It has been a wild ride for interest rates this week. After 2 months of almost no change in rates, we saw a dramatic increase in rates early this week. Interest rates are tied to the buy/sell price of Mortgage Bonds on Wall Street.
For whatever reason, early in the week, the demand severely dropped off for Bonds of all types as traders became concerned about the amount of bonds the government has issued to cover all of their stimulus programs.
Thursday and Friday have seen the market gain back about half of their losses. We will cross our fingers that this was just a blip on the radar and that we get back to incredible rates we have enjoyed for the past several months.
If you are considering taking advantage of the great rates today and then you really will want to make a call to Justin McHood with www.ArizonaMortgageTeam.com !
Justin provides up to date Arizona mortgage rates and loan options on his blog! Stop by and say hello and get to know Justin, you won’t be sorry!
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Established Gated community in extremely quiet location in the heart of Gilbert. Never lived-in spacious 6 bedroom, 5 bath, 3 car+RV gate with guest Casita! Incredible curb appeal to courtyard entrance makes this the perfect place to call home!
Entertainer’s delight with gourmet kitchen with premium stainless steel Viking appliances and chocolate alder cabinets, Brazilian granite counters! Full mastersuite with fireplace, sitting area, jetted tub, body spa shower and custom walkin closet! Bonus room,epoxy garage w/Cabinets,surround sound,security system, Convenient to Shopping,Dining Loop 202 Freeway. Call for a Showing!
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TEXT "info 23914" to 79564, or TEXT "eProp 23914" to 79564, or just TEXT "23914" to 79564 for information on your mobile phone |
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HomeSmart Real Estate : Mesa AZ 85210 : 480-202-3558 | |
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I would like to share some ideas with you about finding your future home, including information on deciding on a community to live in and what to look for during a walk-through.
When determining the neighborhood you would like to live in, please consider its location approximate to your job as well as schools, public transportation, shopping, museums, theaters and other attractions that might interest you. Drive around the neighborhood and talk to residents. Can you picture yourself happily living here? Most importantly, choose a community where you feel comfortable.
Once you have narrowed your search to a particular area, contact the local chamber of commerce for promotional literature about the community. I also suggest visiting the local library as it is a wonderful source for information on local events. I can give you information about the local schools please visit Arizona Department of Education.
It is best to evaluate each house based on what it has to offer. There are many things to look for when walking through a home, including the following:
* Is the construction quality up to your standards?
* Is there enough space for the present and the future?
* Does it have the desired number of bedrooms and bathrooms?
* Are you happy with the lot size?
* Do you like the floor plan?
* Does it include all of the minimum amenities for your lifestyle?
* Will your furniture fit in the space?
* Is there enough storage space?
Phoenix pre-foreclosures and Arizona bank owned properties seem to be the most popular demand right now are homes for sale under $150,000 in Phoenix. Understandable being you can get into a starter home or purchase an investment property with sometimes very little repair. There is a bit of a myth out there that short sales and foreclosures are the best gig in town, not always the case. The work that goes into finding that ‘little gem’ is more work than than you might be prepared for. There is a lot of determination and perseverance when it comes to finding a home in that price range! You will need to come prepared to view the properties almost immediately as they hit the market! You need to be prepared to entertain multiple bidders you could be up against. Fear not, as I’ve had a great track record at getting my buyers offers accepted and finding some great gems that are out there waiting for you to claim as yours!
I will help point out the pros and cons of each home from a professional standpoint. Once we weed out the homes that do not interest you, we should consider the details of the ones you like, including the amount of work that needs to be done if you purchase the home. It is best to determine if all of the mechanical systems and appliances work. Does anything need to be repaired or replaced? Find out if the seller will do these things or offer an allowance for the buyer to do them. If you are happy with the details, we should go back to the final contestants for a second look. This will help us select the perfect home for you. On average, homebuyers walk through fifteen houses before selecting one.
Planning your first time home purchase can be rather exciting and yet overwhelming. Allowing a professional to walk you through the entire process could be a life saver. With so many things to think about and important decisions to be made, why not allow a Real Estate professional guide you every step of the way. As a first time buyer, the $8000.00 home buyer tax credit can come in handy and even make your home purchase a little more affordable. Being prepared and understanding the terms of buying a home are equally important. Allow me to help you through the biggest decision you will most likely make in your lifetime, I assure you it will be the best experience you have encountered.
The more you keep me updated with your needs, the better I can assist you. Please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns. I can be reached at 480-202-3558 and feel free to email or contact me.
Kind Regards,
| Whether you are looking for your first home or moving up from your current home, it is now more affordable than ever. Mortgage rates hit a 52-year low, making now a great time to buy a Arizona home of your dreams!Read the latest news on CNNMoney.com.
Combined with the current $8000 first time buyer tax credit or $15,000 Closing Cost Assistance for Foreclosure Phoenix Home Buyers and today’s low home prices, right now is a smart choice, smart time to make your move!
Please feel free to Contact me direct or find my “Live Chat” button on the bottom of this page and let me share the incentives with you! If you are interested in seeing the entire MLS properties and/or a particular neighborhood today — head on over to my Arizona Homes For Sale search page on my site.
Are you a fan of Skype? If so, if I’m at my desk then you are welcome to contact me direct on www.Skype.com using my Skype username of ‘candacerobinson’ (no spaces or apostrophes)! |
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If you have a question about a current listing you are viewing on the Search MLS page or Arizona Real Estate related questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me direct by clicking on the button to your right. |
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Please Note: If chat box is active, please leave message and if I’m not at my computer, I will get a text immediately. If you leave a contact number and email I can contact you direct and/or respond via text immediately with you using my phone! |
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In fact, you will even find many of the new home builders such as Pulte Homes and DR Horton in the Phoenix real estate market are currently offering additional incentives on top of the already low prices.
Dear Prospective Buyer,
When deciding whether or not to buy a home for the first time, it is essential to compare the benefits of buying versus renting. Renting provides the liberty to move when the lease expires rather than having to wait until you sell your home. On the other hand, landlords can also decide to end your lease, or perhaps have a surprise foreclosure and then you are forced to move. Renting allows you to avoid the cost of maintaining the property and requires less cash up front; however, home owners have the freedom to remodel as they choose and can deduct the cost of home repairs from their taxes. Also, renting throws away money that could be building equity. Isn’t it time you invest in yourself?
When you own your home, your monthly mortgage payment not only pays for you to live in the house but is also an investment. Although you generally invest 10% percent of your own money and 90% of the bank’s money, you receive the benefit of 100% of the house appreciating each year. When you sell your house, you receive money that you would not have received when you are renting. Plus, you can deduct items on your taxes, including interest on your mortgage and property taxes. Another great tax benefit is that you do not pay taxes on any profit you make from the sale of your home. Provided that you choose a fixed rate mortgage, you lock in a consistent payment, while renters should expect a few rent increases over the years.
If you’re considering moving from a rental and need a first time buyer guide, be sure to contact me direct and I can help you find your way! Currently there are many benefits for first time buyers who choose to buy a home between January 2009 and December 2009 with the $8,000.00 tax credit.
If your are considering buying a Foreclosure in the City of Phoenix limits then you might qualify for the $15,000.00 incentive providing you are prepared to attend some required classes and complete the restrictions of the loan.
With the rates at an all time low and inventory of homes in the Phoenix metro area at an all time high you really should consider purchasing and start the greatest investment of your lifetime.
If you decide that you are ready to buy a house, I would like to help educate you about the process. Please contact me at 480-202-3558 or CRobinson@HSmove.com
Kind Regards,
Candace Robinson
Home Smart Real Estate
Mesa, AZ 85210
Office Phone: 480-202-3558
Cell Phone:
Fax: 602-710-2393
Website: www.PhoenixArizonaRealEstateHomes.com
If you are looking for things to do in Gilbert this weekend during spring break for the kids, head on over to Gilbert’s new mall, SanTan Village. Macy’s department store is having their official grand opening March 19 – 21, 2009.
Join in the three day fun filled celebration. If you haven’t made your way to the SanTan Village Westcor mall on Williams Field Rd and SanTan Village Parkway (Greenfield Rd) then you really should treat yourself.
View List of Stores at SanTan Village Mall in Gilbert
The outdoor environment is pretty awesome this time of year. A must have cookie from my favorite hangout that also is my home away from home office, Paradise Bakery is conveniently up front and has easy access at the west side of the mall.
Thursday, March 19th* will be the Community Shopping Day at Macy’s. Buy a $10 ticket at any store entrance and you’ll instantly get $10 off one purchase of $25 or more. You can also save 20% on almost every purchase you make! Ticket sales proceeds go directly to local charities. Nothing like shopping where you live and helping out local Gilbert charities. Oh– don’t forget to register for your chance to win $500 Macy’s shopping spree! Someone has to win, why not you!
Friday, March 20th* will be Macy’s official Grand Opening ceremony with a ribbon-cutting scheduled at 9:45am. If you are the one of the first 500 people in the doors that morning you will receive a $10 Macy’s gift card, not bad with everyone cutting back these days. I know what I can get half off in the cosmetic counter. You might want to stick around for the fashion and cooking events, musical entertainment, activities for the kids, fashion makeovers and more chances to win prizes.
Saturday, March 21st* with be set aside for Family Day. Make it a family day with the kids for kid friendly events. The first 150 people the spend $100 or more will get to pick up a few Culture Pass in the Kids department. It’s good for admission for four people to more than twelve cultural venues through the Phoenix area.
This time of year the flower beds and cool breeze through the outdoor walkways makes this even a great excuse to load up the kids and treat them to the outside kids zone.
One thought would be to live and shop in our community not only for the benefits of the revenue but to also help with the local charities! Hope you enjoy your visit.
*Events are subject to change
If you are looking to buy a foreclosure in Phoenix, Arizona then this news is for you!
The City of Phoenix will begin offering home buyers thousands of dollars toward the purchase of a foreclosed home. If you are a home buyer searching for a foreclosed single family home, townhouse or condominium within the Phoenix city limits then you could qualify for a new program that will award home buyers $15,000 dollars.
One of the criteria’s is to be able to qualify and be deemed creditworthy by FHA (Federal Housing Administration). Potential buyers must also complete a mandatory eight hour counseling session on home ownership.
There are a few catches currently known, one is that home buyers have to repay the full amount of the loan if they ever sell the home or refinance. The second catch is that there are two informational meetings about the new program that will be held this Monday, March 16, 2009 at the Phoenix City Council Chambers at 200 W Jefferson St. The two meetings will be at 2:00 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.
Some questions are left unanswered like can you buy a second home, investment home? All the answers no doubt will be answered if you attend the meetings. If you are searching for a foreclosure within the City of Phoenix and would like more information about this program, stay tuned as I find out more information as it becomes available.
Search Phoenix Single Family
In this tight economy, consumers are looking for every cost-cutting measure they can find, including trimming down the cost of their homeowner’s insurance. Consider the following ways to trim expenses while maintaining effective insurance coverage:
1. Go for a higher deductible. – A typical deductible on a home insurance policy starts at $250. The more you are willing to raise that level, the more you will save on premiums. The balancing act is to raise the deductible only to what you can afford in the event of an incident. Going as high as $5,000 can knock your premium down more than 35%, but if you don’t have 5K to spare, the lower rate really isn’t doing you any good.
2. Combine home and auto policies. – Most insurance companies will give policy holders a break if they are issuing both auto and homeowner’s coverage to the customer.
3. Don’t insure dirt. – When calculating the value of your home, don’t include the value of the land. It’s not going to burn down, be stolen, or suffer wind damage. You want insurance on the house and its contents only.
4. The safer you are, the less you pay. – Most policy holders do not realize they can lop off as much as 5% each for deadbolts, smoke detectors, and burglar alarms. Get a really sophisticated home security system and you could save as much as 20 percent. (Most insurance companies will recommend a particular security company, so check with your agent first to earn the maximum discount.)
5. Don’t just let your policy sit there. – Review your coverage annually. If you insured an antique, which you then sold, it need to come off your policy. If you added on to the house, the addition needs to be covered. These kinds of adjustments are necessary on a regular basis to keep your coverage comprehensive and cost effective.
6. Don’t mail in your payments. – That’s right. The days of the post office are numbered. Most insurance companies charge a fee for mailed payments, often $5 or more. Pay electronically to avoid such fees and to make sure the payment is always on time. (Late payments can result in higher premiums down the line.)
No one ever lowered their homeowner’s insurance policy without talking to their insurance agent. The most important cost-cutting strategy at anyone’s disposal is negotiation. If you’ve put in a new air conditioner or insulated the attic, you might be surprised how those changes will alter your insurance premiums. So pick up the phone and start asking questions. It’s the only way to get answers and to start saving your insurance dollars.
While it is impossible to know which way interest rates will go in the future, one thing is certain – interest rates are lower now than they have been in recent years. Because of the recent rate drop, many people are wondering “do I lock in a low rate now or wait until later when rates might be lower”? Whether you start the process now or wait until later, one thing to remember – if you aren’t prepared to lock in your rate ahead of time, you might miss out.
The Application Process
Most lenders won’t lock your loan unless you have completed a loan application and have at least a pre-approval that you will qualify for the loan requested. The reason for this is that when you lock your loan, the lender “locks” your loan with their investors and if too many people lock and don’t complete the loan process, it costs them money.
The loan application can be taken over the phone or in person and it usually takes between 30 minutes and 1 hour. You will need to sign a stack of initial disclosures as well as have copies of your drivers license, social security card and other financial information depending on what type of loan you are requesting.
Some lenders charge an application fee (usually less than $500 if they charge one at all), so be sure to ask about an application fee up front. Just because you have completed a loan application doesn’t mean that you have to go through with the loan – it means that you have applied for a loan.
After Application = Lock
Once your application has been completed and reviewed by your loan officer, you can lock your rate at any time. Normal lock periods are 15, 30 or 45 days. Once your rate is locked, your loan can move through the process of processing, underwriting and closing – which recently seems to be taking a couple of weeks on average.
Most lenders will require that your rate is locked prior to going to underwriting – and in a period of uncertainty as to which way rates are heading, it is probably wise to lock as soon as possible in the process.
Locked = Locked
After your rate is locked, whether interest rates go up or down, your rate is “locked”. If rates go up, you will be happy because you have a lower rate. If rates go down – you may wonder “why did I lock in the first place?” A select few lenders may offer something called a “floatdown” where if rates drop, they will allow you to get the better rate – but very few lenders offer this so be sure to ask your loan officer early in the process if they offer a “floatdown” option.
Mortgage rates go up and down every day – sometimes multiple times each day. When buying a home or thinking about refinancing, it is important to focus on your primary objective – to get the best possible rate at the time of locking — and don’t spend energy asking “what if” after you have locked. Once you have been approved and have a rate locked – you are well on your way to moving into your new home (if you are purchasing a home) or getting a lower monthly payment (if you are refinancing)!
Arizona Mortgage Rates for January 20, 2009
Struggling with a troubled housing market many homeowners will need to consider all their alternatives. Some have optioned to rent their homes or perhaps offer a lease purchase. Both are reasonable options and can help a seller whom might be looking to seek housing elsewhere when relocating, downsizing or upgrading. If your needing to sell your home, then short sales are popular to sell quickly in slow market conditions. Trading houses have even been a means to sell if you can find another seller willing to trade their home with you.
When inventory is high and market is slow sellers must also be sure to be as competitive as possible, starting with the asking price and finishing up with providing the best condition of the home.
It’s not unheard of to include incentives being offered to the prospective buyers to encourage them to finalize the deal. New home builders do this often with private pools, upgrades and more. I’ve even heard of sellers offering to pay for the first three months mortgages and HOA’s fees, offer new appliances packages, vacations and more. Being creative can certainly work but is no guarantee. There certainly is a lot of homes with pools in Phoenix and paying for a pool service for the first six month might just make that buyer pick your home over the guy next door.
Sellers also might consider a home staging service. Home staging specialists will come into your home and help you make the necessary changes to make your home more appealing. Perhaps a color of paint, rearranging rooms or updating areas and freshen up a dark corner.
Having your listing agent visit other listed homes in the neighborhood or the area and see what your competition is and where improvements can be made. Standing out and seeking to be the best available listing is going to attract the buyers to your home. Avoid the top ten mistakes sellers make.
Being realistic with a the market and not over pricing is going to keep you from chasing the market. Chasing a market is the last position you are going to want find yourself in. Be aggressive and listen to the market, know what your home is worth, seek a realtors help. Ask your friend to walk your home, start from across the street and take notes from the curb to the back fence. Take heed, prepare your home for a successful selling experience. It can and will happen!
Can you think of other alternatives or creative ways to sell?
