportunities for new beginnings, so why not give your home one? Whether you are about to put your house on the market or are just a bit bored with your surroundings, some simple changes can make a world of difference.

Slap on Some Paint

Try something different and stay away from boring beige or wimpy white. Or, at the very least, use the more muted colors with vibrant accent colors on one or two walls. “We’ve gone through an era of everything being very muted and quiet and what we see with the younger generation coming up is that we’re really going to use lots of colors,” says Dixie Lovejoy, owner of Arizona’s Apple Interior Systems, Inc. “Colors on the walls, color on the furniture, such as lime greens, browns, oranges and bright reds.”

A fresh coat of paint will give your home an instant lift since it makes guests (or buyers) feel that your home is clean and well-kept. “Paint is a very inexpensive way to do something new and not have your house seem dated as time goes on,” Lovejoy explains.

Go Big or Go Home

When purchasing accessories, buy bigger and buy less. “People used to buy accessories on a very small scale,” says Lovejoy. “In our office, one of our slogans is: bigger is better.” She means that things like pots, vases, flower arrangements and fountains should all be larger. Replace a lot of knickknacks with one big focal piece. You will make a statement with your decorating rather than making your home look cluttered.

Pillow Talk

Accent pillows are a key home décor item that no home should be without. Pillows can tie together your home’s look, harmonizing colors from the painting above your fireplace with the antique wingback chair. “Accent pillows are kind of a key to all design that ties everything together,” Lovejoy says.

Sliding Away

Sliding glass doors and even French doors are disappearing in newer homes, says Lovejoy. Their replacements are doors that virtually vanish and allow greater access to the outdoors. Installing these doors can replace the eyesore that some sliding glass doors can be. “They actually can slide all the way into a pocket that’s built into the wall or stack on top of each other so it becomes one small window on the left or right side, but the rest of your house is all open,” explains Lovejoy.
Homeowners want more than the typical three-foot opening that French doors or sliding glass doors give. “The newest trend is opening up a 12 to 22 or 30 feet of glass,” says Lovejoy. “It gives you almost the lanai effect like you have in Hawaii where the inside and the outside all become one.” This look is ideal for homeowners who entertain a lot or host big events. These doors allow you to essentially merge the inside and the outside of your home.

The Outdoors Becomes the Indoors

Connected with this trend is the growing trend to decorate the outdoors like the indoors. Patios and decks with fireplaces, couches, chairs and even drapes and pictures are not uncommon and can blur the line between the inside and outside of your home. Today’s designers are incorporating big patterns into velvets and sheer materials on outdoor furniture that still holds up to the elements. These materials allow you to hose off your outdoor couch or chairs or vacuum them to remove dirt or stains.

With Flooring, Hard Is In

Carpeting is on the decline, says Lovejoy. Traditionally, homes have had carpeting in bedrooms and tile or wood in other areas. This is changing to homes that have hard flooring in all parts of the home to create a flow between the different areas of the home, as well as between the inside and outside. “That way, when you open up your house for entertaining, the patio or the lanai on the outside, or your sunroom, has the same surface as the house so you get that huge expanded feeling,” says Lovejoy.

Going hand in hand with this trend is the prominence of rugs. Of course homeowners want some soft areas in their homes, like near couches or beds.

Possibilities

2008-01-21T15:57:00.000-08:00

A colleague from San Diego sent me the excerpt below, and I thought it was an excellent reminder. The industry I work in has sure had its share of blows. The media has shelled out negative report after negative report, even at times when it wasn’t negative. (Remember the days of 80% appreciation in 6mths to a year and THAT was a negative thing?) Transactions are as difficult as ever and this was a fresh of breathe air (ahem! A BREATHE of FRESH air –ha ha).

I am a person who has always tried to embrace adversity as an opportunity, take proactive steps to pursue the path to a successful outcome, but even I have had my share of moments. This was an important reminder at a time when we’re hearing “recession” and the country isn’t feeling very confident in the decisions being made on our behalf.

Get up and get moving. No more excuses. After all, you know what they say about excuses! Start asking the right questions… instead of “why is this happening” or “why me”..how about “what can I do to bring a positive result?” or “what do I need to do to succeed in this situation?” –KJG

Your actions

Whether something is possible or impossible for you depends more on what you do about it than on any other factor. Your persistent, focused action is what brings possibilities to life.

Certainly there are obstacles that stand in your way. And you can choose to use those obstacles as excuses for not taking action.

Or, you can choose to get up, get motivated and get busy working your way toward the results you seek. Once you begin to take action, the obstacles lose their power to stop you and instead become steps along the pathway to achievement.

The actions necessary for success can often seem to be difficult, complicated, inconvenient, embarrassing, uncomfortable, tiresome or demeaning. Realize that those
undesirable qualities are, for the most part, mere inventions of your mind, and your choice to take action will override them every time.

When you know what you must do, then go ahead and make it happen. Stop focusing on the excuses and start moving toward real, valuable achievement.

Your actions have the power to change your life and to change your world. Make full use of them, and fulfill your greatest dreams.

Foreclosures: Buyer Beware

2008-01-16T13:18:00.000-08:00

Foreclosures are the hot topic of the . . .day. . . the month. . .maybe the year! Are they really worth it?

In general, foreclosures are homes that sell for lower prices than other comparable homes in the neighborhood. This is primarily due to the fact that lenders want to get rid of the house and takes into consideration the drawbacks of the property. These can include poor physical elements in the house, non functioning structural units, bad location in the neighborhood (backs up to a major roadway), etc..... In my experience viewing properties in foreclosure, most are very unappealing. A lot of them have been sitting on the market for up to 18 mths or longer. The foreclosure process is so lengthy that by the time a lender is able to legally get the homeowner out of the property, a lot of damage has been inflicted on the property due to ticked off and desperate owners. If they were fantastic homes in good condition, they would have sold at the lower price much sooner.

Don't be naive and think these homes are sold for next to nothing. Contrary to what many people think and what the late night TV infomercials lead you to believe, lenders turn down "low ball" offers all of the time. They don't really just give away properties! And, the time it takes them to decide on a reasonable sales price, you could be waiting up to 90 days to hear a response (where did the term "short sale" come from??)

In addition, many of these homes are sold "AS-IS". Lenders do not typically make repairs. They are losing money as it is. A homeowner being kicked out of his house has no incentive to maintain it....usually can't afford to even if they wanted to.... and again, are quite resentful and seriously damage the house. I have seen ceilings with new "skylights", electrical wiring ripped out, and doors missing. I have spoken to Realtors who have seen properties in foreclosure where concrete was thrown down sinks and toilets, walls were kicked in, and windows were smashed.

When buying a foreclosure you need to do your homework. Make sure you get the property inspected and analyze the condition of the home and know the extent of the repairs. The money you thought you saved buying one of these properties could easily become a fortune in repair expenses. You might have to replace the roof or the A/C, remove mold, not to mention everything inside the house.

Be wary of auctions. In many auctions, the lender will not allow bidders to have the property inspected prior to bidding. A buyer could easily end up with a money pit, and end up in big trouble after all of the repairs. As the saying goes, "if something looks too good to be true. It probably is."

Arizona Housing Market Compared to the National Housing Market

2008-01-15T04:44:00.000-08:00

What is the infamous "Housing Market?"

We keep hearing people talk about the "housing market" as if it's all the same from Rhode Island to Montana. The term "housing market" is thrown around as if it's one entity, no matter where "it" is. I don't think the "housing market" and all of its characteristics are the same from Nantucket to Newport (Nantucket??)

The "market" has all the same differences, complexities and intricacies that humans do. Why? Well, because the housing market consists of an inanimate object that we, as people, control. So, to talk about it from state to state and city to city as if it were all the same, would be like talking about "people" as if we were all the same. How absurd!

Each city and state have their own economies with individual distinctions. Why do I bring this up? We live in a growing city that has had its setbacks in the "market", however, it's just not that bad. It's like if we were to compare the real estate statistics of Queen Creek and North Scottsdale. It would make no sense. Meaningless facts are being spewed all over us like a bad salesman does on a car lot.

Here's a local stat for you to consider: if house prices are down by 8% in the past 12 months according to the Case-Shiller index, but up by a net 80.2% between 2002 and 2007, it left homeowners with most of their paper gains intact.

The most forgotten aspect of this beast called the "housing market" is that these houses are our homes. They are shelter for our families, a refuge to come HOME to at the end of a day. A shelter that comes with tax benefits and leveraged appreciation. The home where memories are made with family and friends. Let us not forget that owning a home in this country is quite a privilege.

Remember Norman Rockwell. Hundreds of his paintings centered around the American dream of family and the essence of home ownership. The home wasn't just an asset to be flipped and bartered. Don't forget the American dream.

Why Your Listing Agent Should Post Pictures of Your House

2008-01-12T08:58:00.000-08:00

With the market being so competitive for sellers, I can’t help wonder why realtors would not maximize their client’s exposure by putting photos in the MLS and marketing materials.

What shocks me is just how many homes are in the MLS without pictures! ??? Most realtors AND buyers think the house must be a dump when there aren’t any photos. My initial thought is that they have a lazy realtor.

The theory, “Less is more and not posting pictures will make them come see the house in person,” is not one I would spend time proving. With so much inventory on the market and homes with virtual tours, slide shows and video clips, you may want to rethink that thought process.

Every house, like every person, has its good and bad features. Even your worst fixer-upper has something to offer. It does not take much to go into a house and find a selling feature. Describing the true manner of the house in the MLS is the agent’s responsibility and is imperative…. and the price should reflect that. A home in need of major repairs should be priced substantially lower depending on the severity of the work needed. This lower asking price will attract the buyers and investors looking for a fixer-upper.

Get this! Not every house without photos is a home with physical handicaps. I have seen beautiful homes that failed to show their full potential. Wonderful homes that would photograph beautifully and were not given the opportunity. The real estate market is slow and sellers don’t need another obstacle preventing buyers from seeing their homes.

Sellers, at the very least, make sure you have your realtor put a couple of pictures in the MLS. If they are charging you a full service fee, they should provide full service…. and THAT includes photos! Just my humble opinion. If you are working with a discount broker . . . well, you get what you pay for.

Make sure that the photos show off your house to its full capacity. Dirty dishes in the sink or clothes on the floor will not help your cause. Would you submit a picture of yourself to a magazine or local newspaper with your eyes closed??? I doubt it. Your house deserves the same respect. Remember, a picture is worth a thousand words!

Kelli Grant

Arizona Named Best Golf Destination

2008-01-11T13:59:00.001-08:00

So, the market is that bad, eh! Well, here’s some great news that ensures we keep them visiting here…and moving here!

Arizona has been honored as the best golf destination in all of North America! The International Association of Golf Tour Operators honored Arizona as the Golf Destination of the Year in the North America category.

“The global trade organization for the golf tourism industry comprises more than 1,000 companies in 73 countries, including more than 320 golf tour operators in 45 countries. Arizona averages more than 330 sunny days each year, and the state has more than 300 golf courses, according to the group.”

Let’s face it . . .we are the place to be! We have excellent weather at least 7 mths out of the year (shhhhh), no natural disasters to worry about, no snow to shovel….so it’s really not that bad. We have so many economic indicators that are in our favor for the local housing market to be “aweswome” by 2009. Now, if only we all jumped on that mental bandwagon instead of staying in the doomsday mindset.

Clearly, folks, things could be a heck of a lot worse for us. Turn to one of the good cities in the US of A, New Orleans, and count your blessings and quit complaining. The more you stay in analysis paralysis waiting for some imaginary floor to drop -the more stagnant our market will stay. It’s like trying to time the stock market just right - it’s totally unrealistic.

For those of you who keep waiting, you just might miss the perfect home for your family. This is a great time to invest in a home!

House Selling Tip : What Kind of "Smellment" Does Your Home Have?

2008-01-07T20:00:00.000-08:00

Home Selling Tip

With so much inventory on the market, it is imperative to make sure that you have prepared your home for optimum showing. Buyers,…in what has been deemed as a “buyer’s market” …are pickier than ever. They are asking to see between 30-50 homes sometimes before they make a decision!

Buyers usually know within about 10 seconds if your house will make the final cut. So, before a buyer votes you off the island or shouts “Your Fired” -you will want to impress them as soon as they pull up to the house, but especially as soon as their realtor opens the door and ushers them in.

Today’s tip has to do with your “scentmosphere”. This is often forgotten when staging the home for sale. The visual aspects are the main focus. You’ve heard it from your realtor, “Pack up the clutter and put it in storage,” “Take down all the family photos,” “Take out some of the furniture,” and “Clean out the closets!”

What does your house smell like? Your realtor would be a great advisor as this person doesn’t live there. We get immune to the scents in our own house. Does it smell like the dinner from last night or the dirty dishes, your family dog, or worse yet: dirty diapers? Sandra just told me last weekend of her horror story with her buyer clients when they walked into a gorgeous house that smelled like the dirty diaper sitting on the floor in the master bedroom! It doesn’t matter how great or perfect that house is, the smell of the dirty diaper was forever burned into the buyer’s memory…and nose!

Burn candles or get those reed diffusers that continuously give off fragrance. Good smells are kitchen spice scents, vanilla, citrus, or fresh/clean scents. Don’t get something so strong and spicey that it overwhelms visitors.

Be aware of the environment and your scentmosphere every day you leave! The day you forget to check will be the day the buyer comes to see your home…. afterall, it’s Murphy’s Law!

Mortgages and the Real Estate Market 2007

2007-06-14T10:39:00.000-07:00

People have been asking me a lot of questions on mortgages lately. If you turn on the nightly news or open a newspaper, you're most likely going to see something about mortgages There are a number of mortgage companies going out of business and there are numerous fraudulent offers circulating. So, the question is, "Who do you trust?"

With all the 100% financing options that so many families have taken advantage of, not to mention the variable interest rate loans, the time has come for many to "pay the piper." When the real estate demand spiked a few years ago and our supply was way down, home values also spiked. People were offering to pay higher than asking price, bidding wars were rampant.

Now, we're left with an abundant supply of homes due to several factors. We have investors selling off some of their "investment" properties, homeowners who waited to see what would happen when the media was touting "real estate bubble" two years ago who finally decided it jump in and cash in (only too late), and the homeowners who overextended themselves with interest only mortgages and home equity lines of credit who need to downsize and buy a less expensive home.... or even rent.

Is this an easy market to sell homes in? Absolutely not. However, it's not impossible! If a realtor knows their market, knows their business, pays attention to their client's needs, and can get creative with marketing and business strategies - we're still making it happen! The good news is that we're seeing the so-called "part-time" realtors and agents who jumped in to make a quick buck, leaving the marketplace. Why? We actually have to work our tails off now. There's no room for order takers.

Lenders are cracking down on their approval criteria and their appraisers are being ultra conservative. This does not make it easy to get 100% financing on a mortgage right now. BUT, there are lenders who are still doing it regardless of the rumors. The other myth is that because so many people are in default of their interest only loans, these must be bad loans to get. This is not necessarily true either.

The truth is that you MUST get a professional Mortgage Advisor who will ask you the right questions and help you understand what the best options for your individual goals and situation are. Each person and/or family has a unique financial situation and has completely different goals. Therefore, it is imperative that you work with someone who understands you and guides you based on those factors.

For example, here are two scenarios:

Scenario 1) A family with 2 children under 8 yrs old who have maxed their home equity line of credit to open a new business, and are now looking to lessen expenses and stay in that same home until the kids graduate high school.

Scenario 2) A newly married couple in their mid-twenties who are buying their first home, want a "fixer upper" and only plan on being in it for 2 years while rennovating it as a transition to their next home.

Along with their credit ratings, assets, etc.... it's important to understand their current situation and what their future plans are to guide them into the best mortgage options available.

The other question is why am I talking about mortgages when I'm a licensed realtor and not a loan officer? The answer is that I work with people every day helping them to make the biggest purchases they will make in their lifetime. It is not in a realtor's best interest to help their clients get overextended and become "house poor." Also, because I am finding that in my personal experience, I have found that people think that realtors get a referral fee or some kind of kick back from referring their clients to their "preferred lenders."

It is important to know that we do NOT receive any monetary compensation for directing our clients to lenders. Excellent realtors have a team of professionals in all aspects of a real estate transaction that can be relied on to provide the best service with professionalism, quality and care. This is our pay back - knowing that our clients are well taken care of in the best manner possible. It's an enormous benefit to the client to engage a team of professionals who work together on a consistent basis. The transaction becomes seamless.

The following link gives valuable information and answers many specific questions regarding loan programs. Understanding Mortgages...

I'd say that this joke is funnier now more than ever!

Contact Kelli Grant with your real estate questions and needs in Scottsdale, Carefree and Phoenix!

Scottsdale ranks 7th in the Top 100 Best Places To Live

2007-04-28T14:42:00.000-07:00

According to CNNMoney.com, Scottsdale ranks 7th in the Top 100 Best Places To Live in 2006. So, what criteria did they base this on? The categories listed are:
• Financial

• Housing

• Education

• Leisure and culture

• Quality of Life

• Weather

• Health

• Meet the Neighbors

So, when you look at the financial category, the Median family income per year is $84, 747, where we actually rank 8th. Out of the top 10 cities, Scottsdale had the highest home price gain from 2004-2005 at 25.40%. Columbia/Ellicott City, MD was the only other city that exceeded 14.80%, coming in at 21%.

In regards to education, we were the highest above our state average for test scores in reading and math. However, that poses the next question: How does our state rank?

Ironically, when you look at quality of life, we had the highest incidents of personal/property crime. It must be because we have more property that can be stolen, right? Leisure and culture is where we really shine. Proudly, we have more restaurants and bars (within 15 miles) than the other nine cities. (3822 restaurants and 241 bars!) AND, we rank third for number of libraries (within 15 miles), at 45. So, does that mean the parents can drop the kids off to get educated on their reading and math while they have a cocktail?? You’ll be happy to know that we rank equally with the other cities under health for body mass index, who all have scores of 26 except for Fort Collins, CO and Sugar Land, TX with BMI scores of 25. Whew!

Now, let’s meet our neighbors. Scottsdale, AZ ranks second in the “divorced” category only exceeded by Boise, ID. Is it because we have too many bars and not enough museums?
You can also check out best places to live for various categories, such as “Hottest”. Arizona has 15 out of 25 cities in this category!! Calm yourself. They’re not referring to the people, but to the temperature. Darn. We didn’t even make the skinniest list of top 25. This surprises me a little when I look around at the gym.

All in all, we can see why people come here in droves. It’s a really “hot” place to live and I’d say we’re pretty well-rounded, comparably.

New, Creative Features for Luxury Homes

2006-09-23T13:36:00.000-07:00

Living in Scottsdale Arizona

Fancy master bedrooms, complete with a bedroom kitchen and sitting room, is a popular home amenity with today’s affluent home buyers, according to a report in the current issue of Unique Homes magazine. The publication lists 35 of the most sought-after amenities in today’s luxury homes. Decorative glass tiles are in, as are special features made from unique and exotic woods, it was noted. And, of course, a private spa has almost become a basic feature in upper-end homes. Showers must have all the bells and whistles, including multiple sprays and shower heads and even waterfall fixtures that mimic rainfall.

Read More!

It's a Hot Market

2006-06-14T18:22:00.000-07:00

No Kidding - it's literally a HOT market. Holy Canoly! Although I have been here (on the sun) for almost my entire natural born life - it still gets you when it hits 110! I keep telling myself that I'm burning calories driving around getting in the car, getting out of the car. Yeah, whatever - it's truly unbearable....but makes the rest of the year so wonderfully appreciated. It's just begun, and we're in for yet another hot one. It makes me tired. I love using the heat as an excuse of why I "can't" do things. It's too hot, I'm too tired, I just need to rest.

What's awesome is having to actually wake up at 4:30am to get me and the dog to the mountain before 5am so we can get our daily run in..otherwise, she gets bored and eats household items and well - I can't have that extra slice of pizza or glass of wine. It feels like it's getting day light earlier and earlier every day we wake up. What's up with that?

It's getting late, so I guess I better get the dogs their food and start thinking of getting off to bed in the next few hours so we can actually catch some shut eye before that morning wake up lick in the face and wag of the tail pounding on the wall and it's time to attack the mountain again!

Live good!