Women of Strength Event – Susan Kraemer Recognized in Arizona Real Estate

 Congratulations to our Avondale Branch Manager Susan Kraemer for being recognized by Women of Strength for her efforts in the Real Estate Industry!  Twice each year women who are involved in real estate and real estate-related businesses co…me together as Women of Strength.  The purpose is to positively impact others and make a difference, as a Woman of Strength. This community is about like-minded women coming together, sharing their stories, regardless of affiliations to initiate change.  The mission: Inspire~ Encourage~ Mentor~ Lead~ with Transparency & Authenticity.


   

CONGRATULATIONS TO DEBRA ALLEN!! 

DEBRA ALLEN, Mesa agent, was chosen to receive the 40 Under 40 Award by the local Association of REALTORS.

 Press Release:

Tuesday, May 22nd, 2013, Debra Allen a top sales executive with Prudential Arizona Properties was honored by her peers at the Young Professionals Network/Southeast Valley Association of REALTORS by being one of 40 under 40 real estate professionals. 

There were 110 Sales Executives nominated and Debra was one of 40 that was chosen. In order to be chosen, the Sales Professionals had to be involved in four core areas:

• Attend REALTOR conferences and pursue leadership roles with their local, state and national association.
• Real Estate Industry – Take an active role in policy discussions and advocacy issues; be informed about the latest industry news and trends.
• Peers- Network and learn from one another by attending events, participating in online communication, and seeking out mentoring opportunities.
• Community- Become exceptional members of their community by demonstrating a high level or REALTOR professionalism and volunteering for causes they feel passionate about.

Debra is a leader in our industry and makes a difference in the lives of others. 

 

Click the image above for more details on the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life and 

how you can provide your support!

The Winter/Holiday edition of the Prudential Fine Homes International Magazine is now available.  Click Here take a look at some truly spectacular properties available around the globe!

In many parts of the country for-sale inventories have shrunk to historic lows. Buyers wanting to take advantage of remarkably low interest rates are frustrated by the dearth of available houses, especially at lower and mid-level price ranges. Well-priced properties that come on the market are frequently bid up over the asking price. And those “steals” in the REO and short-sale markets? Forget about it. How quickly – in many markets at least – things have changed.

In a market such as this it makes sense for buyers to consider making back-up offers on properties that may be under contract. This is especially true in the current environment, because tight lending standards (a.k.a. ridiculous underwriting requirements) seem to be causing a larger than usual number of fall outs. Also, even though there may not be so much in the way of short-sale “steals”, there is still a considerable inventory of short-sales; and those have a way of falling out too.

When a back-up offer is made, and accepted, it is important that both parties know exactly what has been agreed to. Of course the agreement needs to be in writing. An attorney can draw one up, or, when available, a form may be used. The California Association of Realtors® (CAR) has produced a standard form that is useful in this regard. The Back-Up Offer Addendum (BUO) can be included with a purchase offer or a counter-offer. This back-up agreement specifies in which position it is in, for it is not unusual that there may be more than one. It is contingent on the written cancellation of the original offer and any other back-up offer(s) that may precede it.

The CAR back-up offer form specifically acknowledges that offers ahead of it may be modified. “Seller and other buyers may mutually agree to modify or amend the terms of Prior Contracts.” So, for example, suppose that you were in back-up position number one, and that in the deal ahead of you, the buyer is not able to close on time. Such things happen. That fact would not, in itself, automatically trigger that the sale would move on to you. The seller could agree to extend the closing time to accommodate the original buyer.

Sometimes buyers are reluctant to be in back-up position, because they don’t want to be out of the market while they are waiting to see if the deal ahead of them goes through. The CAR back-up agreement allows the buyer to keep shopping. “Buyer may cancel the Agreement in writing at any time before Seller provides Buyer Copies of written cancellations of Prior Contracts Signed by all parties to those contracts.” The addendum also provides that a date may be specified beyond which either party may unilaterally cancel the back-up agreement.

The ‘default’ position of the CAR back-up addendum is that no check will be cashed or deposited, although that can be done if the parties agree. There is also a default position that time periods for investigations, contingencies, and closing will not begin to run until the buyer has received copies of signed cancellations of all previous agreements. However, “if the date for Close of Escrow is a specific calendar date, that date shall NOT be extended, unless agreed in writing by Buyer and Seller.”

Being in back-up position is not ideal; but it can frequently lead to a desired outcome.

December 11, 2012 – Realty Times Feature Article by Bob Hunt
 

Attractive interest rates and bottomed-out home prices have many homeowners wondering if now is the time to make a move. Is the climate right for purchasing that dream home? It all depends on your personal needs, finances, and of course, the state of your local housing market. Find out if now’s the time to make a move by taking this quick quiz.

• How much do you owe on your home? Many homeowners today find themselves owing more than their homes are worth. These owners should think long and hard before selling homes at a loss.
• What are your housing needs in the decade to come? Are you a new couple expecting to expand your family? Today’s market presents great deals that can facilitate you moving up to a bigger home.
• Are you nearing retirement age? While it may be appealing to buy the dream McMansion you’ve had your eye on, it’s important to remember that bigger homes require bigger maintenance, something many seniors look to avoid.

  Still other families are moving up to bigger homes that have the room for multiple generations.

• Are you willing to take on a larger mortgage? Even though interest rates are low, a larger home will not only cost more in taxes and utilities, but you could also find yourself with a steep mortgage payment.
• Do you have an 8-month emergency fund? There is still much uncertainty in the job market. Every household should be sure to saved back at least 8 months worth of cash for an emergency fund.
• How are your retirement savings? The same line of thought applies to number five. Housing isn’t turning out to be quite the booming investment it once was and while home prices are starting to rebound, a home is never a substitute for a solid retirement plan that is in full swing.
• Why are you buying? Is it for more space, a better school district, or to take advantage of today’s screaming deals? These can all be admirable pursuits. Are you instead buying for the status and prestige of a neighborhood? Homeownership is still a hefty responsibility, even with low interest rates and high levels of affordability. It should never be entered into lightly.
• How quickly are homes selling? Most households cannot afford to carry two mortgages, so be sure that you are able to sell your home first before buying that dream home. Talk to your local real estate agent about the current market conditions, such as how long a home is taking to sell, sale prices, etc.
• What do you need? This last question is more philosophical and may take some extra time and thought. After the 2009 recession, many consumers are asking themselves, “What do I really need?” Wants versus needs are sometimes a hard pill to swallow in a consumer-driven society, but many families are finding that they are happier with smaller homes and more family time.

  There are great deals to be had in today’s market. If your family is ready, financially and emotionally, for a move up, then be sure to contact your local real estate agent for more details on the condition of your local market and for some of today’s hottest listings.

  
  

  October 12, 2012 – Realty Times Feature Article by Carla Hill

Phoenix, AZ Realtor, Lauri Cooney, an agent of Prudential Arizona Properties, has teamed up with Move For Hunger and Berger Transfer and Storage to organize a month long food drive at local businesses all over Phoenix.

Once we teamed Lauri up with Berger Transfer and Storage, Lauri hit the ground running.  She reached out to all of the businesses she wanted to get involved in the drive, and even convinced the stores to donate giveaways to those who donate any non-perishable items.

“It’s so nice to see our Realtor partners like Lauri Cooney taking initiative to fight hunger in her community” say Adam Lowy, Executive Director of Move For Hunger.  “We hope that other realtors will see the success in this drive and will also join the fight against Hunger”.

Are you looking for better ways to make your household “green”? If so, you’re part of a growing number of Americans who are demanding green homes, products, and foods.

Green living can be a great way to save money, safeguard health, and respect Mother Earth. It’s truly a win-win-win. Although the EPA estimates that 75 percent of solid waste is recyclable, only about 30 percent is actually recycled. Are you doing it right? Can you do it better?

The benefits of recycling are far reaching. The EPA reports that:

• Recycling protects and expands US manufacturing jobs and increases US competitiveness.
• Recycling reduces the need for landfilling and incineration.
• Recycling prevents pollution caused by the manufacturing of products from virgin materials.
• Recycling saves energy.
• Recycling decreases emissions of greenhouse gases that contribute to global climate change.
• Recycling conserves natural resources such as timber, water, and minerals.
• Recycling helps sustain the environment for future generations.

  HouseLogic.com reports that to be a smart recycler you need to know how the process works. For instance, “If you drink from a plastic bottle, remove the twist-off cap and ring. They aren’t recyclable. In fact, bottles that arrive at recycling centers with the caps still on often are trashed. It’s too much work for the center’s employees to remove every cap, so do your part and remove them.” That means all your hard work would be wasted!

  The good news? It doesn’t take a whole lot of effort to be a smart recycler. Here are some great tips on how to be a top-notch recycler in your house:

  1. Rinse. Be sure to rinse out all cans and bottles before you toss them in the recycling bin. Think of it this way: you are preparing these items for recycling, not the landfill. It might take a little extra time. If you have an item that has lots of food residue you can’t remove, however, then it may be best to just toss it. Residue can literally “gum up the works” at the recycling center.
  2. Remove Labels. Take a few extra seconds to remove labels from all bottles and cans.
  3. Coordinate. Take a few moments to talk with your local recycling center about what issues they often see, what types of plastics they accept (so you know what triangle symbol to be on the lookout for), and of course what they don’t accept. Every center is different!

     The average person creates about 1.5 tons of trash each year. Take a few extra seconds each day to prep your recycling and you’ll be going a long ways in reducing your carbon footprint.

Its a three-digit number that carries a lot of influence over your future. It can dictate whether or not you’ll qualify for a home, car, or business loan. It can also be the deciding factor in whether or not you qualify for a low interest rate.

What exactly is a credit score and what factors contribute to its number?

A credit score is a number from 200 to 800 that reflects your payment and borrowing history. Are you a big spender? Do you make payments faithfully and on time? It’s what lenders use to decide a number of factors, including whether or not to lend to you.

There are three main reporting agencies: TransUnion, Experian, and Equifax. Can a credit score from these agencies be biased? The simple answer is no. Your credit score is a true and honest reflection of your debt and payment history. This means that neither a lender nor credit agency can “have it out for you.” You are the only person responsible for your score.

There are several factors that contribute to this score.

• Type of Credit: Lenders want to see that you have a history of multiple types of credit. This can include credit cards, installment loans, and mortgages.
• Amount of Debt: The more debt you have the riskier you appear to a lender. This means paying down or off debt is a great way to make yourself more desirable for a home loan.
• Payment History: You want to be on time with every bill. This includes everything from cable and phone to credit card payments. Late payments may be reported to the credit reporting agencies and will negatively affect your score.
• New Credit: Do NOT under any circumstances open new lines of credit, no matter how small, before you start looking for a home. Several new lines of credit will dock your score and may indicate to a lender that you are on a spending spree.
• Credit History Length: Younger borrowers are always at a slight disadvantage because they have a shorter credit history. A longer credit history gives lenders a better picture of what kind of borrower you really are.

  Be sure to check out your credit report three times a year at annualcreditreport.com. It’s free, easy, and secure. You’ll have to pay a nominal fee in order to see your score, but checking out your report can help you assess areas that need improvement or areas that have errors which need corrected.

  
  

Fall is just around the corner. All homes require maintenance.  To retain your home’s best value, it’s important to stay on top of projects and repairs, both large and small. Seasonal maintenance is a great way to be sure new issues are quickly addressed.

Small repairs may seem insignificant, but letting them add up over time means an overwhelming list down the road.

Take a personal inventory of repairs that need to be addressed.  These could range from paver stones that need replaced in a patio to a large-scale roof replacement. Walk your home from top to bottom and make a list of issues.

Look for paint that needs retouched, tiles that need grouted, loose or scuffed baseboards, broken screens, squeaky doors, and everything in-between.

Budget and prioritize what can be addressed now, what needs a professional to fix, and what needs to wait for available funds.

Fall is also the time of year to prepare your home for Winter.  It is much easier to install storm windows during temperate weather than during a blizzard!

Be sure to address each of these issues each Fall:

Call the HVAC guy:  Your unit has been working hard all Summer during this brutal heatwave. Now is a great time to service your unit beore the hard work of Winter.

Check and clean chimney:  Dirty chimneys cause hundreds of home fires every year. Be sure to have a professional clean and inspect your chimney each Fall. 

Clean the gutters:  It’s not just about appearances, though clean gutters do look better. A clogged gutter system can back-up water on your roof and cause leaks.

Yard maintenance:  Be sure to rake leaves and pick up downed limbs during Fall. Empty and put away flower pots. Address flower beds and put down new mulch for a clean appearance.

Prepare Winter Equipment:  Put away your lawn mower (yay!) and service your chainsaw, snowblower, and other fun winter tools.  It’s better to know now that a tool isn’t working than to discover this on a day you need it! 

Fall is a great time to address the needs of your property…all in beautiful weather. Take an inventory of your home’s needs and be sure to follow through with proper home maintenance. Your home’s value will thank you.

September 14, 2012 — Realty Times Feature Article by Carla Hill