The John Bell Team's Blog Anout Metro Phoenix Real Estate News

Fantastic Chandler Home in Central Location!!

Wed, 01 Sep 2010 17:37:24 -0700

John Bell, ABR, GRI, CRS | Keller Williams Realty | (480) 231-4400

1047 S Sacramento, Chandler, AZ

Wonderful Chandler Home in Great Location!!!

3BR/2BA Single Family House

offered at $134,900

Year Built	2006
Sq Footage	1,534
Bedrooms	3
Bathrooms	2 full, 0 partial
Floors	1
Parking	2 Car garage
Lot Size	4,750 sqft
HOA/Maint	$95 per month

DESCRIPTION

Fantastic 3 bedroom, 2 bath single story home in great Chandler location! This great home features open kitchen with staggered cabinets, granite counters & large island all overlooking the dining area and family room. Outside you will enjoy a large covered patio and private backyard.

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

- Central A/C	- Central heat	- Walk-in closet
- Family room	- Dining room	- Dishwasher
- Stove/Oven	- Microwave	- Granite countertop
- Laundry area - inside	- Balcony, Deck, or Patio	- Yard

COMMUNITY FEATURES

- Garage parking

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Photo 1	Photo 2
Photo 1	Photo 1
Photo 2	Photo 3

Contact info:

John Bell, ABR, GRI, CRS

Keller Williams Realty

(480) 231-4400

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: Sep 1, 2010, 1:09pm PDT

Scottsdale Investor's Special

Sun, 01 Aug 2010 11:21:12 -0700

John Bell, ABR, GRI, CRS | Keller Williams Realty | (480) 231-4400

3202 N 66th St, Scottsdale, AZ

Fantastic Investors Special!!

1BR/1BA Multi-Family, 4 units

offered at $140,000

Year Built	1958
Sq Footage	2,690
Bedrooms	1
Bathrooms	1 full, 0 partial
Floors	1
Parking	4 Uncovered spaces
Lot Size	8,021 sqft
HOA/Maint	$0 per month

DESCRIPTION

Fantastic 4 plex offering 3-One Bedroom/One Bath units and 1-Two Bedroom/One Bath units. 2 units already rented. Property has on-site laundry and each unit has appliances and small private yard.

Owner offering $2,000 towards closing costs with full price offer

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

- Central A/C	- Central heat	- Family room
- Breakfast nook	- Stove/Oven	- Yard

COMMUNITY FEATURES

- Laundry on-site

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Photo 1	Photo 2
Photo 3	Photo 4

Contact info:

John Bell, ABR, GRI, CRS

Keller Williams Realty

(480) 231-4400

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: Aug 1, 2010, 6:58am PDT

Beautiful Home in Ahwatukee w/an Entertainer's Dream Backyard

Mon, 19 Jul 2010 00:46:46 -0700

John Bell, ABR, GRI, CRS | Keller Williams Realty | (480) 231-4400

1842 W Brookwood Ct, Phoenix, AZ

Fantastic Ahwatukee Home with an Entertainer's Backyard!!

5BR/3BA Single Family House

offered at $249,900

Year Built	1998
Sq Footage	2,532
Bedrooms	5
Bathrooms	3 full, 0 partial
Floors	2
Parking	2 Car garage
Lot Size	6,321 sqft
HOA/Maint	$28 per month

DESCRIPTION

Beautiful former model home in the Foothills Club West community!! Home features 4 bedrooms/2 bath upstairs and 1 bedroom & full bath on main floor, plantation shutters throughout, magnificent vaulted ceiling in entryway and formal living/dining area, large open kitchen featuring center island, breakfast bar, corian counters and stainless steel appliances all open to the eat-in dining area and family room with gas fireplace. Step out back to the entertainer's dream backyard with the large heated pool and spa with rock slide & waterfall, built-in BBQ, firepit, large covered patio, lots of grass and wonderful mountain views.

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

- Central A/C	- Central heat	- Fireplace
- High/Vaulted ceiling	- Walk-in closet	- Tile floor
- Family room	- Living room	- Dining room
- Breakfast nook	- Dishwasher	- Stove/Oven
- Microwave	- Stainless steel appliances	- Laundry area - inside
- Balcony, Deck, or Patio	- Yard	- Swimming pool
- Jacuzzi/Whirlpool

COMMUNITY FEATURES

- Garage parking

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Photo 1	Photo 1
Photo 2	Photo 1
Photo 2	Photo 3

Contact info:

John Bell, ABR, GRI, CRS

Keller Williams Realty

(480) 231-4400

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: Jul 18, 2010, 8:24pm PDT

Magnificent Mountain Views!!

Fri, 16 Jul 2010 12:31:54 -0700

John Bell, ABR, GRI, CRS | Keller Williams Realty | (480) 231-4400

1838 W Brookwood Ct, Phoenix, AZ

Wonderful Single Story Foothills Club West Home!!

3BR/2BA Single Family House

offered at $259,900

Year Built	1998
Sq Footage	1,854
Bedrooms	3
Bathrooms	2 full, 0 partial
Floors	1
Parking	2 Car garage
Lot Size	6,325 sqft
HOA/Maint	$28 per month

DESCRIPTION

NOT A SHORT SALE OR BANK OWNED!!! Fantastic single story home in Foothills Club West featuring 3 bedrooms plus a den and a fantastic open, bright floor plan. You will love the tile flooring throughout, new custom neutral paint, open kitchen with breakfast bar and lots of cabinet space, large master suite with separate tub and shower. Outside you will enjoy the beautiful mountain views, desert landscaping and cool off in the newly re plastered pool.

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

- Central A/C	- Central heat	- High/Vaulted ceiling
- Walk-in closet	- Tile floor	- Family room
- Office/Den	- Breakfast nook	- Dishwasher
- Stove/Oven	- Microwave	- Laundry area - inside
- Balcony, Deck, or Patio	- Yard	- Swimming pool
- Jacuzzi/Whirlpool

COMMUNITY FEATURES

- Garage parking

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Photo 1	Photo 1
Photo 2	Photo 1
Photo 2

Contact info:

John Bell, ABR, GRI, CRS

Keller Williams Realty

(480) 231-4400

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: Jul 16, 2010, 8:09am PDT

Fantastic 3 Bedroom Laveen Home...JUST REDUCED!!!

Mon, 12 Jul 2010 18:30:36 -0700

John Bell, ABR, GRI, CRS | Keller Williams Realty | (480) 231-4400

4326 W Apollo Rd, Laveen, AZ

Beautiful Laveen Home

3BR/3BA Single Family House

offered at $99,900

Year Built	2005
Sq Footage	2,169
Bedrooms	3
Bathrooms	3 full, 0 partial
Floors	2
Parking	2 Car garage
Lot Size	5,500 sqft
HOA/Maint	$48 per month

DESCRIPTION

FANTASTIC FAMILY HOME SITUATED ON A N/S LOT WITH A HUGE GRASSY BACK YARD*GREAT FLOOR PLAN WITH ONE BEDROOM & FULL BATH DOWNSTAIRS PERFECT FOR GUESTS*LARGE LOFT *SPACIOUS KITCHEN IS BRIGHT AND OPEN TO FAMILY ROOM*LARGE ISLAND W/CONVENIENT BREAKFAST BAR, PANTRY & UPGRADED MAPLE CABINETS*FORMAL LIVING & DINING ROOM ARE SIZED JUST RIGHT*NEUTRAL CARPET AND CERAMIC TILE SET ON A DIAGONAL THROUGHOUT*UPGRADED PLUMBING & LIGHTING FIXTURES*LARGE MASTER SUITE INCLUDES, DUAL SINKS, SEPARATE TUB & SHOWER AND WALK-IN CLOSET*ROOM FOR STORAGE IN 2 CAR GARAGE*DON'T LET THIS ONE PASS YOU BY!

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

- Central A/C	- Central heat	- Walk-in closet
- Tile floor	- Family room	- Living room
- Breakfast nook	- Dishwasher	- Stove/Oven
- Microwave	- Laundry area - inside	- Balcony, Deck, or Patio
- Yard

COMMUNITY FEATURES

- Garage parking

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Photo 1

Contact info:

John Bell, ABR, GRI, CRS

Keller Williams Realty

(480) 231-4400

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: Jul 12, 2010, 2:14pm PDT

Incredible Ahwatukee Foothills Home...Entertainer's Backyard

Mon, 28 Jun 2010 01:40:36 -0700

John Bell, ABR, GRI, CRS | Keller Williams Realty | (480) 231-4400

4309 E Cottonwood Ln, Phoenix, AZ

Incredible Ahwatukee Foothills Home...Entertainers Backyard!!

4BR/2BA Single Family House

offered at $250,000

Year Built	2002
Sq Footage	2,337
Bedrooms	4
Bathrooms	2 full, 0 partial
Floors	1
Parking	2 Car garage
Lot Size	6,676 sqft
HOA/Maint	$32 per month

DESCRIPTION

Spectacular entrance into this gracious single level 4 bedroom home featuring travertine floors, plantation shutters, and neutral decorator paint, gourmet kitchen with stainless steel appliances and maple cabinets, master bedroom with bay window to the pool/patio and huge walk-in closet. Surround sound inside and outside, pool with waterfall and beautiful built in fireplace with bancos. Artificial turf in back yard for easy care. Great curb appeal with professional landscaping!

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

- Central A/C	- Central heat	- Fireplace
- High/Vaulted ceiling	- Walk-in closet	- Tile floor
- Family room	- Living room	- Dining room
- Breakfast nook	- Dishwasher	- Stove/Oven
- Microwave	- Stainless steel appliances	- Laundry area - inside
- Yard	- Swimming pool

COMMUNITY FEATURES

- Garage parking

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Photo 1	Photo 2
Photo 1	Photo 2
Photo 3	Photo 4

Contact info:

John Bell, ABR, GRI, CRS

Keller Williams Realty

(480) 231-4400

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: Jun 27, 2010, 9:22pm PDT

Wonderful Chandler Home...Huge Bedrooms & Loft

Mon, 28 Jun 2010 00:53:38 -0700

John Bell, ABR, GRI, CRS | Keller Williams Realty | (480) 231-4400

2795 E Elmwood Dr, Chandler, AZ

Magnificent Chandler Home with Large Bedrooms & Loft

5BR/3+1BA Single Family House

offered at $265,000

Year Built	2002
Sq Footage	4,015
Bedrooms	5
Bathrooms	3 full, 1 partial
Floors	2
Parking	3 Car garage
Lot Size	7,150 sqft
HOA/Maint	$43 per month

DESCRIPTION

NOT a Short Sale or REO, this one can close quickly!!

Fantastic 5 bedroom, 3.5 bath Riggs Ranch Meadow home priced below appraisal, get this home before it goes on the market!! You'll love the wide open floor plan with laminate wood flooring in the formal living/dining room, kitchen open to the family room with breakfast bar and eat-in dining area, huge pantry, large master suite on main level with walk-in closet and seperate tub/shower. The 2nd floor features HUGE loft with laminate wood & carpeting, 4 oversized bedrooms with walk-in closets and large walk-in closet for games/storage along with 2 full baths. This home is a must see and priced $50,000 below appraisal.

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

- Central A/C	- Central heat	- High/Vaulted ceiling
- Walk-in closet	- Tile floor	- Family room
- Living room	- Bonus/Rec room	- Dining room
- Breakfast nook	- Dishwasher	- Stove/Oven
- Laundry area - inside	- Balcony, Deck, or Patio	- Yard

COMMUNITY FEATURES

- Garage parking

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Photo 1	Photo 1
Photo 1	Photo 1

Contact info:

John Bell, ABR, GRI, CRS

Keller Williams Realty

(480) 231-4400

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: Jun 27, 2010, 8:29pm PDT

Beautifully Cared for Ahwatukee Home!!

Thu, 17 Jun 2010 13:06:50 -0700

John Bell, ABR, GRI, CRS | Keller Williams Realty | (480) 231-4400

3937 E Tano St, Phoenix, AZ

Beautifully cared for Ahwatukee Home!!

3BR/2BA Single Family House

offered at $286,000

Year Built	1986
Sq Footage	1,579
Bedrooms	3
Bathrooms	2 full, 0 partial
Floors	1
Parking	2 Car garage
Lot Size	8,821 sqft
HOA/Maint	$20 per month

DESCRIPTION

NOT a short sale or foreclosure! Loved & cared for home in perfect condition. Fantastic single story 3 bedroom home on large corner, cul-de-sac lot w/ beautiful fenced pool & spa. Surround sound and outdoor built in speakers. New French doors leading to totally private, over-sized oasis backyard & covered patio, enjoy landscape lighting, large grass-covered children's play area, mature palms & citrus trees. Large & bright remodeled kitchen w/ Silestone counters, stainless appliances--Maytag refrigerator and Kitchenaid dishwasher. Completely remodeled elegant guest bath. Huge master retreat with den, new windows. Master bath with dual sinks, walk in closet & remodeled travertine shower. Exterior painted 9-2010.

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

- Central A/C	- Central heat	- High/Vaulted ceiling
- Walk-in closet	- Tile floor	- Family room
- Office/Den	- Dining room	- Breakfast nook
- Dishwasher	- Refrigerator	- Stove/Oven
- Microwave	- Granite countertop	- Stainless steel appliances
- Washer	- Dryer	- Laundry area - inside
- Balcony, Deck, or Patio	- Yard	- Swimming pool
- Jacuzzi/Whirlpool

COMMUNITY FEATURES

- Garage parking

- Playground

OTHER SPECIAL FEATURES

- travertine shower, granite counters, fenced pool & spa, tile throughout

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Photo 1	Photo 1
Photo 2	Photo 1
Photo 2

Contact info:

John Bell, ABR, GRI, CRS

Keller Williams Realty

(480) 231-4400

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: Jun 17, 2010, 8:52am PDT

Fantastic Ocotillo Waterfront Home!!!

Thu, 17 Jun 2010 00:24:06 -0700

John Bell, ABR, GRI, CRS | Keller Williams Realty | (480) 231-4400

710 W Hackberry Dr, Chandler, AZ

Waterfront Home in Ocotillo!!!

4BR/3BA Single Family House

offered at $325,000

Year Built	1998
Sq Footage	3,070
Bedrooms	4
Bathrooms	3 full, 0 partial
Floors	2
Parking	3 Car garage
Lot Size	8,200 sqft
HOA/Maint	$56 per month

DESCRIPTION

Fantastic Sandpiper Shores Waterfront home in Ocotillo with large open living space offering 4 or 5 bedrooms, 3 full bathrooms and formal living/dining area. Large gourmet kitchen with beautiful maplewood cabinets, gas cooktop, center island and desk all open to family room with gas fireplace. Spacious covered patio and beautiful North facing views of the water. This property won't last long at this price!

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

- Central A/C	- Central heat	- Fireplace
- High/Vaulted ceiling	- Walk-in closet	- Tile floor
- Family room	- Living room	- Dining room
- Breakfast nook	- Stove/Oven	- Laundry area - inside
- Balcony, Deck, or Patio	- Yard

COMMUNITY FEATURES

- Garage parking

- Lake

- Playground

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Photo 1	Photo 1
Photo 2	Photo 3

Contact info:

John Bell, ABR, GRI, CRS

Keller Williams Realty

(480) 231-4400

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: Jun 16, 2010, 8:08pm PDT

Fantastic Agritopia Short Sale!!

Sat, 08 May 2010 13:05:39 -0700

John Bell, ABR, GRI, CRS | Keller Williams Realty | 480-231-4400

1353 S Minneola Ln, Gilbert, AZ

Wonderful Agritopia Home!!

4BR/2+1BA Single Family House

offered at $144,900

Year Built	2005
Sq Footage	1,787
Bedrooms	4
Bathrooms	2 full, 1 partial
Floors	Unspecified
Parking	2 Car garage
Lot Size	2,625 sqft
HOA/Maint	$121 per month

DESCRIPTION

Well cared for 2 story home in the fantastic community of Agritopia. Large kitchen with dining area and lots of cabinet space, great master bedroom with walk-in closet, large bathroom, neutrally painted throughout and well cared for.

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

- Central A/C	- Central heat	- Walk-in closet
- Family room	- Living room	- Dining room
- Dishwasher	- Stove/Oven	- Microwave
- Laundry area - inside

COMMUNITY FEATURES

- Garage parking

- Swimming pool(s)

- Playground

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Photo 1	Photo 1
Photo 2	Photo 1
Photo 2	Photo 1

Contact info:

John Bell, ABR, GRI, CRS

Keller Williams Realty

480-231-4400

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: May 8, 2010, 8:52am PDT

Amazing Maricopa Deal!!

Fri, 07 May 2010 01:10:42 -0700

John Bell, ABR, GRI, CRS | Keller Williams Realty | 480-231-4400

41848 W Sunland Dr, Maricopa, AZ

Amazing Maricopa Deal!!

3BR/2+1BA Single Family House

offered at $75,000

Year Built	2005
Sq Footage	1,546
Bedrooms	3
Bathrooms	2 full, 1 partial
Floors	2
Parking	2 Car garage
Lot Size	4,356 sqft
HOA/Maint	$60 per month

DESCRIPTION

Fantastic 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath home in the great community of Rancho El Dorado. You'll love the wide open floorplan offering large open kitchen with lots of cabinet space open to the dining room and great room area, large grassy backyard, upstairs is a large master suite and 2 additional bedrooms!

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

- Central A/C	- Central heat	- High/Vaulted ceiling
- Walk-in closet	- Tile floor	- Family room
- Dishwasher	- Stove/Oven	- Microwave
- Laundry area - inside	- Balcony, Deck, or Patio	- Yard

COMMUNITY FEATURES

- Garage parking

- Playground

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Photo 1

Contact info:

John Bell, ABR, GRI, CRS

Keller Williams Realty

480-231-4400

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: May 6, 2010, 8:52pm PDT

Great Deal on Phoenix Short Sale!!!

Wed, 05 May 2010 16:13:39 -0700

John Bell, ABR, GRI, CRS | Keller Williams Realty | 480-231-4400

906 E Beverly Rd, Phoenix, AZ

Wonderful Phoenix Home with Lots of Offer!

4BR/1+1BA Single Family House

offered at $100,000

Year Built	2000
Sq Footage	1,964
Bedrooms	4
Bathrooms	1 full, 1 partial
Floors	1
Parking	2 Car garage
Lot Size	6,746 sqft
HOA/Maint	$50 per month

DESCRIPTION

Fantastic 4 bedroom home with large open floorplan, extensive ceramic tile, center island kitchen with eat-in dining area, large pantry and well landscaped backyard.

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

- Central A/C	- Central heat	- High/Vaulted ceiling
- Walk-in closet	- Tile floor	- Family room
- Dining room	- Dishwasher	- Stove/Oven
- Laundry area - inside	- Balcony, Deck, or Patio	- Yard

COMMUNITY FEATURES

- Garage parking

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Photo 1	Photo 1
Photo 2	Photo 3

Contact info:

John Bell, ABR, GRI, CRS

Keller Williams Realty

480-231-4400

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: May 5, 2010, 12:00pm PDT

HAFA for Homeowners in Distress

Wed, 05 May 2010 15:49:59 -0700

Is Your Glass HAFA Full or HAFA Empty?

HAFA is a program the federal government rolled out on April 5, 2010. It is a license to short sale your property if you have a valid hardship. What's a hardship?

•1. Rate change or increase in monthly payments now or in the future

•2. US Military

•3. Loss of Income

•4. Death in the family

•5. Relocation

•6. Separation/Divorce

What does HAFA do for a homeowner?

•1. It allows them to be pre-approved by their lender for a short sale and releases them from future liability of mortgage debt.

•2. Provides the borrower, servicers and investors a financial incentive to close the short sale transaction.

•3. Puts the servicer and investor on a standardized timeline for completing tasks.

How do I Qualify for HAFA?

•1. Property has to be your primary residence.

•2. Loan is a 1^st lien that is not VA/FHA or Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac backed loan.

•3. Mortgage is delinquent or default is reasonably foreseeable based on hardship.

•4. Current unpaid balance is equal to or less than $729,750.

•5. Borrower's total monthly mortgage payment exceeds 31% of borrower's gross income.

•6. Property must be listed with a licensed Real Estate Agent or Realtor.

This is a difficult time in our Nation's history. Don't be embarrassed to contact your local Real Estate Professional; we are hearing from a lot of people with similar challenges. With our unemployment rate as high as it is, many people simply cannot afford their mortgage payment. It is our job as Realtors to assist these people in transitioning out of their over-burdensome mortgage into more affordable living arrangements.

Phoenix, AZ Realtor, John Bell, on Making a Lasting Impression

Tue, 27 Apr 2010 14:35:18 -0700

Phoenix, AZ Realtor, John Bell, on making a lasting impression

I had the privilege of being invited by one of my good friends and client to the Phoenix Sun's Basketball game last night. It was an amazing game against the Portland Trailblazers for the 2010 NBA Playoffs Round 1 of Western Conference. I felt honored to be asked and it was an experience I will not soon forget. Upon waking this morning, I caught myself texting, "Thx for the game, I had a gr8 time. Hope to cu soon." I caught myself before sending it and thought, "Since when is it OK to send a shorthand text as a thank you?" I am certainly guilty of this and nor do I think twice when I receive a texted or e-mailed thank you.

As Realtor, we are penultimate social and professional multi-taskers. The fact is that everything is electronic, very little paper ever passes through our hands. We have Zip Forms, Docusign and E Fax. New connections are happening daily with the addition of Twitter, Face book and Linkedin to name just a few of the paperless and social media platforms. Ironically, it seems as though it has taken me far longer to try to "figure these out" than it would for me to make a phone call or hand write a note and send it snail mail.

It always makes a lasting impression when I do receive a hand written thank you note. Conversely, when I take the time to send a note, I consistently receive a comment thanking me!

When I began in real estate in 2002, my goal was to write 15 hand written thank you notes a day. It did a lot to not only help grow my business in the Phoenix, Chandler, Gilbert market, but also helped to establish trust between me and my clients and make my communication with potential clients more memorable. Additionally, it helped me establish rapport with other Realtors, lenders, title officers, and contractors-the people that became invaluable to me while negotiating and closing a contract.

However, possibly the most rewarding part of writing a hand written thank you note is what is does for me mentally. The act of sitting down and writing forces the otherwise multitasking Realtor to focus on one thing. Think of how impossible it is to write a note on paper while talking on the phone and checking your email! It is almost like forced meditation for me to focus on one thing-on that great deed that I am thankful for. It absolutely invigorates my day. The short act of being thankful, writing it down and reflecting upon it is a priceless bit of calm.

In the end, you only have everything to gain by adding, "write a hand written thank you note a day" to your to-do list. I predict that within a week, you will be writing several thank you notes a day!

HAFA Program for Homeowners in Distress

Thu, 15 Apr 2010 12:38:28 -0700

The important thing to remember is that the federal government does not want foreclosures to continue to rise. They are implementing these incentives so that lenders will have a financial incentive to be proactive regarding distressed homeowners. In Arizona we are an anti-deficiency state meaning the law protects homeowners on their "acquisition costs" on a primary residence, therefore lenders cannot sue you on any deficiency you may have if you have a valid hardship you can demonstrate to the lenders. I am seeing more and more lenders ask for money to cover the seller's closing costs when the homeowner is asking for their short sale contract to be approved by the lender. The HAFA program will diminish the probability of you coming to the table with your own money to close out a short sale but don't bet on it. Lenders are searching for ways to make more money and this is one tactic that works. As a homeowner the short sale option is a much better option than a foreclosure on your credit report that will last for 10 years. You can buy a property that is a Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac backed loan after doing a short sale between 1-3 years later.

*Please see Realtor.org for more information on this important program.

http://realtor.org/government_affairs/short_sales_hafa

http://makinghomeaffordable.com/contact_servicer.html

HAFA Provisions

Complements HAMP by provides an alternative for the current homeowners who are HAMP eligible but unable to keep their home.
Uses borrower financial and hardship information that may have been submitted for a loan modification.
Gives borrowers a pre-approved short sales terms before listing the property (including the minimum acceptable net proceeds).
Requires borrowers to be fully released from any future liability for the first mortgage debt (no cash contribution, promissory note, or deficiency judgment is allowed under this program).
Uses all the standard processes, documents, and timeframes/deadlines.
Provides the following financial incentives:
- $3,000 to assist borrowers relocation assistance;
- $1,500 for servicers to help cover administrative and processing costs;
- Up to $2,000 for investors who allow a total of up to $6,000 in short sale proceeds to be distributed to the subordinate lien holders, on a one-for-three matching basis.
Requires all servicers participating in HAMP to implement HAFA in accordance with their own written policy, consistent with their investor guidelines.

Anti Deficiency Laws in Arizona protect the Homeowner

Tue, 06 Apr 2010 14:28:27 -0700

Anti Deficiency Laws in ARIZONA protect the Homeowner.

Real Estate Attorney's AND CPAs need to STOP telling Homeowner's to walk away from their single family primary residence

REAL ESTATE AGENTS: YOU NEED TO UNDERSTAND THE BELOW OUTLINED SCENERIOS IN ORDER TO SUCCESSFULLY EDUCATE YOUR CLIENTS ON THE IMPACTS OF SHORT SALE VS. FORECLOSURE. If you don't want to learn about it then refer your clients to an agent who specializes in short sales.

Arizona's mortgage deficiency statutes located at ARS 33-729, 33-814 and 12-1566 and the case law interpreting them are complex. This memorandum put together by Michael T. Tarrant of Kingman Winslow, LLC to John Bell includes a quick reference checklist of items to be considered to determine whether, or not, a mortgage lender has the right to obtain a mortgage deficiency judgment against a borrower, or guarantor, of a loan subsequent to a real property foreclosure in Arizona.

This content is not intended to address every possible scenario and should not be used as a substitute for current legal research through a licensed real estate attorney.

•· Step One: Determine whether the mortgage loan is "purchase money" vs. "non purchase money"

•a. A loan is purchase money even if less than 100% of the loan proceeds are used to purchase the real property which secures the loan.

•b. A mortgage loan secured by the borrower's residence is not a purchase money loan if the proceeds of the loan are used to purchase a different residence such as a vacation home.

•c. Home equity loans that are not 80/20 loans typically are non purchase money loans.

•· Step Two: Determine whether the real property which secures the loan fits within the statutory definition of a "qualified property" protected by the AZ "anti-deficiency" statutes

•a. Evaluate the physical characteristics of the real property to be foreclosed upon.

•b. A "Qualified Property" protected by Arizona's anti-deficiency statutes means real property of "2.5 acres or less," and that is limited to and utilized as a "single-one-family or single-two family dwelling."

•c. Four single-family condo units e.g. 4plex or a residence under construction not yet sold or occupied are not Qualified Property

Tune in tomorrow when we review the 4 Rules below if a mortgage loan allows for a deficiency judgment. 1. Purchase money loan + secured qualified property, 2. Purchase money loan + secured by non qualified property, 3. Non-Purchase money loan + secured by a qualified property 4. Non-Purchase money loan + secured by a non-qualified property

Top 5 Homeowner and Investor Consequences of Foreclosure

Thu, 01 Apr 2010 17:34:48 -0700

Top 5 Homeowner Consequences of Foreclosure

What is the difference between a foreclosure and a short sale if I cannot afford my house or investment property and cannot make payments any longer?

Why shouldn't I just walk away and let it foreclose?

•1. Foreclosure consequences (Primary Residence)

If a homeowner loses a home to foreclosure they will not be ineligible for a Fannie Mae backed

mortgage for at at least 5 years.

Short Sale consequences

If a homeowner successfully negotiates and closes a short sale; they will be eligible for a

Fannie Mae backed mortgage after only 2-3years (even 1 year is possible if all other obligations

have been kept current.)

•2. Foreclosure consequences (Investor)

If an investor allows a property to go to foreclosure they are not ineligible for a Fannie Mae

backed investment mortgage for a period of 7 years.

Shortsale consequences

If an investor successfully negotiates and closes a short sale; they will be eligible for a

Fannie Mae investment mortgage in 2 to 3 years.

•3. Foreclosure consequences

Foreclosure will remain as a public record on a person's credit history for 10 years or more.

Many employers are requiring credit checks on all job applicants. A foreclosure is one of the

most detrimental credit items an applicant can have and in most cases will impact the

possibility of employment.

Short sale consequences

Short sale is not reported on a credit history. There is no specific reporting item for "short sale".

The loan is typically reported as "paid in full, settled or negotiated less than owned." This will

remain for 12-18 months rather than a foreclosure that remains for 10 years on credit history.

****It's always a good idea to speak with your attorney and or your accountant about the laws, which vary state to state, and how a foreclosure versus a short sale will impact your credit as well as the laws that pertain to deficiency judgments.

TO SHORT SALE OR NOT TO SHORT SALE? THAT IS THE REALLY DIFFICULT QUESTION FOR HOMESELLERS TODAY

Tue, 30 Mar 2010 17:59:32 -0700

Should I STOP PAYING my mortgage and walk away?
Should I try A LOAN MODIFICATION by not paying my mortgage?
Should I TALK TO A REALTOR and see if they have experience short selling properties?
Should I go 60 days late then list my property with a Realtor so I can live in it longer?
Should I try and buy a smaller property, close on it then stop paying my mortgage?

These are all questions that are floating around the heads of your neighbors, friends or family members.

I spoke to a gentleman this morning who has tried to finalize a loan modification for the last year with Wells Fargo Home Loans. They recently sent him a letter saying that he may not qualify for the permanent modification program because he works overtime and they don't consider that a stable source of income. (In other words, let's not help this hardworking person who is trying his best to keep his home). He therefore called me to see if he could short sale his property. He needed to know what the timeline will be and how long he can live in the property without paying his mortgage before becoming evicted.

We are finding that families struggling to pay their mortgages, but have never been late and need to modify their loans are having trouble connecting with the banks unless they stop making their payments long enough for the bank to take notice and actually speak with them about their options. These are families who would prefer maintaining their credit and modifying their loans, but the bank doesn't seem to think the mortgage is a hardship case until it doesn't receive the payment.

During the short sale process some homeowners are not making payments and using that time, often six months or more, to pay off other obligations.

I told this gentleman that all lenders play by different rules. Some lenders follow the 90 day late rule and receive a Notice of Default then 90 days after that your house is auctioned. Other lenders issue the Notice of Default but if the house is under a purchase agreement they might continue to push the auction date out so that a short sale approval letter can be issued. As a Real Estate advisor, I wish I could give homeowners more definitive information. The only absolute in a short sale is that there are very few absolutes....each case will vary according to the bank, lender, negotiator, and so it goes.

Experience has shown that if the homeowner has a hardship, and the property value has declined, and if more is owed on the property than its current value and if we can secure a buyer before the Auction, we can usually push back the Auction date the now 30 days the bank offers the Buyer to close on that contract. Notice I said "THAT" contract. If your Buyer changes his mind and VIOLA, you have a great back up offer, you usually have to go back to START OVER.....and do it all again with the new Buyer.

In the end, the best option for a homeowner who cannot pay their mortgage may be a Short Sale. You can buy a home in 1-3 years after a short sale has closed according to Fannie Mae guidelines as long as you stay current on other obligations. In the final analysis, if your home was purchased with a $300,000. mortgage and is now valued at $175,000.( as is representative of the decline of many of our homes built in 2005 or after) in the Phoenix, Gilbert, Chandler, Scottsdale and other areas of Phoenix, AZ., and you have one or more of the hardships outlined in the Making Homes Affordable Guidelines, you may be interested in knowing more about doing a Short Sale now. Then, after the prescribed time, repurchase the same type of home for $175,000. Think about it and always, discuss your options with your accountant or attorney before making your final decision. The laws in each State vary.

Urgent! Homeowners need Agents who KNOW HOW and WHEN to Short Sale

Tue, 23 Mar 2010 23:47:33 -0700

By intervening before a foreclosure, and educating your sellers you will achieve the following (and more):

1. You may earn a lifelong client. Don't underestimate the value of pulling a client out of the alligator pit when their home is worth 50% less than they owe on it. These people are in serious need, stressed out and confused by all the mis or disinformation. Tell them that loan modifications have a low success rate with only 15-21% receiving approval on a trial basis only.

2. You will learn to communicate with your clients on a different level. During the short sale transaction, you become the trusted advisor to your Sellers. They in turn discover that you are not just another person with a real estate license. You really have the tools and skills to help them. You listen to them, you protect their privacy and documents, and spend the extra time and effort it takes explain all the documents and to close a short sale (sometimes against all odds).

3. You learn the value of hard work, creative thinking and discipline. When a transaction blows up because the buyer could not close the loan or the second mortgage wants more money; you are forced to decide how much pain you will tolerate before you give up. There are too many variables here to list, but I wouldn't be far off by saying that there will be serious issues that will have to be resolved before nearly any short sale will close.

4. You have an opportunity to educate your clients that if they cannot afford their mortgage due to a valid hardship that they could live in the house rent free for about 6-12 months. Hopefully during this time they are able to keep their other accounts current. By doing so, they may be in a position, to buy the same property after 1-3 years for a substantial discount. In some markets homes are nearly 50% less!

5. You will learn that banks/lenders control the real estate market for now. Why? According to data from Lender Processing Services (LPS: 41.23 -0.63%), a whopping 7.4m loans are now non-current, compared to just 4.1m on average between January and June of 2008.

Again using LPS data, for all loans more than 90 days in arrears, the average days delinquent is now at 272 days-up from 204 days in early 2008. For loans in foreclosure, the aging numbers are even more staggering: loans in this bucket average 410 days delinquent, up from 260 days delinquent in early 2008.

Ponder those numbers for just a second. On average, severely delinquent borrowers have gone more than 9 months without making a mortgage payment-and yet foreclosure has not yet started for them. For those borrowers who are in the foreclosure process, it's been an average of 13.6 months-more than one full year-since they last made any payment on their mortgage.

In summary, you as an agent need to reach out to your clients and be the person that is the go to person for those that are really struggling in this economy. So far, we have been promised that Lenders will improve and streamline the loan modification and short sale processes...but in reality we really aren't seeing a substantial enough change. Clients are embarrassed and are slow to act. As Realtors, it's important that we are proactive and promote our message for early intervention to prevent foreclosure.

So You Want to Be a Short Sale Expert?

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 15:31:51 -0800

So you want to be a Short Sale Expert?

Why do you want to list a short sale if you have not pre-qualified the listing to make sure it is a valid hardship and will actually close? Remember, the seller's lender will scrutinize the seriousness of their hardship. Banks don't like to lose money.

What are some of the criteria for a valid hardship?

•· Divorce,

•· Loss of Income

•· Medical that causes loss of income

•· Relocation

•· Loan Rate change (eg.ARM product, interest only)

•· US Military

Any of these or a combination is best to prove a valid hardship to the seller's lender.

Just because a person's home has depreciated in value, does not qualify as a valid hardship. If that were the case, 50% of the City of Phoenix would qualify for a short sale.

What other pre-qualification questions do you want to ask the prospective Short Sale seller?

•· How many loans do they have on the property?

•· Have they filed for a hardship with the lender based on above criteria?

•· Have they filed for Bankruptcy? If so you do not want the listing until it comes out of Bankruptcy.

•· Do they understand they will not be able to buy a home for another 1-3 years?

•· Have they spoken to an attorney and or their accountant concerning a Short Sale?

•· Do they understand the difference between a Foreclosure (they will not be able to buy for 5-7 years) and a Short Sale?

If they pass these questions and have a valid hardship. Provide a short sale packet that contains the correct paperwork and questions for them to complete. Bank of America is now offering online documentation that hopefully will speed up their short sales to close in two months!

Tomorrow I will outline what specifically needs to be in a short sale packet. It's best to have this paperwork completed before completing the listing paperwork. You can then review it to confirm their qualification. ALWAYS have them sign a document detailing how you will handle their personal information. ALWAYS protect their information as you would your own!

Do You Want to be a Short Sale Expert?

Wed, 10 Mar 2010 10:36:18 -0800

Do you want to be a Short Sale Expert?

Well you need to have the right partners to be successful. The two key partners are an experienced short sale escrow/title person and an experienced lender that can close FHA transactions in two weeks.

Why?

When you submit your contract to the seller's lender to bless and approve, they want an updated HUD1 Settlement down to the penny (make sure you title person over estimates on unpaid taxes and Homeowner Association fees!).

Once you call the seller's lender a hundred times to get them to approve the contract you will need to get the approval letter in the correct buyer's name. Most of these transactions will be FHA which means the clock is ticking and the seller's lender wants it off their balance sheet ASAP! Your Buyer's lender needs to have experience in closing quickly so you get paid faster.

Example please! Yesterday I found out the Buyer's/ Agent's lender asked for an extension from the Seller's lender to extend close of escrow. Why you ask???? Because the lender/agent/title all failed to file the HOA addendum early enough to discover that there were items in from the HOA that would prevent this particular lender from EVER closing this transaction. We told him to go pound sand (that's what I was thinking, I actually said politely, that "we simply could not extend with this lender") and if the buyers wanted the home, they would have to switch to our lender ACADEMY MORTGAGE IN MESA,AZ....CHAD MELIN (I had already checked to make sure they were okay with the HOA addendum). We then sent over an addendum extending close, switching to Academy and saying that buyer would be responsible for per diem costs charged by Seller's lender at close of escrow. GUESS What! They signed the addendum AND we will have it close by the end of March. How about them APPLES!

More tomorrow on how your Short Sale packet, including a valid hardship, is key to getting your Short Sales closed. NO HARDSHIP, NO APPROVAL! (I Called a Short Sale listing agent today whose client is a physician. They told me his hardship is he wants to move closer to the hospital! NO DICE!) QUALIFY THE LISTING AGENT/SELLER, BEFORE YOU OFFER ON A SHORT SALE!

Ahwatukee Beauty with Fenced Pool

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 11:39:49 -0800

John Bell, ABR, GRI, CRS | Keller Williams Realty | 480-231-4400

1753 W Muirwood Dr, Phoenix, AZ

Fantastic Open Floorplan in Ahwatukee

4BR/3BA Single Family House

offered at $225,000

Year Built	1999
Sq Footage	2,180
Bedrooms	4
Bathrooms	3 full, 0 partial
Floors	2
Parking	2 Car garage
Lot Size	43,560 sqft
HOA/Maint	$28 per month

DESCRIPTION

Beautiful 4 bedroom, 3 bath two story home in Ahwatukee's Foothills Club West! Fantastic open floorplan features a large kitchen with island overlooking the family room, eat-in dining area, gas stove, built-in entertainment niche, upgraded carpet, large covered patio and fenced swimming pool!

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

- Central A/C	- Central heat	- High/Vaulted ceiling
- Walk-in closet	- Tile floor	- Family room
- Living room	- Breakfast nook	- Dishwasher
- Stove/Oven	- Microwave	- Laundry area - inside
- Yard	- Swimming pool

COMMUNITY FEATURES

- Garage parking

- Playground

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Photo 1	Photo 1
Photo 1	Photo 2
Photo 1	Photo 2

Contact info:

John Bell, ABR, GRI, CRS

Keller Williams Realty

480-231-4400

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: Dec 2, 2009, 8:14am PST

Fantastic Chandler Home ~ Price Reduced

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 10:32:09 -0800

John Bell, ABR, GRI, CRS | Keller Williams Realty | 480-231-4400

5900 W Dublin Ct, Chandler, AZ

Beautifully Appointed Home in Prime Location

3BR/2BA Single Family House

offered at $210,000

Year Built	1993
Sq Footage	1,948
Bedrooms	3
Bathrooms	2 full, 0 partial
Floors	1
Parking	3 Car garage
Lot Size	7,148 sqft
HOA/Maint	$22 per month

DESCRIPTION

Beautifully appointed West Chandler home in the fantastic Kyrene School District. Home features formal living and dining room, large kitchen open to family room and dining area, lots of wood flooring, master bathroom with seperate garden tub and shower, vaulted ceilings, several skylights for lots of natural lighting, large covered patio and 3 car garage.

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

- Central A/C	- Central heat	- High/Vaulted ceiling
- Walk-in closet	- Hardwood floor	- Family room
- Living room	- Dining room	- Dishwasher
- Stove/Oven	- Laundry area - inside	- Balcony, Deck, or Patio
- Yard

COMMUNITY FEATURES

- Garage parking

- Storage space(s)

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Photo 1	Beautiful Entry Way
Photo 3	Photo 4
Photo 5	Photo 6

Contact info:

John Bell, ABR, GRI, CRS

Keller Williams Realty

480-231-4400

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: Dec 2, 2009, 7:03am PST

Magnificent 4 Bedroom Home in Seville Golf & Country Club

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 15:59:23 -0800

John Bell, ABR, GRI, CRS | Keller Williams Realty | 480-231-4400

6711 S Banning St, Gilbert, AZ

Beautiful Seville Golf & Country Club Home

4BR/3.5BA Single Family House

offered at $299,900

Year Built	2006
Sq Footage	2,968
Bedrooms	4
Bathrooms	3 full, 1 partial
Floors	1
Parking	3 Car garage
Lot Size	10,479 sqft
HOA/Maint	$70 per month

DESCRIPTION

Magnificent 4 bedroom, 3.5 bath home featuring lots of upgraded tile flooring w/medallion foyer, formal living & dining rooms, large den, spacious family room w/dramatic vaulted ceilings and lots of recessed lighting open to the eat-in kitchen with granite counters, upgraded cabinets & stainless steel appliances. The large master suite has a sliding glass door out to the backyard, soaking tub, his and her vanities. On the other side of the home are 3 more large bedrooms with 2 sharing a Jack & Jill bathroom. Outside you will enjoy a covered patio and large backyard with fantastic mountain views.

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

- Central A/C	- Central heat	- High/Vaulted ceiling
- Walk-in closet	- Tile floor	- Family room
- Living room	- Office/Den	- Dining room
- Breakfast nook	- Dishwasher	- Stove/Oven
- Microwave	- Granite countertop	- Stainless steel appliances
- Laundry area - inside	- Balcony, Deck, or Patio	- Yard

COMMUNITY FEATURES

- Garage parking

- Golf course

- Playground

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Photo 1

Contact info:

John Bell, ABR, GRI, CRS

Keller Williams Realty

480-231-4400

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: Nov 2, 2009, 12:45pm PST

Fantastic 2 Bedroom Ahwatukee Condo

Thu, 17 Sep 2009 11:30:39 -0700

John Bell, ABR, GRI, CRS | Keller Williams Realty | 480-231-4400

3236 E Chandler Blvd #1053, Phoenix, AZ

Well Appointed Ahwatukee Condo!

2BR/2BA Condo

offered at $110,000

Year Built	1996
Sq Footage	1,317
Bedrooms	2
Bathrooms	2 full, 0 partial
Floors	1
Parking	1 Car garage
Lot Size	1,407 sqft
HOA/Maint	$145 per month

DESCRIPTION

Beautifully appointed 2 bedroom, 2 bath condo in fantastic Ahwatukee community with spectacular views. Inside you will love the beautiful wood flooring, large open floorplan with 2 large bedrooms, updated bathrooms, huge kitchen with great work space, neutrally painted through out and fantastic fireplace in the living room. This great condo community features pools and heated spas, lots a green areas, putting green, large workout facility and huge clubhouse.

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

- Central A/C	- Central heat	- Fireplace
- Walk-in closet	- Family room	- Breakfast nook
- Dishwasher	- Stove/Oven	- Stainless steel appliances
- Washer	- Dryer	- Laundry area - inside
- Balcony, Deck, or Patio

COMMUNITY FEATURES

- Garage parking	- Guest parking	- Clubhouse
- Fitness center	- Swimming pool(s)	- Sauna/Spa
- Tennis court(s)

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Photo 1	Photo 1
Photo 2	Photo 3
Photo 5

Contact info:

John Bell, ABR, GRI, CRS

Keller Williams Realty

480-231-4400

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: Sep 17, 2009, 8:06am PDT