Arizona ranked #3 in home inspections

I ran across this information while reviewing some on line information about home inspectors. AZ is ranked #3 in the strongest requirements for home inspectors due to their accredidation, licensing and apprentice requirements. A strong home inspection gives both buyers and sellers confidence that they have a quality residence they are selling or buying and there are no surprises that come up which costs home buyers and sellers the costs of major repairs. It also proves that real estate agents who work with quality home inspectors provide the best services for their clients and preserve future real estate sales and referrals from satisfied clients. We work with AZ Comprehensive Property Inspections which are great as you can go online to schedule your appointments and their reports are very easy to read and the information is reliable. So far we have not had any other inspection company come close to matching their reliability and dedication to the home inspection business. I hope you find the following information helpful.

The American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) has ranked the home inspection regulation laws in the United States, weighing them on 13 criteria, including testing requirements, standards of practice, codes of ethics, and enforceability.

In the last 10 years, 28 states have enacted some form of home inspection regulation.

In the study, Louisiana has ranked first since it passed a strong inspection law after Hurricane Katrina.

Meanwhile, California has been ranked last for two years because several of its provisions - including its "prohibited acts" provision, which outlines an inspector's code of ethics - cannot be enforced. North Dakota and Georgia also rounded out the bottom spots for home inspection regulation laws, according to the study.

Here are the top 15 states with the strongest home inspection regulation laws:

  1. Louisiana
  2. New Jersey
  3. Arizona
  4. Texas
  5. Massachusetts
  6. Connecticut
  7. North Carolina
  8. Arkansas
  9. Indiana
  10. Rhode Island
  11. West Virginia
  12. South Dakota
  13. Tennessee
  14. Mississippi
  15. Virginia


Source: American Society of Home Inspectors (01/03/07)

 

Inside lending info from Mike and Betsy Moshofskey of CTX Mortgage Co.

I obtained this information from Mike and Betsy Moshofskey from CTX Mortgage. It provides an overview of the current financial markets and provides insight into what we can expect for future lending and market conditions for our clients.

Inside Lending
For the week of January 7, 2008 - Vol. 6, Issue 1
 

>> Review of Last Week

HAPPY NEW YEAR! ...NOT SO FAST. The week began with truly lackluster market performance on the low-volume, last trading day of 2007. This brought in the year's final numbers: the Dow, up 6.4%; the S&P 500, up 3.5%; and the NASDAQ, up 9.8%. Not bad actually, considering the crazy volatility.

After the New Year's close, stocks slid Wednesday with the ISM Manufacturing index showing slight contraction and oil hitting $100 a barrel. The Dow shaved off 220 points and Santa Claus got sent home with one day left for his namesake rally, which clearly wasn't going to happen.

Side note: With oil at $100 a barrel, everyone's freaking out. Let's get real. First, this is not an all-time high--it's still lower than the inflation-adjusted high of nearly $103 per barrel back in 1980. Next, please observe that price hikes in crude on the commodities market are not necessarily reflected in price hikes at the gas pump. Gas was at $3/gallon when oil was at $65/barrel. Oil went up 60% in 2007, yet gas is up just a tick above that $3. Finally-good news!-it's taking less crude oil to make a gallon of gas. That's because gasoline now has a higher content of renewable, non-petroleum products!

Thursday, new jobless claims fell to 336,000 and factory orders rose for the third straight month, but concerns over the economy still kept stock prices down. Then Friday's weaker than expected jobs report sent stocks plummeting. Suffice it to say, unemployment creeping up to 5% (still not a bad number) was the culprit, in spite of the fact that non-farm payrolls rose 18,000, the November payroll gain was revised upward to 115,000, and the ISM Services index showed solid growth in our non-manufacturing sector. Go figure.

With all the investor fretting, the Dow ended the week at 12,800.18, down 4.2%. The S&P 500 was down 4.5%, to 1411.63. And the NASDAQ crunched down to 2504.65, off 6.3%.

True to form, this rotten stock market performance sent bond prices up, as investors flocked to a safe haven. This sent yields down, with the benchmark 10-year Treasury at 3.865%, ALMOST hitting its lowest level since early '04, but not quite. It appears mortgage rates will continue to stay at attractive levels.

>> This Week's Forecast

TECH IT OUT!  Monday the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) opens in Vegas. It's the world's largest high tech tradeshow and a bellwether for all the trends in this hot investment sector. Tuesday we get the Pending Home Sales figure for November.

In light of Friday's lousy jobs report, the weekly Initial Jobless Claims number will get far more than usual interest on Thursday. But the biggie will be Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke's speech on the economic outlook at 1:00PM ET.

With oil hovering around $100 a barrel, we're now including the weekly Crude Inventories number in our Economic Calendar, as this figure can impact the price of crude in the commodities market and fuel (pardon the pun) gas price inflation woes-even though, as we showed above, they're not tightly connected.

>> The Week's Economic Indicator Calendar

Weaker than expected economic data tends to send bond prices up and interest rates down, while positive data points to lower bond prices and rising loan rates.

Economic Calendar for the Week of Jan 7 - Jan 11
DateTime (ET)ReleaseForConsensusPriorImpact
Tu
Jan 8
10:00Pending Home SalesNov 0.6%Moderate
Th
Jan 10
08:30Initial Jobless Claims01/05NA336KModerate
Th
Jan 10
10:30Crude Inventories01/05NA-4056KModerate
F
Jan 11
08:30Trade BalanceNov-$59.5B-$57.8BModerate
 

>> Home Base

INFO THAT HITS US WHERE WE LIVE  The S&P/Case-Shiller Home Price Index, which measures only 20 markets, had home prices as of October down 6.5% from their peak, which they say was June 2006. That's a price drop of less than 4.9% on an annual basis. And the fact is, the median price for existing homes went down only 1.9% in '07, as reported here last week. Fannie Mae's CEO said he thinks prices could drop 4-5% this year. Others see the median price for existing homes going up 0.3%.

While these numbers are nothing to throw a party over, they all contradict the media's erroneous home price MELTDOWN. Especially when you consider that the average home in the U.S. increased 100% in value in that last 10 years and in California, it did it in 6 years!

We can all take some solace from the fact that the Conference Board's Consumer Confidence Index rose in December, the first time in five months, from 87.8 to 88.6. And the number of consumers expecting an IMPROVEMENT in business conditions in the next six months rose to 13.8% in December. If the media would only give some of these folks a little airtime! Don't hold your breath.

>> Federal Reserve Watch

Forecasting Federal Reserve policy changes in coming months. An overwhelming majority of the experts expect the Fed to cut rates 25 basis points (.25%) at the January 30 meeting. Many are clamoring for a 50 basis point cut to stimulate the economy, but most feel this cautious Fed will take its time.

Current Fed Fund Rate: 4.25%
After FOMC meeting on:Consensus
Jan 304.00%
March 183.88%
June 253.63%

Odds of change from current policy:
After FOMC meeting on:Consensus
Jan 3075%
March 1885%
June 2595%
 

Meteor Shower tonight - late night

If you can brave the chilly temperatures, the year's best meteor shower is expected to reach its peak tonight and early Friday morning. It should be visible starting at 9 pm and going into the early morning hours.  Peak hours are midnight to 2 a.m. Although the city lights will make them less visible, at least we have a thin crescent moon tonight.  Looking forward to a good show

 

Happy watching!

www.realestatewithjody.com

 

 

 

Subprime Arms

~Breaking News~Bush Administration Puts a Freeze on Subprime ARMS

 

You may have already heard all about this but I thought this was worth sharing, the info I received.

After discussions with The Treasury Dept officials, mortgage lenders, and the Wall Street firms, the Bush administration announced a few short days ago that an agreement has been made to "freeze" interest rates for up to 5 years on certain subprime adjustable rate mortgages.  The New York Times stated that the goal of the Presidents plan was to convert as many subprime ARMs as possible to more sustainable loans but the freeze only would apply to those who took the loan between Jan 05-July 07 and with rates that were set to increase as of Jan 08 and July 2010, and whose have less than 3% equity in their homes, and whose are current on payments (cannot be more than 60 days behind) and whose are able to handle current lower rates, but will not be to handle a higher payment. This is intended to help at least 240-250K borrowers.  This freeze is said to be a voluntary agreement on the part of lenders, no legislation is required for this plan but the congressional approval would be necessary in order to increase the current FHA loan limits.

 

 

 

http://www.realestatewithjody.com/

 

To Date MLS Numbers

From 11/05-12/05/07 there are 60,658 homes on the market, of those 56,438 are still active, 4221 are under contract and pending and 3302 have sold in the last 30days.

 For the east valley areas including ahwatukee, AJ, Chandler, Gilbert, Guadalupe, Mesa, Queen Creek, Scottsdale, Sun Lakes & Tempe and the same dates: 19,785 are active, 1696 are pending and 1376 have been sold. 

 

Seems like these numbers have been pretty consistent, next month I hope to see the sold up at least 1000 :)

 

Wishfull thinking!

 

Have a great real estate day,

Jody Sayler Team

www.realestatewithjody.com

 

www.85218homes.com

 

Price Reduction in Gold Canyon

Just Reduced to $530,000 This lovely home is located in Las Colinas and the community offers a community spa and pool~This 3549 sq ft home offers granite counters, upgraded cabinets & upgraded tile~The 16x15 kitchen is open to the breakfast area, has plant shelves, island, granite every where, Cherrywood cabinets & great views~Very private lot~3 car garage~Security system~Larger sized rooms, master is 18x16 with huge master bath with granite counters, double sinks & carpet~Built in 2005 by Toll Brothers~Santa Barbara/Tuscan style~Vaulted ceiling~Soft Water~Covered patio~Design your custom backyard~Low maintenance landscaping~Mountain views~Courtyard entry~Never been lived in~Move in ready~

         

 

See more information at www.realestatewithjody.com

 

More pictures at www.postlets.com/rem/213345

Located off of US 60 & Superstition Mountain Dr, to Don Donelly Rd

 

Get Clients to read your emails

After attending all types of seminars, taking classes galore and so on and so on, I came across this article from Agent Inner Circle and thought it was worth a try and wanted to pass along the info. 

I guess half the battle when you send emails is to actually get the prospects to open it and for it to not get filtered out ETC ETC.  The Agent Inner Circle suggested to instead of putting your personal information/name in the subject line, to try entering in your brokerage instead, like Keller Williams verses from Jody Sayler team.  They state to make the subject something familiar that may catch their eye and not just see it as spam and quickly delete.  They suggested testing the system by sending some emails one way and some the other and then try to moniter the open (request reciept, etc)

 It would be nice to know if after all your hard work and hours put in that you knew if clients/prospects were actually getting and hopefully enjoying the information you are sending. 

Just a thought.

 

Have a great real estate day,

Jody Sayler Team

 

www.realestatewithjody.com

www.85218homes.com

 

Latest Listing in Gold Canyon

Just listed home in beautiful Gold Canyon.  This home is priced to sell at $450,000.  It offers so many upgrades and definitely has obvious TLC put into this home, not to mention the $35,000 in upgrades. 

The kitchen offers custom window coverings & plantation shutters(throughout the home), chiseled edge granite (also in both bathrooms), professional graded stainless steel appliances and wine fridge, imported Italian tile backsplash, custom paint, tile and pantry.  It is open to the livingroom and offers a great room feel with the split floorplan.  The master bathroom also has upgraded ciligranite sinks, Belle faucets, gareden tub, custom tile and paint.  All the bedrooms offer custom touches, paint, shutters and more.  This is a truly impressive home and worth the look.  See more information below and more pictures at www.realestatewithjody.com or www.postlets.com/res/338337  

       

 

2891558  ER  Active / Residential   LP: $ 450,000     Photos: 6 Virtual Tours: 2
4281 S Lysiloma LN Gold Canyon    85218-Year Built: 2003
Lot #: 35Area/Grid: 522 / S46Hun Block: 4000SAN: 108-64-035-
Beds/Baths: 4 / 2 Pool: Yes - CommunitySF: 2,110 / Assessor FE: 42R3G
Listed by: Jody S. Sayler, ABR, CRS, GRI (JS663) Lot Size: 10,001-12,500Email: jody@realestatewithjody.com
Office:  480-982-2870 Home:  480-983-3606 Mobile:  480-209-6226 Pager: 
Keller Williams Integrity First Realty(KWIF03)  
Directions: US 60 & Superstition Mtn Dr   60 E to Superstiton Mtn Dr, L Superstition Mtn, R on Don Donnelly to 3rd left into La Mirada, then left on Lysiloma Ln.
Gorgeous Morrison home w/Mtn views on 1/4 ac lot. Custom 18' tile, 2 tone paint, custom window coverings, surround sound wired, water softener, ceiling fans and 10' ceilings. This home has it all! Granite in kitchen and baths w/custom dual sinks and fixtures. Large open kitchen w/staggered Cherry cabinets, SS appliances including SS wine cooler & large granite kitchen island. Large mstr suite w/plantation shutters. Extended covered patio with Mtn views and gorgeous landscape lead to Gas fire pit w/sitting areas for nice warm winter nights. Large 3 car garage w/custom cabinets, sinks, 220 service & RV gate.
REALTOR® Remarks: Seller Requests Elva Palmer, Security Title, 480-830-0534. Please call seller and MAKE CONTACT PRIOR TO SHOWING to allow seller to secure pet. DO NOT SHOW WITHOUT MAKING CONTACT WITH SELLER AS PET IS OLD AND UNPREDICTABLE.
 Additional Showing, Contact and Compensation Information
To Show: Call Lister, Special Instr/Pets (CLO), Call Occupant (OCC), Buyer Broker-Use Lockbox, Lockbox-Occupied
Owner/Occupant: Lyndon & Kelley Aylett 602-703-8800 / Owner
Co-List Agent: Robert Nye(RN096) Home: 480-983-3606 Mobile: 480-518-3857
Email: bobnye@topproducer.comPager:
Other Office Phone: Office Fax: 800-605-3857
Compensation:  SA: No / 0  BB: Yes / 3%   Variable Commission: No
 Property Information
<!--<td align="left" width="15%">--><!--</td>-->
Subdivision: Superstition Foothills
Marketing Name: Planned Community Name: Superstition Foothills
Builder: Morrison Model: PrescottFenced: Yes
Master BR: 16x15BR 2: 12x10BR 3: 11x10BR 4: 11x10
BR5: xLR: 19x16Din Room: xFam Room: x
Kitchen: 17x17Den/Other: x Horses: No

Single Family-Detached
Single Level
Fee Simple
Ranch
Territorial/Santa Fe
2001-2250 Sq Ft
Full Bath Master BR
Separate Shower & Tub
Double Sinks
Master Bedroom Split
Master BR Walk-In Closet
Firepit
No Private Pool
Spa - None
Community Pool - Heated
Community Spa - Heated
Eat-in Kitchen
Dining in Living/Great Room
Range/Oven
Dishwasher
Disposal
Microwave
Pantry
Kitchen Island
Washer/Dryer Hook-up Only
Inside Laundry
9 Ft + Flat Ceiling(s)
No Interior Steps
Water Softener (Owned)
Soft Water Loop
Drinking Water Filtering System
Pre-Wire for Surround Sound
Pre-Wire for Satellite Dish
Satellite Dish for TV - Owned
Cable TV Available
High Speed Internet Available
Great Room
Covered Patio(s)
Private Yard(s)/Courtyard(s)
Yard Watering System-Front
Yard Watering System-Back
3 Car Garage
Electric Door Opener(s)
Attached Garage Cabinets
RV Gate
Frame/Wood Construction
Painted Finish
Stucco Finish
Partial Tile Roof
Foam Roof
Refrigeration
Gas Heat
Sunscreen(s)
Ceiling Fan(s)
Multi-Pane Windows
SRP
SW Gas
Private Water Company
Sewer-Public
Services-Other (Remarks)
Block Fencing
Corner Lot
Desert Front
Desert Back
Mountain View(s)
Possess-Close of Escrow
HOA Incl-Common Area Maint
HOA-No Visible Trucks, Trailers, RV, Boats
HOA-Rental OK (See Remarks)
HOA-Professionally Managed
1st Loan-Conventional
New Fin-Cash
New Fin-Conventional
Seller Disclosure Available
Agency Disclosure Required

County: PinalCounty Book/Page: Twn-Rng-Sct: 01S 09E 06
Latitude: 33.376293227694255Longitude: -111.46076240874534Plat: Block:
TimeShare Week Available:
Internet: YExternal Mktg: Photo Code: Photo SubmittedFenced: Block Fencing
 Items Updated
Baths/2006/PartialKitchen/2006/Partial
 School Information
Elem School: Gold CanyonJr High School: Thunder MountainHigh School: Apache Junction
Elem School District: 43High School District: 43
 Financial Information
Equity: $ 450,000 Taxes/Year: $2689 / 2006 Downpayment: 0
HomeOwnerAssociation: Yes / $43 / Monthly Land Lease: $0 / PAD Fee: $0 /
Superstition Fthills
HOA Telephone Number:
Rec Center: N//
Total Encumbrances: $Total Assum Mo Pymts: $0
Listing and Sales Information
List Date: 11/15/2007 Expire Date: 4/1/2008 Back on Mkt:
Entry Date: 12/1/2007 Off Mkt: Contract Date:
Sales Office/Code: Loan Type:
COE Date:
Sales Agent/Code: Loan Yrs:
Pts Seller:   Buyer:
Sales Price: $ Pymt Type:
Closing Cost Split:
Original List Price: $ 450,000 Agent Days on Market: 18
Cumulative Days on Market: 2 <!-- VI39370 Days On Market: <b> -->
Pending Date:

Prepared by: Jody S. Sayler, ABR, CRS, GRI Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed.  Buyer to verify all information.Mon, Dec 3, 2007 12:46 PM
 

New Quail Creek Listing

Coming on the market tomorrow, this very clean, single level unit in Quail Creek condos.  It is located just off the Hwy 60 and Idaho Rd, north to University Dr.  It is across the street from the multi-generational center and near the post office, hiking, schools, boating and more.  The kitchen has tile and has a new refrigerator, faucet and disposal installed recently.  There is also new carpet and pad throughout with the new tile.  The complex offers a community pool & spa, laundry room, covered/assigned parking, storage shed and covered patio.  A very nice, clean complex to start out at. 

Please see more pictures at http://www.postlets.com/res/332076

 

Or visit us at our website www.realestatewithjody.com

 

Happy Selling,

Jody Sayler Team

 

Price Reduction in Apache Junction

Recently Reduced to $399,000, located just off of US 60 and Mountain View Rd~ Great views of the Superstition Mountains from your large, private front yard~Enjoy stunning views and sunsets~Low maintainance front yard~Home is on over an acre lot and can be used for horse property~The floorplan is open and easy for entertaining~2900 Square Feet~Kitchen offers plant shelves, large pantry, breakbast bar, dining nook/area and newer appliances~5 Bedrooms with new tile and vaulted ceilings~ 

See more pictures and information at http://www.postlets.com/rem/198156 and also

www.realestatewithjody.com

 

Have a great real estate day,

Jody Sayler

 
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Real Estate Agent: Jody Sayler (Keller Williams Integrity First)
Jody Sayler
Gold Canyon, AZ
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Keller Williams Integrity First

Office Phone: (480) 983-3606
Cell Phone: (480) 209-6226
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