Do you remember when you purchased your first home? If you wanted to find out what the going mortgage rates were, you simply made a couple of quick phone calls. You could easily compare rates: 30 or 15 year fixed rates, or a 1-5 year ARM.

All that has changed! Pricing a loan has become more complex, as virtually all lenders now subscribe to “risk based pricing.” Your rate will be calculated based on your credit score, the amount of your down payment, the amount of debt you carry, and the type of property you are purchasing. Your call for a rate quote will probably generate a series of questions from the lender, including your short-term and long-term plans.

The good news is that there are many more mortgage products available than ever before, offering you better choices and solutions. There are opportunities for borrowers with credit issues, with little or no money down, with unique employment or income situations; for borrowers juggling a purchase and a sale, moving to a new area, or changing jobs. Wading through the multitude of programs and rates, however, can be daunting. It may be difficult to determine on your own which loan product is the best for your given set of circumstances. Because of all the variables, comparing rates and programs can be extremely challenging.

The time you spend upfront making the right decisions, will ensure that the loan process goes smoothly and that you end up with the right loan. Yes, more choices require more time and effort. So, before your start your home search, take advantage of your professional resources: your mortgage broker and your financial planner. You will then be able to find the best rate and the best product, customized just for you. It may take a little more than a click of a mouse, but for most of us, this is the most important financial decision of our life.

Pat Reiniger
Sonoran Mortgage Corp.

480-609-1903

By Kelli Grant

Are you looking for good cocktail conversation or are you looking for the facts? If you’re looking for great gossip, stop reading and open the newspaper. But, read on if you’re really interested in the facts about the market because you’re:

A) Thinking about selling your house
B) Looking at buying a new house
C) Your house has been for sale for over 40 days
D) Both B and C.

An article in the upcoming September issue of the Arizona Journal of Real Estate and Business by John Foltz, President and designated Broker for Realty Executives Phoenix, highlights some excellent facts. It is true that the inventory of single family detached homes has increased by an additional 29% since February, and it now takes 14% longer to sell a home than in February, but there is something else happening.

The actual number of properties that have been sold has begun to increase month to month. According to ARMLS, the number of units sold in June is 7% higher than in April and a full 25% higher than in February. Although sales are still lower than we would like, the direction of momentum has changed. Inventories are increasing, days on market are lengthening, and we also have more units selling.

So, momentum is changing. Foltz points out that although days on market are increasing, it is increasing at a slower pace each month than the month before. And, though inventories are increasing, they too are increasing at a SLOWER pace each month than the prior month. The momentum of increasing supply is slowing.

Assuming the trend continues, the supply of single family homes for sale should stabilize within a few months. Add to this, the observation that the number of units sold has not only stopped declining month to month, but has begun to increase. A rational vision of the future includes stabilized inventory levels, predictable days on market and a normal level of unit sales.

With that in mind, if you are serious about selling your house, let your Realtor help guide you on price. He/She is experienced in analyzing market data and can help you understand how to price your house to get it sold quicker, and explain average days on market in your neighborhood. This way you won’t have unreasonable or disappointing expectations.

For a video tour of this home click here.

If Interested in this property, please contact Kelli Grant - it may be available!!

Don’t miss this gorgeous home ready for move in.
Beautifully updated home with very open and light floor plan!

2210 Sq Ft
4 Bdrm-2Bath
Swimming Pool
Newly painted exterior/interior
Brand new carpet in bedrooms
Tile kitchen, hallways, master bdrm
New Roof 2005
New A/C 2005

Walking Distance to Horizon High School!
5 minutes to Kierland shopping and dining

Extra large lot in middle of cul-de-sac w/ pool
Home Warranty Included
No HOA!
Paradise Valley School District

Priced To Sell at Only $509,900
MLS #2553639

For More Information, Call Toll Free, 24 Hrs/Day 1-888-710-6349, Ext 800

Kelli Grant
Direct Line: 602-799-5420
Direct Fax: 623-547-7543

Keller Williams High Desert Realty
8525 E. Pinnacle Peak Rd. Ste 100
Scottsdale, AZ 85255 480-889-7300
To see other fine homes in the area, go to www.kelligrantsellsrealestate.com

You’ve just found the home of your dreams. It’s the right size; the layout is perfect; the extra addition would make a great workshop. In your mind you have already moved in. But wait, before you call the movers, there are vitally important issues that need to be addressed. One very important issue is the professional home inspection.

You ask, “So why do you need an inspection? Everything looks new.” Inspections take time and money you perhaps had not counted on. Besides the lender is getting an appraisal….isn’t that enough?

Too many people get to this point and make a grave mistake of waiving the home inspection. Buying a home is probably the single largest investment you will ever make. It makes sense to learn as much as you can about the property you are planning to buy just in case there are major repairs to be made. Protecting yourself now will save the regrets later. By placing an inspection clause in your purchase contract or even making sure your purchase is contingent on the findings of a home inspector, provides you a bargaining tool and a way out if repairs are too extensive.

Immediately after you sign the purchase contract you will need to contact an inspector and schedule the home inspection. The time allowed for the inspection is specified in your contract. Be sure you know how much time is allowed for your inspection and be diligent about staying in that time frame.

Plan to be present at the end of the inspection. It is the perfect opportunity to find out about that extra valve control in the backyard.

Your realtor can be a great source for reputable inspectors and will be happy to recommend one for you. If you choose one on your own, it is important to get a professional home inspection done by a reputable inspector. Now is not the time to skimp by getting cousin Bob to do it. Check to make sure your inspector is a member of the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) http://www.ashi.org/. ASHI members meet high educational requirements and follow professional standards.

So what can I expect during an inspection?
The inspection will consist of a visual exam from top to bottom, roof to foundation. Inspection of the plumbing, electrical heating, cooling systems, appliances, walls and floors are likely. Note I mentioned this to be a VISUAL inspection. Don’t expect your inspector to dig up your yard and check the pipes under the house. He also can not see behind walls or under wall to wall carpet.

Usually, your inspector will submit a full report after completion. The report will include minor and major problems. Some provide photo’s of damaged areas, which can be helpful in determining the degree of any damage.

After reviewing your report you can now consider yourself better informed about the condition of your dream house and will be able to complete your purchase with confidence and peace of mind. This is also why hiring a professional Realtor is vital. He/she will be able to help you through this entire process and advise you on completing the Buyer’s Inspection Notice to Seller.

5 Acre Parcel of Land for Sale! Under $70,000/Acre near Scottsdale, Arizona!!

5 acre homesite, great for building luxury home or horse property, located in Goldfield Ranch. Beautiful up and coming area surrounded by multi-million dollar homes. Area currently zoned as R-190, 1 house per 5 acres.

Exclusive area, under 10 minutes from Fountain Hills on Beeline Hwy, on the way to Saguaro Lake. Gorgeous city lights, mountain views (Tonto Nat’l Forest). Minutes from shopping, schools, golf courses, & lakes.

5 acre lot is on the SW corner of Sandy Bluff and Thirsty Earth. Lot begins at the corner of the SW intersection and goes up to the top of the hill where there is excellent views and is perfect for building.

Shea to Beeline Hwy, Left at Mile Marker 195. Cross over Hwy onto road with yellow Goldfield Ranch sign. Follow Vista Del Oro road to Thirsty Earth, Left to Sandy Bluff.

Call Kelli Grant, Owner/Realtor
602-799-5420
Email
MLS #2585005

I was talking with a friend the other day who starting complaining to me about the heat. She said in a rather exasperated voice “It’s just too hot to go anywhere, do anything.” I agreed, but we’re in the desert of Arizona. We should expect it to be hot in July. The real fact of the matter is temperatures are going up in all the major cities of the world; Arizona included.

California, St. Louis and New York experienced record temperatures last week. Power outages caused deadly blackouts. Unfortunately, blackouts are inevitable as the demand for energy outgrows the ability of energy companies to produce more. READ MORE…

Here in Arizona we often experience “Brownouts” which are “sags” in the voltage power coming in to the house or “Rolling Blackouts” which can be uncomfortable in our extreme heat. Monsoon season also contributes to outages. Lightening strikes, high winds and flood waters can cause problems. If the lights are out for a couple hours or a couple of days, are you prepared?

In his article “What if the electricity goes off,” Michael Hackleman reminds us what is important in the home. There are four critical loads in a home affected by a blackout: lighting, heating, refrigeration, and the water system.

• Lighting. Lighting is essential for overall safety, particularly at night. Fortunately, it need not be electric. Candles, flashlights, and kerosene lanterns are traditional lighting sources for blackouts. Be careful with kerosene lanterns inside the home because of incidents with fumes and fire danger. Preparation for a blackout requires stockpiling matches, candles, batteries, or fuel for lanterns. Don’t forget to put this stuff where you can find it in the dark!

• Refrigeration. A refrigerator will keep things cool for a long time after power is interrupted. From the beginning, minimize the frequency and duration of opening its door to preserve its cool! As the blackout continues, consume the more perishable items first. Even a small stockpile of canned or freeze-dried foods will prove helpful during a blackout. Unless you’ve arranged for a way to heat and cook food, ensure that your supply is edible “as is,” or with simple re-hydrating with water.

• Water system. Most community water systems are designed to work for some time following a blackout, powered with huge standby generators. Private water systems built around streams, springs, and wells that use electric pumps will quit working as soon as the electricity goes off. The pressure tank will still deliver some water, so immediately fill handy containers (bottles, buckets, bowls, bathtub, etc.) before this supply is depleted. The standard household water heater is another source of 30-50 gallons of water. How will you handle toilet, shower, and sink during a blackout?

Some forethought and planning will help with these processes during an extended blackout. READ MORE…

SRP reminds us to keep important phone numbers, special needs items for infants and elderly and disabled family members readily available.

Don’t forget to look in on elderly neighbors and family members. Storms can make them confused and anxious. With a little planning and preparation power outages can be the perfect time to come together as a family. Enjoy a night by the pool, barbecue on the grill, play a board game or do what you’ve been meaning to do for weeks….Talk to each other, and enjoy each others company.

-Kelli Grant