Archives for July 2010

In March, ING Direct bank commissioned Harris Interactive to conduct an online survey of 1,042 parents of children age 17 years and younger. The survey discovered more than half, 56 percent, of those surveyed thought bouncing a check or paying a fee for having non-sufficient funds in their bank account would reduce their credit scores. Wrong. Credit reports typically don't include Continue Reading

Buyers and their agents need to be aware that it is a very bad idea for buyers to increase their credit balances or to open new lines of credit shortly before they close escrow on their new home. More specifically, they should avoid such activity during the period of time between loan application and closing. This is because policies under Fannie Mae's Loan Quality Initiative, effective June 1, Continue Reading

In Freddie Mac's results of its Primary Mortgage Market Survey, the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage (FRM) averaged 4.69 percent with an average 0.7 point for the week ending June 24, 2010, down from the previous week when it averaged 4.75 percent. Last year at this time, the 30-year FRM averaged 5.42 percent. The 15-year FRM this week averaged 4.13 percent with an average 0.6 point, down from the Continue Reading

After weeks of searching for your next home, you now have it narrowed down to two great options. One offers a shorter commute, but the other offers more square footage for your growing family. How can you make the best choice? There are several strategies you can employ in your decision making process. Above all, be confident in your decision making abilities. "The fear of making serious Continue Reading

You love your home but when it comes time to sell, you have to share the love. In the other words, you have to make your home be seen in the eyes of potential buyers as their home. That can be tricky. But if you do some of the basic things such as clearing clutter, creating light, bright, and open space, adding curb appeal, removing personal items (family photos, trinkets), fresh paint, and Continue Reading

The real estate downturn has turned some very popular retirement destinations into bargains. To determine where the prices are most attractive, U.S. News & World Report examined price-to-income data for 384 metropolitan statistical areas. This expresses the relationship between owner income and home values. Here are 10 retirement havens where homes are most affordable by this measure: Continue Reading

Today's mortgage interest rates are at an all time low. This is an incredible time to buy!!30 yr fixed: 4.57% 15 yr fixed: 4.07% 1 yr adj: 3.75% (U.S. Daily Averages)    Call or email to find your dream home today or to find your next investment property.   Leah Hamman Keller Williams Integrity First Realty My Arizona Home Team (480) 330-6242 Email: HammanTeam@cox.net Continue Reading

Price : $379,000 Bedrooms : 3 Bathrooms : 3 Square Foot : 2,710 Lot Size : 2+ acres. County : Maricopa Property Type : Custom Single Family Detached Year Built : 1998 MLS Number : 4337980 3 bedrooms + Den + Dining Room!SOUTHWEST STYLE CUSTOM HOME BEAUTY SITUATED ON 2+ ACRES OF ELEVATED HILLSIDE W/AMAZING CITY VIEWS*PERFECT FOR THE RURAL BUYER WHO WANTS A TRANQUIL SETTING YET A SHORT DRIVE TO THE Continue Reading

In the truest sense, freedom cannot be bestowed; it must be achieved. ~Franklin D. Roosevelt Continue Reading

As you get ready to travel—even if it’s a short trip, like 4th of July weekend—don’t forget to take these few easy steps at home before you leave: • Turn up your thermostat to 85 degrees (unless you’re leaving pets at home, of course). Experts agree that the energy saved from turning your thermostat up in the summer while you’re away is greater than the energy used to cool your house back down Continue Reading