MARKET DATA & PHILANTHROPY          |          TESTIMONIALS


Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Are you Renting? | Top 7 Reasons Why Now is the Time To Buy!



1. Affordability: The median purchase price level is close to what it was in the year 2000. Many buyers who could not afford to purchase a few years ago can now afford to buy.

2. Interest rates are near an all time low. They have gone up a little recently and someday may go up much higher.

3. In some cases, a mortgage payment will be less than what is being paid for rent!

4. The tax deduction for mortgage interest payments: If a buyer itemizes on their federal tax return they may have a deduction for mortgage interest. For example, if someone paid $12,000 in mortgage interest for a year and were at a 20% federal tax rate, they may receive up to a $2,400 tax deduction. (The buyer needs to see their accountant before buying).

5. Supply: A buyer has many homes to choose from.

6. Negotiating power: Since it is a buyer’s market, the seller will often pay most or all of the
buyer’s closing costs and prepaids.

7. Your own place! A place to put your stuff!


Residential Focus By Fletcher Wilcox, Vice President of Business Development, Grand Canyon Title Agency, Inc. Fwilcox@GCTA.Com 602-648-1230

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

Happy Thanksgiving!

Most of All

Thanksgiving Day brings to mind
the blessings in our lives
that usually go unnoticed:
a home that surrounds us
with comfort and protection;
delicious food, for pleasure
in both eating and sharing;
clothes to snuggle up in,
books and good entertainment
to expand our minds;
and freedom to worship our God.
Most of all we are thankful
for our family and friends,
those treasured people
who make our lives extra special.
You are part of that cherished group.
On Thanksgiving, (and every day)
we appreciate you.

Happy Thanksgiving!



By Joanna Fuchs


Thursday, November 18, 2010

Can You Refinance if You Are Under Water?

Yes!
Listen to Brian Yampolsky and Joe Ashton of Orion Mortgage to find out how!

Thursday, November 11, 2010

Foreclosure Freeze – What does it Mean to You?






Foreclosure Freeze – What does it Mean to You?
By Chris Mozilo, CMB
November 10, 2010



We hear news stories about loan servicers stopping or “freezing” foreclosures.




Why are they doing this, and what does it mean to you?


Due to the growing volume of foreclosures that the largest loan servicers (typically large banks) are dealing with, they found some creative ways to be more efficient.

The process of completing a foreclosure can be time consuming and very expensive for a loan servicer, especially in the 23 states that require judicial foreclosures (Arizona does not require judicial foreclosures).

To save time and manpower, loan servicers had employees sign foreclosure documents and affidavits stating they read the documents without actually taking the time to read them.

There were also “robo-signers” that created computer generated signatures on these documents.

When this practice came to light, attorneys drooled at the prospect of class action lawsuits on behalf of improperly foreclosed homeowners against “evil” banks.

In response, loan servicers stopped foreclosures in the 23 judicial foreclosure states.


In addition, the largest loan servicer – Bank of America – stopped all foreclosures across the country for a period of time. B of A has since reviewed their foreclosure practices and has re-started foreclosures.


Other servicers have followed. Here in Arizona, all the major loan servicers are actively foreclosing homes.

However due to the mammoth number of foreclosures, the process may take several months and in some cases over a year.

Foreclosures are a considered to be a negative factor in our real estate market because they contribute to a decline in values by adding more homes to the available inventory.

But they are actually very important to the recovery of the market.

WHY?


Foreclosures take a property that was not affordable for a person or family and resets the property to become affordable for another person or family.

It takes time, but the process of taking unaffordable homes and converting them to affordable homes is the bad-tasting medicine that will cure our ailing housing market.

If you are in a position to purchase a home to live in or as an investment, buying today at “reset” prices is a smart decision.

If you have any questions about financing a home, interest rates, how to repair your credit score etc., please feel free to give me a call.







Chris Mozilo, CMB


Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Thank you to our Veterans!







Because of You, Unknown Soldier
By Courtney Tanabe


Because of you, I am here
Because of you, I am able to live freely

Yet I do not know you
And I have not done anything for you

But there you stand, ready to fight
And there you are prepared to die
For me

You've fought before
And you'll fight again
For someone you don't know

So thank you Unknown Soldier
Fighting for me

I'm here because of you
And I owe my future to you

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

AngelsRE "Extreme Makeover" of the NICU Nesting Rooms at Scottsdale Healthcare




Hospital's Nursery Gets an Extreme Makeover

Thursday, 04 Nov 2010, 7:06 PM MDT
By ALEXIS VANCE
FOX 10 News

Meet Jennifer, Natasha and Christina - Charlie's Angels, well, not really, but they do call themselves the Real Estate Angels.



Dan Williams, Founder & President of The Williams Real Estate Company & "The Angels"

The three agents are with The Williams Real Estate Company and just finished redoing the parents' overnight room in the neonatal intensive care unit at Scottsdale Healthcare Shea.


"They are used every single night by parents who have a really sick baby or they're getting ready to go home," said SHS' Mary Luster.

        NESTING ROOM BEFORE                       NESTING ROOM AFTER



Every time the real estate agents make a sale, they give a generous portion of their commission to a good cause. This was one of their main projects.


"When we very first saw the rooms, they are very sterile, a real hospital environment..cold feeling, small beds, foam pillows," said Natasha Greenhalgh.



KITCHEN BEFORE                           KITCHEN AFTER


"Going through so much we just feel that they deserved a more inviting atmosphere," said Jennifer Spenser.


"We feel very blessed that we are able to have business in this economy and we're very committed..we are professional women, but we all have children and families and anything we can do to give, we feel like it comes back around," commented Christina Catalano.


BATHROOM BEFORE                              BATHROOM AFTER


After painting, upgrading the beds, adding flat screen televisions and granite countertops, it's ready to be a temporary home for a family in need.









AngelsRE would like to THANK:



T.J. Williams, Owner, Granite Concepts for donating the Granite Countertops in the Kitchen & Bathroom (Tel: 480.628.6345 TJHomes@Cox.net)



Shellie Wilson & Chris Cohen from Airpark Consignment who donated all of the furniture and their design skills to make the rooms beautiful. (Airpark Consignment, 7848 E. Redfield Road Scottsdale, AZ 85260 Tel: 480.951.7883 http://www.airparkconsignment.net/



Guillermo Hinojos of Comfort Pedic, Inc. for giving us a steal of a deal on the Comfort Pedic Mattresss ( 2949 N 30th Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85017-5402 Tel: 602.278.9330)




Steve & Michal Castle (Realtors® at The Williams Real Estate Company) for donating The Plasma TV



The Clinkenbeards, The Silmers, The Welsh's and the Saffords for making Cash Donations.

Dr. Jeff Kootman for donating toothpaste

Terry Dykshorn for donating the Bags and coupons for Care Packages

A New Way to Estimate the Value of your Home!

WANT TO KNOW THE ESTIMATED VALUE ON YOUR HOME BASED ON BETTER INFO THAN ZILLO? We now have access to an agent-only website that will provide an estimated value based on CURRENT (updated every 3-4 days) activity in the market area. Unlike newspapers and other websites that use data up to 4-6 months old, this data is NOW. We can search for all history on a property, the 12-month change in value, and the average sale price! Found a property you want to know more about or want an estimate on your current home? CALL US! WE WILL DO THE RESEARCH FOR YOU!!

Top 10 Real Estate Deals | Foreclosures, Scottsdale & Paradise Valley

TOP 10 REAL ESTATE DEALS

We have analyzed the current marketplace and have selected the Top 10 Properties that offer the Greatest Value at the Best Price.

THIS WEEK'S FOCUS

LENDER OWNED HOMES over $300,000 that have been on the market for more than 60 days

1 56th Street Scottsdale 3

56th StreetScottsdale, AZ 6 bedroom 3 bath2723 sq. ft.
$300,000Spacious, Single Level in Good Condition

BACK ON THE MARKET AND PRICED FOR IMMEDIATE SALE!!!! EXCELLENT BUYER OPPORTUNITY ON THIS SPACIOUS, SINGLE LEVEL, LENDER OWNED HOME. OVERALL CONDITION OF HOME IS GOOD. PREVIOUSLY USED AS AN ADULT CARE HOME. AWESOME LOCATION WITH A SCOTTSDALE (85254)MAILING ADDRESS!! LOVELY BACKYARD WITH MATURE FRUIT TREES AND FENCED POOL. HOME IS SOLD AS-IS WHERE IS WITH NO WARRANTIES OR REPRESENTATIONS EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED WHATSOEVER. NO SPDS OR CLUE REPORT AVAILABLE. SUBMIT ALL AS-IS OFFERS NOW FOR SELLER REVIEW & APPROVAL.

MLS#4488563 Realty Executives


E Windrose Scottsdale
E. Windrose DriveScottsdale4 bedroom 2.5 bath2155 sq. ft.
$319,900

Big Backyard, 5 min. from Kierland/Airpark

You will not find a BETTER location. 5 minutes from the Airpark, 5 minutes to Kierland! This 4 Bedroom home with open greatroom and kitchen is a perfect space, not to big, not to small! Enjoy having people over and relaxing around your sparkling pool. Or send everyone packing and enjoy an evening in front of your fireplace. Back yard is BIG - room for play equipment. This home also boasts a 2 car garage, Big laundry room and tall mature trees to provide ample shade. Lowest price in the area! See this home with your REALTOR® today!

MLS#4444968 Coldwell Banker


Via De Encanto Scottsdale
Via EncantoScottsdale4 bedroom 2 bath2459 sq. ft.
$359,900

McCormick Ranch, Re-Modeled Kitchen, Big Backyard

WOW! REDUCED! BANKS WANTS SOLD - BRING AN OFFER! Great Lender owned Property in the McCormick Ranch Area. Kitchen has been totally remodeled with cabinets ,appliances, granite and under mount sink. Guest bath has been partially remodeled with cabinates and granite. Newer travertine flooring, and multi pane windows. Backyard has a large diving pebble tec pool with a grassy area for the kids to play. Close to the freeway and shopping.

MLS#4436721 West USA Realty


E Shea Blvd Scottsdale
E. Shea BlvdScottsdale4 bedroom 2.5 bath2824 sq. ft.
$365,000

Lowest Price in Promontory Subdivision

BANK OWNED SINGLE LEVEL IN PROMONTORY* LOWEST PRICED HOME BY FAR IN THE SUBDIVISION* 2824 SQ.FT.* 4 BEDROOMS, 2.5 BATH* WOOD AND TILE FLOORING* VAULTED CEILINGS* OPEN KITCHEN TO FAMILY ROOM* OVEN,MICROWAVE AND DISHWASHER ARE IN GARAGE* 3 CAR GARAGE* GREAT SCHOOLS!!! There is a $75.00 buyer paid doc fee paid at closing.

MLS#4433427 Keyland Find Properties


E Paradise Drive Scottsdale
East Paradise DriveScottsdale3 bedroom 2 bath3100 sq. ft.
$399,000

Remodeled & Expanded

**CONTRACT AT INVESTOR FOR APPROVAL, ASSET MANAGER WILL LOOK AT NEW CASH OFFERS****LENDER OWNED, THIS IS NOT A SHORT SALE. REMODELED AND EXPANDED. TRAVERTINE FLOORS, REMODELED BATHS, REMODELED KITCHEN WITH GRANITE AND SS APPLIANCES. 4+ CAR GATED SIDE ENTRY GARAGE. GREAT CDS LOT, COVERED RAMADA WITH FIREPLACE. MULTIPLE FAMILY AREAS. SOLD AS IS.

MLS#4425481 Realty Executives


N 87th Drive
N 87th PlaceScottsdale4 bedroom 2,5 bath2699 sq. ft.$429,900

Custom Touches, Putting Green & Basketball Court

GORGEOUS 4 BEDROOM 2.5 BATH HOME WITH CUSTOM TOUCHES. GRANITE COUNTERS IN KITCHEN, WITH CENTER ISLAND, 2 FIREPLACES, LARGE COVERED PATIO WITH CEILING FANS, PUTTING GREEN, BASKETBALL COURT. INVITING FENCED POOL WITH WATERFALL FEATURE AND SPA. This is a Fannie Mae HomePath property.
MLS#4422 Mazat Realty


N Horseshoe Trl
North Horseshoe TrailScottsdale5 bedroom 3.5bath3315 sq. ft.
$439,900

Charming Santa Fe Style in Cul-De-Sac

Corporate Owned, Sold As Is. Repairs needed. Charming Santa Fe style home w/5Bed./3.5 Baths. Open Great Room w/Bar and cozy fireplace, Large Kitchen. 5th Bedroom can be office/den. Sparkling lap pool w/spa in back yard off the Covered Patio. Large backyard with stucco wall fence. Culdesac and cirular driveway with front covered entry way. 3 Car garage. 3% Earnest Money Deposit w/financing; 10% EMD/Cash buyers.

MLS#4410207 Coldwell Banker


N 60th Street
North 60th StreetScottsdale5 bedroom 4 bath4139 sq. ft.

$549,900

Exquisite Living with Guest Quarters & Entertainer's Backyard

Exquisite Living, boasting beautiful faux paints, impressive ceilings, French exits and fine finishes. Lavish chef's kitchen with granite, caramelized Maple cabinetry and stainless double ovens and Sub-Zero refrigerator. Romantic master hosts his/her custom closets and jetted tub. Convenient Jack and Jill. Wet bar with all the trimmings. Handsome fireplace, tremendous travertine, delightful sauna. Complete guest quarters with wet bar, family room, sumptuous bed and bath and private exit. Entertainer's yard with covered patio, safely fenced pool with beach entry and lush emerald green grass.

MLS#4419902 Atlantic & Pacific Real Estate


E Calle De Mandel St
E. Calle De MandelScottsdale6 bedroom 6 bath5628 sq. ft.
$579,900

Gorgeous Home with Separate Casita & Theater

Gorgeous home with a separate casita. Top quality finishes, granite counter tops, custom cabinets, beautiful travertine and marble floors, and more. Spacious Master bedroom retreat, gourmet kitchen, theater! Home is located on a large private lot. AHS Home Warranty included. Days 1-7: Offers will not be reviewed, Days 8-12: Offers ONLY from NSP buyers, Municipalities, Non-profit organizations and Owner-occupants will be reviewed. Days 13+: Offers from all buyers will be considered.

MLS#4428801 Russ Lyon Sotheby's


N 43rd Pl PV
North 43rd PlaceParadise Valley5 bedroom 6 bath8912 sq. ft.
$982,722

Finish this house! Amazing Views of Camelback & Mummy Mountains

Finish this house! Floor plans in document section. Amazing views of Camelback mountain, Mummy Mountain and the Phoenix Mountain Preserve. This home offers a dramatic entry with dual spiral staircases, courtyard, guest house, of course each room has a private bath, formal library, media room and what more can you ask for. This is perfect for your builder sitting on the sideline waiting for an opportunity! Chain link fenced project to protect what is there and YOU! Existing pool needs remo and landscape is ready for design. $75 doc fee to apply.MLS#440320 Keller Williams Integrity First