Making the Ravioli

                   Time to make the Ravioli

It's been a few years since I made pasta, so when my friend Ken said lets make Ravioli I jumped. Something I enjoy so much but never have the time. Thanks Ken for asking, I really enjoyed myself.

Ravioli w/ Ricotta, Goat Cheese and Roasted Red Pepper.
Before you start with the pasta , it's best to prepare the filling first.  

Ravioli filling
1/2 cup chopped parsley
1 1/2 cups ricotta
1 cup grated Parmesan
1 egg yolk
salt pinch
6oz goat cheese
3 roaster red peppers
Combine all ingredients and mix

Pasta Ingredients
3 eggs
1 1/2 cups flour
1 1/2 cups semolina flour
1tbs milk

How to make the Pasta
Mound the flour and semolina flour on the table, make a deep well in the middle and break the eggs in the middle of the well, add milk and start beating eggs with fork slowly and start incorporating the flour into the egg and milk. When a dough starts to form start working the dough with hands adding  more flour slowly. Work dough slowly folding dough back and forth.
When you have a firm  ball, not to dry or to wet, start kneading dough until smooth about 5-6min.
The dough needs to rest when finished kneading. Cover dough with moist towel for 15min.

Make the Ravioli
Cut the pasta dough into squares about 4" wide and run through pasta machine about 4x's starting at the highest number (thickest) to the thickness you like.
Try to make your pasta sheets about 4" wide and as long as you want.
*Place a heaping tea spoon of filling about 2" apart .
*Fold the sheet in half over the filling matching the edge on the other side.
*Press out the air around the filling sealing the edges.
*Cut with a knife or pastry wheel between each revioli
* TaDA
Time to Eat
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook for 3-5min.

To Buy a Phoenix Home or Not to Buy - That Is the Question ?

To Buy or Not To Buy:

It seems every day where ever I go I am asked, Is it time to buy? Is the market better? Are people buying now? Will the market get better for buyers?

And my answer is : Yes, it is time to buy, and has been time to buy for the last yr. and half. Rates remain solid at or below 5% for most circumstances. If you are a potential buyers sitting on the fence, NOW is the time to jump off. There is no telling when rates will rise, but rise they will. The question is when and how high. Don't get burned. The  market is better,  and  yes it is getting better for the 1st time in 3yr according to the Phoenix Business Journal and  new research from Arizona State University.


Waiting for that 1/8 or even 1/4 point lower on rates is a gamble and the only benefit you may capture by waiting. If you have the money to put down and you feel your jobs are secure in this wild economy…then go for it.

Arizona State University shows that Phoenix-area housing prices in April posted a year-over-year increase for the first time in three years. The Arizona State University-Repeat Sales Index measures changes in average Phoenix-area home prices from year to year. The latest index finally reveals an estimated 1 percent increase from April 2009 to April 2010. This follows a 13-percent fall from December 2008 to December 2009, a 9 percent drop from January 2009 to January 2010, a 7-percent decline from February to February, and an estimated 3percent drop from March to March. The median price for Phoenix-area single-family homes is projected to be $135,000 for April, which would put the market back at the same level as December of 2008.

“This report reflects an important milestone in the recent housing cycle, with preliminary April data showing the first year-over-year increase in house prices market wide,” said Karl Guntermann, the Fred E. Taylor Professor of Real Estate, who authored the new report with Research Associate Adam Nowak. “Also, prices for lower-end houses and the foreclosure segment of the market, which turned positive in March, continued to increase on an annual basis.” The townhouse/condo market also remains rough. The new index shows a price drop of 26 percent from February 2009 to February 2010. Preliminary numbers for March and April anticipate 19 percent annual decline. The median town home/condo price in February was $86,400, with estimated drops to $83,500 in March and $81,000 in April. The ASU-RSI is produced through the Center for Real Estate Theory and Practice at the W. P. Carey School of Business.

The benefits out way the risk,  the best deals are happening now!  It is Time to BUY NOW...

Here is a link to the article: Home prices show first annual increase in three years - Phoenix Business Journal

Here is a link to the entire ASU-RSI report  
Contact Linda Wieczorek

Historic Willo Tour - Downtown Phoenix

IN HEART OF Downtown Phoenix AZ. The HISTORIC WILLO DISTRIC Please call Linda Wieczorek 602-391-8246 for a list and tour of all the available Historic Willo Homes [

Why Every New Home Buyer Needs the Representation of a Realtor

New Home Buyers Goodyear AZ 85395 - Bring Your Buyer’s Representatives with you, a Realtor.

by Linda Wieczorek published May 18, 2010

One important, if difficult, growth area is new home sales and here in the Phoenix Area buyers who are searching for a Newly Constructed or yet-to-be-constructed home. Unlike conventional home buyers, these buyers are generally less knowledgeable about real estate than the HOME SELLER ARE, since the sellers of NEW HOMES are DEVELOPERS and that's what they do for a living. Because of the special complexities of a new home purchase, BUYERS are in desperate need of representation and counseling. Buyers NEED there OWN Representation.


Don't be fooled into believing that dealing directly with a builder will offer big discounts. It is a rare case in which this is true. Most builders who ask to work directly with a buyer will park the price of a new home up to include what would have been paid to the Realtor. Buyers who take advantage of these "deals" direct from a builder's representative will pay the same as they would when using a Realtor, but will lose the benefit of having an experienced voice working to help them with their purchase and any issues that may come up with the builder.

Realtors Are Your Advocate During the Process * Bring A REALTOR * The new Home Builder has you sign a waver leting you know that THEY represent THE BUILDER NOT YOU!
Employing the services of a Realtor, particularly when purchasing a newly constructed home, will give buyers an extra line of defense against many of the common issues that arise during the buying process.
Rather than battling the builder ALONE when problems arise during construction, your Realtor will take matters into their own hands and work to assure that any problem is corrected in a way that is suitable to you.

With plenty of mediating experience between buyers and builders, an experienced Realtor knows what needs to be done to get the desired results.

Realtors are also experienced in contracts and contract negotiations. While the wording of a contract may be somewhat cryptic to the buyer, a Realtor can clarify any wording that is confusing and work to get changes made to contract stipulations that are unsuitable. This will help to prevent misunderstandings and misleading contract terms that are binding, once a purchase agreement is signed.

Still Want to Go It Alone?                   

While some have successfully purchased homes directly from a builder, buyers should ask themselves if this is a risk that they are willing to take. In most cases, the peace of mind and protecting that is given by using a Realtor is well worth their commission. By choosing to purchase a newly constructed home through a Realtor, the likelihood of a positive outcome is almost assured, from start to finish. Call Linda Wieczorek 602-391-8246 AZhomes4u@gmail.com

Housing market diagnosis: Bipolar....It sure IS!!

The article, Housing market diagnosis: Bipolar, from CNNMoney.com, reports that bipolar is what comes to mind when diagnosing the post-home buyer tax credit market.

There are two separate forces pulling it in opposite directions, and experts aren't yet sure which path the market will take. On one hand, sales and prices are rising, indicating recovery. On the other hand, so are interest rates and repossessions, which most certainly do not. And then there are the millions of foreclosures that need to be sold but haven't yet been listed -- so-called shadow inventory -- that could derail a real recovery if they hit the market in floods.

The prognosis? Negative short term but turning positive by the end of 2010. One of market's biggest hurdles is getting beyond the lapse of the $8,000 home buyer tax credit. Thanks to the incentive, buyers scrambled to beat the April 30 deadline, pushing new home sales up nearly 30% in March. "In the months immediately following the expiration of the tax credit, we expect measurably lower sales," said Lawrence Yun, chief economist for the National Association of Realtors (NAR). But there is one factor that has experts really scared: homes that are ready to be sold but haven't been put on the market. Right now, there could be more than 4.5 million homes in "shadow inventory," according to a recent report by Barclays Capital. This so-called shadow inventory is a recent phenomenon. In the past, inventory was either tight or it wasn't. But now, with home prices so low and so many foreclosures on the market, both homeowners and banks have been waiting to put properties on the market. But as more sellers put their homes up for sale, supplies increase, which will depress prices again. Rinse and repeat ad infinitum.

Here is a link to the article

http://money.cnn.com/2010/05/17/real_estate/housing_market_direction/index.htm

Total Roof Warranty By Roof Rx or Shall I say Warning about RX Roofing

Roof Coverage 

• One maintenance visit per service agreement year 
• All roof types including shingle, tile, shake, flat, slate, and metal (roof rated only)
• Broken or open flashing seals
• Broken or damaged tiles, shingles, shakes, or flat roof material
  
• Flashings and valley
• Deteriorated felt paper or underlayment
• Repair of specific leaks up to $1,000 per occurrence, $5,000 aggregate per service contract
• Roof leaks caused by normal wear and tear
• Single family residences(1-4 units), condominiums, and mobile homes
• Up to 5,000 sq. ft. per agreement, increments of additional 5,000 square feet available at $199.00
  

Maintenance Visit

• One roof maintenance visit per contract year includes up to $199.00 of service
• Maintenance repairs include:

       A.  Cleaning of rain gutters and roof drains

       B.  Sealing roof level pipes, vents, and projections

       C.  Cleaning roof debris

• Maintenance visit required approximately 30-45 days after COE or renewal to activate agreement
• No service fee

Order In 3 Easy Steps!

Step 1.  Order by submitting an application online, by fax: (310) 693-0826 or contact your account executive. You may also contact us toll-free.

Step 2.  We request one of the following to ensure service of coverage: 

• Home inspection report
  
• Roof certification or a roof inspection report from a licensed roof contractor 

Step 3.  Make payment with MasterCard, Visa, check, or by submitting escrow information.

Relax! The Total Roof Warranty will protect your entire home from covered roofing failures resulting in leaks due to normal wear and tear. You will receive one roof maintenance visit approximately 30-45 days after COE or renewal.

Overview

Covered: The repair of water leaks that occur in the entire rooftop over living and non-living areas up to 5,000 square feet provided the leaks are the result of normal wear and tear. Coverage for additional increments of 5,000 sq. ft for $199.00. This roof warranty covers the repair or replacement of flashings, missing or broken tiles, shingles, shakes or flat roof material that can create leak causing defects. Roof Rx requests one of the following items in order to ensure equitable service of covered items under this agreement: 

Home inspection report, a roof Inspection report, or a roof certification from a licensed roofing contractor.

Roof Maintenance (no service fee): Includes one maintenance visit per contract. Maintenance includes all necessary service and repairs to ensure an ongoing watertight system including: sealing, cleaning, and roof level cleaning of rain gutters and roof drains. Roof Rx will contact you approximately 30 days from the close of escrow or renewal date to schedule the maintenance visit. Roof Rx requires one service visit (maintenance) in order to activate this service agreement. Maintenance items noted as a deficiency on an original home or roof inspection report, which have not been repaired, will not be corrected at time of visit. Due to ongoing wear and tear, maintenance does not guarantee against future leaks not covered.

Not covered: Damage to the roof or leaks caused by a condition other than normal wear and tear such as, but not limited to, persons walking on the roof, improper previous repairs, construction or installation defects, improperly installed valleys, exposed nail heads, leaks occurring from newly installed roof-mounted installations, consequential or secondary damage, repair of wood rot, and damage caused by acts of nature such as tornado, lightning, wind, hail, fire and earthquake. Roof system deficiencies identified on the original home or roof inspection and/or any other pre-existing conditions not repaired shall be excluded from coverage. This warranty also does not cover defects associated with roof mounted installations such as, but not limited to, skylights, roof vents, satellite dishes, solar panels etc.

Limitations: $1,000 per occurrence, $5,000 aggregate per warranty contract for maintenance or the diagnosis and repair of specific leaks. If the roof has deteriorated to the extent that the roof cannot be repaired without a partial or whole replacement, Roof Rx’s liability is limited to $1,000 for the diagnosis and replacement of a roof provided that such replacement is completed by Roof Rx or a Roof Rx designee.

via roofrx.com

The add sounds too GOOD TO BE TRUE!!! It IS!! This company is the worst, they never showed up, Then.... when they did show up.. They were late 2 hrs. late , then they were to email me an estimate and I have never received one as of yet, I have called 3x's and every call someone was to get back with me with in 24hrs... NOT... NOT one time has this company done what they were suppose to do!! So, I guess there it's not a question on weather to hire them for my out of State client ROOF Cert.... BIG NOT!!!! Thought I would share this with the world!!

Posted via web from Living in Phoenix-Real estate-Neighborhoods & Homes

Answers to the Most Common Questions on Green Real Estate Investing

Ever feel like you’re shouting into the wind?

When I first started talking to people several years ago about green real estate investing, I felt that way a lot.  They didn’t bother asking me questions-they just looked at me quizzically as though I had three heads (which I don’t). Luckily times have changed and I get asked questions all the time now.  So I thought I’d put together a list of the common questions I hear that you might have as well.  In no particular order, here they are:

“Tell me again why green will make me more money”

Simple:
- You’ll sell your properties faster and for more money.
- If you own rental properties, you’ll rent them faster to better tenants for more money, have less churn and lower vacancies.
- You’ll have less than 1% competition in any market in the US.

“Isn’t green more expensive?”

Not if it’s done correctly and according to a well thought out plan.  Sure, tons of people get it wrong and spend too much but you don’t have to be one of them.  Green, by definition, should cost you less money.  If it’s costing you more to achieve it, then it’s really not a green solution.  For example, installing solar panels to save 30% on your utility bills will cost you a ton and deliver a marginal payback.  You can achieve that 30% reduction simply by improving your building envelop.”

“Why would people spend more money to live in a green home?”

95% of people, in my experience, won’t spend a penny more to live in just a green home.  BUT they will spend more to live in a green home if it costs them less to operate and is healthier for their families.  Quick example- Seniors on fixed incomes might love a green property because their monthly utility bills can be  40-50% less than if they live in a comparable home.  There’s a strong chance they’d pay a premium for a green home if they knew that their monthly bills were going to be reduced and there were less toxins in the home.  [As an aside- Indoor toxins from paint, carpets, etc. are more damaging to the young (babies) and old (seniors) due to their developing/weakening immune systems].

“No one is really serious about green, that’s just talk, so why should I bother?”

I have not met a client from Paris to Boston to Detroit to San Diego, etc, etc. that wasn’t interested in at least one of the following:

- Saving money monthly on their utility bills
- Living in a healthier environment that is safer for their families.

They may not have cared about the environment but 100% of them cared about one of those two factors. Those factors are the essential elements of green homes.  The fact that they also have less impact on the planet is a bonus for most people.  You must keep that in mind when you’re explaining the concept.

“What’s the most important thing to do to make an investment property green?”

Get the building envelop under control.  Fix the leaks, gaps and holes so your AC (Summer) and heat (winter) aren’t literally going out the window.  Look at your exterior walls first and your attics and roofs next. DO NOT buy anything or do anything else until you get the envelop under control.  A good energy audit can show you where the problem areas are so you can fix them immediately.

“Do I need to install solar?”

Typically, solar doesn’t pencil out for investment properties unless you are talking about multi-family or commercial.  The high cost of materials, and install negate any potential return over the near-term unless your residential home is over 4000 square feet.  Solar-water heating, however, can make a lot of sense in the right circumstance.  Recently in parts of California there was a rebate of up to 30% (uncapped) on the cost of the install/materials in addition to a pilot program that offered $1500 cash rebate to install. Installed systems were costing approx. $8000 so after the 30% rebate and $1500, the net cost was $4000.  For big houses that spend more than $200/month in water, that pays off in about 18 months.
[Another aside- solar companies are notorious (in my experience) for overselling what you need.  They want you to buy a system that could power NYC, when what you need is much less].

“I don’t know anything about green, how can I get up to speed?”

There are some great books on the subject and there are great green building seminars going on in almost every major metropolitan area these days.  Working with a green consultant is a good way to start as well IF they have direct experience doing projects.  Don’t work with someone who is all ‘theory’ and no ‘practice’.  Set up some google alerts on the subject and read those daily.

“Where can I find green products and materials?”

Quick and easy answer is to look online. The better solution is to hire an unpaid intern to source products for you.

Leads to:

“Intern! Why would I hire an intern and why would they work for me for free?”

You hire an intern because they can:
- Research rebates and incentive programs for you
- Source products and materials
- Schedule contractors
- Drop off paperwork, video-tape properties, take pictures (and any other admin work you don’t want to do)

Why they will work for you for free:
- They are passionate about green
- They want the experience
- It looks good on their resume if they’ve worked for a ‘green’ company
-They are doing work that contributes to society as a whole

For what it’s worth, I am the only employee of my company and I have had at least one intern working for me over that past 4 years.  Last summer I had four working for me.  There is almost no limit to what you can have them do to support your business.  The more passionate they are about green, the harder they will work and the more they will help you.  [Email me offline if you'd like more info on this, including actual ads I've run, etc. The last ad I posted I had over 65 people apply for an unpaid position.  Many had their Masters' degrees and one had her PhD.   During the interview process I conveniently left out that I almost flunked out of high school].

Hope these were helpful, feel free to add any additional questions and i will do my best to answer them.

• Share this on Facebook
• Share this on Linkedin
• http://bit.ly/biT7vx+(via+@jrdorkin)" title="Tweet This!" rel="nofollow">Tweet This!
• Share this on Tipd
• Share this on PFBuzz
• Share this on del.icio.us
• Digg this!
• Buzz up!
• Stumble upon something good? Share it on StumbleUpon
• Add this to Google Bookmarks

Welcome to Our Blog!
Welcome to the BiggerPockets Blog. Our blog brings together experts in various fields of real estate with the goal of keeping our readers informed and up to speed. Whether you're a real estate professional (lender, Realtor, banker, etc), investor (landlord, flipper, wholesaler, etc.), or simply a consumer, renter or homeowner interested in the world of real estate, this blog is the place for you to get involved!

You can subscribe to our RSS feed, get blog updates by email, join our free mailing list, or best of all, join our social network along with 45,000 others interested in real estate education, dealmaking, networking, and marketing. -->

Share    
 

Article Author: Jim Simcoe

Jim has written 10 articles for us.
Visit Jim's Website: http://www.jimsimcoe.com

I help real estate investors increase profits and property values through a variety of green strategies. I help clients find hidden rebates, tax incentives and credits to maximize returns on any property. www.JimSimcoe.com

You May Also Be Interested In...

• Investing in a Green Home
• Why Smart Investors are Going Green
• What Green and High-Performance Real Estate Have in Common (and why you should care)
• The ABC’s to Green up any Investment Property
• 7 Lessons from a Profitable Green Wholesaler

Tagged as: green real estate, solar

via biggerpockets.com

Posted via web from Living in Phoenix-Real estate-Neighborhoods & Homes

In California, Rates of Delinquency Vary, Mostly Driven by Negative Equity « HousingWire

Thursday, May 13th, 2010, 4:08 pm

Mortgage performance in California — although not substantially different than that of the US — varies dramatically among regions within the state, according to a study of all securitized non-agency mortgages in the state by credit-rating agency Fitch Ratings.

“Delinquencies are highly correlated with the level of negative equity,” said Fitch managing director Roelof Slump. “Regions with the largest home price increases have also seen the most precipitous declines.”

“Property value declines in California are having a dramatic effect on a borrower’s willingness to pay,” Slump added.

These trends are particularly relevant to gauging the overall performance of new and existing mortgage-related securities, Fitch said, as California represents approximately 50% of the overall non-conforming mortgage origination volume.

The Fitch study concluded that 60+ delinquency rates for prime loans are at 12% in California, compared to 10% nationally. The delinquency rates for other sectors are similar as well, including pay-option adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs) (47% vs. 46%), subprime (50% vs. 47%), and Alt-A excluding Option ARMs (both 28%).

Fitch noted dramatic disparity among various regions within the 382 metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs) tracked. For instance, California includes both the best performing region in the country, San Francisco, and the worst performing regions — such as Riverside at 367th.

Riverside’s 23% prime 60+ day delinquency rate more than five times that of San Francisco (4%). Fitch said this performance difference is consistent across all sectors, with 50% of non-prime mortgages more than 60 days delinquent in Riverside compared to only 23% for San Francisco loans. Even Option ARM and subprime loans from San Francisco outperform Alt-A mortgages from Riverside.

The house price swings have been just as varied. Fitch found that, from 2000-2006, house prices in San Francisco increased by 81% and have since declined 22% from the peak. Over the same period, prices in Riverside jumped 193% and since declined 55% from the peak.

Consequently, 90% of Riverside mortgages are now considered “underwater,” with nearly 60% of borrowers owing more than 150% of the value of their home. Fitch estimates the weighted average current loan-to-value (LTV) ratio in Riverside to be 164%. By comparison, less than 1% of San Francisco mortgages are more than 50% underwater, with a weighted average current LTV of 81%.

Nationally, Fitch found that 39% of underwater borrowers and 58% of borrowers more than 50% underwater are 60 days or more delinquent (compared to 18% for non-underwater mortgages). Conversely, the four California MSAs with the lowest level of home price appreciation from 2000-2006 have the lowest level of delinquency rates.

The report does not include information on how this data may impact the performance of the securitized pools.

Write to Diana Golobay.

via housingwire.com

Owners skulking away from "underwater" U.S. homes That is what happening here in Phoenix, owners throwing in the towel. Like a growing number of the 8.3 million American homeowners who owe more on mortgages than their homes are worth, he's ready to just walk away. It can take a year or longer for a bank to seize a home once the owner ceases payments. While a foreclosure hurts credit, owners do not have to make mortgage payments as the process unfolds and can use that saved money to start over. Thinking about walking away? Phoenix, Arizona Short Sale Help for Sellers! Call Linda 602-6391-8246

Posted via web from Living in Phoenix-Real estate-Neighborhoods & Homes

Fannie Shortens Wait for Some Distressed Borrowers to Get New Loans « HousingWire

Friday, April 16th, 2010, 3:46 pm

Fannie Mae (FNM: 1.02 -0.97%) announced it is reducing the wait time for some borrowers between when they complete a short sale or deed-in-lieu of foreclosure transaction and when they can obtain a new mortgage.

Previously, a borrower was required to wait four years before getting a new mortgage, or two years if their home sold in a short sale. Under the new guidelines, a borrower that previously completed a deed-in-lieu of foreclosure transaction can get a new mortgage in two years, provided the borrower has a 20% down payment.

If the borrower has a 10% down payment, the wait period is still four years. In some extenuating circumstances, the wait period can be reduced to two years with a 10% down payment for deed-in-lieu of foreclosure, but not for short sales.

Fannie Mae’s Desktop Underwriter (DU) origination software will be updated in June to reflect the new deed-in-lieu of foreclosure policy, but not short sales, as the software cannot at this time determine whether a borrower participated in a short sale.

Originators are required to manually underwrite mortgages after the waiting period if the borrower previously completed a short sale. This new policy is effective for manually underwritten mortgage loans with application dates beginning July 1, 2010.

The policy changes come as Fannie Mae develops its deed for lease (D4L) plan. At Thursday’s Texas Mortgage Bankers Association (TMBA) servicing conference, Miguel Gutierrez, program’s director, outlined the initiative, where in exchange for a deed-in-lieu of foreclosure, the homeowner-turned-renter pays fair market rent to stay in their home for up to 12 months.

Fannie expects the program to get a boost from the Home Affordable Foreclosure Alternative (HAFA) program, which offers incentives to servicers and second lien holders to consummate deed-in-lieu transactions. Gutierrez said Fannie hopes its program will benefit from increased workouts incentivized by HAFA.

Write to Austin Kilgore.

via housingwire.com

So when you are thinking of doing that Short Sale and walking away from a Bad debt, a home that will take you several yrs to regain equity, Remember to Call Linda Wieczorek azhomes4u@gmail.com

Posted via web from Living in Phoenix-Real estate-Neighborhoods & Homes

Artlink Phoenix MAY 21ST A 6:00PM Third Friday

Photo Gallery

• 

• 

• 

• 

October

via artlinkphoenix.com

Posted via web from Living in Phoenix-Real estate-Neighborhoods & Homes

Buying a home “As-Is”: What does that mean here in Phoenix Arizona

Do you know what this really means to you as a Buyer? In most cases this means that the Seller is not providing any type of warranty on the property. The Seller will not fix any problems with the home. Perhaps it is being sold to settle an estate where the Seller inherited the property and has never occupied it. He may have no idea as to the condition of the roof, appliances and air conditioning system and does not want the liability of selling a “warranted” property having never lived in it. The property could also be a Bank-owned property sold in “As Is Condition”. As a rule, banks are not interested in giving warranties on foreclosed property even if it is a newer home. “As Is” could also be advantageous to the Buyer in this situation. Or it simply maybe be that Seller may not have to money to repair any problems found with the homes.

It can be beneficial for a Buyer to purchase a home “As Is with Right to Inspect”. This means that the Buyer is still allowed to have the customary inspections within a designated time period after the full execution of the contract by the Buyer and Seller.

Buying an “as-is” home does not necessarily mean there is a flaw or problem with the property. What it does mean is that the house is being sold in its current condition and the seller is stating upfront that he/she will not make any repairs to correct defects. That's if defects are found.

If you’re interested in buying an “as-is” home, it’s recommended that you hire a professional inspector to inspect the property during the inspection period, normally 10 days in Phoenix AZ. If possible, accompany the inspector as he/she does the inspection. An inspector should be able to identify any issues that might not be noticeable to the untrained eye.
An “as-is” home purchase can be a risky undertaking, but can also be a great buy.

Call Linda 602-391-8246 for all your Real estate needs or Click here to access my site

Not enough homes, Oh My

Here is an interestng article about the inventory levels of homes, with a specific reference to Phoenix. Note what Zillow has to say about the number of sellers waiting to jump into the market. 

The article, Real estate’s new problem: Not enough homes, from CNNMoney.com, reports that in some areas real estate agents are complaining that they don't have enough homes to sell. There is currently an eight-month supply of homes on the market -- meaning that, at the current sales pace, it would take eight months to run through the backlog. That's still a lot compared to the six-month supply that is expected in a normal market, but it is much better than it was. In some areas, supplies are even bidding-war tight. In Denver, for example, supply has fallen to 5.7 months from 6.2. In Phoenix it has declined to 4.5 from 5.2; and in San Francisco inventory has halved, to 3.2 months from 6.5 last March. Never have there been so many properties that could be for sale -- but aren't. This so-called "shadow inventory" comes from two main sources: properties lenders have not yet repossessed or have not yet put back on the market; and homeowners who want to sell but who have refrained because of low prices. Lenders are also holding back on foreclosing at all, either because they're having trouble handling the volume of repossessions or because they want to sell off some of the inventory they already have. Zillow surveys indicate there's a big pool of homeowners who have wanted to sell their homes during the past three years but market conditions either prevented sales or kept them from trying. The company estimates that 8% of homeowners are very likely to try to sell their homes in the next twelve months if they see signs of improvement in their local markets. "These sidelined sellers closely watch the market for signs of a possible turnaround and rush in if there's a hint of good news," said Stan Humphries, chief economist at Zillow.com.

NOTE THE "QUOTE" NEWS ARTICLE FROM KEVIN NEWELL, EQUITY TITLE TEMPE

Avondale AZ - Official Website - Homebuyer Assistance

via avondale.org

Make your Home ownership Dream a reality! Call Linda 602-391-8246

Posted via web from Living in Phoenix-Real estate-Neighborhoods & Homes

Your Way Home AZ is the one-stop location for purchasing foreclosed homes through the state, county and local governments.

via yourwayhomeaz.com

Your Way Home AZ is the one-stop location for purchasing foreclosed homes through the state, county and local governments. Funding is available to qualified buyers who are interested in purchasing foreclosed homes in select areas throughout the state.
Call Linda 602-391-8246 azhomes4u@gmail.com

Posted via web from Living in Phoenix-Real estate-Neighborhoods & Homes