by Mark Taylor

When Pricing Your Home To Sell Avoid These Common Mistakes

Tue, 21 May 2013 07:54:52 -0700

It can be very difficult to determine what your property is worth in the current marketplace, because you are biased by what the property is worth to you. These emotions can get in the way of impartially evaluating a property and often cause sellers to overprice their home.

When pricing your property, you need to be objective and reasonable so you can come up with a selling price that will capture the interest of buyers.

Here are a few examples of common mistakes people make when pricing their house for sale.

I thought these commonly made mistakes when pricing your home could help you to avoid the unnecessary time taken away from selling your home and moving on with your new home. Great educational tips, Enjoy!

Reading Too Much Into Online Comparable Properties

Avoid relying too much on online pricing information of sold houses. They can be a perfect place to start for getting a general idea of how much real estate is worth, but they are not always accurate.

Overestimating The Market

Don’t assume that you can sell your house for the same price at which you purchased it. Unless you bought your house a few weeks ago, the real estate market may have changed — sometimes significantly — and the purchase price will not reflect the appropriate pricing for today.

Overpricing To Pad For Future Negotiation

Don’t overprice your Phoenix home in order to be able to negotiate to the price you want to settle on. Of course, you want to get an appropriate value from it, but many first-time buyers are on tight budgets and will rule out higher-priced houses. Your over-priced property may sit on the market longer and then the price will have to be reduced anyway.

Factoring In The Cost Of Your New Home

Don’t factor in the cost of your next house. Your listing price should not reflect how much money you’d need to purchase your next property. The price of the house should be the same whether you are wealthy or broke. Your financial situation is irrelevant to the potential buyer of the property.

These are just a few common mistakes you should avoid when determining the price of your home. Listed at the right price, you will get a fair amount from the sale of the house and the buyer will be getting a reasonable price too.

As always, your local real estate professional will have the best advice on getting your home ready for the market and selling for the best price. Call them today to find out the details!

Thanks for stopping by and reading, commenting and sharing my blog: "When Pricing Your Home To Sell Avoid These Common Mistakes."

This Active Rain post is by Mark Taylor, to get your free mortgage approval please call 602-361-0707. Please click on the links below to view my AWESOME websites!

Mark Taylor 15111 North Pima Road Scottsdale Arizona 85260 (602) 361-0707

Arizona Mortgage. Get a Home Loan quick and easy with The Mark Taylor Team! Home Purchases, Refinance, Short Sales, Foreclosures & More. We are the Arizona Mortgage experts.

May 20, 2013-What You Can Anticipate This Week with Mortgage Rates

Mon, 20 May 2013 09:58:04 -0700

Last week was jam-packed with economic news; here are some highlights with emphasis on housing and mortgage related news:

Some overall economic highlights from the past months indicates trending with retail sales which increased in April and The National Federation of Independent Business also coming out with ecnouraging results for small businesses. Along with The National Association of Home Builders meeting investor expectations. We also have been seeing housing starts which fell in March due to the volatile apartment construction. Overall economic health points to consumer confidence in May which so far has exceeded investor expectations and the inclination that consumers will buy homes.

Monday: Retail sales for April increased to -0.1 percent from the March reading of -0.5 percent and also surpassed Wall Street’s downward forecast of -0.6 percent. Retail sales are important to economic recovery as sales of goods and services represent approximately 70 percent of the U.S. economy.

Tuesday: The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) released its Small Business Optimism Index for April with encouraging results. April’s index rose by 2.6 points to 92.1. A reading of 90.7 indicates economic recovery. This index is based on a survey of 1873 NFIB member businesses.

Wednesday: The National Association of Home Builders/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index (HMI) for May matched investor expectations with a reading of 44. At three points above the March reading of 41, this report suggests that builders are slowly gaining confidence in national housing markets.

Thursday: The U.S. Commerce Department reported that Housing Starts fell by 16.5 percent in April to a seasonally-adjusted annual level of 853,000 from 1.02 million housing starts in March. This reading fell short of investors’ consensus of 965,000 housing starts, however, this decrease was caused by the volatile apartment construction sector.

Friday: Consumer sentiment for May surpassed investor expectations of +0.3 percent and came in at +0.6 percent. As consumer sentiment improves, it’s likely that more consumers will buy homes.

Rising Interest Rates Show Strengthening Economy

Mortgage rates rose last week according to Freddie Mac. The average rate for a 30-year fixed rate mortgage rose from 3.42 percent to 3.51 percent with borrowers paying 0.70 in discount points and all of their closing costs.

15-year fixed rate mortgages rose from 2.61 percent last week to 2.69 percent this week with borrowers paying 0.70 in discount points and all of their closing costs.

This news is consistent with a strengthening economy, but is narrowing opportunities for home buyers seeking both affordable home prices and low mortgage rates.

Federal Open Market Committee Minutes To Be Released This Week

Looking ahead, economic news for this week includes the Existing Home Sales report for April with an expectation of 5.00 million homes sold on a seasonally-adjusted annual basis against the March tally of 4.93 million homes sold.

Also set for release on Wednesday are the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) Minutes for the meeting held April 30 and May 1. The FOMC meetings typically include discussions of the Federal Reserve’s current policy on quantitative easing (QE) which consists of the Fed buying $85 billion per month in MBS and treasury bonds.

When the QE program ends, mortgage rates will likely increase as bond prices decline due to lesser demand.

Thursday brings the weekly Jobless Claims Report along with New Home Sales for April. The consensus for new homes sold is 430,000 as compared to the March reading of 417,000 new homes sold.

The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA), which oversees Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, will release its Home Price Index for March on Thursday.

Thanks for stopping by and reading, commenting and sharing my blog: "May 20, 2013-What You Can Anticipate This Week with Mortgage Rates."

This Active Rain post is by Mark Taylor, to get your free mortgage approval please call 602-361-0707. Please click on the links below to view my AWESOME websites!

Mark Taylor 15111 North Pima Road Scottsdale Arizona 85260 (602) 361-0707

Arizona Mortgage. Get a Home Loan quick and easy with The Mark Taylor Team! Home Purchases, Refinance, Short Sales, Foreclosures & More. We are the Arizona Mortgage experts.

The Benefits Not Thought of When Considering Owning a Green Home

Fri, 17 May 2013 08:50:23 -0700

Going green is not just a new trend; it is a way of life that benefits not only the environment, but also your health — and your pocketbook.

Green living cuts down on carbon emissions and creates a healthier environment both inside and outside of a home. While green structures sometimes cost more initially, the money (and environment) saved in the long run is well worth the investment.

I hope you enjoy the amazing benefits with owning a green home. If you are interested in bettering the quality of your life from a health, environmental and financial standpoint, owning a green home will help you accomplish your goals. The longer term goal will definitely outweigh the initial cost involved. Enjoy and Go Green!

Health Benefits

Owning a green Phoenix home has significant health benefits. Many conventional buildings are not properly ventilated and indoor air quality is often more polluted than the air outside.

Poor air quality is bad for your health and can aggravate asthma and allergies. Certified green properties tend to have excellent airflow and ventilation. They also use toxin-free materials in building and may have fewer problems with mold and mildew.

Environmental Benefits

Homes are responsible for a significant portion of the carbon emissions on earth. A green home has a smaller carbon footprint since it is built with better insulation and fitted with energy-efficient appliances.

Green structures are built from sustainable or recycled materials that are meant to lower the impact on the environment. Proper green buildings also take advantage of natural lighting and airflow to reduce the use of electricity to light and to help warm and cool their interiors.

Financial Benefits

Green buildings are constructed to use less energy, which means you should pay less in energy costs. Ventilation systems in green structures are better insulated to reduce air leakage.

Builders also install fixtures that conserve water and are energy efficient. The initial cost might be slightly higher, but the monthly bills can be cut almost in half in many cases.

There are even more financial, environmental and health benefits to owning a green property. Living in a green home can allow you to save yourself money and help the earth, all while living in a healthy environment.

If you’re looking to purchase a new house, consider a green property. If you have any questions on current green properties available in the local market, please call your trusted real estate professional right away.

Thanks for stopping by and reading, commenting and sharing my blog: "The Benefits Not Thought of When Considering Owning a Green Home."

This Active Rain post is by Mark Taylor, to get your free mortgage approval please call 602-361-0707. Please click on the links below to view my AWESOME websites!

Mark Taylor 15111 North Pima Road Scottsdale Arizona 85260 (602) 361-0707

Arizona Mortgage. Get a Home Loan quick and easy with The Mark Taylor Team! Home Purchases, Refinance, Short Sales, Foreclosures & More. We are the Arizona Mortgage experts.

Home Builders Confidence Is Taken to a New Level For Future Sales

Thu, 16 May 2013 08:11:29 -0700

Home builders are gaining confidence in current and future market conditions for new homes, but continue to see below-average foot traffic in new homes.

The reading for May’s National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) /Wells Fargo Housing Market Index (HMI) increased by three points to a reading of 44 as compared to April’s revised reading of 41. The HMI measures builder confidence in current sales conditions for newly built homes, buyer foot traffic in new homes and builder expectations for future sales conditions.

I thought you would really appreciate some uplifting news on new home builds. Home builders are feeling more confident as new home sales rose the highest since February 2007. The timing is better than ever, especially with the interest rates being as low as they are. Get in on the action and ride the wave!

Builder Confidence In Future New Home Sales Highest Since February 2007

The HMI reading for current sales conditions for newly built homes rose from 44 to 48. The reading for buyer foot traffic in new homes rose from 30 to 33, and builder confidence in future sales of new homes rose from 52 to 53, which is the highest reading posted for builder expectations since February 2007.

A reading of more than 50 indicates that more builders consider housing markets good than bad.

NAHB Chairman Rick Judson noted that home builders are facing challenges including rising costs for building materials, lots and labor as supply chains recover from the recession. He also said that builders took note of “urgency” among home buyers wanting to take advantage of low mortgage rates, but who are facing a dwindling supply of available homes.

Regional Housing Market Index Unchanged Except In West

HMI readings for three of the four geographical regions used in the HMI survey of builders remained unchanged with the Northeast at 37, Midwest at 45 and South at 42.

The reading for the West declined by five points to 49, and likely reflects the shortage of building space and available new homes for sale. The regional HMI figures are calculated as a three-month rolling average.

In some areas of the West, home sellers are again receiving multiple offers for homes, a clear indication of diminishing inventories of homes for sale.

As an example, the Sacramento Bee recently reported the dilemma of builders faced with fewer available construction-ready lots alongside an increasing demand for homes. As inventories of both new and pre-owned homes shrink, demand for homes is growing as buyers take advantage of low mortgage rates.

With builders feeling confident about the future and poised to ramp up their home building efforts, it is a great time to consider buying or selling a home in Phoenix.

Contact your trusted real estate professional to discuss your options right away to take advantage of this exciting opportunity.

Thanks for stopping by and reading, commenting and sharing my blog: "Home Builders Confidence Is Taken to a New Level For Future Sales."

This Active Rain post is by Mark Taylor, to get your free mortgage approval please call 602-361-0707. Please click on the links below to view my AWESOME websites!

Mark Taylor 15111 North Pima Road Scottsdale Arizona 85260 (602) 361-0707

Arizona Mortgage. Get a Home Loan quick and easy with The Mark Taylor Team! Home Purchases, Refinance, Short Sales, Foreclosures & More. We are the Arizona Mortgage experts.

Making Your Living Room Warm and Inviting to Home Buyers-7 Tips

Wed, 15 May 2013 08:48:37 -0700

Everyone knows that first impressions are important. By carefully staging your home, you can positively influence the feelings your potential buyers have when they are viewing the property.

Staging is the art of decorating and arranging the spaces within your house to make it more appealing to buyers. If you can adapt the rooms to create an attractive and welcoming zone that home buyers can see themselves in, they will be more likely to buy your property.

One of the most important rooms to stage is the living room, because it is such a central part of the house. This is where a lot of the social activity occurs, so it should appear comfortable and welcoming.

I hope you enjoy these amazing tips that will help you to stage the warmest inviting living room space for your potential buyers. Help your buyers picture themselves living in your space and feel right at home. Enjoy!

Here are some tips to keep in mind when staging your living room before the next showing of your home:

Clear out the clutter. The most important step is to de-clutter, because a mess will turn off potential buyers. Clear away any papers, toys and other items to make your living room as clean and minimalist as possible.

Go zen. The main purpose of a living room is for relaxation, so make the space look as comfortable as possible. Try a soft throw on the sofa, plush cushions and a big chair that is just begging you to come curl up with a book.

Strategically place furniture. Arrange the living room furniture to create areas of conversation, such as two sofas facing each other with a low coffee table in the middle.

Depersonalize. Remove your personal items. If you have too many family photos and personal effects in the room, it can make it difficult for your potential buyers to imagine their own family living there.

Remove the bulk. If your living room feels small, you can remove some of the furniture to give it the illusion of being bigger.

Channel your green thumb. You might want to consider bringing in some plants to make the space feel fresh.

Brighten it up. If your living room has dark corners, invest in upright lamps that will help illuminate the space and provide an aura of intimacy.

With these seven tips, the living room in your Scottsdale home will be much more appealing to potential buyers.

If you are ready to make a move to your next home, call your trusted mortgage loan officer for a personal consultation to get the best home mortgage loan for your purchase.

Thanks for stopping by and reading, commenting and sharing my blog: "Making Your Living Room Warm and Inviting to Home Buyers-7 Tips."

This Active Rain post is by Mark Taylor, to get your free mortgage approval please call 602-361-0707. Please click on the links below to view my AWESOME websites!

Mark Taylor 15111 North Pima Road Scottsdale Arizona 85260 (602) 361-0707

Arizona Mortgage. Get a Home Loan quick and easy with The Mark Taylor Team! Home Purchases, Refinance, Short Sales, Foreclosures & More. We are the Arizona Mortgage experts.

Before Selling Your Home, Know Your Real Estate Disclosure Laws

Tue, 14 May 2013 08:55:28 -0700

When deciding to sell a piece of Mesa real estate, there are certain things you must disclose about the property to the buyer before the sale can go through.

Disclosure laws are put in place to protect the buyer from unknowingly purchasing defective property. Not disclosing certain information about the property can jeopardize the sale, or worse, invite a lawsuit.

This has become more of an issue lately as some sellers are tempted to gloss over deficiencies in the home they are selling in order to try to get a higher sales price. In fact, a recent poll of real estate agents showed that 75% of agents ranked non-disclosure among the “top three current and future issues.”

I hope you enjoy this informaiton and find it usefull when selling or buying a home. When selling a home, it is helpful to be proactive and invest in a home inspection so you are aware of the potential areas that may need to be disclosed to the buyer. Eliminating surprises upfront will help you build credibility with the buyer and negotiate a better offer.

What You May Need To Disclose

The main items that need to be disclosed are any defects with the home. This includes, but is not limited to, plumbing problems, water leaks, cracks in the foundation, insect infestations and toxic materials in the home — such as lead, asbestos, carbon monoxide or mold.

Be sure to fully disclose anything that may be pertinent to the buyer before purchase. Some disclosure laws include reporting issues with neighbors and whether the home has a criminal or notorious past.

If you are unsure about some information regarding your real estate, one option would be to state that you do not know that specific information. Remember though, if you knowingly withhold information, it may cause the sale to fall through or could be used against you in a lawsuit.

Does It Make Sense To Have A Pre-Inspection Done?

Sellers can also have their home inspected prior to placing the property on the market to prevent any surprises of unknown problems with the home. This way, defects can be fixed before listing the property, and the disclosure form can state the problem has been fixed. Buyers will almost surely want an inspection prior to closing, and a pre-inspection may suffice.

Disclosing information does not mean the seller needs to fix the problem. Any disclosed problems with the real estate can become a negotiation point. Remember, the most important thing is to be honest about any known issues with the property.

Real estate disclosure laws may be different depending on the state in which you live. The best way to know what you need to disclose in your area is to check with your trusted real estate agent or property attorney and discuss any potential property issues with them before you fill out the seller disclosure form.

Thanks for stopping by and reading, commenting and sharing my blog: "Before Selling Your Home, Know Your Real Estate Disclosure Laws."

This Active Rain post is by Mark Taylor, to get your free mortgage approval please call 602-361-0707. Please click on the links below to view my AWESOME websites!

Mark Taylor 15111 North Pima Road Scottsdale Arizona 85260 (602) 361-0707

Arizona Mortgage. Get a Home Loan quick and easy with The Mark Taylor Team! Home Purchases, Refinance, Short Sales, Foreclosures & More. We are the Arizona Mortgage experts.

May 13, 2013-What's on the Horizon For Mortgage Rates This Week?

Mon, 13 May 2013 12:21:13 -0700

Mortgage rates rose last week with average rates a 30-year fixed rate mortgage rising from last week’s 3.35 percent to 3.42 percent with buyers paying all closing costs and 0.7 percent in discount points.

Average rates for a 15-year fixed rate mortgage rose from 2.56 percent to 2.61 percent with buyers paying their closing costs and 0.7 percent in discount points.

Freddie Mac also reports that average rates for a 5/1 adjustable rate mortgage rose from 2.56 percent last week to 2.58 percent with buyers paying their closing costs and 0.5 percent in discount points.

I hope you enjoy the day by day caption of what the economy did last week and hopefully the economy will continue trending in the same direction this week.

Here are noteworthy points from last week’s economic news:

Monday: In spite of improving economic conditions, a majority of participants in the Senior Loan Officer Opinion Survey on Bank Lending Practices indicated that their lending institutions would not be relaxing residential mortgage lending standards. Lenders perceive a significant risk in terms of being required to absorb losses incurred on defaulted mortgage loans.

Mortgage owners including Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, along with mortgage insurance companies can require mortgage lenders to buy back defaulted loans or make them whole for losses related to foreclosed and otherwise defaulted mortgage loans.

Tuesday: CoreLogic reported an increase of 1.9 percent in national home prices for March. This news represents the 13th consecutive increase and a year-over-year increase of 10.5 percent.

Home prices were boosted by strong increases in the West; Nevada posted a 22.2 percent gain from last March and California posted a 17.2 percent year-over-year gain.

CoreLogic predicted a year-over-year increase of 9.6 percent for home prices for April, with a monthly increase of 1.3 percent increase expected between March and April.

Thursday: Weekly jobless claims brought good news as they came in at 323,000; this was lower than expectations of 335,000 new jobless claims and the 327,000 new jobless claims reported in the prior week.

Friday: The Treasury Department reported that the federal budget has a surplus of + $113 billion for April. This was $54 billion higher than for April 2012 and the highest monthly surplus since April, 2008.

Increasing home values and federal budget surpluses, along with falling consumer debt pointed the way toward overall as well as personal economic recovery last week.

What‘s Coming Up

This week brings a couple important economic reports affecting the real estate industry including the Home Builders Index on Wednesday and the Weekly Jobless Claims and Housing Starts numbers released on Thursday.

The Consumer Sentiment and Leading Indicators reports will round out the week on Friday. Consumer Sentiment is important in terms of housing markets and mortgage lending; consumers typically don’t buy homes or move up to a larger home if they aren’t feeling secure about economic conditions.

This week’s economic data may provide further evidence of a stronger U.S. economy as well as a snapshot of retail spending and consumer costs.

Thanks for stopping by and reading, commenting and sharing my blog: "May 13, 2013-What's on the Horizon For Mortgage Rates This Week?"

This Active Rain post is by Mark Taylor, to get your free mortgage approval please call 602-361-0707. Please click on the links below to view my AWESOME websites!

Mark Taylor 15111 North Pima Road Scottsdale Arizona 85260 (602) 361-0707

Arizona Mortgage. Get a Home Loan quick and easy with The Mark Taylor Team! Home Purchases, Refinance, Short Sales, Foreclosures & More. We are the Arizona Mortgage experts.

May 2013 Foreclosure Report Shows Strength For the Housing Market

Fri, 10 May 2013 09:06:10 -0700

RealtyTrac recently reported that national foreclosure filings are down while foreclosure filings are seeing marked increases in some states.

There are two systems for foreclosing residential real estate in the United States; judicial and non-judicial foreclosure. The states individually decide which foreclosure process will be followed in their state.

Click Here To Download An Overview Of The Foreclosure Process

Judicial foreclosure requires action by the courts because the mortgage is not written including a “power of sale clause”. Judicial foreclosure proceedings generally take longer than non-judicial processes due to this court involvement.

A log-jam of delayed judicial foreclosures are beginning to move through backlogged courts with the result of higher numbers of foreclosures started, foreclosure auctions scheduled, and properties either sold to third parties at foreclosure auctions or repossessed by mortgage lenders.

In states allowing non-judicial foreclosure, the matter may be handled outside of the judicial system as the mortgage is written with the power of sale clause which allows the lender to take control of the mortgaged property to satisfy the outstanding lien.

I thought this would be some educational information on judicial and non-judicial foreclosures that help to explain how we are seeing home values increasing as large numbers of delayed foreclosures clear the books. Overall, this will help the real estate market improve and housing prices should continue to stabilize and increase.

Here are highlights of April’s foreclosure report:

Nationally, 144,790 foreclosure filings were made in April, a decrease of 5 percent compared to March and representing an annual decrease of 23 percent year-over-year.

Overall, April’s residential foreclosure activity was at its lowest since February 2007. About one of every 905 U.S. housing units had a foreclosure filing during April.

Due to the aforementioned backlog of judicial foreclosures, scheduled foreclosure auctions hit a 30-month high in April rising by 22 percent between March and April.

Some states had markedly higher rates of foreclosure sales scheduled in April 2013 as compared to April 2012. Examples include Maryland (+199 percent), New Jersey (+91 percent), Ohio (+73 percent), Oklahoma (+57 percent), and Florida (+55 percent)

Foreclosure auctions scheduled in non-judicial states were 7 percent lower in April as compared to March, and were an encouraging 43 percent lower in April 2013 as compared to April 2012; this was the lowest reading for non-judicial foreclosure sales scheduled since December of 2005.

Non-judicial foreclosure sales were impacted in some states as the result of legislation affecting foreclosure procedures. Affected states included Arkansas, California, Nevada, Oregon and Washington.

70,133 U.S. homes went into foreclosure in April 2013, which is 40 percent lower than for March 2013 and 28 percent lower than during April 2012.

With home values increasing and large numbers of delayed foreclosures clearing the books, this data offers further evidence that the U.S. real estate market is steadily improving. As more foreclosures are removed from the housing inventory, home prices should continue to stabilize and increase in the Scottsdale area.

Thanks for stopping by and reading, commenting and sharing my blog: "May 2013 Foreclosure Report Shows Strength For the Housing Market."

This Active Rain post is by Mark Taylor, to get your free mortgage approval please call 602-361-0707. Please click on the links below to view my AWESOME websites!

Mark Taylor 15111 North Pima Road Scottsdale Arizona 85260 (602) 361-0707

Arizona Mortgage. Get a Home Loan quick and easy with The Mark Taylor Team! Home Purchases, Refinance, Short Sales, Foreclosures & More. We are the Arizona Mortgage experts.

This Mother's Day, What Women Want In Homes

Thu, 09 May 2013 09:38:42 -0700

Whether you’re looking to buy a new house this month or do a little remodeling, take advantage of the opportunity to give the mom in your life a present she’ll appreciate every day.

Below are a few ideas for housing priorities and renovation projects that typically rate high on women’s wish lists for their homes.

I hope you enjoy these great home ideas that Mom's will love this Mother's Day. Everything from having an open floor plan in the kitchen family area, enhanced closet space with organizing storage systems, easy to care for granite counters and hardwood floors, maintenance free landscaping or a gardner to take care of the landscaping and a security system to create a peace of mind. Enjoy this Mother's Day with some bright home ideas mom will love!

Open Living Areas

The open floor plan is usually a big plus for any mother. They want to be able to cook dinner in the kitchen while monitoring their children’s schoolwork at the dining table.

So look for a house that affords this visual luxury or consider the generous gift of getting dirty and knocking down some walls.

Large Closets

What woman doesn’t need more room for her clothes, shoes and purses? If you’re looking at houses, keep in mind how much closet space will work for your wife or mother.

If it’s not enough, see if there’s another area you could convert to create a custom closet. Another great gift would be to upgrade your mom’s closet with a new shelving and organizing storage system.

And great storage doesn’t stop in the bedroom. Most women like to keep the family’s things organized and put away, so think about upgrading some of the other cupboards and closets in the home as well.

Low-Maintenance Living

Some women are expert gardeners or love home-improvement projects; however, many just want to leave those tasks to someone else.

Many moms love easy-to-wipe-down granite counters and hardwood floors. These can be beautiful and functional home upgrades all at the same time.

And especially if you’re shopping real estate for an elderly mother, consider looking at Scottsdale homes that are new construction, have easy-to-care-for landscaping and maintenance-free siding or brick.

Easy-to-Use Security System

While security is important to everyone, it ranks high on most women’s list of priorities. As a Mother’s Day gift, research providers and have a security system installed.

Whether your mother is living alone or your wife is worried about the family’s safety, this practical present will give everyone peace of mind.

Make a big gesture this Mother’s Day by giving the woman in your life that renovation project she’s been pining over.

And, if looking at buying a new home, keep in mind what’s important to Mom.

Finally, if you’d like more tips on Mother’s Day home shopping or upgrades, call your favorite real estate professional for the best advice.

Thanks for stopping by and reading, commenting and sharing my blog: "This Mother's Day, What Women Want In Homes."

This Active Rain post is by Mark Taylor, to get your free mortgage approval please call 602-361-0707. Please click on the links below to view my AWESOME websites!

Mark Taylor 15111 North Pima Road Scottsdale Arizona 85260 (602) 361-0707

Arizona Mortgage. Get a Home Loan quick and easy with The Mark Taylor Team! Home Purchases, Refinance, Short Sales, Foreclosures & More. We are the Arizona Mortgage experts.

April 2013 Jobs Report Shows an Upswing Which Helps Real Estate

Wed, 08 May 2013 08:18:11 -0700

The Bureau of Labor Statistics released its monthly Non-farm Payrolls and National Unemployment Rate for April last Friday. These two reports are collectively called the Jobs Report.

165,000 jobs were added in April, while the unemployment rate dropped from 7.60 percent in March to 7.50 percent in April. 673,000 jobs have been added since January. Jobs were added in employment sectors including business and professional, health care and eating and drinking establishments.The Bureau of Labor Statistics released its monthly Non-farm Payrolls and National Unemployment Rate for April last Friday. These two reports are collectively called the Jobs Report.

The main impact of the jobs report on home sales and mortgage lending is the ability of would-be home buyers to qualify for mortgage loans.

Long term unemployment and under-employment has worked against consumers wanting to buy homes when interest rates and home prices hit significant lows.

I thought you might enjoy some positive employment news and the opportunity for more people to qualify for homes. While home prices continue to increase, mortgage rates still remain low. This is creating a positive impact on moderate income home buyers being able to afford purchases. This will not last indefinitely, so this may be a good time for you to consider taking the home buying plunge.

Falling Long Term Unemployment Numbers Help New Home Buyers Buy Homes

Long-term unemployment (workers unemployed for 27 weeks or more) fell by 258,000 workers to 4.4 million in April. The share of long term workers among all unemployed fell by 2.2 percent to 37.4 percent of unemployed workers.

Since January, the number of long-term unemployed has decreased by 687,000 workers and 3.1 percent. Gaining employment is a plus for the economy and for households facing financial stress due to unemployment.

Another significant data set in terms of U.S. jobs measures workers who are working part-time, but who want to work full time. This sector increased by 278,000 in April to 7.9 million.

February and March 2013 Non-farm Payrolls numbers were revised upward. In February, jobs added were changed from 268,000 to 332,000. In March, jobs added were revised from 88,000 to 138,000. This adjusts the number of jobs added for February to March by an additional 114,000 new jobs.

Federal Reserve Bond Purchase Point To Continued Low Mortgage Rates

The Federal Reserve is continuing its program of quantitative easing (QE) by buying $85 billion in bonds and mortgage backed securities (MBS) monthly.

Reducing or eliminating QE would lessen the demand for bonds and MBS; when bond and MBS prices fall, mortgage rates usually rise. Lower mortgage rates can help offset rising home prices and allow more consumers to buy homes.

While home prices are gradually increasing, mortgage rates are still low. This helps moderate-income home buyers with affordability, but these conditions won’t last indefinitely.

In some regions, such as the West, available homes and land are in short supply, which is driving up home prices. This trend is helping home owners, and potentially home sellers, gain higher sales prices for their real estate. Overall, increasing the number of jobs is positive for the economy.

Contact your trusted mortgage lender for a personalized mortgage interest rate quote and to learn more about affordable home loan options.

The main impact of the jobs report on home sales and mortgage lending is the ability of would-be home buyers to qualify for mortgage loans.

Long term unemployment and under-employment has worked against consumers wanting to buy homes when interest rates and home prices hit significant lows.

Thanks for stopping by and reading, commenting and sharing my blog: "April 2013 Jobs Report Shows an Upswing Which Helps Real Estate."

This Active Rain post is by Mark Taylor, to get your free mortgage approval please call 602-361-0707. Please click on the links below to view my AWESOME websites!

Mark Taylor 15111 North Pima Road Scottsdale Arizona 85260 (602) 361-0707

Arizona Mortgage. Get a Home Loan quick and easy with The Mark Taylor Team! Home Purchases, Refinance, Short Sales, Foreclosures & More. We are the Arizona Mortgage experts.

Those Awkward Spaces in Your Home, Tips to Maximize

Tue, 07 May 2013 08:15:14 -0700

In almost every Scottsdale home, there are awkward spaces that are difficult to utilize.

Especially in older houses, there are rooms, closets and nooks that once had a purpose that is now outdated.

So before you try to cover it up or fill it with junk, take a look at the smart solutions below to see how you can revitalize those problematic spaces and turn them into something useful.

I thought you would especially enjoy these creative tips to help you maximize underutilized space in your home and turn those spaces into productive livable places where the whole family can enjoy. Hopefully you will gain some great perspective for your home!

The Space Under The Stairs

While this is likely to be more of a hiding spot for dust-bunnies than teenage wizards, it is valuable space that you don’t have to board up. Use it for storage!

Create custom storage cabinets, or if it’s near the kitchen, build in a wine refrigerator or display shelves for china.

You could also build in a coat or shoe closet if the stairs are in the front entryway.

The Bedroom Too Small For A Bed

You might have an office that sometimes needs to be used as a bedroom or a bedroom that could fit a bed and nothing else.

If these issues strike a chord, then you might want to invest in a Murphy bed.

These space-saving inventions allow you to use a small space for another purpose during the day, and then miraculously have a place to sleep at night.

The Unused Closet

Especially in an older home, you’ll run across closets that just don’t make sense. If you don’t need it for storage, then turn it into something creative, such as a small library or toy room.

Take off the door, add adjustable shelves, build a comfortable cushioned bench and install attractive lighting. Now you and your family can curl up for story time in your new book nook.

Or put in a desk or countertop, an office chair and table lamp and use it as an office nook that can be closed off when you’re not using it.

Don’t write off awkward spaces in your home as lost causes. With a little ingenuity, hard work and smart design, you can create a useful area that everyone in your family can use and enjoy.

Thanks for stopping by and reading, commenting and sharing my blog: "Those Awkward Spaces in Your Home, Tips to Maximize"

This Active Rain post is by Mark Taylor, to get your free mortgage approval please call 602-361-0707. Please click on the links below to view my AWESOME websites!

Mark Taylor 15111 North Pima Road Scottsdale Arizona 85260 (602) 361-0707

Arizona Mortgage. Get a Home Loan quick and easy with The Mark Taylor Team! Home Purchases, Refinance, Short Sales, Foreclosures & More. We are the Arizona Mortgage experts.

May 6, 2013, What Will Mortgage Rates Do This Week?

Mon, 06 May 2013 09:29:04 -0700

Mortgage rates fell last week and approached or reached record low levels.

According to Freddie Mac, the average rate for a 30-year fixed rate mortgage (FRM) fell from 3.40 percent to 3.35 percent. Average rates for a 15-year FRM moved from 2.61percent to 2.56 percent.

Average rates for a 5/1 adjustable rate mortgage (ARM) fell to 2.56 from last week’s average of 2.58 percent Discount points for last week’s mortgage rates ranged from 0.7percent for 30 and 15 year FRM loans to 0.5 percent for a 5/1 ARM.

Rock-bottom mortgage rates can offset the impact of rising home prices.

I thought you would enjoy some information on what you can expect for the coming week in the mortgage world. It appears that the housing market is a leading contributor to the economic recovery. Other good news is that the Feds goal is to keep long term interest rates low which should definetly help with refinances and home purchases.

Last Week Was A Strong Showing For The US Economy

Last week’s economic news provided further indications of economic recovery, with housing related reports contributing to overall confidence in a stronger economy.

Highlights of last week’s news include:

Monday: Pending home sales moved up to 1.50 percent in March from February’s -1.07 percent. This reading also surpassed Wall Street’s forecast of 0.90 percent for March.

Tuesday: The Case-Shiller Home Price Index for February reported that the national average home price had increased by 9.3 percent year-over-year between February 2012 and February 2013. By comparison, the average national home price between January 2012 and January 2013 increased by 8.1 percent year-over-year. Rising home prices are contributing to the economic recovery, but in some areas demand for homes exceeds supply, which also contributes to rising home prices.

Wednesday: The Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) issued its scheduled statement after its meeting concluded. Committee members noted signs of an improving economy, and cited housing markets as a leading contributor to the recovery. The FOMC statement also indicated that economic conditions were not sufficiently improved for the FOMC to change or cease the Federal Reserve’s quantitative easing policy. The Fed’s goal for its current quantitative easing program is keeping long-term interest rates including mortgage rates low.

Thursday: The weekly Jobless Claims Report brought better-than-expected news with new jobless claims coming in at 324,000, less than the expected reading of 345,000 new jobless claims and also higher than the previous report’s reading of 342,000 new jobless claims.

Friday: The Bureau of Labor Statistics issued its monthly “Jobs Report,” which consists of the Non-farm Payrolls Report and the national Unemployment Rate. Again new jobs added exceeded expectations for April with 165,000 jobs added against expectations of 135,000 new jobs added. April’s reading also surpassed the March reading of 138,000 new jobs.

The unemployment rate dropped to 7.5 percent as compared to a consensus of 7.6 percent and last month’s reading of 7.6 percent. To put this reading in perspective, the FOMC has targeted an unemployment rate of 6.5 percent as a benchmark for adjusting its current policies including quantitative easing.

What To Look For This Week

This week’s economic events include latest Jobless Claims report on Thursday. It will be interesting to see if this week’s reading will be lower than last week’s reading of 324,000 new jobless claims.

On Friday, the Federal Budget will be released; this could influence financial markets depending on what programs and services are cut or reduced.

Thanks for stopping by and reading, commenting and sharing my blog: "May 6, 2013, What Will Mortgage Rates Do This Week?"

This Active Rain post is by Mark Taylor, to get your free mortgage approval please call 602-361-0707. Please click on the links below to view my AWESOME websites!

Mark Taylor 15111 North Pima Road Scottsdale Arizona 85260 (602) 361-0707

Arizona Mortgage. Get a Home Loan quick and easy with The Mark Taylor Team! Home Purchases, Refinance, Short Sales, Foreclosures & More. We are the Arizona Mortgage experts.

What Does The Right Color Have To Do With Selling Your Home Faster?

Fri, 03 May 2013 08:38:22 -0700

When it comes to selling your home in Mesa , you’ve probably thought of the most common staging tricks, such as clearing out the clutter to make your rooms look bigger and bringing in more light to brighten things up.

However, have you considered that the colors in your house might affect whether buyers are interested?

First impressions are everything when you are selling a house, so think about how the colors you choose will likely influence your potential buyers. A new coat of paint could be a simple and effective way to make your house more appealing.

I thought this was very intersting how color dynamics can impact your buyers perception of your home. Buyers will envision themselves living in your home. Enjoy these special tips that could help you sell your home quicker.

Here are a few tips:

Choose Mellow, Neutral Shades

When a potential buyer is looking at your house, they want to be able to imagine themselves living there. If your walls are painted in lime green or hot pink, it can be difficult for a buyer to relate the house to their own tastes.

Instead, use neutral colors, such as cream, olive, beige and ivory. Then the walls become a blank canvas where prospective buyers can project their own style preferences.

Create the Illusion of Space

In order to make a space within your home feel larger, you can use a very light neutral color such as white, tan or pale grey. This will reflect more light and give the impression of a more expansive interior.

You can also try painting the moldings the same color as the walls, which will make the ceilings look higher.

Don‘t Forget About Exterior Color

It’s easy to focus on the interior of a house and forget about the outside, but the front of the house is the first thing potential buyers will see. Curb appeal can be a huge factor in their decision.

Caution: Lead-Based Paint

One important word of caution regarding the paint in your home is the issue of lead-based paint.

Lead-based paint was most common in homes built or painted prior to 1978. If your home falls in that age category, it may require further testing to ensure that the paint covering your walls is free of lead.

Color has a psychological effect on people, whether they are aware of it or not. You’ll be amazed at the difference the right colors can make in selling or improving your home.

If you would like more home staging and selling tips, please contact your trusted real estate professional today!

Thanks for stopping by and reading, commenting and sharing my blog: "What Does The Right Color Have To Do With Selling Your Home Faster?"

This Active Rain post is by Mark Taylor, to get your free mortgage approval please call 602-361-0707. Please click on the links below to view my AWESOME websites!

Mark Taylor 15111 North Pima Road Scottsdale Arizona 85260 (602) 361-0707

Arizona Mortgage. Get a Home Loan quick and easy with The Mark Taylor Team! Home Purchases, Refinance, Short Sales, Foreclosures & More. We are the Arizona Mortgage experts.

Hey Realtors® will your "Mortgage Guy or Gal" do all this for you?

Fri, 03 May 2013 06:21:14 -0700

Hey Realtors® will your "Mortgage Guy or Gal" do this for you?

So how does a loan officer bring value and benefit to an agent partner - agents reading this feel free to chime in!

I believe it is about helping agents with their business. By spending time helping them build their pipelines without the old: hands out gimme gimme because I say I have the best loan product and you have to believe me routine.

Loan Officers lets face it our USP (unique selling proposition) was always to hore (you know what I mean) ourselves out there to Realtors® by saying I've got the latest and greatest of loans.

Our USP is not about loans its about relationships, and I don't mean buying the most cocktails you can at the local board mixer or golf game.

It's about going deep, being trusted in the relationship and proving you are of value. Realtors® don't give it all up on the first date they like to be courted, romanced and feel special. It our responsibility to court them with results, show them we can do it, don't just tell them what we are going to do!

So how do we prove to an agent that we are:

worthy to meet
have something to benefit them
that we can teach them something new and valuable
we can increase their business
and by doing so earn the right to win that new business for ourselves?

Big Questions right?

Well here are big answers but are you ready my fellow originators?

Learn a new trade - better yet master it.

We only have a couple of loan programs to schlep these days we need something else to talk about!

What that should be is...

...whatever is currently topical and can help agents be better at getting clients!

That new trade should be -

Learning how to build the best single property websites for syndication and marketing for your agents
Becoming a blogging expert and coach to your agents
Becoming a CE instructor
Becoming a partner with a local Title company and working with them
Learning Facebook
Learning Twitter
Learning LinkedIn
Learning YouTube
Learning how to set up IDX feeds
Learning Nestablish
Becoming an IMSD Client

And then putting it all together into a CE class for agents to come and listen to you for 3 hours on how to better their business and hopefully yours!

I can already hear noodles frying out their so let me break it down for you.

Yes you will have to cram like you've never crammed for your finals before - you need to get caught up and fast to be relevant in this era of fluid technologies. Let me walk you through each of these statements to get you fully vested in your new career.

Because agents don't have time to be immersed in this stuff they used to pay someone to do their website and marketing but budgets are tight. So showing an agent and teaching them how to fish, spending quality time, not trying to eat the elephant all at once. But by taking small one hour classes each week say for 5-6 weeks and show them the tools above, you will earn their trust, and business. What say you agents out there? - if your loan officer showed you how to make more money, and stay up to speed on marketing would you give them more business? Email me and share what your loan officer does to help your business?

LO's remember the Realtor® trusts us with the biggest part of the transaction - the loan - why not give back with the biggest part of their business by helping them get more clients!

SINGLE PROPERTY WEBSITES; www.epropertysites.com

Want to impress an agent by showing them how to syndicate a property, how to get 388,000 unique visitors a day (source compete.com), how to win a listing before the agent shows up for the appointment, how to get buyers if they have non, how to get listings even if they don't have any? How about buyer and seller leads, text campaigns, custom signs etc.etc. Use this system as your skeleton for everything social and viral. See a single property website (and yes its first spot and second and 4th on Google) EPS helped me create 2900 leads in 12 months for my agents and 432 showing requests - what you got for your agents eh?

BLOGGING EXPERT www.ActiveRain.com

If you are on AR and aren't using it shame on you.

What else ya gonna do to get in front of 220,000 Realtors® win American Idol?

AR will help you show an agent how to get a listing on the front page of Google. I just did one in front of an agent took 6 mins before it was number one - home for sale - then you can show the agent how to Blarm (What's that you ask? - remember I like to be courted too ya kno'). If you did that for an agent you will get business. Then you use ActiveRain as a glossary or compendium with the agent of everything topical to keep them out in front of their clients past present and future. Blogging rules just sayin'

EDUCATE2EARN

This is an incredible system already created for you - and with APPROVED CE Classes in your state already! With marketing materials, a program to work with your vendor partners, every thing you need to teach, engage, educate (see at the end of this blog why this is so important to your success) and put butts in seats.

"How to get approved to teach?" I hear you cry - they do it for you! So you can teach the most in demand and necessary real estate classes for your agents in your area. Agents have to get 24 hours every 2 years right? Why not get them from you.

Then after class help them more with their business with lunch and learns, and follow ups of all the stuff discussed. Already done for you on the topics mentioned and to follow. Educate don't sell! Get out of your own way and help your agents build a better business plan with everything E2E has to offer Email for more info

ARE YOU GETTING EXCITED YET? WE AS ORIGINATORS NOW HAVE A PLAN, A SYSTEM TO GENERATE BUSINESS! -

I put this out there... all the other systems we buy, are made to help us once we get business by sending clients; mortgage updates, arm calculators, emails, letters blah blah blah. They do nothing to help the source of our business - AGENTS, why do they call them mortgage origination systems pish posh they aren't E2E is!

Nothing has helped me more in my 17 year career get me business first then I can send them all the other fluff if I want.

LOCAL VENDORS

"I'll take, What is a parasitic vs symbiotic relationship for $1000 please Alex?". Want a packed room with willing and eager agents sitting down and ready to listen to what you have to say. Then promote your title/escrow company and home warranty companies as much as they promote you. (I use Eventbrite to promote see example) Don't sit back and expect to waltz into a room filled with people. You have to help them help you. That's it, it's easy. They can bring you more business than you can bring them so make sure it is a symbiotic relationship. Give them time to say words before the class and on breaks. Hey in some states we even make them instructors so you both can present a topic. I use First American Title they are the best. Want to know how affective E2E and FATCO is email Teresa St John account rep for Scottsdale see an example of a class she is promoting already for us on May 23rd.

Or check out my Facebook page for testimonials or click here for my awesome testimonials on my website from agents. Still not convinced check out This Stuff Works on FB

Mastering Social Equity

Social Media we all know what it is, but you as a loan officer need to help agents who don't. We need to leverage our social equity - that comes 2 ways:

using you skills and knowledge in the social arenas to help agents interact and be more successful.
And secondly you need to show them how to interact with their past customers, your future clients - that's called social equity - "thars value in them there likes!"

Facebook - get familiar with Summa Social get a FB page like Mark Taylor, show an agent to get away from old websites and into something like this: Oggie Penev Oh! bet yah didn't know you can capture buyer leads using FB and even search for buyers looking for your services!

Youtube - get your site up and running to look like mine contact andrea holmes

Twitter get it again looking like this Mark Taylor

LinkedIn get it complete see mine and hooked up using social posting tools like twitterfeed, subscribe to esocialpro

Ready to scream uncle?

It's okay 2 more and then I will leave you alone - some of you have already stopped reading and are going back to buying donuts and stuffing mail boxes. Me I'm preparing my comedic sections of an awesome class on How to win the listing before showing up for the appointment a CE class for 3 hours of General Credits with 36 confirmed attendees - but that's okay I'll have the broker of the office you are about to visit bring those yummy Krispy Kreme donuts to the class in time for the break - Thanks soon to be irrelevant LO. Agents do you want marketing education or Donuts? (send response here)

IDX Feeds: http://www.marketleader.com/mls-idx

This lately has been one of the most powerful presentations I can give to agents to help them utilize their blogs, Facebook Pages, Facebook posts, Tweets and Craigs List marketing all wrapped in a pretty bow thanks to Eproperties.

IDX allows any consumer with the link to get access to your local MLS search information, while allowing the agent to capture lead information after a predetermined usage period by the potential buyer. It stops buyers in their tracks and gets them to sign up from any media format its included in. Never before could we ever engage as many people as by using the mediums discussed and then capture information from people wanting to work with you. Check it out for yourself real estate MLS search. Another great agent tool that few agents truly leverage - now you can show them where and how!

Well I saved the easiest and the best as a conversation starter for the last.

Nestablish www.nestablish.com

How many of you truly have 100% of your agents business? How many of you are cultivating new business for your agents? How many of you have every short sale done by all your agent partners within an auto drip system and incubator? Getting their clients excited about buying again? Do you have a way to work on your agents database to help them get more business?

Better yet are you still printing off approval letters after-hours - even if your available all hours of the day are your agents still frustrated about the -

Need to get hold of Loan Officer
He needs create an approval
I need to recieve it
I need to get it to my buyers
They need print it and sign it - what if they are out of paper or at the lake?
They have got to send it back to beat the other offer holy crap its 12 minutes before cut off
I have to submit it - arrrg.

How about if the agent goes into a portal and prints off a digitally signed by all parties approval matching the offer and emails it with the contract to the listing agent in 2 mins or less. Who is a hero now?

Yes the system is also smart enough to know if the HOA and Taxes kick the borrower out of approval tolerances and alerts everyone!

In my humble opiniion if you do nothing but start with Nestablish the blog will have done its job. This is the best tool I have ever used to help me connect wiih agents and show them what I can do for them. I have become their fail safe, their personal drip machine, their marketing, their follow up system they know they need but never impliment!

IMSD: http://imsd.net

JOIN THIS PROGRAM DON'T ARGUE JUST DO IT - This is the only way you will build a foundation for the internet and becoming relevant for your business and that of your agent partners. It will give you the confidence to start to put on classes and even write a class for the Department of Real Estate (see E2E below they'll do it for you). I wish I had this 3 years ago when I had to source and learn everything myself. Consider this your schooling. The 1003 as it were!

Hey Realtors® out there if your loan officer could be working on all your clients, the good, the bad, the ugly and you could see when your clients could buy again, what had been sent, when it had been sent, and when you can put them back in your car. Who would you hire to do your loans? Sorry I'd love to work with all of you across America but I can't! email me helpingoriginators@gmail.com for a free trial account.

Okay so who feel like they just tried to drink from a fire hydrant of information? Well grasshoppers its all good, Here is what to do next.

Realtors® send your loan officer to me so they can get all these tools for you or forward them this blog so they can get involved. helpingoriginators@gmail.com
Loan Officers check out E2E and Nestablish first and everything will fall into place with those systems and we can take everything in baby steps. You are not alone and there is much support from all the entiites mentioned to ensure that we continue to mentor and develop champion loan originators for our Real Estate Agent community across the nation. helpingoriginators@gmail.com

One last point to make: In order for you to do business with anyone you must foster TRUST! In order for someone to trust you you must Educate, Engage and Entertain - if you don't you can't earn let alone ask for the business. Hope that helps?

Thanks for reading and commenting on my blog: Hey Realtors® will your "Mortgage Guy or Gal" do this for you?

This Active Rain post is by Mark Taylor, to get your free mortgage approval please call 602-361-0707. Please click on the links below to view my AWESOME websites!

Mark Taylor 15111 North Pima Road Scottsdale Arizona 85260 (602) 361-0707

Arizona Mortgage. Get a Home Loan quick and easy with The Mark Taylor Team! Home Purchases, Refinance, Short Sales, Foreclosures & More. We are the Arizona Mortgage experts.

Continued Low Interest Rates Due to Fed Meeting Statement

Thu, 02 May 2013 08:10:03 -0700

Wednesday’s Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) statement indicates the Federal Reserve’s commitment to keeping long term interest rates and inflation under control.

Some positive information, I thought you would enjoy reading more about. The Federal Reserve stated long term interest rates and inflation will be kept under control and also the Fed will oversee comprehensive economic data focusing on adjusting its policies with the positive interest of economic recovery.

The Fed will continue monitoring inflation, but does not expect inflation to rise more than 0.50 percent above its target rate of 2.00 percent over the next one to two years.

Ongoing monitoring of inflation and unemployment, as well as developing economic news, will guide the Fed in its future determinations concerning policy for its present iteration of quantitative easing (QE3).

Currently, the Fed purchases $85 billion of treasury securities and mortgage –backed securities each month with the goal of keeping long-term interest rates lower.

This includes mortgage rates, which can assist homebuyers with qualifying for mortgage loans in an environment of increasing home prices. Other goals include stabilizing the labor market, and limiting inflation.

Job Growth To Be Determining Factor On Fed Interest Rate Action

The statement also noted that the Fed will keep its interest rates between 0.00 and 0.25 percent, until the Fed sees the national unemployment rate fall below 6.50 percent.

While noting that the housing sector is improving, the Fed stated concerns about ongoing high unemployment rates. Jobs are a key aspect to supporting the economy, as 70 percent of the U.S. economy involves the purchase of goods and services by consumers.

The Fed also repeated its position to evaluate the efficacy of its quantitative easing program; if the agency finds that the program is not achieving their desired objectives, changes to the program can be expected.

While a clear majority of FOMC members voted to keep current policies intact, one member voted against this course of action citing the potential for continued quantitative easing at current levels to fuel inflation.

The bottom line for today’s statement is that the Fed continues its “wait and see” position concerning quantitative easing and low federal interest rates.The committee also re-asserted its intention to gradually reduce quantitative easing when it’s time for a change.

In addition, the Fed is committed to monitoring a wide range of economic data with an eye toward adjusting its policies in the best interest of economic recovery.

Thanks for stopping by and reading, commenting and sharing my blog: "Continued Low Interest Rates Due to Fed Meeting Statement."

This Active Rain post is by Mark Taylor, to get your free mortgage approval please call 602-361-0707. Please click on the links below to view my AWESOME websites!

Mark Taylor 15111 North Pima Road Scottsdale Arizona 85260 (602) 361-0707

Arizona Mortgage. Get a Home Loan quick and easy with The Mark Taylor Team! Home Purchases, Refinance, Short Sales, Foreclosures & More. We are the Arizona Mortgage experts.

Since 2006 Case-Shiller Home Price Indices Post Highest Growth Rates

Wed, 01 May 2013 09:19:21 -0700

Housing markets continue to improve according to the S&P Case Shiller Home Price Indices released April 30 for February’s data.

The Indices consist of a 10-City Composite Index and a 20-City Composite Index with housing markets for each city reported based on a three-month rolling average of home prices.

I thought you might be especially interested in the data released yesterday which indicated the highest growth rate since 2006. As home ownership increases typically people's wealth increases and leads to more spending and a stronger economy overall.

Case Shiller Posts Highest Growth Rates Since 2006

The data released yesterday comprised the Indices’ highest growth rates since May 2006.

For the 12 months between February 2012 and February 2013, the 10-City Composite Index reports that average home prices posted a gain of 8.6 percent and average home prices for the 20-City Composite Index grew by 9.3 percent on a non-seasonally adjusted basis.

All 20 cities posted a year-over-year gain for at least two consecutive months.

The 10-City Composite Index grew by 0.4 percent between January and February, while the 20-City Composite Index grew by 0.3 percent for the same time period.

16 of the 20 cities reported rising annual growth rates for home sales between January and February 2013, while four cities including Detroit, Miami, Minneapolis and Phoenix saw decreases between -0.1 and -0.4 percent in annual home prices between January and February 2013 readings.

Longer-term readings provide a more positive light, as with the example for Phoenix, Arizona.

The month-to-month reading of annual home prices indicated a decrease, but the reading for Phoenix year over year indicates a + 23.0 percent increase in average home prices.

Ten Metro Areas Gain Double Digits Over Past Year

10 cities posted double-digit year-over-year growth rates; they include Atlanta, Detroit, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Miami, Minneapolis, Phoenix, San Diego, San Francisco and Tampa.

San Diego and Tampa have joined the double-digit cities in February with average home prices increasing for each city of just over 10 percent.

Phoenix, San Francisco, Las Vegas and Atlanta posted the highest year-over-year gains in average home prices.

Three older cities, New York, Boston and Chicago posted the lowest year-over-year rates in average home price readings.

Atlanta and Dallas achieved the highest annual growth rates since the inception of the 10-City Composite (1991) and the 20-City Composite (2001).

Improving Housing Markets Seen As Beacon Of Economic Recovery

Improving housing markets are considered a leading indicator of overall economic recovery as home ownership typically increases wealth and leads to more spending.

Economists note that while current news for housing markets is good, average home prices remain at 2003 levels, which can be very good for new home buyers.

Shortages of available homes in some areas and news that apartment construction is increasing can impact availability and ultimately, the sale of single-family homes.

Thanks for stopping by and reading, commenting and sharing my blog: "Since 2006 Case-Shiller Home Price Indices Post Highest Growth Rates."

This Active Rain post is by Mark Taylor, to get your free mortgage approval please call 602-361-0707. Please click on the links below to view my AWESOME websites!

Mark Taylor 15111 North Pima Road Scottsdale Arizona 85260 (602) 361-0707

Arizona Mortgage. Get a Home Loan quick and easy with The Mark Taylor Team! Home Purchases, Refinance, Short Sales, Foreclosures & More. We are the Arizona Mortgage experts.

Housewarming Gifts: 7 Creative Gifts for a New Homeowner

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 08:56:33 -0700

Whether you have new neighbors next door or old friends moving across town, a housewarming gift is a great way to show you care.

New owners always appreciate anything that relieves the pressures of moving and settling in to an unfamiliar neighborhood.

Here are seven fun and easy housewarming-gift ideas for your friends moving into their home.

I thought you would really enjoy some of these creative housewarming gift ideas that will help welcome someone into their new home. Enjoy these refreshing gift ideas that will bring a smile to someone's face.

A Door Wreath

You can choose a wreath that fits the season or that is simply attractive on the front door.

Include a wreath door-hanger and storage box so they can easily hang it or put it away.

A Pair of Candlestick Holders

Candlesticks are a simple, yet practical gift for a new Mesa home.

They’re perfect for a mantel, dresser or table. Choose attractive candlestick holders that match the house’s decor and include a set of candles to burn.

A Homemade Meal

Moving and getting settled in a new house takes a tremendous amount of time and effort.

This leaves little time to cook nutritious meals.

Bring either a takeout or home-cooked meal along with disposable plates and utensils for a much appreciated housewarming gift.

Fresh Flowers

Nothing makes a room look more inviting than fresh-cut flowers or a lush green plant.

Flowers add a punch of color while plants last longer while still requiring little work.

Choose flowers that fit the season or a plant with full, green leaves that is easy to maintain.

Scented Candles

Not only are they practical, but they also help bring comfort and serenity to the chaos of moving.

Choose a theme for the candles, such as a color or a scent that matches the style.

Include candles of different shapes and sizes and a lighter.

Picture Frames

Keep in mind the house’s décor as you choose a picture frame.

Wood, pewter, bamboo or decorative glass looks great in a casually decorated house.

If the house has a more formal décor, choose crystal or silver.

It’s be fun for your friends to have a place to display their new memories.

There are few experiences that offer the excitement of moving into a new home, and you can add to that excitement and wonder by giving one of these housewarming gift ideas.

And if you want to be the one receiving housewarming gifts by moving to a new home, then call your trusted mortgage professional today for your home loan approval!

Thanks for stopping by and reading, commenting and sharing my blog: "Housewarming Gifts: 7 Creative Gifts for a New Homeowner."

This Active Rain post is by Mark Taylor, to get your free mortgage approval please call 602-361-0707. Please click on the links below to view my AWESOME websites!

Mark Taylor 15111 North Pima Road Scottsdale Arizona 85260 (602) 361-0707

Arizona Mortgage. Get a Home Loan quick and easy with The Mark Taylor Team! Home Purchases, Refinance, Short Sales, Foreclosures & More. We are the Arizona Mortgage experts.

April 29, 2013-What You Can Expect for Mortgage Rates This Week

Mon, 29 Apr 2013 09:37:02 -0700

Mortgage rates fell again last week and are again near record lows.

As mortgage rates continued to fall this past week and are at a record low, this has never been a better time to refinance and for home buyers to qualify for a mortgaged loan. As consumer confidence continues to rise as a result of workers becomming gainfully employed and are able to purchase goods and services, this will boost the economy to head in the right direction.

According to Freddie Mac, the average rate for a 15-year fixed rate mortgage did achieve a record low of 2.61 percent as compared to 3.1 percent one year ago.

The average rate for a 30-year fixed rate mortgage fell to 3.40 percent and near the record low of 3.31 percent.

Low mortgage rates are helping homeowners with refinancing and are boosting housing markets as more buyers can qualify for mortgage loans.

Home Values Continue To Rise

Last week’s economic news was mixed; The Federal Housing Finance Agency, which oversees Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae, released its Home Price Index for February.

According to this index, home prices increased by 0.7 percent between January and February, and increased by 7.1 percent year-over-year on a seasonally adjusted annual basis.

According to the National Association of REALTORS®, existing home sales for March fell short of the expected 5.03 million and came in at 4.92 million existing homes sold on a seasonally adjusted annual basis.

This reading was also 0.7 percent shy of February’s reading of 4.95 million existing homes sold.

Some homeowners may be taking a wait-and-see stance as they wait for home values to continue rising.

Employment Numbers Gaining Steam

Weekly jobless claims fell to 339,000 and were short of the consensus of 351,000 and the prior week’s 355,000 jobless claims filed.

As more workers gain employment, those able to buy homes increases.

The economy in general also benefits as households gain income they can use for purchasing goods and services.

Consumer Sentiment rose by 2.1 points to 76.4 over the March reading of 72.3 percent.

April’s reading also surpassed expectations of 74.0 percent.

As consumers gain confidence in the economy, they are generally more likely to buy homes and make other major purchases that contribute to the U.S. economy.

Coming Up this Week

This week’s economic news calendar includes several reports that impact the housing sector as well as the general economy:

Monday: Personal Income, Consumer Spending and Pending Home Sales reports are due for release.

Tuesday: The Case Shiller/Wells Fargo Home Price Index for February and Consumer Confidence for April will provide data concerning national and regional home prices and indicate how consumers view the economy.

Wednesday: The customary statement by the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) is set for release at the conclusion of its meeting. The ADP Employment Index for April and Construction Spending for March provide data on jobs and trends in construction spending.

Thursday: Weekly Jobless Claims report

Friday: The Non-farm Payrolls Report and Unemployment Rate for April, collectively known as the Jobs Report, will be released.

While we can’t predict what will happen with mortgage rates, some industry analysts indicated that they expect rates to remain low in the near-term.

These lower rates should continue to support growth in the Phoenix real estate market for homebuyers and sellers as well as those looking to refinance their home.

Thanks for stopping by and reading, commenting and sharing my blog: "April 29, 2013-What You Can Expect for Mortgage Rates This Week."

This Active Rain post is by Mark Taylor, to get your free mortgage approval please call 602-361-0707. Please click on the links below to view my AWESOME websites!

Mark Taylor 15111 North Pima Road Scottsdale Arizona 85260 (602) 361-0707

Arizona Mortgage. Get a Home Loan quick and easy with The Mark Taylor Team! Home Purchases, Refinance, Short Sales, Foreclosures & More. We are the Arizona Mortgage experts.

Selling Your Home? 7 Tips to Getting Your Home in Top Selling Shape

Fri, 26 Apr 2013 08:14:55 -0700

A clean, uncluttered home is very likely the single most important thing to get your home sold quickly and for top dollar.

In fact, a recent survey by HomeGain showed a whopping 568% return on investment for money put toward cleaning and organizing a home for sale!

I thought this might be very useful for sellers out there right now. If you want to get the fastest turn-around with top dollar, all you have to do is put a little sweat equity for greatest results. Just imagine yourself as the buyer walking through your home. What would make you want to buy your home? Some great tips to help you get results!

And other experts say that a well-put-together home can shorten the time on market drastically as well.

Before your real estate agent lists your Mesa home, it’s essential for it to look its best.

Selling Your Home? 7 Tips to Getting Your Home in Top Selling Shape

Examine your living space and see it as a buyer would — then double check this list of staging tips to make sure you haven’t overlooked these important details.

Clear out the clutter. Tidy up counter tops, bookcases, garages and closets.

Pack up your sentimental items. Personal photos and knick-knacks should be boxed up for moving day.

Get a storage unit. Open up space by moving furniture and boxes into storage — it will make the rooms appear bigger.

Remove appliances and fixtures that you want to keep. If you are taking the dining room chandelier or the built-in microwave, remove them before the house goes on the market.

Make minor repairs. Check that faucets don’t leak, doors close properly and holes in the walls are patched.

Make it pretty! Windows, floors and bathrooms should be sparkling. Dust every surface, hang up fresh towels in the bathroom and make sure there are no lingering odors.

Don’t forget the yard. Curb appeal starts at the curb — go figure — so mow the yard, wash down walkways and add some bright flowers near the front door to trigger the emotion to buy.

There are so many different ways to give your home an advantage over the competition in the spring buying market.

Plus, nice looking properties are more appealing for real estate agents to show their clients, so your well-taken-care-of home may get a lot more exposure.

In the end, the better your property looks, the faster it’s going to sell…and get you the most for it.

Thanks for stopping by and reading, commenting and sharing my blog: "Selling Your Home? 7 Tips to Getting Your Home in Top Selling Shape."

This Active Rain post is by Mark Taylor, to get your free mortgage approval please call 602-361-0707. Please click on the links below to view my AWESOME websites!

Mark Taylor 15111 North Pima Road Scottsdale Arizona 85260 (602) 361-0707

Arizona Mortgage. Get a Home Loan quick and easy with The Mark Taylor Team! Home Purchases, Refinance, Short Sales, Foreclosures & More. We are the Arizona Mortgage experts.

Tips for Having the Best Garage Sale Ever

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 08:53:49 -0700

It’s getting close to that time of year again — time to have a garage sale at your home!

Here are a few tips to help you have your most successful garage sale ever.

I thought these tips are great to help you have a successful garage sale. Some brief tips you can count on for being successful are as follows Advertise in the newspaper, Open early, Use signs to direct people, Label items with prices, Offer discounts and Donate any leftovers. Make it a great garage sale!

Advertise Your Sale In Local Newspapers And Online

Many of the habitual Saturday morning garage sale patrons around Mesa use the paper to plan their treasure hunts.

They do this to make sure they hit all of the sales in certain neighborhoods.

In the ad, mention your home address, date and time of your garage sale and any big or popular items you’ll be selling.

Open Your Sale Early

It’s best to open early, such as around seven in the morning a sales tend to taper off in the afternoon.

Don’t disappoint early shoppers who are typically your best buyers.

They have a busy schedule and a lot of stops to hit.

Open on time or even a few minutes before the time you advertised.

Make Plenty Of Signs To Guide Customers In

If your yard is difficult to see or is not on a main road, be sure to post signs pointing the way.

If allowed, attach a few balloons to it which will catch the attention of passing motorists.

Have Everything Labeled With Reasonable Prices

You’ll get some customers who try to haggle, but for most customers, not knowing the prices is a quick way to have them moving on to another sale.

Keep in mind that these shoppers are looking for a bargain and price accordingly.

You can individually label each item, or use an easily readable color-coded chart.

For instance, a blue sticker means 25 cents, red stickers mean 50 cents and yellow stickers mean $1.

Offer Specials At Different Points During The Garage Sale

You can offer a 2-for-1 sale or a twenty percent off special.

At the end of the day, you may want to have an unadvertised special such as fill a bag for $1 to get rid of as much as possible.

It’s always a good idea to have a “free box” for items that are already low-priced and don’t move during the first half of the sale.

Donate Leftovers

Make your life easier and do something for others by donating any items that don’t sell.

If you plan carefully, you can schedule a pick up by your local charitable organization at the end of your garage sale.

Garage sales are a great way to get the clutter and unused collection of items out of your house while recycling them at the same time.

Using these tips, you’re well on your way to having your best garage sale ever.

Thanks for stopping by and reading, commenting and sharing my blog: "Tips for Having the Best Garage Sale Ever."

This Active Rain post is by Mark Taylor, to get your free mortgage approval please call 602-361-0707. Please click on the links below to view my AWESOME websites!

Mark Taylor 15111 North Pima Road Scottsdale Arizona 85260 (602) 361-0707

Arizona Mortgage. Get a Home Loan quick and easy with The Mark Taylor Team! Home Purchases, Refinance, Short Sales, Foreclosures & More. We are the Arizona Mortgage experts.

Present Home Sales Indicate Value Increases Across America

Wed, 24 Apr 2013 08:06:19 -0700

The National Association of REALTORS® released its Existing Home Sales report for March on Monday.

Sales dipped from February’s seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.95 million to 4.92 million existing homes sold in March, a decrease of 0.6 percent month-to-month.

This reading was lower than Wall Street’s consensus of 5.03 million existing homes sold, but there is also good news.

Sales of existing homes are up by 10.3 percent as compared to March 2012.

Economists note that existing home sales have performed within a narrow range of 4.90 to 4.96 million since November 2012.

This illustrates the impact of lower numbers of existing homes available for purchase in AZ and around the country.

I thought it was very interesting that available homes for sale are at a low inventory status and there are also less and less distressed properties out there which continue to support rising home prices. With less great bargains availalbe, homeowner's leary of selling maybe more motivated to sell which could contribute to added inventory.

The National Association of Homebuilders Housing Market Index reports builder concerns including rising materials costs, tight construction credit and lack of available developed lots for building.

Demand for Homes, Fewer Distressed Properties Driving Median Home Price Gains

The national median price for existing homes was $184,300; this is an 11.8 percent increase over March 2012.

This was the largest year-over-year price increase since November 2005.

Low inventories of available homes for sale and fewer distressed properties on the market are supporting rising home prices.

Distressed home represented 21 percent of existing home sales in March, which was their lowest market share since data collection started in 2008.

Distressed home sales decreased from a 29 percent market share in March 2012.

With fewer “bargain-basement” homes on the market, homeowners waiting to sell may be more willing to list their homes which could add to the numbers of existing homes available.

Regional Median Home Prices Rise

Existing home sales declined in two of four U.S. regional markets, were unchanged in one market and rose in one market.

Sales of existing homes are calculated on an annual basis.

Northeast: Sales volume for March was unchanged at 630,000 homes sold annually. The median price is $237,000. This represents a year-over-increase of 6.8 percent since March 2012.

Midwest: Sales increased by 1.8 percent to 1.16 million homes. The median price rose to $141,800, an increase of 7.8 percent year-over-year.

South: Sales volume dropped by1.5 percent to 1.95 million homes. The median home price is $161,700. This is a 10.4 percent increase as compared to March 2012.

West: Sales volume declined by 1.7 percent to 1.18 million homes. This represents an increase of 4.4 percent in existing home sales over March 2012. The median home price in the West has risen by 26.1 percent year-over-year to $258,100. This dramatic increase is attributed by high demand for homes caused by very low home inventories.

While regional median home prices rose across the board in March, regional sales volumes were varied; this suggests that if there were more homes available, there would be more buyers.

Thanks for stopping by and reading, commenting and sharing my blog: "Present Home Sales Indicate Value Increases Across America."

This Active Rain post is by Mark Taylor, to get your free mortgage approval please call 602-361-0707. Please click on the links below to view my AWESOME websites!

Mark Taylor 15111 North Pima Road Scottsdale Arizona 85260 (602) 361-0707

Arizona Mortgage. Get a Home Loan quick and easy with The Mark Taylor Team! Home Purchases, Refinance, Short Sales, Foreclosures & More. We are the Arizona Mortgage experts.

Solar Power for your Home?, 5 Important Questions to Ask Before Investing

Tue, 23 Apr 2013 08:41:46 -0700

If you’ve been considering taking your home in a green direction, April is the perfect month to make an environmentally friendly update.

Installing a solar energy system may be a very smart way to help the environment.

Plus, solar panels turn sunlight into energy that can save you money!

The federal government and many states are now providing tax incentives and rebates for installing solar panels in 2013 which make this an excellent opportunity to go green this spring.

However, there are many installers that might not have the necessary experience, so be sure to ask the questions below when searching for your solar energy system.

I thought these topics could be useful to research before taking the solar energy plunge. Some things you may want to consider: Locating a reputable company, Annual output against the price, How long is the warranty?, Is there labor warranty offered? and Finally, determining the overall comprehensive cost. I hope these tips will help you make an educated decision.

How many solar panel systems have they installed?

You want to make sure to find a reputable company that has significant solar experience and has successfully completed at least 50 installations.

Ask for references before you sign anything.

What is the output in kWh per year?

Many times, solar panel brands will claim to be more efficient than others.

You’ll want to weigh the annual output against the price to determine what system is going to be the most cost effective for your Phoenix home.

It is important to note that you should do an energy audit to see how you are using the power in your home before sizing the solar power replacement system.

You may be able to install a significantly smaller, and less costly, system if you learn how you can cut your power consumption prior to installing your new solar panels.

How long is the warranty on the panels?

Most high quality solar panel systems have a warranty of at least 25 years.

Top-of-the-line panels usually guarantee an output of no less than 90 percent after ten years and no less than 80 percent after 25 years.

Be wary of any company whose panels don’t come with a warranty.

Do they include a warranty on labor?

Many states require a warranty on labor in order to receive your rebate.

Reputable installers should have no problem including at least a 10-year warranty.

What is the final price?

Don’t get separate pricing for the parts, labor and rebates. Get a comprehensive price, so you can directly compare the total cost and kWh per year among providers.

Also, pay attention to the difference between purchasing your solar power system versus the leasing options available.

Leasing has become popular due to the low — or possibly no– up-front cost, but most experts agree that purchasing the system leads to a quicker payoff and return on your investment.

Taking into consideration warranties and servicing fees, the outcome should be that you choose whoever can give you the most output at the best price.

Thanks for stopping by and reading, commenting and sharing my blog: "Solar Power for your Home?, 5 Important Questions to Ask Before Investing."

This Active Rain post is by Mark Taylor, to get your free mortgage approval please call 602-361-0707. Please click on the links below to view my AWESOME websites!

Mark Taylor 15111 North Pima Road Scottsdale Arizona 85260 (602) 361-0707

Arizona Mortgage. Get a Home Loan quick and easy with The Mark Taylor Team! Home Purchases, Refinance, Short Sales, Foreclosures & More. We are the Arizona Mortgage experts.

April 22, 2013 Mortgage Rates and What's Ahead This Week

Mon, 22 Apr 2013 08:06:54 -0700

Mortgage rates fell for the third consecutive week.

I hope you enjoy keeping up with the weekly mortgage rate update. It seems that mortgage rates decreased a bit this past week and it looks like part of it is attributed with recuded consumer spending. Overall, the good news is that housing starts rose by 7 percent from February and increased by 47 percent over March 2012 the highest year to year increase since 1992.

According to Freddie Mac, the average rate for a 30-year fixed rate mortgage fell by two basis points to 3.41 percent as compared to last week’s 3.43 percent and 3.90 percent year-over-year.

The average rate for a 15-year fixed rate mortgage was 2.64 percent as compared to last week’s 2.65 percent and 3.13 percent year-over-year.

Falling mortgage rates were attributed to reduced consumer spending.

Last week’s economic news includes the NAHB Wells Fargo Housing Market Index (HMI), with a reading of 42 for March.

This is four points below investor expectations and two points below February’s results.

A reading of 50 or above indicates that more of the builders surveyed have a positive outlook.

March results were impacted by builder concerns over tight builder credit, a lack of available lots and increasing construction costs.

Housing Starts Increased In March

More good news for housing arrived Tuesday when the U.S. Department of Commerce issued its monthly Housing Starts report.

Housing starts for March came in higher than anticipated at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 1.04 million, against a consensus of 933,000 and also beat February’s reported 968,000 housing starts.

Housing starts rose by 7 percent over February, and rose 47 percent over March 2012, the highest year-to-year increase since 1992.

The Federal Reserve issued its Beige Book Report which is compiled from reports by the 12 districts of the Federal Reserve.

5 districts reported moderate economic growth, 5 districts reported modest growth, and 2 reported slight economic growth.

Based on the data contained in the Beige Book Report, economists are not expecting the Fed to make changes to its current quantitative easing (QE) program of purchasing $85 billion monthly in bonds and MBS; this may help mortgage rates remain steady; when MBS prices fall, mortgage rates typically rise.

What‘s Coming Up Next

The National Association of REALTORS® releases its Existing Home Sales report for March today.

The consensus is for 5.03 million homes sold on a seasonally adjusted annual basis, and against February’s 4.98 million existing homes sold.

Tuesday brings more housing news with the FHFA Home Price Index for February; FHFA is the federal agency overseeing Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.

The U.S. Department of Commerce releases its New Home Sales for March on Tuesday.

The consensus is 421,000 new homes sold against February’s reading of 411,000 new homes sold.

Thursday’s Weekly Jobless claims are expected to come in at 351,000 as compared to last week’s 352,000.

Employment is a key factor in terms of consumers buying homes and qualifying for mortgage loans

Thanks for stopping by and reading, commenting and sharing my blog: "April 22, 2013 Mortgage Rates and What's Ahead This Week."

This Active Rain post is by Mark Taylor, to get your free mortgage approval please call 602-361-0707. Please click on the links below to view my AWESOME websites!

Mark Taylor 15111 North Pima Road Scottsdale Arizona 85260 (602) 361-0707

Arizona Mortgage. Get a Home Loan quick and easy with The Mark Taylor Team! Home Purchases, Refinance, Short Sales, Foreclosures & More. We are the Arizona Mortgage experts.

4 Tips To Ensure Your House Sells Quickly at Top Dollar

Fri, 19 Apr 2013 08:18:08 -0700

Selling a house in the current market can be tricky, but there are certain mistakes an owner can make that will cause a Mesa home to sit still without a decent offer and cause the listing to go stale.

In order to prevent that from happening, make sure you are not making one of the following mistakes when putting your property on the market.

Please enjoy the following tips to help assure your house is in tip top seller shape. You will be glad you did once you receive a faster borrower offer at top dollar.

While your home may hold sentimental value, many times that value does not translate into dollars.

Be realistic about your asking price and know the details about your current market.

Look at the list price of similar houses on the market to get a rough idea of what you should ask for your property.

Make special note of the actual closing sales price as well as the time on market and listing to sales price ratio.

A licensed real estate agent can provide these details as well as give you their expert opinion based on experience and comparable properties.

Neglecting Repairs

Glaring problems with a property will cause the buyer to think the home was not properly maintained.

While it may cost some money, repairing things like holes in the walls, broken light fixtures or missing tiles can change a buyer’s entire attitude about a property.

Ask for help if you aren’t comfortable doing these things yourself.

A real estate professional will have a whole list of qualified referrals who they trust to help you get things fixed up.

Ignoring Curb Appeal

Overgrown and unweeded yards can cause potential buyers to drive right by.

Also, having junk in the front of your house or peeling paint can deter someone from considering the property.

Step across the street and take an honest look at your house – and then make necessary adjustments.

Fixing these items may be as easy as one weekend day of clean up and a little elbow grease.

And even though it’s not expensive to fix these issues, it can make thousands of dollars difference in the sale of your home.

Creating Or Allowing Foul Odors

Odorous foods, pet dander and the smell of smoke can be extremely distasteful to buyers.

Even if you are used to the smell, others entering your house will not be.

Make sure you air out the house, smoke only outdoors, and put away the litter boxes before an open house or showing.

Also, ask someone who isn’t at your home often to come in and give it a smell test.

Brutal honesty here might hurt a little bit, but it’s a lot better than allowing this problem to prevent a quicker sale of your home.

Without even realizing they’re sabotaging a potential sale, homeowners can make several mistakes when first trying to sell their home.

To find out what you can do to make your property really stand out to potential buyers, please call a licensed real estate professional.

Thanks for stopping by and reading, commenting and sharing my blog: "4 Tips To Ensure Your House Sells Quickly at Top Dollar."

This Active Rain post is by Mark Taylor, to get your free mortgage approval please call 602-361-0707. Please click on the links below to view my AWESOME websites!

Mark Taylor 15111 North Pima Road Scottsdale Arizona 85260 (602) 361-0707

Arizona Mortgage. Get a Home Loan quick and easy with The Mark Taylor Team! Home Purchases, Refinance, Short Sales, Foreclosures & More. We are the Arizona Mortgage experts.

5 Awesome Open House Real Estate Questions To Ask

Thu, 18 Apr 2013 08:21:55 -0700

An open house gives you a great opportunity to look more closely at Phoenix real estate you might be interested in buying.

It also affords you the chance to chat with the owner or real estate agent so you can bring up any issues or hesitations you have with the home.

Knowing what to ask can be difficult, so below are examples of questions to ask at the next open house you attend.

I thought these tips would be quite helpful when going to your next open house. It is especially important to do your due diligence to make sure you are making the right house buying decision and also to help you negotiate a better offer.

Why has the seller decided to sell now?

If you ask why the seller is moving, you could learn valuable information to help determine your offer — or possibly whether or not you want to buy the home.

Knowing whether the owners are about to go into foreclosure, have experienced trouble in the neighborhood, or if they’ve retired and completely paid off the home can help you understand how urgently they need to sell their property.

Has the seller had any other offers?

Don’t forget that you are not only negotiating with the seller for a price, you are also competing with other potential buyers.

It really helps to know what you are up against.

It is important to understand that you might not get a 100% straight answer to this question as most sellers know that competition – or perceived competition – can cause a potential buyer to move forward more quickly and at a higher price.

If you’re comfortable in this discussion, you might want to try and see if you can find out the details of any other offers.

Does the property have special ownership costs?

Ask the agent or owner about the other costs associated with owning the property, such as Home Owners Association fees within a condo complex or a gated community.

It’s important to know about these extra expenses in advance so you can make an informed offer.

You may also want to ask about any pending litigation concerning the property. Litigation is not always a deal killer, but it’s better to know the details before you sign closing documents.

What furniture and appliances are being sold with the house?

Most of the time, a seller will include their major appliances such as the refrigerator, stove and dishwasher with the home, but this isn’t always the case.

If you don’t already have these items, it’s important to know whether they are included in the purchase price.

Is there anything else that you want to leave with the home?

This is an important question to ask. Especially if there are specific things in the home that you have a strong interest in.

Perhaps there is custom art work or a pool table that fits perfectly in the game room.

The seller may be eager to part with those items and include them in the sale of the home or sell them at a large discount.

The open house is a great opportunity to learn more about a home before making the decision to buy it, so be sure you ask the right questions.

Thanks for stopping by and reading, commenting and sharing my blog: "5 Awesome Open House Real Estate Questions To Ask."

This Active Rain post is by Mark Taylor, to get your free mortgage approval please call 602-361-0707. Please click on the links below to view my AWESOME websites!

Mark Taylor 15111 North Pima Road Scottsdale Arizona 85260 (602) 361-0707

Arizona Mortgage. Get a Home Loan quick and easy with The Mark Taylor Team! Home Purchases, Refinance, Short Sales, Foreclosures & More. We are the Arizona Mortgage experts.