REDUCED FOR QUICK SALE - SHORT SALE OPPORTUNITY

L@@k What $699.00* per month can get you! This lovely Condo is located in a gated community in Mesa, Arizona, but only a few steps away from Gilbert. Carefree living that is only 1/2 mile from the US 60, 2 miles to Superstition Springs Shopping Center, dining, and schools. Live as though you are on vacation every day. Two (2 ) Bedroom, (2) Full Bathrooms, 1056sf. Assigned covered parking. A club house equipped with exercise, pools, spas and lots of activities planned by the Community for its residents.

Black Appliances Stay. Bay Windows in the dining area

Beautiful resort like pool area

Stop renting and start owing your own home. Let's get you settled so you can enjoy your summer at your own personal resort.

Call Cynthia Smitherman, ABR, GRI, DB, CDPE, VP AAREB

Emage` Fine Properties, LLC

602 697-4487

cynthia@emagehomes.com http://www.homes4saleaz.com/

*Lender approval required, monthly payment is based upon 5% down, 5% interest rate, 30 year fixed, includes principle, taxes, interest, insurance. HOA fees not included.

FHA ANTI-FLIP RULE

This article was posted by a Loan Consultant on Active Rain, I thought it would be a good thing to repost for those who missed it.

TED CANTO, Sr. Loan Consultant (Academy Mortgage):
90 Day FHA Anti-Flipping Rule: Can you finance FHA before the 90 days?

I do not mean to kick the dead horse while it is being buried but my previous post on the 90 Day FHA Anti-Flipping rule generated 4300+ hits, so of course I stopped kicking the horse and went to the next farm to milk the cow. Obviously you know this is a hot topic in our industry and we are always hoping the rule just goes away. However, it will not. The important thing here is to understand it, embrace it and work with the lemons that are handed to us. OK OK!! I will tell you what this post is about already.

In regards to the FHA 90 Day Anti-Flipping Rule, FHA is mainly concerned with the date in which the sale has been bonafide NOT the recording date. However, I will put the disclaimer on this statement. Most banks do not intepret the rule for what it is. Based on FHA's interpretation, some lenders will indeed allow the loan to fund with an FHA loan. However, most banks' internal policies do not allow this to occur, they instead base their decision on the recording date not the SETTLEMENT DATE.

"If the owner sells a property within 90 days after the date of acquisition, that property is not eligible security for a mortgage insured by FHA unless it falls within one of the exceptions to the time restrictions on resales set forth in §203.37a(c) of the regulations. FHA defines the seller's date of acquisition as the date of settlement on the seller's purchase of that property. The resale date is the date of execution of the sales contract by the buyer that will result in a mortgage to be insured by FHA."

If this does not make sense, allow me to break it down for you:

Typical Scenario:

Investor buys property and sale is executed on September 2nd (Settlement Date)
Deed/ Title is recorded on September 30th
Seller writes contract on December 3rd and attempts to close the transaction on December 15th and gets stuck due to the lender not allowing the sale (ie: sale date is not January 1st)

The way the rule actually works:

Investor buys property and sale is executed on September 2nd (Settlement Date)
Deed/ Title is recorded on September 30th
Seller writes contract on December 3rd (91 Days after settlement) and closes the transaction on December 15th per FHA guidelines NOT January 1st (which most lenders will limit you to).
SOLD!!

If you have any questions or interested in learning if your property fit into this box, contact Ted to review.

If you are looking to purchase a home, contact Cynthia at:

Emage` Fine Properties, LLC

602 697-4487

http://www.homes4saleaz.com/

HOMES FOR POLICE OFFICERS, FIRE FIGHTERS AND MEDICAL PERSONNEL

The Neighbor Next Door initiatives are a collection of FHA's home sales programs designed to help communities and promote homeownership.
If you are a law enforcement officers, firefighter, emergency medical technicians or teachers you have an opportunity to purchase homes in these communities where homes are set aside for you in helping to revitalize a community. HUD provides a substantial incentive in the form of a fifty percent discount off the list price of eligible properties.

Law enforcement officers, pre-Kindergarten through 12th grade teachers and firefighters/emergency medical technicians can contribute to community revitalization while becoming homeowners through HUD's Good Neighbor Next Door Sales Program. HUD offers a substantial incentive in the form of a discount of 50% from the list price of the home. In return you must commit to live in the property for 36 months as your sole residence.

How the Program Works

Eligible Single Family homes located in revitalization areas are listed exclusively for sales through the Good Neighbor Next Door Sales program.

You must meet the requirements for a law enforcement officer, teacher, firefighter or emergency medical technician and comply with HUD's regulations for the program.HUD requires that you sign a second mortgage and note for the discount amount. No interest or payments are required on this "silent second" provided that you fulfill the three-year occupancy requirement.

For more information contact:

Cynthia Smitherman, CDPE, ABR, GRI, DB,VP AAREB

Emage` Fine Properties, LLC

602 697-4487

http://www.homes4saleaz.com/

WHAT WE HAVE DONE FOR OURSELVES ALONE DIES WITH US - WHAT WE DO FOR OTHERS IS IMMORTAL

What We Have Done For Ourselves Alone Dies With Us- What We Do For Others is Immortal

As service industry specialist in the area of Real Estate, we orchestrate wonderful things for perfect strangers. Contrary to all the negative comments from disgruntled people regarding Real Estate Agents, our hearts are in the right place. I have been through weddings, divorces, births, and death with my clients. I have seen them happy, sad, broke, prosperous, employed and unemployed. I have seen them healthy, and I have seen them ill.

My clients become more than business acquaintances, many have become very dear to me. One couple who I secretly refer to as "My Kids", experienced my fussing over them like a mother hen when helping them purchase their first two homes. I watched their children grow from toddlers, to pre-high school-er, and soon to be high schoolers.

I have another family who I am also very fond of, and genuinely am happy to hear from when they call just to say hello. It warms my heart when they ask of my family by name, one by one. It let's me know they care enough to remeber that my father has cancer, or that my son is a Chef, they care enough to ask of my husband, and lastly to ask how I am doing. To them, I am more than the lady that helped them purchase a home. I am their friend.

I have helped many people with different nationalities, different educational backgrounds, different religions, and different political views than me. However, there is always a common bond that transcends any culture, or politcal differences; that bond is genuine respect, and admiration.

So I can honestly say, that I am Proud to be a REALTOR, the rewards are greater than any commission, my greatest reward is that I can honestly say, my clients are truly friends and have become a part of my extended family.

Cynthia Smitherman, CDPE, ABR, GRI, DB, VP. AAREB

REALTOR, REALTIST. 602 697-4487 http://www.homes4saleaz.com/

HUD Dollar Home Programs Offers Discount Programs to Buyers

When I was in my mid twenties, I remember my friends being able to purchase homes in the neighborhood for just $1.00. I really did not understand how this concept worked, or even why, but it did. Every so often we would see individuals fixing up an vacant home, and within weeks, a new family was there. Everyone knew it was purchased for just $1.00.

As a Real Estate professional, I realize how much of a benefit the dollar program can be to low to moderate income people. With a little elbow grease, they too can capture the American Dream of home ownership. I feel today, with the condition of our housing market and the over flow of vacant homes, this leaves an opportunity for many people who could not otherwise purchase a home.

In Arizona, the program works a little different; here is how it works according to HUD:


HUD's Dollar Homes initiative helps local governments to foster housing opportunities for low to moderate income families and address specific community needs by offering them the opportunity to purchase qualified HUD-owned homes for $1 each. Dollar Homes are single-family homes that are acquired by the Federal Housing Administration (which is part of HUD) as a result of foreclosure actions. Single-family properties are made available through the program whenever FHA is unable to sell the homes for six months.

By selling vacant homes for $1 after six months on the market, HUD makes it possible for communities to fix up the homes and put them to good use at a considerable savings. The newly occupied homes can then act as catalysts for neighborhood revitalization, attracting new residents and businesses to an area.
Local governments can partner with local nonprofit home ownership organizations or tap into existing local programs to resell the homes to low- and moderate-income residents of the community.

To find out how HUD Home Programs Offers Discounts Programs to Buyers, contact your local HUD real estate broker.

Emage` Fine Properties, LLC is a HUD real estate broker call today to get your free list of HUD homes.

602 697-4487

http://www.homes4saleaz.com/

FORECLOSURE HELP AVAILABLE FROM AREA EXPERT

FOR RELEASE: IMMEDIATE
DATE: September 17, 2009

For more information, please contact: 602 697-4487

CYNTHIA SMITHERMAN EARNS PRESTIGIOUS DESIGNATION TO

HELP HOMEOWNERS IN DANGER OF FORECLOSURE

CYNTHIA SMITHERMAN of EMAGE` FINE PROPERTIES, LLC of CHANDLER, ARIZONA has earned the prestigious Certified Distressed Property Expert (CDPE) designation, after completing extensive training in foreclosure avoidance and short sales. This is invaluable expertise to offer at a time when the area is ravaged by “distressed” homes in the foreclosure process.

Short sales allow the cash-strapped seller to repay the mortgage at the price that the home sells for, even though it is lower than what is owed on the property. With plummeting property values, this can save many people from foreclosure and even bankruptcy. More and more lenders are willing to consider short sales because they are much less costly than foreclosures.

In the Phoenix metro area there are thousands of homes in danger of foreclosing. It is happening in all price ranges. Local experts say that even high-priced homes are not immune.

“This CDPE designation has been invaluable as I work with sellers and lenders on complicated short sales,” said SMITHERMAN. “It is so rewarding to be able to help sellers save their homes from foreclosure.”

Alex Charfen, founder of the Distressed Property Institute in Boca Raton, Fla., said that Realtors® such as CYNTHIA SMITHERMAN with the CDPE designation have valuable training in short sales that can offer the homeowner much better alternatives to foreclosure, which virtually destroys the credit rating. These experts also may better understand market conditions and can help sellers through the emotional experience, he said.

The Distressed Property Institute opened in January 2008 and provides training on-site and online. The CDPE is the premier designation for Realtors helping homeowners in distress and handling short sales.

“Our goal is to educate as many people as possible so we can help as many homeowners as possible. If you are facing foreclosure call today, these services are offer at no cost to the homeowner.

Contact foreclosure expert

Cynthia Smitherman, DB, CDPE, ABR, GRI, Vice President, AAREB, REALTIST

Emage` Fine Properties, LLC

602 697-4487

http://www.homes4saleaz.com/

LEISURE WORLD - 55+ COMMUNITY

A few years ago, I talked my parents into moving from the cold snow belt in Indiana to the sunny skies of Arizona. My father who incidentally did not want to move because he enjoyed "THE CHANGE OF SEASONS" made the move reluctantly until he got here and then decided that it was the best move he ever made.



Personally, I really could not find the joy in three layers of sweaters, a fir lined coat, two layers of pants, three layers of socks, inside my fir lined boots and a pair of gloves inside my mittens, all of this just to go to the grocery store to get a gallon of milk.



Now if you live in the Phoenix metro area, you don't know what I am talking about; but if you live in Michigan, Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Kansas, Missouri the Dakotas, and Canada - you can relate.
In Phoenix, we have residents who live in Leisure World only during certain months, we call them snowbirds; they fly to Leisure World during the winter months, and fly to the other home during the summer months.




Where are you flying to Frank?






To Relax at Leisure World for the Winter months!




I personally can not think of a better way to enjoy all the seasons than we do in the diverse state called Arizona. In the high country, Flagstaff, Pinetop, even Sedona, you can enjoy the fall leaves turning against the blue skies, dotted with puffy white clouds with with a hint of color from the reflection of the sun, as well as breathtaking mountain views with snow capped mountains in the very near distance. Additionally at the same time, you can enjoy flowers blooming in Phoenix in the winter months.



Leisure World has many amenities: Tennis courts, basketball courts, billiards, swimming pools, lawn bowling leagues, travel clubs, computer training on site, wood workshop for those who like to make furniture, card rooms with bridge tournaments, travel club, photography club, in house movie theater, state of the art exercise rooms, dance, and yoga, classes and more.









"4" Ball in the Corner Pocket Jacuzzi





Learn the latest dances in Leisure World Dance Studio



Leisure World is a 24 hr guarded, gated, age restrictive community.
Listed is a 3 Bedrooms, 2 Baths, 2 Car Garage, 1464 sq ft., all on one level, neutral carpet, lots of windows, appliances stay and maintainance free for $125,000. Seller is motivated - call today! This property is located in Mesa, Arizona just a few steps from the Superstition Mall, restaurants, and only a quarter of a mile from the freeway. To see this listing, please visit my website: http://www.homes4saleaz.com/


Cynthia Smitherman, ABR, GRI, DB
, VP, AAREB,



Emage` Fine Properties, LLC
http://www.homes4saleaz.com/ 602 697-4487
email me for more listings of Valley wide retirement communities at cynthia@emagehomes.com for a complete list of 55+ Communities.

Making a House Your Home

As a real estate professional I have sold many homes throughout the 13 years I have been in the business. One of the most interesting things I have found with each house sold, is how people turn them from houses to homes. I have found that each home has its own distinct personality.

Now I am not speaking of whether the house is a two story home, or ranch styled; it is more than that. When entering a home, I can tell if the people love to cook, enjoy music, entertainment or sports. I can determine if the home is occupied by a single person or a family. Or if they like dogs, cats, birds, reptiles, or even pot belly pigs. Yes, I have entered many homes where Fido is actually "Rosie", the pet pig.




Speaking of Pets
When entering homes, I have been attacked by dogs, cats, and birds. I am happy to say, I have not yet been attached by a pig. I have been startled by two tiny eyes glowing from under a bed, it was a pet iguana in his favorite hiding place. I have seen pet tarantulas, mice, frogs, and turtles. I have stepped over shedded skins of snakes, and even found a snake guarding the family safe deposit box. (No ATM card need here) YIKES!


Colors & Decor

Colors in a home says a lot about the occupants as well. I can tell if they are happy, sad, angry and even confused. As an example, if the dining room walls are "red", I know guest usually linger at the dining room table, (red stimulates the appetite). If I see murals of balloons, clouds, picket fences in a bedroom, I discern that first of all, it is a little girl's room and her happiness is most important to her parents. Of course the obvious tale tale signs of a boy's room is blue walls, college flags, race cars, football, etc. Teenagers rooms are obvious too. Posters of entertainers, "DO NOT ENTER" signs on bedroom doors, bright electrifying colors - and usually the Maid is on vacation.
Helpful Hints
Turning a house to a home involves reflecting your very own personality, whether through paint color or decorative accessories however, when placing your home on the market you want to appeal to anyone and everyone, which may mean making important changes.


Here' what you may want to do:
1. De clutter - makes the rooms looks extremely large. Remove personal photos, memorabilia, take out unnecessary furnishings
2. Tone down paint colors - no deep colors; makes rooms look smaller
3. Tidy up closets, children's rooms, rec rooms, garage areas
4. Clean windows reflects light - opens up the rooms
5. Refresh or replace worn out furniture
6. When inviting potential buyers into your home, make sure your pets are in a "holding" area away from the flow of the home
7. Paint where needed
8. Tighten up the curb appeal- grass cut, bushes trimmed, etc.

9. Get a home inspection so you will know what to expect when getting the repair list from the Buyer
10. Hire a staging professional professional help is always the best


You want to look at your house as a product to sell, not as your home.


With the accessibility of the Internet, people not only learn how to decorate their homes, but also find information on selling their homes.

Always trust the sale of your home to a real estate professional one who is credentialed, familiar with the area you are interested in selling or purchasing, and has years of experience in the real estate industry. It will save you money, time and headaches. For more information of how to prepare your home to sell, contact me for a free consultation.

Otherwise, enjoy your home, until you are ready to turn it into a house.