Before getting into the short sale business, make sure you are aware of the biggest pitfall facing the agent...the second lien. The second lien held by a different lender than the first can turn a normally difficult transaction an absolute nightmare. In this situation, I'd outsource it to a negotiating company like the National Short Sale Center, or a professional with experience in these situations. However, if you have to negotiate it on your own, please brace yourself! I've bee... Read Full Story

With all the conflicting messages out there with respect to short sales, why should a seller do one? I have to admit, I get so frustrated with these that I often ask myself this question. The fact is, many short sales foreclose before they get a chance to sell. However, it is my opinion that much of the reason for this poor percentage of effective short sales is due to the fact that the short sale is such a new concept to the Phoenix market and most agents aren't proficient in conducti... Read Full Story

Well, the road closure on 52nd Street still continues to be a pain in the (you know where). McDowell to Thomas Roads are still torn up to pieces and there is no southbound access. It's loud, and ugly, and appears to have no end. Well, at least it did until recently. I've finally seen a light at the end of the tunnel this week. They've started putting in curbs from McDowell to Thomas. They've hammered in measurements for grading and should bring in the blades for grading o... Read Full Story

I just learned from a very reliable source that interest rates could rise as much as 2 or 3 points in the next 9 months. Although I have yet to confirm this with a secondary source, this would make a huge impact on the home-buying landscape. 2 to 3 points means an 8 or 9 percent interest rates, which means hundreds of dollars in monthly payments. If this turns out to indeed be true, then my suggestion is to buy now and lock it in while you still can. This is probably as affordable as our ... Read Full Story

You still have time to make a difference and help secure land for a newly proposed Phoenix Sports Complex instead of condos. There are so many benefits from having a city park in this particular location, I can't see any other development doing greater good for that area. Please get involved today with this!On that note, here's the latest update recieved on the Phoenix Sports Complex proposal as sent to me by our wonderful neighborhood proponent, Barbara Avallone (avallone@earthlink... Read Full Story

With views of the Papago Mountains, a 10 minute drive to Old Town Scottsdale, a 10 minute trip to Mill Avenue, and only 15 minutes to the Biltmore, does location get any better than this? This 2-story townhome essentially has dual master bedrooms with a bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, dining area, and livingroom downstairs; along with a bedroom, bathroom, and large loft area upstairs. With over 1200 square feet of living space, the lower level and bathrooms are tiled with beautiful 18 inch trave... Read Full Story

Well, there's a bill on the ballot today called Proposition A. It's a measure allocating funds to parks and preserves in Phoenix. Although I am typically never for giving money to the government, this is one of the few things I am all for. Parks are a tricky thing because they really don't have an immediate financial benefit. Other than home builders, who create small parks as an attraction to their communities, most businesses/developers really don't have any financial in... Read Full Story

Armls (www.armls.com) posted a new bulletin for agents visting its site recently about how neighborhoods can combat the Mosquito epidemic that has been sweeping the Valley as a result of the Foreclosed homes with standing, untreated pools. You know the type...The kind that turn green (sometimes brown or black), grow algae almost to the point where you swear the creature from the black lagoon will pop out of it. It is common knowledge that standing water attracts mosquitoes, and that pools l... Read Full Story

I was in the office the other day when I overheard a colleague say something profound. He was on the phone with someone else when he said "Our job is not so much about Real Estate as it is about managing expectations." The moment he said it, it made perfect sense. 80% of my job is managing expectations. As a REALTOR, I really don't have the real decision making ability in the transactions I perform. I am there to inform, protect, and set up proper expectations.For example, one o... Read Full Story

After reading the Wall Street Journal's "The Housing Crisis is Over" by Cyril Moulle-Berteaux, the whole real estate community is excited at the prospect of being over the worst of the crash. All the economic indicators point to a market that has bottomed out and is on track to be on the way back up. After all, we're seeing a reduction in inventory over the past several months, and less inventory will lead to a better ratio of sales to homes on the market, which will lead ... Read Full Story