Payson, Pine & Strawberry, AZ Real Estate Information

I Love My Home Too Much To.....

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 23:45:08 -0600

As I sat in the beauty shop the other night (I don't seem to have enough time to get it cut while the sun shines) my hair dresser was commenting on her condo and the trials she has been through with the economy the way it is and trying to make her payments on time.

Her condo is an apartment community conversion. Nothing really special...except to her. As she began to tell me how hard it has been for the last 18 months to keep making her mortgage payments and how she had been working with her lender to work out some payment arrangements when the unthinkable happened. A foreclosure notice was posted on her door.

As the story went, it was a 3-day holiday weekend and she had to wait 3 full days to call the lender and get the whole process stopped. The tears welled up in her eyes and her voice had a little catch in it as she told me how much her home meant to her. That she loved her home and it wasn't just four walls. It was her everything. Her security. Her comfort.

I asked what her equity position was. I loved her reply. "The unit beside me sold for 1/2 of what I owe on mine. But I'd never willingly give it up even though I owe twice what it is worth."

I almost teared up when I heard that. My passion is finding "homes" for people just like her. She made my day!

Those Vicious Pansy Eating Pigs!

Sun, 08 Nov 2009 00:19:15 -0600

Those Vicious Pansy Eating Pigs!

What do Pansies and Javelina Pigs have to do with each other?

Nothing, I wish. Every fall I plant lovely pots of Pansies to adorn my front yard. They are the only flower that I know of that can withstand the freezing and thaw of winter. You can sometimes find the flowers sticking out of the snow just blooming like crazy all winter long.

That is until the javelina pigs come through my yard in the dark of night searching for some tasty morsel of food.

The first year I planted lots of purple, blue and some yellow flowers. Their grunts would awaken me as they moved among the flower pots outside my bedroom window on cold winter nights. I'd rub the sleep from my eyes and just cringe as I heard the clatter of clay pots as they nibbled their way through my garden.

The next morning I'd survey the damage. As I replanted several times that first year I began to realize they only eat the blue and purple pansies. Hummmmmmmm. They don't like yellow ones. How interesting. I tasted each color myself but could not tell any difference in taste.

But you know what? I have only yellow pansies this year. Think I might have outsmarted those little rascals? Oh, I hope so.

The Mogollon Rim Is Payson's Backdrop

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 23:47:50 -0600

The Mogollon Rim is Payson's Backdrop.

Driving from Scottsdale on Highway 87 North, you'll find yourself right in the geographic center of the state, 4000 feet higher than Phoenix, and fifteen to twenty degrees cooler...no matter what time of year.

You're in the "Rim Country," a four-season vacation getaway that's well off the beaten path. Before you is a spectacular geological formation known as The Mogollon Rim (pronounced Muggy-own).
Once inhabited by the ancient Anasazi, this gargantuan 7000 foot high escarpment bisects the state from west to east for almost two hundred miles, and towers above the communities of Payson, Pine, Strawberry, Kohl's Ranch and Christopher Creek.

The Mogollon Rim marks the Southern edge of the Colorado Plateau. The plateau extends North and East into Utah, Colorado and New Mexico.

In our area the Rim is a result of uplift along the North side of an East - West trending fault and the removal of about 2500 ft. of Paleozoic age sedimentary rocks from the uplifted edge of the plateau.

Tonto Natural Bridge State Park Reopens

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 23:27:48 -0600

Tonto Natural Bridge State Park reopens after being closed seven months for park repairs. Beginning November 15, 2009 the park will transition to a five-day-per-week schedule and will be open Thursday thru Monday, 9-5 p.m.

The bridge is a geological 183-foot-high bridge which is made of travertine. The spectacular waterfall that drips from the bridge drops down into a 400-ft.-long-tunnel created by Pine Creek. Tonto National Bridge is located 10 miles north of Payson, AZ, on Hwy 87. Park entrance fee is only $4 per person. Children 7-13 are charged $1.

Home for Sale in Payson, Arizona Just Reduced

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 23:31:25 -0600

Home for sale in Payson, Arizona just reduced. Listed at $376,200.00

Located on a quiet cul-e-sac in an very nice established neighborhood is only one of the many benefits of this well maintained home. Expansive decks, finished basement, stone fireplace and well maintained are all terms that descripe this 3,900 sq. ft. home. The owners have moved on to better things, so this home is ready for immediate move in. Call Sandra Scott @ Four Seasons Realty to view this property.

First Snow in 2009 for Payson, Arizona 85541

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 22:49:52 -0500

First snow in 2009 in Payson, Arizona left much to be desired.

I heard it was coming! I got out my down jacket, snow boots, gloves and knitted cap. Then I went to Wal-Mart shopping.

When I started to exit, the Greeter announced "It's snowing in Payson, Arizona!" I ran out like a fool, looking at the sky and dragging my groceries behind.

Such a sight! At least 3 snow flakes streaked across the glow from the parking lot lights as my eager eyes looked for the mass of white stuff that dream are made of. Where is the snowman material?

But NO! Only a few flakes swirled in the night air as I ran to my car clutching my light jacket close to my body. #%$*&!

Foiled again. No collection of snow to ensure that school will be dismissed tomorrow, no collection of snow to drape across our Mogollon Rim, no collection of snow to watch the birds play in tomorrow morning. Just a few flakes swirling in the stinking parking lot lights at Wal-Mart and melting as they hit the concrete.

%$#!: I WANT SNOW!

Geronimo Estates in Payson, Arizona

Sun, 18 Oct 2009 10:34:59 -0500

Geronimo Estates in Payson, Arizona is a very small remote community surrounded by thousands of acres of National Forest. Located just off the Forest Service Road 64, it is South of Pine Arizona and North of Payson. Webber Creek (a seasonal creek) runs through the lower portion, with some homes backing to the creek.

From Payson, go North on Hw 87 through Payson. Turn East on Houston Mesa Rd (FR 199). Bear right when the pavement ends (about 10 miles) and travel about 6 miles to Geronimo Estates sign. Turn left and travel approimately 1 mile. You can take Hwy 87 toward Pine. Turn right onto FR 199 (3 miles short of Pine). Go 6 miles to Geronimo Estates Sign. Turn right and go approximately 1 mile.

Mountain view properties abound and the price range for homes and land range from the low's $40,000 to over $800,000. Deer and elk abound and the Ponderosa Pines stretch to the sky. Lovely forested mountains and wilderness can be seen from any location in Geronimo Estates. If you want remote, this is the place!

Homes for Sale In East Verde Estates, Payson Arizona

Sun, 18 Oct 2009 10:06:47 -0500

Homes for sale in East Verde Estates, Payson, Arizona are selling well.

Go North through Payson on Hwy. 87. Drive about 6 miles and look for the East Verde Estates directional sign on your right. Turn West and cross the bridge over the East Verde River. The community is about 1/10 mile further. Home prices range from the high $150,000 to $500,000.

This seemingly remote community of only a hundred or so homes is such a wonderful place to live full time, or purchase for a second home. East Verde Estates is a place where you can live & play, enjoying nature's bounty and the association of friends and neighbors.

East Verde Estates is nestled in the Tonto National Forest 5 miles north of Payson, Arizona. One reason people buy in East Verde is their love of animals and the forest. Living in East Verde, wildlife becomes a part of your life.

The experience can be very rewarding such as bird watching, observing raccoons, coyotes, javelina, deer, skunks and mountain lions. For $50 a year (HOA fee), you can attend many special events, utilize the clubhouse and browse in our own Library

Rim Country Literacy Annual Book Sale

Sun, 18 Oct 2009 08:35:22 -0500

Rim Country Literacy Annual Book Sale was held on Saturday, October 17, 2009. Piles of gently used books of every description and topic have been pouring into our local office for the past 12 months in anticipation of Saturday's event. The funds raised are used to further Rim Literacy's outreach to the citizens of Payson who would benefit from tapping into the great wealth of knowledge and experience our volunteers freely share.

Two of our current prograns include tutoring for GED and one-on-one help in learning English as a second language. We are currently helping students with Tonga, Russian, Italian, German, Korean, and Spanish. Quite a diverse collection of needs for a small town of only 15,000 fine, upstanding citizens. Literacy also has an outreach program in the local elementary schools for story telling. The youngsters have a lot of fun listening to our volunteers sharing stories of great adventure in the big, big world they don't yet know.

So if you have a few books to donate to a worthy cause, we'll have another one next year. Always held in the Wal-Mart parking lot on Hwy. 87 on a Saturday morning in the middle of October. Come and select as many books as you can carry away and simply make a donation of any amount. Read them and we'll take them back as a donation next year and recycle them back into our community

Oldest home in Payson, Arizona

Wed, 07 Oct 2009 22:43:35 -0500

The oldest home in Payson, Arizona is sod and was built in 1882. It can be seen at 505A W Main St. And was built of mud to make sure it would not be burned down in an indian attack.

Payson, AZ, is located just 80 miles north of Scottsdale and is surrounded by 3.9 million acres of National Forest.

Payson was founded around 1870. and has an elevation of 5,000 ft.

A River Runs Through The National Forest

Sun, 27 Sep 2009 17:37:32 -0500

A river runs through the National Forest on my way to one of my remote listings in Geronimo Estates. Lucky me gets to drive through the East Verde River as it runs South towards Phoenix every time I go out to check my flier box. Sometimes there are elk or deer drinking when I pass by. Today I could see fish jumping near the banks. Too peaceful...

Strawberry Hollow Lot For Sale, Pine, Arizona

Tue, 22 Sep 2009 00:16:03 -0500

Strawberry Hollow Lot For Sale

Some clients of mine came up this weekend and wanted to look at all lots in Strawberry Hollow. They have a vision of building a log cabin large to gather the entire family on holidays.

So I began pulling all the listings in the subdivision along with plat maps and County records on the property. There are only six for sale, so it didn't take very long. But the thing that began to take shap in my mind was how one property was like a little jewel, sparkling so much brighter than the others.

The perfect view, tall pines on the lot and located on a cul-de-sac. And priced at only $130,000 it did appear to be priced competatively. And such an easy build...OK, maybe I should buy it myself.

Jake's Corner and Tonto Basin, AZ 85553

Mon, 21 Sep 2009 23:54:01 -0500

Jake's Corner and Tonto Basin are a joy to visit.

Located 15 miles South of Payson, just 3 miles South from where Hwy 188 and Hwy 87 intersect is a tiny little bump in the road called Jake's Corner. If you saw Jake's Corner, The Movie you'll recognize the buildings and even some of the "regulars" who played themselves in the movie.

You'll miss Jake's Corner if you blink, so hold those eyes wide open and you'll see some interesting things. Jake's Corner appears to be a bar (Jake's Corner Bar, of course), a grocery store and a small RV Park. But it is much, much more.

During the settling of Arizona, it was one stop on the stage coach line from Phoenix to Flagstaff. I can just imagine the weary, dusty travelers who were ready for some dinner and maybe a glass of fresh buttermilk when that stagecoach pulled up to the Jake's Corner stop.

Old Fort Reno is just down the road and you can still see the rock wall the soldiers built for one of the dwellings.

Hwy 188 then meanders South through Punkin Center, Tonto Basin and past Roosevelt Lake on its way to Globe. If you'll look sharply after passing the lake and you'll see Indian ruins off to your right half hidden in the low hills. Quite a nice ride, especially on a Harley.

Be sure to stop along the way and enjoy the majestic cliffs that are a backdrop to Lake Roosevelt and wave back to the friendly folks that will be waving to you as they pass.

How Can I Buy Second Home in Payson Arizona

Mon, 07 Sep 2009 11:06:44 -0500

I've been attending some renewal hour classes this last month and have learned a few "trick of the trade" so to speak to get some loans done that I thought were out of the questions.

FHA seems to be the loan flavor of the month, and many lenders are conducting classes to teach REALTORS some of the possibilities with these loans...got to capture those buyers with any rope available.

The newest angle is to purchase a second home with an FHA loan. Although FHA says you can't have TWO FHA loans, there are some exceptions. One of them goes like this...if only one spouse in the union owns the primary residence (the second spouse is not on the loan or on title). And providing that the second spouse can qualify for the loan without counting the income of the other, they can get a loan on the second home through FHA. Slick!

Payson, Arizona is a second home community just one hour north of Phoenix with a climate of four mild seasons. Population is 15,000 wonderful folks, surrounded by 3.9 million acres of Ponderosa Pines and tucked just under the Mogollon Rim. Hiking, camping, fishing, and just relaxing are our primary attractions. So you guys that are suffering from the heat just south of us, come on up! Great prices on second homes in Payson and the selection is fantastic.

When you're buying or selling real estate, don't forget to remember me!

At Last! Financial Help to Buy a Home in Payson, AZ

Wed, 26 Aug 2009 16:05:22 -0500

Last month I ran across a great Loan Officer, Mark Paliscak, with AmeriFirst, 10625 N. Frank Lloyd Wright Boulevard, Scottsdale, AZ 85259. They are Mortgage Bankers (not Mortgage Broker). As a banker, they can underwrite their own loans, draw documents and also fund their own loans. Each one of these steps only takes one business day since they are "the bank".

What this means to you, the borrower, is that they can get your loan closed without delays that most Brokers are experiencing. I asked him to highlight one of the programs they are authorized to offer through Fannie Mae in hopes that one of you might be able to use it as an option for financing your new home. Mark was kind enough to outline the loan program below:

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Home Path Mortgage

We now have an exciting new program sponsored by Fannie Mae called Home Path Mortgage. The program was designed by Fannie Mae as a financing option to help facilitate Fannie Mae's Real Estate owned REO properties and to support market stabilization. The program will definitely help Real Estate agents sell more homes as the program allows for approvals for clients that we previously could not get approved. I have listed some of the highlights of the program below:

Eligible properties must be owned by Fannie Mae as a result of a foreclosure or deed in lieu of foreclosure and be designated by Fannie Mar as eligible for a Home Path Mortgage.
There is no appraisal required! No more worrying about the condition or if the property will meet value! No appraisal, No worries.
Mortgage Insurance is not required for LoanToValue's greater than 80%!
All occupancy types are accepted.... Owner occupancy, second homes and investment homes.
Down Payment as low as 3%. Second homes to 90% LTV!
The program accepts credit scores starting at 580.
Seller can contribute up to 6% of buyer's closing costs on owner occupied homes and second homes.

*********************************************************************************

Using this loan will allow you to avoid the high price of up-front FHA Mortgage Insurance and a monthly MI payment while avoiding the issues that can arise from an appraisal. I encourage you to call Mark at: Tel: 480.289.7630; Cell: 602.526.7478 or Cell: 928.242.7487 to learn more about the program and how it can work best for you!

To get a free list of these bank owned properties in Payson, Arizona, give Sandra Scott a call at

928-978-9047.

http://www.paysonarizonamls.com

IRS Helps You Buy A Home In Payson

Wed, 26 Aug 2009 14:58:43 -0500

The IRS never ceases to amaze me. Just when I think I've seen it all, something really cool appears from nowhere!

Now you can look to the IRS to help you figure out how to access the $8,000 stimulus money to buy a home in Payson! What are big brothers for anyway....

http://www.youtube.com/irsvideos will take you to their new YouTube site to learn everything you ever wanted to know about the 2009 First-Time Home Buyers money, tax information in general, AND the videos are in English, Multilingual, and American Sign Language. They are so politically correct!

One video will guide you if you decide to make a career move and want to join the IRS as an employee. WOW....

I can't wait to watch all these videos some night when CSI is into reruns. Go YouTube!

http://www.paysonarizonamls.com

First Time Home Buyer Seminar

Wed, 05 Aug 2009 00:15:54 -0500

As the deadline draws near for the $8,000 Stimulas Package money, I thought we at Four Seasons Realty had better make one final push to bring in some First Time Buyers and find them a home!

So, Four Seasons Realty is sponsoring a free First Time Home Buyher Seminar at our office at 102 E. Main Street in Payson Arizona on Saturday, August 22, 2009.

A mortgage broker will be available to pre-qualify the buyers and a title officer will be present to walk them through the "buying" process.

Flyers featuring homes in their price range will be available for the attendees to browse thru and agents will be standing by to show homes they might be interested in seeing.

We at Four Seasons Realty are excited to be able to make the dream of home ownership a bit more real to the wonderful families in Payson.

So, as they say, YA'LL COME! It will be a lot of fun.

http://www.paysonarizonamls.com

A Great Rainy Saturday in Strawberry, AZ

Sun, 26 Jul 2009 10:44:30 -0500

The Monsoons have moved into the Rim Country. We're getting those fabulous thunderstorms and very wet rain off the Mogollon Rim almost every afternoon now.

Yesterday I worked with a great couple from the Valley and it was about 1:00 as we finished looking at the lots we had selected to view that the rains began. Since we were in Strawberry, we took refuge in the Strawberry Lodge. http://www.strawberry-lodge.com/

Their homemade pies were too tempting, so we order a few and dove in. I can't tell you whether the buttermilk, cherry, kiwi, or fresh strawberry was the best. I will say that none was left and we all felt sick afterward.

Of course we blamed it on the basket of fries that we polished off (yes, on top of the pie!) before we paid the bill and struggled out the door. We swore never to tell anyone under the age of 12 that these "adults" had eaten so irresponsibly. It was great eating and FUN, so don't miss the Strawberry Lodge when you visit Strawberry, Arizona. Yummmmmmmm.

Sandra Scott
http://www.paysonarizonamls.com

First Annual Cowboy Poetry and Storytelling in Payson, AZ

Fri, 17 Jul 2009 18:25:22 -0500

Mark your calendar -- AUGUST 11, 2009 - 5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Green Valley Park (bring a blanket to sit on) Scoops will be selling ice cream. Yummm.

As part of Payson's 125th Annual Rodeo events, our own RIM COUNTRY LITERACY is sponsoring a FUN raiser. The event is free to the public, but a hat will be passed because it is a fund raising event for Literacy.

You'll enjoy hearing stories, listening to the lyrics of country music and enjoy the powerful mental images created by the cowboy poetry.

Expect to enjoy the best of Jinx Pyle, Carol LaValley, Noble Collins, and Ed Armer along with several musicians from Ole Sons of the Pioneer and Billie Acheta form Junction 87.

Buckshot Dot will close the evening with her hilarious antics. So don't miss a minute of it.

COME LAUGH ENJOY!

Payson Arizona Owner Financing Available

Wed, 15 Jul 2009 22:51:21 -0500

1209 N. Hillcrest Court in the lovely Alpine Heights area of Payson, Arizona has some GREAT new terms.

The owners have agreed to offer the following terms:

10% down with good credit
5 - 6% (depending on credit score) interest only on a 7 years balloon
Buyers may make additional principle payments without penalty

Price - $399,850
Square Footage - Almost 4,000
4 bedrooms, 3 baths
Two Story with Walk out basement
New Roof in 2007
Large over-sized garage
Dog Run
Storage Shed
Better Neighborhood

See more information about 1209 N. Hillcrest Circle, Payson, AZ 85541 here

Christopher Creek Arizona's newest residents

Wed, 15 Jul 2009 22:00:02 -0500

Payson Real Estate Market Today

Mon, 13 Jul 2009 12:55:05 -0500

July 20, 2009 Payson Arizona Area Real Estate Update

Homes are becoming more affordable as the selling season flies through the summer months in Payson, Arizona.

The Central Arizona MLS covers an area from Tonto Basin to Forest Lakes to Strawberry, Payson and all communities within that general area.

Residential Sales Statistics:

1,196 homes are currently listed
222 homes have sold in 2009

Currently there is a 3-Year inventory on the market. And prices continue to slide downward monthly by 3 to 4%.

The Good news is that homes are becoming more Affordable in today's market than they were two years ago.

And Remember, the $8,000 first time homebuyer's stimulas money is available, but you must close the transaction before December 1, 2009 to qualify. Sometimes the $8,000 can be used as downpayment!

NOTE: The definition of First Time Homebuyer is anyone who has not owned a home in the last 3 years.

Call me today. Let's go shopping!

Sandra Scott
Four Seasons Realty
928-978-9047

http://www.PaysonArizonaMLS.com

New Christopher Creek Residents

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 00:48:35 -0500

FOUR SEASONS REALTY has opened their second office in the last two years. Our main office is at 102 E. Main St. in the log cabin on the corner of Main and Hwy. 87 in Payson. Our new office is located on the Christopher Creek loop in the cute green and tan building in the same parking lot as the Creekside Restaurant.

Christopher Creek has long been a destination for residents of the Phoenix area since it is only a one-hour drive to Payson and another 20 minutes to Christopher Creek. The young at heart seeking a forest outing enjoy the hiking trails, Fish Hatchery, fishing in the rim lakes, and just listening to the wind blowing through the largest stand of Ponderosa pines in the world. And what a great location to escape the heat of the valley for a weekend.

Rental cabins are available in the area, but camping is probably the best way to experience the forest in all it's glory. I've been logging some time there the last few weeks, waiting for buyers and sellers to discover we're open for business. Lots of nice folks have come in looking for maps to various locations in the area and to pick up our color fliers on properties that are for sale in that general area. Seems that everyone would like a cabin in Christoper Creek.

A wonderful happening occurred last Saturday as I sat in our office doing my endless paperwork that is involved in this real estate career of mine. I heard a sharp screeching sound outside...so I got up and looked out the front door. To my surprise, a tiny little flycatcher mama bird was calling to her nest of babies located on top of the railing post by our front steps. She called and called to them, but wouldn't venture any nearer than a branch near our flier box.

Being the camera buff and bird lover that I am, out came my camera along with a chair to climb up on for a better shot and clilck, click, click...I had a wonderful shot of the 4 little ones she was so worried about. They look like Flycatchers but I'm not sure. I had to leave work early that day as she would not feed her babies with me so near. Come by and see the clan for yourself. But hurry, they're growing fast.

Sandra Scott
http://www.PaysonArizonaMLS.com

$8,000 Tax Credit For Down Payments -- Where did it go?

Thu, 14 May 2009 15:20:57 -0500

Looks like the bread crumbs on the path to home ownership for "First Time Buyers" just got eaten up by the big bad wolf. The Mortgagee Letter 2009-15 that was giving us all hope that FINALLY our government was "getting" that homeowners need to use that money for their downpayment was withdrawn.

As in GONE! As in Disappeared! As in, was it really ever there anyway? The thought that keeps running thru my mind is this: If the goverment is writing the guidelines for how the $8,000 tax credit can be used, why don't they read the guidelines of where FHA will allow "funds" to come from?

I slept soundly last night, just knowing that all was well in my REALTOR world. Only to be slapped down this morning....so I'm going fishing instead. In one of our Rim Lakes no less. Bass, rainbow trout, worms, bobbers, the sounds of wind blowing thru the ponderosa pines sounds good to me.

My mind is too confused to try to figure out all this $8,000 stuff. I need rest, seclusion, and a tug on my line. Anyone else up for the trip?

See Payson's Rim Lakes
http://www.PaysonArizonaMLS.com

Use the $8,000 Tax Credit For Down Payment Money? When?

Wed, 13 May 2009 18:34:08 -0500

WOW! Talk about exciting...Shaun Donovan, Secretary of HUD says that FHA is currently working on a proposal that will involve people being able to use the $8,000 tax credit as a down payment.

Definition of a "First Time Buyers" is anyone (or their spouse) that has not owned a home in the last 3 years qualifies. The lender will essentially qualify the buyer and then issues the 8k as a credit that is then refunded to them by the government. Click on the link above to read his entire speach.

Search all of Payson Real Estate Here:
http:www.PaysonArizonaMLS.com