New Year's Eve at Ocotillo, Chandler, AZ

Are you still looking for a perfect place to spend the New Year's Eve?
Maybe the Ocotillo Golf Resort in Chandler, Az will be the right place for you and your friends. Here it is a short list what the Ocotillo offers to their guests for only $75 Per Person. To make reservations CALL: 480-917-6660

New Year's Eve Gala
In the Crown Terrace Ballroom
Music and Dancing
Champagne Toast and Balloon Drop at Midnight
Seating begins at 8:00 pm

Appetizer
Seafood Ceviche served in Spicy Tomato Sauce (tomato water) or
Duck Confit Ravioli (Red Beet Pasta Dough), Frisee, Candied Pecans and Poached Pears
with fried Sage Burre Noisette

Salad
Warm Spinach Salad with Bing Cherries, Caramelized Red Onions and Maple Balsamic Vinaigrette or
Red Baby Caesar Salad with Reggiano Parmesan, Croutons and Meyer Lemon Vinaigrette

Intermisso
Chilled Strawberry Soup

Entrée
Butter Poached Maine Lobster served with Apple Risotto, Pea Tendrils and Anisette Baby Fennel
or Breast of Chicken stuffed with Boursin Cheese served with Truffled Pomme Puree and broiled White Asparagus with Red Pepper and Chive Burre Blanc or Filet Diane with Queen Creek Olive Oil Mashed Potatoes and Confit of Wild Mushrooms or Vegetarian Wellington served with Confit of Wild Mushroom and Red Pepper Coulis

Dessert
Assorted Petite Fours and Individual Desserts Station With Gourmet Coffee

U.S. Military Soldiers Are Waking Up!

41th Fall Art Festival in Tempe, Arizona

41th Fall Art Festival in Tempe, Arizona

This weekend December 4-6 more than 400 fine artists and craft persons displayed their original work on the streets of Tempe, Arizona. This is the largest festival in state of Arizona feaurures only original art and hosting about 250,000 vistors. In 2006, Sunshine Artists Magazine ranked the Tempe Festivals of the Arts in the Top 60 fine art and fine craft festivals nationwide, based on artists' surveys of excellence.

More than 1,000 applications from artists is received. A jury selects the top artisians in each category to participate in the Festival, then selects the best overall artist and the top artist in each category. Categories are ranging from woodwork to photography to ceramics and wearable art. During the Tempe Festival of the Arts the art and the artists are the main focus but there are also other activities to enjoy. Live entertaiment, street performers, vendors and sponsors amuse the Festival visitors.Enjoy the pictures if you missed the even this year and mark your calendar for the 42nd Fall Festival in Tempe in 2010.

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Gilbert named safest community in Arizona

Gilbert was named the safest municipality in Arizona in an annual national report released in November. The report found Gilbert to be 24th safest community in entire United States.

• The study analyzes rates and trends for total crime among cities of 75,000 or larger populations.
• Gilbert recently surpassed 220,000 population mark, and has long been known for maintaining its safe, family-friendly environment.
  
  In this year’s annual Heads of Households Survey, 97 percent of residents expressed satisfactions with the Town of Gilbert.
  
  The most common reasons cited were:
• the Town’s small-town atmosphere
• family-friendly focus
• clean and safe neighborhoods
• friendly people
• good retail options
• good public schools
• good parks and recreation programs.
  
  Residents this year also engaged at high rate in block parties, which give neighbors a chance to get to know each other and plan a block watch program that can help keep communities safe.
  
  Source: Your Town Magazine, Vol.13. Nov12, December 3, 2009
  

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FHA LOAN LIMITS FOR 2010

FHA LOAN LIMITS FOR 2010 – IMPORTANT!!

In February 2009, the Government increased the FHA Loan Limits in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA). Those limits are only in effect until December 31, 2009. Today, HUD announced the New FHA Loan Limits for 2010.

The new Maximum FHA Loan Limit in Maricopa County will be LOWERED from $346,250 down to $271,050 for Single Family Residences effective January 2010.

For a majority of the state of Arizona, the FHA loan limits will be as follows:

• One-Unit - $271,050
• Two-Unit - $347,000
• Three-Unit - $419,400
• Four-Unit - $521,250

Loans must be Approved by December 31^st in order to use the higher loan amounts before they expire.

What this means is that people that are buying a home in the range between $271,050 and $346.250 will need to pay more money for a down payment, risk paying higher monthly Private Mortgage Insurance premiums if they do not have a 20% down payment , and have potentially higher interest rates based on their credit scores if using Conventional financing. If you are representing a buyer that is looking in this price range it is of the utmost importance that they are aware of this new information. If you are working with a seller they must also understand that this information can greatly reduce the number of people that will be able to buy their home without a substantial amount of money for a down payment.

Ironically, $271,050 (the new limit) is 78.3% of the old limit $346,250.

source: Matt Puzz, Amerifirst

Chandler, Arizona Market Statistics

Your one-stop spot for information on Chandler homes and Chandler real estate market.

Chandler Area Market Snapshots

Search for Chandler Homes

Similar reports and a great deal of other data for Chandler or any Arizona city, town, or zip code are available. If you are interested in such a report or need any further information or assistance, please contact Megan or Hanna.

Short Sale / Foreclosure Training

Phoenix Real Estate Market Analysis

Inventory levels continue to rise since the previous report and are currently at 26,097 SFD homes available for sale.

• 10% increase in inventory over the last 2 months but closing rates have stayed fairly steady
• The closing rate of 7984 closes in the previous month leaves us with a 3 1/4 month supply of homes

The comparison of current active listing change is based on the previous reports' inventory. Supply numbers are based on the number of closings in the previous month, divided in to the total number of active listings. This data is for Single Family Detached homes only and does not include patio homes, condos, or town homes.

Overall Market

• Inventories are up 3% from the last report
• Total of 26097 active listings with 7984 closings in the last month
• About a 3 1/4 month supply

Phoenix

• Inventories are up 1% from the last report
• Total of 5171 active listings with 1987 closings in the last month
• About a 2 1/2 month supply

West Valley

• Inventories are up 6% from the last report
• Total of 5950 active listings with 2289 closings in the last month
• About a 2 1/2 month supply

NE Valley

• Inventories are unchanged from the last report
• Total of 4202 active listings with 528 closings in the last month
• About an 8 month supply

SE Valley

• Inventories are up 3% from the last report
• Total of 5903 active listings with 2171 closings in the last month
• About a 2 3/4 month supply.

Scottsdale over $1m

• Inventories are down 2% from the last report
• Total of 993 active listings with 39 closings in the last month
• About a 25 1/2 month supply

Scottsdale under $1m

• Inventories are up 1% from the last report
• Total of 1890 active listings with 358 closes in the last month
• About a 5 1/4 month supply
  

Paradise Valley

• Inventories are unchanged from the last report
• Total of 452 active listings with 29 closes in the last month
• About a 15 1/2 month supply

Phoenix is searched as a single entity.
West Valley is Surprise, Peoria, Sun City, Glendale, El Mirage, Youngtown, Litchfield Park, Avondale, Goodyear, Buckeye, and Tolleson.
NE Valley is Scottsdale, Paradise Valley, Fountain Hills, Cave Creek, and Carefree.
SE Valley is Tempe, Mesa, Gilbert, Apache Junction, Queen Creek, and Chandler.

source: Karl Stauffer

Condo for Sale in Scottsdale, Arizona – Valle Vista, $119,000 - Price Reduced

Condo for Sale in Scottsdale, Arizona – Valle Vista, $119,000

6925 E 4TH ST 16 Scottsdale, AZ 85251

For more information call 480-213-5758 or visit our website www.AzPrimeHomes.com

Condo for Sale in Scottsdale, Arizona – Valle Vista - Bedrooms: 2 / Baths: 1.5 / Living Area: 1,029SF
Cross Streets: 70TH ST/GOLDWATER Directions: South to 4TH St, Right to Property, Unit is on the West Side of the Pool.

This Condo for Sale is located in Valle Vista Subdivision.

• Ideal Scottsdale Location
• Within Walking Distance to Old Town Galleries, Shops & Restaurants
• A Beautiful Two Story Unit With Urban Loft Feel
• Designed By a Student of Frank Lloyd Wright
• Very Contemporary.
• Renovated with hardwood floors, travertine tile and new fixtures.
• Exposed wood beams on the ceiling and exposed brick wall separates the unit from the only neighbor
• Patio on the main floor and balcony off the second bedroom overlook the community pool
• Currently rented until July 15th, 2010 and generating $950 gross rental income per month
  Buyer to assume the lease. GREAT CONDO FOR SALE FOR AN INVESTMENT!
  HOA dues of $230 per month includes water.
  All appliances convey.

County/Region: Maricopa County AZ / Valley of the Sun Central
Year built: 1974
Builder: Olympic Development
High School: Scottsdale #048 Unified School District

Virtual Tour - CLICK HERE or on the image below

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Maricopa, Foreclosed Homes...I have not seen that one yet

I have not seen that one yet.....Maricopa, Foreclosed Homes

I visit many homes after Trustee Sale with interested Buyers and wonder at what I might find indoors when I put the key into the lock. The last foreclosed home I toured had exceeded my expectation and imagination. I have seen a lot properties with missing:



1. Appliances such as stoves, built-in microwaves, dishwashers, etc.
2. Flooring tiles, parts of carpet
3. Kitchen Islands (ripped off from the middle of the kitchen)
4. Cabinets and counter tops
5. Light fixtures and ceiling fans, doors and hardware
6. Toilets, bath tubs and sinks
7. Furnaces and air conditioning units (A/C units are very popular)
8. Landscaping- trees, shrubs, bushes, bricks
9. ETC, ETC

When homeowners do leave their property, they do not always simply "walk away." Do they?

So, after a while I got used to it. Just warned my buyers what they can expect inside foreclosed properties.

What was done to home I went to recently in Maricopa, AZ just shocked me.

The homeowner must have been so furious and ready to take on the structure he lived in for at least few years. Inside the house we discovered purred CONCRETE into the toilet and bath drainage!!!! What a courage... to get the material and pay for it, invest a time and effort to prepare the mixture and fill in the drainage! GOAL achieved! The foundation must be ripped off and the entire drain pipes replaced. House do not qualify as livable (at least not up to FHA standardsJ)

Homeowner was probably having a bad day.

Some misguided home owners, angry at the bank for foreclosing, think it's somehow permissible to turn the home into a total nightmare. It is ILLEGAL. Banks are most likely to pursue and prosecute homeowners who vandalize or strip their homes while in foreclosure.

But does it really happen? Personally, I have not heard of any legal action against homeowner who stripped or demolish his house while in foreclosure.

U.S. corporations such as Google and Yahoo have compromised free speech and information in the name of profits, allowing foreign governments like China, France, and Myanmar to restrict their citizens' internet access to websites approved by government officials.

Phoenix, Valle Vista Home for Sale - $199,500

Phoenix, Valle Vista Home for Sale - $199,500

2244 W BONANZA LN Phoenix, AZ 85085
MLS# 4238572
Immaculate home in Phoenix in Valley Vista subdivision. Do not miss out!

• 3 Beds, 2 baths + DEN with glass French door
  
• Beautiful and very functional kitchen with cherry wood
• 42in cabinets, lengthy breakfast bar and black appliances
• Throughout the home you will find a warm paint
• Neutral carpeting and elegant travertine flooring
• Well-designed master suite features bay window
• Garden tub between his/her sinks, vanity and separate, large shower
• Split floorplan adds privacy as well as formal dining and formal living room make this a perfect turn-key home
• North backyard invites with extended patio ready for entertainment

Ele Sch Dist: 097 - Deer Valley Unified District
Elementary School: Esperanza
Jr. High School: Deer Valley
High School Dist #: 097 - Deer Valley Unified District
High School: Barry Goldwater

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Sauce Restaurant is now open in Ocotillo, Chandler

Sauce Restaurant is now open in Ocotillo, Chandler
If you love taste of the italian food and vive you should visit the Sauce Restaurant that recently open next new location in Arizona, this time in Ocotillo, Chandler.

Downtown Ocotillo
2551 W Queen Creek Rd
Chandler, AZ
480-388-3640

Sauce Restaurant opened it's first location in 2003 and since then has been pleasing people of all the ages.

The main reasons are:

• reasonable prices
• fast gournet pizzas
• casual, hip setting

Menu: is simple, fresh and inexpensive

Pizza - thin, crispy crust, fresh gourmet toppings
Pasta - Hearty, warm, comforting
Sandwiches - freshly baked bread
Salads - crisp, chopped greens; plenty to share
Wine - unique and food frendly, priced just right

All sauces, dressing, pizza dough, croutons and soups are made daily from scratch.

Sauce - also offer catering. You need to place your oreder at least 48h in advance.
Unfortunately they don't deliver so you need to reserve some time to pick up.
If you need to cancel your order you need to do so 24h in advance, other way they will charge 10% of the total.

Average Price: Under $20
Hours: Sun-Thu 11.00am-9.00pm; Fri-Sat 11.00am-10.00pm

See you in Sauce in Ocotillo, Chandler.

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Kwanzoo: Instant Landing Pages for Social Media Marketers [Invites]

We thought we wil share this info:
The service is not yet available to the general public, but you can try it free using one of the 500 free beta test accounts that Kwanzoo is offering to Mashable readers.

Head over to their site, click the button to request an invitation, and then enter “Mashable” in the “Where did you hear about us?” box. The first 500 people will be notified via email with account information starting tomorrow early afternoon.

Quick Pitch:

• Create something interesting that will be talked about online
• Share on social networks
• Kwanzoo - offers marketers, advertisers, and small businesses a potentially powerful and viral way to leverage social media channels for quick and easy campaigns.
• Engage your fans on Facebook, followers on Twitter, blog readers, or customers in an email newsletter with a quiz or poll.
  
• Various tools and widgets made for each service
• All-in-one, plug-and-play solution
• Fast creation of your brand poll
• Shareable content
• Simple measure of your campaign results

The three step process:

1. Select a quiz or poll template
2. Customize it
3. Publish it as a landing page
   

Read more: http://mashable.com/2009/11/04/kwanzoo/

Single Family Home for Sale in Chandler, Arizona - $155,000

Chandler, Arizona - Single Family Home for Sale - $155,000

MLS# 4243885

Great property in subdivision with NO HOA in the heart of Chandler. Very open floorplan with remodeled kitchen and 2 bathrooms. Rooms are good size with big closets. Lots of storage areas throughout the house. Huge backyard with play pool, above ground spa and gazebo. Great for entertaining! Excellent location: close to major freeways and shopping centers. On the cul de sac street. Approved for Fannie Mae Homepath Mortgage Financing and HomePath Renovation Mortgage Financing.

Beds/Baths: 3 / 2
SF: 1,289
Year Built: 1983
Pool - Private: Fenced Pool; Play Pool
Spa: Above Ground Spa; Spa - Heated
Lot Size: 7,501 - 10,000
Level: Single Level
Dwelling Type: Single Family - Detached
Subdivision: SILVERGATE 3 UNIT 2 LOT 2
Tax Municipality: Chandler
Ele Sch Dist: 080 - Chandler Unified District
Elementary School: Goodman
Jr. High School: Andersen
High School Dist #: 080 - Chandler Unified District
High School: Chandler

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Ocotillo Golf Resort
Opened in 1986 and is recognized as a Top 50 Resort by Golf World and a 4 1/2 star golf course by Golf Digest.

Three nine-hole courses played in combinations with yardages ranging from 6,782 to 7,016 from the back tees and 5,128 to 5,134 from the forward tees.

The Blue-Gold combination plays as the most difficult, with a rating of 72.2 and slope of 133 from the back tees.

COURSE AMENITIES
• Award Winning Golf Shop
• Full Service Clubhouse and Snack Bar
• Practice Facilities Include Driving Range,
Putting Green and Practice Bunker
• Men's and Women's Full Service Locker Rooms
• Bernard's Restaurant & Bar
• Private and Group Lessons
• Callaway Club Rentals

RATES

Season	Rate	Twilight
May 11 - Sep 25, 2009	$65	$35
Sep 25, 2009 - Jan 14, 2010	$115	$65
Jan 15 - Apr 18, 2010	$130 Weekday $150 Weekend	$65 Weekday $80 Weekend

All rates for golf course tee times include Golf car.
Green Fee rates do not include tax.
Rates stated for the 2009-10 season, subject to change.

GOLF SHOP

When visiting Ocotillo, be sure to stop at our award winning Golf Shop which has been selected as the "Best Golf Shop for Women’s Apparel" by the Arizona Republic, "PGA Merchandiser of the Year" and one of the "Top 100 Pro Shops in The United States" by Golf World Business Magazine.

Source: www.ocotillogolf.com
Photo: freedigitalphotos.net

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Money Saving Tips for the Holiday Season

1. Create a Budget:

• Look closely at your finances to determine the most you can spend on gifts this holiday season.
  
• Write down all the people you want to buy gifts for.
  
• Next to those names, jot down a maximum dollar amount you can spend for that person’s gift.
  
• If you’re like most people you’ll need some help remembering those amounts – carry that list to each shopping trip.

2. Do your Research:

• Now that you know how much you want to spend on each gift, jump on the Internet.
  
• Start researching great gift ideas.
  
• Find out how much they cost at big-name retail stores.
  
• Then look for deals on competitors Websites. You might even try eBay.
  
• The bottom-line: by researching gifts and the various price points, you will likely see some savings.

3. Use Cash:

• Studies have shown that consumers using cash pay more attention to what they are spending and decrease their chance of overspending.
  
• It may not be the most convenient method for shopping, but it certainly beats going over your budget.

4. Get Creative:

• If you plan ahead, handmade gifts can be a wonderful alternative to the typical store-bought item.
  
• Knitting, beading or fly-tying are all inventive ways to create the perfect gift for someone special.

5. Stick to the Plan:

• This step may be the most important (second possibly to creating your budget).
  
• Keep your plan in your pocket – or purse – during all shopping trips and refer to your list often.
  
• If things should change consult your budget, consider removing a friend or family member from your list, and work it into your plan.
  
  source: Wise Agent
  photo: Christine Glade/iStockPhoto
  

Chandler Open House

When?

• Saturday, October 31 from 1.00pm - 6.00pm
• Sunday, November 1st from 12.00am - 4.00pm

Where?

• 707 W LOUGHLIN DR Chandler, AZ
• MLS# 4191161
• $215,000 - just reduced!
  

Beds/Baths: 3 / 2
SF: 1,515 / County Assessor

Year Built: 1985
Pool - Private: Pool - Private; Diving Pool; Play Pool
Lot Size: 7,501 - 10,000
Level: Single Level

• A lovely, well cared for home in Chandler that is move-in ready!
  
• 1515 sq. ft. home features 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, 2 car garage.
  
• A spacious floor plan and lush backyard make this home perfect for entertaining.
  
• The home has been beautifully landscaped both front and back!
  
• NO Homeowners Association!
• Not a short sale or foreclosure.

Happy Halloween!

photo: freedigitalphotos.net

Real Estate Statistics from Scottsdale, Arizona

Statistics from Scottsdale - October 2009

• The Average Price Per Square Footage - Scottsdale
  
  • Monthly Average this month $178,86 per SF
  • Annual Average $194,20 per SF
  • Annual Appreciation -23.4%
  • Recent Trend -7.9%
    

click on image to enlarge

• Inventory Levels:
  
  • 334 Days Inventory Based on Annual Sales
  • 276 Days Inventory Based on Monthly Sales
    

click on image to enlarge


Source: The Cromford Report

Golf Courses: Ocotillo Golf Resort in Chandler

Ocotillo subdivision is very conveniently located around the intersection of Alma School Rd and Queen Creek Rd.

Homes are situated within Ocotillo Golf Club and Ocotillo Lakes.

The entire community features diversified developments:

• townhomes
• gated communities
• properties on the golf course
• water front
• pool properties
• luxury homes.

Within a mile or two you are able to find great restaurants, shopping and recreation. San Tan News is resource website providing local news and activities schedule for Ocotillo area for adults and children as well as business directory.

Ocotillo golf course is often called the tropical-style course. Mainly because is surrounded by beautiful palm trees, flower arrangements water and many waterfalls. It is administered by Scottsdale Troon, so you can expect the same standards and immaculate condition.

Ocotillo Golf Course Information

• Course Style: Traditional with water
• Number of Holes: 27
• Green Type: Bermuda
• Fairway Type: Bermuda
• Twilight Rates: Yes, rates & times vary with season.
• Replay Rates: Yes, rates vary with season and space available basis.
• Junior Rates: Yes, 50% off rack rate.
• 9 Hole Rates: Yes, 50% off rack rate plus $5.00 & Tax.
• Practice Facility: Yes, including driving range, putting greens, practice bunkers and chipping greens open to public - hour prior to first tee time and closes at 6:00pm.
• Cart Access: 90 degrees rule
• Club Rental: Yes, Callaway X-16, $45.00 plus Tax.
• Lessons: Yes, Private Lesson $50.00/45 Minutes, series of four lessons $175.00. Please contact the pro shop for more details.
• Locker Room/Shower Facilities: Yes, locker room facilities as well as showers are available for both Men and Women complete with towel service.
• Dress Code: Yes, proper golf attire, collard shirts, hemmed shorts and no denim.
• Spike Policy: Yes, soft spikes only.
• Shoe Rental: Yes, Footjoy $10.00 plus Tax.
• Restaurant: Yes, Bernard's Restaurant with full service dining room open daily.
• Bar: Yes, full service bar located in Bernard's Restaurant.
• Rider Fee: No charge if available
• Conference & Banquet Facilities: Yes, restaurant and banquet space of over 9,000 sq ft, Crown Terrace Ballroom accommodates up to 240 guests and Director Rooms room seats up to 32 guests.
• Director of OcotilloGolf: Tom Cortabitarte

Source of Golf Information: Scottsdale.com

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Ethics in SHORT SALE process. Is there any????

Every new market condition creates new challenges for the realtors.

Buyers should disclose that are making multiple offers to the seller, because that my affect Seller's choice. But where? Is there any form approved by Department of Real Estate in any states?

There are debates if any action could be brought against the buyer making multiple offers on properties without full disclosure to the sellers for "lack of good faith". And for real estate agent representing the buyers for misleading information and manipulating the seller's decision of acceptance, according to a Code of Ethics.

How do we justify that? Agents representing buyers have a difficult time getting an offer accepted. Is it ethical for the Lender/Bank have no response for months? Certainly, it is ethical to a Seller, for whom the offer might the last chance to avoid foreclosure.

So, should you submit multiple offers on properties?

Every situation is different, and there are no blanket answers for a question like this. In the metro Phoenix area market, if you are interested in buying a short sale or foreclosure, you almost must submit multiple offers. It is not uncommon to submit an offer, and wait 10, 20, or more weeks to get an answer that lender/investor decided to reject the offer and foreclose anyway, so you are left off with angry buyer starting the process all over again. And buyer just want to buy a house, without waiting for months. It almost makes sense to secure offers on multiple properties and hope that at least one go through.

Without proper regulations and guidelines, the perception of today's market conditions is so puzzled, that is almost frightening to ask for correct answers. You put yourself at risk to receive to many different opinions.

Overall, I think that we have an obligation to a higher standards and the actions we take on behalf of our clients can never override our obligation to the Code of Ethics.

Scottsdale Home Prices and Home Values

Housing data on South Scottsdale:

• Median list price for homes for sale is $245,000
  
• Median home value per square foot is $125
• 26.1% of listings have had at least one price cut
  

Demographic data on South Scottsdale:

• Median Age: 42
• Homes With Kids: 16%
• Average Commute Time: 23 minutes

Zillow Home Value Index

More South Scottsdale Home Values

Scottsdale

Zillow Home Value Index

More Scottsdale Home Values

Selling Your Home?

In this market – and possibly this very moment – sellers across the country are
asking themselves one question: why isn’t my home selling?
While each client’s situation is unique, and we all think our homes are special, there is one underlying factor that makes or breaks a buyer’s decision to settle on your home: PRICE.

Pricing your home correctly in this market is one of the most critical actions you can take to sell your home faster – it's also one of the most difficult decisions you’ll have to make as a seller. Which is why so many people won’t do it. What sellers have to realize is that by making the decision to price correctly from the beginning they may be staving off further financial damage. For some, that means getting creative about finances, for others, it can sometimes translate to taking a small loss. In some cases, taking a small loss may be the best scenario.

Let’s look at it another way.

• John Seller paid $300,000 on his home that is now worth $250,000. Many REALTORS® would tell him to come down on his price at the beginning by say, $20,000.
  
  
• Now his asking price is $280,000.
  
  
• Scenario (1):
  A buyer comes along after one month on the market. They know, based on the CMA, that Mr. Seller’s house is worth $250,000, so they put in an offer for $245,000. Mr. Seller decides to counter with $255,000, and SOLD! Now Mr. Seller can move on knowing that he is lucky not to have lost any more on his home.
  
  
• Now Scenario (2):
  Mr. Seller actually decides not to come down on his price at all. As a result his home sits on the market for the first month with only a few bites from buyers but no official offers. An experienced REALTOR® would recommend that Mr. Seller come down 10 percent each month that his home doesn’t sell. He does it. Two months later Mr. Seller’s home is now at $243,000. Finally, in the third month, a buyer comes along and offers $237,000. At this point Mr. Seller is considering, but feels it’s too low, so his home sits another month. Frustrated, Mr. Seller decides not to come down on his price anymore. At this point Mr. Seller is in trouble. He is underwater on his mortgage and every additional dollar he loses on the home sale must come out of his pocket to pay off the loan. By starting at a higher value than the market will support, he stands to lose more than if he had factored in a small loss up front.
  

These two scenarios demonstrate the increasingly critical point of pricing your home correctly from the moment you decide to sell. While it may seem exaggerated, there truly are sellers experiencing situations similar to the ones described above. The good news is that by teaming up with an experienced real estate agent, who knows your market well, you have a far greater chance of making informed decisions about the price of your home. Your REALTOR® wants you to get the most money possible out of the sale of your home – and these days – that means reducing FROM THE START.

source: Wise Agent

Chandler, Prudential Arizona Properties Office

Point, Click, and Lose Weight … On iPhone

FoodScanner Demo from Andy Smith on Vimeo.

Existing Homes Sales Slide…Continued Price Declines.

One of our favorite songs - royksopp

Smooth Real Estate Transactions

Smooth Real Estate Transactions

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Phoenix, Arizona - Houses Bidding wars ONE MORE TIME!

Do we want to live bidding wars again? Do we actually have a choice?

Hanna and I practice real estate in Metro Phoenix AZ, heavily in East Valley Cities.
It is crazy out there! Tougher and tougher to "win" a property for a buyer.

First, finding a property that is an a good shape- with REO it is already a challenge. If one is found, there are multiple offers placed on the first day on the market. Trying to outbid the price 10-20% knowing exactly, that property will not appraise for offered amount! Explaining the strategy to the buyer that is being implemented just to get in the door. Next, waiting time to receive executed contract back from
the lender (sometimes 14 days or longer). You still not sure if you have the property tied up in or not, neither your buyer. Finally, appraisal came in low...what a bummer... Re-negotiating the terms with the lender again. By now, escrow is extended for 60 days or more. Finally, you are ready to close and just waiting for Title to be done. And waiting...

Second, the short sale bidding process. Competing against other bidders, having no idea if bank will even consider the price. If you buyer's offer gets chosen and offer is accepted by the seller, the waiting process starts there. To receive approval (or denial) from the lender/bank may take several weeks. So, eventually you may raise against nothing.

Third, "regular" sales by individuals that actually own the house and could sell on their terms. It seems like it is a sellers' market again, so multiple offers are very welcomed. Your seller will love you for bringing more than one offer to the table. It is great to be a listing agent in that position.

To survive a bidding wars again, we have to consider: buyer comfort zone, knowing the value of the property, and not letting emotion to drive a buying decision even though, buying a house is an EMOTIONAL process.

Megan Izdebska & Hanna Manoufar
Prudential Arizona Properties
3155 S Price Rd, Chandler, AZ 85248
Megan.Izdebska@PruAz.com
Hanna.Manoufar@PruAz.com
480-213-5758
480-385-1500
www.AzPrimeHomes
www.SoldWithMegan

The Undeniable Truth About Plastics and Canned Foods

Amazing Pierre Cardin's House - a lot of Bubbles...

This masterpiece of modern architecture is located 10 km away from Cannes and was built in 1989.
The house has 28 round bedrooms similar to soap bubbles. Beds are also round.



Source: pierremeu

What's going on in the real estate markets in Chandler and Scottsdale

Trulia is one of our favorite websites that helps us the Agents as well as Buyers and Sellers to find a detailed analysis of what's going on in the real estate markets.

Below are a few statistics for Chandler and Scottsdale:

Chandler, AZ

• The median sales price for homes in Chandler AZ for Jun 09 to Aug 09 was $197,000.

• This represents an increase of 1.9%, or $3,750, compared to the prior quarter and a decrease of 18.4% compared to the prior year.

• Sales prices have depreciated 5.3% over the last 5 years in Chandler.

• The average listing price for Chandler homes for sale on Trulia was $325,917 for the week ending Sep 09, which represents an increase of 0.1%, or $414, compared to the prior week and a decline of 0.8%, or $2,591, compared to the week ending Aug 19.
  

• Average price per square foot for Chandler AZ was $104, a decrease of 20.6% compared to the same period last year. Popular neighborhoods in Chandler include Sun Groves, Cooper Commons, Fox Crossing, Carino States, Saguaro Canyon HOA, and Provinces Master Community.

Chandler Recently Sold Homes

Chandler Recently Sold Homes

Scottsdale, AZ

• The median sales price for homes in Scottsdale AZ for Jun 09 to Aug 09 was $307,000. This represents a decline of 4.7%, or $15,000, compared to the prior quarter and a decrease of 22.2% compared to the prior year.
  
  
• Sales prices have appreciated 2.3% over the last 5 years in Scottsdale.
  
  
• The average listing price for Scottsdale homes for sale on Trulia was $794,667 for the week ending Sep 09, which represents a decline of 3%, or $24,372, compared to the prior week and a decline of 2.1%, or $17,196, compared to the week ending Aug 19.
  
  
• Average price per square foot for Scottsdale AZ was $163, a decrease of 36.8% compared to the same period last year.
  
  
• Popular neighborhoods in Scottsdale include South Scottsdale, and Pinnacle Peak.

Scottsdale Recently Sold Homes

Scottsdale Recently Sold Homes

statistics from Trulia

Fail to prepare, prepare to fail -Tax Credit Extension

Our economy still needs a booster. The great way is to keep the tax credit (or increase it to $15,000) for 2009.

Again, not only for first time home buyers, for any home buyer that is willing to live in the property. New home builders are excited with statistics on home sales being up for last 3 months, inventory is down and demand is positive. They are not too enthusiastic about time running out. New constructions cannot be finished by the due date-November 30.

The National Association of Realtors said earlier this month that the credit has already brought 1.2 million new buyers into the market, including 350,000 buyers who would not have purchased a home without the credit.

Obama administration has been approached to evaluate the Tax Extension for 2009. The benefits may out scale the expectations. However, many say that housing recovery is the icing on a cake not the cake itself.

Megan Izdebska & Hanna Manoufar
Prudential Arizona Properties
Chandler, AZ 85248
480-213-5758
www.AzPrimeHomes
www.SoldWithMegan

Tax Credit for first time Home Buyers, September Newsletter

With low interest rates, a large inventory of homes, and decreasing home prices, there’s never been a better opportunity for first-time homebuyers, who are financially able, to purchase a home. In fact, the National Associates of REALTORS® predicted 53.5% of homebuyers in 2009 will be first-timers; due in most part to the $8,000 tax credit. But who qualifies as a “first-time homebuyer” and what are the exact provisions surrounding the tax credit? Keep reading for a short FAQ and find out why you need to act now if you plan on taking advantage of this great government incentive!

1. Who exactly qualifies as a first-time homebuyer?
The law defines "first-time home buyer" as a buyer who has not owned a principal residence during the three-year period prior to the purchase. For married taxpayers, the law tests the homeownership history of both the home buyer and his/her spouse.

2. How is the amount of the tax credit determined?
The tax credit is equal to 10 percent of the home’s purchase price up to a maximum of $8,000.

3. Are there any income limits for claiming the tax credit?
Yes. The income limit for single taxpayers is $75,000; the limit is $150,000 for married taxpayers filing a joint return.

4. How is this home buyer tax credit different from the tax credit that Congress enacted in July of 2008?
The most significant difference is that this tax credit does not have to be repaid. Because it had to be repaid, the previous "credit" was essentially an interest-free loan. This tax incentive is a true tax credit. However, home buyers must use the residence as a principal residence for at least three years or face recapture of the tax credit amount. Certain exceptions apply.

5. How do I claim the tax credit? Do I need to complete a form or application?
Participating in the tax credit program is easy. You claim the tax credit on your federal income tax return. Specifically, home buyers should complete IRS Form 5405 to determine their tax credit amount, and then claim this amount on line 67 of the 1040 income tax form for 2009 returns (line 69 of the 1040 income tax form for 2008 returns).

6. What types of homes will qualify for the tax credit?
Any home that will be used as a principal residence will qualify for the credit. This includes single-family detached homes, attached homes like townhouses and condominiums, manufactured homes (also known as mobile homes) and houseboats. The definition of principal residence is identical to the one used to determine whether you may qualify for the $250,000 / $500,000 capital gain tax exclusion for principal residences.

7. I heard that some buyers are eligible to use the loan toward closing costs, is this true?
Yes. Buyers applying for FHA-backed financing with an FHA-approved lender that offers a bridge-loan program can get a bridge loan to bring down the upfront costs of buying a home. Though, these same buyers will still have to come up with the minimum 3.5 percent down payment.

Advantages like this are hard to beat. If you are seriously considering owning your first home – and you qualify – let’s talk. I’ll go over the basics and answer any questions you may have about the home buying process. I also have contacts within the mortgage industry and can put you in contact with a lender who will determine if you financially qualify.

Megan Izdebska & Hanna Manoufar
Prudential Arizona Properties
Chandler, AZ 85248
480-213-5758
www.AzPrimeHomes
www.SoldWithMegan