MAN BITES DOG

MAN BITES DOG

That's an interesting title. Man Bites Dog is actually the name of a card game that my husband and I play when entertaining guest at our home. The object of the game is to make headlines from the cards you are dealt. Hey they sounds like blogging and real estate. In real estate you are dealt cards; you have to make things happen with what you have. Now this article is not about a man actually biting a dog, but how animals are bitten, so to speak, by abandonment.

In real estate we owe our fiduciary to our client and his family, we are to be honest, confidential and to protect from harms way as far as any real estate transactions we are, or will, or were involved in. Does that also apply to the four (4) legged member of that household? Of course there is no confidentiality, or honesty involved, but what about protect?

Hmmmm, protect, what does that mean? Let's suppose you list a property on a short sale that is due to foreclose in the very near future. The Seller advises you that they are moving out of state and the home will be vacant by the end of the week.

Few days later you enter the home to access the condition, and who meets you at the door? FLUFFY!

Fluffy is hungry, dehydrated and scared. He is so thirsty that when he "meows", his voice cracks as a result of a parched throat. SO WHAT WOULD YOU DO? a) Immediately shut the door and pretend you didn't know; b) Take Fluffy home with you; c) Call the Seller and give him a piece of your mind; d) Call the Shelter to pick up the cat?

Thousands upon thousands of animals are abandoned each year, and the numbers will get higher as the foreclosure rates increase. As a real estate practitioner, I feel that we have responsibilities to our client, the customer, and the extended family; yes even their animals.

If you find that the family leaves their pets, it can be as a result of one or two reasons; 1) They could not find the animal at the time they left - (surely they would ask you to watch out for the pet or 2) Abandonment - they had no intention of taking the animals.

We are fortunate that here in the Phoenix, metro area, there are several agencies to help distressed animals. For dogs: http://www.valleydogs.org/ and for other animals http://www.animalrescuecenter.org/ . If you find you are looking in the big brown eyes of Fido, or Fluffy - don't become the Man Bites Dog headline - be a rescurer!

I have homes for sale throughout the Valley whose pets have found loving homes, please visit my website: http://www.homes4saleaz.com/ to give your pet a new home.

HOUSING PRICES ARE LOW IN PHOENIX, ARIZONA

HOUSING PRICES ARE LOW IN PHOENIX, ARIZONA

Why are housing so low in Phoenix, Arizona? I am asked this question over and over again from people who live in other parts of the United States, and abroad. "Why are the prices of the houses in Phoenix, Arizona so low? I say they are not low, they are normal! Yes, I said normal. I am not losing my mind, I am perfectly sane. Phoenix has always had wonderful pricing on homes, that is why we have grown by leaps and bounds in terms of our population. Affordable homes, in a warm climate, with beautiful winters, gorgeous blues skies and mountains galore is what keeps people flocking to the twenty-one (21) cities affiliated with the Phoenix metro area.

Greed, inflation, ignorance, and the old theory of supply and demand is what drove the home prices through the roof. As a result of these acts, Phoenix sadly carries the title of being one of the top foreclosure capitals of the USA. Yes, Phoenix, Arizona is on the map as a state that has the second highest rate in foreclosures.

How did this happen? Well, there are many theories as to why we are in this dilemma, here are a few:

1) The Investors Did It; they depleted the inventory by purchasing four, five, six homes in new home subdivisions which spurred a bidding war between the Investor and the Local Home Buyers; the "old supply and demand" theory, prices go up when inventory goes down,

2) The "Out of Towners Did it; they saw that housing prices were so low that they purchased all the inventory which caused a bidding war between the Out of Towners, Investors and the Local Home Buyers; again, the "old supply and demand" theory, prices go up when inventory goes down,

3) The Lenders Did it; they financed homes for people who could not afford the houses that were over priced due to the bidding wars between the Out of Towners, the Investors and the Local Home Buyers; again, the "old supply and demand" theory, prices go up when inventory goes down,

4) The Appraiser Did It; they were in cahoots with the Lenders who gave the pricing guidelines for the houses that the "Out of Towners, the Investors and the Local Home Buyer purchased,

5) The REALTORS Did it; because they sold the homes to the Out of Towners, Investors, and the Local Home Buyer who got the money from the Lenders at the prices that the Appraiser set as the pricing guidelines ..... and on and on, and on.

The facts are cloudy as to WHY it happened, but IT DID happen, and we are now paying the price - or are we?

If you look at what the housing prices were in 2004 at the time before the housing boom, we are pretty much where we would have been in pricing if we had stayed on a normal course of inflation and equity building. Exception are short sales which are considerably lower than most bank owned or seller owned properties on the market for sale today.

The challenge lies in home owners owing more to the mortgage companies than what the homes are current being valued in terms of sales. Most homeowners are upside down on their mortgages; owe more on the home than what similar homes are selling for in a community.

Additionally, a great number of homes that are currently in foreclosure were financed with subprime loans where rates have adjusted to record breaking heights with more adjusting to be levied between now and 2011. When those loans adjust, the mortgage payments will be unapproachable by the homeowner, subsequently he will lose the home adding to more unsold inventory.

Oh by the way, the Investor couldn't make money on the homes, so he dumped the homes back in the market, or abandoned them completely. And a home buyer today who is looking to purchase a home, is ..... well, he is sitting pretty.

He is sitting pretty because today, he can buy a home for almost half the price that the original buyer purchased it for during the housing boom. Additionally, a buyer can catch a better deal if the Seller convinces the mortgage company to accept a lower pay off on the home. This type of procedure is known as a "short sale", which can help the new buyer save even more money on the purchase of a home.

Example of a Short Sale Pricing





6BR, 4 BA, 3735sf, built 2005, Original Purchase Price $224,160, on sale for $84,500. Pricing is subject to Lender Approval on a Short Sale.

So in answer to your question as to why HOUSING PRICES ARE LOW IN PHOENIX, ARIZONA, it can be explained in one word

F-O-R-E-C-L-O-S-U-R-E-S.

IT'S IN MY BONES

Often times I stand in front of my mirror to see if I could catch a glimpse of my ancestors as though their reflection would suddenly appear in the background behind my image. Of course I can see my physical resemblances of my parents, grandparents, and siblings, but what about the originals whose shoulders I stand on today who gave their lives to elevate me. What do they look like, what were their values, and accomplishments.

TRAIL BLAZER

In looking at my family history, I find many accomplishments from as early as the 1800's, where my Great Uncle James Carroll Napier co-founded the first savings and loan in Tennessee, which is now the Citizens Bank in Tennessee.

Did you know, that there were five African- Americans whose signatures appeared on U.S. Currency? Here is the best part, my great uncle James Carroll Napier was one of them! The other three were Blanche K. Bruce, Judson W. Lyons, and William T. Vernon and the only female Azie Taylor Morton. These distinguished African Americans served as Registers of the Treasury. Today the $2.00 Silver Certificate where my Great Uncle's signature appears is a rare collectors items worth $1999.

Great Uncle James Carroll Napier
















My great grandmother S0phie Napier Watkins was the niece of James Carroll Napier and was the Cook at the Helen Keller estate, during Helen's youth. Because of the perseverance of my cousin Thomas McKnight she is now being honored by having her picture posted at the "cooks" house at the Keller museum in Tuscumbia, Alabama. Today when I have the opportunity to watch the movie "The Miracle Worker", staring Pattie Duke and Ann Sullivan, I still cry because I am able to visualize their presence there. My great grandfather, Sophie's husband was a preacher, a self sustaining black man in Alabama - imagine that!




(See article)http://www.timesdaily.com/article/20081013/ARTICLES/810130317/0/NEWS#



Sometimes when speaking with my peers, the conversation would always come around to heritage. Some people would say they were part Irish, or German, part this, part that, and I would respond by saying I am part "everything". I started out African and finished African American. What that means is I am all nationalities; I come from many, and yet know of a few. However the few I do know have touched the lives of others through their works, and their tenacity to excel in adverse conditions.





They were cooks, bankers, preachers, and maybe even Kings of their beloved Africa. They suffered much, achieved more, and left a resounding message to their decedents that all things are possible, never give up, and make your own dreams come true.

I live by that credo when working with my clients in real estate, I believe in honesty, hard work and integrity and never giving up. So when I look in the mirror, I do see their reflection in everything I do, because after all it is in my blood, it is my heritage, and is a legacy I will not let die because .......

IT'S IN MY BONES.












































































































































http://www.usrarecurrency.com/1899$2SilverCertificateFR253CGACU64SnE57082746.htm

A Diamond in the Desert - Phoenix Metro Area

I have always been facinated with the southwest and used to travel through the Southwest from the Midwest on my way to California each year for our vacation. The Southwest has so many things to see; the Painted Desert, Petrofied Forest, The Grand Canyon, the Crater, and of course my beloved Phoenix, Arizona.

In 1997 I decided to hitch my wagon to the back of my trusty steed named "Buick" to make the journey to Phoenix. It was an easy journey inpart except my horseless buggy coughed and gagged with each mountain I would pull. I was not only facinated by the terrain, but the local wild life as well, particulary the friendly Turkeys that followed me down the road.

JUST KIDDING!

However, in comparison to the pioneers who blazed the trails many years prior to my journey, my trip was a piece of cake.

WATER IN THE DESERT

Somewhere around 300 AD, the Hohokam Native American settled in Phoenix where they build miles of waterways by capturing water from the Salt River, which allowed them to grow crops and expand their villages. Unfortunately Today, this ancient tribe has mysteriously vanished, with very few theories of what may have cause them to disappear. The Pima Indians are thought to be the direct decendants of the Hohokam.

Today, I look at the mountains and marvel at how the settlers pulled their wagons over the rocky terraine, and how the heatmust have been unbearable - after all my Buick had air conditioning. What really facinates me is the vision they had that turned dust, tumble weeds, and cactus into a town and eventually the beautiful city of Phoenix.

Phoenix is the capital of Arizona and is located on the upper edge of the Sonoran Desert. The city itself is surrounded by 22 other cities and the entire area is affectionally know as the Valley of the Sun. According to the last census, Phoenix had a population of 1,321,045 with 495,832 housing units; a land area land area of 474.86 sq. miles; and a water area of 0.23 sq. miles. There are said to be over 200 golf courses where many of them have been designed by Robert Trent Jones , Jack Nicklas and Arnold Palmer.

Phoenix certainly is a wonderful place to vacation and live. For the sports minded person, Phoenix is the home of the Phoenix Suns, Phoenix Cardinals, Diamond Back Baseball Team, Phoenix Mercury and the Phoenix Coyotes. It also is the home of many minor league baseball teams and spring training location for many baseball teams across the USA.

You don't have to travel to Las Vegas to gamble, although Las Vegas is less than an hour away by air. Phoenix metro has several casinos that are open 24 hrs for your pleasure. Looking for the ocean? It is not in Phoenix, but it is less than a hour away in California. However Arizona has over 30 man made lakes where you can fish, and enjoy boating activities.

In the Phoenix area there is Lake Pleasant Regional Park which offers 23,662 acres of ideal boating and camping opportunities. It has 10,000 acres of crystal clear-water where visitors can enjoy water skiing, jet skiing, sailing, or fishing. Lake Pleasant offers over 140 developed sites for RV and tent camping.

Housing opportunities are abundant in the Phoenix Metro with many choices. If you are looking for golf course or retirement communities, single family homes, Condo's, Townhomes, or luxury homes, Phoenix and its 20+ cities has it all.

To get a comprehensive list of homes available visit http://www.homes4saleaz.com/

LIFE'S LESSONS

LESSIONS THAT CHILDREN HAVE LEARNED:

1) No matter how hard you try, you can't baptize cats




2) When your Mom is mad at your Dad, don't let her brush your.... hair.....

3) If your sister hits you, don't hit her back. They always catch the second person.

4) Never ask your 3-year old brother to hold a tomato..................




5) You can't trust dogs to watch your food..........................



6) Don't sneeze when someone is cutting your hair......................


7) Never hold a Dust-Buster and a cat at the same time..............



8) You can't hide a piece of broccoli in a glass of milk............



9) Don't wear polka-dot underwear under white shorts................


.10) The best place to be when you're sad is Grandpa's lap..........




GREAT TRUTHS THAT ADULTS HAVE LEARNED:






1) Raising teenagers is like nailing jelly to a tree.




2) Wrinkles don't hurt.

3) Families are like fudge...mostly sweet, with a few nuts

4) Today's mighty oak is just yesterday's nut that held its ground.. ..


5) Laughing is good exercise. It's like jogging on the inside.

6) Middle age is when you choose your cereal for the fiber, not the toy

GREAT TRUTHS ABOUT GROWING OLD


1) Growing old is mandatory; growing up is optional..


2) Forget the health food. I need all the preservatives I can get.


3) When you fall down, you wonder what else you can do while you're down there.


4) You're getting old when you get the same sensation from a rocking chair that you once got from a roller coaster.


5) It's frustrating when you know all the answers but nobody bothers to ask you the questions.


6) Time may be a great healer, but it's a lousy beautician


7) Wisdom comes with age, but sometimes age comes alone.



THE FOUR STAGES OF LIFE:



1) You believe in Santa Claus.











2) You don't believe in Santa Claus.






3) You are Santa Claus.






4) You look like Santa Claus.



SUCCESS:


At age 4 success is . . . . not piddling in your pants. At age 12 success is . . . having friends. At age 17 success is . .. having a driver's license. At age 35 success is . .. . .having money. At age 50 success is . . having money. At age 70 success is . . . having a drivers license. At age 75 success is . .. . having friends. At age 80 success is . .. . not piddling in your pants.

Always remember to forget the troubles that pass your way; BUT NEVER forget the blessings that come each day. Have a wonderful day with many ! *smiles* Take the time to live!!!Life is too short.



Dance naked. woo-hoo!
Author unknown

10 Tips on Finding Your Style : Decorating : Home & Garden Television

10 Tips on Finding Your Style : Decorating : Home & Garden Television

HGTV Ideas Newsletter - July 8, 2009

HGTV Ideas Newsletter - July 8, 2009

Thank you for taking time out of your busy day to read my Blog. My relationship with my clients and customers goes beyond the sale; I love helping them turn their houses into homes. Adding color through accents can change the personality of your living space. Colorful walls, pillows, rugs, throws are wonderful ways to give a room the punch needed to turn dull rooms to outstanding rooms.

Please enjoy the newsletter, and please don't forget me when you are looking to purchase a home, office, business or land - I am only a call or click away.