Staging on a Budget

Was reading Realtor Magazine and found these Great Ideas on home staging I wanted to share.

REALTOR® Magazine asked readers of our Daily Real Estate News e-mail to send in their best tips for sprucing up listings on the cheap. Here are some of the quick, creative ideas that poured into our inbox.

Ideas for:

•Living Room
•Bedroom
•Bathroom
•Color and Lighting
•Kitchen
•De-cluttering
•Exteriors
•Special Touches

LIVING ROOMS

Create a Focal Point

"Pick out the most visible corner and put a large plant—I've found that silk trees work best. Set up a spotlight behind it so it lights up the leaves and throws an interesting shadow on another wall. It really makes a difference in a person's perception of the space, especially if it's a large room without too much natural lighting."

—Izabela Stone, Keller Williams Realty, Apollo Beach, Fla.


Set Up a Chat Room

"Be sure that the living room furniture is positioned for conversation as well as entertainment. Potential buyers should be able to easily envision sitting in a space where they can easily talk without having to move a chair or turn completely around."

—Rana Lindhorst and Troy Schmidt, Prudential One Realty Centre, Edwardsville, Ill.


Get Rid of Carpet Dents

"Furniture often leaves indentations in the carpet. When a piece of furniture is moved, I tell my clients to put medium-sized ice cubes in the imprints. As the ice melts, it causes the compacted carpet to expand and erase those imprints."

—Shawn Moss, Century 21 C.R. O'Neil & Co.


Accent Special Features

"Place an accent by a home's feature, such as an attractive plant near a fireplace to draw the eye to it or a tall palm or two in place that directs the buyer toward another part of the home or suggests a separation of areas. This also ensures that someone often enters the home to care for it."

—Susan Cramer, HomeSmart Real Estate, Temecula, Calif.


Invoke the Outdoors

"Use a little nature in each room. I create a flow throughout the home using cuttings, flowers, dried flowers, whatever will work. Simple things, such as twigs to spell out a word or a small cutting tied with raffia around a pillow on a bed, draw the eye into the room but don't overpower it. I have even used a branch cutting to make a 'tree' in an empty corner. I try to use one piece of nature in each room to create an ongoing theme throughout the home. It works with any type of decor, whether it's modern or traditional. One important note: Always check for insects!"

—Lauren Scurlock, North Star Real Estate Inc., Virginia Beach, Va.

and of course here is mine, Linda Wieczorek Arizona Elite Properties., Phoenix AZ

Outdoor Space Takes Centre Stage in Phoenix AZ

Playing up the outdoor space can increase the use able square footage as well as highlighting a lifestyle, when I am out showing property it's is the out door living that wows me and most of my clients.

1st When a client drives up to your home, you want them to feel invited, to feel excited to view the inside of your home,and that happens by having a clean front yard.. Add a few flower pots,a door mat, hose the front sidewalk, get rid of the weeds, hose the house off, it gives the front of the home a fresh look. Just a little elbow grease goes a long way.

Personalize your outdoor living space with items such as: Yard art (fountains. unique walking stones, stakes, sculptures, wind chimes, weather vanes, flags and colorful windsocks. Use trellis and garden arbors or Stepping-stones to break up and to connect other areas of the space. Welcome birds by utilizing birdhouses and decorative feeders. Don’t forget to use colorful plants in the ground, pots, railings, window boxes, and/or hanging baskets.

Evening lighting will always add interest and drama so use candles throughout your seating space and string lights to accent an arbor, railing, umbrella, or put them in your trees for light and sparkle. There are solar lights that can be used as a floodlight to highlight trees or garden statuary or fountain. Also use solar lighting to line a walking path, pathways, around gardens, railings and window boxes. These are inexpensive and free to operate. A little goes a long way.

Fireplaces help to warm the space in many ways and are available in many different styles, from built-ins to small mobile types. These help to extend your comfort into the evening hours and add a lot of ambiance.

Avoid Foreclosure, Have you lender forgive your debt

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Foreclosure can be an extremely stressful situation to deal with alone.
We can help. We want to help you find the best possible solution to get back on your feet. What we offer is an alternative to foreclosure to help save your credit, your finances, and your piece of mind. Your situation may not be as impossible as it seems.

The difficulty of the situation for you right now is completely understandable and there is indeed light at the end of the tunnel. Thousands of good people just like you have found themselves in similar situations. The solution many of them chose was the Worry Free Short Team.

We are qualified to do whatever it takes to solve your real estate or mortgage issue while keeping your credit in good standing. Give us a call today to find out how we can help at ABSOLUTELY NO CHARGE TO YOU.

Proudly serving Goodyear,Mesa, Tempe, Chandler, Queen Creek, Gilbert, Scottsdale, Phoenix, Glendale, Surprise, Glendale and other Phoenix, Arizona surrounding areas.

Have questions? Contact Linda NOW!

Grab a Scottsdale Arizona Bank Forclosure NOW!! Bank wants SOLD NOW!!

I want my Scottsdale HOME!!! Interested in viewing? Contact Linda 602-391-8246.

Think you cant AFFORD to BUY ? Think AGAIN !!!!

6 Goodyear AZ Bank Owned HOMES!!

NEW LISTINGS & FORECLOSURES the 1ST day thay hit the market, To use Market Watch just fill out the questionnaire and you will receive email notification of all new properties that match your home buying criteria sent to you FREE of charge and without obligation. The best properties sell fast, often before they are advertised or the sign goes up. So instead of scouring the paper and driving around the neighborhood just looking for an open house, MARKET WATCH sends you instant email notification before other buyers even know about them. You get first pick of all the homes that interest you and the ability to beat other Phoenix buyers to make an offer. Sign UP Right here

Whats Going on in the Historic Willo Neighborhood in Phoenix

As of April 18,2009 ONLY 18 Homes for sale in the Willo. This is the best time to own that home in the Willo. contact Linda 602-391-8246

NAR ECONOMIC AND MARKET WATCH QUARTERLY REPORTS

This last month homes have been flying off the market. Check these charts out!!
it is nice to see the Phoenix market pick-up and properties starting to sell. NOW 2 land one of thos DEALS!!

View the number of Residential (Class 1) listings added monthly or view sales activity charted by Average List/Sales Price and Median List/Sales Price. These charts cover years 2001 - 2009.

2001 - 2009 New Listing Chart

2001 - 2009 Sold Charts
This report is produced by the National Association of REALTORS using data supplied by ARMLS.

Goodyear/ Avondale Bank foreclosures

Search the MLS Listings FREE, to see what opportunities are waiting in your own backyard. SEARCH HERE

Five Reasons to Invest in Phoenix Real Estate

If you are a real estate investor, then you understand how important it is to have a knowledgeable Phoenix realty in your corner, helping to find the right properties at the right prices for you.

The TOP five reasons why it makes sense to invest in Phoenix AZ real estate.

Phoenix is a popular spot for "snowbirds," or retirees who come to live in the area during its notably warm and pleasant winter months. Many of these retirees are looking to permanently move to Phoenix, and would be interested in the properties we have to offer. I am seeing an increadable increase of retirees from Florida and California Area.

Another reason why Phoenix real estate is a smart investment is that the population here is growing rapidly as the economy diversifies. You will find people moving here because of the great job opportunities in government, the research being done at Arizona State University, and the many high-tech and telecom companies that have moved to the area. All About Phoenix

Investors focus on Phoenix real estate because the geography and natural habitats draw many people to live in Phoenix due to its proximity to several beautiful parks.; Places like Boyce Thompson Arboretum State Park with its botanical collection, the famed Desert Botanical Garden in Papago Park in Phoenix, the 16,500 acre South Mountain Park and others draw new residents to Phoenix on a regular basis

Sports fans use their love of their favorite games as an important reason for moving to Phoenix, and this brings more home buyers to the area. Phoenix is proud to be called home for the Cardinals football team, the Diamondbacks major league baseball team, the Phoenix Suns NBA and the Phoenix Mercury Women's NBA teams, as well as the Phoenix Coyotes ice hockey and Arizona Sting lacrosse teams.; Major league baseball teams, nine in number, also conduct spring training in Phoenix, and this is another draw that brings sports enthusiasts to the area to buy homes.
All About Phoenix

Golfers from around the world come to Phoenix to golf during its 320 days per year of sun, and many dream of buying Phoenix real estate so that they can enjoy golfing here on a permanent basis.; You will find famous courses such as the Arizona Biltmore-Adobe Course, The Legend at Arrowhead Golf Resort designed by Arnold Palmer, and the Superstition Springs Golf Club that has been a PGA Tour qualifying site are big reasons why golfing enthusiasts move to Phoenix
The Legacy Golf Resort
Talking Stick Golf Club (South)
Whirlwind Golf Club (Devil's Claw)
Estrella Mountain Ranch Golf Club

As a Experienced Real estate professionals in Phoenix I can help you understand the local market conditions, as well as help you analyze the information in Phoenix Housing Sales Reports so that you can make smart investment choices in Phoenix. I work with investors and an happy to provide you with references. 100% of the investors I have worked with in the past have returned in 2009 to once more invest in the Phoenix market. Please e-mail or call linda Wieczorek 602-391-8246.

Invest in Phoenix Real Estate

HOW TO APPEAL Property Appraisal

After looking at my Property Appraisal for taxes my eyes poped out, the value went up on my home! This was not right.. I know I lost value. It was time to take on the County Assessor ........ State Board of Equalization



HOW TO APPEAL for Phoenix AZ

January 1 is the property valuation date for the following tax year. The County Assessor must mail the Notice of Value card to you no later than March 1. The assessor's opinion of the market value of the property is indicated on the postcard as "Full Cash Value". The assessor's determination of the use of the property is reflected in the legal classification as indicated on the postcard. A.R.S.§§ 42-11001 , 15101,15102 ,15103. and Title 42, Chapter 12, articles 1, 2, 3, and 4. Your Right To Appeal
If you believe the "Full Cash Value" is greater than the market value of the property - or that the legal classification is incorrect - you have two methods of appeal: Administrative or Judicial. A.R.S.§§ 42-15104,16051, 16201.


You may appeal the "Full Cash Value" or legal classification to the County Assessor where your property is located. This is the first step of the Administrative Process. Steps for this process are outlined below. A.R.S.§ 42-16051

OR You may file a petition directly with the Tax Court at any time after receiving the Notice of Value, provided you do not file an administrative appeal - but you must file it no later than December 15. This is the Judicial Process. You are responsible for expenses such as filing fees. A.R.S.§§ 42-16201 , 16202 , 16203 , 16204 , 16205 .

Administrative Process

Step 1
File a petition with the County Assessor. The filing deadline is printed on the Notice of Value card. You must file your appeal within 60 days after the card was mailed to you. A.R.S.§ 42-16051 D.

Step 2
You may request a meeting with the County Assessor's office - or submit written evidence that supports your appeal. The assessor must consider, decide, and answer all requests on or before August 15. A.R.S.§§ 42-16054 , 16055,

If you reach an agreement, no further appeal is permitted. A.R.S.§ 42-16056.

Step 3
If you do not agree with the assessor's decision, you may file a petition with the Board of Equalization for that county. The petition must be filed within 25 days of the date the assessor's decision was mailed to you. However, you may decide to bypass the Board and appeal directly to the Tax Court within 60 days. A.R.S.§§ 42-16056, 16157, 16201.

Step 4
If you are not satisfied with the Board of Equalization's decision, you may appeal to the Tax Court. Be sure to file your appeal no later than 60 days after the Board of Equalization decision is mailed to you. A.R.S.§§ 16168, 16203 .


Notice of Change Appeals
Individuals may file an appeal pursuant to A.R.S.§ 15105, supplemental notice of appeal of valuation in case of new construction, additions, deletions, splits, consolidations or change in use. These appeals are filed directly to the Board within 25 days after the the date of the assessor's notice.


Notice of Proposed Correction and Taxpayer Notice of Claim Appeals
These appeals are for correction of prior tax year records. Property owners may file an appeal to the Assessor pursuant to A.R.S.§42-16252 Assessor Notice of Proposed Correction or A.R.S. §42-16254 Taxpayer Notice of Claim within the time limits specified in the statutes. After the appeal to the County Assessor individuals may file an appeal to the County Board of Equalization or State Board of Equalization. The appeal must be filed on a form DOR82179C Petition for Review of Proposed Correction or DOR82179C-1 Petition For Review of Taxpayer Notice of Claim. File the form along with a copy of the original form DOR82179A Notice of Proposed Correction or form DOR 82179B Taxpayer Notice of Claim. Be sure to include a copy of the Assessor's decision if available. These appeals are filed directly to the Board. If filed electronically, the taxpayer must submit the requested hard copies by mail or in person.

Electronic Filing/E-Filing
Individuals may file an electronic petition according to the rules above for manual filing, but without having to mail in a form, by filling out an electronic filing via this web site. Make sure you understand the rules and the deadlines and then click here to start an individual e-filing .

Agents filing large amounts of petitions or individuals submitting many tax filings may also talk to the SBOE about sending in a bulk database filing.

Petitions rejected by the Assessor cannot be e-filed to the Board. When filing a petition that has been rejected by the Assessor, mail or deliver the original filing in addition to attaching the required information to correct the deficiencies. Petitions rejected by the Assessor for the second time must include the original of the second rejection. Petitions rejected by the Assessor after June 15 are filed directly to the Board.

Moving on a Budget

If you're one of the approximately 50 million Americans moving this year, you probably don't want to spend a fortune to get from point A to point B. With a little planning ahead, it's possible to execute a do-it-yourself move without breaking the bank.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, about 16 percent of all moves are work-related -- moving to find a new job or to be closer to a current job. Whatever your reason for moving, you don't have to pay a company to pack up your belongings and transport them to your new home. Here are some easy ways to move yourself and stay on budget:

* If you need to rent a truck or trailer, especially if you only have a few large items that can't fit into your vehicle, check out your local big box retail hardware store. They often rent trucks and trailers by the hour at a fraction of the cost of renting from a moving company.

* Collect free boxes from friends, family and from local grocery and liquor stores. Save old newspapers to wrap valuables in instead of purchasing expensive rolls of bubble wrap.

* Plug in the refrigerator at your new place a day or two ahead of time. Pack frozen and perishable foods in a cooler with ice packs and unpack that food into your new fridge first. Having your food melt or go bad means an additional, and expensive, trip to the grocery store.

* Pick up change of address forms, free of charge, from the post office. Request a free "welcome kit" from the local chamber of commerce in your new community. These kits contain valuable information and often include money saving coupons for local businesses.

* Pack wisely and avoid filling boxes so much that they're too heavy for you to lift without help. You'll get more done with each person carrying their own box.

* Clear a path. Before you lift a load, make sure you've got a clear path to your destination. You won't be able to see well or move obstacles out of your way once the load is in your arms.

* Use the right tools for the job. Hand trucks can be rented inexpensively and should be used to transport multiple boxes at once or smaller items of furniture. Remember that hand trucks are not good for moving items up or down stairs and are difficult to maneuver around tight turns. For large pieces of furniture, appliances, stairs and tight spaces, try the Shoulder Dolly, an ergonomically designed, patented harness system that allows users to lift with their legs and safely pick up virtually any heavy or bulky item in the home (www.ShoulderDolly.com).

Working in two-person teams, users simply strap into the Shoulder Dolly, slip the carrying strap under the item to be lifted, and then use their leg muscles to lift the weight. By using your legs (your strongest muscles), the Shoulder Dolly significantly decreases the strain and risk of injury to your lower back, hands, biceps and forearms.

* Don't end up in the hospital. When lifting a load, keep your back straight and bend your knees. Keep your head up and look straight ahead to ensure your back remains perpendicular to the ground. Hold the object securely and use the large, powerful leg muscles to lift the weight. Avoid twisting or turning at the waist when lifting. Turn your entire body by moving your hips first, which will force your shoulders to stay in line.

if you are interestedin Buying a HOME or Listing your Home please
Contact Linda


Courtesy of ARAcontent

Judicial vs. non-judicial foreclosures

Judicial Foreclosures
Judicial foreclosures are normally conducted in states where a mortgage is used as the security instrument. The foreclosure process begins with the lender filing a complaint and a notice of Lis Pendens in the county where the property is located, these will normally be filed with the circuit court. After the complaint and notice are filed, all defendants must be notified of the court action by a process server, or in some cases, by mail. After the service of process is complete, the lender will seek an entry of judgment or summary judgment. The judgment will have the entire amount due the lender and set a sale date for the property. Newspaper publication of the upcoming sale will usually be required once a week for two or three weeks, then the property will be sold at public auction either by a clerk of the court or a sheriff. A certificate of sale will be issued by the court usually between a few days to a few weeks after the sale. The certificate of sale transfers ownership of the property to either the high bidder at the auction, or the lender if the lender was the high bidder. It is important to note that each state has specific procedures and timelines for this process that can be found in your state statutes.
Important Milestones:
Filing of Lis Pendens
Entry of Judgment
Newspaper Publication of Sale
Public Auction
Certificate of Sale

Non-Judicial Foreclosures
Non-judicial foreclosures are normally conducted in states using a deed of trust as the security instrument. The process varies widely by state, with some states requiring nothing more than publication of the Notice of Sale, others will require two or three steps to complete the foreclosure process. In states where a Notice of Default is used, the Trustee will usually record the Notice of Default along with mailing the notice to the homeowner, wait through the statutory period for owner reinstatement, then record, mail to the homeowner and publish in the newspaper a Notice of Trustee Sale. The Notice of Trustee Sale will define the place of sale, the estimated opening bid, the property address and the date and time of the sale. Auctions are held in a public place, which can range from in front of the property being sold to the more common locations of the local courthouse steps or civic areas. The successful bidder at the auction will receive a Trustee's Deed to the property usually within 30 days of the sale. It is important to note that each state has specific procedures and timelines for this process that can be found in your state statutes.
Improtant Milestones:
Notice of Default
Notice of Trustee Sale
Newspaper publication of Sale
Public Auction
Trustee's Deed upon Sale

Foreclosure Overview & Foreclosure Process

What is Foreclosure?
Foreclosure is a process that allows a lender to recover the amount owed on a defaulted loan by selling or taking ownership (repossession) of the property securing the loan. The foreclosure process begins when a borrower/owner defaults on loan payments (usually mortgage payments) and the lender files a public default notice, called a Notice of Default or Lis Pendens. The foreclosure process can end one of four ways:

1.The borrower/owner reinstates the loan by paying off the default amount during a grace period determined by state law. This grace period is also known as pre-foreclosure.
2.The borrower/owner sells the property to a third party during the pre-foreclosure period. The sale allows the borrower/owner to pay off the loan and avoid having a foreclosure on his or her credit history.
3.A third party buys the property at a public auction at the end of the pre-foreclosure period.
4.The lender takes ownership of the property, usually with the intent to re-sell it on the open market. The lender can take ownership either through an agreement with the borrower/owner during pre-foreclosure, via a short sale foreclosure or by buying back the property at the public auction. Properties repossessed by the lender are also known as bank-owned or REO properties (Real Estate Owned by the lender).
This foreclosure process allows for three opportunities for finding bargains on foreclosure homes.


Pre-Foreclosure (NOD, LIS):
Buying a property in pre-foreclosure involves approaching the borrower/owner and offering to buy the property outright. The borrower/owner can walk away with something to show for any equity in the property and avoid a bad mark on his or her credit history. The buyer has time to research the title and condition of the property and can realize discounts of 20-40 percent below market value.

More about pre-foreclosures

Wondering what happens after foreclosure? Then please read on. Remember that understanding foreclosures is the first step for homeowners to stop foreclosure. It is also the first step for investors to buy foreclosure properties.


Auction (NTS, NFS):
If the loan is not reinstated by the end of the pre-foreclosure period, potential buyers can bid on the property at a public auction. Buyers often are required to pay in cash at the auction and may not have much time to research the title and condition of the property beforehand; however, a public auction often offers some of the best bargains and avoids the unpredictability of dealing directly with the borrower/owner.

More about Foreclosure auctions


Bank-owned (REO):
If the lender takes ownership of the property, either through an agreement with the owner during pre-foreclosure or at the public auction, the lender will usually want to re-sell the property to recover the unpaid loan amount. The lender will then typically clear the title and perform needed maintenance and repair; however, the potential bargain for these REO homes is typically less than a pre-foreclosure or auction property. Bank foreclosures can become government foreclosures if the loan is backed by a government agency such as the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) or the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). In that case the government agency would be responsible for selling the property.

More about HUD foreclosures and VA foreclosures


Before you buy
You'll need to make sure you're armed with the foreclosure data you'll need to find and buy foreclosed homes. You can start by searching free AZPrideproperty.com foreclosure listings database, which includes pre-foreclosure. We can also send you a foreclosure list wit daily updates.

Find out more about buying resources

Today’s Green Home Buyers

Market Your Property To Today’s ‘Green’ Home Buyers
Green Tag your HOME!!!




Increasingly, today’s buyers are actively looking for “green” homes — those designed, built or upgraded using environmentally conscious products and practices, including energy-efficient utilities. In fact, the market for true “green” homes is expected to rise from $2 billion to $20 billion over the next five years. That’s a lot of “green” for home sellers who can show conscientious buyers their homes are environmentally friendly.
Green Features That Sell
Here is a “greenprint” of key selling features that make a home truly green:
High energy-efficiency; low heating, cooling, electricity bills
Low-flow water fixtures; water-conserving appliances
Construction with sustainable or recycled materials
Clean indoor air quality
Low-maintenance, drought-resistant landscaping
Easy access to mass transit and pedestrian amenities
Get An ‘Energy Audit’
Consider having an energy audit done on your home (ask your utility company or state energy office) and follow the expert’s advice.

If your home meets the standards for an Energy Efficient Mortgage (EEM) or Energy Improvement Mortgage (EIM), tell buyers the good news. The buyer can get a larger loan with the same income because an EEM or EIM allows more lenient qualifying rules. (We can put you in touch with a local lender for more details.)

While you may be able to show potential buyers that your energy bills reflect before-and-after dollar savings, you’d be wise to spell out why that is. Have you replaced your existing heating and cooling equipment with a more energy-efficient system? Upgraded exterior windows and doors? Improved insulation in key locations? You can show buyers the money with a “green” handout.

Buyers will also appreciate getting the schedules and locations of services such as curbside recycling pickups, landfills and special pickups for yard debris and solid waste.

Every Drop Counts
The average household spends as much as $500 per year on its water and sewer bill, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). By making a few simple changes to use water more efficiently, you could save about $170 annually and help reduce the energy required to supply and treat public water supplies.

Thanks to the EPA’s WaterSense program, homeowners can easily identify products such as toilets, sinks, showers and landscape irrigation systems that meet EPA standards for water efficiency.

Enviroscaping Your Yard
Green Living Ideas advocates “enviroscaping” — using your landscape as a way to reduce energy use outside the home. Here are some tips:

Plant deciduous trees on the south and east sides of the house to provide summer shade.
Consider installing a drip irrigation system in some or all of your yard to provide water only where it is needed.
Use organic fertilizers and natural pesticides.
Buy a rain barrel to store runoff water from your downspouts to be used later to water plants.
Use native plants in your garden, which are perfectly adapted to your climate and important as food and habitat for local wildlife.

To find homes for sale in Phoenix AZ, please contact Linda Wieczorek at azhomes4u@Gmail.com or click here

Top 10 Bargin Markets and Phoenix, AZ is # 7

Bargain Market #10: Washington, D.C.
is prime for bargain-seeking homebuyers. The area has one of the lowest unemployment rates in the country and boasts bustling nightlife and culture. With home prices down 12.15 percent over the past year, this may be the time to buy in the nation's capital.

Bargain Market #9: Detroit, MI
Home prices have fallen 16.42 percent over the past year in this Midwestern metropolis, as job losses fueled a flood of foreclosures on the market. But Detroit is committed to restoration and revitalization, as evidenced by its mix of historic districts and new developments.

Bargain Market #8: San Diego, CA
With year-round sun, sand and surf, who wouldn't want to live in Southern California's gem, San Diego? Home prices are down 18.03 percent over the past year, so you could find a great deal in this once super-hot market. Plus, it doesn't hurt to be a couple hours' drive from Los Angeles, in case you want to bargain hunt there as well.




Bargain Market #7: Phoenix, AZ
The Valley of the Sun is teeming with potential bargains, with home prices down 18.85percent year-over-year. The Phoenix market was a hotbed of speculative overbuying during the real estate boom, and these days, stretched-thin investors may be willing to negotiate. Homebuyers who can appreciate this rugged Southwest region will find many diverse neighborhoods to choose from. bargin Homes are flying off the market right now..

Bargain Market #6: Napa, CA
Like many vacation destinations, Napa in Northern California saw a surge in speculative buying that inflated real estate prices during the boom. Today, buyers can find homes in beautiful wine country selling for 20.11 percent less than last year. If you're a luxury homebuyer, you may find multi-million-dollar properties offered at steep discounts.

Bargain Market #5: Miami, FL
The heat is on in Miami. Home prices have come down 24.15 percent over the past year, meaning you won't have to shell out as much to enjoy tropical weather, beautiful beaches and hot nightlife year-round.

Bargain Market #4: Ft. Lauderdale, FL
Shedding its "spring break" reputation, Ft. Lauderdale has redefined itself as a pedestrian-friendly, 24-hour community offering a mix of traditional Old Florida neighborhoods with trendy shopping and nightlife. Prices have fallen 25.95 percent since last year, so if a laid-back yet lively lifestyle is what you crave, start here.

Bargain Market #3: Las Vegas, NV
Gamblers weren't the only ones taking risks in Sin City. Eager developers and investors flocked to Las Vegas looking to cash in big on the real estate boom. The hype is over, and prices have plunged 32.60 percent since last year. The city is consistently among RealtyTrac's list of top foreclosure markets, making this area prime for bargain hunters who want to spice up their lifestyle.

Bargain Market #2: Naples, FL
Florida is going Strong with 3 Ciies on the list. Known for its vibrant art scene and the natural scenery of the nearby Everglades, Naples was another vacation destination that was overrun with real estate investors during the boom years. Prices plummeted 32.87 percent over the past year, offering new opportunities for buyers looking to live the beach-town lifestyle.

Bargain Market #1: Stockton, CA
The inland California cities -- Stockton, Merced, Modesto, Vallejo, Riverside, Bakersfield, Madera and Fresno, to name a few -- have been the hardest hit since the real estate housing bubble burst. Home prices in Stockton plummeted a whopping 40.19 percent last year, dragged down by a barrage of foreclosures on the market.

But Stockton's proximity to both the San Francisco Bay Area and the Sacramento area gives it an advantage over other struggling markets. In the past, Bay Area folks sought affordable housing in Stockton (which changed when the market became inflated). Once prices stabilize, the city will have the potential to return to its "affordable" status.

If you are interested in investing in the Phoenix Real estate market I am committed to assisting real estate investors who would like to take advantage of the booming real estate market and investment opportunities in the Phoenix, Arizona area. Contact Linda Wieczorek

Home Sales in Phoenix UP over last year

With Inventory Down and PRICES DOWN, it is time to buy a home or an Investment Property. Does it get any Better?

March 2008 / March 2009: Inventory down 15%
March 2008 / March 2009: Sold homes up 80%


The table represents the "Average Sold Home Price", Not the "Median Home Price" that is used as a measure of home prices in the statistics of the government and media.

Data courtesy of MLS

Sweden 5th European country to allow gay marriage

STOCKHOLM (AP) -- Sweden has become the fifth European country to allow gay marriage.

Parliament on Wednesday adopted a new law that gives same-sex couples the same marriage rights as heterosexuals.

The Parliament's Web site says the new law will take effect on May 1.

The Netherlands, Norway, Belgium and Spain also allow gay marriages.

Sweden has recognized civil unions between homosexual couples since 1994. However, the old law stopped short of calling them marriages, which gay rights activists said was discriminatory.

It will still be up to individual churches to decide if they want to wed gay couples.

Swedish news agency TT says the 349-seat legislature passed the measure in 261-22 vote, with 66 lawmakers abstaining or absent.

Bank Foreclosed Properties Goodyear Arizona