MARKET DATA & PHILANTHROPY          |          TESTIMONIALS


Monday, December 20, 2010

Leading Economic Indicators up 1.1%


http://wsj-us.econoday.com/byshoweventfull.asp?fid=443892&cust=wsj-us#top

Released on 12/17/2010 10:00:00 AM For Nov, 2010


Highlights


A slowing in delivery times takes over as the number one plus in the Conference Board's index of leading economic indicators which is pointing to accelerating economic growth ahead.

The LEI jumped 1.1 percent in November following two solid half percentage gains in October and September.

Moving to second place, at least for November's report, is the spread between long and short rates -- the wider the spread, the greater the indication for growth.

Given the jump the last two weeks in the 10-year Treasury yield, December's spread appears certain to widen. The spread has long been the number one plus in this series reflecting the Federal Reserve's near zero policy rate.

A decline in jobless claims is a big positive for November as it may be for December.

Growth in money supply is a plus, and keep an eye on this one for the expansionary effects of quantitative easing. Stock prices and the factory workweek are also pluses as are imputed readings for consumers goods output and capital goods output.

Deliveries steal November's report yet it's uncertain whether they will remain a top positive. Goods in short supply are popping up in the monthly Institute For Supply Management reports but not in number, while delivery times in December's Empire State and Philly Fed reports were mixed.

Market Consensus Before AnnouncementThe Conference Board's index of leading indicators jumped 0.5 percent in both October and September. Six of the 10 components advanced in the latest month. A wide yield spread continued to be the biggest positive though to a smaller degree given declines in long rates, The report also included a 0.1 percent uptick in the coincident index, a small gain that follows two unchanged readings in a reminder of the economy's mid-year soft patch and the contrasting acceleration now underway.

DefinitionA composite index of ten economic indicators that should lead overall economic activity. This indicator was initially compiled by the Commerce Department but is now compiled and produced by The Conference Board. It has been revised many times in the past 30 years - particularly when it has not done a good job of predicting turning points.

Sunday, December 19, 2010

The Gift of Home




If your are on the “Nice List” this year, perhaps someone may gift you the down payment for a new home. Most mortgage programs allow for the homebuyer to receive a gift from a relative (or person with an established relationship) for the purpose of purchasing a home.

FHA home loan programs require a minimum 3.5% down payment, and the entire down payment may be a gift. The homebuyer and the gift donor must sign a “gift letter,” and the donor must document that they have the funds to provide the gift. This requirement can be satisfied with a copy of the donor’s bank statement.

On conventional loans, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac allow for gifts, but will require the homeowner to have a down payment of at least 5% of the sales price that comes from their own funds. The remainder of the down payment can be a gift. However, some upcoming guidelines from Fannie Mae will allow for the entire down payment to be a gift.

Also, it is possible to gift the equity of a property and not just cash. For example, if parents want to sell a property to their son or daughter, they can gift any amount of equity that they want as part of the transaction so as to reduce or eliminate their child’s contribution to the down payment.

While Santa Clause may not be a legitimate gift donor, being on the “Nice List” of ones relatives may improve chances for receiving a gift for the down payment of a new home this Holiday Season.








Chris Mozilo, CMB




Chris Mozilo NMLS# 183726; AZ LO-0912308; BKBR-0115591; CA-DOC 183726

Saturday, December 18, 2010

The Most Expensive Homes in Arizona


TOP 10 REAL ESTATE DEALS
We thought we would do something fun and look at the 10 Most Expensive Homes on the Market today.



Cameldale Way

Cameldale Way
Paradise Valley, AZ

7 bedroom 11 bath
20,000 sq. ft.


$13,900,000

Seller's Loss is Buyer's Gain!

This partially completed, one of a kind contemporary masterpiece, designed by world renown architect is perched on almost 4 acres in the shadow of Camelback Mountain in the heart of one of Paradise Valley’s most exclusive areas known as Cameldale. Seller has invested over $20 million in this property and is willing to make a deal!

MLS#4465022 Russ Lyon Sotheby's Int'l




Cameldale Way



Cameldale Way
Paradise Valley, AZ


4 bedroom 6 bath
12,587 sq. ft.


$14,458,7210

Rare 5 Acre property built by
Cal Christensen

Location? ICONIC. Property? MAGNIFICENT. Backdrop? CAMELBACK MOUNTAIN. Rare 5 acre estate, provides ultimate privacy in Arizona's most prestigious neighborhood. A collaboration of artistry results in an art-infused retreat of a grand scale: Cal Christensen (builder), Architecture Plus (design), Trutza Landscape Architecture, (Walter Spitz) Creative Design Lighting. 30' foot open beam ceilings; AZ moss stone, copper, quartz & flagstone accents. Epicurean kitchen, billiards room, Italian travertine, grand fireplaces throughout, library + office, fully appointed exercise room. Vistas to Four Peaks & Superstition Mtns, while up close & personal with Camelback Mtn. The ultimate in luxury, a house that achieves the goal of being ''home.''

MLS#4449244 Realty Executives







Invergordon

vergordon

Invergordon Rd
Paradise Valley, AZ


6 bedroom 10 bath
15,000 sq. ft.

$14,500,000

4.5 Acres...Tuscan Style Home only 120 days to completion

Home is approx 120 days from completion.Price is for home completed but buyer can buy''as is'' and complete work themselves.This beautiful nearly complete Tuscan style estate is located on appx. 4.5 hillside acres in one of Paradise Valleys most sought after areas.

MLS#4286612 Russ Lyon Sotheby's Int'l





Hummingbird



Hummingbird ane
Paradise Valley, AZ

5 bedroom 7 bath
16,400 sq. ft.


$15,000,000

One of the last 2.5 acre Mountain Retreat Estates ready to build a French Chateau

One of last 2 1/2 acre mountain retreat estates - Hand selected - capturing panoramic forever city and mountain views. Glamorous Quartz Mountain ready to be framed home-site (for a 16,400 sqft) 'French Chateau'. Backing against the hillside preserves for protection and afternoon shade; designed for a six car garage plus a 70 plus feet of hill-side roundabout. The owner has invested well over 5 million; you may start building right away, plans, permits and lot improvement is all included. We're able to complete this custom Chateau within 15 months. Appraised between $15 - 20 million. Save 4 years of planning, negotiating, fine tuning cost analysis and layouts.

MLS#4324096 Russ Lyon Sotheby's Int'l







Paradise View Drive

Paradise View Drive
Paradise Valley, AZ

12 bedroom 12 bath
52,000 sq. ft.


$15,000,000

A House that is more like a Palace than a Home

A once in a lifetime opportunity to own a property that is irreplaceable for many reasons. On a leveled hill with the best views possible: lights of 3 cities, major landmark mountains of Camelback, South Mountain, and Phx Mountain preserve; heighth restrictions that can't be duplicated; country club-like grounds with Olympic size pool, tennis, and over-size poolside kitchen; 3 parcels; a retaining wall that would cost millions to build today, and a house that is more like a palace than just a home. It needs renovations but is priced far, far below replacement costs and could be brought to fit today's life style for the rich and famous.

MLS#4403988 Russ Lyon Sotherby's Int'l





6appy Valley Rd.

Happy Valley Road
Scottsdale, AZ

7 bedroom 9.5 bath
27,000 sq. ft.


$15,000,000

30+ Million in replacement cost
Just over 19 acres, horse privileges, indoor tennis court

Horse privileges - NO HOA - Just over 19 acres - Sub-dividable Land. A private 'world class' residence beholding depth, character and endless onsite amenities. Well secured behind its scenic iron gates. It's million dollar private driveway winds up at a circular center court, room for plenty of parking and an 9+ car garage. This residences elaborate details include extensive hand carved pillars, built-in library, gourmet kitchen, ballet and dance quarter, signature indoor tennis court, mother of pearl swimming pool, mermaid style jacuzzi, authentic desert botanical garden and a French Victorian courtyard. Convert the indoor tennis court into a 80+ car museum, basketball court or a private auditorium. Owner may entertain your trade.


MLS#4469718 Russ Lyon Sotheby's Int'l





Saguaro Rd

Saguaro Road
Paradise Valley, AZ

4 bedroom 9 bath
14,304 sq. ft.


$16,500,000

Custom Built with 20' Ceilings

Located in PV's finest area, this was custom built for the owner on appx 5 gated acres using only the BEST materials & exceptional elegance in design & comfort. Timeless ambiance flows throughout the LR, FR & great rm. First-rate craftsmanship of the library, office, chef's kit, butler's pantry & 2BR guest suite w/LR & kitchenette. Master incl marble baths & extra-large walk-in closets. Refined living continues outside w/cov'd patios, several FPLs, BBQ, pool, pool bath & tennis ct. Away from the main house is a private studio w/liv rm with 20' ceiling, oversized FP, office, kitchenette & bath. Large motor court & garages for 4 vehicles.

MLS#2930850 Coldwell Banker





Saguaro Rd

Saguaro Road
Scottsdale


8 bedroom 9 bath
14,215 sq. ft.

$17,900,000

Exquisite Property - elegant but designed for comfort

This exquisite property is elegant yet designed for comfort. Be it intimate family gatherings or formal affairs for a large crowd, this home has the spaces necessary for gracious Arizona living. From the wood paneled office and dining room to the spacious kitchen with counter to ceiling Hopes windows; the level of detail is second to none. Lovely imported limestone flooring and fireplace surrounds; wide plank walnut flooring, gorgeous cabinetry, and marble and limestone counters are just some of the fine finishes you would expect in this Michael Smith design. Heated pool, two spas, and lighted tennis court with ramada add to the resort atmosphere. Integral color plaster exterior and Bergoff designed landscaping add a European flavor to the overall feel of this one of a kind estate.

MLS#4496257 Realty Executives




Mockingbird Ln
Mockingbird Lane

Paradise Valley, AZ

7 bedroom 10 bath
17,015 sq. ft.


$24,900,000

Ultimate Luxury in a Sumptuous
5 Acre Estate

Experience ultimate luxury in this sumptuous 5 acre estate with 35,000 sq.ft.under roof & 25,000 sq.ft. ac/heated. Incredible amenities include flooring of 6 ft. marble slabs from Italy, library with $350,000 Pierre Lange mahogany cabinetry, $1,200,000 Avia high tech security & sound equipment, a 13 seat mahogany theatre w/true movie projection & D-box chairs that move with the movie action, a luxurious master suite w/bathroom of 6 ft. onyx slabs & fabulous boutique closets, 2 swimming pools including a solar heated lap pool & 20 car garages w/$400,000 ''show garage''! There is also a billiard rm, wine rm, piano rm, 3 family rms,exercise rm, 2 libraries, a 2 bedrm guest house,outdoor marble walkways & its own solar electric generating station hooked into APS! Bank references required.

MLS#4280401 John Hall & Associates





Foothill Drive North


Foothill Drive North
Paradise Valley, AZ


8 bedroom 12 bath
12,860 sq. ft.


$27,500,000

40 Acres on Mummy Mountain

Very private estate high on Mummy Mtn! Rare opportunity & tremendous buy! Enter thru electronic gates to a dramatic long drive past specimen landscaping,28 tree citrus grove & panoramic city & mtn views to an extraordinary 13,000 s.f. estate on large FLAT front & rear grounds. The home boasts 18 ft. high ceilings,floor-to-ceiling windows, telescoping doors, a 55 ft. gamerm w/its own complete kitchen,a lavish theatre, a dining rm with floor-to-ceiling mahogany wall,2 family rms, 7 bdrms,12 baths, wide elegant hallways, library,craft rm,exercise rm, & extensive patios. Grounds have magnificent plantings, lrg circular pool,rolling lawns,mini golf course,picnic area w/barbeque & mountain waterfall. The property also has been recently platted & recorded for 6 lots!

MLS#4272159 John Hall & Associates

Strong Rebound in Pending Home Sales






Strong Rebound in Pending Home Sales
Washington, DC, December 02, 2010


Pending home sales jumped in October, showing a positive uptrend since bottoming in June, according to the National Association of REALTORS®.

The Pending Home Sales Index,* a forward-looking indicator, rose 10.4 percent to 89.3 based on contracts signed in October from 80.9 in September. The index remains 20.5 percent below a surge to a cyclical peak of 112.4 in October 2009, which was the highest level since May 2006 when it hit 112.6.

Last October, first-time buyers were motivated to make offers before the initial contract deadline for the tax credit last November. The data reflects contracts and not closings, which normally occur with a lag time of one or two months.

Lawrence Yun, NAR chief economist, said excellent housing affordability conditions are drawing home buyers. “It is welcoming to see a solid double-digit percentage gain, but activity needs to improve further to reach healthy, sustainable levels. The housing market clearly is in a recovery phase and will be uneven at times, but the improving job market and consequential boost to household formation will help the recovery process going into 2011,” he said.

“More importantly, a return to more normal loan underwriting standards and removal of unnecessary underwriting fees for very low risk borrowers is needed and could quickly help in the housing and economic recovery,” Yun said. Recent loan performance data from Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac clearly demonstrates very low default rates on recently originated mortgages, much lower that the vintages of 2002 and 2003 before the housing boom.





The PHSI in the Northeast jumped 19.6 percent to 71.3 in October but is 27.3 percent below the tax credit peak in October 2009. In the Midwest the index surged 27.3 percent in October to 81.7 but is 24.8 percent below a year ago. Pending home sales in the South rose 7.1 percent to an index of 93.8 but are 18.4 percent below October 2009. In the West the index slipped 0.4 percent to 104.3 and is 15.6 percent below a year ago.

Near term, Yun expects home sales will continue to climb from their cyclical low this past summer. “Even so, we now have some consumer concerns regarding the mortgage interest deduction, an important component in housing affordability,” he said.

“Preliminary results of a new survey show nearly three out of four home owners and two out of three renters consider the mortgage interest deduction to be extremely or very important to them. Home owners already pay between 80 and 90 percent of all federal income taxes and additional tax burden would hurt them and the economic recovery, so we have a reasonable hope that it will not be changed.”

The National Association of REALTORS®, “The Voice for Real Estate,” is America’s largest trade association, representing 1.1 million members involved in all aspects of the residential and commercial real estate industries.

###

*The Pending Home Sales Index is a leading indicator for the housing sector, based on pending sales of existing homes. A sale is listed as pending when the contract has been signed but the transaction has not closed, though the sale usually is finalized within one or two months of signing.

The index is based on a large national sample, typically representing about 20 percent of transactions for existing-home sales. In developing the model for the index, it was demonstrated that the level of monthly sales-contract activity parallels the level of closed existing-home sales in the following two months. There is a closer relationship between annual index changes (from the same month a year earlier) and year-ago changes in sales performance than with month-to-month comparisons.

An index of 100 is equal to the average level of contract activity during 2001, which was the first year to be examined as well as the first of five consecutive record years for existing-home sales.

NOTE: The next Pending Home Sales Index will be released December 30 with release dates being moved up for 2011, and existing-home sales for November will be reported December 22; release times are 10:00 a.m. EST.

REALTOR® is a registered collective membership mark which may be used only by real estate professionals who are members of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® and subscribe to its strict Code of Ethics. Not all real estate agents are REALTORS®. All REALTORS® are members of NAR.

Information about NAR is available at www.realtor.org. This and other news releases are posted in the News Media section. Statistical data, tables and surveys also may be found by clicking on Research.

http://www.realtor.org/press_room/news_releases/2010/12/strong_phs

For more information, contact:
Walter Molony 202/383-1177 wmolony@realtors.org

Friday, December 17, 2010

The Top 10 States People are Fleeing & Where They are Headed



So, Florida and Arizona are expected to receive an influx of hundreds of thousands of people this year.

New York, Illinois and Louisiana are expected to lose more residents than they gain this year.
By Jenna Goudreau, Forbes.com
Dec 8, 2010

"We're seeing one of the lowest mobility rates in a century," says Nathaniel Karp, chief economist for banking firm BBVA Compass. Karp says the recession has forced many people to stay put because they are unable to sell their homes, cannot find jobs or are unwilling to relocate for work if it means sacrificing a partner's stable position.

The slowdown makes the question of who's moving and why even more significant than in years past.

Using 2010 projections by Moody's Economy.com, Forbes ranked the states in which people are leaving faster than they are arriving. Economists report several overlapping trends that may be forcing people out of certain states as much as they are pulling them toward others.

At No.1 on our list, New York is expected to wave goodbye to 49,000 more people than it gains this year. The state has seen a steady loss of residents over the past five years, losing an average of 100,000 people per year. Karp explains that, because New York is a large state, it may report greater movement than others, but notes that population size is not the only reason residents are fleeing.

"In order to move, you need to be able to sell your home," says Karp. "The housing market [in New York] has not gone through the meltdown that other states have gone through."

While New York homeowners may have a slightly easier time selling their homes and moving to greener pastures, a competing trend is the number of unemployed renters who can no longer afford the high cost of living in and around New York City. Karp says the expensive lifestyle and high taxes may force the long-term unemployed to move on to more affordable regions.

The Prairie State came in at No. 2. Illinois is expected to lose 27,000 people this year, consistent with its average annual loss over the last five years. The losses are likely linked to the state's economy and tax structure. Job losses in manufacturing and industrial machinery are likely pushing people out of the state, Karp says, adding that state taxes have also been "an issue" for many residents.

Midwestern states, in fact, are well-represented in the top-10 list. Nebraska (No. 4), Kansas (No. 5) and North Dakota (No. 9) are among the many central states projected to lose residents in 2010.

The movement may be related to broader structural changes. "For most of the decade people have been moving to the South and Southwest," says Kenneth Johnson, a demographer and professor of sociology at the University of New Hampshire. He believes the trend is closely related to life cycle: Retirees are attracted to states with temperate climates, affordable costs of living, good health care and pretty scenery. For these reasons, Florida and Arizona are expected to receive an influx of hundreds of thousands of people this year.

At the same time, young people in search of jobs may move to the regions to work in services and high tech, says Karp. Texas and North Carolina are home to some of the largest public companies in the country, like Exxon Mobil and Bank of America, and are also among the top-five most attractive states this year.

At least two states in the top 10 are victims of unfortunate circumstances. Louisiana (No. 7) and Mississippi (No. 10) are both expected to lose residents this year. In 2006, the year after Hurricane Katrina ravaged the Gulf Coast, almost 300,000 people left Louisiana and nearly 20,000 moved out of Mississippi. The projected losses this year, though much milder, could be related to the impact of the BP oil spill.

Though specific conditions are pushing people out of some states, economists say more people moving around would be a positive sign for the economy. "Mobility makes it easier to respond to economic cycles," says Karp. "People are still living in places where there are no jobs. That's one of [the] reasons why the unemployment rate remains really high."

Top 5 States People Are Fleeing

No. 1: New York

Projected Loss: 49,000 people
Population: 19.7 million
Percentage Change: -0.25%

The Big Apple may lose more people than it gains in 2010 because of the depressed job market, high cost of living and an ongoing trend of retirees and job-seekers heading to the South and Southwest.

No. 2: Illinois

Projected Loss: 27,000 people
Population: 13 million
Percentage Change: -0.21%

Economist Nathaniel Karp says Illinois' tax structure and loss of manufacturing jobs may be pushing people out of the state this year.

No. 3: Ohio

Projected Loss: 8,900 people
Population: 11.6 million
Percentage Change: -0.08%

Over the last five years Ohio has lost an average of about 30,000 people per year. This year its losses are projected to slow, but remain significant enough to put the state at No. 3.

No. 4: Nebraska

Projected Loss: 5,900 people
Population: 1.8 million
Percentage Change: -0.33%

Nebraska has seen steady losses since 2001. The projected number of people leaving the state this year is particularly high when considering its small population.

No. 5: Kansas

Projected Loss: 4,200 people
Population: 2.9 million
Percentage Change: -0.14%

The Census Bureau reports modest gains for Kansas since 2007. The losses expected this year are similar to those seen in the earlier part of the decade, when the state lost an average of 4,500 per year.

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Sammy & Marlys make a Donation to the Anti-Defamation League | Arizona Regional Office




Sammy and Marlys present their donation to Bill Straus, regional director of Arizona's Anti-Defamation League. The donation from the sale of Bill's parent's condo will go towards the ADL's mission of fighting anti-semitism, racism, and bigotry.

Friday, December 10, 2010

Phoenix - One of the Most Affordable Places to Buy a Home!


Guess which city's Home Affordability Index has jumped from 27% to 80%? That's right - PHOENIX is now one of the most affordable places to buy a home (finally some good news!).


Click on the logo to watch a short video.


Courtesy of Orion Mortgage Corporation. Brian Yampolsky & Joe Ashton. 602.912.0222

Wednesday, December 8, 2010

Scottsdale Training & Rehabilitation Services (STARS) | Winter Book, Magazine & Game Drive



Beginning now!

Ask your friends, family and colleagues to participate in the STARS CRC drive! STARS will take donations through the end of February.

Click on the logo to learn more about how you can help.




Happy Holidays!

Please click on the picture to receive your holiday greetings from
Sammy & Marlys.








Friday, December 3, 2010

Erik Jensen raises almost $6,000 for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society


Erik Jensen raised almost $6,000 for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society in remembrance of his mother, Claudia, who lost her battle with Leukemia on April 1, 2010.

Erik is also committed to donating a portion of his Real Estate transaction fees to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society as part of The Williams Real Estate Company's "You Refer. We Donate." program.

Team "Commitment to Claudia", along with over 2,000 Leukemia & Lymphoma supporters, walked for hours and raised thousands of dollars on Saturday, November 13th..which was coincidentally.. Erik's birthday.



Light The Night Walk is The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's evening walk and fundraising event. It is the nation's night to pay tribute and bring hope to thousands of people battling blood cancers and to commemorate loved ones lost.

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) funds lifesaving research that has contributed to major advances in the treatment of blood cancers and treatments for other types of cancer, such as chemotherapy and stem cell transplants. New targeted therapies that kill cancer cells without harming normal tissue are providing drugs and procedures that are improving quality of life.




In fact, in 2009 alone, LLS researchers were conducting more than 90 clinical trials, a critical step in the development of new treatments and cures that will help patients live better, longer lives.

A donation of $25 provides patients and their loved ones with FREE booklets that contain up-to-date information on their disease and help them make informed decisions about their treatment options.

A donation of $50 makes possible a Family Support group with a trained facilitator where comfort can be found and experiences can be shared among patients and family members.




A donation of $100 helps supply laboratory researchers with supplies and materials critical to carrying out their search for cures.

A donation of $1,000 makes possible one- on-one conversations with health care specialists who provide patients with information about their disease, treatment options, and helps prepare them with questions for their health care team.




Please make a donation to support my participation in the Light The Night Walk and help save lives. Be sure to check my Web site frequently to see my progress, and thanks for your support!

http://www.leukemia-lymphoma.org/all_chap