Christine's Blog

Want to Buy a Home but Don't Have Much Money Saved?

Christine Loschiavo, www.HomeSweetAzHome.com (Chandler, AZ West USA Revelation) — Sun, 13 Sep 2009 23:21:45 -0500

If you are looking to buy in Arizona here are some programs that may help you into a new home. Figuring out the best loan for your situation can be confusing. A competent Mortgage Lender will take the time to explain each program to you when you meet with them. But, a bit of information in hand will go a long way in helping you to understand the choices. Three of the loan programs and on Assistance program, that may be right for you are described here.

FHA Financing This is a popular loan program for buyers who have a small amount saved for a down payment. The loan requires only 3.5% of the home purchase price for a down payment. There is no FICO score minimum requirement. Buyers can ask the seller to pay up to 6% of the purchase price toward closing costs.

Advantage FHA Loan Program If you have so/so credit and a sad FICO score, the Advantage FHA Loan Program may be the loan to help you buy your dream home. This loan does not have a FICO score requirement for loans up to $417,000. Manufactured housing is also eligible for this loan. This loan is only available in three states, with Arizona being one of them. Your maximum debt to income ratio can be no more than 43%. You should not have any late payments or derogatory credit within the past 12 months. Zinger alert! The program requires you to complete a Homebuyer Education Course.

USDA Loans The USDA sponsors the little-known Rural Housing Loan Programs. These loans offer 100% financing (no down payment) for eligible properties. The properties have to be located in rural areas. Buty you would be surprised at what is considered rural. These loans are 30 year fixed rate only.

Your Way Home AZ This program became availabe in July 2009 for AZ residents. The AZ Department of Housing (ADOH) will offer 22 percent in purchase assistance to qualified homebuyers purchasing an eligible foreclosed home int the state. ADOH provides help in the form of a deferred second mortgage loan for purchase assistance. There are specific criteria regarding thi program. Ask your mortgage broker if you are a match for this program.

There are other loans available that a great mortgage broker an explain to you. If you don't know a great broker, ask me, I can refer you to a few.

homesweetAZhome.com

10 Critical Things You Should Know as a Home BUYER!

Christine Loschiavo, www.HomeSweetAzHome.com (Chandler, AZ West USA Revelation) — Sat, 18 Jul 2009 23:45:22 -0500

1. How much house can you afford? (and still have money left over to order out for pizza once in a while). A good lender will help you figure this out based on the information you give them.

2. Not all Lenders offer the same rates and deals. Shop around. Ask me about bank lenders vs. mortgage brokers. Then get preapproved for a mortgage.

3. Great News! You do not have to pay your Realtor ANYTHING!! No kidding! The Seller pays their Realtor AND the Buyer's Realtor.

4. Start looking at homes only after you have done the two items above. I will research homes for you based on what you tell me you want in a home. I will help you to note positives and negatives of each property.

5. Know what kinds of properties you are looking at. Short Sales, Bank Owned, Preforeclosure, REO's, Straight Sales are all out there right now. Ask me to explain what each type of house means to you, your strategy and your timeframe.

6. How to make an acceptable offer. I will give you the information on comparable properties that tells you what similar homes have sold for recently. We will discuss your options together and make an educated offer.

7. You have to have money available to go with your offer. This Earnest Money is usually a personal check that we submit to the Seller to show you are serious about your offer. A general rule is the Earnest Money is 1% of the house price.

8. There are TWO negotiation periods on most houses. The first period is when you are trying to agree on the price and conditions of the sale. The second period comes after you have a Home Inspection and are trying to get the seller to make repairs.

9. You CAN get out of the deal. If you can't get a mortgage, if the house doesn't appraise, if the house has serious flaws the Home Inspector finds, if, if, if... Ask me about this.

10. You will need money for an appraisal, down payment, and closing costs. Have all of this figured out way before the closing date approaches.

As your Realtor, I will help you with every step of the process in getting into your new home. Let's get started!

3 Reasons to stop paying Rent and become a Home Owner today!

Christine Loschiavo, www.HomeSweetAzHome.com (Chandler, AZ West USA Revelation) — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 15:57:44 -0500

Calling All Apartment Dwellers

Very rarely do all factors converge to make an ideal situation for buying a home. But, it has happened this month. The top three factors that make it the best time to buy your first home are:

1. The Federal Government is offering YOU $8000 to Buy a Home in 2009.

No kidding! First Time home buyers (of those of you who have not owned a home in 3 or more years) qualify. It is a $8000 or 10% of the value of the home in the form of a Tax Credit. This is NOT a tax deduction. A Tax Credit is claimed on your tax return and reduces your tax liability. If you have more credit than you owe in taxes, you will receive a Refund Check. How cool is that? Just stay in the house for three years and you never have to pay back a dime.

2. Interest Rates are at an amazing 4.875% for a 30 year fixed rate loan. Rates haven’t been this low in years. This means your monthly payment will be less than you would think. Good Deal!

3. Arizona Home Prices are incredibly low right now. Between the rash of foreclosures and short sales along with bank owned properties, the chances of you finding a house at a bargain price on a wonderful home are great. If you are willing to look in outlying areas, the number of properties to chose from quadruples.

First time home buyers have never had so many reasons to buy. If you’ve been thinking about buying but have been waiting to see what the market would do, it’s time to act. Any of these three factors may change this year, but the change may not be in favor of the new homebuyer.

Chinese Millionaires Househunting here...

Christine Loschiavo, www.HomeSweetAzHome.com (Chandler, AZ West USA Revelation) — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 22:46:14 -0600

Did anyone else see the broadcast on the World News tonight about the Chinese Tourists that are here on an organized house hunting tour? If not take a look at: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3032619/#29395792

Very interesting. Does anyone have any experience with this kind of group house hunting? This particular group is visiting 5-6 major US cities looking for bargain homes, some in the $500k range.

I'd like to hear more about this.

Mint Condition Gilbert Ranch Home

Christine Loschiavo, www.HomeSweetAzHome.com (Chandler, AZ West USA Revelation) — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 19:17:24 -0600

Home For Sale 3 bed /2 bath in Gilbert, Arizona USA. Perfect ranch style home on a quiet cul-de-sac street with park and walking paths. This property boasts a two car garage, covered patio and desert landscaping. All appliances are included in this well-maintained home. Neutral decor is found throughout the home. Vaulted ceilings, vertical blinds and ceiling fans work together to make this home ready for you to unpack. The large back yard is more than big enough for a built-in pool. The low maintenance landscaping will appeal to families that wish to lock and go. This home is move-in ready. It is convenient to shopping, restaurants, and less than 30 minutes to the Sky Harbor Airport.

Top 9 Secrets to Selling Your Home Fast in a Buyer's Market

Christine Loschiavo, www.HomeSweetAzHome.com (Chandler, AZ West USA Revelation) — Sat, 27 Dec 2008 17:00:54 -0600

With so many homes on the market, how will your home ever sell? Here are the Top 9 Secrets to Selling Your Home Fast:

Your home will need to be priced very competitively. Unfortunately, yourcompetition includes Short Sales and Bank Owned Properties. Keep this in mind, your buyers will.
Massive Internet Exposure - most buyers (>85%) start their home shopping online. Your home has to be seen!
Photos, photos, photos will help your home to show it's best side online. (Professional quality pics are best)
Offer higher commission to Buyer's Broker - will move your home to the top of a showings list. Agents create lists of properties to show their clients, to make sure your home will always be shown, offer more commission to these buyer brokers.
Curb Appeal - Clean up, especially the front door area, paint is inexpensive so use it liberally. You want the buyers to actually come in the home, not just drive by.
Appeal to the senses - The first sense activated upon entering your home is Smell. If you have pets, ask your Realtor for an honest opinion about the scent of your home. Light - Open all of the curtains, blinds, drapes, shades etc... Clean the windows inside and out. Music - studies have shown the psychological effects music has on consumers. Use this info to influence potential buyers. Have some mellow music playing as a backdrop.
Staging - Your Realtor should be able to help you with staging your home to show off it's best points. If not, consider consulting a professional stager, they can make your house very inviting. Simple touches like: table settings, flower arrangements, snacks for visitors, bathroom towels etc... can work wonders. (Always have toilet seats down, Always!)
Become more flexible with showings - Allow a Lockbox to be used, Don't limit the times of showings, don't be present during showings (take a walk around the block).
Choose a Realtor who is responsive and returns your calls promptly. Your Realtor should be Internet savvy in order to draw as much attention to your home as possible. Make sure you like your Realtor, as you will be talking to them daily. You do not want to be pressured by a pushy agent. Your Realtor should have many connections that you can use for Home Inspections, Termite Inspectors, Pool Inspectors, Stagers, Title Companies, Mortgage Brokers, Movers, Landscapers, Painters etc...

Following these tips will make sure your home is seen by prospective buyers and will give you a leg up on the other properties you are competing against.

When you decide to sell your home, please contact me and let's get started!

Marketing coupon questions

Christine Loschiavo, www.HomeSweetAzHome.com (Chandler, AZ West USA Revelation) — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 10:05:04 -0600

I am wondering if anyone has used coupons for local businesses (Doctors, CPA's, etc...) to give to clients. I want to have a section in my Relocation materials for these coupons/offers.

Would I charge the vendors for inclusion in my Relocation package? Would I request a referral amount when/if my clients use their services?

I'm not sure how to structure this.

Any thoughts on this would be appreciated.

Welcome New Member, Joanne Ferra

Christine Loschiavo, www.HomeSweetAzHome.com (Chandler, AZ West USA Revelation) — Sat, 06 Dec 2008 13:24:16 -0600

Joanne joins Active Rain today! She is a stellar Realtor from the Phoenix East Valley. Join me in welcoming her to our site! She is with West USA Revelation in Chandler, AZ.

Why is Everyone Talking about Kiva.org?

Christine Loschiavo, www.HomeSweetAzHome.com (Chandler, AZ West USA Revelation) — Sat, 29 Nov 2008 19:52:31 -0600

My son came home from work yesterday and was going on and on about this new Entrepreneurial website called Kiva. He thought it was genius, pure genius. (He's 19). He explained that it allows individuals to make loans to entrepreneurs in developing countries which they can use to start up or continue their small businesses. I entered my car today and switched on the XM Satellite radio and there on the NPR station was an interview being played with Matt Flannery, Co-founder of Kiva. Hmmm, coincidence or not?

Kevin along with wife, Jessica, fought against a lot of naysayers in 2005 to get his site started. Friends said it just wouldn't work. An attorney told him it was illegal to give money to people in third world countries and then have them mail their loan payment back. So, Kevin researched the case law and policy on this topic, but could not find anything illegal about it. Venture capitalists did not see how anyone could make enough money on this type of deal. Foundations would not support the idea because it did not appear to be charity but instead, a type of commerce. Kevin and Jessica went ahead with their plans for the site.

Today, Kiva.org is one of the hottest sites on the web. When you visit, you can look up struggling business owners around the world and see their pictures. They receive recommendations by other Kiva uses. You are able to read their profile and decide if their business is something you would like to support. A tally shows how much money they need and how much they have received to date. You can start teams among your friends/family to give as a group. Team tallies are also displayed on the site.

Some loaners have even gone as far as visiting the Kiva entrepreneurs they have loaned money to. The site has been featured in every major magazine and many news shows. (Where have I been?) This site is hot because it lets a loaner feel like they are really helping a specific person. You actually feel like you are forging a connection with someone in Senegal, Peru, or the Ukraine. For example, Justina, Ayacucho, Peru is 48 years old and married with five children. She sells potatoes from a stand in the Las Americas market, she also travels to regional fairs to sell clothing and buy grains. She is requesting a loan of $275 to buy more potatoes. As of today she has received $75. You can see her picture on line. She is just one of thousands of individuals affiliated with the site. You do not get this same kind of feeling when you donate to a big charity. You just don't.

Check out the site: http://kiva.org This is an amazing "Feel Good" site. You'll be talking about it, too. Very cool!

Welcome to New Member, Yvonne Carter

Christine Loschiavo, www.HomeSweetAzHome.com (Chandler, AZ West USA Revelation) — Sun, 23 Nov 2008 18:47:21 -0600

Join me in welcoming our newest member, Yvonne Carter to our Active Rain community. Yvonne is currently working with Hohokam Real Estate and Land Company Scottsdale, AZ 85262. She is an experienced agent working in Scottsdale and Northern Arizona. Yvonne works with her husband, Ed, who has many years of experience in Real Estate. Together they make an exceptional team that can take care of all of your residential real estate needs.

Looking for Bargain Luxury in Arizona?

Christine Loschiavo, www.HomeSweetAzHome.com (Chandler, AZ West USA Revelation) — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 18:39:45 -0600

I specialize in Luxury Properties in the Phoenix Area. View my ad for three of these stunning homes in the current issue of Luxury Home Magazine (Nov/Dec 2008 issue).

This custom "Smart House" was built for today's busy family. Designed with Crestron Home Automation, which allows you to control audio, lighting, climate, pool, water features, spa, and security from the touch screen panel or remotely from your laptop. This 4580 SF home boasts a round greatroom with soaring 25 foot ceiling. 5 bedrooms each with its own private bathroom. For recorded information call 1-800-291-8017 x 1200. Call for pricing.

This 4200 square

feet, 4 bedroom, 3.5 bathroom custom horse property was designed for entertaining. Two master suites, gourmet kitchen, travertine flooring and top of the line appliances add to the attraction of this property. With over 2 acres of panoramic views the biggest decision will be where to locate the horse stable. For recorded information call 1-800-291-8017 x 1400. Call for pricing.

At nearly 6000 square feet, this fully furnished Santa Fe style home has been upgraded with the finest of details. Enjoy the Southwestern style of this 6 bedroom, 5.5 bathroom home featuring dramatic touches. Saltillo tile, gourmet kitchen, library, home gym, multiple covered flagstone patios, heated pool, kiva, outdoor kitchen and views. For recorded information call 1-800-291-8017 x 1300. Call for pricing.

www.HomeSweetAzHome.com

Perfect Patio Home Just Listed in Chandler, AZ (Short Sale) $174,999

Christine Loschiavo, www.HomeSweetAzHome.com (Chandler, AZ West USA Revelation) — Sun, 16 Nov 2008 14:09:00 -0600

This Professionally upgraded and decorated home is conveniently located at Dobson and Warner, one mile from the 101. This 2 bed/2bath home boasts a gourmet kitchen replete with granite counters, stylish lighting, stainless appliances and refinished cabinetry. The greatroom is graced with a vaulted ceiling, fireplace and custom tile. A private patio is perfect for a morning retreat. This home is perfect for young professionals or owners who wish to lock and go. Contact: Christine Loschiavo @ 480.628.0496 to schedule a tour.

www.HomeSweetAzHome.com

The Check is in the Mail and You have won! Certified Check Scams

Christine Loschiavo, www.HomeSweetAzHome.com (Chandler, AZ West USA Revelation) — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 20:47:31 -0600

Gina is facing foreclosure. But it seems this is only one of the many problems she has right now. She has been laid off from her administrative position, her son's spring semester tuition is due, her health care benefits are running out at the end of the month and her ex is dating again. Feeling the weight of these burdens, she was encouraged by the official looking letter from a Prize agency which arrived in the mail. Gina always enters contests because she feels her luck will have to turn sooner or later. She has not really won anything but a watch at a bazaar once, but she keeps hoping.

So she tore open the letter on her way back from the mailbox. Inside was a prize notice with a Cashier's check for $500.00. The notice stated that she had won a lottery for a Special Olympics fundraiser that was held the previous week. The enclosed check came out of the winnings and would cover the cost of the administrative fees that needed to be paid in order to claim the prize. Gina was thrilled. She took the check to the bank and deposited it. She felt that things were looking up for her. The letter also stated that she provide her bank account information so that the remainder of the prize money could be wired directly in to her account. The money would be wired just as soon as she sent the administrative fees required to the lottery address ($495.00). Gina wrote out a check for the stated fees and mailed it out that day. And then she waited for her prize money to be wired in.

And she waited. She checked her online balance several times a day, excited about seeing the wired funds being deposited into her account. After one week, she still did not have the funds. She did however have a message from her bank that the Certified Check was not good and had bounced. The check she wrote to cover the administrative costs of the lottery had been cashed. Her bank account was down $495.00. Realization finally dawned on her. She had been scammed.

Gina wants others to know how this happened to her. She is an intelligent woman in a bad situation. She thinks that if her whole life had not been in such a shambles, she would have thought this through and realized that it was not for real. There was no lottery, no administrative costs and no prize money. She wants others to know that these scammers prey on people going through rough times. They may have obtained her information from the foreclosure records. She does not know.

Red Flags to watch for:

Requests for bank account information so that your prize money can be deposited directly into your account.
If you receive a check as part of a prize notification, assume it is counterfeit. If you deposit it, wait until the check clears your bank account before drawing against it.
Requests to mail money to cover administrative fees involved in processing our winnings. A legitimate lottery would deduct such expenses from your winnings.

www.HomeSweetAzHome.com

You have won! Prize Notification Scams

Christine Loschiavo, www.HomeSweetAzHome.com (Chandler, AZ West USA Revelation) — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 13:01:07 -0600

Of course I have heard about these phony prize notifications being generated from Nigeria. But when I received a notice from Italy that a relative with my last name had died and left me an inheritance, I was intrigued. They had my last name and email correct. I guess it was possible I had a long lost relative named Giuseppina Loschiavo, even though I had never heard of her. The letter told me I had been left a large sum of money and that all I had to do was contact the sender. Visions of vacations in my own Italian villa floated through my mind. The sender's return email looked official, like some sort of law office in Florence. When I showed the email to my family, they sadly shook their heads. Don't be take in, they told me. It's a scam.

Darn! Good-bye vacation villa.

Phony lottery, sweepstakes and inheritance notification are among the most successful scams in history. We can thank the World Wide Web for this success. Consumers receive a notice that they have won a lottery, prize or have money from a deceased relative waiting for them. Usually, the consumer has never heard of the contest or relative. But, it sounds plausible. Just maybe it's true. That thinking is what the scammers are counting on.

In the long lost relative scam, the scheme requires a small payment for ‘processing' or ‘taxes' or ‘conversion of currency'. The writer usually claims to hold a high-ranking position. The foreign ‘lawyers' advise the heir to keep the inheritance a secret to protect the money from the Internal Revenue Service. They then request bank account information to facilitate sending the alleged money and may ask for a ‘good faith' payment up front. The ultimate goal is to obtain these advance fees and the personal financial information is a bonus to these scammers.

Chances are if you have never heard about a relative overseas, they don't exist. Even if you have unknown relatives, the chances of them wanting to leave YOU an inheritance are slim to none. If you receive one of these emails or letters, delete or shred it as fast as you can.

Red Flags to watch for:

Beware of request to wire or mail money to cover administrative fees, taxes or legal fees involved in processing ‘your winnings' or ‘your inheritance'.
Beware of any attempt to prod or threaten you into sending money immediately or the money will be lost.
Beware of requests for bank account information so your prize/money can be deposited directly into your account.
If you have lost money, report it at once. Mail victims should contact the US Postal Service. Others should contact their state Attorney General's office.
Once you have fallen victim to one scam, you will most definitely be targeted for future scams.

www.HomeSweetAzHome.com

Mortgage Rescue Rip-off - One Family's Experience

Christine Loschiavo, www.HomeSweetAzHome.com (Chandler, AZ West USA Revelation) — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 23:05:10 -0600

Paul and Sharon of Chandler, Arizona, were in a tight spot. Paul, an engineer, had been laid off from his job at a Semi-conductor plant in May. Sharon, a stay-at-home mother of three, thought she was used to the ups and downs of the job market in his field. They were in the habit of saving as much as they could for these periods when Paul was looking for work. But, this lay off had come at a very difficult point.

They had purchased their ‘dream home' eighteen months ago, in a newly constructed planned community. They had decided to use a huge chunk of their savings towards the down payment and the upgrades they really wanted. Paul had been sure his job was stable for a few years. They didn't think it was going to be a big risk to put their savings towards the house. The lay-off caught the family off guard.

By October, they had missed three mortgage payments. They received a notice from the bank that they were going to be foreclosed upon. As Sharon explains, "We were just panic stricken. We knew we were behind but Paul was interviewing. He was going to get a job very soon. We didn't want to lose the house. The kids like the school and we have made friends here".

The received a call from a "Mortgage Rescue" company. The caller, Brad, told Sharon that his company would be able to help her to keep their home. Brad said they had helped many homeowners in the area and would be able to arrange for Paul and Sharon to work things out with the mortgage company. Sharon recalls, "I was very excited. I asked him for references, even. He gave me two names. This guy was really nice and so helpful. He said his company was helping lots of people in Chandler".

As Brad explained the program, his company would lend Paul and Sharon money to make the back-payments on their mortgage. They would then make the monthly payments to his company that included the original mortgage payment plus a payment on the new loan (at 21% interest). Sharon and Paul would sign a deed transferring the property to the rescue company, temporarily, so that the rescue company could work with the mortgage company to save the home from foreclosure. Brad told her that once Paul secured a job and they had regular income, they would pay off the new loan and the deed would be transferred back. Sharon was thrilled that she had possibly found a way out of the mess they were in.

Paul, however, was skeptical. He did not like the idea of a new loan or the requirement to sign over the deed to the house. He did some internet investigating. His search led him to the county District Attorney's office which had information about this fraudulent method of operation. The plan which Brad had outlined to Sharon was a scheme designed to take their home and steal any equity they may have had.

When this scheme plays out, the homeowner signs over the deed to their home which gives the rescue company ownership. The former homeowner has to pay back the rescue company for "bailing' them out. This is always at an exorbitant interest rate. The homeowner ends up renting their former home. If the homeowner fails to make rent payments on time, the rescue company evicts the former owner. All rights and equity in the home are lost and go to the rescue company. Often times the rescue company does not pay the mortgage at all, but keeps all of the money paid to them.

Paul and Sharon decided not to accept Brad's offer of help. They have chosen to go through the foreclosure proceedings and are now looking for an apartment. Bad luck, but it could have been worse for them had taken Brad's claims at face value. They may have not only lost their home but also the money paid to the fraudulent company.

Be Careful. These Rescue Rip-Offs are designed to take your home and steal any equity you have built up. Look for these Red Flags:

· The Rescue Company wants you to sign over the Deed of your home so it can work with your mortgage company to "save" your home from foreclosure.

· The Rescue Company tells you to sign a Deed transferring your home to them and promises that once you have caught up with the past due mortgage payments your home will be transferred back to you.

· You are required to pay a Service Fee to locate a lender or buyer for your home.

For more information: www.homesweetazhome.com

Open House Sunday 11/2 12 to 4 Perfect Patio Home in Heatherbrook

Christine Loschiavo, www.HomeSweetAzHome.com (Chandler, AZ West USA Revelation) — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 00:25:41 -0500

Open House Sunday 12-4

Perfect Patio Home

215,000

3 BR/2 Ba/2CG

For More Information and to find out about the Free Home Warranty and Home Inspection Offered goto:

www.HomeSweetAzHome.com

Well maintained turnkey Patio home on Cul-de-sac. Brand new paint inside and out. Brand new carpeting. Brand new stove/range and dishwasher (never used). Plantation shutters in all rooms with exception of kitchen. N/S exposure. Great room with fireplace and vaulted ceilings. Pleasant community with heated pool/spa and tennis courts. Perfect for first-time home buyers or retirees.

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After Foreclosure: Three Ways to Buy Another House

Christine Loschiavo, www.HomeSweetAzHome.com (Chandler, AZ West USA Revelation) — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 01:07:46 -0500

Sometimes Foreclosure is the best option for you. If the bank holding your mortgage will not deal with you and you have no chance of catching up, foreclosure may be your only option. Many times the buyer at the auction will even pay you to move out after they buy the house.

Know all your options, find good, qualified people to help and you'll do just fine. Watch out for Fraud. A lot of sharks prey on homeowners in foreclosure. If something sounds too good to be true it usually is. Remember that fraud depends on trust. The folks that are the best at it always appear to be someone you can trust. They are really, really nice folks. You will really, really like them. They have to be so nice to gain your confidence. Be wary. Sharks can smell your desperation. They know what words you need to hear. Use common sense and don't be afraid to talk to a lawyer, your realtor, your lender, or others about any offers you receive. In Arizona a lawyer has been indicted for falsely claiming to help owners in foreclosure and embezzling their funds. Yikes!

Now, you will not be able to obtain an FHA mortgage for two years and a conventional loan will take even longer (four years). Meanwhile, a reputable Realtor can find you a rental property where the owner may consider a lease option, lease purchase or carryback.

A lease option allows you to rent the property for a year or more and be first in line to purchase it at the end of the contract. Ask your Realtor to negotiate a two year lease option contract.

In a lease purchase, you simultaneously sign a rental agreement and a purchase contract. Your Realtor will help you to negotiate a percentage of your rent to be paid towards the purchase. In today's market with declining property values a lease purchase is a great deal for the seller and a sorry deal for the buyer. The seller is selling the house at today's price but will get only partial payment until the end of the lease contract. Even if the house falls in value, the buyer is bound to purchase the home. No one can accurately predict what home values will be in any given neighborhood in one or two years from now. Not with the financial crises our markets are in. A buyer may be stuck with a purchase price on their contract for a house that has lost value. Not good for the buyer.

A seller carryback can take place only when a seller owns their home outright. They do not hold any mortgages on the property. The seller can then act as the bank. This means the buyer pays a down payment to the seller and then pays monthly ‘mortgage' payments to the seller.

For any of these three choices, use a Realtor to handle your negotiations, draw up your contracts and oversee that the transaction works in your best interest and is legal. What you do not want is to be too hasty and get into a deal that is messier than your foreclosure.

www.HomeSweetAZHome.com

Chandler, AZ- Best Community for Young People

Christine Loschiavo, www.HomeSweetAzHome.com (Chandler, AZ West USA Revelation) — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 00:33:42 -0500

Chandler, Arizona

3 Time Winner

Best Communities

for Young People Award

by the America's Promise Alliance

The winning communities - ranging from small towns to urban neighborhoods across America - are being celebrated for their commitment to provide healthy, safe and caring environments for young people. Chandler was selected for its work on many fronts in the community that offer education and recreational opportunities to young people.

About America's Promise

Founded by retired General Colin L. Powell, following the Presidents' Summit for America's Future in 1997, the America's Promise Alliance includes nonprofit, corporate and community groups as well as individuals across the nation. Alma J. Powell currently serves as chair.

America's Promise is a broad-based alliance whose members work together to ensure the well-being of children and youth. Alliance partners focus attention and resources to help every child receive the Five Promises essential to success: caring adults who are actively involved in their lives; safe places in which to learn and grow; a healthy start toward adulthood; an effective education that builds marketable skills; and opportunities to help others. Read more at: America's Promise website

Why did Chandler Win?

Chandler was selected for its work on many fronts in the community that offer education and recreational opportunities to young people. In 2005, Chandler created the Coalition for Chandler Yourth. The organization built partnerships among governement, non-profit organizations and businesses with the goal of helping young people. The coalition implemented Chandler's Day of Play.. which is a community festival that celebrates our youth. For more information on this year's celbration see: 2008 Chandler Arizona Day of Play Celebration

Chandler and the other winners were chosen by a panel of civic, business and nonprofit leaders. The selection panel evaluated 100 Best entries that required detailed information about each community's efforts to fulfill five essential promises critical to the well-being of young people: caring adults who are actively involved in their lives; safe places in which to learn and grow; a healthy start toward adulthood; an effective education that builds marketable skills; and opportunities to help others.

"We are very proud to be recognized for the efforts we have made in Chandler," Mayor Boyd W. Dunn said. "Everyone in the community understands the importance of young people to our City's vitality and future success.

The Alliance will also sponsor a yearlong celebration including a special day in each of the winning communities and a series of regional forums across the country that will enable communities to share their success stories and learn effective strategies from one another that will further enrich the lives of their young people.

For information on Chandler and the Phoenix East Valley Real Estate: www.homesweetazhome.com

Why Chandler, AZ is the best place to live

Christine Loschiavo, www.HomeSweetAzHome.com (Chandler, AZ West USA Revelation) — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 22:24:02 -0500

The Secret

to why Chandler, Arizona

is one of America's 100 Best Places to Live!

(actually we're #30)

Besides the more than 300 sun-filled days a year and average temperature of 72.6 degrees, why is Chandler so great?

Maybe it's our Award winning schools (Chandler Unified School District),

or Active community (Chandler Parks and Recreation)

or Steady Job Market (Top Chandler Employers).

Chandler is a fast growing suburb of Phoenix that boasts award winning schools, hi-tech employers and dizzying selection of activities. Within a 15 mile radius, you'll find 48 movie theaters, 266 golf courses, 54 libraries, 201 bars and 3602 restaurants. (If you went to a new place to eat everyday, it would take you almost 10 years to sample all of our restaruants) The highest income tax rate is a mere 4.54% compared to the country average of 5.22% The job growth rate from the years 2000-2007 - a whopping 37.58%. The median home price is $270,000 and average property taxes are $1713.

Ready to pack your bags?

Find out why: Money Magazine August, 2008 Best Places to Live

www.HomeSweetAzHome.com

Chandler, AZ Celebrates Youth 10/18/08

Christine Loschiavo, www.HomeSweetAzHome.com (Chandler, AZ West USA Revelation) — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 22:08:05 -0500

Chandler's Day of Play:

A 100 Best Communities for Youth Celebration

Saturday, October 18, 2008, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Playtopia at Tumbleweed Park
(west of McQueen Rd., south side of Germann Rd.)

Invitation to Day of Play

Toddler to teenager, Chandler's second annual Day of Play is sure to entertain. The City of Chandler and the Chandler Coalition for Youth are once again hosting Chandler's Day of Play, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 18 at Playtopia at Tumbleweed Park (McQueen & Germann roads).

To find out more: Chandler's Day of Play Information

www.HomeSweetAZHome.com

Welcome to New Member, Jen Mirigliani

Christine Loschiavo, www.HomeSweetAzHome.com (Chandler, AZ West USA Revelation) — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 22:33:52 -0500

Jen is an awesome agent here in the Phoenix East Valley. She is a dedicated, hard-working agent who always works to please her clients. She has been an agent with West USA Realty for 5.5 years and actually has been my mentor in the business and is now a great colleague. She has always been so helpful to me and other agents in our office. Please Welcome her to our AR community.

Showing Condos Today

Christine Loschiavo, www.HomeSweetAzHome.com (Chandler, AZ West USA Revelation) — Sat, 06 Sep 2008 21:24:51 -0500

Cough, cough...I am still recovering from my experience today showing condos in Scottsdale. My client wanted to see loft style condos so, we found this nice looking building on the MLS with over 10 units for sale. (Red Flag #1) In reading about the listings, some had originally sold for 700-900K in 2005. Now some were listed for as little as 183K. (Red Flag #2) Well, the pictures made it look inviting enough. And being a newer building, how bad could the units be? So, off we went.

The lobby had a Concierge (good sign) who directed me to the mail room where the lock boxes were. I went in the Un-airconditioned mailroom (It's 105 in Scottsdale today) and was amazed to find at least 30 lockboxes lined up on two pipes. (Red Flag #3) We chose 3 of the listings to view and I spent 15 minutes trying to find the right lockboxes for those units. The first unit we visited had no air! And it really was a loft. Industrial ceiling, one large room, just like you might find in NYC. The second unit was a tiny version of the first loft with a half wall separating the sleeping area. But the third unit, was the worst. When I was able to get the door open, the smell knocked us back against the wall of the hallway. My clients started dry heaving, but I held my breath and went in to look around. To identify the smell I'd say: Something had died in this unit, decomposed, and had mold and grown over it while flocks of wild animals had come in to relieve themselves. It looked bare inside but oh that smell.

We gagged and coughed our way out of the building. And felt nauseous all the way home.

There oughta be some kind of warning on stinky places like this.

aaahhhh!

Green Mortgage = Larger Loans + Fuel Efficient Homes

Christine Loschiavo, www.HomeSweetAzHome.com (Chandler, AZ West USA Revelation) — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 23:14:10 -0500

In 1979 the price of gasoline skyrocketed to $0.86 per gallon. Americans were worried the price would approach $1.00 per gallon and began frantically looking for ways to cut fuel costs. The Carter administration launched a plan to assist homebuyers in buying and revamping homes to make them more energy efficient. This plan was spearheaded with the Green Mortgage. Over the years as the public adjusted to higher energy costs, the Green Mortgage became less popular.

Today, we are again experiencing record fuel costs and many Americans beginning to think Green again. The Green Mortgage is being taken off the shelf and dusted off. It may be just the ticket for real estate buyers today.

What is a Green Mortgage?

Green mortgages actually come in a couple of different formats. Officially these loans are classified as either Energy Efficient Mortgages (EEMs) or Energy Improvement Mortgages (EIMs).

An Energy Efficient Mortgage essentially allows you to purchase a home that is already energy efficient - even if the price of that home is larger than you would normally qualify for under your debt-to-income ratio. Energy Improvement Mortgages, on the other hand, allow you to take out a larger loan to make energy efficient repairs and improvements to a house that is not currently rated as energy efficient.

The main benefit of both of these mortgages is that they help you to qualify for a larger loan amount and help make it possible for you to live in a better, more energy-efficient home. The basic principle behind this type of financing is that the money you save from the more efficient home will offset the larger mortgage payments.

Qualifying for a Green Mortgage

To qualify for a green mortgage, you typically need to have a Home Energy Rating conducted. This rating provides the lender with an Energy Savings Value, which is the estimated monthly energy savings and the value of the energy efficiency measures.

Depending on your unique circumstances, you may qualify for a conventional, FHA, or even a VA green mortgage. Each type of loan is designed to fit specific situations and, therefore, each loan has specific requirements that must be met.

You can learn more about the differences between conventional, FHA, and VA green mortgages at the Energy Star website. And for more details about green mortgages in general, visit the HUD website.

Whether you're looking to add energy-efficient improvements to your current home or want to purchase a new energy-efficient house, green mortgages offer benefits that are definitely worth looking into.

homesweetazhome.com

John Edwards' dark side

Christine Loschiavo, www.HomeSweetAzHome.com (Chandler, AZ West USA Revelation) — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 21:43:06 -0500

so often have a "dark" side. Tonight of course I'm talking about John Edwards. Likeable, attractive politician. Hero of middle aged women for standing strong with his wife during her treatment of incurable breast cancer. Smart, family man, wealthy, well connected...too good to be true. Yup. Seems he had an affair which produced a child. And he's been lying to all who asked about it and were on to him.

Other charismatic guys seem to suffer the same problem as Edwards. Think, Bill Clinton, JFK, RFK, Newt Gingrich, Jim Bakker, Ted Haggard, Rush Limbaugh (not so charismatic) the list goes on. And it is not just affairs and cheating on wives. With some of these "leaders" it becomes quite twisted. Michael Jackson leads the twisted list. Many Catholic Priests that give amazing sermons and have a following have been laid low by their dark sides. Popular teachers have made the news as well with tales of their disturbing vices.

So, if a fellow has an enthralling public persona, attracts adoring crowds and possesses an gift of oratory, do they have to also possess this dark side to their personalities? Say it isn't so.

Homesweetazhome.com

South Mountain is Artist's Inspiration

Christine Loschiavo, www.HomeSweetAzHome.com (Chandler, AZ West USA Revelation) — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 21:30:28 -0500

South Mountain Inspiration

Ahwatukee Foothills' own Mary Lou Stewart has an artist's exhibit at the Chandler Center for the Arts. Her exhibit is titled Paintings and Assemblages. She creates dioramas and paintings of quirky subjects that interest her. She collects objects during her daily South Mountain hikes and includes them in her pieces. Her three dimensional artworks are colorful and fascinating to see. Arizona artist, Mary Lou Stewart, has lived in Arizona since 1979, and has taught in the community college system for ten years, currently in the fine art department at Chandler Gilbert Community College. Her background in fine art embraced drawing and composition, and sculptural form.

Mary Lou has collected small items from her travels throughout her life, always attracted to the minute forms of nature, which inspired her painting career and resulted in an abundant amount of work. However, as a creative expressionist, she felt the linear quality of painting was limiting. She began a transition from the paintings and began to explore construction and assemblage. Soon she was incorporating small bones, shells and odd collectibles from her travels into dioramas that slowly grew from small boxes to larger structures. With the combination of her paintings, her sculptural assemblages began to take shape and balance the world for her creativity. Mary Lou Stewart is also a member of the Chandler Arts Commission.

Her work is on display at the Chandler Center for the Arts Exhibition Hall from August 8th through September 13th, 2008.

Exhibition Hall Hours:

Monday-Friday: 10am-5pm
Saturdays: Noon-5pm
Admission is Free