House Passes Tax Credit Extension: Phoenix homebuyers, listen up - 06/30/10 06:24 PM
House Passes Tax Credit Extension: Phoenix homebuyers, listen up

If you are a new home buyer in Phoenix, or anywhere in the country for that matter, and you signed on a contract by April 30th, you're in luck.
The House of Representatives has passed the closing extension. Originally, the deadline to close on your home and complete the sale was set for today, June 30th. Homebuyers now have an extra three months to finish qualifying for federal tax incentives & credits of up to $8,000. The deadline is now set to September 30th to close on a new home.
The measure … (4 comments)

Fireworks & Zoo Animals: 4th of Zoo-Ly at the Phoenix Zoo -- Phoenix, AZ - 06/30/10 02:27 PM
Fireworks & Zoo Animals: 4th of Zoo-Ly at the Phoenix Zoo -- Phoenix, AZ
Would you like a side of ZOO ANIMALS with your fireworks this 4th of July?
The Phoenix Zoo is hosting the 4th of Zoo-Ly -- definitely a one-of-a-kind way to celebrate the nation's independence. At this event, guests will have the opportunity to have exclusive access to the Zoo, a classic summer BBQ dinner & many activities for the entire family to enjoy.
Better yet, guests will have VIP viewing of the Tempe Town Lakes Fireworks Show sitting at a special area in the back of the … (10 comments)

Relocating to Phoenix: Travel Opportunities & Weekend Getaways - Part 5 of 8 - 06/29/10 06:35 PM
Relocating to Phoenix: Travel Opportunities & Weekend Getaways - Part 5 of 8
Phoenix is located smack-dab in the center of Arizona. This means if you drive in any direction for a much-needed weekend getaway or a family trip, you’re bound to stumble upon sites to see, like the Grand Canyon, and towns worth visiting, such as Flagstaff & Sedona. The travel time to any of these places is relatively short (2-5 hours away) & the sites are breathtakingly beautiful.

If you haven’t been here yet, you must. It is one of the seven wonders of the world, after … (11 comments)

REALTORS®, do you know how to Prospect for Today's Market? NAR webinar July 13! - 06/29/10 03:31 PM
REALTORS®, do you know how to Prospect for Today's Market? NAR webinar July 13!
Let's pretend you're looking for a new pair of shoes. If you're living in Phoenix, just thinking about the short walk to the car in the heat makes you cringe. So what do you do? In this day and age with the explosion of mobile, Web & multimedia technologies, I bet your next plan of action is to search online. Right? Why even bother going to the store when you can browse through the items at your fingertips.
And if you're searching online for a purchase as … (42 comments)

Adding video to a blog? EASY! - 06/28/10 07:47 PM
Adding video to a blog? EASY!
Adding video to a blog was so confusing the first time I tried it. But I'm glad I learned because sometimes it just takes that extra bit of media to make the blog really come together and stand out.
For those who are new to the video aspect of blogging, I hope this short "How-To" will help you add videos to your blog.
There are two types of videos you can to your blogs -- videos uploaded by others & videos edited & uploaded yourself. Either way, these videos are normally found on YouTube. I … (16 comments)

Bananas, Learning & Fun -- ActiveRain Workshop in Phoenix, AZ - 06/25/10 03:55 PM
Bananas, Learning & Fun -- ActiveRain Workshop in Phoenix, AZ
Have you ever had your "blogging horoscope" read...on a banana?!
At my ActiveRain Workshops in Phoenix, AZ, you can expect that and more. You'll learn about why blogs are important for your business, how to begin your blogging experience, ideas of what to write about, how to get past being "blogged down," and prizes!
I just had a workshop yesterday, and it went so well. My team passed out bananas with 'blogging horoscopes' to everyone at the workshop, and they loved it. Workshops aren't worth it if you aren't having fun!
The attendees … (16 comments)

Friday Funnies: Computer Error Message With Cheese Please... - 06/25/10 01:24 PM
Friday Funnies: Computer Error Message With Cheese Please...
So one day you've come up with the best topic to write about for your next blog. It's brilliant, and you know it'll be a hit with your fellow ActiveRain friends. You open up your Word Document and begin writing.You researched it; you found great photos to post with it; you perfected the blog. Everything is ready to go. You pat yourself on the back and mumble to yourself, "Man, I'm amazing. Best blog that's ever hit ActiveRain. Hands down. Everyone will be so envious; they'll wish they were me."
But wait. You … (12 comments)

Greg Drejza, Social Media Guru: 8-Week Workshops in Phoenix, AZ - 06/24/10 07:24 PM
Greg Drejza, Social Media Guru: 8-Week Workshops in Phoenix, AZ
This man knows it like the back of his hand, and he's here to help you out.
His name is Greg Drejza, a good friend of mine for many, many years, and he's the CEO at GJD Media International, L.L.C. in Phoenix, AZ.
What's his expertise, you ask? Social media. Greg knows exactly how to utilize social media to grow your business. In his workshops, he coaches Phoenix business professionals how to integrate their businesses onto social media sites like LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and more. He will teach you social … (7 comments)

Wordless Wednesday: My Little Wookie! - 06/23/10 05:50 PM
Wordless Wednesday: My Little Wookie!
Normally, if something goes missing, I think, "Maybe I missplaced it."I dig through drawers, under couch cushions...leaving a trail of destruction behind.But in this case, I think I have an idea of what happened to my lipstick...Seriously this little guy looks just like my little Wookie!

 
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If you're thinking of selling your Phoenix-area home, please give us a call. We're here to help you and make the selling process simple and stress free.
Call us today to request your complimentary market analysis to determine how your home compares to others in your area.
(26 comments)

Relocating to Phoenix: Let the Valley take care of your art & cultural needs - Part 4 of 8 - 06/23/10 02:18 PM
Relocating to Phoenix: Let the Valley take care of your art & cultural needs - Part 4 of 8
The Phoenix Valley of the Sun could be your future home!But before you make that decision, you're looking for information to help make up your mind, right?
One aspect of relocation worth considering is what the city has to offer -- in this blog's case, art & culture. Greater Phoenix is a one-stop destination for anything and everything arts related. Home to more than 300 unique arts & entertaiment vanues spread across the Valley, you'll find anything your cultural taste buds are craving -- … (2 comments)

Network it up with Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce - 06/23/10 12:38 PM
Network it up with Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce
Networking, networking, networking.
We hear it all the time and just how important networking is in the Real Estate industry. We hear about classes that teach you the basics of it; we hear about the benefits of it. But, do we always act on it?
The only way to be successful at networking is by doing it. Just get out there, and keep talking to people. Strike up conversations and get your business's name out there. And there are plenty of opportunities to gather with groups of people to network. For instance, … (4 comments)

Be an Exhibit Expert, too: Interview with Susan Ratliff of Exhibit Experts Phoenix AZ - 06/22/10 08:04 PM
Be an Exhibit Expert, too: Interview with Susan Ratliff of Exhibit Experts Phoenix AZ
As I discussed in my previous blog about the exhibits at the Business Expo in Phoenix, AZ, booths take quite some preparation in order to be taken seriously. Almost like rehearsing a script, you need to know your lead lines and your "speech" before the expo even begins. If you want those leads, you have to work for them, not just sit down and wait until someone begins speaking with you.
While I already knew a lot about the attention to detail that goes into a successful … (5 comments)

Blog, Blog, Blogging the Active Rain Way at Paradise Valley MLS REALTOR Meeting Thursday June 24 - 06/22/10 02:25 PM
Blog, Blog, Blogging the Active Rain Way at Paradise Valley MLS REALTOR Meeting Thursday June 24
While it isn't necessary to educate my fellow ActiveRain friends about the importance of blogging, I do want to stress the importance of spreading the word about how blogging can really benefit businesses -- even those outside of Real Estate.
Whether you're attempting to sell a service or a product, you want to succesfully and uniquely brand it as your own. When you go to the grocery store, you don't just grab any loaf of bread off the shelf. You normally look for the label … (23 comments)

Did your exhibit stand out at Business Expo 2010 in Phoenix, AZ? - 06/21/10 07:13 PM
Did your exhibit stand out at Business Expo 2010 in Phoenix, AZ?
This past weekend, my team and I attended the Business Expo at The Westin Kierlandin Resort & Spa Scottsdale, AZ hosted by the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce, and it was a blast, full of learning and fun.
I met up with some old friends and befriended some new. There were exhibits for some products I have never heard of before as well as booths with fun games to play in order to draw the crowd in. However, there were some exhibits that just didn't compel or draw me … (2 comments)

Social Media more than just a fad -- Phoenix Business People Learn to Market Your Business! - 06/21/10 04:59 PM
Social Media more than just a fad -- Phoenix Business People Learn to Market Your Business!
Linked In. Facebook. Twitter. Google. YouTube.
How can all of these sites be used as tools help your company? Easy. Social media marketing. If you've never considered this or don't know how to utilize these tools, attend the Social Media workshop with me as a guest speaker! And free pizza is involved. How could it get any better than that?
The Social Media Lunch N' Learn is put on by Greg Drejza, of GJD Media International, L.L.C., who hosts this 8 week personal coaching program … (6 comments)

Attention New Pool Owners, Don't Do This in the Dark! - 06/19/10 01:25 PM
Listen up Arizona Pool Owners!
My associate Bob Haywood has advice you need to read NOW!

Via Bob Haywood, www.BobHaywood.com (McGraw Realtors):
Buying a home with a pool is an exciting experience.  When we purchased our current home and pool, I couldn't believe that I actually owned a home with an in ground pool.  "How cool is this?" I thought.  And it is cool.  We love our pool, even with the year round maintenance that is required.  It gives our family many hours of fun in our own backyard.
However, let me warn new pool owners of something very imporant.  Never, never, … (9 comments)

Once Upon a Time, Father's Day was Born...100 Years Ago - 06/18/10 03:01 PM
Once Upon a Time, Father's Day was Born...100 Years Ago
Sonora Smart Dodd.
Does that name ring a bell or have any importance to you?
Well, this Sunday you'll be celebrating Father's Day thanks to Dodd who originated this special day for fathers everywhere. Better yet, this Sunday marks the 100th birthday of Father's Day! That's right, Father's Day has been celebrated for 100 years. Now sit back, relax and let me retell the story of how Father's Day came about...

Once upon a time in Spokane, Washington, a young woman was sitting in church, attentively listening to the Sunday … (42 comments)

Friday Funnies: Don't be a fat, lazy cat! - 06/18/10 02:59 PM
Friday Funnies: Don't be a fat, lazy cat!
I'm sure everyone knows their fair share of lazy people -- especially those who see something happening but fail to act on it. You know what I'm talking about, right? Common examples of laziness we have all probably heard include: "Don't be so lazy and take out the trash." Or, "I feel so lazy today, I don't want to do anything, so I won't." Or, "Wow, those photos of that home for sale are horrible. That agent was so LAZY."
Ok, I think you get it. I guess the point I'm trying to … (12 comments)

Clean home, happy buyers -- Is your Phoenix home sell-able? - 06/18/10 01:25 PM
Clean home, happy buyers -- Is your Phoenix home sell-able?

After posting a blog a couple of weeks ago about a home that was incredibly messy, with listed photos of the home still decked out in Christmas gear from front to back & top to bottom, it got me thinking.
If sellers aren't being informed about how to correctly stage their home, maybe they're not aware of the importance of maintaining the home -- keeping it clean, organized and ready for showings for potential buyers.
Sellers absolutely need to perform basic maintenance before they've inspected the home. Why? Inspection reports … (6 comments)

Business as usual? I don't think so! Expo 2010 in Phoenix - 06/17/10 07:30 PM
Business as usual? I don't think so! Expo 2010 in Phoenix
Over 1,000 people are expected to attend this event...and it's FREE.
Will you be one of them? I know I will!
The Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce is hosting the Business Expo 2010 where businesses, suppliers, vendors & anyone and everyone will gather to network and really just have a great time.
Not only will this provide a chance to get out there and meet new people, but you can learn a few things, too, at their free interactive workshops.
 
Lori Martinek, Owner and Principal of Presentation Plus, … (6 comments)

Fill your stomach & help the kids: OCJ Kids Benefit in Phoenix, AZ - 06/16/10 06:06 PM
Fill your stomach & help the kids: OCJ Kids Benefit in Phoenix, AZ
How you're raised affects who you will become in the future -- your life goals & priorities are affected by your surrounding as you're growing from child to adult. Sometimes it just takes an influential role model to push teens to do something great with their life, to motivate them to attain their goals. And when there's no one there to guide them, they become tempted by negative influences, including gangs, drugs and violent behavior.
Do you agree with these statements?
So did Gary and Tammie Webb, founders … (3 comments)

Wordless Wednesday -- Embrace Your Life - 06/16/10 01:29 PM
Wordless Wednesday -- Embrace Your Life
Truly a 'wordless Wednesday,' this video needs no words, and I was speechless just watching it. Beautifully made, it tugs at your heartstrings and makes you re-evaluate what's truly important -- embracing life and making the right choices that not only affect yourself, but your loved ones as well. Enjoy.
 

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If you're thinking of selling your Phoenix-area home, please give us a call. We're here to help you and make the selling process simple and stress free.
Call us today to request your complimentary market analysis to determine how your home compares … (15 comments)

Rain in Phoenix Arizona? You bet! Monsoon Season Begins - 06/15/10 05:00 PM
Rain in Phoenix Arizona? You bet! Monsoon Season BeginsIt's June 15. You may think, so what? But for us Phoenicians, this is what we've all been anxiously waiting for: MONSOON SEASON!Today is the official first day of receiving the much-needed cool down from our swelteringly hot summer days and nights. And when we hear that first crack of thunder, we pull up a lawn chair, kick back and sip a cool cerveza. With September 13 as the official ending date of monsoon season, we have months of rainy days ahead of us.
However, with a little good comes some bad side … (10 comments)

Phoenix Home Buyers, you're in luck: Mortgage Rates Drop! - 06/11/10 07:06 PM
Phoenix Home Buyers, you're in luck: Mortgage Rates Drop!
If you're considering buying a home in Arizona, you'll be popping open a bottle of champagne after you hear this one.
It seems the past couple of weeks have only brought us some good news in the real estate world.
According to The Wall Street Journal, home-mortgage rates fell this week -- though only slightly -- with the 15-year fixed mortgage reaching a new low. Home loans are now cheaper!
The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage average dropped from last week's 4.79% to 4.72%. A year ago, the mortgage averaged 5.59%.
As for … (9 comments)

Travely Safely: Driver & Pedestrian Safety Tips - 06/11/10 06:35 PM
Safety Tips for Drivers & Pedestrians This Summer
One of our agents, Ken Speer, brought up a very good safety tip to my attention today.Now that it's the summertime, Phoenix and other touristy areas experience in influx of tourists and travelers passing through.And, school is out, which means more children and teens are roaming about town.The more people gallivanting around, the higher the chance you'll encounter a pedestrian or two veering off the sidewalks and walking onto the roads.Drivers and pedestrians alike should keep in mind a few simple suggestions while they're out either exploring new territory or just driving down the street … (1 comments)

Relocating to Phoenix: Home affordability & location - Part 3 of 8 - 06/11/10 05:17 PM
Relocating to Phoenix: Home affordability & location - Part 3 of 8
By this point you've decided on which city is more your scene & your environment. What's next?Well, now it's time to choose a place to call your home -- whether it's a house, a condo, an apartment, etc. Luckily, Phoenix offers family-friendly neighborhoods, gated communities and complexes from which to choose and at affordable prices to boot.
WHAT HOUSING OPTIONS DOES PHOENIX OFFER?

Phoenix offers resale homes, with more than 50,000 homes to choose from at prices that continue to drop; master-planned and gated communities for more secure … (1 comments)

Friday Funnies: No corkscrew, no problem! - 06/11/10 02:48 PM
Friday Funnies: No corkscrew, no problem!
The clock is ticking down. You've been staring at it for a while - ever since 4:49 p.m.The second hand takes an eternity to make its way around the clock, until finally...5 p.m. strikes, and you're already out the door.
How do you choose to unwind after that long week of endless paperwork and throbbing migranes?Curling up on the couch with a good book?No, you're feelin' a little frisky tonight. That bottle of fermented happy juice is calling your name.
That's it; you've decided. It's time to start the weekend off right!Now it's just you … (21 comments)

Relocating to Phoenix: Which city fits your lifestyle? - Part 2 of 8 - 06/11/10 01:27 PM
Relocating to Phoenix: Which city fits your lifestyle? - Part 2 of 8
The Valley of the Sun could be your future home! But before you make that decision, you're looking for information to help make up your mind, right?
In part 1 of this series, we discussed how Phoenix offers a great quality of life for its residents. We know this a huge decision to make, and for those considering relocation to Phoenix, we're here to help disseminate information about the Valley to make this transition easier on you.
One aspect of Phoenix worth knowing is that the Valley is … (0 comments)

Ten Best Buyer Behavior Practices - 06/10/10 03:31 PM
If you are a serious home buyer in Phoenix this is a must read article!
Via Carra Riley CRB, CRS, GRI (Carra Riley Inc.- Real Estate Consultant, Author, Speaker ):
Ten Best Buyer Behavior Practices
Many things we read in the blogosphere inspire creative writing ideas.  I recently read a blog post about an agent who felt so abused by the actions of a buyer she thought a "Buyer Code of Ethics" should be initiated.  I too, have felt the sting of a buyer not thinking the real estate agent was a "human being" so decided to create a  Best Buyer Behavior … (4 comments)

How a Buyer-Broker Agreement Meeting Should NEVER Go! (VIDEO) - 06/10/10 03:24 PM
How a Buyer-Broker Agreement Meeting Should NEVER Go!
Over the years, (and through ActiveRain University webinars), I've learned just how important it is to build rapport with potential clients -- buyers and sellers. Building a relationship helps clients trust you with their needs.
Honesty, openness, professionalism and genuine interest in the client's needs will draw the client in and let them know you are truly there for him or her. Especially for first-time buyers, they don't know what they're doing, and you're supposed to be there to guide them and inform them of the hectic buying process.
I started running a … (9 comments)

Relocating to Phoenix: The Phoenix Metropolitan Valley has it all - Part 1 of 8 - 06/09/10 07:38 PM
Relocating to Phoenix: The Phoenix Metropolitan Valley has it all - Part 1 of 8Over four million people call Phoenix home for a reason, and after relocating to the Valley of the Sun, you’ll quickly realize why this environment is so revered and sought after. Whether you’re looking to retire or change things up and throw yourself into a fresh, new environment, Phoenix offers a great quality of life you would be hard-pressed to find anywhere else. 
Here are some facts about the Valley of the Sun: 
The best place in the country for recruitment and attraction of talented workers (Expansion Management … (4 comments)

Update on Kelsey - She is Safe and on her Way Home! - 06/08/10 09:38 PM

Update from Monica...........
UPDATE!!!!  JUST RECEIVED WORD: Kelsey turned herself in to authorities, she's safe and will be home soon! Thank you to everyone, we couldn't have done this without you!


Asking the ActiveRain Community for Help in Finding Our Missing 16 Year Old Daughter
Many of you who follow me or Kevin on our other social networks already know that our daughter has been missing from the Superior Montana area since 5/30/10.
She is with 2 older males, both of which have outstanding felony warrants.
She was last seen in Washington State in the Seattle/Kirkland area … (5 comments)

Miracle Happened for Nora - Thanks to All That Helped! - 06/08/10 07:55 PM
Miracle Happened for Nora - Thanks to All That Helped!

Several weeks ago I put out a request for our Active Rain family to keep Nora in your thoughts and prayers.
She was undergoing very critical brain surgery and a good result was far beyond reach according to her doctors. Best case scenario: they predicted that she could stroke out on her right side. Nora with her infectious attitude said to me, "I am so thankful for that as I'm soooo left handed"!  Amazing!
With gratitude I am able to say Nora is at home recovering and is doing remarkably well. REMARKEDLY … (12 comments)

Asking the ActiveRain Community for Help in Finding Our Missing 16 Year Old Daughter - Washington, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, California or ? - 06/07/10 09:41 PM
UPDATE: Kelsey turned herself into Kirkland, WA authorities and she is headed home soon.  She is safe.  Thank God for that!
 
UPDATE: Kelsey turned herself into Kirkland, WA authorities and she is headed home soon.  She is safe.  Thank God for that!
 
UPDATE: Kelsey turned herself into Kirkland, WA authorities and she is headed home soon.  She is safe.  Thank God for that!
Via Missoula Real Estate By Monica Ray (Access Realty):
UPDATE!!!!  JUST RECEIVED WORD: Kelsey turned herself in to authorities, she's safe and will be home soon! Thank you to everyone, we couldn't have done this without … (8 comments)

Agents eager to learn from ActiveRain University - 06/07/10 06:29 PM
Agents eager to learn from ActiveRain University
This morning, my team and I sat down and learned some useful information from ActiveRain University's "Winning the Listing Everytime" webinar hosted by Jared James.

After Ken Speer - one of the agents - rolled over a desk, set up his laptop, cracked open his notebook pen in hand, he looked like a total student ready for his ActiveRain University lesson -- eager to learn! And when we asked him to put on the viking hat, it was too hilarious. Who's says you can't have fun learning!As for the webinar, it discussed, in short, how to … (48 comments)

Christmas in June?! How NOT to stage your home. - 06/04/10 06:31 PM
Christmas in June?! How NOT to stage your home.
Deck the halls with boughs of holly; fa la la la la, la la la --- WAIT. In JUNE?!
I was sifting through the photos on MLS today and came across something that took me by surprise --a Phoenix home bombarded with so much red and green, I could almost smell the aroma of cinnamon-scented candles and peppermint hot chocolate. The house had so much Christmas spirit. But, what caught me off guard about these photos was that they were so outdated and put up on display in June! Come on now. … (15 comments)

Got a case of the Fridays? The doctor is in for Friday Funnies! - 06/04/10 06:24 PM
Got a case of the Fridays? The doctor is in for Friday Funnies!
Dr. Banana is back, and I have just a few questions for you.

Are you...
Feeling lifeless? On to your second or third cup of coffee? [Not because you need it, but because you wanted an excuse to get away from the desk?] Daydreaming about your couch and that all-day marathon of CSI you're going to catch tomorrow? Experiencing an odd phenomenon in which you can hear your bottle of Pinot Noir calling your name in your head? Staring at the clock in hopes you somehow inherited … (6 comments)

Arizona Tenants, know before you rent: Landlords must give foreclosure notice - 06/03/10 11:04 PM
Arizona Tenants, know before you rent: Landlords must give foreclosure noticeIt's important tenants know their rights. Here's something new in Arizona that must be brought to the attention of both landlords and tenants.With so many homes going through foreclosure, it makes sense that this law went into effect here in Arizona.The law is A.R.S. Section 33-1331.According to 33-1331, landlords whose property is undergoing foreclosure must notify the tenant(s) in writing of said foreclosure before renting out the property.If the landlord violates this law, tenants have the right to give the landlord a written notice regarding the violation. If the landlord doesn't fix the problem, the lease will terminate … (7 comments)

Attention Buyers! Home builders are back and selling cheaper homes in Phoenix, AZ - 06/03/10 05:33 PM
Attention Buyers! Home builders are back and selling cheaper homes in Phoenix, AZ
Sometimes a recession can benefit people, too.
In this case, Phoenix home builders are taking advantage of the decrease in residential lot prices -- mainly finished, distressed lots. While some builders couldn't keep up with the economy and had to abandon their lots, others were able to pick them up and purchase them at a lower cost than they would have had to pay pre-recession.
With builders back in the market buying cheaper lots, this means more homes will be sold at a lower price. Builders are also … (6 comments)

What LA, Vegas & Phoenix could all have in common: High-Speed Rail - 06/03/10 01:36 PM
What LA, Vegas & Phoenix could all have in common: High-Speed Rail
Hop on! This is going to be one FAST ride.
A couple of weeks ago, Genesis High Speed Rail America LLC proposed a plan to create a high-speed, long-distance rail service between Phoenix, Las Vegas and Los Angeles. Ambitious, right?
Discussed at this meeting included government funding, the environmental impacts of the high-speed rail, an increase in job opportunities and legislative and legal challenges. However, it's argued that high-speed rails work best in densely populated regions. The West is pretty sparse, so it's believed an LA-Vegas-Phoenix high-speed rail wouldn't … (6 comments)

Double Jeopardy! Now Lenders Need A Second Credit Report Right Before Funding - 06/02/10 08:11 PM
Attention Buyers - Important infomation to read!
Via Janet Guilbault California Mortgage Banker/Broker:
Please, whatever you do, don't go out and put $8000 worth of kitchen appliances on your Home Depot account BEFORE your loan closes.
I don't care if it is 0% financing and the payments don't start for 6 months. Just don't do it.
You may have your loan approval in your hot little hand. You may have signed your closing paperwork. But that bird is not going to fly anymore if you have added debt, all thanks to the new Fannie Mae Loan Quality Initiative that took effect yesterday, 6/1/2010.
Lenders are now required to … (5 comments)

Floatin' around in the ISS - Wordless Wednesday - 06/02/10 06:49 PM
Floatin' around in the ISS - Wordless Wednesday
 

Miles & miles away from Earth. Zero gravity. The gorgeous view of space.I always wondered what it would be like to float around in a space station.And with this video, the International Space Station shows you what it's like!
 
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Thinking of selling your Phoenix area home? Call today to request your complimentary market analysis to determine how your home compares to others in your area.
Find out how I can help make the buying or selling process simple, stress-free, and enjoyable. Feel free to contact me by phone 602-380-4886 … (7 comments)

Master the Art of Networking & Increase Your Prospects - 06/02/10 06:21 PM
Master the Art of Networking & Increase Your Prospects
Do YOU know how networking is done correctly?
Networking is not only important for established businesses, but for newcomers to the market as well. If you need to grow your referral networks or increase the number of your business prospects, networking is the key. Or, if you're new to the scene and need to find a job, networking is how you'll find one. And, what about if you've lost your job? NETWORKING is the answer!
Networking is about knowing people and building a relationship with them!
 

Why is this important? If one … (5 comments)

The Active Rain Realtor Nationwide Survey about Phoenix Arizona - 06/01/10 07:56 PM
The Active Rain Realtor Nationwide Survey about Phoenix Arizona
It's been a wild ride the first part of 2010 in Phoenix home sales. Before the tax credit expired there were many buyers out buying, especially under $250,000.  It was difficult to find a nice home, in good condition without multiple offers on it.  Buyers needed to be ready to buy with their financing in place in order to compete.  Many investors also bought up many homes/condos between $20K and $100K....all cash offers with no contingencies. Most of these properties bought by investors were bank-owned.
The phones quieted down after the tax … (6 comments)

Online File Sharing, EASY? It is with Dropbox! - 06/01/10 05:34 PM
Online File Sharing, EASY? It is with Dropbox!  
Last Wednesday (May 26), I attended one of ActiveRain University's webinars, and, WOW did I learn so much useful information!
The class was called "Managing Your Business Virtually" and was hosted by Laura Monroe, from Creative Agent Solutions. Now, she is one Internet savvy woman! She shared with us how easy it is to collaborate, share and organize all of your business's files and documents...all online. Not only can you file share online, but you can communicate with your clients and/or personnel with ease utilizing the right sites. 
Before I attended this webinar I was attempting to figure out Google documents.  … (7 comments)

 
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Anna 'Banana' Kruchten - Phoenix Real Estate Broker,CRS 602-380-4886

Phoenix, AZ

More about me…

Phoenix Property Shoppe

Address: Phoenix, Scottsdale, Paradise Valley, Tempe,Glendale, Mesa, Gilbert, Peoria, Surprise, Anthem, Maricopa County

Office Phone: (602) 380-4886

Email Me

Anna "Banana" Kruchten is here to help you navigate buying or selling a home - valley wide. My blog is updated almost daily so be sure to subscribe and keep abreast of what's going on in the Phoenix Metropolitan Area.

On my blog you'll find:

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