Bonnie's Blog

Flexmls

Bonnie Burke (RE/MAX Excalibur) — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 15:42:11 -0500

How is everyone enjoying the new FLEXMLS system? Bonnie Burke

Interesting article

Bonnie Burke (RE/MAX Excalibur) — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 14:27:50 -0500

This is pretty interest. But will it really help?

Senate passes foreclosure rescue

Jul. 11, 2008 06:14 PM
Associated Press

WASHINGTON - A mortgage rescue to help hundreds of thousands of struggling homeowners avoid foreclosure and get more affordable, safer loans passed the Senate overwhelmingly Friday, but it faces a bumpy road amid continuing turmoil in the housing market.

The 63-5 vote reflected a keen interest by Democrats and Republicans to send election-year help to distressed homeowners with economic issues topping voters' concerns.

The plan lets homeowners buckling under mortgage payments they can't afford keep their homes and get more affordable mortgages backed by the Federal Housing Administration. Banks that agreed to take substantial losses on those distressed loans could avoid costly foreclosures and be assured of recovering at least some money. <script type="text/javascript"></script>

The new program would let the FHA insure as much as $300 billion in new mortgages, helping an estimated 400,000 homeowners.

It still faces challenges, however, with the House planning to rewrite key details and the White House threatening a veto without major changes.

"It's not the final stop, but it is a major stop in getting this bill done," said Sen. Christopher Dodd, D-Conn., chairman of the Banking Committee. "For those who said this Congress cannot come together in a bipartisan fashion to do something responsible about housing, this bill does that."

Rep. Barney Frank, D-Mass., the Financial Services Committee chairman and an architect of the bill, says the few but significant revisions House leaders are seeking could be made in as little as one week.

Dodd said he was expecting minor "tweaks" that could be dealt with quickly.

But key players are bracing for intense negotiations to resolve the differences. They hope to smooth over disputes with the White House at the same time, with an eye toward producing a bill President Bush could sign later this month.

The White House Friday renewed its warning that Bush would veto the Senate-passed bill without revisions, citing $3.9 billion in the measure for buying and rehabilitating foreclosed properties it said would help lenders, not homeowners.

The measure includes a long-sought modernization of the FHA and would create a new regulator and tighter controls on Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, the government-sponsored mortgage giants. It also would provide $14.5 billion in housing tax breaks, including a credit of up to $8,000 for first-time home buyers.

Democrats are divided over important elements of the plan, including limits on loans the FHA may insure and Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac may buy. The Senate measure sets them at $625,000, while House leaders - including Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif. - want the cap as high as $730,000.

House leaders also oppose the immediate effective date of the Senate plan, preferring to phase in the new regulations for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac over six months.

"We'd have a hard time agreeing to that," Dodd told reporters Friday. He called a Capitol Hill news conference to dispel fears about the financial health of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac as their stocks plummeted on reports that the government was considering taking over one or both of them.

Another key point of dispute is the funding in the Senate measure for buying and fixing foreclosed properties. The House's band of conservative "Blue Dog" Democrats oppose the money, arguing that it would swell the deficit unless paired with cuts or tax increases to cover the cost.

But many Democrats, particularly members of the Congressional Black Caucus, are fighting to keep the funding, which they say will help prevent the communities hardest hit by the housing crisis from sliding into blight.

"There are people who tell me to ignore" that threat, Frank said in a statement Friday. "But there is too much that is important in this bill, and it has already been too long delayed by procedural problems in the Senate, for us to risk the further delay involved in a veto."

He said he was working to find a way to shift the funds to a must-pass spending bill that would be approved before lawmakers scatter for the year in September.

Dana Perino, Bush's spokeswoman, said the money should be stripped out of the measure "so that they can get a housing bill to the president that he could sign right away."

Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., the presumptive presidential nominee, said Bush should drop his opposition to the housing plan and other Democratic efforts to ease economic pain.

"I call on the administration to support this bill along with a second emergency stimulus package to jumpstart the economy and build on this important start to advance more rigorous measures to protect homeowners from foreclosure," he said. Obama was on the campaign trail Friday and did not vote on the measure, which had been expected to pass by a wide margin. He was one of 32 senators not voting.

With the administration scrambling to tamp down on investor fears about Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, Perino called the new regulations in the measure for the two mortgage giants its "most important feature."

Lawmakers and the Bush administration agree on the central concept behind the housing package: allowing the government to backstop new mortgages for struggling homeowners.

To make it more palatable to Republicans, the Senate measure would take responsibility for any losses away from taxpayers and instead cover them by diverting a newly created affordable housing fund drawn from Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac profits.

Websites that work

Bonnie Burke (RE/MAX Excalibur) — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 16:51:22 -0500

Has anyone had any luck with any of the free listing websites. If so which ones?

Advice

Bonnie Burke (RE/MAX Excalibur) — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 15:23:34 -0500

What are the top free sites to list your properties?

Need a buyer for a $16,300,000 listing in Arizona

Bonnie Burke (RE/MAX Excalibur) — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 13:56:17 -0500

75 Acre Mountaintop Estate North of Historic Cave Creek, Arizona
Undoubtedly, this is one of the Valley of the Sun's most extraordinary premier estates. The unique architecture
takes advantage of the dramatic setting in every room to maximize city lights and 360 degree mountain views.
Built in 2005, this 10,156 sq.ft. home boasts 6 bedrooms, library, theater room, game room, wine cellar, private
guest quarters, 2 full bars, 3 indoor fireplaces, and complimented with 6000 sq. ft. of 100+ year old reclaimed
barnwood floors, stone columns and designed to offer a cutting edge on audio, video and state of the art
technology in every room. Entertain in style inside or out on 5 private patios, heated negative pool, spa, barbecue,
fireplace and play area for the kids. Lots of room for vehicles in this 5+ car garage. So peaceful, private, cooler,
yet only 10 minutes to town. House on 75 acres for $16,300,000 or on 26 acres for $9,800,000.
Please visit my website for a virtual tour at www.bonnieburke.com under featured properties.

Rio Verde Foothills in Arizona

Bonnie Burke (RE/MAX Excalibur) — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 17:00:08 -0500

Rio Verde Foothills

The Rio Verde Foothills is a truly rural area in the Northeast Valley. Many are not aware of this amazing area which allows for cleaner air, less traffic and more privacy. Home and land owners keep a Scottsdale address and enjoy the tranquility of the minimum 1 acre parcels and the freedom from track housing or obstructed views. The community includes all the modern amenities of North Scottsdale consisting of shopping, golf, and entertainment. Horses are welcome and residents can ride right off their property to the Tonto National Forest and Scottsdale Sonoran Preserve with miles of trails. Even better there are no HOA's. From any vantage point one can marvel at the breathtaking views of the surrounding mountain ranges including the Four Peaks.

GPS Systems

Bonnie Burke (RE/MAX Excalibur) — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 16:27:10 -0500

I am looking for some advise as to which GPS System works the best. I need one that you can enter several addresses at once and it will tour your route for you.

Great article in the Arizona Republic about Arizona

Bonnie Burke (RE/MAX Excalibur) — Mon, 04 Feb 2008 14:30:53 -0600

Welcome home!
Enjoy mountain views, 300 days of sunshine a year and big-city life without the big-city cost
By Amelia Riedler

Home is where the heart is-not to mention where the shopping is, the art venues, the schools and the job market. Of course, it does take a certain something to make a place feel like home, but it's often a combination of creature comforts and basic necessities blended together to fit your lifestyle.

It's also important to find that special sense of community. And Greater Phoenix offers just that-a unique blend of all things demanded and desired.

Located in the heart of the Sonoran Desert, the Valley of the Sun sits in a bowl surrounded by the beautiful rocky terrain of Camelback Mountain, Piestewa Peak, the Superstition Mountains, South Mountain and the Estrella Mountains.

If you tire of the city, you can jump in your car and head for Sedona, Picacho Peak or the Mogollon Rim, all a short ride away. With numerous hiking and biking trails in and around the Greater Phoenix area, you'll find it easy to maintain an active lifestyle. And with more than 300 days of sunshine each year, you'll find an uncomplicated beauty as your daily backdrop.

The Valley of the Sun offers all the diversity of big-city life without the bigcity cost. Phoenix ranks as the nation's fifth largest metropolitan area with 3.5 million residents in Greater Phoenix, according to the Greater Phoenix Economic Council.

"The Greater Phoenix region offers a quality of life that keeps it at the forefront of the most livable cities," says Katie Pushor, president and CEO of the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce. "With low unemployment, reasonably priced real estate and a geographic location with easy access, Phoenix offers opportunities for someone new to come into town and create an impact."

Location, Location, Location

"One of the primary advantages of our area is our location. We're located very close to three much larger economies: Mexico, California and Texas," says Tracy Clark, economist at the W.P. Carey School of Business at Arizona State University- one of three state universities. "We have a cost advantage over California and have clearly attracted a lot of business expansion from our neighbor to the west."

Among the Valley's advantages are flat terrain, simple transportation routes and a light rail system that's under construction. Not only is the transportation system evolving, but housing communities also continue to be developed across the Valley, offering comfortable homes for new and longtime residents.

More than 30,500 homes sales were recorded for the third quarter of 2005 alone, and almost 51,000 single-family housing units were authorized in 2004, according to the ASU Real Estate Center.

The homebuying environment is highly favorable with low interest rates and a wide selection of housing types. "What has become increasingly important is the expanding housing market business within existing communities in the form of urban lofts and condominiums, housing renovation, infill projects and historical districts," says Dr. Jay Butler of the ASU Real Estate Center.

Recent reports state the median rate of home appreciation has greatly exceeded the rate of inflation, creating opportunities for new homeowners.

A Growing Job Market

Housing isn't the only thing increasing exponentially. Employment in Greater Phoenix shows higher percentage increases in almost all job categories compared to the rest of the United States, according to the Arizona Department of Economic Security. With 1.7 million in the civilian labor force, most residents find themselves in professional or technical roles,with the next largest group being administrative support or service positions.

A 3.7 percent employment increase is expected for 2006, according to the Arizona DES and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Top industries for the Phoenix region are high-tech manufacturing, professional and technical services and health care services, Pushor says.

"The Greater Phoenix metropolitan area was the second fastest growing major employment market in the nation in 2005," she notes. "Phoenix was ranked either first, second or third throughout most of the 1990s. With continued growth in population and business-friendly policies in the region,we expect the employment market to continue to grow at the current rate."

Big City Amenities

Entertainment and shopping venues abound in and around the Valley, and there are more than 200 golf courses in the Phoenix area.

Arizona is also home to four major professional sports teams: basketball, football, baseball and, amazingly enough, hockey in the desert. Not to mention three unique venues for motor sports.

Arizona also is rich with history, with ruins from ancient civilizations lying among the 23 Native American reservations that represent 21 different tribes.

Although thoughts of cowboys, cactus and Gila monsters invariably come to mind when contemplating Arizona, there's so much more to this remarkable region. Find out what the true meaning of home is, here in the heart of the Valley. Welcome to Phoenix, Arizona.

Hilton Casitas in Scottsdale Arizaona

Bonnie Burke (RE/MAX Excalibur) — Mon, 04 Feb 2008 14:24:42 -0600

Location!Location!Location! Heart of Scottsdale! Gated enclave of 29 homes behind the Hilton Hotel. Luxury resort living includes use of hotel amenities consisting of: pool/spa,tennis & fitness center, room/maid service, discount on food. Professionally decorated! Living room sports accents of white, green and black. Room for 45` TV,FP,lots of built in shelves,video security system,and plantation shutters throughout. Large covered patio, huge shade trees and many doors exiting to backyard making it convenient for entertaining. Close to Borgata Shopping Center and AJ`s. Spa conveying `as is`. Furniture available per separate bill of sale.

Need a buyer for this spectacular mountain top estate in Arizona $16,300,000

Bonnie Burke (RE/MAX Excalibur) — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 14:21:13 -0600

75 Acre Mountaintop Estate North of Historic Cave Creek, Arizona
Undoubtably, this is one of the Valley of the Sun's most extraordinary premier estates. The unique architecture
takes advantage of the dramatic setting in every room to maximize city lights and 360 degree mountain views.
Built in 2005, this 10,156 sq.ft.home boasts 6 bedrooms, library, theater and game room, wine cellar, private
guest quarters, 2 full bars, 3 indoor fireplaces, and complimented with 100+ year old reclaimed wood floors,
stone columns and designed to offer a cutting edge on audio, video and state of the art technology in every room.
Entertain in style inside or out on 5 private patios, heated negative pool, spa, barbeque, fireplace and play area
for the kids. Lots of room for vehicles in this 5+ car garage.So peaceful, private, cooler, yet only 10 minutes to
town. House on 75 acres for $15,900,000 or on 26 acres for $9,800,000.
Please visit my website for a virtual tour at www.bonnieburke.com under featured homes.
Endless views!!!

75 acre mountain top home in Cave Creek

Bonnie Burke (RE/MAX Excalibur) — Thu, 03 Jan 2008 12:24:22 -0600

Photo's of a $16,300,000 Mountain Top Home on 75 Acres in Arizona

Bonnie Burke (RE/MAX Excalibur) — Mon, 31 Dec 2007 14:16:01 -0600

75 Acre Mountaintop Estate North of Historic Cave Creek, Arizona

Undoubtedly, this is one of the Valley of the Sun's most extraordinary premier estates. The unique architecture

takes advantage of the dramatic setting in every room to maximize city lights and 360 degree mountain views.

Built in 2005, this 10,156 sq.ft. home boasts 6 bedrooms, library, theater room, game room, wine cellar, private

guest quarters, 2 full bars, 3 indoor fireplaces, and complimented with 6000 sq. ft. of 100+ year old reclaimed

barnwood floors, stone columns and designed to offer a cutting edge on audio, video and state of the art

technology in every room. Entertain in style inside or out on 5 private patios, heated negative pool, spa, barbecue,

fireplace and play area for the kids. Lots of room for vehicles in this 5+ car garage. So peaceful, private, cooler,

yet only 10 minutes to town. House on 75 acres for $16,300,000 or on 26 acres for $9,800,000.

Please visit my website for a virtual tour at www.bonnieburke.com under featured properties.

Marketing to celebrity agents

Bonnie Burke (RE/MAX Excalibur) — Mon, 31 Dec 2007 13:30:47 -0600

Does anyone know how to find agents that work with celebrities. I want to try to market a $15,900,000 home. Any suggestions?

Advertising a $15,900,000 home

Bonnie Burke (RE/MAX Excalibur) — Thu, 13 Dec 2007 14:36:11 -0600

I have a listing in Cave Creek that is over 10,000 sq ft mountain top home on 75 acres. I have put it in the Luxury Home magazine and several others with only 1 call. Any advice of what else may work.

Help! I need advertising advice.

Bonnie Burke (RE/MAX Excalibur) — Thu, 13 Dec 2007 14:33:57 -0600

I have a home on 1.18 acres in Scottsdale but it only has 1 bedroom and a bonus room. Any advice on how to advertise it?

Unusual 1 bedroom block home on acreage with a Scottsdale address

Bonnie Burke (RE/MAX Excalibur) — Thu, 13 Dec 2007 14:19:13 -0600

Great buy for someone who wants a small 2nd home, an investor

who wants to rent it out, expand the home or use it as a guest house.

• On 1.18 Acre

• 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath, 1416 square feet

• Large Laundry Room

• Bonus Room / Master bath

• Great Room Floor plan

• Block and Steel Construction

• Only 330 feet from the Tonto National Forest

• Private well but would be a 2nd well share with seller's additional lot next door

• Seller would give first right of refusal to additional 1 plus acre lot next door

• Additional acreage available surrounding this parcel. $499k on 2.5 acres

• Home needs some finishing touches Refrigerator included

• Horses welcome

• Very private with no immediate homes around

Very Rare Mountain Top Estate in Cave Creek Arizona on 75 Acres

Bonnie Burke (RE/MAX Excalibur) — Thu, 13 Dec 2007 14:12:58 -0600

75 Acre Mountaintop Estate North of Historic Cave Creek, Arizona
Undoubtedly, this is one of the Valley of the Sun's most extraordinary premier estates. The unique architecture
takes advantage of the dramatic setting in every room to maximize city lights and 360 degree mountain views.
Built in 2005, this 10,156 sq.ft. home boasts 6 bedrooms, library, theater room, game room, wine cellar, private
guest quarters, 2 full bars, 3 indoor fireplaces, and complimented with 6000 sq. ft. of 100+ year old reclaimed
barnwood floors, stone columns and designed to offer a cutting edge on audio, video and state of the art
technology in every room. Entertain in style inside or out on 5 private patios, heated negative pool, spa, barbecue,
fireplace and play area for the kids. Lots of room for vehicles in this 5+ car garage. So peaceful, private, cooler,
yet only 10 minutes to town. House on 75 acres for $15,900,000 or on 26 acres for $9,800,000.
Please visit my website for a virtual tour at www.bonnieburke.com under featured properties.

Relocate to Arizona? Golf condo for sale

Bonnie Burke (RE/MAX Excalibur) — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 14:26:03 -0500

Sovanna Condominiums in the Scottsdale Country Club

Sovanna Condominiums is a 174-unit community that is nestled between the 2nd and 7th fairways on the Starfire Golf Course. Owners enter their private gated world at Sovanna through a winding lush tree lined Boulevard surrounded by lakes. Spacious living room with built in entertainment center, fireplace and an exit to the large patio that overlooks to courtyard complete with beautiful green grass and towering shade trees. Arched entryways lead to the open kitchen with

custom cabinets, black appliances and breakfast bar perfect for entertaining. Stunning curb appeal and highly maintained grounds. 1 car garage that leads directly into the unit with built in cabinets. Starfire at Scottsdale Country Club offers beautiful views of the McDowell Mountains as players wind through the 27 holes lined with many mature eucalyptus, pine and cottonwood trees.

Large patio perfect for relaxing and enjoying your favorite beverage. Exits from the master bedroom and the living room. Clubhouse with full kitchen, washrooms, media and entertainment room and fitness center. Spectacular free-form pool with water features, therapeutic spa and covered ramadas.

$15,900,000 listed in Arizona by Bonnie Burke

Bonnie Burke (RE/MAX Excalibur) — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 14:22:49 -0500

TRULY ONE OF A KIND! Undoubtedly, this is one of the Valley of the Sun's most extraordinary

premier estates. The unique architecture takes

advantage of the dramatic setting in every room to maximize city lights and 360 degree mountain views. Built in 2005, this 10,156 sq.ft. home boasts 6 bedrooms, library,

theater, game room, wine

cellar, private guest

quarters, 2 full bars, 3

indoor fireplaces, and

complimented with over 5000 sq ft of 100+ year old reclaimed wood floors. Designed to offer a cutting edge on audio, video and state of the art technology in every room. Entertain in style inside or out on 5

private patios, heated negative pool, spa,

barbeque, fireplace and play area for the kids. Lots of room for vehicles in this 5+ car garage. So peaceful, private, cooler, yet only 10 minutes to town. Home sits on 75 acres for $15,900,000 or on 26 acres for $9,800,000. Please visit my website for a virtual tour at www.bonnieburke.com

under featured homes.

Cave Creek Area.

Scottsdale Arizona Real Estate from Bonnie Burke

Bonnie Burke (RE/MAX Excalibur) — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 14:18:18 -0500

I have been providing quality service to buyers and sellers since 1983. I moved to the valley in 1979 and have spent the past 23 years devoted to the local Real Estate Industry. My efforts have been recognized every year with numerous awards including my most recent Platinum Award.

I have continued my education and devotion to the Real Estate market. I am a member of the National Association of Realtors, Scottsdale Association of Realtors and the Arizona Association of Realtors. I have pursued many certifications to efficiently help my clients in their search to buy or sell homes and land. My certifications include, Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist, Graduate of Realtors Institute, Accredited Buyers Representative and Certified Residential Specialist. I am also a strong supporter of the Children's Miracle Network where I donate a portion of all my commissions to this organization.

I specialize in the areas of Scottsdale, Phoenix, Cave Creek, Carefree, Pinnacle Peak, Desert Foothills, New River and Rio Verde as well as other surrounding areas.

Please feel free to contact me at anytime.

Office: 480-346-5415

Fax: 480-483-6438

E Fax: 480-355-3064

E-mail: BBurkeAzRealtor@msn.com.

Website: www.BonnieBurke.com

Helping you with your Real Estate needs in Arizona

Bonnie Burke (RE/MAX Excalibur) — Fri, 15 Jun 2007 13:25:32 -0500

I have been providing quality service to buyers and sellers since 1983. I moved to the valley in 1979 and have spent the past 22 years devoted to the local Real Estate Industry. My efforts have been recognized every year with numerous awards including my most recent Platinum Award.

I specialize in the areas of Scottsdale, Phoenix, Cave Creek, Carefree, Pinnacle Peak, Desert Foothills, New River and Rio Verde as well as other surrounding areas.

I really hope you choose me to be your realtor. Please feel free to contact me at anytime.