Buy a Chandler AZ HomeSteps Home from Freddie Mac - 02/28/09 09:01 AM
If you are a first-time homeowners and interested in buying Phoenix AZ real estate, I have to suggest looking at Freddie Mac owned real estate marketed by HomeSteps.
Short sales are flooding the market confusing buyers on the difference between lender owned real estate and ‘pending lender approved real estate.
HomeSteps make the process easy, and most importantly attentive to buyer offers.  Freddie Mac is not in the business of buying and selling real estate. Because of the economy, ie., high unemployment, declining real estate prices, and lack of available loans to borrowers, Freddie Mac, by default is now in the … (1 comments)

Taking money from an retirement account to pay debt poses problems - 02/28/09 01:00 AM
Americans are well known for their infatuation with debt and their inability to save. However, there have been two places that Americans have managed to save to accumulate wealth. do not take a heloc to pay off other debt
* The first is their primary residence, their home (believe it or not).
* The second is in retirement plans such as IRA and 401Ks.
The primary reasons these investment vehicles have been successful amongst the free spending is that they are both forced savings plans. People will pay their mortgage first. Before any bills.
If you have a fixed rate mortgage … (6 comments)

4 Reasons to Buy a new construction home - 02/27/09 04:25 PM
Phoenix AZ real estate is made up of new home developments that sprouted up during the real estate ‘gold rush’ of 2001-2005. In
fact, I would argue that Phoenix AZ real estate leads the country in the number of new home builders who have come here to develop land.
As a result, the choice between resale and new home construction is difficult. Although,, I have argued very good reasons for both, it seem lately the advantages weigh in favor of new home construction.
There are many pros and some cons to both choices.
However, are 4 Reasons to Buy a new … (5 comments)

less buyers and more sellers, Make your home Stand out - 02/26/09 11:15 PM
The question I have been asked quite a bit lately from sellers is , “Should I Stage my house” in order to sell it at a better price and more quickly?
  Before I answer that question, you should know more about the
A-B-C’s and 1-2-3’s of Home staging by Craig Schiller who is the Founder of one the premier home staging companies in the country.
In great detail, he outlines the 2 steps ,
1) prepping the home, making sure the home is in physically presentable condition and 2) staging the home.
In today’s challenging market with less buyers and … (7 comments)

Hold a Raffle to sell your Gilbert AZ home! - 02/26/09 10:53 AM
We all read the news. We know the stock market is struggling. Likely, if you read this blog, you are more concerned with the Phoenix AZ real estate market. And, for the most part Phoenix AZ real estate and Scottsdale Real estate is selling, but slowly.
It is a challenge for homeowners to sell a home at fair market value as sellers are (in most places) competing with short sales, foreclosures and bank owned homes (REO). These types of listings are priced at significant discount to resale market prices as a net amount a sale is less important to banks and … (6 comments)

Finance 101: Buy Low and Sell High - 02/25/09 08:54 PM
You have all heard the investment phrase, ‘Buy Low Sell High’. Buy ( Real Estate ) Low - Sell High.
However, how do you actually do that?
at least when it comes to buying real estate as in East Valley (Maricopa County) Real Estate. Let me tell you story which might help shed some light on this investing “ Holy Grail ” “
Finance 101 will often tell you that, “the best time to buy is when opportunities are created out of seller necessity.
A couple I have worked with for some time, just bought a home straight out of a … (6 comments)

like it or not, .... Loan Modification is here to stay - 02/25/09 09:54 AM
There is a lot of news about loan modifications. In fact, due to the decline in home prices of Phoenix AZ real estate, we are a national leader in loan modifications.
On Monday, Citigroup says it is imposing a moratorium on most foreclosures as part of a series of initiatives aimed at helping at-risk borrowers.
Previously, Bank of America halted foreclosures in California and more then 2,000 homes in greater Phoenix.
JPMorgan Chase & Co. won’t put any more homes into foreclosure for the next 90 days while it implements a plan to help borrowers stay in their homes.
Yesterday, and … (4 comments)

Toll Brothers Phoenix AZ - great homes better prices - 02/24/09 01:09 PM
After you have made the decision to buy new home construction from a Scottsdale AZ new home builder or Phoenix AZ new home builder, you have to decide which builder from whom to purchase.
Again, choices range from large builders like Pulte, KB Homes, Lennar, Shea Homes and Engle to smaller luxury new home builder , Camelot Homes.
One of the builders that is offering great homes at even better prices is Toll Brothers.
The are currently running a sales special called the Toll Brothers New Home Expo. The Toll Brothers New Home Expo is this Saturday (today) and Sunday only.
… (1 comments)

5 Phoenix AZ Real Estate Investing Ideas you Must Know - 02/23/09 07:17 PM
According to a recent RealtyTrac report, Phoenix AZ foreclosures have risen more then 25% in the last year.
In fact, more then half of all sales in greater Phoenix AZ (Maricopa County) are foreclosure sales. As a result, Phoenix AZ real estate prices have dropped more than 31% according to the S&P|Case Shiller Index.
What does all this bad news mean to you??
Well, struggling real estate sales can be great news if you are a home buyer or Phoenix AZ real estate or Scottsdale AZ real estate investor.
Usually, cliche’s like ‘be careful of sharks who smell blood in the … (4 comments)

I love sundays - 02/22/09 10:42 AM
. I am not sure why there is no TGIG, or I hate monday type of saying or cliche' for I love Sundays. Mabe, that is it , ILS. Maybe a new entry to the lexicon of American language. Like Will Smith, lets' get "Jiggy".
Anyway, I digress with my delusion of grandeur. :)
I love Sundays becuase it is the only day that I can wake up, take my dog on as long as a walk as he would like (which is forever) , drink coffee out of a mug; not an adult "sippy cup", and read the Sunday edition … (4 comments)

Make Money while Phoenix AZ real estate declines in value - 02/21/09 09:49 AM
Most people are suffering as a result of a decline in Phoenix AZ real estate. In fact today, according to RealtyTrac, More than 300,000 U.S. homes received at least one foreclosure-related notice in Jan, an increase of 5 percent over the year before. The number of homeowners caught in the wave of foreclosures in October grew 25 percent nationally.
Is there a way to make money while Phoenix AZ real estate prices continue to decline?  The answer is yes. Well , indirectly.
About 2 years ago, the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (think New York Stock Exchange for commodities) started trading futures contracts … (3 comments)

Bring back 100% financing for phoenix real estate az - 02/20/09 09:43 AM
ok, I have your attention.
Unfortunately, or fortunately, depending on your view of the problem with the credit crisis, 100% is not back. Phoenix AZ real estate is still in a decline and lenders still do not want to lend until either prices stabilize or to the most credit worthy buyer with large down payments. As a result, 100% financing has not made a comeback. It is not even on the board for discussion.
However, I have what you might call radical suggestion that may get the Phoenix AZ real estate market moving again.
Foremost, I don’t believe lowering interest rates … (4 comments)

Scottsdale AZ real estate Agents: Please Do not list short sales - 02/19/09 05:12 PM
I received a phone call this morning from a successful Scottsdale AZ real estate agent that I want to share.
She had read my on-going series of short sale nightmares which are horror stories that buyers and sellers have experienced dealing with short sales and bank owned properties.
I have also been a loud voice and advocate calling for a ban on all short sales that are not actually approved short sales. She called to share a story that I will outline in her words.
“Greed is what created this mess and greed is continuing…….Common fellow agents…I am so frustrated by … (4 comments)

CityNorth at Desert Ridge in Phoenix AZ - 02/19/09 09:01 AM
After years of thoughtful planning, we are delighted to present all of the dynamic elements that will define the CityCenter of CityNorth.
Experience the vision for the largest mixed-use development in Arizona’s history, a co-development of Related Companies and the Thomas J. Klutznick Company.
CityNorth is a unique destination that will incorporate engaging public spaces and world-class architecture to provide a sophisticated and convenient lifestyle for residents and visitors. Like other celebrated cities of the world,
CityNorth will feature distinctive neighborhoods, each with its own personality.
High Street,  will be a classic urban setting with approximately one million square feet of … (1 comments)

Short Sales are not all Bad !! - 02/18/09 09:06 PM
Most people who read my daily Phoenix AZ real estate blog and musings on Scottsdale AZ real estate know that I have not been a fan of short sales.
To clarify, I am referring to the vast majority of short sales listed on the AZ MLS (multiple listing service) that are, in fact, not approved short sales. These are listings posted by Phoenix AZ real estate agents who are picking arbitrary prices, hoping to solicit offers.
The offers are subsequently, submitted to the banks for their approval.
The problem I have is that the sales prices and offers to purchase have … (5 comments)

Stop Foreclosure! Save Your Phoenix AZ home!! - 02/18/09 09:46 AM
With Phoenix AZ real estate prices dropping, unemployment fears rising many Phoenix AZ homeowners are facing a tough decision.
Borrowers are asking themselves, if they should continue to deplete long-term savings and pay their mortgage. A very scary question to ponder.
A new option as emerged at the forefront of those facing foreclosure. It is called a loan modification.
A loan modification is a permanent change in one or more of the terms of a mortgagors loan which allows the loan to be reinstated and results in payment the mortgagor can afford.
Loan modifications typically involve a reduction in the interest … (1 comments)

Camelot Homes - Buy low, Save High in Scottsdale AZ - 02/17/09 07:03 PM
Scottsdale AZ real estate developer and luxury home builder, Camelot Homes is having their Buy Low Save High new home sales event where the builder offers you the opportunity to ‘buy the masterpiece’ for the ‘lithograph price’.
 * The Courtyards at Desert Park
* The Villas at Desert Camp
* The Verandahs in Silverleaf Southeast Valley
* Watermark at Ocotillo in Chandler, AZ
* Windward at Ocotillo in Chandler, AZ Northwest Valley Sonoran Mountain Ranch in Peoria, AZ
* Canyons Edge
* The Ledges at West Valley
* Cortile at Palm Valley in Goodyear AZ
Camelot Homes is offering beautiful homes … (3 comments)

To Buy , To Buy , To Buy , "That is the question: - 02/16/09 10:33 AM
This slight variation of Shakespeare’s famous line from Hamlet is the question I am hearing from as they buyers ponder and weigh-in on when it comes to that big decision to purchase real estate.
Here are 4 things to consider whether now is the right time for you to buy a home here in Greater Phoenix , Fountain Hills or Scottsdale….
1) A Home first, and investment last – a primary residence is just that, a residence, it is a place to live, to realize the American dream, to enjoy, to raise a family, it can create long-term wealth, however that … (8 comments)

Down Payment requirements are the problem - 02/14/09 10:53 AM
Down Payment requirements are the problem.Yes, we need to stop foreclosure. However, no mater how low prices get, most people cannot buy due to the lack of cash on hand and/or willingness to part with it.
This news paints a picture why banks will simply not lend money to (virtually) anyone without 20% down payments (there are exceptions.)
The reason being that if home prices continue to drop, homeowners are less willing to pay their mortgage if financial problems arise as the home is worth less then they paid. They can simply , and often do, just walk away from the … (6 comments)

foreclosures are not the problem facing Phoenix AZ real estate. - 02/13/09 09:21 AM
I guess someone is listening. Or, at least, someone is reading my Phoenix AZ real estate and Scottsdale AZ real estate blog.
Ok, Ok, maybe I am being a little overzealous with my readers. However, to make myself feel better, I will take credit for the following.
Recently, I wrote a story disputing a real estate expert who claimed that foreclosures are not the problem facing Phoenix AZ real estate.
I argued that foreclosures are the problem because until foreclosure stop dragging down prices, banks will not feel comfortable lending. As a result, dropping prices affecting availability of mortgage rates with … (1 comments)

New Home Builder Report (Phoenix AZ) from RL Brown - 02/12/09 03:45 PM
RL BROWN , the Maricopa County, Real Estate Expert shared the following information about the new home market and new home builders in a recent letter
DR Horton captures the #1 spot for unit volume in 2008. 3,607 units were closed. Pulte was second with 3,238. Both builders were aggressive in marketing and spec building.
It should be noted that DR Horton’s numbers do not reflect the large number of age-restricted units that are enjoyed by Pulte/Dell Webb division.
Right now, we have a 70,000+ unit housing market! Last year there were 72,000 actual new sales and resale home sales in … (2 comments)

Why is the stock market down ? - 02/12/09 09:16 AM
I am confused. That in itself is not surprising. However, today it is more than ever.
I get news headlines on my phone (yes, more distraction from my family ) and today we had what I thought were good news headlines.
Yet, when I turned on my computer, the stock market was down 200 points.
 
U.S. retail sales unexpectedly up 1 percent- U.S. jobless claims dip but by less than expected Economic stimulus package on track for final votes-  Oil slips below $36 as inventories rise Even news on the Housing market was (somewhat) positive. Though, I am always hesitant … (7 comments)

Market Statistics (December) for Maricopa County - 02/11/09 02:46 PM
NEW HOME CLOSINGS - Dec 08
Sales for Month 1,361 Same Month Last Year 3,458 Percent Change -60.64% Year to Date Closings20,547 Year to Date Last Year 38,308 Percent Change -46.36%  
PERMITS
Permits for Month 365 Same Month Last Year 1,312 Percent Change -72.18% Year to Date Permits 12,582 Year to Date Last Year 31,172 Percent Change -59.64%  
RESALES
Resales Last Month 5,513 Same Month Last Year 3,212 Percent Change 71.64% Year to Date Resales 58,595 Year to Date Last Year 58,417 Percent Change .30% The resale numbers reflect both Pinal and Maricopa and counts units by owner … (0 comments)

(Phoenix AZ) RL Brown report for January - 02/11/09 10:32 AM
The RL Brown report for January has been released. Following are the highlights:
 
RL Brown starts his report by lamenting that for years to come we will all tell tales of 2008.It’s a year that pales in comparison to those of us around in the RTC days.
He reports that at last count 110 homebuilders closed their doors or undertook reorganization.
Raw land, in some areas, have plummeted in value. Brown speaks of one parcel that originally sold for $100,000 per acre 24 months ago and is now being sold at $7,000.
In resale, 2008 saw 58,695 transactions. Naturally, a … (0 comments)

Wealthy Buyer cannot Buy Peoria AZ home - 02/10/09 03:01 PM
I wrote a post earlier about the problem with the real estate market. That the banks refuse to lend.
I firmly believe that until prices stabilize there will be no new money.
Here is an example of a personal story that paints a picture of the problem.
A hard working couple was pre-approved to buy a home priced at approximately $500K.
Both husband and wife are pharmacists combined income of nearly $200K. Credit score over 680. No other debt. $50K savings $10K in checking 401K assets over $100K Made and offer for the home which was accepted. However, the bank/lender told … (5 comments)

there is an obvious unwillingness by banks to lend money - 02/10/09 09:40 AM
Recently, there has been loud complaints of the accelerated price decline of Phoenix AZ real estate.
Although opinion differ what is the problem, no one can deny that there are several problems contributing.
Experts point towards mounting inventory of Phoenix AZ homes for sale, rising unemployment, the large number of foreclosures, poor management of loss mitigation at banks and tightened credit or lack of mortgage lending from banks. Wealthy buyer cannot buy Peoria AZ home with 10% down
My personal, and humble, opinion is that there is an obvious unwillingness by banks to lend money.
They banks now have the … (1 comments)

How are preforeclosure sales and deed-in-lieu of foreclosure actions identified on a credit report? - 02/09/09 03:56 PM

How are preforeclosure sales and deed-in-lieu of foreclosure actions identified on a credit report?
 
Because there is no standard reporting for a preforeclosure sale or deed-in-lieu, the lender is responsible for reviewing the credit report, loan application, and any other information supplied by the borrower to determine whether such an action has been completed.
Preforeclosure sales may be reported as “paid in full” with a “settled for less than owed” remarks code, and the mortgage tradeline would indicate recent delinquency.
A deed-in-lieu action may be reported by a remarks code indicating such, and the lender can refer to the … (0 comments)

Top 10 Things for which to be Thankful!! - 02/09/09 09:46 AM
If you are reading my blog, Phoenix AZ real estate is important to you.
And speaking for myself and co-workers, the Phoenix AZ real estate market is the proverbial ‘rising and setting sun’ to our daily lives. I am not so short sighted that I don’t realize this narrow view of the world.
There are clearly many things more important life than Phoenix AZ real estate.
Here are my Top Things for which to be Thankful!! …. in no particular order …
 
* The stock market is not open on weekends - what a relief. At least then , it … (3 comments)

how do you negotiate with car salesman experience? - 02/07/09 09:18 AM
I have been in the market for a new car. However, I have avoided the process due to the car dealer experience. Here is a humorous and modestly helpful article I cam across. Enjoy !!
 
how do you negotiate the often contentious dealer experience?
 
Yahoo has debunked the eight most common hard-sell tactics.
 
Should you find yourself getting pressured, these replies will regain control of the situation.
 
What the Dealer Says: "You have to make the deal today."
What You Should Say: "Sorry, this offer expires tonight."
 
What the Dealer Says: "I have to check … (4 comments)

Maricopa County - amazing December stats - 02/06/09 03:28 PM
you want to know whats going on (this includes Scottsdale, Phoenix, Paradise Valley, Glendale, Tempe, Fountain Hills, Mesa, Chandler, Gilbert, Peoria, Anthem, Surprise, and a bunch of other cities you have never heard of
 
During the just the month of December 2008
 
4912 homes were sold
3452 more homes were pending (or in contract for a sale)
25% of all home sold were under $99,000?
66 homes sold for over $1 million dollars (this is so low it is unbelievable)
47323 homes were listed for sale in the MLS Average days on market for active listings is 165 days
… (1 comments)

until prices stabilize there will be no loan money - 02/06/09 10:24 AM
Recently, there has been loud complaints of the accelerated price decline of Phoenix AZ real estate.
Although opinion differ what is the problem, no one can deny that there are several problems contributing.
Experts point towards mounting inventory of Phoenix AZ homes for sale, rising unemployment, the large number of foreclosures, poor management of loss mitigation at banks and tightened credit or lack of mortgage lending from banks.
Wealthy buyer cannot buy a Peoria AZ home with 10% down
My personal, and humble, opinion is that there is an obvious unwillingness by banks to lend money.
The banks now have the … (0 comments)

Renter scammed - landlord takes money and runs - 02/05/09 06:22 PM
A new scam is popping up and want to make sure Phoenix AZ real estate agent s and Scottsdale AZ real estate buyers or renters are aware.
Would be landlords are offering their home for rent at a deeply discounted price.
Here’s a story ….
The Scottsdale AZ rent analysis shows that the home would rent for $2,000/month The landlord offers the home for rent for $1,400 Excited renters race for the right to get such a great deal * The landlord asks for a credit report The landlord tells the buyer that due to the credit report they require 6 … (2 comments)

Phoenix AZ Renters should request Landlord’s Credit Report - 02/05/09 10:16 AM
Sharks smell blood in the water.”, I think that is how the old saying goes.
Unfortunately, this old proverb is all too real in today’s Phoenix real estate market. When people struggle, hustlers, sharks and scam artists show up to try and take advantage of fear and suffering.
Phoenix AZ real estate is down more than 30% in the last year alone. Phoenix AZ real estate prices have (for the most part) retraced gains and are now back at 2004 prices. As a result, there are many homeowners who are weighing the decision to walk away from their mortgage and let … (2 comments)

CEO 's joining the soup lines (notice the sarcasm) - 02/04/09 10:51 AM
President Barack Obama imposed a $500,000 pay cap on some senior executives whose firms receive government financial rescue money,
Obama said the the cap on executive pay, "United States doesn't disparage wealth nor does it begrudge those who succeed, but lavish bonuses for executives at companies seeking taxpayer dollars was unfair. "What gets people upset -- and rightfully so -- are executives being rewarded for failure. Especially when those rewards are subsidized by U.S. taxpayers," the president said in the White House foyer
 

 
… (4 comments)

A short sale may work for many!. It is not the answer for all! - 02/03/09 04:13 PM
I love talk radio. I listen to news, political and business talk radio all the time.
On Saturday (today), local talk radio shows are more prevalent as they take over the air-waves that are mostly made of nationally syndicated talk radio shows during the business week.
Today, As I was driving home from breakfast this morning, I was listening to financial show talk radio.
Much of the conversation was about the Phoenix real estate market. Topics ranged from Phoenix real estate prices, mortgage lending, mounting Phoenix AZ foreclosures and Phoenix AZ short sales.
Today, there was a guest speaker who was … (3 comments)

there is little value to a short sale - 02/03/09 09:30 AM
If you are a homeowner and want to stay in your home, there is little value to a short sale. (unless you are a buyer)
If you are suffering a financial hardship or have a mortgage with a large rate adjustment try a loan modification.
A loan modification is an option for borrowers to stop foreclosure, stay in their home by offering a permanent change in one or ore of the terms of a mortgagors loan which allows the loan to be reinstated and results in payment the mortgagor can afford.
If you are a Phoenix AZ real estate investor or … (1 comments)

a Loan Modification Hardship Letter (sample) - 02/02/09 06:42 PM
I have been asked about a "SAMPLE" Loan Modification Hardship Letter :
-----------------------------
To whom it may concern:
I, John T. Borrower, would like a chance to explain my current situation. When I purchased this Home I planned to raise my kids here and stay close to my roots (my parents live less than 2 miles away) and live in this house for the rest of my life.
When I singed the loan papers on the 2 year arm I was assured up and down that the value of my home would increase. I did not.
Matter of fact it’s gone … (3 comments)

Loan Modification Package - Hardship Letter - 02/02/09 01:24 PM
Phoenix AZ real estate and Scottsdale real estate has been declining in value.
As a result, lenders have been less willing to loan money to refinance homes. Thus, foreclosures numbers are rising and banks are taking possession of real estate called lender owned real estate (REO).
In order to combat growing inventory of bank owned homes, banks have established (with some pressure from our Federal government) loss mitigation programs to keep borrowers in their homes and stop foreclosure.
Currently, loan modification is an option for borrowers to stop foreclosure, stay in their home by offering a permanent change in one or … (6 comments)

 

James Wexler

Scottsdale, AZ

More about me…

wexzilla.com

Address: Scottsdale, az, 85255

Cell Phone: (480) 221-8080

Email Me

rants, ravings, musings and market commentary Scottsdale|Greater Phoenix Real estate


Links

Archives

RSS 2.0 Feed for this blog