Arizona

Elk Ridge Ski and Outdoor Recreation Park

If outdoor fun and activities is what you’re looking for in our great state, I can let you in on a little secret!  Right in the center of the state is a wonderful ski, snowboard and tubing paradise.  Open 9:30 to 4:30 daily, the Elk Ridge Ski and Outdoor Recreation park is the place to visit. Come and experience the child and adult-size professional tubes – it’s truly amazing!  Nestled near the southwestern entrance to the Grand Canyon and minutes away from historic Williams, this pristine area offers spectacular views, sweet slopes, and guaranteed fun!  The resort also boasts a ski lodge complete with a snack-bar, kitchen and dining facilities.  The latest ski-gear is available to rent in their well-stocked equipment rental shop.  For more information, go to www.elkridgeski.com

Arizona

Can I Be Sued?

Unfortunately a common question these days in this housing crisis is if a lender who forecloses on a loan secured by a deed of trust or a lien on an Arizona home can sue the home owner for a deficiency?  The answer to this question is yes or no.  The problem is the facts and circumstances for each loan are different.  If you have been given advice from someone other than an experienced Arizona  real estate attorney, I would not be too comfortable.  According to Jeana Morrissey, an Arizona Real Estate lawyer, “If you are facing a possible loan default and foreclosure or if you have already defaulted and a foreclosure has started, you should consult with an experienced Arizona real estate attorney who can review your specific situation and tell you if you will be liable for a deficiency or if Arizona’s anti-deficiency laws protect you from being sued for a deficiency.  You should consult with an experienced real estate attorney sooner, rather than later, because your options will be reduced and then eliminated the closer you get to the foreclosure date.”

There are so many different situations and questions to consider, and the result could have a huge effect on your future.  It is wise to invest in consulting with an experienced professional in this matter.

Arizona

Warm Weather and Your Pets

Living in sunny Arizona is truly amazing, but if you have outdoor pets there are definitely special precautions to take to help them stay comfortable.   According to the ASPCA “Even the healthiest pets can suffer from dehydration, heat stroke and sunburn if overexposed to the heat,” says Dr. Lila Miller, ASPCA Vice President of Veterinary Outreach, “and heat stroke can be fatal if not treated promptly.”

I have found that my dogs have acclimated to the weather fairly well, but during the summer months here are some tips to remember…

1. Pets can get dehydrated quickly, so give them plenty of fresh, clean water when it’s hot outdoors. Make sure your pets have a shady place to get out of the sun and be careful to not over-exercise them, and keep them indoors when it’s extremely hot.

2. Never leave your animals alone in a parked vehicle.  Dogs can’t perspire, like humans do, to cool themselves, so they have to pant to cool themselves. If the air that they are taking in is too hot the panting has little cooling effect and the dog quickly overheats. Many people think their dog will be okay if they leave the windows open, but even with the windows wide open, the car can quickly become hot enough to cause heatstroke, brain damage, and even death.

3. I exercise my dog in the early morning or late evening.  Keep in mind that asphalt can get very hot during the summer and it can get hot enough to burn a dog’s pads.  I have found that the best way to check the ground heat is to just touch it with my own hand.  If I can’t keep my hand (or foot) on the ground for more than three seconds, it’s probably too hot to walk my dog.  Also be sure to take a bottle of water along for you and your pet!

4.  If your dog loves to swim in your pool, be sure to rinse them off after swimming to remove chlorine or salt from their fur.

5.  If your dog’s hair can be trimmed, a lightweight summer hair cut it great.  Some dogs like Labradors, that have a double coat, should not be shaved, but regular grooming should help out.  Don’t trim the hair shorter than an inch though because they still need protection from the sun.

According to the ASPCA watch for these warning signs… “Dr. Lila Miller, ASPCA Vice President of Veterinary Outreach, states “symptoms of  overheating in pets include excessive panting or difficulty breathing, increased heart and respiratory rate, drooling, mild weakness, stupor or even collapse. They can also include seizures, bloody diarrhea and vomit along with an elevated body temperature of over 104 degrees.” Animals with flat faces, like Pugs and Persian cats, are more susceptible to heat stroke since they cannot pant as effectively. These pets, along with the elderly, the overweight, and those with heart or lung diseases, should be kept cool in air-conditioned rooms as much as possible.”

I know this sounds like a lot, but I will say that my dogs moved to Arizona from a climate of an average of 65 degrees and they did just fine.  In fact, sometimes I catch my dog sleeping in the sunshine when he has loads of shade on the patio!

For more information go to www.bestfriends.org or www.aspca.org.

Arizona

$500.00 Move-In! Exceptional Value..Exceptional Home!

Yes, only $500.00 to move into a brand New Home! And it’s not a dinger either. This 1605 sqft home is loaded with upgrades. Upgrades like granite counter-tops. Tile floors in the kitchen, baths and utility rooms. The blinds are already installed. And get this…the home comes All Appliances. A beautiful Side by Side Refer, Built-in Range, Dishwasher and Microwave. And get this..a Washer and dryer!! The home comes with blinds too. This 3bed/2bth single level home is ready and waiting for you.  How much? Just $139,990. Remember, you can move in for $500.00

Snowbirds, why rent a space year after year? You can own a brand new home. Buy now while they are priced so low. These prices and incentives will not last. First Time Buyers, close on this home before April 30th and you may qualify for the $8,000 tax credit. Put your tax return to work for you.

Contact Michael Manning at 602-738-8236 for more info. My e-mail is michaelbmanning@cox.net or michael.manning@phoenixpowersearch.com

 See a video of this home.

http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/sredir?uname=judy.eldc&target=ALBUM&id=5431123299653348625&authkey=Gv1sRgCPHRxYTd6PPITQ&feat=email

Arizona

LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION, REALLY?

Location, Location, Location, Really???

When it comes to buying real estate, we’ve probably all heard the saying , “Location, Location, Location”, but it is really ALL about location?  Sure, it’s probably the most important final and deciding factor when looking at purchasing real estate, but there are two others I feel are equally or very close in importance.  When looking for a home, think “Price, Location, Floorplan”!

Before you can establish where you want to live, you have to establish what you feel comfortable paying for a home without being overextended.  Sure, I would love to own a private island such as Necker Island, a beautifully lush and tropic 72 acre island located in the British Virgin Islands and owned by Richard Branson of Virgin, ahhhhh… I digress…BUT, could I afford it??  Well, not yet, anyway!

 So, first comes PRICE.  Are you paying cash or financing?  If financing, have you talked with a lender to find out exactly what you are comfortable with and are able to buy?  You definitely want to make sure you are spending your time and your agent’s time wisely looking at homes in your price range.  And in Arizona, when putting in an offer, an LSR (a Loan Status Report tells the seller where you are in the financing process and what terms you are wanting for your loan) must be given at the time of submission so it’s a great idea to get this done first!

 Once you have established your buying power (price), then it’s off to look for that LOCATION that meets your needs.  Do you want to live near a golf course, on a mountainside, near downtown or have mountain views?  Is shopping or specific schools important to you?  Do you want to be close to the city or in the outskirts so you can see the stars shine brightly at night?

And lastly, assuming we are talking about residential living, then, it’s all about the FLOORPLAN.  Does the floorplan work for YOU?  How many bedrooms and bathrooms do you need?  Do you want to have a formal living and dining room or do you prefer the great room concept?  Would you like a one story or are two story and tri-level homes options?  Do you want all the bedrooms on one side of the home or would you prefer a split floorplan?

If you have found the right floorplan at the right price in the right location, don’t get hung up on what could be the small stuff.  Things such as paint, carpet, countertops, a few holes in the walls, etc. are all cosmetic items and if you get the house for the right price, you can easily have the cosmetic items changed.

So in the future, heed my words, “Price, Location, Floorplan”! Now, let’s go out and find you that perfect property!

When I buy a cookie at the local bakery, I like to pick out the cookie “I” want.  That’s the way I am with my clients.  My job is to find you your special cookie, to find that home that is going to meet your needs.  Call Jamie at 480-451-1400 or email Jamie@TickledPinkHomes.com and let

Arizona

BARRETT-JACKSON KICK OFF!

The Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Event in Scottsdale has officially begun!  The Barrett-Jackson Event runs from January 18th – 24th, 2010 at Westworld Of Scottsdale.  Each day is filled with exciting activites, and not just limited to cars.

Today, January 18th, the 39th Annual Scottsdale Car Auction is being held.  All Active, Reserve, and Veteran’s in Military Uniform and/or Military ID will have FREE ADMISSION at the gate to the event.  AND, children under 12 are FREE!  Today is also Ford Family Value Day benefiting Cox Charities.  Today, there are many family activities taking place including, Liberty Wildlife (see eagles, hawks & reptiles), Pokemon Gaming Tournament, Radio Disney Performance, Fashion Show & MORE!  Be sure to check out www.barrett-jackson.com for specific daily information, purchase tickets (week or daily), location, and more.

Whether you are a visitor or are currently living here, if you are thinking of buying or selling a home in the Scottsdale/Phoenix area, give me a call.  I would love to talk you!  Jamie Sistek at 480-451-1400.

Arizona

Anthem, a Golf Community with Views Galore and More!

Anthem. An unincorporated city located just 35 miles from the the hustle and bustle of Phoenix. A beautiful and picturesque golf community with mountain and desert views everywhere you look. Located in the Sonoran Desert, this Del Webb community is one of Arizona’s best. With mountain views and incredible desert  sunsets this is the place you have in mind when you think of moving to Arizona. Especially this time of year! It’s 72 degrees right now! And it’s 4:30 our time. Oh my.

With townhouses from $89,500 to Ultra Luxurious homes at $840K, there are homes priced for nearly everyone. Come on. Call me at 602-738-8236.

Follow this link to learn more about what this awesome area has to offer you.

http://www.clubcorp.com/club/scripts/section/section.asp?NS=PCH&MFCODE=AMGCC&SUBGRP=15

Michael Manning

EXP Realty, LLC

602-738-8236

michael.manning@phoenixpowersearch.com

Arizona

Hang Your Christmas Lights in Arizona

As I was driving along the other day I wondered where the idea of Christmas lights came from. Each year thousands of people spend countless hours preparing their homes with strands of lights and extensive decorations to ring in the holiday season. So I went on a quest to share the origins of Christmas lights with our EXP Realty travelers and home buyers, and share some of the excellent displays of holiday cheer in my neighborhood.

Originally the custom was to decorate a Christmas tree with lights, but it wasn’t until the 1960s in the U.S. when tract housing become increasing popular that lining the eaves of homes with lights grew in popularity. Back in the 17^th century a tradition of using small candles to light up the tree started. It took a couple of centuries before the practice grew in popularity and spread to Germany and Eastern Europe. Initially the candles were melted against the tree or attached with pins. Later in the 19^th and 20^th century candle holders were used and later lanterns which held the candles.

With the advent of electricity Christmas tree decoration was ready to take a big leap. Towards the end of the 19^th century; 1882 to be exact, Edward Johnson an assistant to the famous inventor Thomas Edison, lit up a Christmas tree in New York City with 80 small electric light bulbs. By 1900 shop keepers and merchants alike were using the strings of electric lights that Johnson eventually developed to decorate their store fronts and displays. It wasn’t until the 1950s that average households adopted the use of decorative lights during he holiday seasons. One of the events that helped make the use of the electric lights more popular started in 1927. One of the oldest light festivals in the United States began. “The Festival of Lights and Christmas Festival” in Natchitoches, Texas was a joint effort of neighbors to decorate their homes. The festival still exists today and is known as “Holiday Trail of Lights”

So the next time you are in Arizona during the holidays looking for your dream home to decorate, stop at the Phoenix Zoo for Zoo Lights; another long standing tradition. And remember, when you find that dream home, you too can decorate it with the holiday lights of your choice. You are only limited by your imagination.

For more information on Arizona homes please contact me at:

Tim Broderick

Realtor, EXP Realty

602-741-0862

Toll free: 1-888-897-7821 ext 126

Email: tim@phoenixpowersearch.com

Arizona

Are you an FHA buyer but still “on the fence” about buying?

There have been many rumors flying around regarding the expected adjustments to the FHA loans provided. Do you want to use FHA financing due to the lower down payment requirements, experiencing some credit issues and or wanting to ask the seller to contribute up to 6% concession? If you are and are counting on utilizing FHA loan products for the purchase of your new home, but aren’t quite ready to get off the fence…You may want to re-think your current position.
Per a recent article in the Chicago Tribune –
FHA-insured mortgages have become the loan of choice — realistically, the only option available since the private mortgage industry’s problems arose — for consumers who are eager to purchase a home but don’t have a significant down payment or stellar credit history. Currently, borrowers have to make at least a 3.5 percent down payment and have a minimum FICO credit score of 500, but most participating lenders require borrowers to have a score of 620 or higher.
Those lending requirements have meant a banner year for the FHA. It has insured almost 30 percent of home purchases — more than 75 percent of which are to first-time homebuyers — and 20 percent of mortgage refinancings. Just three years ago, the FHA’s share of the mortgage market was 3 percent.
Among the steps outlined by Housing and Urban Development Secretary Shaun Donovan in congressional testimony Wednesday were plans to increase the down payment and FICO score required. The agency also may ask Congress for permission to increase either the upfront mortgage insurance premium, the monthly premium or both. Details of the plan are expected next month.
“We have made the decision to exercise our authority to increase the upfront cash that a borrower has to bring to the table in an FHA-backed loan — to make sure that FHA borrowers have more ’skin in the game’ and a stronger equity position in their loans,” Donovan said in written testimony submitted to the House Financial Services Committee.
One detail Donovan did provide is that sellers would be able to help buyers with only 3 percent, rather than the current 6 percent, of “concessions” that help fund closing and loan-related fees.
The moves are part of a plan by the FHA to lessen risks to its portfolio; an independent actuarial study found the agency’s insurance fund reserves have fallen far below the congressionally mandated minimum. The agency also plans to take steps to increase FHA capital and to hold lenders more accountable for the quality of loans they write.
This may be the time to get off the fence..
Please feel free to contact me with any questions you may have. I will be happy to assist you in the purchase of your new home. I can be reached at Julie@phoenixpowersearch.com or 480 628 2967
I look forward to hearing from you!
Chicago Tribune Article

Arizona

Suntech chooses Arizona for new Solar Project.

Here is some great news for the Arizona economy. Suntech A Chinese-owned solar panel maker is planning to build a 100,000-square-foot headquarters and manufacturing plant in the Phoenix area.

This is huge for the economy and will initially bring 75 jobs to the local area and expand over the years to come. Suntech originally started with 15 states that were a consideration for this project, it came down to Arizona and Texas, Arizona won!

Here are some great links to read more information on the new compnay coming to the area.

www.suntech-power.com

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5jyM3IImsM90llBP3XCxeAQ92JJjwD9C0NUH00

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