Hi all
Here is the newest from Fannie Mae. Click on the link to get the latest news.
Blessings,
Patty


Fannie Mae gets tough on 'strategic' mortgage defaults - Borrowers who walk away from mortgages they can afford to pay — making "strategic defaults" — are running increasing risks that they'll be penalized for doing so. Starting in October, strategic defaulters will be disqualified for new Fannie Mae-backed loans for seven years after their foreclosures. Fannie also plans to go to court where it can to recoup outstanding mortgage debt from borrowers who strategically default. Under a bill that's passed the House and awaits Senate action, the Federal Housing Administration would be barred from insuring mortgages for those who previously ditched a mortgage they had the ability to pay. Read full article:

http://www.usatoday.com/money/economy/housing/2010-07-19-defaults19_ST_N.htm

It's Fourth Of July!! Celebration time for America.This day America was reborn.So it's time to wish America 'Happy Birthday' also! Put your hands together for the USA! July 4th day History
At the time of the signing the US consisted of 13 colonies under the rule of England's King George III. Leading up to the signing, there had been growing unrest in the colonies surrounding the taxes that colonists were required to pay to England. The major objection was "Taxation without Representation" -- the colonists had no say in the decisions of English Parliament.
Rather than negotiating, King George sent extra troops to the colonies to help control any rebellion that might be arising. The following timeline will give you a crash course in the history that lead to the signing of the Declaration of Independence and America's break from British rule.

1774 - The 13 colonies send delegates to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to form the First Continental Congress. While unrest was brewing, the colonies were far from ready to declare war.

April 1775 - King George's troops advance on Concord, Massachusetts, prompting Paul Revere's midnight ride that sounded the alarm "The British are coming, the British are coming."
The subsequent battle of Concord, famous for being the "shot heard round the world," would mark the unofficial beginning of the American Revolution.

May 1776 - After nearly a year of trying to work our their differences with England, the colonies again send delegates to the Second Continental Congress.

June 1776 - Admitting that their efforts were hopeless, a committee was formed to compose the formal Declaration of Independence. Headed by Thomas Jefferson, the committee also included John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Philip Livingston and Roger Sherman.

June 28, 1776 - Jefferson presents the first draft of the declaration to congress.

July 4, 1776 - After various changes to Jefferson's original draft, a vote was taken late in the afternoon of July 4th. Of the 13 colonies, 9 voted in favor of the Declaration; 2, Pennsylvania and South Carolina voted No; Delaware was undecided and New York abstained.
John Hancock, President of the Continental Congress, was the first to sign the Declaration of Independence. It is said that he signed his name "with a great flourish" so "King George can read that without spectacles!"

July 6, 1776 - The Pennsylvania Evening Post is the first newspaper to print the Declaration of Independence.

July 8, 1776 - The first public reading of the declaration takes place in Philadelphia's Independence Square. The bell in Independence Hall, then known as the "Province Bell" would later be renamed the "Liberty Bell" after its inscription - "Proclaim Liberty Throughout All the Land Unto All the Inhabitants Thereof."

August 1776 - The task begun on July 4, the signing of the Declaration of Independence, was not actually completed until August. Nonetheless, the 4th of July has been accepted as the official anniversary of United States independence from Britain.

July 4, 1777 - The first Independence Day celebration takes place. It's interesting to speculate what those first 4th festivities were like. By the early 1800s the traditions of parades, picnics, and fireworks were firmly established as part of American Independence Day culture.
God Bless America
Have a safe fourth of July
Patty

Happy fourth of July everyone. Be Safe and God Bless America


Background
Independence Day, commonly known as the Fourth of July, is the annual celebration of nationhood. It commemorates the passage of the Declaration of Independence by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776.

The Congress had voted in favor of independence from Great Britain on July 2 but did not actually complete the process of revising the Declaration of Independence, originally drafted by Thomas Jefferson in consultation with fellow committee members John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Roger Sherman and William Livingston, until two days later. The celebration was initially modeled on that of the king's birthday, which had been marked annually by bell ringing, bonfires, solemn processions and oratory. Such festivals had long played a significant role in the Anglo-American political tradition. Especially in the 17th and 18th centuries, when dynastic and religious controversies racked the British Empire (and much of the rest of Europe), the choice of which anniversaries of historic events were celebrated and which were lamented had clear political meanings. The ritual of toasting the king and other patriot-heroes—or of criticizing them—became an informal kind of political speech, further formalized in mid-18th century when the toasts given at taverns and banquets began to be reprinted in newspapers.

Early Years
In the early stages of the revolutionary movement in the colonies during the 1760s and early 1770s, patriots used such celebrations to proclaim their resistance to Parliament's legislation while lauding the king as the real defender of English liberties. However, the marking of the first days of independence during the summer of 1776 actually took the form in many towns of a mock funeral for the king, whose “death” symbolized the end of monarchy and tyranny and the rebirth of liberty.

During the early years of the republic, Independence Day was commemorated with parades, oratory and toasting, in ceremonies that celebrated the existence of the new nation. These rites played an equally important role in the evolving federal political system. With the rise of informal political parties, they provided venues for leaders and constituents to tie local and national contests to independence and the issues facing the national polity. By the mid-1790s, the two nascent political parties held separate, partisan Independence Day festivals in most larger towns. Perhaps for this reason, Independence Day became the model for a series of (often short-lived) celebrations that sometimes contained more explicit political resonance, such as Washington's birthday and the anniversary of Jefferson's inauguration while he served as president (1801–09).

19th Century Celebrations
The bombastic torrent of words that characterized Independence Day during the 19th century made it both a serious occasion and one sometimes open to ridicule—like the increasingly popular and democratic political process itself in that period. With the growth and diversification of American society, the Fourth of July commemoration became a patriotic tradition which many groups—not just political parties—sought to claim. Abolitionists, women's rights advocates, the temperance movement, and opponents of immigration (nativists) all seized the day and its observance, in the process often declaring that they could not celebrate with the entire community while an un-American perversion of their rights prevailed.

A Modern Holiday
With the rise of leisure, the Fourth also emerged as a major midsummer holiday. The prevalence of heavy drinking and the many injuries caused by setting off fireworks prompted reformers of the late 19th and the early 20th century to mount a Safe and Sane Fourth of July movement. During the later 20th century, although it remained a national holiday marked by parades, concerts of patriotic music and fireworks displays, Independence Day declined in importance as a venue for politics. It remains a potent symbol of national power and of specifically American qualities—even the freedom to stay at home and barbecue.

Hi all,


Reports: Phoenix housing values improve - Two reports released Tuesday, one local and one national, appear to confirm that housing values are improving in the Phoenix market. ASU’s Repeat Sales Index shows that although prices are lower than one year ago, the declines are not as severe as they have been. “The March figures also show the first monthly increase in the median price of non-foreclosure homes since the end of 2007,” said ASU Professor Karl Guntermann, who is the Fred E. Taylor Professor of Real Estate. “This may signal the start of price stability throughout much of the housing market.” The S&P/Case Shiller Home Price Indices also indicate that housing value declines are beginning to slow in Phoenix with a one-year composite decline hovering at 1.6%. That was one of the smallest declines among 20 metropolitan areas surveyed.
http://www.bizjournals.com/phoenix/stories/2010/04/26/daily22.html?s=industry&i=resi_real_estate

Real Estate Outlook: Signs of Recovery - Sales of existing single family homes jumped by 7.3% in March, according to the National Association of Realtors survey released last Thursday, and were 13% above year-earlier levels. Median single family prices were up by 9% year over year in the Northeast region, and by about 7% in the South, Midwest and the West. Meanwhile, unsold inventory dropped by two percent in March, and is now 22 percent below its peak in July 2008. March single family housing starts rose by 1.6% to their highest level since November of 2008. Bottom line this week: Think positive. Because that's where we're headed in real estate and the economy overall. Read full article:
http://realtytimes.com/rtpages/20100428_realestateoutlook.htm

Additional articles that you may find of interest:

Expert: Housing prices in Valley flat
http://www.azcentral.com/business/realestate/articles/2010/04/28/20100428phoenix-housing-prices.html

The Valley's priciest home sales
http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/business/articles/2010/04/28/20100428biz-donedeals0428.html

Refi: FHA or conventional?
Does it make sense to refinance into a conventional mortgage? Or is an FHA refi better?
http://www.bankrate.com/finance/mortgages/refinancing-into-a-conventional-mortgage.aspx

Blessings,
Patty

Hello all,
I hope the following information is useful. If you are still looking to buy we have until April 30th to get a contract in. Get pre-approved and let's go shopping.



Proposal to slash business property taxes on the table - Large commercial property tax breaks are included in a tax-cut plan under consideration at the Arizona Legislature. Business property taxes, which currently are as high as 20%, could be cut to 1% for 10 years for developers, property owners or businesses making building renovations or doing new construction of $250 million or more. These entities also must hire at least 150 new workers for their projects and qualify under Arizona Department of Commerce rules aimed at attracting and retaining high-wage jobs with benefits. Capital investments and developments of $1 million to $250 million that create at least 15 jobs could result in a 5% property tax rate, down from 20%.
http://www.bizjournals.com/phoenix/stories/2010/04/19/story2.html?b=1271649600^3199621&s=industry&i=commercial_real_estate

Real Estate Outlook: Faster Recovery? - It's been a long time since we've seen the Wall Street Journal run a front-page article suggesting that the national economy appears to be rebounding faster than most analysts forecast. But that happened last week. And over the past couple of years, we haven't seen retail sales -- a key barometer of consumer confidence -- jump by almost two% in a single month. But we saw that last week as well. Housing activity is also up in 11 of the 12 bank districts. Freddie Mac's economists expect to see total home sales this year at least 10% higher than last year, even with the possibility of higher mortgage interest rates.
http://realtytimes.com/rtpages/20100419_realestateoutlook.htm


Take Care,

Patty

Hello all,

If you are in the process of thinking of purchasing a home, this new information is of value. Please read. Thank you and once again I hope this information is a valuable tool.


Important Changes to FHA Loan Programs
What do they mean for home buyers?

Mortgage Insurance Premiums

In order to replenish its barren reserves, FHA will increase the upfront mortgage insurance premium it charges to home buyers for obtaining an FHA loan. The insurance protects the lender in case the homeowner defaults on the loan. Recently FHA has paid a lot of claims and its reserves have suffered the effects. Therefore they are increasing the amount of the upfront premium from 1.75% of the loan amount to 2.25% beginning April 5. [cid:image002.jpg@01CAA328.93320A70]

Lots of new things happening. As new things come up I will post them.


Foreclosures, short sales bring tourists seeking cheap houses - In foreclosure tourism, out-of-towners take mini-vacations in the Valley to shop for foreclosure and short-sale bargains as investments, second homes and even primary residences. Jordan Rose, managing partner of Rose Law Group in Scottsdale has received dozens of calls from foreclosure tourists from New York, New Jersey and the Midwest who are looking at suburban markets that have seen home value declines and a substantial number of foreclosures and short sales. Rose said out-of-state investors and buyers comprise the bulk of her real estate business right now. “Nearly all the buyers we talk to — dozens over the last two weeks — have at least out-of-town financial backers. Money is trying to flow into Arizona right now,” she said.
http://www.bizjournals.com/phoenix/stories/2010/01/18/story8.html?b=1263790800^2728141&s=industry&i=resi_real_estate

Government lifts rule discouraging flipping; homes can be bought and resold within 90 days - In a move that could make foreclosed properties more attractive to investors and increase the number of homes available to first-time buyers, the federal government is temporarily lifting a prohibition against providing FHA mortgage insurance for homes that are resold within 90 days. The waiver on the purchase of flipped houses with FHA mortgages, which begins February 1 and is effective for one year, “will give FHA borrowers access to a broader array of recently foreclosed properties,” HUD said Friday in announcing the change. Conditions attached to the waiver are expected to prevent what HUD called “predatory practices” by investors. For instance when a house is resold within 90 days of purchase at a price that is 20 percent higher, the seller would have to justify the increase, such as by showing how much was spent on repairs and renovation.
http://www.pe.com/business/local/stories/PE_Web_FHA.8f462821.html

I hope is information is valuable to you.

Take Care,
Patty

Hello all,
I hope your Christmas and New Years were great. Many blessing to you and your families for 2010.

If you are selling or buying this information below should shed some light on the contract you are receiving or if you are purchasing.


Daily Real Estate News | December 29, 2009 | Share
The Highest Offer May Not Be the Best
Sellers who get more than one offer should be aware that the highest offer isn’t necessarily the best offer, say experienced practitioners.

In this tough market, going with the buyer who has enough cash to pay a large down payment and who won’t be scared away if the inspection uncovers some needed repairs is often the wise choice.

Practitioners should encourage sellers to review all the terms and conditions of the sales contract. In some areas, the allocation of fees can take a big bite out of the net proceeds. While most contracts are written to reflect that, it isn’t always the case.

Also, the closing date in the offer should be considered carefully. A buyer who can close quickly can save a seller thousands. Offers contingent on the sale of another property are particularly suspect in this market.

Source: Inman News, Dian Hymer (12/28/2009)


All My Best,
Patty

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all,
This is such a wonderful time of year. This is the time to let go of the old and welcome the new and to count our blessings. We need to surround ourselves with friends and family and celebrate the people in our lives, even in this time of stress and uncertainty.
Have a Very Merry and Blessed New Year.
I hope the information below is useful to you.
Patty


Move-Down Buyers Can Be Eligible For Tax Credit Too - Move up, move down, move sideways; it just doesn't matter - buyers may still qualify for the new tax credit available to current homeowners. It is unfortunate that the credit has too often been characterized as a credit for "move-up" homeowners. We need to get the word out that the credit is equally available to homeowners who are moving down, cost-wise. The move-down homebuyer is not an unusual phenomenon. For years, retirees have been known to move from a larger home to one that is smaller and often less expensive. Moreover, it is reasonable to think that current economic conditions may lead to even more move-down buyers. The same requirements for the tax credit apply to both move-down and move-up buyers.
http://realtytimes.com/rtpages/20091222_movedown.htm

Additional articles that you may find of interest:

Nation's home resales surge to highest level in nearly 3 years
http://www.azcentral.com/business/realestate/articles/2009/12/22/20091222biz-homesales1222.html

November home sales soar 7.4%; median price $172,600 (nationwide)
http://www.azcentral.com/business/realestate/articles/2009/12/22/20091222biz-homesales1222.html

Mortgages Becoming Easier to Obtain
http://www.realtor.org/rmodaily.nsf/pages/News2009122101

New RESPA Rules Start Jan. 1
http://www.realtor.org/rmodaily.nsf/pages/News2009122102

12 Tech Predictions for 2010
http://www.realtor.org/rmodaily.nsf/pages/News2009122106

Real Estate Outlook: Economic Forecasting
http://realtytimes.com/rtpages/20091222_realestateoutlook.htm

Lower payments = fewer redefaults
http://money.cnn.com/2009/12/21/real_estate/loan_modification_redefaults/index.htm

Renovating doesn't pay off like it used to
http://money.cnn.com/2009/12/18/real_estate/return_on_renovations/index.htm

Hello all,
I hope you all had a great Thanksgiving. Here are some items of interest I hope will answer any questions you may have.

Tax Credit Quandaries Answered - Here are answers to some of the most confusing questions related to the new home buyer tax credits:
How does a current home owner qualify for the $6,500 credit? Buyers must have lived in their homes for at least 5 out of the last 8 years. The home they buy must become their primary residence, but buyers don’t have to sell their previous home - they can use it as a rental or a second home and still claim the credit.
Does the new home have to be more expensive than the one the buyer currently owns? No, but if the property sells for more than $800,000, the buyers don’t qualify.
Can buyers who are building a new home claim the credit? Yes, although the contract must be in place by April 30 and the buyer must move in by July 1.
Can buyers claim the credit if they purchase a home from a relative? No.
http://www.realtor.org/rmodaily.nsf/pages/News2009112506

NE Valley last to see effects of housing rebound - Valley home prices are beginning to recover, a report from ASU contends. However, the northeast part of the Valley, which was not hit as hard as other areas, appears to be the last to see the effects. Karl Guntermann's Repeat Sales Index, which measures changes in average Phoenix area home prices from year to year, has seen positive movement for the past five months. "The local housing market is regaining some measure of stability," Guntermann said. Prices may be up because of investors buying foreclosed homes and first-time homebuyers taking advantage of the federal tax credit, he said. Guntermann's data shows the turnaround began in March. In the northeast part of the Valley, which is most reflective of northeast Phoenix neighborhoods, prices are down far less than the rest of the Valley.
http://www.azcentral.com/business/realestate/articles/2009/11/27/20091127biz-phx-homeprice1128.html

Be safe in your travels and God Bless

Patty

Hello,

Fall is here and I am sure you are enjoying this beautiful weather as much as I am. It's also the time not to forget to pay close attention to health. Here are a few swine flu and common cold things to look out for:
Symptoms of the Novel HINI (Swine) virus include fever (over 104 degrees) and respiratory-tract illness (cough, sore throat, runny nose), headaches and in some cases vomiting and diarrhea. The Novel HINI flu virus differs from a cold in that the onset of symptoms is sudden, not gradual. A fever is common and lasts three to four days, which is rare with a cold, and a cough that is dry and can become severe. Coughing is typically mild with a cold. Muscle or joint aches, headaches, extreme exhaustion and chest discomfort are commom and are rare or mild with a cold. If you are concerned that your symptoms might be of swine flue, contact your doctor. Ok enough of that. Let's talk about the market.

Foreclosures fell slightly in Sept. - Last month, foreclosures dropped slightly, while home prices inched up again. Lenders foreclosed on 3,759 Valley homes - almost a 5% drop from August, according to the Information Market. It's the second month in a row foreclosures have fallen. Pre-foreclosures also dropped in September suggesting that there will be another decline in foreclosures this month. There were 7,857 pre-foreclosures, or notice of trustee sales, filed by lenders last month - an 11% drop. The median price of metro Phoenix home sales climbed to $130,000, according to Mike Orr's Cromford Report. A month ago, the median was $127,000. Home prices, particularly in many of the Valley's edge communities, have been slowly climbing since April. New-home prices are up as well, with the median price of a new Valley home reaching $197,948, after hitting a recent low of $183,750 in July.
http://www.azcentral.com/business/realestate/articles/2009/10/06/20091006biz-catherine1007.html


Here are some Pumpkin Patches and Fall Harvest Festivals you might want to check out.

Apple Annie’s Produce & Pumpkins
6405 W. Williams Rd., Willcox, AZ 85643 - 520-384-2084
From their web site: "Enjoy old-fashioned family fun picking your own pumpkins, fall
vegetables and apples. Pumpkins of all sizes, shapes and colors will be available for
picking in our huge pumpkin patch. $3/person fee includes hayride to the pumpkin
patch and children's play area; children 2 and under are free. We-pick pumpkins will be available at the
pumpkin stand. Don't miss Arizona's newest and largest, absolutely amazing CORN MAZE with 3 levels
of difficulty - it's perfect for the entire family! Come early and enjoy a delicious "All-You-Can-Eat" pancake
breakfast served from 8:30 AM - 10:30 AM, or partake in the Apple Smoked Burger lunch served
from 11 AM - 4 PM; both meals are served at our orchard location." Bring your camera and a jacket, as
fall days can be quite cool in Willcox.
In 2009: October 10-11, October 17-18, October 24-25, October 31.

Aqua Linda Farm
Amado, Arizona - 520-398-3218
Pumpkin patch, hayrides, petting zoo, pony rides, farm raised burgers, you-pick vegetables, Farm Store,
homemade pumpkin pie, hay bale maze, live music and movie nights by the pumpkin patch. $7 per car
admission includes hayrides, petting zoo and maze. No additional charge on movie nights Oct. 16, 23 &
30. In 2009: Saturdays and Sundays, Oct. 10, 11, 17, 18, 24, 25, 31.
Some Friday evenings, too.

Freeman Farms Pumpkin Festival
1096 E. Road 3 South, Chino Valley, Arizona - 520-850-3990
Farm fresh pumpkins off the vine! Enjoy the scenery of a working farm. See Mammoth Donkeys and
enjoy the animals in the petting zoo. Hay Ride; Mini-Corn Maze; Horse Presentations. Activities have a
charge. There is no admission charge to purchase pumpkins or produce located at the check out stand.
In 2009: Open every Friday, Saturday & Sunday in October from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Have a safe and Happy Halloween
Patty

Happy Labor Day,
I was sitting here thinking of something clever to blog about but decided to look up the history of Labor Day. This is what I found:

An annual American holiday usually held on the first Monday in September, Labor Day is dedicated to the American worker who puts in long hours dedicated to preserving a way of life by selflessly endeavoring to promote the prosperity and growth of a nation proudly, through their efforts. In recognition of this dedicated way of life, a Labor Day Party is a fitting tribute to workers from all walks of life. There is no clear answer to who began the Labor Day tradition America celebrates so proudly, but it is normally attributed to either Peter J. McGuire or Matthew McGuire, who were both instrumental in improving working conditions for Americans throughout the United States, and preserving a way of life so dear to one and all.

From the earliest known celebrations of Labor Day to present day celebrations, Labor Day parties seem to have a common thread. From the very beginning, Labor Day has been a family break from doing what it takes to maintain hearth and home, and doing it in a manner to best benefit workers and their families all over the nation. Some people prefer to celebrate in quiet comfort in their own homes, some prefer to hit the holiday hot spots all over the world, and see this holiday as their just desserts for day after day of hard work throughout the year. So, when making plans for your family to enjoy the holiday, the only hard and fast rule is to come to some kind of agreement so you and your family can all do something they enjoy together.

Some Labor Day party celebrations are picnics, camping trips, barbeques, or just family dinners spent together. No matter what you and your family decide to do on Labor Day, you will benefit from deciding early, making all your arrangements well in advance, and planning carefully to avoid a bottle neck on what is one of the most widely celebrated holidays in the nation. Plan for the entire family, then sit with everyone to plan a schedule. It can be challenging to get everyone on the same page, but it is worth it, when your holiday running smoothly is at stake. Book up the best that you can swing, carry your own grill just in case, or in a pinch, use large terra cotta planters filled half way with sand and topped off with hot coals to safely cradle skewers of seasoned, marinated meats, veggies, and fruits over the heat and enjoy the great, healthy taste of the outdoors!

Have a safe and Happy Labor Day

Patty

Hello and I hope you all had a happy and safe 4th of July. Summer is here and many of you are looking at moving before school starts. Here is a piece of an article I copied I thought many of you would like to see. If you are actively looking for a home, I am pretty confident that your experiance is that you are finding the homes have multiple contracts. If you don't act quickly the home is already gone. Here the is the article to substaniate that. So, getting yourself pre-approved is the first order of business before you go shopping. Let the shopping begin. Have a safe summer.

Pending Home Sales Rise Again, an article from Realtor Magazine Online, reports that pending home sales displayed a sustained upward trend, rising for four consecutive months, according to the National Association of Realtors. The Pending Home Sales Index, a forward-looking indicator based on contracts signed in May, increased 0.1% to 90.7. This is 6.7% higher than in May 2008. There hasn't been four consecutive months of gain since October 2004. "Closed existing-home sales have improved but are coming in lower than expected because some contracts are delayed or falling through from the application of new appraisal rules for many transactions," said Lawrence Yun, NAR chief economist. http://www.realtor.org/RMODaily.nsf/pages/News2009070101

Until next time,
God Bless
Patty

It is such an enormous job and overwhelming when it is time to move. Here are a few tips to help take the pressure off.
Follow these guidelines in packing your household goods:

Appliances
Wrap small appliances in inkless newsprint or your kitchen towels or linens. Tape the bottom of a medium box
securely and put down a layer inkless newsprint for padding. You can pack several small appliances to a box. For large appliances, make sure you check your owner's manual for any special instructions before you start to pack. Make sure the inside and outside of all appliances are clean. You can stuff the inside of some appliances, such as washing machines and dryers, with towels or linens. Tape down any parts that could come loose — the burners on
your stove, the electrical cords, etc. Wrap the appliance with furniture pads and tie securely.

Books
Use only small boxes for books — they get very heavy, very fast. You can use small paperbacks to fill the sides of the box if there is extra space. Use only small boxes for books - they get very heavy, very fast. You can use small paperbacks to fill the sides of the box if there is extra space.

Clothing
This is whe^e wardrobe boxes come in handy. You can move clothing on hangers straight from your closet to the wardrobe boxes. Clothing in drawers should be packed in suitcases or boxes.

Electronic equipment
Ideally, you should pack electronic equipment such as stereos, TVs and computers in their original boxes with their original packing material. If this is unavailable, wrap the equipment in plastic bags. Wrap each piece in bubble pack and pack in heavy duty TV Box (25" x 25" x 25" DW).

Furniture
If you can take your furniture apart in any way to make it easier to move, make sure you put all nuts, bolts and screws in a small zip-lock bag and tape the bag to the furniture. Tape drawers shut where necessary. Wrap exposed legs (on tables and chairs) in bubble wrap or inkless newsprint. Wrap in furniture pads and tie securely.

Kitchenware
Wrap breakable items in bubble wrap or inkless newsprint. Put layers of bubble wrap between each plate or bowl. Fill the top bowl with crumpled inkless newsprint. Make sure you put the heavier items on the bottom of the box. Wrap nonbreakable items in inkless newsprint before packing in a box Use cell packs to separate delicate items. Make sure you pack all the items you'll need for your first few days in you new home in one box, and label it prominently. You can only eat take-out for so long.

Mirrors and framed art
Tape an X of masking tape across mirrors and paintings framed with glass. Wrap each item in bubble wrap. You can use shipping cartons for these pieces. Make sure you label everything fragile.

Hope this helps.

Happy Moving

Until next time

God Bless

Buyers, when you are purchasing a home, remember these 10 do's or dont's. Protect yourself from common mistakes.

1. Do make sure you are pre-qualified before making an offer. This will make your life much easier. Take the time to talk to your lender to determine your price range. This is one of the most important steps to take.

2. Do have a home inspection. Trying to save a few dollars could cost you more in the long run. A qualified inspector will detect issues that can be easily overlooked.

3. Don't limit your search to open houses, ad or an internet search. Many homes have contracts on them and/or have already been sold. A Realtor has the updated information that is unavailable to the public. This is the best resource to help you find the home you want.

4. Do make sure your Realtor is committed to you. Choose a professional who is dedicated from beginning to end with strong communcation skills. One that will keep you informed through the entire process.

5. Don't think there is one perfect home out there. New properties arrive on the market everyday so keep an open mind.

6. Do think ahead. Will your home suit your needs for the next 3-5 years? How about 5-10 years?

7. Do purchase adequate insurance. Advise from an insurance agent can provide you with answers to any concerns you may have.

8. Do purchase a home warranty. This is a mini insurance policy that usually last one year from close of escrow. It typically covers basic repairs you may encounter and can be purchased for a nominal fee. Your agent can help you with this.

9. Know your costs. Early in the process, ask your Realtor or lender for an estimate of closing costs. Title company and attorney fees should be considered. Pre-pay responsibilities such as homeowner's association fees and insurance must also be taken into account. Remember to examine your settlement statement prior to clsoing.

10. Do follow through with due diligence. Make a list of concerns you may have relating to issues....ie: crime rates, schools, power lines, neighbors, environmental conditions, etc. Find out before you make the offer.

Here are a few tips:
take notes on each home you are looking at. rate 1-10
bring a camera
write down any changes you may make
pay attention to the surroundings...parking.....parks, etc.
visit the home different times of day

FEEL GOOD ABOUT YOUR PURCHASE

Until next time

God Bless

Patty

This has to be my favorite time of year. I think I say that everytime the season starts changing. Be that as it may, the weather is warming up enough outside to start thinking of fixing things, yardwork, landscaping, and getting your pool ready. Did you know that landscaping can add 7-15% to your home's value? So, here are some simple things to get started.

• Replace your porch light with a new fixture that compliments your home's style.
• A new mailbox and handsome street numbers will yield a great return on investment, plus just looks nicer.
• Keep shrubs trimmed, add color with plants and keep the soil free of weeds with mulch or ground cover.
• Give your front door a fresh coat of contrasting paint or stain. Paint the trim if you have a tight budget.
• Make sure the walkways are in good condition and free of cracks. Paint or stain concrete walks, steps and porches.

Until next time have a great week and God Bless

Patty