Mario Trejo's Blog

Is the US the Only Housing Market Having Trouble?

Mario Trejo Romero (The Melcher Agency) — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 17:14:17 -0500

The Economist reported today that the US is not the only country with housing issues at the moment. Home prices in Spain and Ireland are both experiencing an increase in inventory that they are having trouble selling off quickly enough. Home prices in Spain are still going up however, while Ireland is experiencing some price cuts.

New Zealand has been an investor's dream in recent years. Their boom does not seem quite over. With prices up 82% over the last 9 years, appreciation is very solid. Similarly to what has happened in the US, home price increases have significantly outpaced wage increases. In other words, housing is getting too expensive. This is a strong sign of speculation-driven pricing.

In Singapore and Hong Kong, the booming Asian economy has brought mostly good, solid real estate activity.

Success in Real Estate is Rare

Mario Trejo Romero (The Melcher Agency) — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 17:12:39 -0500

What do top Realtors have that others don't? Is it luck? Is it skill? Is it a good business plan? The nation's top Realtors that I've met with have, with amazingly little variation, reported to me that it's all of these things. Yes, luck is part of building a successful business. But from what I've learned, luck comes much easier to those who work hard. There is a phrase that I've taken to heart over the past few years. It's in Latin:

Amat Victoria Curam

It means "Victory favors those who take pains." Success in real estate...success in any business, is hard work. I could string a bunch of well-known phrases that apply here. OK, maybe just a few:

1. The only place that success comes before work is the dictionary.

2. If you want to have more, you must first be more.

3. If you want to earn more, you must first learn more.

4. Success lies on the far side of failure.

These truisms confront us anytime we read an article like this. We all know we're supposed to have written goals. We all, for the most, part cringe when we hear this mantra reiterated yet again. Yet, how many readers today can produce a current written set of goals right now? If you can, it is likely you are one of the nation's top producing agents. How is this statistical fact supposed to sit with us? For most of us, we understand the concept but still, for some reason, don't follow through and ACTUALLY DO THE WORK.

Success comes rarely. There are many gurus out there who will tell you that "You can do it", that "All you need to do is buy this book...listen to this cd...follow this program" etc, etc. We all know this is not the answer. Remember that only one person in a hundred becomes wealthy. Only five out of a hundred will ever reach financial security. This means that the odds of you being successful are stacked against you 19-1. So what's a Realtor to do?

You have to get serious. Everything counts. Everything.

1. Written goals. Written business plan, updated regularly
2. Follow your plan
3. Aggressive education. Absorb everything. Take a minimum of twice the CE that your state requires.
4. Network. Attend conferences. CRS, NAR conferences, Star Power conferences. Meet the players and learn from them.
5. Read. Biographies of successful people. Books on finance, investing and of course real estate
6. Prospect. Don't get me started
7. Subscribe to my blog and send me referrals

The last one is optional but will surely be appreciated

You get the picture. I hope. There simply aren't any areas that you can skip. The biggest misconception I've come across is that there seems to be an idea that there is some kind of magic when it comes to success. There isn't. There is only hard work, diligence, perserverance and an absolute love of competition coupled with an inability to accept defeat. Most people, candidly, have everything it takes to get to the top of their game. It's just a matter of deciding...are you ready to turn it on? When you are, just follow through. No magic, just work

MORE PEOPLE ARE FLIPPING, IT COULD BE FOR YOU:

Mario Trejo Romero (The Melcher Agency) — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 17:10:04 -0500

If you have ever had your eye on ‘flipping' houses there are a lot of things to think about. Sure you have seen all those other people on TV and you know it is a lot of hard work. It takes some start up capitol, often times more than you expected. Old or slightly used houses can be like treasures at the bottom of the sea. They look perfect and beautiful at first sight but bring them up to the surface and you realize they are going to need more painstaking polish than you had hoped. Still, once you put so much time and effort in to getting the treasure, you are sort of stuck with it then and have to follow through. No doubt there have been many heartbreaks, and broken wallets, along the road of buying houses to turn and sell for profit.

As there are risks to match every investment or business venture, this is can be a fantastic one on which to bank. The possibilities are really endless. There is usually real estate available to match almost every budget. There are homes in need of some sprucing up with new appliances, to homes which need a great deal of renovation. You have creative control when in comes to how to get the job done. Maybe you are a handy carpenter or electrician, or you love interior design. Perhaps you know people who do, or are interested in supporting small local businesses in the area to do the work. You decide who does the work, and how much money and time you have to invest. It is your work, and your profit.

We can't leave out the fact that you are doing something great for the communities you choose to work in. Houses that are run down, either inside or out can really diminish the value of the neighborhood. That is bad for everybody. Plus, you are saving land and precious resources and a wonderful way of life.
Mark carefully exactly where you are capable and the job at hand at each site. There are many terrific reasons why this could be an amazing and profitable venture.

IS YOUR CLIENT YOUR NEXT TWELVE CLIENTS THIS YEAR?:

Mario Trejo Romero (The Melcher Agency) — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 17:07:34 -0500

If you have ever seen the TLC series, Flip That House, or Flip This House, you may have begun to notice a popular trend in home buying. TV and magazines are popping up every where articling the ins and outs of remodeling entire houses to sell them for profit. Home improvement has really gotten big! In a report released by the NAR, nearly one third of homes sold in 2007 were purchased as either vacation homes or investment opportunities. This is an exciting trend for real estate, not to mention for the earth, as options and opportunities for buying and selling broaden while recycling and reusing land and materials.

There is a very wide range of people who may turn entrepreneur, having the resources to embark on this interesting and profitable type of investment. Contractors and businesses of all kinds have taken the plunge. Individuals and families have the same opportunity to turn the profit for themselves. TLC's Flip This House details the professional affairs of an independent family who have taken on buying, restoring and reselling as a full time family business. The extent of who, and to what lengths, a buyer may serve this type of undertaking should not be underestimated in the eyes of realtors.

Flipping, as it is called, could really be viewed an awesome fruition of the American Dream. It provides anyone who has some resource, and determination, the chance to work for themselves, make a profit, and provide homes for families. It also gives new meaning to the relationship a realtor has with a client. It is no longer just about clients spreading the word to friends and family, who may buy another house in ten or fifteen years. Chances are this sell will be the first of six this year for him.

Mandy & Michael

Mario Trejo Romero (The Melcher Agency) — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 16:52:40 -0500

A few thoughts about how important pets are in your life. I just recently put my 15year old dog to sleep as well as my 18 year old cat a couple of months ago. These pets were part of my family and gave so much in just being there. They were there when business was good and when it became a challange. So yesterday I went to the Phoienix Humane Society www.azhumane.org and found this lovely 1 year old cat. She will be with me for a long time and keep me focused and motivated, got to keep selling to buy cat food and kitty litter. Bless the little critters

Goodbye Mandy & Michael

MONEY TALKS

Mario Trejo Romero (The Melcher Agency) — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 19:10:17 -0500

Buying a new home is a big decision and you are probably ready to go all out in preparation. It can never hurt to be prepared with a preapproval for a loan before you start looking into actual houses on the market. Being preapproved gives you the advantage of knowing for sure what you are able to afford. Most of us believe we have a pretty good idea of what we can afford, still it is usually the lender who has final say. No one wants to find themselves in love with a house only to have a banker step in front and say no. A preapproval empowers you with the knowledge that every house you consider can be yours for the taking. It also gives your bids more weight with the seller, who knows the money is behind your word.

However, don't be in a rush to accept an offer from a lender. Remember it is a two way street. You don't have to accept the deal they give you right off the bat. It is a wise move to consult with a realtor before you start looking at houses, and even before you have started talking to your bank. A realtor will be able to give you options in lenders you may have not considered. He or she can also advise you of the quality of the loan you have been offered. If you have been turned down before, there may be another lender your realtor has worked with that will be able to help. It is always better to consult the professionals before giving into offers that may result in being beneficial to the lender, but landing you in a sticky situation in a few years.

ARE YOU IN A SLUMP TOO?:

Mario Trejo Romero (The Melcher Agency) — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 19:03:05 -0500

The National Association of Realtors reports that existing home sales are down in March. The NAR and their chief economist, Lawrence Yun, suspects sales will stabilize within the next few months before a notable improvement in the second half of the year.

This may be a comfort to those out pounding the pavement but finding potential buyers stuck behind the bushes. You are not alone, and this too shall pass. Still it is hardly news to anyone with half an eye on the economy. There are many factors at play in the rising and falling of home buying. One fact is always present, buyers are there, they are simply a little more or less mobile. Some people are afraid these days due to the ever present talk of foreclosures happening all across the country. Some may not be sure they will be able to sell the home they currently own. There have been some drastic variances in the way lenders in different areas of the country have approached the new laws. Perhaps a potential buyer was turned down for a loan recently and believes it is not possible. It could also be that some are skeptical of new lower rates, in line with what has happened with borrowers in the past five to ten years.

Talk upfront everyone you work with about what misgivings they may have. It may save a client from backing out after working hard, or even create a prospect where they themselves thought there was no potential.

THE GREENER CURB

Mario Trejo Romero (The Melcher Agency) — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 19:00:12 -0500

Want to sell your home fast this spring? Make your grass green! Grass is usually the largest surface area from the curb to the front of your home. It could possibly make or break the first impression of a potential buyer. Instead of begging your realtor to bring clients by at night, make use of the sun. Grass may seem like something easy to overlook, but the house with the greenest grass stands out miles above the rest.

Hiring a lawn care service to the job is always an easy option, but you are not tied to the expense to improve the appearance of your yard. There are many easy do it yourself type helps at any convenience store. For instance, if you have a dog chances are you have found mysterious bald or yellow spots littering your lawn for as long as Fido has been a member of the family, or maybe just as long as the neighbors' dogs found out how tasty your flower bushes are. When dogs eliminate in the yard it kills the grass in that spot. Luckily there are products designed especially for the problem. You don't have to redo the whole yard, just apply to the problem areas.

YOU COULD SELL BY AUCTION

Mario Trejo Romero (The Melcher Agency) — Tue, 20 May 2008 18:24:50 -0500

For those of you who are considering, or are in need of selling your property, there is a method of selling which may have escaped you; Auction! Auction is a great way to sell a property quickly and, in a lot of situations, get the best offer. There could be many questions about who chooses auction, and why it is the chosen.Most all real estate can be sold by auction. Here are some factors which can help you determine if it is right for your situation.

Perhaps you saw the home sold at auction in the movie Happy Gilmore. In the movie the property was seized by the IRS as a result of accidental tax evasion, and auctioned off as a means of retrieving the lost revenue. Auction is often chosen as being the most efficient way to turn property into cash as soon as possible. For some people the need to sell their property fast comes from some desperate situation like this, or a death in the family, divorce, or sudden move. However, the possibilities for choosing to sell fast are really limitless. As an example most can relate to now, in many areas the market is currently a bit sluggish. Perhaps your property has already been listed for quite some time, maybe even about to expire.

Another factor to consider is the property itself. If there are a lot of properties in your area which are similar to yours, and the market is slow, there may not be enough competition to raise a fair price. Then again, if your property is unique in some way, whether by structure, amenities, or location, auction may raise competition, even in a slow market. Properties which stand alone in a certain area are difficult to appraise, so often the best way of getting the best price is auction.

A realtor is the most effective resource you can have to help you determine if auction is the best method of selling property in your situation. He or she will have perspective on your property as it relates to the current market, and help you choose the best method of sale for your personal situation.

SUGGEST AUCTIONS FOR EMERGING MARKETS

Mario Trejo Romero (The Melcher Agency) — Tue, 20 May 2008 18:23:26 -0500

An auction can be just the kick off you were hoping for to start an outpouring of sales in that new housing addition, or condominium development. There are a number of them going up in my neck of the woods. Unfortunately the slow market has delayed building for some, and they sit empty and half done. Similarly, a neighborhood of condos which had been being rented, each went up for sale. They have been on the market for almost two years yet stand with less than fifty percent sold. This situation has given over to yet another problem for both the buyers and sellers. The first of the condos sold for one price, and the next for thousands less, and the next for thousands less than that. The actual selling price for these properties will speak louder than the asking price, and buyers will expect a deal from now on. This situation costs the initial buyers into the neighborhood thousands of dollars in lost equity, and it costs the sellers, either in by lost revenue in sales, or by maintenance of empty properties.

If these properties had been sold initially by auction each one could have brought a fair price, and fewer could have been left open. It is always difficult to appraise a new development. This includes a standing development that has never gone to sale. An appraiser will always appraise, but can not answer for what the market will actually bear. An auction answers all of these questions and sells much more efficiently. An auction is also an excellent advertisement. Especially when a market is saturated, it helps to add bells and whistles to an event. This is particularly important for real estate which is long standing but only recently for sale.

Talk to those builders and sellers of new neighborhoods and developments about the pros of selling by auction in this market, and move those properties fast!

525 W. Granada Rd, Phoenix Az 85003

Mario Trejo Romero (The Melcher Agency) — Fri, 09 May 2008 17:44:06 -0500

Historic Tudor & Updated Treasure
Type: Single Family Home
Location: 525 W. Granada Rd. , Phoenix, AZ 85003
Bedrooms: 3, Bathrooms: 1 full, 1 half
Price: $600,000
Description: This is a beautiful 1930 Tudor home on a quiet and picturesque street located in the charming Willo Historic District of Central Phoenix. The bright spacious kitchen that has been completely remodeled features a complete array of custom cabinets, breakfast room, the original swinging door, country sink, along with appliances including refrigerator, dishwasher, disposal and microwave. The dining room and the living room both have stunning coved ceilings. The focus of the living room is the fireplace, while the original double hung windows in the living room, breakfast room, kitchen, bedrooms and bath have etched glass. Step down into the tiled family room which is brightened by three sets of French doors. The master bedroom has a large walk-in closet and entrance to a bath shared with the family room. The second bedroom features a large closet and built-in bookcases. You will enjoy wood floors throughout the house, while two bedrooms are framed with crown molding. The third bedroom provides a great place to retreat with its desk/credenza unit and original door. The main bathroom is unbelievably stunning with its original door, window and colorful green, black and white tiles. The garage has been converted to a guest house with approximately 200 Sq Ft of space, which includes its own bathroom with glass block shower enclosure. The exterior features of the home include a covered brick patio, gas barbeque and fire pit, storage room behind the guest quarters, lovely green lawn and mature trees. The current owners have updated the property three times, converting a charming historic Tudor into a timeless treasure. Call our office at 602-252-4191 to arrange your personal showing ............................................................Directions: Go north on 7th Ave. past McDowell Rd to Granada Rd. Make a right and go east to the property at 525 W. Granada Rd. .............................................................List Of Features: 1930 Brick Tudor ~~ 2 Bedrooms ~~ 1.75 Baths ~~ 1,859 Sq. Ft. ~~ 3/4 Master Bath ~~ Master Bedroom Walk-In Closet ~~ Fireplace in Living Room ~~ Firepit ~~ Formal Dining Room ~~ Breakfast Room ~~ Dishwasher ~~ Disposal ~~ Microwave ~~ Refrigerator ~~ Washer & Dryer Included ~~ Inside Laundry ~~ Cable TV Available ~~ High Speed Internet Available ~~ Family Room ~~ Guest Quarters - Sep Entrance ~~ Covered Patio ~~ Yard Watering System-Front & Back ~~ Slab ~~ Brick Construction ~~ Painted Finish ~~ Comp-Shingle Roof ~~ Refrigeration ~~ Gas Heat ~~ Ceiling Fans ~~ Wood Fencing ~~ Historic District

REINTRODUCING SMALL TOWN REAL ESTATE

Mario Trejo Romero (The Melcher Agency) — Fri, 09 May 2008 17:40:23 -0500

Presenting homes or other real estate for sale in very small or rural towns these days can be challenging. Many are moving from such places for bigger cities, leaving these towns looking and feeling much forgotten. Occasionally it is exactly what a buyer is looking for, but not only is that increasingly more rare, it also poses hurdles to actually reach closing. When a young family or couple dream of charming antique small town life but find that the reality is very old run down houses with very little amenities they will often turn away. Trying to cater to that old fashioned small town sensibility can be your down fall when actually trying to land the sale.

Selling real estate in rural areas may attract new and different types of buyers than may be expected, or once thought. For example, many elderly couples are not that excited about living in one of our fancy new retirement villages. The quiet and secluded environment may be exactly what the doctor ordered for those able bodied late in life. Older people looking for a new home may simply want something smaller, and resale value isn't high on their list of priorities.

Then don't discount the young fast paced businessperson. There are a number of government loans and grants available for improving real estate in rural areas. It is possible to cash in some extra help starting up that exciting new trend of flipping houses for a profit.
Many prospective buyers are totally unaware of the possibilities for homes and land in those areas that are more desirable than they seem on the surface.

IT’S A GREAT TIME TO BUY; IT’S A GREAT TIME TO SELL:

Mario Trejo Romero (The Melcher Agency) — Fri, 09 May 2008 17:37:48 -0500

If you are thinking about buying a new home now is a great time to buy and sell. Buying a house, or any kind of real estate, is a very large investment. Most of us are willing to wait for the perfect time. We want to sell when prices are running high, and buy when prices are on the low, just like anything else.

Here is why you don't need to wait. Predicting the fluctuation of the real estate market leaves even the experts baffled. It is not really in step with other markets, it's its own animal. So waiting to buy or sell until the market is in your favor runs the risk waiting far longer than you may have anticipated.

Still, here is the clincher. People in the market for a new house often times need to sell the one they currently live in first. This just makes good financial sense for most of us. Renting out the current house is an option, but finding a renter, actually obtaining rent from the renter and maintenance can all be costly endeavors. However, selling the current house provides a ready down payment for the new house. The result, most of us are selling a buying in the same market, whether the market is running hot or cold.

After selling your home while the prices were running high, it may be a difficult task to camp out in the woods for possibly the next ten years until the prices are low again to buy a new house. It all evens out in the end. Be savvy in negotiation, use a Realtor and you can get a good price to buy or sell in any market. For more in depth information on this and other interests in buying real estate check out www.realestateabc.com .

U.S. POTENTIAL AS A SECOND HOME

Mario Trejo Romero (The Melcher Agency) — Fri, 09 May 2008 17:35:03 -0500

Here is where that foreign language you were forced to learn in high school pays off. In a press release from Washington on April 11 news that over 100,000 homes in the U.S are sold to overseas clients annually. Buyers from Europe, South America and even Africa are looking to invest in a second home on US soil.
The press release was an announcement of the NAR's intention to join with SIMA, the Salon Immobiliario de Madrid. SIMA is Europe's largest exposition of homes and resorts and the NAR is hoping to educate more people on the options in U.S real estate.
In a study done by the NAR in 2007 it was found that about 18 percent of all real estate agents had at least one client purchase a U.S. property from overseas.

That is a significant chunk! And with the NAR's involvement with SIMA this year we could expect these numbers to keep rising. American land is still a coveted investment around the world and affordability is increasing with the value of the U.S. dollar on the low. News will easily spread from SIMA in Europe to further reaches around the world. There are no limits to potential buyers! Many of the wealthy around the world do learn English as a second language, but it wouldn't hurt to brush up on your second language to latch on the influx of new buyers.

PEOPLE WITHOUT MORTGAGES AFFECTED BY HOUSING CRISIS TOO

Mario Trejo Romero (The Melcher Agency) — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 17:10:26 -0500

I've been seeing on the news a lot lately that we are in a housing crisis. It seems more and more people are losing their homes. These foreclosures are mostly due to unfair lending practices. A few years ago people were buying up houses left and right with mortgages from lenders offering "subprime" loans. As if it was difficult to deduce from the name, "subprime" are not the best. Many of them offer to good to be true rates for an extended period of time, but include pending spikes which could turn out to be much higher than the buyer ever expected. Now five or six years after the start of the housing boom those spikes are kicking in and lenders are demanding the money they have coming to them.

More and more information about such lending practices is becoming available and widespread. The foreclosure stories of many home buyers are reaching the surface and warning future buyers to choose their lenders, and loans very carefully. Sadly, though, these problems do not only affect home buyers, they also affect business and rental properties.

What this means is that you don't even have to have a mortgage to be affected by this crisis. You may be renting from a person or company that has just been found not to be able to keep up with their mortgage payments. It is standard procedure for banks and lenders who wish to foreclose on a property to remove all tenants as soon as possible in order to resell. Many all ready have received notice to vacate their homes, even though they are responsible renters. Unfortunately, paying your rent on time will not safe guard you from this kind of disaster.

It is an incentive to take control of your own future. Owning your own home has many benefits, namely putting that rent money to good use by saving it for your own equity. Don't let some one else's foreclosure affect your home and family. Find a licensed Realtor to introduce you to a responsible lender and be in charge of your own home.

REALTORS ARE THE HEROS OF THIS CRISIS

Mario Trejo Romero (The Melcher Agency) — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 17:06:39 -0500

There is a housing crisis underfoot. Foreclosures abound, and with everyone getting booted out of what they thought they owned, you may be wondering if there is anyone around not spooked out of buying. Don't tread lightly! Instead of allowing this bad press to ward off potential real estate buyers, stand proudly as the ones with the solution. In a day when so many just nearly escaped foreclosure, their neighbors lost their homes, or were ordered to vacate their homes because of a land lords inability to pay, it is easy to feel like hiding in the shadows believing everyone is too intimidated to buy right now.

Realtors are the way out for many coming from unfortunate circumstances such as those were are all experiencing across the country right now. No need to cower or to approach timidly. For many it is a great opportunity to say, "I told you so! Now follow me!" For others it is an opening to really exercise your hard studied skill.

Painstakingly researched lenders and understanding of loans will pay off with the potential to turn this crisis around into another housing boom. The future holds a much clearer perspective from the public of the great advantages to working with a Realtor.

PROPERTY OWNERS THINK GREEN

Mario Trejo Romero (The Melcher Agency) — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 17:01:48 -0500

Landlords, here are some great tips for making your rental properties more energy efficient and eco-friendly. Some investment in putting these tips to work will save you money in the long haul, as well as attract a very large new population of potential renters when you advertise all you've done to make their new apartment earth and body friendly.

We all have heard of the great energy saving options in appliances, like stoves, microwaves, and light bulbs. Energy saving windows are a huge plus for everyone, not just the green at heart, because of the way they dramatically improve the ability to control indoor temperature. Did you know there are also eco-friendly options for paint? Brands like American Pride and Safecoat come in every color. You or your workers don't have to suffer the fumes or lose valuable time airing out the space before showing it off or letting renters move in.

While we're talking green, plants, plants, plants! We all know the beautifying effect of greenery, but did you realize the awesome air purifying effect of plants? Plant all around the outside, but don't forget inside too. Plants make a space feel lovely, and help every one breathe easier too.

For more ideas and tips on how to make your property more energy efficient go to www.idealbite.com/, where you can even sign up to have tips sent weekly to your email inbox.

ONE RENTING WOE:

Mario Trejo Romero (The Melcher Agency) — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 17:33:51 -0500

There are some advantages to renting. As many renters are aware, many large and expensive responsibilities which concern owning and maintaining a property belong to the owner. However, landlords and property owners are largely not responsible for the actions or damage caused by pets

You may be considering renting a property for you and your furry best friend, as are fifty percent of renters, according to the Insurance Journal. Pets, especially dogs and exotic animals are responsible for some of the worst daily damage to property, not to mention the possible threat to other people. We all love our pets and it is difficult to imagine that precious friend has the capacity to hurt anyone. Still, sometimes other people don't know how to treat animals and may provoke a side of your friend you have never seen before.

More and more it is easier to find a rental property which allows pets, to the delight of every animal lover, but take precaution. It may be your landlord's problem if the roof starts leaking, but if your puppy ruins the carpet, seems to attack or even bite a neighbor, that lawsuit will be on your hands. Get renters insurance. Most renters insurance will cover you if you are ever sued for the damage done by you or your pet while residing in a rental property. Renters insurance protects you and your neighbors.

YOU MAY BE LEGALLY BOUND TO YOUR NEW NEIGHBORS:

Mario Trejo Romero (The Melcher Agency) — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 17:32:23 -0500

Those of you in the market for a new home may or may not have heard of something called a homeowner's association. Many who own currently, or have owned previously, more than likely have belonged to a homeowner's association. It is possible you were completely unaware that you belonged. This is an aspect of owning a house that is often taken for granted, or completely overlooked when considering buying a new home. Usually the homeowner's association is a formality instituted by the contractor of a neighborhood or subdivision. It's purpose is to maintain, and enforce, certain guidelines and covenants created in order to ensure the vision of aesthetics and quality originally intended for living in that particular area. In older neighborhoods many of these ideals may have gone to the wayside and its homeowners association may have lost vigor.

Today, however, there are good reasons for taking a particular look at the homeowners association in a neighborhood when considering whether or not to buy. These days more subdivisions which offer maintenance free living are becoming available. This was an amenity which previously has been attributed mainly to condominiums. This could be of particular interest to senior citizens, as it very well may largely increase your options. In new neighborhoods and subdivisions such as these homeowners associations are usually still very much on top of things, which can be a great benefit.

Yet homeowner's associations usually come at a price. There is a fee attached which is often figured in to your mortgage payment when you apply for a loan. The fees can vary pretty widely, anywhere from $25 a year to $200 a month, or more, depending on location and services offered. Also, you may not like the covenants set forth by the homeowners association in a particular neighborhood. When you buy the house you are automatically bound to the homeowners association, which is a legally binding contract. Check out all the fine print before you decided.

YOU MAY BE LEGALLY BOUND TO YOUR NEW NEIGHBORS:

Mario Trejo Romero (The Melcher Agency) — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 17:32:18 -0500

TWO CENTIMETER ROAD BLOCK TO SALES:

Mario Trejo Romero (The Melcher Agency) — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 17:26:57 -0500

As the season turns to spring selling property faces new obstacles in many parts of the country. The obstacles to which I refer can be a devastating deterrent to prospective buyers whether they are tiny or enormous, whether they are dead or alive. I am talking about bugs, insects, creepy crawling, or lying on their back their presence usually has a powerfully negative affect. A potential buyer could be in the one home that fits all their needs as far as location, layout, price, and then, within the toilet bowl floats three tiny cockroaches. Suddenly, the thousands and thousands of relatives these tiny three cockroaches have come sckimmering through his or her mind, and where they might of come from, and what holes let them in the house. Your perfect buyer then subconsciously feels a tiny bug crawl up his sleeve and can't run away fast enough.

Take care of the bugs before the bugs take care of business for you. There are at least two ways to keep insects out of the house to begin with. The first is routine lawn maintenance. You might consider doing this anyway for curb appeal. Keep high and bushy vegetation at a minimum directly surrounding the house. Trees with branches hanging over the house, overgrown vines and untrimmed bushes are cushy harbors for all types of bugs, and rodents to hide and eventually borough their way through to the house. The second is a chemical lawn treatment which can be applied to the surrounding yard. The chemical can be found at most home improvement stores or in the lawn and garden section, and works sort of like an insecticide. It keeps bugs from even coming near the house.

If the bugs are already in the house there are the run of the mill, mostly inexpensive options found at your neighborhood Wal-Mart or the like. Of course there is always the exterminator, notably more expensive but usually more effective. With any of these options take care that the job is not done when the poison or trap is laid. Many poisons cause bugs to come out of hiding and die right in the middle of the kitchen floor or in sinks and so on. Check in advance of showing the property that any dead insects are cleared away.

TWO CENTIMETER ROAD BLOCK TO SALES:

Mario Trejo Romero (The Melcher Agency) — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 17:26:22 -0500

1009 E. Weldon Av, Phoenix AZ, 85014

Mario Trejo Romero (The Melcher Agency) — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 13:19:36 -0500

Charming Home In West Idylwilde
Type: Single Family Home
Location: 1009 E. Weldon Ave. , Phoenix, AZ 85014
Bedrooms: 3, Bathrooms: 1 full, 0 half
Price: $209,800
Description: Tucked away on a nearly traffic-free street behind the Idylwilde Park historic neighborhood, this charming home features its original butterscotch polished concrete floors, 4" baseboards, a living room accented with glass blocks and telephone cut-out to the kitchen. The roomy eat-in kitchen has honey oak cabinets, gas range, and a lovely view of the back yard. Storage is plentiful in the hall closet, linen closet and laundry room. This energy efficient home has newer ceiling fans, thermopane windows and added attic insulation. Front and back watering systems feed lovely grassy areas and 4 types of citrus grace the huge back yard, which is perfect for children, pets and parties. Entertain and relax inside or outside of this attractive ranch. Move-in ready. Call our office at 602-252-4191 to arrange your personal showing. .............................................................Directions: Go east on Indian School Rd. to 12th St. Make a right and go south to Weldon and another right and west to the property at 1009 E. Weldon Ave. .............................................................List Of Features: 1950 Block Ranch ~~ 3 Bedrooms ~~ 1 Bath ~~ 996 sq.ft. ~~ Eat-in Kitchen ~~ Range/Oven ~~ Dishwasher ~~ Disposal ~~ Refrigerator ~~ Washer/Dryer Hook-up ~~ Cable TV Available ~~ High Speed Internet Available ~~ Patio ~~ Yard Watering System-Front & Back ~~ Slab ~~ RV Gate ~~ Block Construction ~~ Painted Finish ~~ Comp-Shingle Roof ~~ Refrigeration ~~ Electric Heating ~~ Ceiling Fans ~~ Block Fencing

Visit http://www.talktomario.com/MyHomeDtl.asp?lstPages=1&HomeID=626875 for more information.

3608 N. 21st Dr, Phoenix Az 85015

Mario Trejo Romero (The Melcher Agency) — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 13:16:00 -0500

Red Brick Near Phoenix College
Type: Single Family Home
Location: 3608 N. 21st Dr. , Phoenix, AZ 85015
Bedrooms: 3, Bathrooms: 1 full, 0 half
Price: $159,900
Description: The Central location and proximity to Phoenix College make this home ideal for an investor's rental property, or for a home buyer with an eye for value. This charming red brick house needs some upgrading and TLC, but has great potential. The eat-in kitchen has plenty of cabinets and lovely tiled countertops and backsplashes. It is brightened by two windows and its yellow walls. The home has three bedrooms and one bath. Behind the house are a covered patio, large backyard with chain link fence, and a two car garage with additional covered parking. This home is located on a quiet street in a good neighborhood with good schools. Call our office at 602-252-4191 to arrange your personal showing. .............................................................Directions: Go south on 19th Ave past Indian School Rd, turn west on Whitton to 21st Dr. and north to the property at 3608 N. 21st Dr. ............................................................List of Features: 1950 Brick Ranch ~~ 3 Bedrooms ~~ 1 Bath ~~ 1,198 Sq. Ft. ~~ Single Level ~~ Full Master Bath ~~ Separate Bedroom Exit ~~ Breakfast Room ~~ Range/Oven ~~ Dishwasher ~~ Washer/Dryer Hook-up ~~ Inside Laundry ~~ No Interior Steps ~~ Covered Patio ~~ 2 Car Garage ~~ Attached Garage Cabinets ~~ Brick Construction ~~ Comp-Shingle Roof ~~ Both Refrigeration & Evaporative ~~ Gas Heat ~~ Ceiling Fans ~~ Chain Link Fencing ~~ Alley

Visit http://www.talktomario.com/MyHomeDtl.asp?lstPages=1&HomeID=687441 for more information.

PARTICIPATE IN HOME OWNERSHIP FOR EVERYONE: RUN FOR HOPE

Mario Trejo Romero (The Melcher Agency) — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 13:04:24 -0500

Nominate yourself for the HOPE awards! According to a press release from Washington, March 5, the distinguished panel of judges to consider applications for the HOPE awards encourages self nominations! That means you have the opportunity to stand for the work you are doing, encourage others to do the same, and gain a step up with awards that could truly benefit your career.

The H.O.P.E. stands for Home Ownership Participation for Everyone. It is an award program which honors people, either as individuals, organizations, or agencies, for their effort in expanding opportunities for affordable housing for minorities. If you have made homeownership for minorities a focus in your career in the past year, you may be considered for this prestigious award.

Increasing the ability for minorities to buy and own real estate expands the market for each and every community. It is a noble and worthwhile pursuit, in its own right. In addition, the HOPE awards provide outstanding opportunities for your career, including capital and notoriety nationwide.

Recipients of the 2008 HOPE awards win $10,000! Winners also get media coverage nationwide and an opportunity to speak at a minority housing symposium. Winners are recognized at the HOPE awards gala in May 2009.

The deadline for applications is December 5, so act now! Sara Weis is this year's contact. She can be reached at 202-383-1013.