Mesa Arizona Real Estate

Can "Regular" sellers still sell?

Mary Alexander — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 03:03:00 GMT

I speak with homeowners all the time who ask me if they'd be able to sell in the current Phoenix area real estate market. They ask how they can possibly compete against all the REO's (foreclosures) and short sales - all the "distressed" properties. I tell them the same thing over and over. They can actually have an advantage selling in the current market. An advantage? Yep! There are many buyers who shy away from foreclosures and short sales. Foreclosures can be scary for some buyers...(read more)

More Help for AZ Homeowners!

Mary Alexander — Sat, 20 Feb 2010 04:51:00 GMT

Today President Obama announced an additional $1.5 billion in homeowner aid for the areas of the country hardest-hit by declining home values. Yes, Arizona is on that list, in addition to California, Nevada, Michigan & Florida. As you may have guessed many Arizona residents owe more on their mortgage than they're home is worth. This is one of the reasons why there are so many short-sale properties and foreclosure now. There aren’t a lot of details yet on the newest aid for homeowners....(read more)

Four States Top the Foreclosure List

Mary Alexander — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 21:36:00 GMT

The bad news continues... foreclosures continue... and are expected to increase in 2010. Despite government and financial industry efforts, homeowners continue to struggle. And, of course, the states that benefited the most from the real estate boom a few years ago, ar e the ones that top the list for the hardest hit in the housing crisis. They are... as you might have guessed: California Florida Arizona Nevada...(read more)

Do buyers need a strong pre-approval?

Mary Alexander — Thu, 07 May 2009 16:55:00 GMT

In today's real estate market, bank's and other lenders have tightened their lending standards and made it more difficult to qualify for real estate loans. This makes it more challenging for buyers when competing against multiple offers as we see so often. As a buyer you will greatly enhance your odds for acceptance of your offer and a successful purchase by getting "pre-approved" with a lender as early on in the process as possible. The best time would be BEFORE even starting the...(read more)

First time buyers: Get your $8,000 tax credit

Mary Alexander — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 01:05:00 GMT

First-Time Home Buyer $8,000 Tax Credit: 6 Things to Know 1. Eight grand, new buyers : This credit is equivalent to 10 percent of the purchase price of the home– although it’s capped at $8,000–and applies only to first-time home buyers and principal residences. But unlike an earlier $7,500 home buyer tax credit, this one does not have to be repaid. 2. First time buyers defined : For the purpose of this legislation, a “first-time home buyer” is someone who hasn’t...(read more)

Century 21 Premier is now 1st USA Realty

Mary Alexander — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 16:45:00 GMT

Century 21 Premier is now 1st USA Realty. 1st USA Realty is an independent real-estate brokerage that has has built a solid and successful real estate firm with a reputation for high quality customer service. 1st USA Realty is one of the most respected and well known brokerages in the Valley. We are very excited to be a part of the 1st USA team. If you have any questions please call....(read more)

Mortgage Rates Are Falling

Mary Alexander — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 15:38:00 GMT

The Treasury Department is considering a plan to lower mortgage rates on loans for home purchases to......(read more)

Lower Interest Rates Entice Buyers To Jump Back Into The Market

Mary Alexander — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 18:49:00 GMT

With all the uncertainty in the economy over the past few months and with the real estate market plunging over the past three years.......(read more)

Top 10 Fastest Growing Real Estate Markets

Mary Alexander — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 16:16:00 GMT

There are still parts of the country where price gains are expected in the coming year, according to......(read more)

Sellers Most Frequently Asked Escrow Questions

Mary Alexander — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 00:28:00 GMT

Sellers most frequently asked questions about escrow....(read more)

Are you ready for your home loan application?

Mary Alexander — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 22:09:00 GMT

Requirements for your home loan application to get you prepared for a smooth transaction....(read more)

The Appraisal Process Explained

Mary Alexander — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 18:58:00 GMT

All you wanted explained about appraisals. All about appraisals!...(read more)

Should you get a home warranty? And Why?

Mary Alexander — Sat, 26 Jul 2008 14:37:00 GMT

The importance of getting a home warranty....(read more)

Buying a newly built home? How to avoid pitfalls?

Mary Alexander — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 23:59:00 GMT

Tips for purchasing a newly built home in Arizona. How to avoid the pitfalls and be happy with your purchase in the end. ...(read more)

Closing Costs – Who pays what?

Mary Alexander — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 20:27:00 GMT

Even though most costs in a real estate transaction can be negotiated between the buyer and seller, there are lots of costs that are traditionally paid by one party or the other. The list I made should be helpful for you The seller can generally be expected to pay: Owners policy of title insurance Home owners assn. inspection fee Real estate commissions Escrow fee (50%) Pay off all existing loans, liens, and encumbrances Termite work Taxes due and payable or back taxes Recording charges (50%) Overnight...(read more)

Buyers Are Coming

Mary Alexander — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 22:16:00 GMT

Well, here we are well into 2008 and the buyers are definately out to buy now. There are a lot of buyers now and what they seem to be looking for and buying are foreclosures. Other property types are selling but right now foreclosures are where bargains are found. Waiting for the real estate market to bounce back? Now is a great time to buy property, either to live in, for investment, or to flip and make a quick buck. For sellers, don't worry... all hope is not lost. There are plenty of non-foreclosure...(read more)

Largest Costco Is In Mesa AZ

Mary Alexander — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 05:23:00 GMT

Finally a Costco in far East Mesa. The coolest part is that it's huge. At 160,000 square feet, it's actually the biggest one in Arizona. Located at Sossaman Road and U.S. 60, this store also has a gas station. Every one wants discount gas right? If you're planing on moving to East Mesa, this place will come in pretty handy. You'll also be able to enjoy the new shopping center that will be just north of the Costco. By the way, right along Southern going west from Sossaman there's...(read more)

Mortgage Rates Are Down

Mary Alexander — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 00:24:00 GMT

Hooray! Mortgage rates are down after rising for three weeks. 30 yr. fixed mortgage is now at an average of 6.26%. This time last year, the 30-year loan average was 6.63%. If you want to lower the the loan interest rate, you can still buy down the interest rate on your mortgage if you want to. At the time of closing, a point, or "discount point," can be bought to decrease the interest rate. To buy a point it will cost 1% of the loan amount. Current Mortgage Rates Type Overall avgs wrtBankRateLinkMtg('30yrFixedMtg');30...(read more)

Mortgage Aid Plan

Mary Alexander — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 01:19:00 GMT

It looks like there will be good news for the hundreds of thousands of Americans facing foreclosure. Yep, this includes Arizona residents too. There was recently an 83-9 senate vote in favor of a Federal Housing Administration backing of $300 billion in new, cheaper home loans for about 400,000 borrowers in danger of foreclosure, who would usually be considered too much of a financial risk to qualify for a government-insured, fixed-rate loan. The key details are still being negotiated among politicians...(read more)

Multiple Offers On Foreclosure Properties

Mary Alexander — Sun, 29 Jun 2008 17:47:00 GMT

In today's challenging Phoenix, Mesa, Gilbert market and in many markets around the country, there are many bank-owned, or foreclosure, properties. These are properties that have gone through the foreclosure process and been taken back by the banks. Contrary to popular belief the banks and lenders DON'T like taking back properties. They want to "loan" not "own." When the ...(read more)

Love For Sonic Drive In

Mary Alexander — Sat, 28 Jun 2008 23:34:00 GMT

I must digress to tell you about my love for Sonic Drive In. I do promise that I'll relate it to real estate in some way or another. The food is Great!! The service is usually quick and courteous too! But what keeps me coming back for more are their slushes. Which by the way are half price during happy hour from 2-4PM. I usually order a grape slush with extra grape. You've gotta try it. Extra sweet and extra cold. So refreshing during these 115 degree days lately. Tuesdays are Family Night...(read more)

Mortgage Companies Lose Proof of Debt?

Mary Alexander — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 07:20:00 GMT

Click The Photo To Watch The Video I came across this very interesting video, so I figured I would share. It seems that if you are in foreclosure and the bank is trying to take your home you may be able to buy little extra time and maybe get a chance to renegotiate a new mortage payment with out all the fees that are ususlly tacked on. Apparently, there've been some problems recently with a large number of banks "loosing" the proof that they own some of the homes they're collecting...(read more)

"Regular" Sellers Trying Hard To Compete

Mary Alexander — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 13:44:00 GMT

In the present real state market, bank-owned foreclosurs and short sales are a huge part of the houses for sale, "regular" sellers (non-short sale and non-foreclosure ) are trying very hard to compete. A lot of these short sale and foreclosure properties are priced extremely low so that they'll sell fast. The regular sellers end up needing to price agressively to even compete against all of these "bargain" properties. A lot of sellers I talk to tell me what they think their...(read more)

What is a short sale?

Mary Alexander — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 16:12:00 GMT

I've gotten this question a lot lately. Many people don't know that if you are behind on your mortgage, have little or no equity, and have a pretty good reason for these late payments, you can get your lender to cover the commissions and closing costs to sell your home? It is called a short sale, and with an experienced Realtor, you can avoid foreclosure and get out from underneath those high mortgage payments. Most people don't even know this is an option. I think it's very important...(read more)

Is it a good time to buy?

Mary Alexander — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 21:37:00 GMT

This is a question I'm asked on a daily basis. Every one's talking about and thinking about real estate these days. I'm no fortune teller ( wish I was), but one thing I do know is that homes are taking longer to sell which means home values aren't increasing as quickly as in previous years. With the cooling Arizona real estate market we have now, deals are ready for the taking.

No matter what, real estate is still one of the best long term investments you can make. There's financing available for buyers and the interest rates are good.

We've all heard the term "buyers' market". Well, in my opinion it's a great time to be a buyer.

I would love to hear from you. So go ahead and make a comment.

What are your thoughts on the market? Do you think it's a good time to buy? What have you seen or heard?