AZ Real Estate, Real Life & Other Fun Stuff

LENDERS NEED TO WORK WITH CLIENTS THAT ARE PROACTIVE STOP THE BLEEDING

2008-06-18T21:17:41Z

It is strange to me when home owners, who can see the handwriting on the wall and are looking for relief are rejected by lenders because they are not in default. I have a client that in approx. 3 months will be out of funds necessary to continue their mortgage payments. They have asked for a loan modification that will fit their future budget or at least a forbearance plan. Because they are not in default the lender is not interested. Their finances have changed, they have been proactive based are their circumstance, the lender is not interested.

Maybe I am old fashioned but an ounce of prevention is worth more, than a pound of cure i.e foreclosure or short sale. Does anyone have an answer? Why are lenders reluctant to prevent a short sale or foreclosure? Why not work with the owner? I realize lenders are overwhelmed, but shouldn't they be looking for solutions instead of chaos? Borrowers are looking at increased cost, mortgage, food, gas. Our real estate market would be more stable if the lender worked with those looking for solutions, not just those that are walking away. In the long run they would contain their loss & do something positive for the overall market.

I always recommend my seller's contact a certified counsellor, some of the recommendations are absolutely ridiculous. One of the suggestions from NeighborWorks 888-995-HOPE was that they should turn in their cars for less expensive cars. That doesn't work unless you owe current value or nothing on your vehicles. They tried to do it, they would have had to come up with a substantial down payment to "buy" a less expensive car. They had experienced a loss in income, had gone through their 401K funds and had no money to buy down their payments.

If lenders focused on helping the more qualified home buyer save their home, or investment, they would still recoup their loss in the long run. Why is it a requirement that the home owner be close to or in foreclosure before they can get the help they need. If lenders want a stop loss, work with people before there is a loss. Maybe I am simple minded. Comments?

Short Sales Revisited - A few things to know before you list or buy

2008-06-06T19:45:50Z

Short Sales Ins & Outs, What to expect.

Sellers, when to consider a short sale.

1. You owe more than the current market value & you need to sell

2. If you don't need to sell in this market don't list your property

3. In a short sale you have to consider the current Fair Market Value of your home: Do you owe more than than the current fair market value of your home?

4. Do you have an interest only loan, with an escalating interest rate? An ARM?

5. Are you on a fixed income, does the increasing cost of living make it impossible for you to continue to make payments? Are you getting a divorce? Have you had a loss of income? What is the reason you need to sell now?

6. In a short sale the lender will have a certain amount they expect to net based on the current fair market value. Usually based on what is called a BPO (Broker's Price Opinion).

7. Is your loan interest only? Do you have a first & second mortgage? Is it a primary residence or an investment property? Is it an ARM?

There a lot of questions about how this all works. For a conventional loan the lender's typical threshold is approximately 85-92% of the loan. FHA insured 82% of loan, VA Guaranteed 88-91% of Fair Market Value. The threshold represents a percentage of the current market value not the balance of the loan. Closing costs & commissions need to be added to this amount to establish a listing price.

A few acceptable reasons for a short sale: Loss of income, divorce, fixed income + raising costs, job transfer, ARMS that increase beyond your ability to pay etc.

Buyers, if you make an offer on a Short Sale (pre-foreclosure) property be prepared to wait it out. It could take 6 weeks or 6 months. Don't make an offer if you need a 30 day or 45 day close. If lender approves your contract be prepared to move quickly with financing. The lender will usually give you a closing date 2 to 3 weeks out from acceptance. Depending on lender this might be extended if going through the underwriter process is taking longer than it should. Short Sales are sold "as is", don't ask for warranties, repairs or other expenses that might hurt your chance of acceptance. The lender is unlikely to approve the offer & the seller would not be in this position if they could afford to pay them.

This is not an ordinary transaction, lenders are different, you need to be committed to the transaction. A short sale takes a lot of time, negotiation and good old elbow grease. If you are approved, do everything you can to make it happen. This is a process that can net you an exceptional investment. If you can't perform or hang in there, don't get involved.

Contact a professional real estate agent for more information.

GATED COMMUNITY TOWNHOUSE/CONDO FOR SALE 2 BDRMS 2.5 BATHS LOFT SURPRISE AZ $165,000

2008-05-21T06:29:33Z

SURPRISE, ARIZONA CASUAL COMFORT LIFESTYLE

Welcome to TownSquare at Sierra Verde where the comfort of home blends with a bountiful lifestyle. Onsite amenities including a pool and spa, tot lot, fitness center and community park. Nearby activities include the new Coyotes and Cardinals stadiums, Surprise Sports Complex, the SunDome Center for the Performing Arts and the White Tanks Regional Park. Close to shopping, AMC Theatre, restaurants & more.

You will love this charming 2 bdrm, 2.5 bath Townhome w/loft, 2 car garage, neutral designer colors throughout, tile in living/dining/kitchen, granite counter tops, master suite on main floor. This home is move in ready. 1278 s/f offered at: $165,000

For more information contact:

csaling@awardrealty.com

COMMUNITY POOL

PLAY AREA

VIEW FROM LOFT

DINNING/KITCHEN VIEW

Learning to Survive in todays world

2008-05-19T22:00:11Z

We have become accustomed to convenience, we have become soft, we expect others to provide for us? We have developed a McDonald's super size lifestyle. We are too busy to take care of our families and our own nutritional health. I think we have lost track of what is really important.

Do you cook? Do you sew (my son-in-laws and son sew, my daughters don't, I really messed up), Do you have a garden (patio or otherwise) What are you doing to put nutritious food on the table. not fast food or packaged food with preservatives? I have one daughter who is a good cook, they have a home cooked meal nearly every night, my granddaughters know how to cook too, 2 son-in-laws that are good cooks and a son that is an excellent cook (oh, yes they know how to iron too).

I remember churning butter with my grandmother, picking berries & vegetables from our garden, fishing with my dad, playing dog to flush out the game that would become our dinner. We went to the store only for the things we could not grow, flour, salt, pepper, shortening, chocolate (for baking), citrus fruits (we lived in an area we couldn't grow citrus) etc. My mother made fudge, fondant, taffy, (so much better than the candies on the market today, no preservatives) brownies, pies, cakes, apple sauce, doughnuts, canapes, homemade pasta, breads, she canned vegetables & fruits, oh, she worked too. I use to do all of those things, now I just work, although this weekend I started again. Why, because I can't depend on anyone else to feed my family. If I can't afford to pay the exurbanite prices at the market for the "convenient foods", I have to make it happen. That is the American way. Our government has decided that our food supply should go to make alternate fuel, increasing the price of fuel, increasing the price of food. We haven't built a new oil refinery since 1973, our refineries are antiquated. No new drilling in desolate areas like An-War. Even though it has been shown that the caribou and other wildlife along the Alaska pipeline are thriving because of the warmth provided by the pipeline. Who cares about facts.

If we really want change, we have to change, not settle for, not expect others to provide for us, but create the environment we want, not depend on our government or anyone else to do it for us. We need to become more independent, we need to become more responsible for our own lives, maybe we need to become more like our parents, our grandparents (the greatest generation).

Is it time to go back to a more independent lifestyle? "Waste not, want not" was the motto of the generations before me. This weekend I decided to go back to the past. I had a craving for Cranberry sauce, I boiled the cranberries, then I made juice from the water I boiled the Cranberries in, made cranberry sauce & cranberry ice (jam). The Juice was great (no preservative, sweetened to taste) I continue to enjoy the fruits of my weekend labor. (Have you ever had a Cranberry & peanut butter sandwich? It is awesome). The added benefit of taking the time to create this master piece, it was very rewarding & yes, relaxing, my husband even got involved. Is it time to slow down and take pleasure in the simple things? It is the day to day relationships, family, friends that make the world go around, not how many hours we exercise, how many hours we work. We need to put life back in balance. Maybe it is a good time to get in touch with what is really important, and with those we love. All we have is today, there are no guarantees for tomorrow.

Suggestions: Plant your own garden, (patio or otherwise) Go to the farmer markets, can or freeze your fruits & vegetables. Make your own salsa, jams or whatever you like. Go direct to the farmer and buy chicken, beef, pork, lamb or vegetables. Use your freezer for wholesome, healthy foods. It is easier today to do your own thing. The Web is a great place to find out everything you need to know about food independence. Buy local, make meal time family time, add the personal touch.

Start simple with Freezer Jam:

http://www.cooks.com/rec/search/0,1-0,strawberry_freezer_jam,FF.html

Great caged pets

2008-04-23T19:47:37Z

25 years ago my son brought home your basic grey rat from his science class. Long rat tail, basic gray rat to take care of through the Christmas holidays, we called him Fatso, he became a permit member of our family. He was very sociable, he was also an escape artist, a regular Houdini. He would take regular trips outside of his home (his long finger like claws could pick any lock). He always returned, usually at night, he would nibble on my sons ear, he wanted to be feed & watered. He was content for a few days and would escape again. We had Gerbils & Hamsters they never had Fatso's personality, nor were they as clean. I remember one evening when we had a few friends over, Fatso escaped from his home and came meandering across the great-room floor, I reached down picked him up and put him on my shoulder, he nestled in, my guests were shocked to say the least. If you want a sociable caged criteria, one who doesn't bite, is clean (he was a lot cleaner that the Hamster or Gerbil) I suggest you get a basic gray rat. They love people, are independent & they know where home is.

HOUSE FOR RENT GLENDALE ARIZONA - THE STADIUM HOUSE - WALK TO UNIVERSITY OF PHOENIX STADIUM

2008-04-10T08:06:54Z

WELCOME TO THE STADIUM HOUSE

GREAT LOCATION! $1300 PER MONTH FOR 12 MONTH LEASE

WALKING DISTANCE TO University of Phoenix Stadium (CARDINAL GAMES FIESTA BOWL & MORE)

WALK TO THE Jobing.com Arena (CONCERTS, SPORTS, EXPOS, CONVENTIONS)

WALK TO WESTGATE CITY CENTER - A CHIC URBAN ENTERTAINMENT VILLAGE

WITH CAFES, BISTROS, Margaritaville, Yard House Restaurant,

AMC THEATRE, LIVE ENTERTAINMENT

YEAR ROUND ENTERTAINMENT AT THE Westgate City Center

AT THE END OF THE DAY WHAT A GREAT PLACE TO RELAX OR TAKE A SWIM IN YOUR POOL! THIS CHARMING 3 BDRM 2 BATH HOME. INTERIOR HAS BEEN COMPLETELY UPGRADED.

YOU WILL LOVE THE TOMMY BAHAMA STYLE CASUAL COMFORT DECOR

OTHER FEATURES INCLUDE ALL NEW APPLIANCES, FLOORING

CEILING FANS, FABULOUS DECOR.

COVERED PATIO PLAY POOL KING SIZE BED IN MASTER SUITE, QUEEN BED IN 2ND BEDROOM, 2 TWINS IN 3RD, QUEEN HIDE-A-BED IN LIVING ROOM. WASHER & DRYER INSIDE LAUNDRY, 2 CAR GARAGE, RV GATE.

CALL CINDY SALING @ 623-606-3243 FOR MORE INFORMATION. or EMAIL: csaling@awardrealty.com

Investor/Builder REO Bulk sale

2008-03-06T21:34:23Z

Great Location in the Phoenix NW Valley. REO Bulk sale, Homes 50% to 90% complete on 1 Acre lots, mountain views. Area of once & future million dollar homes. For more information please call or email me at: csaling@awardrealty.com

Investor looking for Several properties, Residential & Commercial

2008-03-05T20:37:01Z

I have an investor looking for sellers who might want to do a lease back, or a tenant occupied property in map Areas 321,323,312,317,319. If you have any properties in these areas please contact me. My buyer is solid. Will look at all options. Call or email me and I will give you specific critera. It is different for each area. email me at: csaling@awardrealty.com

REDUCED $589,000 - Raven Golf Course - Verrado - Mountain Views

2008-02-08T21:30:53Z

Active lifestyle, front porch community, hiking & biking trails, The Raven Golf Club, Rec. Center, Sports, Courts, Community Festivals, Walk or bike to Main Street Shops & Restaurants.

Tastefully designed for total family living. Spacious master suite, bay window & doub.door entry. Lge walk in closet, private wc, luxurious oval soaking tub with separate shower, sitting room, nursery or exercise room, den or 5th bedroom on 1st floor. Family room has a raised gas fireplace, media center, surround sound & dining nook. Gourmet kitchen with butler's pantry, gas range, granite counter tops, stainless steel appliances, beautiful cherry stained cabinets and more. Upstairs is perfect kids retreat, loft 3 bedrooms and 2 baths. Large Formal Living/dining area, inviting courtyard perfect entertaining center. Pebble tec pool and so much more:

5bdrm,3.5 baths 3710 s/f $589,000

Also for rent $2400 per month. Call Cindy Saling@ Award Realty 623-606-3243

Arizona Lot for Sale, Litchfield Park, 85340 - Russell Ranch -Gated Community - Mountain Views

2007-12-13T08:38:26Z

Prestigious Russell Ranch - Gated Community

Now is the time to Build your Arizona dream home! Russell Ranch is located in Litchfield Park, Arizona 85340, http://www.litchfield-park.org/ one of the top 10 cities in the United States to live!

Russell Ranch is a gated upscale community of custom homes, with spectacular views of the White Tank Mountains, beautiful common areas and parks.

Just one of many parks

This corner lot, approximately 16,720 s/f, includes fully designed & approved plans for a 3800 s/f custom home, has a North/South exposure, preliminary engineering included, on site improvements completed, all utilities on the property. MLS #2764510

Lot 78, Phase 3, Russell Ranch Litchfield Park, Arizona

Seller will sell lot at a reduced price if buyer has their own dream home plans. List of builders & bank contacts available. Email me to request floor plan. csaling@awardrealty.com

Offered at $249,900

RUSSELL RANCH, LITCHFIELD PARK, AZ - NEW CUSTOM HOME FOR SALE, TENANT IN PLACE - For Sale $699,000

Brand new Custom Built Home, tenant in place! Features include: Grand Entry, Gourmet Kitchen 12' ceilings, spectacular lighting, granite counters, GE PROFILE Appliances, Double Oven, Cardell raised panel cabinets, Santa Fe Textured Walls w/Bull nose corners, travertine Flooring, Master Bedroom w/Sitting area or Office, Jack & Jill Bath w/raised lasco jetted tub. Kohler sinks & toilets, gorgeous fixtures...... $699,000

Check it out! http://www.visualtour.com/shownp.asp?sk=43&t=849801

For more information email me at: csaling@awardrealty.com

More of my Listings: http://www.wannanetwork.com/user_realty_listing.php?sub_section=view&id=2557

Golf Course Community, Arizona, Mountain Views, Verrado Home For Sale

2007-12-03T19:11:06Z

Nestled at the foot of the White Tank Mountains, Verrado is a wonderful new place, located in Buckeye, Arizona, with all of the charm of America's historic small towns. http://www.verrado.com. A community tastefully designed for total family living. With its 20 neighborhood parks Verrado is designed to encourage the best kind of community gatherings, family reunions or company picnics. Sit on your front porch, and take in the beauty of the White Tank Mountains, or chat with your neighbors as they walk or bicycle by. Hike through the Sonoran Desert, or play golf at the acclaimed 18 hole championship golf course designed by Tom Lehman & John Fought. Main Street's retail collection, and the Village Sport & Health Club surround the charming Village Green; a traditional town square with a venue for music under the desert stars. If you are moving to Arizona Verrado's master-planned community is a great place to be.

This beautiful 3710 s/f home features a spacious master suite, bay window & double door entry. Large walk in closet, private wc, luxurious oval soaking tub with separate shower, sitting room, nursery or exercise room, den or 5th bedroom on 1st floor. Family room has a raised gas fireplace, media center, surround sound & dining nook. Gourmet kitchen with butler's pantry, gas range, granite counter tops, stainless steel appliances, beautiful cherry stained cabinets and more. Upstairs the perfect kids retreat with loft, 3 bedrooms and 2 baths. Large Formal Living/dining area, inviting courtyard. Pebble tec pool , mountain views, Raven Golf Course, Rec Center, Community pool hiking & biking trails and so much more. Offered at $589,000

For more information on Verrado or this home, call Cindy Saling, Award Realty. 623-606-3243

Golf Course Community, Arizona, 55+

2007-12-03T19:00:57Z

2851922 ER Active / Residential LP: $ 245,000 Photos: 6 Virtual Tours: 1
14814 W ANTELOPE DR Sun City West 85375-5738			Year Built: 1992

THIS HOME HAS SOLD

Immaculate inside & out. Exceptionally well maintained. Features include Bay Window in extended master bedroom, office hobby room, extra storage, sunny kitchen, breakfast area with baywindow, covered extended patio. Formal living/dining area. Desireable location near 4 golf courses, shopping, banks, restaurants, all medical facilities. Full recreational facilties 2 locations with heated pools & spas. Move in Ready. Most furnishings available outside of escrow.

Great Dog needs new home. Can you help?

2007-11-16T20:28:10Z

MACK HAS FOUND NEW HOME

Dog named Mack needs a new home. Owner is moving and cannot take the dog. Please see attached picture.

If you are interested in rescuing this trained, well mannered dog please call Lesley McGee @ 480-203-6949

I would love to take this dog in, I have an 11 year old golden retriever, a 3 1/2 year old golden labe & a 3 legged cat. Just don't have room right now. Please respond.

Arizona Recipe for Success!

2007-11-08T20:25:26Z

Not sure where this originated. It was sent to me via email. I believe, with the US dollar down, other currency up this is a good omen. Listings are down, investors are investing in the U.S. This is good news. Maybe a faster recovery. What say you?

In a large, sun splashed, desert basin surrounded by mountains, mix together the following ingredients, Arizona is:

#1 in Nation in job creation

#1 in Nation in Population Growth

Some of the most affordable housing in the SW Sun Belt

Billions in Commercial Development investment

Next, remove 2 cups of Builder specs. The new year should remove some of this.

Then, fold in...

1 cup foreign investments with strong currencies

1 cup each Midwesterners and East Coasters fleeing the winter blahs
(we are still in shorts).

2 cups Californians fleeing recurring natural disasters

A sprinkling of Snowbirds

Bake under sunny Arizona skies for 6 months with interest rates set on low.

Top with Upcoming National Event Hype Frosting.

Combine equal parts...

NASCAR craziness

Fiesta Bowl partying

Barrett-Jackson buzz

FBR Open wackiness

Super Bowl Hype (double this ingredient if you have a taste for it)

Spring Training promotion

Stir together, cover the cake and enjoy the results!

The comparison of current active listing change is based on the previous week's inventory. Supply numbers are based on the number of closings in the previous month, divided in to the total number of active listings. This data is for Single Family Detached homes only and does not include patio homes, condos, or town homes.

Entire MLS (Maricopa and Northern Pinal county), listing inventories down 1% from last week. Total of 47267 active listings. Based on current rate of closings, about a 16 3/4 month supply.

Central Phoenix=; Listing inventories are down 1% from last week. Total of 6708 active listings. About a 19 1/4 month supply.

West Valley; Listing inventories are down 1% from last week. Total of 15694 active listings. About an 17 3/4 month supply.

NE Valley; Listing inventories are unchanged from last week. Total of 7227 active listings. About a 16 3/4 month supply.

SE Valley; Listing inventories are down 2% from last week. Total of 12231 active listings. About a 13 3/4 month supply.

Scottsdale over $1m. Listings inventories are up 2% from last week.

Total of 1434 active listings. About a 27 month supply.

Scottsdale under $1m. Listing inventories are unchanged from last week. Total of 2456 active listings. About a 13 1/2 month supply.

Paradise Valley. Listing inventories are down 2% from last week. Total of 329 active listings. About a 27 1/2 month supply.

I know you don't know most of these areas, the fact that inventories are going down, investors with stronger currencies are looking to invest is a good thing. What is going on in your area? __________________

Phoenix & its greater Metropolitan Area - A great place to live, work & play

2007-11-07T22:13:52Z

Welcome to Phoenix & its Greater Metropolitan area (includes, among others, Scottsdale, Cave Creek, Tempe, Chandler, Glendale, Surprise, Peoria, Goodyear. With a diverse & vibrant quality of life Metropolitan Phoenix offers an abundance of cultural, recreation and vacation activities: golf courses, hiking, climbing, biking, skiing is an easy 1½ hour drive, boating, fishing, water skiing (yes we have lakes), horseback riding, fine dining, performing arts, museums, nightlife, spas and resorts, sporting events, state-of-the-art healthcare services such as the Mayo Clinic and Banner Health (one of the states largest employers).

Thinking of moving to Arizona? The "Valley of the Sun" is where to start. You will find affordable housing throughout the valley, moderate family homes in welcoming neighborhoods, to master planned developments like the golf course community of DC Ranch Luxury Homes , in sophisticated Scottsdale. City dweller? Then maybe the fashionable Biltmore district with communities like La Terraza Condominiums fit your lifestyle, if you prefer the hustle bustle of downtown living check out Phoenix Lofts. Retiring? There are several adult communities throughout the valley, many with community pools, recreation centers, golf courses, close to medical facilities. Looking for more solitude, acreage, horse property, we have it.

A vibrant economy "The Valley of the Sun" is home to many high tech & manufacturing companies as well as a thriving agricultural industry. Metropolitan Phoenix offers a diverse array of retail centers, upscale malls & plazas, quaint shops in historic districts, factory outlet centers as well as several institutions of higher education, including Arizona State University, Tempe.

With its scenic landscape, Sonoran Desert tranquility, beautiful ever-changing Arizona sky, cultural and recreational activity, a thriving economy, affordable housing, and wide-open spaces. Diversity and versatility makes Phoenix & its greater Metropolitan area a great place to live, work & play. What are you waiting for? It's a buyer's market, mortgage rates are low, "The Valley of the Sun" is waiting for you. No more raking leaves, shoveling snow, chipping ice off your windshield.

Phoenix Photos

Great Golf Course, Active Lifestyle Community- Verrado - Arizona

2007-11-01T21:53:30Z

5bdrm,3.5 baths 3710 s/f REDUCED $595,000

Also for rent @ $2200 per month. Email me at csaling@awardrealty.com or call 623-606-3243

Defining Weekend in College Football

2007-10-31T14:14:43Z

This is going to be a "fish or cute bait" weekend:

Who knows, Florida State may have an epiphany, and beat BC. Florida State rose up from the ashes & beat BC.

LSU is looking good for the Southeastern Conference title game, Alabama might take the air out of their sails?????? LSU is still on track!

ASU v Oregon - For the Pac Ten Title - which has been a fleeting thing for the Pac so far. Ducks Won, they have a week off, then on to UCLA, which UCLA team will show up. Will they last @ #1 in the PAC TEN?

Ohio State - the only obvious spoiler in their quest might be Michigan (they have some face to save after Appalachian State) Wisconsin this weekend could step up, it has been that kind of year??????. The last remaing Undefeated team.

Kansas - their non conference games might hurt them in the BCS polls, even if they win out. Kansas slaughtered Nebraska.

W. VA should win out????????? maybe. Idle this week, will see what next week brings.

Oklahoma - Texas A&M, same as all of the above. Oklahoma still in the hunt.

What say you?

What J. Paul Getty has to say about our market!

2007-10-28T20:46:09Z

I buy when other people are selling.
J. Paul Getty

J. Paul Getty became a Billionaire, helping others to become millionaires. We need to get the word out that now is the time to buy.

More Quotes:

Take time for family, friends & your life.

I hate to be a failure. I hate and regret the failure of my marriages. I would gladly give all my millions for just one lasting marital success.
J. Paul Getty

We are in times of rapid change:

In times of rapid change, experience could be your worst enemy.
J. Paul Getty

This could be why we are all online. Some of our past experience; even though solid & still necessary can hold us back.

No one can possibly achieve any real and lasting success or "get rich" in business by being a conformist.
J. Paul Getty

This, again is why we reach out and embrace a new world online.

We must be progressive, ethical, know our clients, their dreams and put them before our bottom line.

Life is about moving forward, recognizing change & embrace what is good. Determining what is good is always the hard part.

College Football Fans What are your predictions?

2007-10-28T19:43:06Z

This has been a year of upsets. Underdogs overcoming all odds. For me, a PAC Ten fan, it has been a very exciting year. There is a lot of parity in the PAC Ten. Who knows who will win any given weekend. Oregon beat USC, Washington St. beat UCLA, ASU is 8 and O. Is there this much parity in your conference. We are die hard Beaver Fans - Oregon State Fans. Mostly I am a PAC TEN FAN. With all of the upsets, who is going to be in the 1 & 2 spot. Four more games for the PAC ten teams. For me this has been one of the most exciting years in a long time. Of course we follow all OSU kids. Look at Jacoby Ellesbury (OSU) and the Red Sox. The ball is now in your court. What say you? __________________

"Be Quick -- But Don't Hurry!"

2007-10-27T21:56:41Z

If you like Basketball (even if you don't), if you like success stories, if you are looking for inspiration, I suggest you read "Be Quick -- But Don't Hurry!" It is about John Wooden, one of 2 men inducted into Basketball's Hall of Fame twice, first as a player, then a Coach. ESPN selected him as Coach of the Century. It was Written by Andrew Hill. A great read no matter what business you are in.

A few quotes by John Wooden to brighten your day.

Success is never final, failure is never fatal. It's courage that counts.
John Wooden

Failure is not fatal, but failure to change might be.
John Wooden

If you don't have time to do it right, when will you have time to do it over?
John Wooden

If you're not making mistakes, then you're not doing anything. I'm positive that a doer makes mistakes.
John Wooden

It isn't what you do, but how you do it.
John Wooden

It's what you learn after you know it all that counts.
John Wooden

Never mistake activity for achievement.
John Wooden __________________

Technology Predictions - LOL

2007-10-22T20:52:42Z

Though-out the years the naysayers have made some incredible predictions, my parents included. When I was a Junior in highschool, I was offered an opportunity to learn computer programing free, I wanted to do it but need parental approval, my parents said "no, it won't last". When it comes to getting it wrong they were in good company.

"Computers in the future may weigh no more than 1.5 tons." -- Popular Mechanics, forecasting the relentless march of science, 1949

"I think there is a world market for maybe five computers." -- Thomas Watson, chairman of IBM, 1943

"But what ... is it good for?" -- Engineer at the Advanced Computing Systems Division of IBM, 1968, commenting on the microchip.

"640K ought to be enough for anybody." -- Bill Gates, 1981

This 'telephone' has too many shortcomings to be seriously considered as a means of communication. The device is inherently of no value to us," -- Western Union internal memo, 1876.

"Everything that can be invented has been invented," -- Charles H. Duell, Commissioner, US Office of Patents, 1899.

"The super computer is technologically impossible. It would take all of the water that flows over Niagara Falls to cool the heat generated by the number of vacuum tubes required." -- Professor of Electrical Engineering, New York University

"There is no reason anyone would want a computer in their home." -- Ken Olson, president, chairman and founder of Digital Equipment Corp., 1977

Several reasons why we should never say never.

Old Timers, Remember when?

2007-10-19T21:37:25Z

Not of the computer generation, I remember big thick books, reading endless listings. Today, I can go online, put in the specifics and Voila, almost perfect homes show up. My old Selectric couldn't do that. I spent hours searching listings. Not much has really changed, today I can plug in criteria and like magic the right home appears. However, I spend hours online searching for the right place to find buyers, list my properties & market my business. Up at 3 in the morning, searching all my social network communities. Learning about SEO's, keywords, descriptions, etc, There is nothing easy about real estate, no matter what generation; whether we are an agent, appraiser, lender, etc., we earn every dollar. If you were to plug in our earnings per hour, I'm sure we aren't much above minimum wage. (unless we are in a boom market) What say you?

New Jersey - is this true?

2007-10-18T20:14:28Z

I read a lot, I search out news through-out the world, I try to stay on top of what is happening, just about everywhere. I just read the following article. Is it true? Living in the Pacific NW, I remember Seattle saying the same thing "the last one out, turn out the lights! It didn't happen. Is this a "chicken little" article"? Is the media once again being "dramatic"?

"Even New Jerseyans can't stand living in New Jersey, according to a new poll that said nearly half of adults residing in the Garden State want to pull up stakes.

The Monmouth University/Gannett New Jersey Poll, released Wednesday, found 49 percent of those polled would rather live somewhere else.

New Jersey already is suffering from an image problem and bears the brunt of jokes because of its corruption and pollution problems. But 58 percent of those residents polled said the heavy financial burden of just living in the state is no laughing matter, and that's why they want to leave.

Poll participants cited high property taxes (28 percent), the cost of living (19 percent), state taxes (5 percent) and housing costs (6 percent) as the main reasons they want out. The poll also found that 51 percent of those who expressed a desire to leave planned to do so, with adults under the age of 50 making between $50,000 and $100,000 the most likely to flee.

"If you have the ability to leave and you don't see any possibility for change with the way the state is run - and that's the No. 1 issue here - you have to vote with your feet," said Patrick Murray, director of the Monmouth University Polling Institute.

The study did not surprise New Jersey's politicians.

"The high cost of living in the Northeast is not news," Brendan Gilfillan, a spokesman for Gov. Jon Corzine, said in an e-mail statement. "But it is one of the reasons Gov. Corzine has worked tirelessly to help poor and working-class residents of New Jersey by implementing the Earned Income Tax Credit, expanding S-CHIP and increasing - and sustaining - property tax relief."

Gilfillan said Corzine also had cut costs by reducing the government workforce, though he noted people would continue to leave New Jersey as baby boomers retired.

"Demographics are only going to accentuate this trend, as the bulk of these folks have yet to leave the workforce," Gilfillan said.

But Republican Assemblyman Richard Merkt said it was the fiscal policies of the governor and legislature that were to blame for the exodus.

"It's no wonder that New Jersey is a national joke," he said. "We've done it to ourselves with these just positively irresponsible policies."

The Monmouth University poll, which was conducted over the telephone with 801 New Jersey adults from Sept. 27 to Sept. 30, did not predict a mass exodus, at least not yet. Of those residents polled, 44 percent would like to stay and 7 percent were not sure. The poll has a margin of error of plus or minus 3.5 percent.

But a Rutgers University report released last week found that New Jersey, with nearly 9 million people, is experiencing a population loss and said the number of residents who had left the state more than tripled from 2002 to 2006, with 231,565 people moving elsewhere.

The Rutgers Regional Report, which examined U.S. Census Bureau and Internal Revenue Service data, noted 72,547 people left in 2006, ranking New Jersey fourth - behind California, Louisiana and New York - among states with the highest population losses in the nation.

High prices aren't the only thing driving people out. New Jersey ex-pats headed in droves to warmer climates, with 124,584 moving to Florida and 29,803 moving to North Carolina. Others (42,459) moved to neighboring Pennsylvania.

That migration depleted the state's tax coffers of an estimated $10 billion in personal income and $680 million in sales tax, according to the Rutgers report.

"This really illustrates among a lot of other things that the public has thrown up their hands," Murray said. "They don't feel that there's anything they can do that would change the situation."

And unless there's change, Merkt said, the flight will continue.

"One can only hope that the pendulum will stop swinging this way and start moving back the other way 'cause if it doesn't, you're going to see 9 million people suffer," he said.

"Or you're going to see the last person over the Delaware turn out the lights."

Mortgage Loan Rate Sheet -Received today - thought I would pass it on.

2007-10-18T19:04:56Z

This is in no way an endorsement of Johnson Bank - Just FYI - Mortgage Loan Rate Sheet

10/18/2007

All rates shown are zero origination fee, zero discount point options . Other programs and options are available. Please call for details. No prepayment.

Fixed Rate	10 Year			15 Year		20 Year	30 Year
$417,000. or less	5.875%			5.875%		6.125%	6.250%
Loans to $3,000,000subject to ltv.				6.375%			6.750%

Adjustable	3/1 ARM			5/1 ARM		7/1 ARM	10/1 ARM
$417,000. or less	6.250%			6.125%		6.125%	6.625%
$417,001 to $3,000,000 Subject to ltv.	6.125%			6.250%		6.375%	6.625%

Balloon	5 year interest only			10 year interest only
$417,000. or less	6.125%
Loans to $3,000,000.	6.625%			7.125%

Lot Loans (Balloon)	1 Year			2 Year		3 Year	3 Year Interest Only
ZERO POINTS	5.750%			6.50%		7.125%	7.375%

Construction Loans (single close)	2/1 ARM		5 yr i/o		5/1 ARM	10/1 ARM	15 Year	30 Year
Loans to $3,000,000	5.50%	6.125%		6.00%		7.125%	6.625%	7.00%

Contact your mortgage professional for details.

Jay Anderson Vice President Senior Mortgage Loan Officer

Johnson Bank

8700 East Pinnacle Peak Rd

Scottsdale, AZ 85255

Office ( 480-419-5505)

mailto:kdeverney@johnsonbank.com

Are builders slowing down?

2007-10-17T23:37:37Z

I just read that Housing Starts and Building Permits for September were weaker than expected and are at a 14-year low, anyone else see this report?. If builders are slowing down this is good news for re-sale. One of my listings has a planned new development just across the street, there has been no activity for months, potential buyers have been uncomfortable with the possibility of new construction noise or the lack of activity (can't win). This is a great house, lots of showings, one failed sale, just has the wrong view. Positive news: consumer inflation remained stable, and met expectations. Things are never as bad as they seem.