The advent of common use of credit scores has become commonplace.  One provider of these has become so dominant in this service that its name has become synonymous– Fair Isaac Company, “FICO”, was founded in 1956 by Bill Fair, an engineer, and another gentleman, Earl Isaac, a mathematician.  Today, the FICO score ranks a potential buyer/borrower applicant according to the likelihood that they will default in the future, with higher credit scores indicative of lower risk and lower credit scores indicative of higher risk.  FICO Bureau Scores range approximately from 375 to above 850.

“A plus” or Excellent Credit score of 720 and above will basically have a no ‘hit’ to interest rates on Conventional loans at this credit score tier.  Borrowers with fico scores in this range will be approved with higher debt to income ratios as well.

“A” Good Credit Fico scores between 680 and 719 will get borrowers an interest rate of about .125% higher than 720+ in this range.  680 is also the cutoff for Private Mortgage Insurance at 95% on a conventional loan.

“So So” Credit Fico scores between 620 and 680 borrowers will need 10% down for Conventional (due to PMI rules) and will have a rate that is .375% to .75% higher.  This tier is still very acceptable for FHA and VA so most borrowers will utilize those loan types.

Not Good Credit Fico scores between 580 and 620 borrowers on Conventional Loans require 20% down at this level (due to PMI rules).  FHA and VA still have a chance in this range but strong income and assets are typically needed to overcome the lower fico scores.

Bad Credit Fico Score below 580 will make it tough and there is not much chance of getting a loan. This might be a good time to focus on credit repair.

Here are some great tips and credit pointers for starters:

• Your credit score is a mix of Payment History, Length of Credit History, Amounts Owed, and New Credit/Inquiries, Types of Credit
• Mortgage, Installment (Car Loans), and then Revolving (Credit Cards) are weight most heavily in that order.
• Keep current balance at 35% or less than Maximum Credit Limit
• 30, 60, 90 day late’s are the killers.  A 120 day mortgage late is consider a foreclosure.
• Just because a divorce decree says the debt is not yours, you still take the hit when the ex-spouse does not pay and your name is still on the account.
• Store credit cards create an inquiry on your credit and usually create an account that is close to being maxed out on the day it is created.
• If you have a collection or a 30 day late, getting caught up will help, but your score will continue to be hurt because of the fact that it happened in the first place.
• The only way to raise your credit score is to develop a positive history of using credit to outweigh the old, bad credit history.
• Secured Credit Cards are a great way to develop positive credit history and do not allow you to get in over your head since you can only spend what you deposit in advance. www.bankrate.com is a good site to find the best cards on the market.
• You are entitled to a free credit report from the 3 Credit Agencies one time per year.  Phone: 1-877-322-8228 or website www.annualcreditreport.com (this is kind of cumbersome).  This gives you an avenue to dispute and remove incorrect information.  You have to pay to find out your score but this does not count as an inquiry.
• Take 15 seconds and log on to www.optoutprescreen.com.  You’ll no longer get “pre-approved” credit card and insurance offers becasue you are telling the 3 Credit Bureaus to quit selling your credit history.
• Be very cautious about co-signing for anyone.  If they miss a payment you take the hit 100% of the time – no questions asked.

Summary

Raising and maintaining a high credit score is pretty simple.. Get credit as required and don’t open credit for the sake of having credit. If you have credit, keep your balances as low as possible. If you do have a balance, make your payment on time.

If you do find yourself behind the eight ball, make it your mission to pick away at the debt to the best of your ability. If you are having problems, talk to your creditor or see a legitimate credit counselor.

If you are looking for information on buying Arizona Homes for Sale give me a call at (480) 202-3558 – It’s a great place to live, work and play! Arizona offers so many indoor and outdoor activities.

2008 Copyright All rights reserved by Candace Robinson, Arizona Real Estate Agent specializing in Maricopa County Homes and Condos for Sale

With the holiday weekend ahead of us there is bound to be Halloween parties all weekend. Not to mention little ones hitting the streets begging for candy from door to door on Friday evening. With that said, safety this weekend is definitely a high priority.

As for the  weekend Freeway Restrictions in the Phoenix Valley you might want to just simply keep the car parked all the way around! Depending on your Halloween travel requirements – you may want to consider that as a scary hot tip for this weekend . . . because the way it looks- it’s simply not safe for a ghoul or goblin out there!

Remembering the areas affected by the new installation of DPS speed enforcement cameras . . . after these are installed and working, I bet a number of us will wish that we could disappear like a ghost!  The following areas are targeted for this weekend, so you will need to find alternative routes for these affected areas (closures range from 10 pm Friday to Sunday at 5 am):

• Northbound Loop 101 (Agua Fria Freeway) closed between Glendale and Northern Avenues

• Southbound 1-17 closed between the I-10 “Stack” and 24th Street
• Eastbound I-10 closed between 59th and 19th avenues

In addition, ADOT road closures will pop up in other areas of the valley as well.  This witches brew of construction activity includes closing a section of Northbound Loop 101 between Warner Road and Southern Avenue throughout the weekend for carpool lane construction and closing Westbound I-10 between State Route 143 (Hohokam Expressway) and I-10/I-17 “Split” from midnight to 7 a.m. Saturday.

Now the work in the other affected areas of the valley will result in the “watch out/slow down” lane restriction variety (narrowing the freeway to one or two lanes), however, in most cases the restrictions will last throughout the weekend.  Areas affected include (see map or details below for exact areas):

• I-10 (Westside of town near Dysart Road)
• Southbound Loop 101 (Scottsdale area/Loop 202)
• State Route 51 (North side of town near Greenway)
• US 60 (Tempe near I-10)

As you can tell, many areas will be under some type of closure and/or lane restrictions this weekend.  Your options might be better if you fire up your broom and take it for a spin and avoid the street traffic, but if you must. . . check out the best possible route beforehand and identify alternatives routes as well, just in case.   As always, buckle up and drive safely! Have a Happy Halloween too!

Weekend Freeway Restrictions in Phoenix Area (Oct. 31-Nov. 3)

PHOENIX —Several projects to add new lanes and make other improvements along Phoenix area freeways will require closures or lane restrictions this weekend (Oct. 31-Nov. 3). The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) recommends drivers use alternate routes and allow extra travel time.

The Arizona Department of Public Safety has recently begun a project to install speed-enforcement cameras on freeways around metro Phoenix . While the Arizona Department of Transportation does not operate this program, ADOT is working with DPS to create safe work zones while crews install the cameras.

To facilitate the safe work zones, occasional restrictions and closures may be necessary to install the camera hardware on freeway shoulders, and to embed sensors into the freeway pavement. ADOT will make every effort to keep the public informed when these installation activities affect freeway traffic.

The following closures and restrictions are for freeway construction work:

• Northbound Loop 101 (Price Freeway) closed between Warner Road and Southern Avenue from 11 p.m. Friday to 5 a.m. Monday (Nov. 3) for carpool lane construction. US 60 ramps to northbound Loop 101 also closed. DETOUR: Northbound traffic will detour along frontage road.

• Westbound I-10 closed between State Route 143 (Hohokam Expressway) and I-10/I-17 “Split” from midnight to 7 a.m. Saturday (Nov. 1) for freeway maintenance. DETOUR: I-10 traffic can use northbound SR 143 to westbound Loop 202 to reach I-10.

• US 60 (Superstition Freeway) narrowed to two lanes between I-10 and McClintock Drive for start of widening project. Eastbound US 60 narrowed from 1 a.m. to 9 a.m. Saturday (Nov. 1). Westbound US 60 narrowed from 11 p.m. Saturday to 9 a.m. Sunday (Nov. 2). DETOUR: Be prepared to slow down and merge safely in the work zone.

• State Route 51 narrowed to two lanes between Greenway Road and Loop 101 (Pima Freeway) for carpool lane construction. Northbound SR 51 narrowed from 10 p.m. Friday to 7 a.m. Saturday (Nov. 1). Southbound SR 51 narrowed from 10 p.m. Saturday to 4 a.m. Sunday (Nov. 2). Westbound Loop 101 ramp to southbound SR 51 also closed during Saturday night restriction. DETOUR: Be prepared to slow down and merge safely in the work zone.

• Southbound Loop 101 (Pima Freeway) narrowed to two lanes between Via De Ventura and Loop 202 (Red Mountain Freeway) from 10 p.m. Friday to 5 a.m. Monday (Nov. 3) for lane striping. DETOUR: Please slow down and merge safely in the work zone.

• I-10 narrowed to one lane in each direction between Dysart Road and Avondale Boulevard from 9 p.m. Sunday to 4 a.m. Monday (Nov. 3) for freeway widening work. DETOUR: Please slow down and merge safely in the work zone.

The following closures are for DPS photo enforcement camera installation this weekend:

• Northbound Loop 101 (Agua Fria Freeway) closed between Glendale and Northern avenues from 11 p.m. Friday to 7 a.m. Saturday (Nov. 1). DETOUR: Traffic will exit at Glendale Avenue and take 91st or 99th avenues north to Northern Avenue .

• Southbound 1-17 closed between the I-10 “Stack” and 24th Street from 10 p.m. Friday to 7 a.m. Saturday (Nov. 1). DETOUR: I-17 traffic can detour on eastbound I-10 through the Deck Park Tunnel.

• Eastbound I-10 closed between 59th and 19th avenues from 10 p.m. Saturday to 9 a.m. Sunday (Nov. 2). DETOUR: Traffic can detour south to Buckeye Road to 19th Avenue to reconnect with I-10.

For a complete listing of freeway and highway closures or restrictions across Arizona visit ADOT’s Travel Information site at www.az511.gov or call 5-1-1.

The Arizona Department of Transportation is coordinating freeway improvements throughout the Phoenix area.  These projects, including new freeways, additional lanes and interchanges, quiet rubberized asphalt, new landscaping and more, are included in the 20-year Regional Transportation Plan for Maricopa County .  More than $15 billion in comprehensive, diverse transportation improvements are funded in the plan through a voter-approved sales tax.  More information about ADOT’s work as part of the Regional Transportation Plan is available at www.ValleyFreeways.com.

VA loans were designed to help veterans of the armed services, either currently serving in active duty or in the reserves, as well as their spouses.  In order to qualify for a VA loan, a veteran must meet the eligibility guidelines set by the Department of Veterans Affairs.  VA Loans enable veterans that qualify to put no money down on a mortgage loan up to $417,000 (and there are certain high-cost areas outside of Arizona where the limits are higher!).

This year, VA-backed loans are up 31 percent nationwide over last year due in no small part to it being one of the few 100% financing options available after 3rd party down payment assistance were eliminated effective October 1 of this year.

VA Loans are guaranteed by the Department of Veterans Affairs (the maximum guarantee is equal to 25% of the Freddie Mac conforming loan limit for  a single family home.  In 2008 this limit is set at $417,000 for all states except in Hawaii, Alaska, Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands where the limit is set for 2008 at $625,500).

Some quick information about VA loans:

• VA loans do NOT have a prepayment penalty and MAY be assumable in certain situations.
• Full income/asset documentation is required
• You can get a VA loan for a new single family residence home, condominium or manufactured home (with or without the lot)
• A VA loan requires a funding fee that can either be paid by the borrower or may be allowed to be financed into the loan.  This funding fee may also be waived under disability guidelines established by the VA.

2008 Funding Fee Schedule:

Loan Category	Active Duty and Veterans Rate	Reservists and National Guard Pay
Loans for purchase or construction with down payments of less than 5%, refinancing, and home improvement.	2.15%	2.40%
Loans for purchase or construction with down payments of at least 5% but less than 10%.	1.50%	1.75%
Loans for purchase or construction with down payments of 10% or more.	1.25%	1.50%
Loans for manufactured home.	1.00%	1.00%
Interest rate reduction loans	0.50%	0.50%
Assumption of VA-guaranteed loans.	0.50%	0.50%
Second or subsequent use of entitlement with no down payment	3.3%	3.3%

VA Loan Eligibility

• For the official service requirements and periods of eligibility, go here to see if you qualify.
• Good credit (doesn’t have to be perfect credit, but your credit score is a factor)
• Sufficient income to support a monthly mortgage payment
• Valid Certificate of Eligibility (COE)
• Purchase must be your primary residence

With many changes to the FHA and Conventional loan programs, if you are an veteran or active-military, there has never been a better time to look into a VA loan for your home financing needs.

Mortgage Rates for October 30, 2008

If you are looking for information on buying Arizona Homes for Sale give me a call at (480) 202-3558 – It’s a great place to live, work and play! Arizona offers so many indoor and outdoor activities.

2008 Copyright All rights reserved by Candace Robinson, Arizona Real Estate Agent specializing in Maricopa County Homes and Condos for Sale

Homeowner insurance is probably the least appreciated or thought about policy in your home.  You buy it when you buy your home, the premium is paid through your mortgage and when you get the renewal you just look at it and then wonder if you should file it or throw it away.

Here are the basics of what your homeowners insurance policy covers and how you can determine if you’re covered correctly or if you’re paying for something you don’t want..

If you came home and found your house burnt to the ground here’s how your insurance company would determine how to pay your claim.

Dwelling Coverage – This is the limit for your physical home.  This is what most people think about when they think of their home insurance.  The policy limit should be the cost to completely rebuild the home and anything permanently attached to it if it were a total loss.  Most policies do NOT guarantee to replace your home so you need to make sure it’s insured adequately.

Other Structures Coverage – This is for other structures at the property address which are separate from your home (Ex. shed, detached garage, pool house, etc.). Basic policies include coverage equal to 10% of the dwelling protection limit at no cost.  You can increase this amount if necessary.

Personal Property Coverage – This is your “stuff.” The second thing everyone thinks about in their home insurance.  Pick your house up, turn it over and shake it. Everything that falls out is your personal property. Included coverage varies for each company from 50% to 80% of the dwelling limit and can be increased if you have a lot of “stuff.”

There are special (reduced) limits for items like jewelry, firearms, art, money and some other items.  If you own more than $1500 of any of these you should call your agent and find out how much coverage your policy actually offers.  Often people buy these things and forget to tell the insurance agent.

Additional Living Expenses – This coverage pays the reasonable additional expenses you incur while your home is uninhabitable. If you have a claim and you can’t live in your home this will pay your rent and other expenses while your house is being rebuilt or repaired.

Deductible – Most people know what this is but just in case, it’s the amount you have to pay out of pocket before the insurance company pays on covered claims.

There are two other coverage’s included in your homeowner policy that protect you for lesser known claims. They don’t cover your stuff from direct damage.  These protect your assets.

Guest Medical Protection – Pays for guests medical expenses when a guest is accidentally injured on your premises or in your care and control regardless of fault.  If I was visiting your home and accidentally broke my arm your policy could pay my medical bills. And, it would pay regardless of fault simply because the accident happened on your property.

Family Liability Protection – This will pay for claims against you for bodily injury and property damage lawsuits.  If endorsed properly it will also include personal injury lawsuits (liable, slander and wrongful entry).  It pays for your attorney to defend you too and the actual damage awarded.

That’s it.  These are the basics in your typical homeowner policy.  Not too difficult I hope.

However, as with all simple things, the devil is in the details. While this may seem to encompass a wide variety of “things” there are many limitations and exclusions in your policy to be aware of.  Also, there are many requirements by you before and in the event of a claim.  I’ll go into many of these fun items in future posts.

Now that you have the basics I have to warn you to only use it as a guide. Every company has its unique features and exclusions. There are also dozens of extras that can be added to customize and fill in gaps.  If you have any questions, call your agent. The last thing you want to find out is you could have been covered.

If you have a question or would like a quote from Matt Fox; please use the form below:

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If you are looking for information on buying Arizona Homes for Sale give me a call at (480) 202-3558 – It’s a great place to live, work and play! Arizona offers so many indoor and outdoor activities.

2008 Copyright All rights reserved by Candace Robinson, Arizona Real Estate Agent specializing in Maricopa County Homes and Condos for Sale

Power Ranch, a mastered planned community in Gilbert, Arizona in the southeast valley is celebrating a huge milestone in a tough real estate market !  Power Ranch located at Power and Germann roads is a 1,414 acre active planned community and will welcome the 3,000th home buyer.

The community began selling homes in 2000; is known for its family friendly atmosphere and sense of community.   The community is slotted for 5,200 residential units upon completion. Today, five homebuilders, D.R. Horton, Element Homes, Richmond American, T.W. Lewis and Trend Homes, offer nine new house collections ranging from 1,281 to 4,008 square feet and priced from the $150,000’s.

Power Ranch has been named among the top 10 master planned communities in Arizona in the 10th annual issue of “Ranking Arizona: The Best of Arizona Business.”  Power Ranch includes 200-plus acres of open space and greenbelts with 110 acres of turf, 25 central neighborhood and greenbelt parks, and a 10-acre soccer complex.

Each of the two clubhouses: the 4,000-square-foot Ranch House, and The Barn, with 7,636 square feet of space, is surrounded by more than seven acres of community park. Swimming pools, children’s playgrounds, basketball courts, sand volleyball, picnic ramadas with barbecues and two catch-and-release fishing lakes are also part of the amenities package.

School and Community Info

School Info
Neighborhood Info
Stores and Restaurants

Feel free to click on either of the graphics to see all available and current active listings in Power Ranch in Gilbert, Arizona. If you would like more information on any of these properties, please be sure to contact me.

Mountain View	The Groves	The Vineyards	The Oaks
The Orchard	The Arbors	Meadow View	The Grange
The Willows	The Knolls	The Timbers

If you are looking for information on buying Arizona Homes for Sale give me a call at (480) 202-3558 – It’s a great place to live, work and play! Arizona offers so many indoor and outdoor activities.

2008 Copyright All rights reserved by Candace Robinson, Arizona Real Estate Agent specializing in Maricopa County Homes and Condos for Sale

If your looking for a little respite from ADOT work over this weekend . . . bad news, it’s just not going to happen! A far cry from last weekend where the Phoenix Valley roads were pretty much clear.

Most importantly, the DPS speed enforcement cameras (installation started last weekend) are beginning to be installed throughout the valley – and require the road to be closed while the process is underway . . . so you will need to find alternative routes for these affected areas (closures range from 10 p.m. Friday – Sunday 5 a.m.):

• Southbound State Route 51 closed between Glendale  and Thomas Road
• Westbound US 60 closed between Gilbert and Alma School roads
• Westbound I-10 closed between State Route 143 (Hohokam Expressway) and I-17 “Split” interchange near Sky Harbor Airport

ADOT work in the other affected areas of the valley looks like it will only result in the “watch out/slow down” lane restriction variety (narrowing the freeway to one lane in most cases), and will only impact you if you are a night owl and plan on doing some late night/early morning driving over the weekend (details below on areas and times).  In most cases, ADOT promises the work should be completed no later than 9 a.m. and these roads should be open and clear on Saturday and Sunday!

So, as always, if you are heading out on our roadways this last weekend in October please plan your trip in advance, keep everyone buckled up and comfortable, and drive safely!

Weekend Freeway Restrictions in Phoenix Area (Oct. 24-27)

Installation of DPS speed cameras requires freeway closures

PHOENIX —Several projects to add new lanes and make other improvements along Phoenix area freeways will require closures or lane restrictions this weekend (Oct. 24-27). The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) recommends drivers use alternate routes and allow extra travel time.

The Arizona Department of Public Safety has recently begun a project to install speed enforcement cameras along freeways around metro Phoenix . While the Arizona Department of Transportation does not operate this program, ADOT is working with DPS to create safe work zones while crews install the cameras.

To facilitate the safe work zones, occasional restrictions and closures may be necessary to install the camera hardware on freeway shoulders, and to embed loop detectors into the freeway pavement. ADOT will make every effort to keep the public informed when these installation activities affect freeway traffic.

The following closures and restrictions are for freeway construction work:

• Eastbound I-10 closed between I-17 “Stack” interchange and State Route 51 from 1 a.m. to 9 a.m. Saturday (Oct. 25) for tunnel maintenance. DETOUR: I-10 traffic can detour on southbound I-17 and reconnect with I-10 near Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport .

• Northbound Loop 101 (Pima Freeway) narrowed to one lane between Loop 202 (Red Mountain Freeway) and Via de Ventura from 5 a.m. Saturday to 7 p.m. Sunday (Oct. 26) for rubberized asphalt paving along new carpool lane.  DETOUR: Be prepared to slow down and merge safely in the work zone.

• Northbound Loop 101 (Price Freeway) narrowed to one lane between Guadalupe and Baseline roads from 10 p.m. Friday to 7 a.m. Saturday (Oct. 25) for carpool lane construction. DETOUR: Be prepared to slow down and merge safely in the work zone.

• Southbound Loop 101 (Price Freeway) narrowed to one lane between Ray and Frye roads from 10 p.m. Friday to 7 a.m. Saturday (Oct. 25) for carpool lane construction. Southbound off-ramp at Chandler Boulevard closed. DETOUR: Be prepared to slow down and merge safely in the work zone.

• Northbound I-17 narrowed to one lane between Union Hills and Yorkshire drives from 10 p.m. Saturday to 9 a.m. Sunday (Oct. 26) for bridge work. Northbound I-17 ramps to Loop 101 closed. DETOUR: Traffic can exit at Yorkshire Drive and use 19th or 27th avenues to access Loop 101.

• Westbound I-10 narrowed to one lane between Avondale Boulevard and Dysart Road from 9 p.m. Sunday to 4 a.m. Monday (Oct. 27) for freeway widening work. DETOUR: Be prepared to slow down and merge safely in the work zone.

The following closures are for DPS speed enforcement camera installation this weekend:

• Southbound State Route 51 closed between Glendale Avenue and Thomas Road from 10 p.m. Friday to 7 a.m. Saturday (Oct. 25). DETOUR: Traffic will detour along southbound 16th Street .

• Westbound US 60 (Superstition Freeway) closed between Gilbert and Alma School roads from 10 p.m. Saturday to 9 a.m. Sunday (Oct. 26) and from 10 p.m. Sunday to 5 a.m. Monday (if needed). DETOUR: Traffic can detour on Baseline Road or Southern Avenue.

• Westbound I-10 closed between State Route 143 (Hohokam Expressway) and I-17 “Split” interchange near Sky Harbor Airport from 10 p.m. Saturday to 9 a.m. Sunday and from 10 p.m. Sunday to 5 a.m. Monday (if needed). DETOUR: Drivers going to the airport should use alternate routes and allow extra travel time. Eastbound I-10 traffic will detour north on SR 143 and westbound on Loop 202 (Red Mountain Freeway) to reconnect with I-10.

For a complete listing of freeway and highway closures or restrictions across Arizona visit ADOT’s Travel Information site at www.az511.gov or call 5-1-1.

The Arizona Department of Transportation is coordinating freeway improvements throughout the Phoenix area.  These projects, including new freeways, additional lanes and interchanges, quiet rubberized asphalt, new landscaping and more, are included in the 20-year Regional Transportation Plan for Maricopa County .  More than $15 billion in comprehensive, diverse transportation improvements are funded in the plan through a voter-approved sales tax.  More information about ADOT’s work as part of the Regional Transportation Plan is available at www.ValleyFreeways.com.

Located at the heart of Gilbert, Az., SanTan Village Mall is a master -planned  500-acre urban village that will encompass approximately three million square feet of retail, entertainment, restaurant, office space and residential in an outdoor environment. I have already called this my new neighborhood mall, I have frequented the Harkin’s Theatre which has been open for some time now and I love it!  Everything is scheduled for the Grand Opening starting this weekend and I must say I am shocked! There is so much growth in this area it’s so much fun to see and watch! This is my neighborhood and it’s amazing what a piece of farmland can transform into! This is just one of five malls in a 8 to 10 mile radius, it’s amazing how they can fill the stores!! Holidays here we come!!
View the San Tan Village Mall store directory.

Click Here for List of Stores Alphabetically

This aerial was compliments of a dear friend that works for the Town of Gilbert and helps me keep in the know!!  What a great shot, I can almost see my house in the background!

I get asked all the time, “What exactly is a short sale?”  Unfortunate times that we are experiencing now and so I hear this question quite a bit.  A short sale is basically when the proceeds of the sale of your property falls short of the balanced owed to the lender/s.  Providing the lender agrees to the accept an offer from a buyer that is typically significantly lower than the balanced owed on the note.

This process comes with quite a bit of work to do, however when hardships fall on those that find themselves in trouble times, then this option would be one to seek out. The key is to not procrastinate and seek out help sooner than later!

The problem with short sales is it will take some time to get an answer once you submit an offer into the lender (weeks to months).  Waiting for an answer for a short sale can be frustrating and many times what seems to be a reasonable buyer offer, the bank will just simply say, ‘no’.

Doing a short sale would be an option to avoid foreclosure and if the ’short sale packet’ and required forms are completed correctly; finding a buyer can be done.

Buyers tend to gravitate toward short sales because the list price is attractive and they believe that the seller must be desperate. However, neither of these are necessarily true and accurate.

Banks will choose to allow a short sale if they believe that it will result in a smaller financial loss than foreclosing.  For the home owner, the advantages include avoidance of having a foreclosure on their credit history and the partial control of the monetary deficiency. Typically a short sale is faster and less expensive than a foreclosure.

Not every homeowner is qualified to do a short sale in Maricopa or Pinal County Arizona.  I will cover the criteria in the next post in this series: Short Sales in Arizona.  So stay tuned…

Disclaimer: This post is not intended to be or to provide legal advice. I recommend that you speak to your attorney and your tax accountant regarding specifics and to find out if this is the best option for you in your situation.

Matt Fox is the President of Fox Insurance Services, LLC.

Matt first entered the financial services industry in 1996 and has earned the Commercial Lines Coverage Specialist designation, is a Charter Member of the National Society of Agents for Consumer Education, a member of the Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers of America, and the 2008 Chair of the SouthEast Valley Regional Association of Realtors® Affiliate Committee.

Matt was born and raised in the East Valley and currently lives in Mesa with his wonderful bride, Kathy and three children, Haley, Hayden and Rachel.

Phoenix Housing Blog is thrilled to announce that Matt Fox will be joining our panel of contributors.  Matt comes prepared to share and help homeowners and individuals about some of the pitfalls and inquiries about homeowners insurance and policy questions.

We look forward to future podcasts with Matt Fox and his expertise in the insurance industry.  Please join me in welcoming Matt to the Phoenix Housing Blog.  Matt can also be found on his blog at www.InsuranceRenegade.com

DPS has rolled out mobile cameras throughout Arizona, and they’re now starting to put up stationary cameras too.

The first nine DPS Photo Radar cameras will be up and running by October 22nd (they’re starred below). The other locations will follow.

When finished, there will be a total of 60 stationary cameras and 40 mobile ones throughout Arizona. If you get a ticket for going 10 miles over the speed limit, you’ll pay $181.  Drive slow or you’ll pay for it.

Interstate 10 **Eastbound, I-10, 287th Ave. **Eastbound, I-10, Miller **Eastbound, I-10, Watson Westbound, I-10, 91st Ave East & West, I-10, 75th Ave East & West, I-10, 59th Ave Eastbound, I-10, 35th Ave Eastbound, I-10, 43rd Ave Eastbound, I-10, 27th Ave East & West, I-10, 15th Ave Eastbound, I-10, 16th Street Westbound, I-10, Buckeye Westbound, I-10, 24th Street Westbound, I-10, 40th Street	State Route – 51 Southbound, SR-51, Thomas Road Southbound, SR-51, Highland Pkwy. Southbound, SR-51, Bethany Home Rd. State Route – 101 **Southbound, SR-101, McDowell Rd **Southbound, SR-101, Indian School **Southbound, SR-101, Bethany Home North & South, SR-101, Glendale Ave. Southbound, SR-101, Olive ** Eastbound, SR-101, 75th Ave ** Eastbound, SR-101, 59th Ave ** Eastbound, SR-101, 35th Ave
US 60 Westbound, US-60, Alma School Westbound, US-60, Mesa Drive Westbound, US-60, Gilbert Road Interstate – 17 Southbound, I-17, 15th Ave Southbound, I-17, 12th Street Northbound, I-17, Thunderbird Northbound, I-17, Bell Road

**Starred camera locations will be set up and taking pictures starting between October 17th and 22nd

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