Jim's Soapbox (May 08 Newsletter)

Jim's Soapbox

(Arizona Real Estate Newsletter - May 08)

My wife Madalyn often says "...when one doors closes, another door is opened".  That is a great way to describe today's Real Estate market here in Phoenix. 

The common media-driven perception today is that the Phoenix housing market is far more risky today than it has ever been before.  Now I find that to be a funny thing for the media to promote, because in reality the risky time to buy real estate in Phoenix was shortly after the unnatural value boom started, and before the eventual drop off.  Phoenix had a very stable (appreciating) market for 10+ years leading into the boom, and we have almost returned to the point where property value would have appreciated to, without the peak and valley of '05 to ‘07.  

Now I am not going to argue that everything is roses within the housing market right now, but I would like you to take notice that there are many things that you can take advantage of in this market.  There are so many ways to take advantage of Arizona Real Estate today, that regardless of the condition of our current market, it always the perfect time to do something. 

I would like to share some Real Estate projects and concepts that are booming today.  The housing market is not lousy, it is simply different.

•·         Rehabs

•·         First Time Purchase

•·         Investment Purchase

•·         Home Equity Lines of Credit

Notice that I am not suggesting in any of these concepts that you sell any of your property.  You should never sell real estate in a down market unless you really have to.  I believe we are almost to the end of the depreciating portion of the cycle - hold on to your property.

REHABS

"Rehab" is a buzz term in our industry for any renovation you plan on doing to an existing home.  If you want to add a new bedroom, expand your bathroom, build a guest house, or enclose your patio - you are basically talking about a rehab project. 

Today is a great time to renovate your home.  Compared to 18 months ago, rehabs are much cheaper per square foot and they get finished in a fraction of the time.  In 2006, it could take up to 60 days to get the concrete delivered - not to mention the delays in framing due to the lumber shortage.  I am not in the construction industry (I am a lender), but I can attest that projects that took 9 months to complete in 2006, now take about 2 months.  The summertime is also a great time to rehab your house in metro Phoenix, because the delays from rain & humid weather are pretty hard to come by. 

There are several ways to finance your Rehab project depending how big your project is.  Sometimes drawing on a new (or existing) Home Equity Line of Credit is the best way to go for short term money.  Also, "one-time" construction loans can be in order due to the size of the project.  Either way, you can call me with questions because there are special programs for Rehabs to keep your closing costs to a minimum.

Here is the name of a Rehab Specialist I trust, and have worked with for several years.  His name is Marten Niner at "Just in Time Contractors".  His cell phone is (602) 739-7073 & his email address is justintimecontracors@yahoo.com .  There are many other great Rehab companies here in Phoenix, just be sure to ask for references before you commit.

PURCHASE YOUR FIRST HOME

In case you haven't followed the housing trend this year I have great news,... it is a buyer's market!!  The next 6 months, preceding the election, could mark the low tide of property values in Maricopa County.  I could not think of a better time to buy than when property is at its lowest.  Buy low and Sell high are still pretty good words to live by!  Take advantage of distressed property prices and have the seller pay for 100% of your closing costs.  The last 8 purchases I financed had the seller paying every penny of the closing costs.

Also, 100% financing is still around.  I have FHA programs with Down Payment Assistance (i.e.Nehemiah and Ameridream) that let you purchase with only $500 out of pocket.  I have the 102% Rural Housing program if you would like to purchase a home in Anthem, Queen Creek or Buckeye (for $0 out of pocket).  If you are not sure if you qualify, call me & I can let you know the next day.

INVESTMENT PURCHASES

Again, in case you haven't followed the housing trend this year I have great news,...IT IS A BUYER'S MARKET!!  This is probably the best time to get an investment property since the summer of 2001!  A common complaint that I hear today is the inability to do 100% financing on investment homes.  Well, that statement is very true; you are going to need 10% - 20% down to buy an investment property.  However, you can actually purchase a home that has a positive "cashflow" now.  You can find a pre-foreclosure property with $50K in equity the day you buy it.  (You won't be able to get to that 50K equity out right away, but you could leverage it to your favor in about 366 days J).  

I also have a great Hard Money Lender that will allow you to purchase an investment property (that requires a rehab) and they will lend you 90% of the whole project (including the cost of the rehab).  So, for 10% down you can buy a Fixer Upper, and finance the repairs all at the same time.  I quoted them out last week, and they were charging only 8.875% and 1.5 points.  That is a smoking deal!

HELOCs

Even though a lot of banks have run away from selling this type of product, there are still a few banks that do them very well.  The advantage of the Home Equity Line of Credit has been two fold.  There is the advantage of the low rate and the flexibility to use it.  Today the Prime rate is 5% & I have HELOCs with rate as low as Prime -1%.  That means you can borrow at a net rate of 4%.  I am confident that 4% interest rate beats most credit cards, furniture loans, pool loans, fixed 2^nd mortgages, and car loans.  It is the most powerful debt consolidation tool available.  (next to inheritance)

The ability to leverage a HELOC to 100% to the value of your home has basically disappeared, but 85% is still available.  If you have $10,000 in revolving debt and Equity in your home you should think about consolidating.

I am looking towards a great summer both socially and professionally.  If you have any questions on this material, or just want to say "Howdy", feel free to give me a call or an email.  The line about inheritance was a joke - I am trying to keep you on your toes.

All Best!!

Jim

JIM CUNNINGHAM

Community First Financial, LLC

7575 E Redfield Rd   Suite 235

Scottsdale, AZ  85260

480-305-8900 ext 305 - office

480-907-2435 - fax

602-434-8261 - cell

jcunningham@communityfirstfinancial.com

www.communityfirstfinancial.com

www.jimcunninghamcff.blogspot.com

http://activerain.com/jcunningham