Sonoran Foothills is located on 800 acres in the rising foothills of North Phoenix. The rich abundance of amenities include the 4000 square foot clubhouse and community park. There is a splash fountain, lap & leisure pool, children’s wading pool, shade ramadas, picnic pavilion, playground/sand lot and a big green grassy lawn for homeowner gatherings and activities. Sports enthusiasts will love the basketball, soccer fields, volleyball & illuminated tennis courts. Neighborhood pocket parks provide owners with nearby play areas. |
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Top Ten Trails - Trail MapsPosted on: 2012-05-10Fireside at Norterra Community Trails
Sonoran Preserve Trail Map
Mormon Loop Trail - South MountainNational Trail - South Mountain
Superstition Mountain Trail Maps
Piestewa Peak Trail Map
Summit Hike - Camelback Mountain Trail Map
Papago Park - Trail Map
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Top Ten Golf Courses in ArizonaPosted on: 2012-05-10Top Ten Golf Courses in Arizona
The golf courses listed below were ranked by Golf Magazine and have been categorized in order for Arizona.
Troon North Golf Club - Scottsdale AZ
We-Ko-Pa Golf Club - Fort McDowell
Southern Dunes Golf Club - Maricopa
Boulders Golf Club - Carefree
Greyhawk Golf Club - Scottsdale
Gold Canyon Golf Resort - Gold Canyon
TPC of Scottsdale - Scottsdale
Vista Verde Golf Club - Rio Verde
Eagle Mountain Golf Club - Fountain Hills
Longbow Golf Club - Mesa - Small Repairs That Can Raise Your Sales PricePosted on: 2012-05-09
If you're actively preparing to list your home for sale, resist the temptation to make major home improvements. Nationwide, home improvement projects recoup just 58 cents on the dollar, says Remodeling Magazine.
Rather, for a better return on your time and money, focus on the minor projects instead. It's the smaller projects in Phoenix that tend to have a bigger, long-term payoff.
So, how do you determine which projects are the 'smaller ones'? It's obvious when you think like a buyer.
Consider : Home buyers don't always notice when your home is in working order. In fact, they expect it to be that way. What they do notice, however, is when things are 'broken'. When a buyer sees torn screens in your windows or burnt out light bulbs, it makes him wonder what else in the home has not been cared for.
This is one reason why -- especially during warmer months -- it's sensible to hire an exterminator prior to selling your home. If a prospective buyer uncovers bugs in your bathroom, it can leave a lasting, negative impression -- one that won't likely lead to a purchase contrast.
So, with 'small repairs' in mind, here are 5 simple projects that you can tackle in a weekend, and that will help your home show better. Each is low-cost and high-impact:- Repair or remove torn screen doors
- Fix all leaky faucets and toilets
- Touch up holes and cracks in paint, interior and exterior
- Apply a lubricant to squeaky doors and cabinets
- Get 'clutter' into storage and physically out of the way
In addition, you'll want to pull weeds from your yard, seed any bare spots you find, and lay down fresh mulch, where appropriate.
You won't need to spend big bucks to get your home ready for sale but the time spent on repairs will have a pay-off in the end. Homes that show better often sell much faster, and at higher prices. - Tax Tips : What To Do With Your Tax RefundPosted on: 2012-04-23
The typical U.S. taxpayer will receive roughly $3,000 in federal income tax refunds this year -- an average of $250 per month. So, what would you do with an extra $250 monthly? This segment from NBC's The Today Show offers some advice.
Whether you've already filed your annual taxes for 2011, filed an extension, or will squeak by on the deadline, you could probably be doing more with your taxes. The above video shares some tips. It's four minutes of solid insight on tax refunds, tax withholdings, and reducing your household's overall 'bad debt'. There's something for everyone.
Among the points covered in the tax refund piece :
- Consider changing your personal payroll exemptions so your 2012 refund is $0
- Remember that refunds are not 'free money' -- it's your money. Spend wisely.
- Use your tax refund to fund retirement accounts
Advice is also shared about how to use your tax refund to fund a reserve account, or emergency fund. As a homeowner or home buyer in Scottsdale , applying tax refunds to a savings accounts in this manner can go a long way. When you're a homeowner, maintenance costs can be sudden and unexpected. A furnace can explode, for example; or, a roof could spring a leak. Having money set aside for crisis is essential.
Having a savings account will also improve your household's long-term financial stability.
As a reminder, in most years, federal income tax is due April 15. However, with Tax Day falling on a Sunday and with the federal government closed for a holiday the following Monday, U.S. taxpayers in Arizona and nationwide got a reprieve until Tuesday, April 17, 2012.
- Spring Cleaning ShortcutsPosted on: 2012-04-02
It's April in Phoenix and warmer weather is coming. It's Spring Cleaning season. Do you have a checklist?
In some households, spring cleaning is an annual ritual, taking anywhere from a full day to an entire week to complete. Room-by-room, foot-by-foot, dust, dirt and grime are replaced with cleanliness and shine.
No matter in which way to you choose to tackle your chores, though, the people at Real Simple have you covered. The magazine's website provides a thorough, detailed walk-through of the most common spring cleaning tasks. It also offers a 'shortcut' series.
For example, the section of cleaning area rugs and rooms with wall-to-wall carpeting is a chore Real Simple lists as lasting 'a morning'. The shortcut version, however, is noted to take just 10 minutes.
Some of the other areas covered in the Real Simple spring cleaning guide include :- Windows (4-6 hours long version; 15 minutes each 'shortcut' version)
- Curtains (30 minutes per panel long version; 10 minutes per panel 'shortcut' version)
- Upholstery (25 minutes per piece of furniture long version; 5 minutes per piece of furniture 'shortcut' version)
You'll need tools for your spring cleaning tasks including special cleansers, sponges, rags and vacuums. In some cases, you may want to rent equipment from a local hardware store. For example, deep-cleaning an area rug with a steam cleaner may be more time-effective than scrubbing it clean by hand.
Then, after completing the above chores, remember to flip your mattresses, change your air filters, and test your smoke alarm batteries.
Keep track of what you've done, and what's left to do, with this classic, 3-page Spring Cleaning Checklist from Martha Stewart. - Buy and Bail and Strategic Default in ArizonaPosted on: 2012-03-30
The Buy and Bail Fairy Tale – The Elephant in the Room
I’ve studied the elephant that no one likes to talk about for about 4 years. This week, I attended the Short Sale Tsunami event where a panel of real estate attorneys, real estate analyst Mike Orr, Commissioner Judy Lowe, along with representatives for Chase and Wells Fargo spoke about our local Phoenix market. One of the hot discussions was Strategic Default strategy. After learning so much about this over the years, I wanted to share some information. I’m not even going to entertain the moral or ethical question about it. Nor is this blog intended to give legal advice because I am not a real estate attorney. My intent is to provide some facts about strategic default, who is doing it, how, and the purpose.CAUTION! This blog may cause increased heart rate and high blood pressure for some people.
Although we are certainly seeing great signs of recovery over the past 4 months, many homeowners in the Greater Phoenix area are sitting in their home staring at a mortgage statement wondering how they can owe hundreds of thousands of dollars more than their home is worth. Worse yet, many of those homeowners will never see their home appreciate back to what they owe in their lifetime. If you look at history, take the facts and do the math of average appreciation rates once the economy stabilizes, it doesn’t add up…literally.
So the question becomes, “What to do?” You don’t qualify for a short sale or loan modification because you aren’t financially destitute. Some homeowners in Arizona have come up with a strategic solution aptly named the “Buy and Bail”. But, many have questioned, “Is the Buy and Bail illegal?”.
So here it is, the shocking truth: The Buy and Bail is NOT illegal. However, some may say it’s definitely immoral. People have a moral issue with the “Buy and Bail” because we’re taught as children to “keep our promises”. A popular belief is that ‘you bought the house, you took a loan out, now you should pay it back.’ One real estate attorney told me, “It’s not a moral issue. It’s a contractual issue.” (and there’s an entire conversation with contractual verbiage that he can explain that is quite interesting!) He also asks his clients, “Would you pay $150,000 for good credit?” Most people say, “No way!” His response is, “That’s what you’re doing by staying in that house.” Putting the “moral issue” aside, the only justification I hear for staying in a severely underwater property is that “your credit will be ruined”. So basically, you should stay in it for the sake of your ego. “You won’t be able to buy a house for 7 years if you foreclose!” Hence, the strategy of the “BUY ….Then Bail”.
Strategic default is a business decision to cut one’s losses short, cut bait, let go of the dead weight. The typical profile of a homeowner who seeks out this type of solution doesn’t have financial hardship in the way that they’ve lost a job or racked up too much debt spending money they didn’t have. Their hardship is that they’re hundreds of thousands of dollars under water on a property whose value will not recover in 10, 20, 30 or more years. They put 10 to 30% cash down payment when they purchased the property. They are not the zero down or FHA buyers. They have money in the bank and earn a good income. For various reasons, such as a growing family, need to
move for a job, or they’re savvy with money and realize there’s a 50% off blue light special going on, they need or want a new houseFact: If you qualify for the new mortgage AND the existing mortgage along with any other debts, without lying or falsifying facts or documents (AKA “Mortgage Fraud”), you can buy a property. A few years ago, people were creating fake lease agreements on the existing property to qualify for the new mortgage. Even if you have a valid lease agreement on a property and are trying to buy another property, the new lender does not even take that lease into consideration as income. And, let’s be clear – mortgage fraud is illegal in any situation. This also means that you shouldn’t get the new loan as an “investment property” instead of a primary residence. As soon as you change your mailing address and switch your utilities to the new house, they just might suspect you lied. . . and YES, there are consequences.
Your new lender will most likely ask you to write a letter about what you’re going to do with the existing property. This letter is a key piece and you should see a real estate attorney before writing it. What you write on this letter and put your signature on matters. Less is more. This letter states your “intent”, so take caution.
Some say that the new lender won’t lend you money on a new purchase if they suspect a strategic default or a “buy and bail” may occur. Do you really think that a bank doesn’t want to lend money to someone who is well qualified and has a minimum 10 to 40% down payment? Of course they do!
Once you have closed escrow on the new property, then what? The new lender may check your credit again within the first 90 days of the new loan. It is highly likely that they will sell your loan, so your credit can be pulled again AFTER you have closed escrow. Should you make a few more payments on the old house to show good intent? Should you make a few more payments in case the new lender pulls your credit again? Ask your real estate attorney.
All the attorneys I’ve talked to have consistently conveyed the message that it is hard to prove someone’s “intent” in a court of law. We have yet to see a lender attempt to go after a homeowner for a “Buy and Bail”. Do they like it? Of course not. Will they try to scare you out of it? Yes. Arizona is a non-recourse state with anti-deficiency laws in place. Talk to your real estate attorney about the details of the laws. If you took out a HELOC, you BETTER speak to a real estate attorney.
When you took out the mortgage, you agreed to make payments. You also agreed that if you stop making payments, the bank can take the house from you. Once you stop making payments and the bank forecloses, you have satisfied your end of the agreement. You gave the house to the bank (in excellent condition, right?) and they resold it for a profit. Did they lose money? No. They got all those interest payments over the years from you and now they resold it and got more money. They made out ok. PS…….If you can buy a new house, a short sale is not likely to be an option on the old house.The Mortgage Debt Forgiveness Relief Act of 2007 is scheduled to expire at the end of 2012. As of right now, you may even qualify for tax relief of the foreclosure under this act. Certainly, seek the advice of your CPA!
I regularly attend classes, events and seminars where economists, attorneys, CPA’s, and industry leaders speak about short sales, foreclosures, strategic default, mortgage fraud, and tax consequences. It’s important to stay on top of a moving target to understand what options are available. It’s my job to consult with clients and provide you with information so that you can decide the BEST option for YOU and your family…..and for me to know reputable professionals that can help you accomplish your goals.
If you would like to speak to a real estate attorney about your real estate questions or a situation, a number of highly accredited real estate attorneys are listed on my website.
- Loans For Underwater Homeowners : HARP 2.0 Now AvailablePosted on: 2012-03-20
The new, revamped HARP program is now available in Arizona and nationwide. It was officially released Saturday, March 17, 2012 by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.
HARP is an acronym. It stands for Home Affordable Refinance Program. HARP is the conforming mortgage loan product meant for 'underwater homeowners'. Under the HARP program, homeowners in Sonoran Foothills can get access to today's low mortgage rates despite having little or no equity whatsoever.
HARP is expected to reach up to 6 million U.S. homeowners who would otherwise be unable to refinance.
HARP is not a new program. It was originally launched in 2009. However, the program's first iteration reached fewer than 1 million U.S. households because loan risks were high for banks, and loan costs were high for consumers.
With HARP's re-release -- dubbed HARP 2.0 -- the government removed many of HARP's hurdles.
In order to qualify for HARP, homeowners must first meet 3 qualifying criteria.
First, their current mortgage must be backed either Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac. Loans backed by the FHA or VA are ineligible, as are loans backed by private entities. This means jumbo loans and most loans from community banks cannot be refinanced via HARP.- To check if your loan is Fannie Mae-backed, click here.
- To check if your loan is Freddie Mac-backed, click here.
The second qualification standard for HARP is that all loans to be refinanced must have been securitized by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac prior to June 1, 2009. Mortgages securitized on, or after, June 1, 2009 are HARP-ineligible.
There are no exceptions to this rule.
And, lastly, the third HARP qualification standard is that the existing mortgage must be accompanied by a strong repayment history. Homeowners must have made the last 6 mortgage payments on-time, and may not have had more than one 30-day late within the last 12 months.
If the above three qualifiers are met, HARP applicants in Sonoran Foothills will find mortgage guidelines lenient overall :- Refinancing into a fixed rate mortgage allows for unlimited loan-to-value
- The standard 7-year 'waiting period' after a foreclosure is waived in full
- Except in rare cases, home appraisals aren't required for HARP
Furthermore, HARP mortgage rates are on par with non-HARP rates. This means that HARP applicants get access to the same mortgage rates and loan fees as non-HARP applicants. There's no 'penalty' for using HARP.
To apply for HARP, check with your loan officer today. -
Sonoran Blvd - Dove Valley Road Renaming UpdatePosted on: 2012-03-16Last week, Clif Freedman, Bryan Cazier and Andy Dobis (President of Carefree Crossing) met with City of Phoenix, Shane Silsby and our District 2 Councilman, James Waring.
Residents who live within one half mile from the current Sonoran Blvd will have an opportunity to vote to change the name of the road back to Dove Valley Road. Currently there is a DRAFT website for this but it is not finished and does not reflect the changes agreed on.
In several weeks, residents will receive a letter from the City to complete a mail-in ballot or an online ballot. One vote per household. Each resident will get a code that is specific to their address. The instructions are easy.
Vote to:
1. Keep the name Sonoran Blvd
2. Change the name back to Dove Valley Road
3. Fill in the blank
There is no minimum response rate. The important thing is to vote and tell all your neighbors to vote when you get the ballot and your personal id number.
The City of Phoenix, Councilman James Waring, Clif Freedman, Bryan Cazier and Andy Dobis will be signing off on all documents and websites before they go live or go public.
Sonoran Citizens Improvement Association
Website:www.sonorancitizens.com - Mortgage Rates Climb Sharply After Retail Sales ReportPosted on: 2012-03-15
The U.S. economy is expanding, fueled by a renewed consumer optimism and increased consumer spending.
As reported by the Census Bureau, Retail Sales in February, excluding cars and auto parts, rose 1 percent to $335 billion as 11 of 13 retail sectors showed improvement last month.
February markets the 19th time in twenty months that U.S. Retail Sales increased on a month-over-month basis.
Unfortunately, what's good for the economy may be bad for Scottsdale home buyers and mortgage rate shoppers. Home affordability is expected to worsen as the U.S. economy improves.
The connection between Retail Sales and home affordability is indirect, but noteworthy -- especially given today's broader market conditions.
First, let's talk about affordability.
Last week, the National Association of REALTORS® released its monthly Housing Affordability Index, showing that homes are more affordable to everyday home buyers than at any time in recorded history. For buyers with median earnings buying median-priced homes, monthly payments now comprise just 12.1% of the monthly household income.
The real estate trade group considers 25% to be the benchmark for home affordability. Today's payment levels are less than half of that.
The reasons why today's homes are so affordable are three-fold :- Home prices remain relatively low as compared to peak pricing
- Fixed- and adjustable-rate mortgage rates remain near all-time lows
- Average earnings are increasing nationwide
Rising Retail Sales, however, can derail the trend. This is because Retail Sales measures consumer spending and consumer spending accounts for roughly 70 percent of the U.S. economy. As the economy expands, the forces that combined to raise home affordability so high begin to wane.
First, in a recovering economy, mortgage rates tend to rise and, throughout 2012 and 2013, home prices are expected do the same. Second, as average earnings increase, it can spur inflation which is bad for mortgage rates, too.
Home affordability is at all-time highs today. But, in part because of February's Retail Sales data, we should not expect these levels to last. Mortgage rates are higher by 1/4 percent since the Retail Sales data was released -- roughly $16 per $100,000 borrowed -- and are expected to rise more throughout the spring home purchase season.
Retail Sales are up 6 percent from a year ago. - FHA Drops Upfront Mortgage Insurance Premium To 0.01% For Qualified BorrowersPosted on: 2012-03-09
The FHA is making more changes to its flagship FHA Streamline Refinance program.
Beginning mid-June 2012, certain current, FHA-backed homeowners will be able to refinance their existing FHA mortgage into a new one, without having to pay the government-backed group's new, costly mortgage insurance premium schedule.
Earlier this week, the FHA rolled out its new MIP schedule.
Beginning April 9, 2012, new FHA mortgages are subject to a 1.75% upfront mortgage insurance premium (UFMIP) and an annual mortgage insurance premium of up to 1.25% for loan sizes up to, and including, $625,500; or 1.60% for loan sizes exceeding $625,500.
Upfront MIP is typically added to the loan size as a lump sum. Annual MIP is paid via 12 monthly installments. Both add to the long-term costs of homeownership.
However, the FHA's new MIP schedules will not apply to all FHA-backed homeowners equally. Homeowners whose FHA mortgages were endorsed prior to June 1, 2009 will benefit from a different, less costly MIP schedule.
For these homeowners in search of a streamline, the MIP schedule is as follows :- Upfront MIP : 0.01% of the loan size
- Annual MIP : 0.55% of the loan size, with no adjuster for loan sizes over $625,500
The new schedule is detailed in FHA Mortgagee Letter 12-04 and it lowers the cost of FHA Streamline Refinancing for long-time, FHA-backed households in Arizona and nationwide to almost nothing.
As a real-life example, an FHA-backed homeowner whose $100,000 mortgage dates to 2008 could refinance via the FHA Streamline Refinance program and pay just $10 in upfront MIP, with a corresponding annual MIP payment of just $550, or $45.83 monthly.
By comparison, every other FHA-backed homeowner with a $100,000 mortgage pays $1,750 in UFMIP and as much as $1,600 in annual MIP.
The new streamline refinance MIP schedule is in effect for FHA mortgage applications with case numbers assigned on, or after, June 11, 2012. It is not available for loan applications made prior to that date.
There are lots of dates and deadlines in the FHA's new streamline program. If you're too early -- or too late -- you could miss your optimal refinance window. Talk with your loan officer, therefore, and put a plan in place. You'll be glad to be prepared.
- Mortgage Rates Expected To Rise On A Strong Job ReportPosted on: 2012-03-08
With home affordability at an all-time high, buoyed by the lowest mortgage rates ever, it's been a terrific time to buy or refinance a home using a mortgage.
The good times may not last, though, so today marks an ideal time to lock a mortgage rate. Friday brings risk. Here's why.
Since 2010, weak economic conditions have been a primary catalyst for low mortgage rates in Arizona. Over the last 12 months, though, manufacturing output has been rising, consumer spending has been climbing, and business investment has increasing.
In other words, the economy is improving. However, it's the jobs market that's believed to be the economic recovery keystone. When jobs come back, analysts say, so does the economy.
Assuming that's true, a recovery may already be well underway.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the U.S. jobs market has grown for 16 straight months now, adding 2.5 million net new jobs along the way. It's one reason why the February jobs report matters so much to housing.
Rate shoppers would do well to pay attention.
Friday, at 8:30 AM ET, the government will release its Non-Farm Payrolls report for February. Wall Street expects the report to show 210,000 new jobs were created in February, a figure slightly higher than the rolling, 6-month average for job growth. This would be a positive economic indicator.
If the analysts are correct, mortgage rates are likely to rise on the news, harming home affordability.
Furthermore, affordability could be harmed by a lot if the number of net new jobs created exceeds the 210,000 tally expected. It's not a far-fetched scenario. Wall Street's 'whispers' put the actual jobs figure somewhere between 250,000-300,000. A reading lije this would cause mortgage rates to spike and would add money to a prospective monthly mortgage payment.
If the idea of rising mortgage rates makes you nervous, consider taking your nerves out of the equation. Call your loan officer today. Lock your rate ahead of Friday's Non-Farm Payrolls release.
If you're on the fence about buying a home now or waiting, now is the time. - Are You Wasting $471 Per Month On Your Mortgage?Posted on: 2012-03-07
According to Freddie Mac's weekly mortgage rate survey, for 13 straight weeks, the average 30-year fixed rate mortgage has held below 4.000% for mortgage applicants willing to pay up to 0.8 discount points plus a full set of closing costs.
These are the lowest mortgage rates in history and now -- with a bevy of loan programs for the nation's 11 million 'underwater homeowners' including HARP, the FHA Streamline Refinance, and the VA IRRRL -- millions of U.S. homeowners can exploit the current mortgage rate environment.
In this 4-minute clip from NBC's The Today Show, you'll learn about today's mortgage market and your refinancing opportunities in Arizona.
The video begins by telling us that 14 million credit-worthy Americans have yet to refinance their respective mortgages, and are leaving an average of $471 in 'wasted savings' on the table each month which adds up to more than $5,600 annually.
That's a big number.
Some of the video's other key points include :
* Refinancing is 'worth the hassle' when mortgage rates are as low as they are today
* The best rates are reserved for homeowners with the highest credit scores
* Comparison shop -- your current mortgage lender may not offer you the best rates
Furthermore, the video reveals the characteristics of the homeowner type most likely to benefit from a refinance. These traits include having with 20% equity in the home; have plans to live in the home for at least the next 36 months; carrying a current mortgage rate of 5 percent or higher.
It should also be added that, with a zero-closing-cost or low-closing-cost mortgage, even a small reduction in your mortgage rate can make a refinance worthwhile.
Mortgage rates are low but can't stay low forever. If you haven't participated in the Refi Boom, talk with a loan officer and review your mortgage options. You may be able to save hundreds of dollars per month with just modest closing costs.Website:www.msnbc.msn.com/id/32545640 - Home Affordability Reaches An All-Time HighPosted on: 2012-03-06
Home affordability moved higher last quarter, boosted by the lowest mortgage rates in history, a rise in median income, and slow-to-recover home prices throughout Arizona and the country.According to the National Association of Home Builders, the quarterly Home Opportunity Index read 75.9 in 2011's fourth quarter. More than 3 in 4 homes sold between October-December 2011, in other words, were affordable to households earning the national median income of $64,200.
Never in recorded history have U.S. homes been as affordable on a national level. Even on a regional and local level, affordability soared.
Affordability was highest in the Midwest; 7 of the 10 most affordable markets nationwide were in the nation's heartland.
The Top 5 most affordable U.S. cities in Q4 2011 were:
- 1. Kokomo, IN (99.2% home affordability)
- 2. Fairbanks, AK (97.5% home affordability)
- 3. Cumberland, WV (96.9% home affordability)
- 4. Lima, OH (96.0% home affordability)
- 5. Rockford, IL (95.5% home affordability)
These are each considered 'small markets'. The most affordable 'major market' was the Youngstown, Ohio area, where 95.1% of homes sold were affordable to households earning the area's local median income.
Not surprisingly, America's 'least affordable cities' were regionally-concentrated, too, with 7 of the 10 least affordable markets located in either California or Texas.
San Francisco (#3), Santa Ana (#4), and Los Angeles (#5) led for the Golden State but, for the 15th consecutive quarter, the New York metropolitan area took 'Least Affordable Market' honors.
Just 29 percent of homes in and around New York City were affordable to households earning the area's median income last quarter. It's a large jump from the quarter prior during which 23 percent of homes were affordable.
The rankings for all 225 metro areas are available for download on the NAHB website.
- 1. Kokomo, IN (99.2% home affordability)
- How To Keep A Stainless Steel Product ShiningPosted on: 2012-03-05
With their sleek, modern look, over the past 10 years, stainless steel appliances have move from 'hot trend' to commonplace.
However, as any Sonoran Foothills homeowner with stainless steel appliances will tell you, to keep a stainless steel surface free from marks, drips and fingerprints can be a futile exercise. Streaks and smudges will happen -- they can't be avoiding.
There are tricks, however, for keeping your stainless 'shining'. You'll need a microfiber cloth and a small bowl, plus some dish detergent, and some WD-40 or furniture polish.
First, start with a single teaspoon of dish detergent in a quart of hot tap water. Using the microfiber cloth to avoid scratching the appliance's surface, rub the mixture firmly in the direction of the steel's grain.
Rinse the surface with clean, hot water and dry it immediately.
If the smudge remains, as a second attempt, spray a little WD-40 or furniture polish on the surface of the stainless steel appliance and buff the mark away using the microfiber cloth.
Then, if the smudge still remains, apply a small amount of rubbing alcohol to the appliance surface and -- again with the microfiber cloth -- rub in the direction of the grain. This will remove the mark, but it will also dull the stainless steel's shine.
Therefore, to restore the appliance's luster, use a small amount of WD-40 or furniture polish, or buff the appliance with a drop of mineral oil.
You may also use a commercial stainless steel cleaner to clean your home's appliance and these products work well. However, they're often thick with chemicals and can be more expensive than one of the do-it-yourself solutions presented above.
Sometimes, though, it takes a specialty product to get the job done. -
Sonoran Foothills Housing UpdatePosted on: 2012-02-12Buyers are coming out of the woodwork! Literally. There's been a surge in home buyers since 2012 started. Every buyer I'm helping is looking for a model perfect, move in ready home...whether they're a first time buyer, looking for their winter home or relocating -no one wants a fixer upper. That fact coupled with low interest rates and a historically low housing inventory means the bidding wars have begun. When a turn key home hits the market under $200,000, buyers are scrambling to get there first - many times there will be up to 15 offers or more by the end of the day. It's common to see comments in listings such as 'Seller will review all offers on xyz date. Bring your highest and best offer.'
At an industry meeting I attended last week, we learned that last month Maricopa County has just over 11,000 single family detached homes listed on the market - about 2 months worth of inventory. A normal market has about 6 months of inventory or three times that amount!
What do Sonoran Foothills home sales look like today?
* 43 homes are actively listed for sale or pending sale
* As of 2/12/2012, 11 homes have sold and the overall ave dollar per sq ft is $94/sq ft compared to $91/sf overall in 2011. You can see a year by year comparison in the previous post.
Keep in mind that there are a variety of home builders with varying ranges of home prices from affordable to semi-custom luxury homes. This is an overall snapshot of the community. Based on the home sales over the past year, we're actually seeing a slight increase in sales prices. This is not happening throughout the entire valley! This is a growing, thriving area with companies like W.L. Gore opening one of their main campuses right here in our community. I'm helping several employees relocate to the area. They're actually still expanding the campus and some of the employees who have already relocated are working out of a temporary office on Happy Valley until 2015, so there's much growth to be had as more and more employees are relocated.
If you have questions about your specific subdivision or home value, please feel free to contact me. I'm happy to do a detailed analysis for you.
All information should be verified by the recipient and none is guaranteed as accurate by ARMLS. Data pulled is as accurate as the listing agent entered it.Website:www.mysonoranfoothills.com -
The Truth about Sonoran Foothills Home ValuesPosted on: 2011-10-15*Updated with final 2011 ARMLS sales data*
As a resident of Sonoran Foothills since 2005, I've closely watched the housing values of our neighborhood to see how it compares to the national stats as well as our valleywide stats. Since Phoenix is extremely subdivision oriented, each community has it's own unique qualities and value driven indicators.
Sonoran Foothills arose during the height of the economic boom and therefore took a massive hit initially. The decline will appear to be more than in some areas of the valley simply because the values were ballooned to a level they were never meant to be, due to the fact our community was built at the height of the boom. The neighborhood has been resetting itself since 2009 as more and more original homeowners have sold their homes through short sale, trustee sale (foreclosure) and even some traditional sales!
As we've seen our neighborhood turn over with new neighbors, the values have held steady for the past year now. Below are links to annual sales summaries from 2005 through 2011. You'll notice the Average Dollar per Sq Ft of homes sold from 2009 to 2011 remains tight in comparison to the large dips seen from 2005 to 2009.
* 2011 - $90/sq ft.
* 2010 - $91/sq ft
* 2009 - $94/sq ft
* 2008 - $114/sq ft
* 2007 - $171/sq ft
* 2006 - $170/sq ft
* 2005 - $171/sq ft
Keep in mind that these are homes in Sonoran Foothills that were sold through the MLS. These stats do NOT include trustee sales and some of the new builds that builders sold outside of the MLS at the higher range of the $/sq ft. The MLS is a good birds eye representation of how values are doing.
They DO include investor-bought properties at trustee sales where they cleaned up the home and often enhanced the features and resold it as a move-in ready, upgraded home. We're seeing quite a few of these 'fix-and-flips' in 2011. Contrary to some opinions, it's not a bad thing. The majority of buyers I work with do not want to look at fixer upper homes because they either can't afford it or they're beyond those years in their life and want a nice, move-in ready home. Those investors brought these buyers into our neighborhood by selling these exact homes with enhanced features for higher prices than a bank-owned house would sell for.
Sonoran Foothills was built during the infamous real estate bubble. What does this mean? Values were never meant to be that high and history tells us, they will never be that high again during our lifetime. The facts and history shows us that the realistic value of your home is likely going to be between $100-$120 per square foot within the next 5-10 years. Again, many factors (some unforeseen!) affect our home values, and each builder in Sonoran Foothills has a different product from entry level to semi-custom, so KEEP THAT IN MIND
*** I can provide you a with a custom value assessment of your subdivision by builder. Just send an email request or call me. ***.
We live in a new, thriving area. Location is on our side. With the addition of W.L. Gore, we will undoubtedly continue to see positive growth. I am already working with employees looking in Sonoran Foothills who are being relocated from other states to work at the new campus which I've been told will initially employ over 800 people. Guess where they want to live? You got it, close to work!
I've also had an increased number of Canadian buyers looking in our neighborhood. We have the perfect location: beautiful Sonoran Desert views, hiking trails, new shopping and dining, and easy access to downtown Phoenix for sporting events or nearby golf courses .
Feel good about our growing, magnificent community, neighbors! Now we just need a Whole Foods or Trader Joes!
Each subdivision and builder within Sonoran Foothills has varying value analysis, so if you have a question about your specific builder's neighborhood or your home value, just let me know.
As always, call me with questions. I'm here to help!
All information should be verified by the recipient and none is guaranteed as accurate by ARMLS. Data pulled is as accurate as the listing agent entered it.
Website:www.PhoenixPropertyValues.com - 8 Ways Vino 100 Wine Bar in Phoenix Could Help You Survive a Zombie OutbreakPosted on: 2011-09-09
8 Ways Vino 100 Wine Bar in Phoenix Could Help You Survive a Zombie Outbreak
1) Where else would you rather be during a zombie outbreak?
Value (2)
You’ll be able to stick it out with affordable wines. If you live in the North Phoenix- North Scottsdale area and you like to drink wine, then you must experience the Vino 100 Wine Shop. Located in the Tuscany Village Center next to Tatum Ranch Community, this lovely little wine bar and shop whose claim to fame is “100 great wines for $25 or less” truly is “a new way to buy wine simply based on flavor and body.”
My husband and I love to learn about wine and certainly enjoy drinking it. We’ve visited many wineries and attended wine seminars around the world on cruises and at Four Seasons Resorts. We were even married at Ponte Winery & Estate in Temecula, CA! Our friends and family still rave about how much fun that was. Wine Education and Personality (3,4)
Why not learn something while you’re there? What we love about Vino 100 is that this charming little wine bar/wine shop is personable and inviting. The owners and employees make the wine buying experience as enjoyable as drinking it. They pride themselves on their casual, comfortable approach in assisting their customers in selecting a wine that’s right for your pallet. You will not find snobby, intimidating people here! They have built a following of local wine lovers who get together for wine dinners, tastings or entertainment at Vino 100.
Community and Live Entertainment (5,6)
They care about you and want to hang out with you. Their philanthropic attitude engages them in the community. You will see them hosting chamber events and involved in various charitable activities. They support local business owners and you will find a local Chef preparing an outstanding dinner or pairings for one of their events. Vino 100 is your neighborhood wine bar where you can sit and chat with friends, meet new friends and learn about wine in a cozy, fun atmosphere. You can often catch live music on Friday or Saturday nights from local musicians such as Dan Emrey.
Local Wine Club and Wine Tastings (7,8)
Join the Vino 100 wine club for all kinds of goodies and benefits, stop in for a wine tasting and meet new friends today! By the way, they introduced me to my new wine obsession, the Petite Petit by Michael David Winery.
Support local business owners. Every one hundred dollars spent at a locally owned business keeps $73 in the community versus $43 if spent at big box or chains (Thank you Local First and LocalLily). Supporting local businesses and agriculture enriches our individual neighborhoods, greater communities.* In no way, shape or form does Kelli Grant or this blog meant to convey that I condone under age drinking of alcholic beverages or an overconsumption of any kind.
Featured Tatum Ranch Family Home For Sale
- Sonoran Foothills Real Estate Sales Activity -30 Day ReviewPosted on: 2011-07-27Sonoran Foothills Real Estate Sales Activity -30 Day Review
The 3 page report summarizes housing activity in the Sonoran Foothills neighborhood.
SF July 27_2011 Market Activity
Click FULL SCREEN icon to view even better - When will I qualify for a mortgage after a short sale or foreclosure?Posted on: 2011-07-20
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.
- Dixileta Rd Has Cops Giving TicketsPosted on: 2011-07-08They closed the road over a month ago and waited until people started getting brave enough (and late for an appointment) to take the road anyway. This morning, they were handing out $176 tickets to every vehicle who turned onto the road to get to I-17....even the landscaping trucks that were going to the dump. Someone reportedly saw 3 landscaping trucks issued tickets. A cop told someone that you can access the dump ONLY from I-17 (how convenient). He also said that they are not enforcing the 'Do Not Enter' signs from I-17 to the parkway because the signage is past the dump. How very interesting. Isn't this a private road?
Thoughts??
http://sonorancitizens.com/2011/05/03/alert-friday-may-6-dixileta-road-will-be-closed-to-public-indefinitely/ -
Sonoran Boulevard Construction PausedPosted on: 2011-06-20Sonoran Boulevard was discussed at length (for about 80 minutes) at the recent City of Phoenix Council session.
After hearing from many residents, including SCIA President Clif Freedman and Vice President Bryan Cazier, District 2 City Councilman Bryan Jeffries made a motion to pause construction on the section of Sonoran Boulevard east of Sonoran Foothills and west of where current maps show Sonoran Boulevard and Sonoran Desert Drive intersecting. The reason for the pause is so that the matter can be arbitrated.
The motion was seconded and approved in a 7 to 1 vote. Councilman Michael Johnson (who was a member of Peggy Neely’s Mayoral Exploratory Committee) was the only one who opposed to the plan to pause construction while the matter is arbitrated. Over the next few weeks, parties will meet with an experienced arbitrator, David C. Tierney, who has offered to work pro-bono to help resolve the issue.
The plan is to have representatives from, but not limited to, the following stakeholders involved in the arbitration:
Carefree Crossings HOA
Sonoran Foothills HOA
Amber Hills HOA
Sonoran Citizens Improvement Association
MAG (Maricopa Association of Governments)
Phoenix Mountain Preserve
North Gateway Village Representatives
Westcor
Gore
The City of Phoenix
Website:sonorancitizens.com/ - New Plans Call For a Hospital Instead of Auto MallPosted on: 2011-05-12PHOENIX- The City of Phoenix Planning Commission unanimously approved plans to develop a piece of prime real estate in north Phoenix.
The members voted to allow development on the desert land off Interstate 17 and Sonoran Boulevard near the Carefree Highway.
Westcor, which runs most of the big malls in the Valley, originally got the go-ahead to build an automall on the site in 2006.
Those plans were shelved when the economy soured but they've now been brought back to life.
Instead of an automall, new plans call for a hospital and other businesses.
Residents have been watching the plans for years and are concerned about their peace and quiet disappearing while traffic backups become frequent.
'You're creating a bottleneck rivaled by a World Series game between the Yankees and Mets in New York City,' said Clif Freedman.
by Jared Dillingham
azfamily.com
Posted on May 11, 2011 at 9:59 PM
- Dogs!!!Posted on: 2011-04-29If you are a dog owner, do not leave your dogs outside during the day. Not only is it dangerous as the temperatures rise, dogs are prone to bark. This annoys your neighbors and is a violation of a municipal ordinance.
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Sonoran Foothills Residents Give Back to the CommunityPosted on: 2010-12-22Sonoran Foothills Residents Give Back to the Community
2010 Holiday Food & Toy Drives
Thank you to the residents of Sonoran Foothills who have been so generous in their contributions to this year’s food and toy drives!!
F O OD D R I V E T O B E N E F I T
St Mary’s Food Bank Alliance
We filled five of the large food drive boxes – each box holds approximately 300 pounds of food. Desert Springs gets bragging rights for donating the largest amount of food based on weight followed closely by Desert Vista and Desert Crest. The food was picked up by St. Mary’s Alliance Food Bank truck on Tuesday, December 21, 2010.
TOY D R I V E T O B E N E F I T
Salvation Army’s Project Hope
Staff from the Salvation Army’s Project Hope picked up two large boxes that Residents filled with a myriad of toys to be given to children served by Project Hope. Many of the children come to the Program with little more than the clothes on their back. Toys such as the ones donated should bring some joy into the lives of these children.
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FROM YOUR FRIENDS AT NORTERRA FAMILY MEDICINE!Posted on: 2010-12-15The Physicians and Staff at Norterra Family Medicine want to wish you and yours a very safe, healthy and happy holiday season!
Some helpful hints for staying healthy include taking a break just for yourself, even if it is only 10 minutes and Just Breathe! The STRESS of the Holiday Season can take its toll. Make sure you have received your flu shot, drink plenty of water and get some exercise. It is not critical that you sample every Goodie! They’ll be available all year round. And remember to Love, Laugh and Live!
LAST CALL FOR FLU SHOTS!!
Did you know that you can be an influenza carrier and give it to others without getting ill yourself? We recommend a flu shot to protect yourself and your family. Did you know that in Arizona our Flu season can stretch into March? We still have plenty of flu vaccine available. Schedule your appointment today!
CONGRATULATIONS!
Dr. Kristine Sarna has completed her Board Certification in Integrative Holistic Medicine! She can offer more natural options for healing and preventing illness. Holistic and Integrative Medicine is the wave of the future in health care. We are so proud of Dr. Sarna for this amazing accomplishment!
Make a resolution this New Year to make 2011 a Healthy and Happy year!
Call our office to schedule your appointment today! 623.565.5060
BE WELL!
The Norterra Family Medicine Staff
Website:norterrafamilymedicine.com/ -
Holiday Season Crime PreventionPosted on: 2010-12-14By Officer Tim Mitten, Community Action Officer
Phoenix Police Department, Black Mountain Precinct
Once again the holiday season is fast approaching. The weather has turned nice and we are emerging from our summer hibernation and the scorching heat to enjoy one of the main reasons why we all love this part of the country. This month, with the recent passing of the Halloween holiday leads us into the busy holiday season, a time for friends and family but also a time for crime to occur and people to be taken advantage of. I want to take a few moments to go over some crime prevention and safety awareness reminders.
1. When walking to and from stores, mall, etc keep your head up and be aware of your surroundings, Walk with a purpose, do not divert your attention by texting or talking on the phone, digging for car keys or be burdened with too many bags or packages.
2. If you get lost or do not remember where you parked your car, return to the store and ask for assistance from a security officer or store employee. Do not wander around looking lost; you can be targeted as a victim. If someone you don’t know is on or near your car, do not approach it, walk back to where you came from and call police or security. When you do get to your car, look around it and inside before you get in to make sure no one is around or in it.
3. Park in a well lit area, do not park in dark or far away places. I know it is difficult to find good parking, but do the best you can. If you go in at daylight hours and think you might be inside until it is dark, park as if it were dark.
4. Roll the windows on your car all the way up and LOCK your car. Do not leave valuables, packages, etc in plain view inside the car; put them all in the trunk.
5. Do not keep large amounts of cash with you or display cash when shopping. Take with you only what you need for the day. Be on guard while at ATM’s.
6. Keep a constant eye on your children. ALWAYS know where they are and keep them in sight. Children are easily distracted by the decorations and excitement of the holidays and may wander off in only a couple seconds.
7. Do not drink and drive, please use a designated driver or call a taxi. This time of the year many people have holiday functions from work or family and drink when they usually don’t and make a bad decision and drive. Please enjoy the season but drive responsibly and patiently. Everyone has a lot to do and if we can exercise patience on the roadways we can reduce accidents.
I also want to take this opportunity to express from myself and other officers here at the Phoenix Police Department our gratitude. We suffered another loss of one of our fellow officers last month and the support from the community has be seen and heard and it is not forgotten or ignored. Everyday we all look forward to serving our community to the best of our abilities and we desire to do it with you as our partners in the community. We are here for you and are with you in trying to keep Phoenix safe and enjoy a good quality of life in our neighborhoods.
I can be reached at 602-495-5238 or at tim.mitten@phoenix.gov if you have any questions or concerns in your community. I look forward to continuing to serve you as we continue to make the City of Phoenix a great place to call home. Happy Holidays!
Email:tim.mitten@phoenix.gov -
OVER SEEDINGPosted on: 2010-10-21It’s that time of year where the current turf areas both around the Clubhouse as well as in the parcel pocket parks and other grassy areas is converted to rye grass. This transition involves a few weeks of “ugly”, but the results are well worth it!
We wanted you to be aware of the process so that you are prepared for the temporary changes that are not attractive while the ground is being prepared for the rye seed and for the period while the rye begins to germinate. Residents will also notice that the water is on often – this is necessary to facilitate the germination of the rye seed and will be done in a controlled manner. Please note that during the transition period, it is best to stay off the turf areas so that rye can be established. Once that happens we will have several months of beautiful grass to enjoy.
During this process, and until the winter rye is fully germinated, the grass will be varying shades of brown. In addition, the preparation process can be a messy and dusty process. We will attempt to clean up all areas affected at the end of each day. However, dust and grass clippings tend to float through the air and land on vehicles, pools, etc. Those especially concerned with small debris settling on their vehicles may choose to park some distance from the turf areas.
DLC Resources thanks you in advance for your cooperation.
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Just Listed in Case You Know Someone LookingPosted on: 2010-08-24$199,000
61st Ave/Pinnacle Peak
2114 in Pinnacle Hill
Move in ready modern home with plenty of upgrades perfect for entertaining. See docs tab with all upgrades! Black Granite counters, new tile throughout, garage cabinets. Luscious backyard includes built in BBQ, pool has new tile (summer '10), new A/C motor, pics tell all. Must see. Surrounded by mountain views all around, walking paths and park across street. GCC North campus 5 min drive. Short Sale by experienced short sale specialist.Website:link.flexmls.com/rkrhkr2c2pn,12 -
Street Parking Near GatesPosted on: 2010-08-17Mainly Witnessed in Desert Trails South -
Frequently residents, guests and vendors are parking too close to the exit gate of the neighborhood.
When vehicles park in close proximity, the gates automatically open due to the sensor device that detects the vehicle. This sensor notifies the motor, which keeps running non-stop to keep the gates open as long as a vehicle is detected. Constant running of the motor leads to unnecessary wear and tear. It can also cause the motor to fail and warrant replacement.
We are asking for your help in this matter. Please communicate with people who live in your home, guests that visit, and service workers that come to your home.
There should be no parking on the east side of side of the street any further north than the 4th house from the gate.
Thank you for your attention and cooperation in this matter. -
5 Reasons to Use a Licensed Realtor When Buying PropertyPosted on: 2008-11-061) Our services are free to you. Buyers do not pay ANY commissions.
2) Today’s realtor knows how to efficiently search properties online that meet your criteria, desires and needs foregoing long days and weeks driving around in the car looking at unnecessary properties. We search properties daily, so we can find them much quicker knowing which codes and criteria to enter in the MLS narrowing the potential list of “go sees”. AND, a good realtor will preview the selected properties before taking you out, eliminating potentially wasted time for you.
3) The negotiation of the property is our expertise. You need a third party, unattached and knowledgeable professional to keep you from making poor buying decisions for a purchase worth hundreds of thousands of dollars. You may be emotional and may want to make any offer possible to get the property you fell in love with at first site.
We know how to strategically structure an attractive offer to the seller through a fair price, appliances, home warranties, closing cost contribution, etc. With that in mind, we also know how to get you the best possible price. The realtor knows how to accurately assess the neighborhood’s current market value the property is located in to strategically create the right offer.
4) Beyond the negotiation process is the actual transaction. The realtor knows the real estate laws, rules and regulations which will guide you through the transaction. We handle all the paperwork and track time periods so that nothing falls through the cracks. We know when to order a home and termite inspection, what kinds of additional addenda are required, and what additional legal rights YOU have. For example, what’s on the buyer advisory, the value of a home warranty, explaining the Seller Property Disclosure Statement and what to be aware of, explaining what terms like “Superfund or WQARF” are and what they mean to you…etc.
There are also other valuable things your realtor can point out. For example, you have allergic reactions to scorpion bites, and the particular community you are interested in has an abundance of scorpions throughout the area.
5) The entire team that comes with your realtor will all watch out for your best interests. They’re qualified and trustworthy professionals that work with your realtor every day. For instance, a quality home/termite inspector that won’t do a poor job on the inspection that would later come back to haunt you; a reliable mortgage broker that will guide you to the right mortgage program that meets your specific needs so you don’t end up finding a loan officer out to make a quick buck who over approves you, setting you up for a foreclosure in 2 years; an efficient and knowledgeable escrow officer that will guide you through that stack of paperwork your signing at the title company.
Why would you spend hundreds of thousands of dollars, most likely the biggest purchase you’ll make in your life, without using a licensed professional? Would you walk into a trial hearing without an attorney representing you? -
How To Drive in Phoenix, ArizonaPosted on: 2008-08-121. 'Phoenix' actually consists of Scottsdale, Chandler, Anthem, Paradise Valley, Maryvale, Ahwatukee, Gold Canyon, Tempe, Mesa, Gilbert, Glendale, Peoria, Tolleson, Avondale, Goodyear, Litchfield Park, Sun City, Sun City West, Sun Lakes, Surprise, and half of the Mexican border.
2. The morning rush hour is from 5:00 am to noon. The evening rush hour is from noon to 9:00 pm. Friday's rush hour starts on Thursday morning.
3. The minimum acceptable speed on most freeways is 85 mph. On Loop 101, your speed is expected to match the highway number. Anything less is considered 'Wussy'.
4. Forget the traffic rules you learned elsewhere. Phoenix has its own version of traffic rules. For example, cars/trucks with the loudest mufflers go first at a four-way stop; the trucks with the biggest tires go second. However, in the East Valley, SUV-driving, cell phone-talking moms ALWAYS have the right of way.
5. If you actually stop at a yellow light, you will be rear ended.
6. Never honk at anyone. Ever. Seriously. It's an offense that can get you shot.
7. Road construction is permanent in Phoenix. Detour barrels are moved around for your entertainment pleasure during the middle of the night to make the next day's driving a bit more exciting.
8. Watch carefully for road hazards such as drunks, dogs, barrels, cones, cats, mattresses, shredded tires, rabbits, vultures, javelinas, roadrunners, and the coyotes feeding on any of these items.
9. Maricopa Freeway, Papago Freeway and the 'I-10' are the same road. SR202 is the same road as The Red Mountain FWY. Dunlap and Olive are the same street too. Jefferson becomes Washington, but they are not the same street. I-17 is also called The Black Canyon Freeway as well as The Veterans Memorial Highway. The SR51 has recently been renamed to Piestewa Freeway because Squaw Peak Parkway was too easy to pronounce. SR101 is also the Pima FWY except west of I-17, which is also The Black Canyon FWY, and The Veterans Memorial HWY. Lastly, Thunderbird Rd. becomes Cactus Rd. -- but, Cactus Rd. doesn't become Thunderbird Rd. because it dead ends at a mountain.
10. If someone actually has their turn signal on, wave them to the shoulder immediately to let them know it has been 'accidentally activated.'
11. If you are in the left lane and only driving 70 in a 55-65 mph zone, you are considered a road hazard and will be 'flipped off' accordingly. If you return the flip, you'll be shot.
12. For summer driving, it is advisable to wear potholders on your hands.
13. Please note that there are many, MANY more issues to the phenomenon of driving in Phoenix -- like the 4-cars-through-a-red-light rule -- but these will at least get you acquainted with our unique life on the road. -
How to Price Your House to Sell in Today’s MarketPosted on: 2008-07-30This 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
Website:www.PhoenixHomesForLife.com - The Rotten HousePosted on: 2008-02-20
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!!!!!!Website:www.YourCommunityResource.com - Common Credit Repair Scams & How to Avoid ThemPosted on: 2008-02-16
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.Website:www.YourCommunityResource.com - How to Be Smart Investing in Real EstatePosted on: 2008-02-13
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!Website:www.YourCommunityResource.com -
How to Get Your Asking Price in a Buyer’s MarketPosted on: 2008-02-11In 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.
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.Website:www.YourCommunityResource.com -
District 2 City Council Meeting with Planning Director, Debra StarkPosted on: 2007-10-06A week ago, I attended this meeting where Debra Stark, City of Phoenix Planning Director, answered questions and discussed the future needs and plans for District 2 and Phoenix as a whole.
The motorplex has been a big issue for those of us living here in Tramonto and Sonoran Foothills. I must say that I feel much better after hearing the intentions and seeing design concepts. She said that Westcorp wants to keep it upscale and preserve the integrity of the beauty of our surrounding desert. It was also mentioned that it is supposed to be nicer than the Scottsdale Rd/101 auto mall. At the northeast corner of I-17 and Dove Valley Rd, the motorplex will be located on 77 acres consisting of 11 dealerships with 16 auto brands while keeping 22 acres of Sonoran Preserve.
View the design guidelines.
The Sonoran Preserve Edge Treatment keeps the preserve open for the residents to have accessibility for hiking and biking. Acquiring another 20 acres gives 150 miles of Sonoran Preserve. They pointed out that Fireside by Del Webb at Norterra is limited on mountainside building due to the edge treatment with the intent to keep the accessibility open to surrounding neighborhoods.
The Deer Valley Village overlay district was created to restrict residential building surrounding Deer Valley airport as it is the busiest general aviation airport in the country.
For those of you who shop at Paradise Valley Mall, you will see that it is once again going through a complete revitalization. Plans are posted throughout the mall.
