Jay's Blog

Save $$$ at Sun CIty Festival in Buckeye, Arizona

Jay Otlewski (RE/MAX Integrity) — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 12:52:15 -0500

Here's the latest news from my connections at Sun City Festival! Through most of the spring and summer the incentives have been this high so it looks like they're gearin up for the winter sales.

Incredible incentives at SUN CITY FESTIVAL by Del Webb

Completed Inventory Homes - $35,000 to $90,000 off

New Build Incentives

Holiday Series Homes (1100 - 1398 s.f) -$15,000
Cottage Series Homes (1373 - 1494 s.f) -$35,000
Classic Series Homes (1612 - 1816 s.f) -$45,000
Premier Series Homes (1960 - 2323 s.f) -$70,000
Estate Series Homes (2450 - 2849 s.f) -$90,000

Vacation Villa's available for $39.00 per night (4 or 5 night stays). Plan a visit while the market is low!!!
New phases opening this weekend.

If you've thought about visiting this community now would be the time to do so. By coming in the summer or early fall you beat the crouds and the selection will never be better.

For more information about Sun City Festival (or any active adult community in AZ) visit www.Retiring2Az.com or call me direct at 623-271-4234.

So you want to buy a bank owned home?

Jay Otlewski (RE/MAX Integrity) — Sat, 25 Jul 2009 12:13:52 -0500

So you think you want to buy a bank owned home? There is noting wrong with this, in fact these are the best deals out there right now. But you MUST have a Realtor that understands what they are doing and a lot of agents (part time and some full time) are not used to dealing with banks. Your agent can make the difference between getting the home of your dreams and a costly major headache.

Most REO sellers require a special Addendum to the Purchase Contract. These addenda may contain many provisions that change the standard terms of the AAR Residential Resale Purchase Contract.

Some examples to be aware of:

· Changes in close of escrow date

· Alteration of the inspection period, response timeframes & cancellation provisions

· Alteration of Seller warranties

· Alteration of the financing provisions & removal of Unfulfilled Loan Contingency

· Monetary penalties for buyer's failure to close on specified COE date (does not affect seller's failure to close on time/delete) and request for extension of COE date.

· Limitations of seller's liability

· Alters/removes mediation, arbitration and specific

· performance provisions

· May add automatic termination of contract upon breach

· Removes Cure Period

· May add specific monetary remedies upon breach/cancellation

· May add specific provisions for Seller unilateral cancellation

· Required timeframes for Seller review and approval of HUD-1 Settlement statement prior to close of escrow

· Seller to convey title by Special Warranty Deed

· May alter type of title insurance policy to be issued to buyer

· Limitations on Seller contributions to Buyer closing costs; including but not limited to HOA fees, title & escrow fees as per Arizona customary practice
Be sure to review the REO seller's Addendum carefully with your buyer.

These are just a few of the items I've run across in the bank owned homes i helped my clients purchase. If you have any questions or would like to begin your search for that great deal out there, give me a call at 623.271.4234 or feel free to visit www.valleyREadvisor.com

Trilogy at Vistancia in Peoria, Arizona

Jay Otlewski (RE/MAX Integrity) — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 12:25:01 -0500

My sales contact at Trilogy asked if I would pass this along. Shea Homes has just changed their pricing at Trilogy as well as LOWERED the price of their models they are selling. These models of course would be purchased by you and then leased back to Shea Homes until they are finished with the home, right now they expect that to be June of 2012. You'll notice the note that they have the options to extend this it they need the home as a model still.

If you would specific information about these homes visit http://www.retiring2az.com/trilogy.html

Hi there! Well the summer is heating up and the savings at Trilogy are UNBELIEVABLE! Management has changed the pricing on the remaining models so I wanted to get the word out there for those of you that may have folks that are interested. Shea will have the option to extend on a month to month lease after the initial term expires in June 2012. Please note that the furniture is separate. I can provide you with furniture pricing at your request.

Also we are down to only 6 completed designer homes!

Lot 1892 Libertas
$311,900

Lot 1887 Serenitas
$332,900

Lot 1891 Civitas
$353,900

Lot 1878 Civitas
$363,900

Lot 1880 Aurora
$390,900

Lot 1913 Vesta
$439,900

For New Builds we are offering 25% off the base price which will be applied as a Builder Contribution to be used in the design studio, structural upgrades, landscape. In addition we are still including Solar Panels which is a value of $20,930!

Please let me know if you would like any additional information. There are still a few lots left that are in C 21 which is located in close proximity to the Kiva Club and models. These lots are selling fast!

If you have any interest in buying a model home (or any home in Trilogy) from Shea Homes please let me know. These represent some of the best homesites in this community and if you weren't ready to retire for a few years this would be a great way to purchase your home in AZ and then let Shea Homes make your payments for you!

Jay Otlewski - RE/MAX Integrity

Jay@Retiring2Az.com or call me direct at 623.271.4234

Trilogy at Vistancia in Peoria, Arizona

Jay Otlewski (RE/MAX Integrity) — Sat, 23 May 2009 20:16:17 -0500

Have you ever thought about checking out Active Adult Communities in Arizona? With the new Stay and Buy program at Trilogy at Vistancia, now is the perfect time to do it. Instead of staying in a hotel wondering what's going on in these neighborhoods at night, you can now live the good life with a 3 or 4 night stay in a home at Trilogy at Vistancia.

This program is similar to Sun City Festival's program in that it pays for a dinner, gives you access to the community center and more. It lets you hang out at the club, meet people that live here and learn what it's like to live in a resort style active adult community. Here are a few details-

The Taste of Trilogy program is where you can stay 2-4 nights, receive $100 gift certificate for the Verde Grill, two for golf or two for spa treatment and full use of the Kiva Club and amenities.

2 night, 3 days - $189

3 nights, 4 days - $269

4 nights, 5 days - $349

If you decide to purchase, Shea Homes will credit back the cost of this stay making this stay FREE. What could be better than staying where you want to buy?

I mentioned that Sun City Festival also offers a program like this and in fact I can get you a $5,000 credit for buying out at Festival if you stay there so maybe you could take advantage of both communities and make a whole week of active adult living!

To learn more about these great programs please give me a call at 623-271-4234 or email ay Jay@valleyREadvisor.com and I can cover all the details including helping you setup the stays and make sure you receive your discounts.

For more information about active adult living (Over 55) in Arizona visit www.Retiring2Az.com

Jay Otlewski

RE/MAX Integrity

Phoenix Arizona April market conditions update!

Jay Otlewski (RE/MAX Integrity) — Wed, 20 May 2009 17:11:47 -0500

Are you the type that really likes to "dig into" the market numbers? I now have a great multi-page newsletter that gives you more information than you could every want about our market. This FREE report will now be available every month so you can stay in touch with the market just like I do!

This newsletter breaks down all the subsets of our market like how many bank owned homes sold? What percentage of the market were they? What price range is selling fast? And much more!

To get this new report please email me at jay@valleyREadvisor.com and request this free market report!

Buying a bank owned or foreclsoure home in Phoeniz Arizona

Jay Otlewski (RE/MAX Integrity) — Wed, 20 May 2009 16:42:35 -0500

I know that one thing most of my clients are worried about when they buy a bank owned or foreclosed home is the condition of the home itself. The banks will always demand that we waive any warranty rights and the condition of the home as well as your right to sue them if there is anything wrong with the home. Even with a home inspection things can fall through the cracks!

I guess I can see the bank's point since they have never lived in the home or have any information about the condition. But every time a client signs the bank's addendum, even though I totally explain they are giving their rights away, I worry they aren't taking this as serious as they should.

Now I can help by recommending they purchase the new home warranty program speficifcally designed for bank owned or foreclosed homes. This new policy protects them like no other home warranty has in the past. It even provides a locksmith to rekey the home for you after closing!

The Sentinel REO Plan is much more than a basic home warranty.The Sentinel REO Plan from ServiceOne Home Warranties is the only home warranty tailored to the needs of a foreclosed home. It not only provides a 1-year warranty on the home's most essential systems and appliances, but it also includes the following homes services especially needed for the Buyer of a Foreclosed Home.

Here's just few details-

Re-Key service ( up to 6 keys)
AC system tuen-up service
Heating system tune-up service
Termite control service
Pset control service
And much more

This new home warranty can really give you peace of mind when buying a foreclosed or bank owned home! For more information about buying a home or to search for bank owned homes in the Phoenix Arizona area please visit www.valleyREadvisor.com or call me direct at 623.271.4234.

April 2009 Phoenix Arizona market update!

Jay Otlewski (RE/MAX Integrity) — Fri, 08 May 2009 17:28:52 -0500

Has the market changed? Are we still selling as many homes? Are we at the bottom of pricing?

These are the questions that I get asked all the time. By watching this video you will understand what the market is doing here in Phoenix Arizona and if it’s time to buy that home you’ve wanted.

If you still have questions please don’t hesitate to call me at 623.271.4234 or email mne at Jay@valleyREadvisor.com. Also you can visit a couple of my resource sites- www.valleyREadvisor.com and www.Retiring2Az.com

Jay Otlewski RE/MAX Integrity

Active adult living at Arizona Traditions in Surprise, Arizona

Jay Otlewski (RE/MAX Integrity) — Mon, 04 May 2009 17:29:44 -0500

Here's a short video that gives you an idea of what it's like to live at the Arizona Traditions community. This communtiy offers a large variety of activities and a gate communtiy all at a very resasonable price. Please wathc this short video and let me know if you have questions or would like to see homes in this great community.

I can be reached at 623.271.4234 or simply visit www.Retiring2Az.com

Selling your home faster with Staging!

Jay Otlewski (RE/MAX Integrity) — Mon, 04 May 2009 09:40:47 -0500

We've all heard the old adage "you never get a second chance to make a first impression." This is especially true when it comes to your home. If you're thinking about selling, there's no more important audience to attract than potential buyers, who are highly influenced by how a home looks the first time they get a glimpse of it. Even if your goal is just to impress your neighbors and guests you should pay close attention to the first impression your home in making. Here are a few simple tips and techniques that can positively affect your home's "curb appeal" and perhaps even its value.

Clean Up and Repair:
The most useful chores to tackle first are basic maintenance and repairs before moving onto larger projects. Clean windows and siding, make sure outdoor lights are working, stow away yard tools and equipment, and clean up dead branches and leaves. Make sure that fences, walkways, and the driveway are in good repair too - a home that looks well taken care of is always more attractive to buyers.

Landscaping:
A full landscape overhaul may not be necessary, but your yard, especially in the front, should look neat and well maintained. Trim any overgrown shrubs, remove weeds, and tidy up planting areas. If the season is right, add some colorful flowering plants to brighten up areas around walkways and the front entrance. It's an easy and inexpensive way to create an instantly welcoming feeling.

The Entrance:
The front door is another key element of that all-important first impression, and should reflect the style of the home. If replacement is cost-prohibitive, consider reviving a tired, faded door with a fresh coat of paint in a great accent color and swapping out the hardware.

Paint It New:
Brighten up the exterior of your home with a new paint job. Driving around your neighborhood may inspire some ideas of what may be flattering to your home. If you're planning to sell your home, it's usually best to go with colors that have widespread appeal so that potential buyers won't be put off by unusual colors or combinations. Painting the exterior can add significantly to the home's value.

Jay Otlewski
RE/MAX Integrity
www.valleyREadvisor.com
Jay@valleyREadvisor.com or 623.271.4234

Active Adult Living at Westbrook Village in Peoria, Arizona

Jay Otlewski (RE/MAX Integrity) — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 16:08:58 -0500

Westbrook is a premier adult community of 3,910 homes located in the greater northwest Phoenix metropolitan city of Peoria, Arizona. The community features two eighteen hole championship golf courses, plus two recreation facilities with pools, tennis, fitness center, a full variety of arts and crafts rooms, auditoriums, library and media center, as well as a number of resident initiated social clubs. There are also two restaurants on property.

After viewing the video you can find virtual tours of the neighborhood, street level mapping and of course ALL the homes for sale at www.Retiring2Az.com

For more information about this or other active adult communities in Arizona contact me at 623.271.4234 or visit www.Retiring2Az.com

Arizona Active Adult Communities Explained!

Jay Otlewski (RE/MAX Integrity) — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 15:18:05 -0500

Have you ever wondered what it means to live in an active adult community in Arizona? Do you think active adult living means old??? Guess again! This video should help explain what it would be like living in Arizona when you're ready to retire or just buy a second home.

Every community is different which is why you should give me a call before you make your trip to Arizona. I constantly update myself on the all the active adult communties in our area and what they offer, how the homes are priced and much more!

If you still have questions please give me a call at 623.271.4234 or visit http://www.Retiring2Az.com

Ever want the price of a home without calling an agent?

Jay Otlewski (RE/MAX Integrity) — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 16:04:18 -0500

We’ve all wanted to know the price of a home for sale in our area. Most of you wish you could get the price without having to talk to an agent? How about getting an email with details and pictures? Now you can!

Think about how this could help you when you’re looking for your new home…you’re driving by a home for sale and you simply dail a local number and enter the street number (IE: 123 Main St would be 123) and the system gives you all the details about this home for sale without having to call an agent.

If you live in or looking for a home in the metro Phoenix, Arizona area you can now have this ability. All you need to do is contact me so I can activate you in the system. You can call me at 623.271.4234 or email me at Jay@valleyREadvisor.com. I need your name, email address and any phone numbers you would like acitivated. It will only takes a few minutes for me to enter you into the system and you’re all set.

I can activate up to 3 phones per family and of course this is at no cost or obligation to you! Listen to this short intro-

For more information about real estate in Arizona please call me at 623.271.4234!

New Federal Website to Help You Keep Your Home!

Jay Otlewski (RE/MAX Integrity) — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 10:56:20 -0500

Have you thought about a short sale? Not sure where to turn? For more information about keeping your home you can visit www.PhoenixHomeRescue.org or simply call me at 623.271.4234.

Before you make the desicion to walk away from your home or short ssell it, you should go to the the new website from the federal government. This site offers online tools that will allow a homeowner to determine if they are eligible to participate in the "Making Home Affordable" loan modification and refinancing program.

The site is http://www.MakingHomeAffordable.com and shares information about how this program works and who is eligible for assistance. This is the same $75 billion program you may have heard of recently in the media.

You'll need the following available:

* Information about your first mortgage, such as your monthly mortgage statement.
* Information about any second mortgage or home equity line of credit on the house.
* Account balances and minimum monthly payments due on all of your credit cards.
* Account balances and monthly payments on all your other debts such as student loans and car loans.
* Your most recent income tax return.
* Information about your savings and other assets
* Information about the monthly gross (before tax) income of your household, including recent pay stubs if you receive them or documentation of income you receive from other sources.
* It may also be helpful to have: A letter describing any circumstances that caused your income to be reduced or expenses to be increased (job loss, divorce, illness, etc.) if applicable.

If you still have questions about keeping your home or have decided you need to sell your home, feel free to visit www.PhoenixHomeRescue.org or call me directly at 623.271.4234.

Your trusted real estate advisor!

Active adult communities...are they really active?

Jay Otlewski (RE/MAX Integrity) — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 16:56:03 -0600

I spent a few hours this week taking pictures of a couple of active adult communites for the revision of my website, www.Retiring2Az.com. I did it during the week in the morning and early afternoon because I didn't think there would be a lot of people out and about. OK I was wrong!

I went to Corte Bella first and the pool was packed, the golf course had them stacked up at the first tee and people were relaxing at the clubhouse. It was interesting to see so many people out enjoying themselves. I've had people ask "do you ever get tired of the rec center?" and these people don't. I have a few freinds that are retired and live in this community and now I see what they like about it.

From there I went to Sun City West and it was the same story. When I went to the main recreation center everywhere I look there were people having fun. The Bocci Ball courts were packed and the pool of course ahd it's share of people relaxing in the sun. I went over to the arts & crafts center and I can see why people love these active adult communites. This center had everything you could imagine including a great wood & metal working area.

One last stop, Pebble Creek near Litchfield Park. I've never really liked this area all that much but I've had a couple of clients look at the new homes in the community they call Tuscany. I've never had time to take a good look around so I did it this time in. WOW!!! This new area in Pebble Creek has to the best recreation center I've seen (sorry Sun CIty Festival) and I spent a lot of time looking around. This new area offers everything the other communties do only they do it better!

If you're considering a move to active adult living you owe it to yourself to look around before you make a desicion. Give me call before you come into town and I'll help you decide which communites fit your needs best and we can take a little time to visit a few before you make a desicion. I can be reached on my cell phone at 623.271.4234 or send me an email to Jay@valleyREadvisor.com.

Check out www.Retiring2Az.com for more information and watch for out relaunch the end of the month...you're going to love all the extra features we're adding!

Out with clients in Phoenix, Arizona

Jay Otlewski (RE/MAX Integrity) — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 16:54:47 -0600

This last week was a good week for working with clients. It all started early on Sunday and continued through yesterday with 2 listing presentations. It's funny, every time someone here's I'm a REALTOR they say something like "Oh I'm sorry" or "Things must be really bad". The good part is I get to say that I've never been busier then I am right now. Of course they look at me wondering if I'm telling the truth.

I had 2 clients from out of town and 3 clients local looking at homes and asking about selling their home. I spent a lot of time out at Sun City Festival in Buckeye, in fact they started to think I worked there after seeing almost everyday last week. Then Trilogy at Vistancia and Sun City Grand a couple of times before heading to north-central Phoenix to show homes and ending up in Glendale and Ventana Lakes on a listing appointments.

If anyone wondered if homes were selling or if the market is getting better I can tell you in Arizona things have started to heatup. I guess the combo of Low Pricing and Really Low Interest Rates is combanation to bring out the buyers.

How about this week? So far only 2 clients want to see homes but the weeks early!

New Listing- 9850 W White Feather Lane, Peoria, , 85383, Arizona

Jay Otlewski (RE/MAX Integrity) — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 10:12:09 -0600

Absolutely the best homesite in Pleasant Valley! Enjoy 180-degree views of the mountains out your back door without anyone behind you. Home offers enough room to spread out and a 4-car garage you can park all your toys. The 23,724 sq ft home site with RV gate will give you all the room you need. You'll rejoice over the high ceilings, fireplace and great views everywhere. Kitchen has Cherry cabinets with SS appliances and an island to die for.

Upstairs the game room/loft gives you that "I want toys" area for a pool table, mega TV and more. 4 bedrooms and a master suite that invites to stay longer then you should.

From quiet nights in the over-size tub enjoying the glow of the 2-way fireplace to sitting quietly on the other side of the fireplace reading, this home has it all.

For more information please contact me direct at 623.362.3060 or visit http://www.9850WhiteFeather.com.

Jay Otlewski
RE/MAX Integrity
Glendale, Arizona

9850 W White Feather Dr, Peoria, AZ 85383

Jay Otlewski (RE/MAX Integrity) — Sun, 21 Dec 2008 08:21:50 -0600

The 23,724 sq ft home site with RV gate will give you all the room you need. You'll rejoice over the high ceilings, fireplace and great views everywhere. Kitchen has Cherry cabinets with SS appliances and an island to die for. Upstairs the game room/loft gives you that "I want toys" area for a pool table, mega TV and more.

4 bedrooms and a master suite that invites to stay longer then you should. From quiet nights in the over-size tub enjoying the glow of the 2-way fireplace to sitting quietly on the other side of the fireplace reading, this home has it all.

For more information please visit http://www.9850WhiteFeather.com

For your private showing contact me at Jay@valleyREadvisor.com or call me direct at 623.362.3060

Need a few repiars but don't want the cost of a FHA 203k?

Jay Otlewski (RE/MAX Integrity) — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 11:36:43 -0600

I wanted to pass along a "short-cut" that may help to avoid having to utilize an FHA 203k.

If your buyer has a contract on a home that requires some minor repair, there is a way to finance the cost of the repair through an old fashioned escrow holdback. FHA will allow a buyer to finance in the cost of a repair (so long as it is related to Minimum Property Standards - MPS) up to the amount of $5,000. In order to do this, the appraiser must note that the requested or desired repair is related to and a functional part of one of the homes "systems." The cost of the repair is then added to the buyers final loan amount and the amount for the repair is held back at Escrow. The allowance is not for upgrades. The allowance is permitted when dealing with a repair related to the following examples to name a few:

1. Cooling system
2. Heating system
3. Electric system
4. Plumbing system

Utilizing this program when possible will allow clients to avoid the higher interest rates and the extra work that comes with the 203K program. Using this program does not involve any renegotiations with the seller. We simply submit the contract between the buyer and the contractor (who will be doing the repair) to our underwriting department. All repairs are subject to approval by our secondary market. In general this is not a difficult process and most repairs are approved without any extra contingency funds such as 150% of the cost of the repair you may have seen in the past with holdbacks.

When using this program, minimum down payment requirements do NOT change (3% now and 3.5% on January 1, 2009).

Please let me know if you have any questions or if anyone you know now could benefit from this program.

The Phoenix Real Estate Advisor

Jay Otlewski

Contact info- Jay@valleyREadvisor.com or 623.271.4234

Buying a Distressed Home and Borrowing Repair Money

Jay Otlewski (RE/MAX Integrity) — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 11:26:20 -0600

In this weeks episode of the Phoenix Real Estate Advisor podcast I have Shelley Martin from Suburban Mortgage back to answer a few more questions about how you could buy a distressed home and have the repair cost added the to the mortgage.

It's called a FHA 203k loan and it allows you to borrow up to $35,000 of additional money for repairs to the home. People were asking about what the money can be used for, is it more expensive then a regular FHA, what are the credit requirements and more.

Click here to listen to the podcast!

Please listen to the podcast and if you need more answer you can contact me at 623.362.3060 or call Shelly direct at 602.751.8127. Also you can visit www.valleyREadvisor.com for searching for homes and all your real estate needs.

Triology at Vistancia in Peoria, Arizona

Jay Otlewski (RE/MAX Integrity) — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 14:57:48 -0600

GREAT NEWS! If you're considering a move to an active adult community in Arizona, there has never been a better time. Trilogy at Vistancia in Peoria, Arizona just announced a HUGE reduction in their interest rates, not to mention their pricing. For more information or to setup your private tour of this exciting community contact me at 623.271.4234 or jay@valleyREadvisor.com

You have likely heard that last Monday the Federal Government took action to help the ailing U.S. Economy and announced that it would be infusing $600 billion into the credit markets. This action has lead to some very attractive interest rates. We can now offer an exclusive 4.5% program at Trilogy that allows you to take further advantage of falling mortgage rates. Qualified buyers closing escrow in 2008 can get an unheard of 4.5% rate on a 30 year fixed loan (4.66%APR) saving you up to $3200* annually or $97,000* over the life of the loan.

We encourage you to share this great opportunity with your friends and family as the Last Chance Year-End Sale is on now and we must sell our remaining inventory before the end of the year. So now is the time, our limited inventory of Last Chance Year-End Sale homes are going quickly and when these deals are gone, they are gone forever! But hurry, homes must close by December 31, 2008 to take advantage of these incredible, money-saving rates.

Call me today at 623.271.4234, and let's negotiate a deal on your dream home. This is the LAST CHANCE of the year, the sale ends Sunday, December 14. The time is now, Trilogy is the place, and the savings are all yours. Happy Holidays from Shea Homes Active Lifestyle Communities

**Remember my Buyer Guarantee Program-If I can't save you at least $5,000 off the price of a home I will give you $1,000 at closing! Ask me about the details**

Mortgage rates, broker vs. banks and more!

Jay Otlewski (RE/MAX Integrity) — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 13:06:19 -0600

In this weeks episode of the Phoenix Real Estate Advisor podcast we cover questions received regarding mortgages. I was glad that Ron Coats from Olympic Mortgage was willing to come back and clear some of this up.

People wanted to know the difference between Brokers and Banks, Is this really a bailout or is it more of a workout, Why do interest rates go up & down so quickly and more.

Click Here to listen!

If you have any other questions please send them to Jay@valleyREadvisor.com or call me direct at 623.362.3060.

What's up with the Market?

Jay Otlewski (RE/MAX Integrity) — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 13:06:45 -0600

Some of the hot economic news we talked about last week has hit and ... its interesting.

•- Housing starts were down 4.5% and building permits were down 12%

•- CPI (measure of inflation) posted the largest decline in the 51 year history of the BLS

•- Average weekly earnings rose 1.4%

I am going to take a glass is half full stance on these numbers. Obviously the lower inflation number is a big plus (we must see what the Fed does with rates to see where this will go), and the hike in earnings is positive. The negative housing stats while "negative", are helping to ease inventory or what inventory would be which is one of our core issues right now. Low mortgage rates and a decreasing inventory will certainly not hurt our cause.

Mortgage rates are doing their best to break away from the 200-day moving average. The problem is, they haven't made up their mind what direction to go. Mortgage Bonds (mortgage rates) have traded sideways and remained relatively unchanged for 11 straight days now. That is something we haven't seen in 2 years. So, I am not complaining about this nice break from the volatility we have become accustomed to, but I am eagerly awaiting a break for the better.

We will be sure to keep you posted! Please let me know if you have any questions!

Jay Otlewski, RE/MAX Integrity, 623.362.3060, Jay@valleyREadvisor.com

FHA 203k Loan- Helping buyers purchase their home in Arizona

Jay Otlewski (RE/MAX Integrity) — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 12:32:34 -0600

In this episode of The Phoenix Real Estate Advisor we interview one of our preferred loan officers. Shelley Martin from Suburban Mortgage discusses the facts about the FHA 203k Loan that allows the borrower to add repair costs into the first loan.

If you've considered buying a home that requires some work you owe it yourself to listen to this podcast. This program has helped a lot of people buy the home of their dreams at a lot less then they thought.

Click here to listed to this podcast!

If you have further questions you can contact Shellie direct at 602.751.8127 or me at 623.271.4234

Sun City Festival- Popular Questions I Get

Jay Otlewski (RE/MAX Integrity) — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 15:01:41 -0600

Here's a collection of the questions I most often receive from people about Sun CIty Festival. If you have others please don't hesitate to call me at 623.362.3060.

Ask me about how you can stay at the villas for FREE!

Q: How many Inventory homes do they have?

A: Approximatley 93 finished homes.

Q: What are the average prices of these inventory homes now, with the reductions?

1372 sq ft - 1494 sq ft ..... $160's to the $190's
1610 sq ft - 1816 sq ft ..... $200's to the $220's
1960 sq ft - 2323 sq ft ..... $230's to the $250's
2528 sq ft - 2849 sq ft ..... $350's to the $450's

Q: What is included in youe inventory homes?

All appliances including stainless refigerator
GE washer and dryer
2″ wood window blinds
Extended tile floors
Surround sound pre-wire
Maple or Cherry cabinets
Granite Countertops

Q: How much will I pay to stay in a vaction villa to experience the lifestyle?

A: $69 per nigh through Jan 15th and $79 per night from Jan 16th till April 30th

Q: What do I get with my villa stay?

2 bedroom home plus den
Fully furnished w/ big screen TV
$25 gift certificate to Indigo grill (1st time guests)
Drink tickets to happy hour
Golf cart in garage to use while here
Access to recreation center and pools, golf and indigo Grill and Restaurant

Q: What are the fees at Copper Canyon Course?

$45 residents fee (all golf includes cart and range balls)
$2,000 flex pass (50 rounds @$40 per round)
Unlimited golf ($3,000 one person) and ($5,000 for two)

Q: Why Sun City Fesitval over all other active adult communities?

Voted best active adult recreation center nationwide by teh National Builders Association
Only $95/mo HOA dues which includes Cox basic cable
All homes include granite, SS appliances, 18 by 18 tile, pull-out shelves, energy efficient low-E windows, post-tension foundations and newer homes therefore newer technology.

Q: How many homes will there be in Sun City Festival at build-out?

A: 7,200 homes with 3 recreation centers and 2 golf courses when complete.

Q: What's new in ‘09 at Sun City Festival?

A: 5 new model homes currently under construction

Q: Can the residents at the neighborhood across the street (Foothills) use the facilities on teh active adult side?

A: NO_ The recreation centers and pools are exclusive to the active adult side and connot be shared, although the golf course and restaurant are open to the public.

Staging a home to sell for more money!

Jay Otlewski (RE/MAX Integrity) — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 09:15:44 -0600

In this episode of the Phoenix Real Estate Advisor we talk to Renee from Staged by Renee. After her last interview we received several calls about staging a home and she agreed to come back.

You'll hear about using your own furnishings or hers, living her a staged home while it's for sale, are staging experts licensed, why stage a home right away and more.

To listen to the podcast click here!

For more information about real estate please visit www.valleyREadvisor.com or simply give me a call at 623.362.3060.