Central Phoenix Condo Search

New Home Buyers Goodyear AZ 85395 - Bring Your Buyer’s Representatives with you, a Realtor.

by Linda Wieczorek published May 18, 2010

One important, if difficult, growth area is new home sales and here in the Phoenix Area buyers who are searching for a Newly Constructed or yet-to-be-constructed home. Unlike conventional home buyers, these buyers are generally less knowledgeable about real estate than the HOME SELLER ARE, since the sellers of NEW HOMES are DEVELOPERS and that's what they do for a living. Because of the special complexities of a new home purchase, BUYERS are in desperate need of representation and counseling. Buyers NEED there OWN Representation.

Don't be fooled into believing that dealing directly with a builder will offer big discounts. It is a rare case in which this is true. Most builders who ask to work directly with a buyer will park the price of a new home up to include what would have been paid to the Realtor. Buyers who take advantage of these "deals" direct from a builder's representative will pay the same as they would when using a Realtor, but will lose the benefit of having an experienced voice working to help them with their purchase and any issues that may come up with the builder.

Realtors Are Your Advocate During the Process * Bring A REALTOR * The new Home Builder has you sign a waver leting you know that THEY represent THE BUILDER NOT YOU!

Employing the services of a Realtor, particularly when purchasing a newly constructed home, will give buyers an extra line of defense against many of the common issues that arise during the buying process.

Rather than battling the builder ALONE when problems arise during construction, your Realtor will take matters into their own hands and work to assure that any problem is corrected in a way that is suitable to you.

With plenty of mediating experience between buyers and builders, an experienced Realtor knows what needs to be done to get the desired results.

Realtors are also experienced in contracts and contract negotiations. While the wording of a contract may be somewhat cryptic to the buyer, a Realtor can clarify any wording that is confusing and work to get changes made to contract stipulations that are unsuitable. This will help to prevent misunderstandings and misleading contract terms that are binding, once a purchase agreement is signed.

Still Want to Go It Alone?

While some have successfully purchased homes directly from a builder, buyers should ask themselves if this is a risk that they are willing to take. In most cases, the peace of mind and protecting that is given by using a Realtor is well worth their commission. By choosing to purchase a newly constructed home through a Realtor, the likelihood of a positive outcome is almost assured, from start to finish. Call Linda Wieczorek 602-391-8246- AZhomes4u@gmail.com WebSite

Total Roof Warranty By Roof Rx or Shall I say Warning about RX Roofing

2010-05-16T11:13:00.001-07:00

Roof Coverage

One maintenance visit per service agreement year

All roof types including shingle, tile, shake, flat, slate, and metal (roof rated only)

Broken or open flashing seals

Broken or damaged tiles, shingles, shakes, or flat roof material

Flashings and valley

Deteriorated felt paper or underlayment

Repair of specific leaks up to $1,000 per occurrence, $5,000 aggregate per service contract

Roof leaks caused by normal wear and tear

Single family residences(1-4 units), condominiums, and mobile homes

Up to 5,000 sq. ft. per agreement, increments of additional 5,000 square feet available at $199.00

Maintenance Visit

One roof maintenance visit per contract year includes up to $199.00 of service

Maintenance repairs include:

       A. Cleaning of rain gutters and roof drains

       B. Sealing roof level pipes, vents, and projections

       C. Cleaning roof debris

Maintenance visit required approximately 30-45 days after COE or renewal to activate agreement

No service fee

Order In 3 Easy Steps!

Step 1. Order by submitting an application online, by fax: (310) 693-0826 or contact your account executive. You may also contact us toll-free.

Step 2. We request one of the following to ensure service of coverage:

Home inspection report

Roof certification or a roof inspection report from a licensed roof contractor

Step 3. Make payment with MasterCard, Visa, check, or by submitting escrow information.

Relax! The Total Roof Warranty will protect your entire home from covered roofing failures resulting in leaks due to normal wear and tear. You will receive one roof maintenance visit approximately 30-45 days after COE or renewal.

Overview

Covered: The repair of water leaks that occur in the entire rooftop over living and non-living areas up to 5,000 square feet provided the leaks are the result of normal wear and tear. Coverage for additional increments of 5,000 sq. ft for $199.00. This roof warranty covers the repair or replacement of flashings, missing or broken tiles, shingles, shakes or flat roof material that can create leak causing defects. Roof Rx requests one of the following items in order to ensure equitable service of covered items under this agreement:

Home inspection report, a roof Inspection report, or a roof certification from a licensed roofing contractor.

Roof Maintenance (no service fee): Includes one maintenance visit per contract. Maintenance includes all necessary service and repairs to ensure an ongoing watertight system including: sealing, cleaning, and roof level cleaning of rain gutters and roof drains. Roof Rx will contact you approximately 30 days from the close of escrow or renewal date to schedule the maintenance visit. Roof Rx requires one service visit (maintenance) in order to activate this service agreement. Maintenance items noted as a deficiency on an original home or roof inspection report, which have not been repaired, will not be corrected at time of visit. Due to ongoing wear and tear, maintenance does not guarantee against future leaks not covered.

Not covered: Damage to the roof or leaks caused by a condition other than normal wear and tear such as, but not limited to, persons walking on the roof, improper previous repairs, construction or installation defects, improperly installed valleys, exposed nail heads, leaks occurring from newly installed roof-mounted installations, consequential or secondary damage, repair of wood rot, and damage caused by acts of nature such as tornado, lightning, wind, hail, fire and earthquake. Roof system deficiencies identified on the original home or roof inspection and/or any other pre-existing conditions not repaired shall be excluded from coverage. This warranty also does not cover defects associated with roof mounted installations such as, but not limited to, skylights, roof vents, satellite dishes, solar panels etc.

Limitations: $1,000 per occurrence, $5,000 aggregate per warranty contract for maintenance or the diagnosis and repair of specific leaks. If the roof has deteriorated to the extent that the roof cannot be repaired without a partial or whole replacement, Roof Rx’s liability is limited to $1,000 for the diagnosis and replacement of a roof provided that such replacement is completed by Roof Rx or a Roof Rx designee.

via roofrx.com

The add sounds too GOOD TO BE TRUE!!! It IS!! This company is the worst, they never showed up, Then.... when they did show up.. They were late 2 hrs. late , then they were to email me an estimate and I have never received one as of yet, I have called 3x's and every call someone was to get back with me with in 24hrs... NOT... NOT one time has this company done what they were suppose to do!! So, I guess there it's not a question on weather to hire them for my out of State client ROOF Cert.... BIG NOT!!!! Thought I would share this with the world!!

Posted via web from Living in Phoenix-Real estate-Neighborhoods & Homes

FREE FORECLOSURE SEARCH

2009-08-13T16:54:00.000-07:00

Search REO, Foreclosure, Pre-Foreclosure, Short Sale Properties in Phoenix by map, by zip code, city, community, school and styles.

Welcome to the AZPrideProperty.com foreclosure / lender owned & pre-foreclosure / short-sale home search.

This search has been segregated already to only include pre-foreclosures and foreclosed properties.

Overall REO home prices are lower then normal homes for sale but often the REO properties are sold "as is" and they almost all need some work: some need lots of work while others just a bit of cosmetic improvements.

The process of buying an REO properties is a bit different then a normal sale but its still easier then a short-sale which has lots of risks for the buyer.

Call Linda Wieczorek to view Foreclosures 602-391-8246 or email AZhomes4u@gmail.com.

SEARCH FORECLOSURES

Condo and Loft Homebuyer's Guide

2009-07-11T08:49:00.000-07:00

Find out if these urban abodes are right for you to buy, live in.

If you're looking for amenities, attractive prices and a low-maintenance lifestyle in the city, a condo or loft may be right for you, Phoenix Condo's & Lofts

A condo is generally an individual unit in a larger building or structure that was built as housing. A typical condo complex may look like an apartment building, but each unit is (owned), not rented. A homeowners association (HOA) governs the condo community, collects dues and maintains the common areas.

A loft is a living space carved out of a building that wasn't built as a living unit. Many lofts are built out of converted warehouses or old factory buildings in a city's urban center, making them an appealing alternative for professionals who work downtown. Lofts typically do not have interior walls, have more open space and higher ceilings than other homes, and require minimal maintenance. Loft developers will sell them as move-in-ready units or as empty "shells" for buyers interested in designing the space themselves. An HOA also governs the loft building.

"There's an interesting phenomenon happening today in Phoenix urban centers. People are moving back into the cities. "They're realizing it's much more cost-effective to live and work in the city center."

If you're considering buying a condo or loft, follow these six steps to guide you through the process.

•Step 1: Weigh the Pros and Cons
The condo lifestyle can be an attractive choice for a variety of buyers, such as families who like to be near parks and schools or the empty-Nester looking to downsize. Advantages of living in a condo or loft building include:

•Sense of safety;
•Minimal exterior maintenance;
•Convenience;
•Sense of community;
•Resort like amenities, such as concierge service, pools, fitness facilities, tennis courts, roof deck with views and valet service.
But expect to sacrifice some freedom.

"It can be a bigger process to get approval for renovations, and sometimes personal hobbies and entertaining may be curtailed, depending on building rules.

•Step 2: Find a Real Estate Agent Who Knows the Market (Linda Wieczorek 602-391-8246)
A knowledgeable real estate agent can help in your property search and is especially key if you're a first-time buyer. Most people who are buying condos are entry-level buyers. It's important for these buyers to find someone who has a lot of experience with condos and lofts and who can explain the process well. Transactions usually go sour when the buyer isn't aware of how the process works.

•Step 3: Know What to Look For
•How many units are owner-occupied?
"If a large percentage are owned by investors as second homes or rented out, it can have a negative effect on the value of your property.

•How is the building maintained?
"When you buy a condo, you own the common areas," she says. "Badly maintained common areas can be a red flag that perhaps the homeowners association is not running the building as well as it should."

•Is there an application process?
Sawyer says in Manhattan this step is becoming more common because it protects the owners by making sure others are financially qualified to live in the building.

•Who is the developer/builder?
Check reputations and other developments. "Remember, you are in essence buying a building.

•Step 4: Get to Know the HOA
Before you buy a condo or loft and join the HOA:

•Find out what the monthly dues are and if an automatic debit system is available;
•Ask for a copy of the HOA's covenants, conditions and restrictions (CC&Rs) as these rules can limit improvements or alterations you can make to how many pets you can have;
•Ask for a copy of the HOA by laws, which dictate in fine detail how the association should operate;
•Ask about any special assessments that were made in the past three years;
•Meet the HOA president and ask any questions you may have about the community;
•Find out when and where meetings are held;
•Ask for a copy of the latest budget and meeting minutes. Review them to see how dues are being spent.

•Step 5: Consider Insurance
With a single-family property, a homeowner must insure the building, its contents and even the land and landscaping. With condos and lofts, the HOA collects monthly dues from members that cover the cost of insuring the building.

Even though the building is insured, condo and loft owners should buy policies to cover their belongings inside the building."It's highly recommended that buyers also purchase a separate homeowner policy to insure the contents of the home, similar to renter's insurance," says Leslie Williamson, executive vice president of The Condo Store, a nationwide real estate service specializing in sales of condos and lofts.

•Step 6: Do the Research
Before you sign on the dotted line, make sure you find out the nitty-gritty on the community you're considering. Dig into the HOA's books, ask neighbors about their experiences and talk to the real estate agent on-site to see if it's a good fit for you.

Don't forget to research the community's management system. Is it managed by a small, local firm? Or is it a large company that manages several properties in the city or region? What is the grievance procedure? Who is the on-site manager and how well does he or she respond to day-to-day issues?

What You Need to Know About HOAs Get the lowdown on how a community is managed before you buy

2009-07-11T08:44:00.000-07:00

Talk to anyone who owns a condo or a home in a planned unit development, and they'll warn you about the homeowners association (HOA). You shouldn't be scared, but realize it does wield a lot of power in the community it governs. So before you buy a home in a particular neighborhood, research the HOA.

When a developer builds a condo building or townhome complex, it creates a legal entity known as the HOA, which allows the developer to transfer ownership and management of the community to the homeowners after it has sold a predetermined number of units or lots.

Do the Research

The HOA manages the common areas and amenities, and it enforces what are called covenants, conditions and restrictions (CC&Rs), which all homeowners in the development must follow. Review each of these documents before buying:

•CC&Rs. These rules can limit anything from what kind of improvements or alterations you can make to how many pets you can have;
•Homeowners association bylaws. These dictate in fine detail how the association should operate;
•HOA budget and financial statements. The budget should cover day-to-day operating expenses, such as maintenance costs, staff salaries and utilities. At least 3 percent to 5 percent of its gross operating budget should go into a reserve for occasional repairs, such as paint jobs or new roofs. If the budget is unrealistically low, you're at risk for increased dues or special assessments. Study operating budgets and financial statements for the past several years to look for signs of poor monetary management;
•HOA meeting minutes. Get up to speed on what the HOA is working on.

See What You Get

When you buy a unit or lot in the development, you become a member of the HOA and must pay monthly dues. A portion goes toward upkeep of common areas, and the rest goes into a reserve for potential repairs. Dues typically range from $150 a month to $600 a month, depending on the amenities you get.

Access to amenities makes up one of the most appealing reasons for buying an HOA-governed home. You'll get luxuries you wouldn't be able to afford on your own, such as swimming pools, tennis courts and fitness centers. Potential savings in home-related expenses holds another advantage over single-family homes. Condos, for instance, are usually cheaper to maintain as homeowners share the cost of upkeep and repairs. Since the HOA handles maintenance, not having to clean the pool or fix broken exercise equipment becomes another perk.

Know Your Restrictions

You've probably already heard the biggest complaint about HOAs: the CC&Rs. These rules are meant for the good of the community, but for some, they may seem too restrictive. CC&Rs and bylaws are extremely difficult to get around, so be sure to review these documents carefully before you buy a home. Be prepared for special assessments, especially in older buildings. If the roof needs to be replaced, the HOA will collect money from each homeowner to cover the cost.

10 Steps to Happy House Hunting - STEP 2

2009-07-11T08:40:00.000-07:00

Step 2: Choose a type of house

The type of house you choose (single-family detached, condo, townhouse, duplex, co-op, etc.) depends on how much "common interest" you want to share with your neighbors. For example, condo residents share walls and common public areas such as a roof deck or courtyard. Residents don't have to maintain these areas, because a management company and the homeowners association (HOA) take care of them through monthly fees collected from residents. $$$$

Each type of building and ownership comes with its own pros and cons, so choose one that fits your lifestyle.
Decide which home features are most important to you. Ask yourself these questions:
Do you have pets? You may want to narrow the field to homes with big enough backyards.
Is your family growing? Make sure there are enough bedrooms for today and five years from now.
Be shrewd about storage space. Houses with cavernous rooms may be impressive to look at, but they sometimes compromise storage space to achieve that effect. Would you rather have a place to hang your crystal chandelier or a place to hang your coats?
Will any remodeling be required to make the home move-in ready for you? If so, are you handy with a hammer or would you prefer to find a home that needs little work?
Find out what you need to know about HOAs.
Get tips on buying a condo or loft.
Another type of home is "manufactured," meaning it's constructed in sections in a factory and then shipped and assembled on the home's site. Also referred to as prefabricated or modular homes, they can range from your typical low-end mobile home to an ultra luxury prefab home to even a green home.

10 Steps to Happy House Hunting - STEP 1

2009-07-11T08:30:00.000-07:00

STEP 1.
Location, location, location. You've heard this time and time again, and it's never been truer than in real estate. The most important aspect of a home's value is the neighborhood it's in. What good is a beautiful, 2,500-square-foot restored Victorian if it's in a declining part of town?

As you look at neighborhoods, ask yourself these questions:
What's your job commute going to be like? Is the traffic heavy or light when you'll be on the road?
How's the school district? Even if you don't have kids, the quality of the school district affects your home's value, so it pays to find out.
How much crime is there?
How accessible are shopping centers, libraries, churches and other necessary destinations?
Do you prefer urban living or country living?
If you're priced outside of the neighborhood you want to be in, look for the area's fixer-uppers. These houses will need work, but at least you'll have built-in property value. You can also find bargains if you're willing to go outside popular neighborhoods and scout up-and-coming ones.

$8,000 to first-time home buyers CREDIT

2009-07-11T08:26:00.000-07:00

For information on the $8,000 TAX CREDIT call Linda 602-391-8246

As part of its plan to stimulate the U.S. housing market and address the economic challenges facing our nation, Congress has passed legislation that grants a tax credit of up to $8,000 to first-time home buyers.

Here is more information about how the 2009 First-Time Home Buyer Tax Credit can help prospective home buyers become part of the American dream.

Breaking news: Tax Credit Can Be Used on Closing Costs.

Who Qualifies?
First-time home buyers who purchase homes between January 1, 2009 and December 1, 2009.

To qualify as a “first-time home buyer” the purchaser or his/her spouse may not have owned a residence during the three years prior to the purchase.

Which Properties Are Eligible?
The 2009 First-Time Home Buyer Tax Credit may be applied to primary residences, including: single-family homes, condos, townhomes, and co-ops.

How Much Will the Credit Be?
The maximum allowable credit for home buyers is $8,000. Each home buyer’s tax credit is determined by two factors:

The price of the home—the credit is equal to 10% of the purchase price of the home, up to $8,000.

The buyer's income—single buyers with incomes up to $75,000 and married couples with incomes up to $150,000—may receive the maximum tax credit.

If the Buyer(s)’ Income Exceeds These Limits, Can He/She Still Get a Credit?
Yes, some buyers may still be eligible for the credit.

The credit decreases for buyers who earn between $75,000 and $95,000 for single buyers and between $150,000 and $170,000 for home buyers filing jointly. The amount of the tax credit decreases as his/her income approaches the maximum limit. Home buyers earning more than the maximum qualifying income—over $95,000 for singles and over $170,000 for couples are not eligible for the credit.

Will the Tax Credit Need to Be Repaid?
No. The buyer does not need to repay the tax credit, if he/she occupies the home for three years or more. However, if the property is sold during the three-year period, the credit will be recouped on the sale.

Appealing Your Property Appraisal

2009-04-13T07:12:00.000-07:00

After looking at my Property Appraisal for taxes my eyes poped out, the value went up on my home! This was not right.. I know I lost value. It was time to take on the County Assessor ........ State Board of Equalization

HOW TO APPEAL for Phoenix AZ

January 1 is the property valuation date for the following tax year. The County Assessor must mail the Notice of Value card to you no later than March 1. The assessor's opinion of the market value of the property is indicated on the postcard as "Full Cash Value". The assessor's determination of the use of the property is reflected in the legal classification as indicated on the postcard. A.R.S.§§ 42-11001 , 15101,15102 ,15103. and Title 42, Chapter 12, articles 1, 2, 3, and 4. Your Right To Appeal
If you believe the "Full Cash Value" is greater than the market value of the property - or that the legal classification is incorrect - you have two methods of appeal: Administrative or Judicial. A.R.S.§§ 42-15104,16051, 16201.

You may appeal the "Full Cash Value" or legal classification to the County Assessor where your property is located. This is the first step of the Administrative Process. Steps for this process are outlined below. A.R.S.§ 42-16051

OR You may file a petition directly with the Tax Court at any time after receiving the Notice of Value, provided you do not file an administrative appeal - but you must file it no later than December 15. This is the Judicial Process. You are responsible for expenses such as filing fees. A.R.S.§§ 42-16201 , 16202 , 16203 , 16204 , 16205 .

Administrative Process

Step 1
File a petition with the County Assessor. The filing deadline is printed on the Notice of Value card. You must file your appeal within 60 days after the card was mailed to you. A.R.S.§ 42-16051 D.

Step 2
You may request a meeting with the County Assessor's office - or submit written evidence that supports your appeal. The assessor must consider, decide, and answer all requests on or before August 15. A.R.S.§§ 42-16054 , 16055,

If you reach an agreement, no further appeal is permitted. A.R.S.§ 42-16056.

Step 3
If you do not agree with the assessor's decision, you may file a petition with the Board of Equalization for that county. The petition must be filed within 25 days of the date the assessor's decision was mailed to you. However, you may decide to bypass the Board and appeal directly to the Tax Court within 60 days. A.R.S.§§ 42-16056, 16157, 16201.

Step 4
If you are not satisfied with the Board of Equalization's decision, you may appeal to the Tax Court. Be sure to file your appeal no later than 60 days after the Board of Equalization decision is mailed to you. A.R.S.§§ 16168, 16203 .

Notice of Change Appeals
Individuals may file an appeal pursuant to A.R.S.§ 15105, supplemental notice of appeal of valuation in case of new construction, additions, deletions, splits, consolidations or change in use. These appeals are filed directly to the Board within 25 days after the the date of the assessor's notice.

Notice of Proposed Correction and Taxpayer Notice of Claim Appeals
These appeals are for correction of prior tax year records. Property owners may file an appeal to the Assessor pursuant to A.R.S.§42-16252 Assessor Notice of Proposed Correction or A.R.S. §42-16254 Taxpayer Notice of Claim within the time limits specified in the statutes. After the appeal to the County Assessor individuals may file an appeal to the County Board of Equalization or State Board of Equalization. The appeal must be filed on a form DOR82179C Petition for Review of Proposed Correction or DOR82179C-1 Petition For Review of Taxpayer Notice of Claim. File the form along with a copy of the original form DOR82179A Notice of Proposed Correction or form DOR 82179B Taxpayer Notice of Claim. Be sure to include a copy of the Assessor's decision if available. These appeals are filed directly to the Board. If filed electronically, the taxpayer must submit the requested hard copies by mail or in person.

Electronic Filing/E-Filing
Individuals may file an electronic petition according to the rules above for manual filing, but without having to mail in a form, by filling out an electronic filing via this web site. Make sure you understand the rules and the deadlines and then click here to start an individual e-filing .

Agents filing large amounts of petitions or individuals submitting many tax filings may also talk to the SBOE about sending in a bulk database filing.

Petitions rejected by the Assessor cannot be e-filed to the Board. When filing a petition that has been rejected by the Assessor, mail or deliver the original filing in addition to attaching the required information to correct the deficiencies. Petitions rejected by the Assessor for the second time must include the original of the second rejection. Petitions rejected by the Assessor after June 15 are filed directly to the Board.

Moving on a Budget

2009-04-12T11:20:00.000-07:00

If you're one of the approximately 50 million Americans moving this year, you probably don't want to spend a fortune to get from point A to point B. With a little planning ahead, it's possible to execute a do-it-yourself move without breaking the bank.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, about 16 percent of all moves are work-related -- moving to find a new job or to be closer to a current job. Whatever your reason for moving, you don't have to pay a company to pack up your belongings and transport them to your new home. Here are some easy ways to move yourself and stay on budget:

* If you need to rent a truck or trailer, especially if you only have a few large items that can't fit into your vehicle, check out your local big box retail hardware store. They often rent trucks and trailers by the hour at a fraction of the cost of renting from a moving company.

* Collect free boxes from friends, family and from local grocery and liquor stores. Save old newspapers to wrap valuables in instead of purchasing expensive rolls of bubble wrap.

* Plug in the refrigerator at your new place a day or two ahead of time. Pack frozen and perishable foods in a cooler with ice packs and unpack that food into your new fridge first. Having your food melt or go bad means an additional, and expensive, trip to the grocery store.

* Pick up change of address forms, free of charge, from the post office. Request a free "welcome kit" from the local chamber of commerce in your new community. These kits contain valuable information and often include money saving coupons for local businesses.

* Pack wisely and avoid filling boxes so much that they're too heavy for you to lift without help. You'll get more done with each person carrying their own box.

* Clear a path. Before you lift a load, make sure you've got a clear path to your destination. You won't be able to see well or move obstacles out of your way once the load is in your arms.

* Use the right tools for the job. Hand trucks can be rented inexpensively and should be used to transport multiple boxes at once or smaller items of furniture. Remember that hand trucks are not good for moving items up or down stairs and are difficult to maneuver around tight turns. For large pieces of furniture, appliances, stairs and tight spaces, try the Shoulder Dolly, an ergonomically designed, patented harness system that allows users to lift with their legs and safely pick up virtually any heavy or bulky item in the home (www.ShoulderDolly.com).

Working in two-person teams, users simply strap into the Shoulder Dolly, slip the carrying strap under the item to be lifted, and then use their leg muscles to lift the weight. By using your legs (your strongest muscles), the Shoulder Dolly significantly decreases the strain and risk of injury to your lower back, hands, biceps and forearms.

* Don't end up in the hospital. When lifting a load, keep your back straight and bend your knees. Keep your head up and look straight ahead to ensure your back remains perpendicular to the ground. Hold the object securely and use the large, powerful leg muscles to lift the weight. Avoid twisting or turning at the waist when lifting. Turn your entire body by moving your hips first, which will force your shoulders to stay in line.

If you are interested in Buying a property or having a Sold Sign on your property Please Contact Linda

10 Signs to the Bottom of Real Estate Markets

2009-04-12T10:53:00.000-07:00

The bottom of each real estate market in America won’t occur with much fanfare. In fact, few people will realize that it’s even happening when they do, and they’re usually only recognized after the bottom has already hit.

The search for the elusive bottom to any real estate market is akin to finding the proverbial needle in a hay stack. Once they’re fully realized, the elevator is usually on the way up and higher prices follow.

Bottoms to real estate markets are a lot like trying to determine when stocks in financial markets are at their lowest price. Veteran investors say it’s a fool’s game to try to find the bottom to make a buying decision because as you wait, study and calculate the tendency is to over analyze as the market makes its own moves and often leaves you in the lurch.

In these increasingly complicated financial times, troubled by the credit crunch finding a market’s elusive bottom is no easy task. But here are 10 signs to ponder on whether the bottom of your market is near:

1- The inventory of listings is reducing as properties come off the market, especially those over priced places that have been sitting on the market rotting. Noticing fewer for sale signs in that neighborhood you’re interested in buying a home or condo in these days?

2- The Mass Media spurs interest with talk of a bottom. Newspapers and
television reporters speculate and ask the experts if a bottom is occurring
like it’s a national real estate market trend when all markets have their
own local bottoms and are scattered over time.

3- Sales volume begins to pick up, slowly at first as pent up buyer demand results in more showings.

4- People are less fearful of the market.

5- People begin to talk about how much money there is to be made investing in real estate again.

6- Increasing telephone calls to realty offices on listings and for sale by
owners.

7- The Fed finishes tinkering with interest rates at least for a while, trying to get a handle on how the markets are moving.

8- People commonly talk about the bottom occurring like it’s a thing of the past with increasing consumer confidence.

9- Prices finally seem to stop dropping.

10- Financing becomes easier to obtain.

There aren’t hard and fast rules to insuring that your real estate market is at the bottom. All bottoms are different after all, but one thing’s sure. The bottom of markets have historically been for a much shorter duration than the top, which is one reason why most property owners are secure in their positions. Statistically, very few real estate buyers make their purchases at the bottom or the top. Most buy some where in between.

For your FREE New Listings by EMAIL or Market Watch

Mortgage Rates Fall to Historic Low’s

2009-04-04T15:41:00.000-07:00

Rates on the 30 year mortgages were reduced to their lowest levels on record. This is the second straight week that rates have fell to “Historic Lows”.

Freddie Mac said Thursday that the Average Rates for the 30 year fixed dropped to 4.78% this week, down from 4.85% last week.

This is the lowest lending rate that Freddie has seen since 1971, or when they started the survey. This puts rates down a full point since this time last year.

The low rates have triggered a tidal wave of refinancing activity. The MBA said Wednesday that its “Weekly index climbed 3% for the week on top of a 30% increase from a week ago.”

Lenders however have also tightened lending requirements, so these good rates wont apply if you have bad credit.

For many Loan Shopping/ Home Buyers out there, this should be the question you ask yourself.

Are you still holding off on buying your dream home, because you think prices are still going to continue to drop 5%? Well, you should consider what price money will be at by the time the bottom is clearly in sight for everyone. Will they continue to cut rates when it is obvious that the market is climbing back on its feet?

In other words, is waiting 6 months for prices to drop 5% worth the risk of having rates go back up and costing you more in the long run?
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Free Phoenix MLS Search Begins Here

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Features Full and FREE access to ALL Phoenix MLS Listings of all homes available in: Phoenix, Scottsdale, Paradise Valley, Cave Creek, Carefree, Sun City, Peoria, Glendale, Surprise, Buckeye, Avondale, Tempe, Chandler, and Mesa, Arizona.

Every Phoenix Metro Home Listings Is Right Here! Over 70,000 Homes For Sale! Phoenix Metro Area including short sales, REO's, bank owned, foreclosures!

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The REAL Estate Bargain

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How to avoid self-proclaimers and find a true real estate bargain.

Mention real estate, or the real estate market in any idle conversation these days and someone is bound to chime in with the latest 'deal' they've heard about or seen. They will immediately compare it against another unseen property, based on size, and regale you with what a 'bargain' it is. 'A one bedroom unit for $49,000, how can you pass that up?' They ask this as if you are simply out of your mind to not jump at it. What they neglect to understand is that a true bargain rarely goes unnoticed, and is always predicated on more than just its own attributes or price.

Without a true market comparison, such a property is only a self-proclaimed bargain. Self-proclaimed bargains are usually little more than hype. The key to finding a bargain is to use market metrics which show the difference between the property you are interested in and the market. Such metrics include property price vs. area median price and the more specific dollar per square foot comparison. As well, there should be consideration towards the neighborhood, amenities, and even how much it may cost to refurbish, if necessary.

Finding drastically price reduced properties can be difficult, particularly with the vast offerings currently on the market. Many online sites, like Craigslist, allow you to list your property, and hype it however you choose; only worsening this situation. Avoid these at all cost! It will take you far to long to research each of these properties and make these comparisons. This is particularly true in the case of foreclosures and short sales, where the legal details are nearly tantamount to the actual property itself. Look instead for sites which offer metric comparisons and detailed market information, along with resources for foreclosure and short sale listings.

Need more help? What most online resources neglect to address is the need for reliable market experts that can help potential buyers understand what these metrics mean in the long run. This is when having a trusted real estate agent on hand makes all the difference. Quality local agents have the most current and detailed information available and can assist you in making the best decision for your needs, budget, and preferences. Also, in the case of foreclosures, we have resources to expedite research on back-taxes, liens, and any other obstacles which may disrupt the sale process. Interested in having an agent help you find a bargain? A qualified CNE Certified Negotiation Expert Linda Wieczorek specializing in your market, working with Investors and 1st Home Buyers.
Please contact me by calling 602-391-8246 or e-mail.

AZPrideProperty has an entire section of our site devoted to foreclosed properties which not only lists foreclosed properties exclusively. This means you can find a bargain on a foreclosed property just as easily as one under normal selling conditions. So you can start loading your cart.