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surprise: My Short Sale Tale - 03/30/10 10:31 AM
Unlike most of my short sale experiences this is a good one. It was on a 3 bedroom, 1.75 bath property with a pool in Surprise AZ.The keys to this success were as follows:
The buyer client was mellow. The property was unique, (why would I show an ss when I could work 5 others just like it?) The property was in EXCELLENT condition. The listing said "Lender approved SS and price" The listing agent DID HER JOB!!!! Sellers were cooperative to the best of their ability. I cannot stress how important the pre-approved price was, as well as the cooperation … (3 comments)
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surprise: Short Sale in Arizona, Part 1 - 10/21/09 09:29 PM
To Quote Lenn Harley
* * * * HARD CORE REAL ESTATE TALK AHEAD* * * *
No day goes by that I don't see real estate agents advertise something like, "I can short sell your home at no cost to you". This leads many distressed sellers who are upside down on their home, or who have suffered some catastrophic financial setback to believe that they can be relieved of their mortgage obligation with no cash to the deal.
Both of these are dangerous assumptions. Nobody can make the claim there will be no cost to you before a complete pre-short … (3 comments)
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surprise: First time buyer credit - 05/31/09 02:21 PM
As I mentioned in an earlier post, the use of the first time buyer tax credit toward BUYING A HOME, is a work in progress.
A very knowledgeable loan originator, Jeff Belonger in Cherry Hill NJ just posted a very good explaination of the rules as they are today. Rather than re-invent the wheel, see Jeff''s post here.
Why does an agent in Sun City worry about first time buyers? Because I also serve the family communities of Glendale, Peoria and Suprise AZ. All of these communities have excellent opportunities for the first time buyer to own their own family home.
Jim Little, … (0 comments)
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surprise: A new beginning in Surprise AZ - 03/25/09 01:36 PM
I wrote an announcement here in July 2007, Crescent Crown Distributing is now open in Surprise. This enterprise distributes Miller and Coors as well as many boutique and exotic beers.
Perhaps more important, the huge (250,000 square foot (that's over 5 acres folks)) warehouse is only the first to occupy the Surprise spur of the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway. This opens the doors to many more national and regional distribution, and is an important contributor to an economic recovery of the area.
Jim Little, your Sun City REALTOR®
Please visit my Web Site, suncityneighborhood.com where you can search the MLS … (0 comments)
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surprise: The President Speaks! A Good Start or a Cruel Hoax? - 02/19/09 11:45 AM
Yesterday, February 18, 2009, the President revealed his housing recovery plan. He chose Arizona to make this speech since it is one of the states most affected by the current housing and foreclosure crisis. After analysis of this program it is evident very few people will be helped in our most affected markets, including Arizona.
After doing hours of research, I am sad to say the plan is disappointing to say the least. Looking at just two of the valley's many communities here are my findings.
Sun City Arizona, a retirement community, average sales price in 2006 = $224,414. In 2008 … (1 comments)
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surprise: BUYERS! Get of the Fence! - 06/06/08 03:57 PM
Why is now the time?
There are real reasons to believe the market is no longer declining, but is now in a trough.
There is less inventory available. Inventory levels have been decreasing since the first of the year. Wait much longer and your choices will be limited. Greater sales. Demand is starting to increase, and while the number of foreclosures is steady, the number of new delinquencies is decreasing. Additionally, we are seeing more than one offer on foreclosed properties. Mortgage are readily available now. The mortgage shakeout seems to be subsiding.
FHA & VA Mortgages are available. These … (2 comments)
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surprise: You Have to Live Somewhere, Don't You? - 09/12/07 09:55 PM
Is this a good time to buy a new home?
To know the answer to that question, it is important to ask yourself the following questions first:
Do you plan on living in the home for 3 to 5 years? Do you have a stable job or retirement income? Are rents and rental occupancy rates increasing in the area you wish to live?If you answered yes to these three questions, now is the time to buy a home.
When considering buying a home for you and your family, a few very important things must be considered.
Pick a home with a good LOCATION! Homes … (2 comments)
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surprise: Phoenix and Sun City Area Market Outlook - 09/12/07 09:44 PM
Today's outlook for the Phoenix area, which includes homes for sale in Sun City, Sun City West, Surprise, Peoria and Glendale Arizona is far better than in much of the nation. Job growth continues at a healthy rate, unemployment is less than the national average, and real income is increasing. Inventory of homes for sale is excellent, giving those who wish to buy a home a great selection to choose from.
Today's tip for buyers. Don't get an adjustable mortgage. Most ARM's have a start rate near that of the conventional 30 year fixed mortgage. This means there is little advantage to … (0 comments)
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surprise: Buying a Home? You Need.... - 08/17/07 02:30 PM
It is a great time to buy!If you are a typical new Arizona resident, you will find that inventories of existing homes are at an all-time high, while prices are 15-20% below recent historical peaks.
"Conforming" loans are still available. Conforming loans includ VA and FHA loans and conventional loans with as little as 5% down payment. These loans do have maximum loan limits. At this time, the VA loan limit is $359,650. The FHA limit is $263,160 The conventional loan limit is $417,000.New home builders are offering great incentive at this time. DO NOT GO WITHOUT A REALTOR®! If you go … (3 comments)
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surprise: Can I get a Mortgage Today? - 08/17/07 01:59 PM
Yes!
If you meet the reasonable credit and downpayment standards of the "Conforming" Loan. These loans include:
VA with a maximum loan value of $359,650FHA maximum loan value of $263,160Conventional maximum loan value of $417,000In six of the west Maricopa county area alone, there are 4085 homes for sale today that meet the criteria of one or more of these programs.
Homes for sale in:
El Mirage 483Glendale 2216Peoria 1558Sun City 735Sun City West 276Surprise 2044Call me today for help in buying a home in one of these fine communities.See also my companion post http://activerain.com/blogsview/176795/Buying-a-Home-You
Jim Little, Your Sun City Realtorhttp://jclittle.com/Ken Meade Realty17001 N Del Webb … (2 comments)
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surprise: To Many Agents? - 08/13/07 05:24 PM
NAR has reported that in recent years the rate of increase in the number of agents was greater than the increase in homes sold. We now have in excess of one million agents nationwide.
Conventional wisdom would imply that more agents = more competition, which is supposedly good for the final consumers. In this case, buyers and sellers of homes.
Facts:
The average number of transactional sides handled per agent is down from 2000. This means the average new agent just hasn't had the experience to adequately represent today's clients.The decreased number of transactions result in the newer agents not having the resources or … (13 comments)
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surprise: Mortgage Update 8/10/07 - 08/10/07 11:35 AM
Yesterday, Freddie Mac (the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation) reported that mortgage rates were at a 2 month low.
30 Year fixed rates averaged 6.59%, down from last month's rate of 6.68% and the year's high of 6.74%.Freddie Mac also reported 15 year fixed rates at 6.26% from last month's rate of 6.32%.
In spite of news articles to the contrary, mortgage loans continue to be available to qualified buyers at reasonable interest rates. There does not seem to be a factual basis for people to hold off buying any more.
Jim Little, Your Sun City Realtorhttp://jclittle.com/Ken Meade Realty17001 N Del Webb BlvdSun City … (0 comments)
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surprise: Tennis Anyone? - 08/09/07 06:42 PM
Suprise Tennis and Racquet Complex: 14469 W Paradise Lane, Surprise AZ
The state of the art Surprise Tennis and Racquet Complex had a soft opening on Monday. It features 25 courts, one of which will seat up to 5,000 spectators. The grand opening is scheduled for September 8, 2007. 17 of the courts will be lit for night-time play, something very important in Arizona's heat.
Plans for the use of the complex include lessons and tournaments for the young players, including some smaller courts, up to hopes to get USTA sanctioned and senior matches.
The complex is part of the Surprise Recreation Campus. … (2 comments)
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surprise: Thoughts on the Flat Housing Market, and Mortgage Crunch - 07/29/07 11:42 AM
The housing market in my area is spotty, with Sun City and Surprise homes selling at a slightly increasing rate, while Sun City West, Peoria and Glendale flat. Prices are, in,fact, down from the 2005 record prices. Inventory is high in all areas, and the "I'll sell if I get my outrageous price" folks have been dropping out of the market.
It is a Buyer's Market!
Oh really? In that case, where are the buyers? Why aren't they buying?
Conventional wisdom on this and other forums, and in the media says it is "greedy" sellers who won't lower prices that is to blame.
It is an … (4 comments)
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surprise: A Big New Employer Comes to Surprise - 07/26/07 11:46 AM
Crescent Crown Distributing has announce that it will build a regional headquarters an distribution facility at the Surprise Pointe commericial park.
Crescent expects to employ 250 people initially, growing to 600 jobs in the near future. The company also has a distribution center in Phoenix, which it will keep open. That facility employs nearly 600 people.
Crescent is a beer distributor, representing many high end brands such as Heineken, Miller, Labatt and others. The company expects to sell more than 16,000,000 cases of beer in Arizona in 2007.
Surprise City Councilman Joe Johnson said. "This brings real jobs the average citizens of Surprise can … (3 comments)
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surprise: News From Surprise - 07/21/07 05:00 PM
Growing, Growing Grown!
Forbes.com reports that Surprise Arizona is the third-fastest-growing suburb in America according the the Arizona Republic. In the same article, the Republic says that Money magazine rated Surprise AZ as first in the nation for the rate of new job growth.
Four of the top ten fast growing suburbs were in the West Maricopa County area. The other three were Buckeye, Avondale and Goodyear.
Most Family Friendly!
Surprise was also the city with the highest percentage of married couples in the U.S. with 69% of the households comprised of married couples. Source: socialexplorer.com
Surprise is also only 10 minutes from Luke Air Force Base, … (2 comments)
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surprise: Rent vs Buy? - 07/20/07 11:58 AM
Renting a home is an expensive luxury!
The average rent in the Phoenix area is now $809 per month. Occupancy rates are 98% occupied. Rentals are getting very scarce and costly now.
If you were paying $809 per month, how much home could you buy? After converting this rent payment and factoring in the tax advantage of home ownership you could buy a home worth $140,000. There are currently 2200 homes for sale in the Phoenix area for $140,000 or less.
Are you paying $1000 per month? A home valued at $175,000 is within your reach.
All of this doesn't consider that historically, home ownership … (8 comments)
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surprise: Surprise Arizona, is this your new home? - 07/18/07 09:23 PM
Surprise is the growth center of the northwest valley, located west of Glendale, Peoria, Sun City and Sun City West.
The town was a small, one-mile square village when it started in 1937. It has since become Arizona's fastest growing city 4 years out of the last 5. The population is now over 100,000. For more about the population growth in Surprise, see my earlier article. click here
Surprise has a healthy mix of resident ages. There are many family oriented developments such as Marley Park Kingswood Park, West Point, Mountain Vista Ranch, Greenway Parc and others too many to mention. Homes for … (0 comments)
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surprise: More News of Improvement in the Housing Market! - 07/16/07 05:13 PM
Countrywide Financial, one of the largest mortgage originators reported that They made 45 Billion dollars in mortage loans in June. This is a 4% increase over June of 2006. The company accomplished this in spite of vastly reduced activity in the sub-prime and adjustable rate mortgages.
The company still finds the housing market soft, but a 4% increase in same month production is nothing to sneeze at.
In addition to the higher volume of loans, the company is also hiring new people, adding 830 new jobs since May. This in a time many lenders have cut their work force.
Thoughts on Today's Real Estate … (0 comments)
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surprise: The Monsoon is Coming, Is Your Home Ready? - 07/14/07 11:48 AM
As if triple digit heat isn't enough, in Arizona, July is the start of the monsoon season.
The monsoon season is a change in weather caused by a seasonal change in the wind direction. Here that means the wind direction no longer typically comes from the west, but now from the south.
These monsoon winds bring very humid air from the Gulf of California and the Pacific Ocean causing sometimes phenomenal thunderstorms in the afternoon and evening. Often dust storms (the red cloud) accompanies the monsoon storms.
It is important to prepare your home for these storms to prevent unnecessary damage to … (2 comments)
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Jim Little, Your Sun City Arizona Realtor
Sun City,
AZ
More about me…
Ken Meade Realty
Address: 17001 N. Del Webb Blvd, Enter your address line 2 here, Sun City, AZ, 85373
Office Phone: (623) 977-1776
Cell Phone: (623) 521-6768
Email Me
My comments and opinions for the northwest Maricopa county and the Adult communities there. Specializing in Del Webb's Sun City, Sun City West, and Sun City Grand, and the neighboring communities of Surprise, El Mirage, Peoria and Glendale Arizona
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