More Buyers Ready to Get Off the Sidelines?

More Buyers Ready to Get Off the Sidelines?

10 Housing Markets Getting the Most Web Traffic

10 Housing Markets Getting the Most Web Traffic

Phoenix foreclosures falling?

Phoenix foreclosures fall in 2011http://www.bizjournals.com/phoenix/news/2012/01/18/phoenix-foreclosures-existing-home.html

Outlet mall coming to East Valley!

Outlet mall coming to East Valley next to Gila River casinohttp://www.bizjournals.com/phoenix/morning_call/2012/01/outlet-mall-coming-to-east-valley-next.html

Housing Shortage by Spring?

Is housing glut over? Experts predict housing shortage by spring - Real estate experts predict the Valley’s years-long housing glut is reaching its end and, as early as this spring, could stun home buyers by transforming into a shortage. The crunch is expected to be more pronounced in the East Valley, where some subdivisions are approaching build-out and other builders are raising prices. About 58,000 homes were on the market by late 2007. The long-term average is about 33,000 homes listed at any given time. That’s down to 25,000 now or 19,000 when accounting for homes that have deals pending. Read article:http://www.eastvalleytribune.com/local/mesa/article_b7ed8380-4164-11e1-9ac3-0019bb2963f4.html

Relying on a Real Estate Agent now more than ever

Relying On An Agent - Sharp increase from a decade ago - The latest NAR Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers showed a growing trend among recent buyers. The latest figures show that 89% of buyers purchased their home with the help of a real estate or broker. This is a sharp increase from a decade ago in 2001, when only 69% of buyers enlisted the help of an agent or broker. Today's market presents challenges that simply weren't present or didn't dominate the market a decade ago, such as short sales and foreclosures. Read article:http://realtytimes.com/rtpages/20120117_youragent.htm

Purchasing a home in AZ

Purchasing Your New Home in AZ

1. Be smart!  Find a licensed REALTOR to work with, someone familiar with the area and dedicated to understanding your needs.

2.  Financing – Speak to a lender to know what type of loan you qualify for. 

Lender will provide your REALTOR with an LSR (Loan Status Report) necessary in AZ to submit with any offer.

*If paying cash – Obtain verification letter of “Proof of Funds” from your bank to be included with offer.

3. Find your home - Be prepared with a list of “must haves” and “wants” for your REALTOR; be prepared to include Earnest Money deposit at this time.   The amount will be different on each home, approx $1000.00 to 10% of purchase price.

4.   Offer submitted by REALTOR, counter negotiating may be necessary.

5.  Once offer is accepted by both parties you are now under contract, there will be a home inspection period.  (normal time period for inspections is 10 days) Inspection prices will differ be prepared to spend about $400 at this time out of pocket for basic home and termite inspections.

6. Open Escrow with a title company.  Your REALTOR will open escrow.  Escrow is a third party process that will handle all monies through a title company that will search for clear title the property.  (Escrow average is 30-60 days)

7. After Inspection – Both parties agree to improvements needed, unless a foreclosure, most banks will not fix anything.  AS-IS on foreclosures.  More negotiating by your REALTOR may be necessary.

8. Escrow period – This time period may seem quiet to you, but lender/underwriters, REALTOR, the title company and contractors are working on your behalf.

9. Closing – The title company will make arrangements for you to sign all documents necessary for closing, either by mail or in person.  This is when you will transfer funds necessary to purchase.  Title will now disperse all funds and send docs to County Recorder to be processed.

10. Possession – Once docs are recorded your REALTOR will make arrangements for you to pick up keys and move into your new home! 

Ceil Mills 

623-308-7291

Working hard to “CEIL the DEAL”

Realty Times - Top 10 Tips for Sellers

Realty Times - Top 10 Tips for Sellers

RE/MAX: 5 Predictions for Housing in 2012

RE/MAX: 5 Predictions for Housing in 2012

Midtown Phoenix Patio Home listed at 215k

Call me for details!  New to market.

Phoenix Foreclosure Rates Continue to Fall

http://www.bizjournals.com/phoenix/news/2012/01/05/phoenix-foreclosure-rate-continues-to.html

ipad shortcuts video

http://news.yahoo.com/blogs/upgrade-your-life/time-saving-touchscreen-secrets-141803620.html

Great video with short cuts for anyone who may have an ipad!

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year to all my friends and family!  May this year bring happiness, health and lots of love to you all!  This is the time of year when everyone makes resolutions to improve their lives, so whatever yours is.....weight loss, reading more, making contact with old friends, a new job......enjoy the adventure of getting to your goal!  If any of those goals include real estate decisions, I'll be glad to help!