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.

FIRST STEPS IN PURCHASING A HOME IN ARIZONA

FIRST STEPS TO PURCHASING A HOME IN ARIZONA (edit/delete)
Perhaps you have been thinking of taking the first steps to purchasing a home in Arizona, after all you have been renting apartments for several years. Most people are perplexed as to how to get started and of course the unknown is always daunting. Here is a step by step guide to becoming a successful home buyer:

1. Get counseling from a housing agency: They will teach you how to read your credit report and the importance of your credit score. You will also learn how to avoid predatory lenders, loan delinquency and foreclosure. You will be able to meet one on one with a counselor who will guide you through your first steps in purchasing a home in Arizona from the beginning to the end so when you do meet with your real estate professional and the Lender of your choice, you will be well prepared.

2. Get pre-qualified with a mortgage specialist: It is important to know what your budget will allow in terms of buying power. Your housing counselor will set the foundation for your budget, but your lender will be able to put pen to paper and show you how much you will be paying per month based upon your incoming and outgoing expenses as well as other factors relating to the type of loan you will be receiving. Your Lender will also advise you as to how much money you will need as down payment and closing cost.

3. Choose a city where you would like to live: If you live in a metropolitan city like Phoenix, Arizona, you will have 21 cities to choose from. Your selections may be based upon the proximity to your job, social setting, or school for the children. When selecting the city, you would want to ask your Lender if there are any special city based programs or grants available to help you defray some, or all of your closing cost.

4. Select your REALTOR: There is a difference between working with a REALTOR opposed to working with a real estate agent. REALTORS belong to a national organization that requires a certain standard, and code of ethics to abide by. You will find that nearly all REALTORS have additional training over and above of what is required by the Arizona Department of Real Estate. The additional education is indicated by designations (letters that follows the REALTOR's name in print) such as ABR, GRI, DB, CRS, etc. You will find comfort in knowing your REALTOR is up to date on the rules and regulations that protect your interest. Each REALTOR, as a condition to keeping their license in good standing are encouraged to take education classes each month, however they required to attend a certain amount of classroom hours to renew their license prior to its expiration.

You would want to look for a real estate professional who has experience working with buyers, and will listen to what you want, and not what they want you to have. Purchasing a house is a huge investment, therefore you want to get exactly what you desire, if at all possible. Your real estate professional is trained to guide you through the In's and outs of real estate, she will work closely with your mortgage lender and help you stay within the parameters set by you and the mortgage lender.

5. View homes: With the Internet being readily accessible, you can look for houses in the comfort house before you and your REALTOR actually visiting a house in person. Do not visit homes, or home builders without your REALTOR; and definitely do not sign any documents without your REALTOR being present. Your REALTOR has been trained and approved by the National Association of REALTORS (NAR) and the Arizona Department of Real Estate to practice real estate law as it applies in Arizona. Therefore your REALTOR knows how to point out various items that may be material to your decision making process.

6. Select a home, and submit a contract to purchase. In Arizona the contract is nine (9) pages in length, and contains items that are designed to protect your interest, and to treat the Seller fairly. Of course your Agent would be considered a Buyer's Agent, and will negotiate with the Seller's Agent on your behalf to get you the best deal possible.

7. Upon acceptance of your contract, good faith money, better known as earnest deposit is submitted along with the contract to the title company. The title company will start the process of searching whether or not the home can be transferred from the Seller to the Buyer with a marketable title.

8. Order a home inspection: Your REALTOR will strongly suggest that you hire a good home inspector who will inspect every inch of the home you have selected, and will tell you of the pros an cons of the home. Based upon that inspection, you will decide whether or not you will continue with the purchase, or allow the Seller to correct major issues. Additionally your REALTOR will advise you as to the time lines you are to respond to the Seller for those repairs.

9. Lender Approves the Loan - Your close of escrow is near, the title company has given you a satisfactory report, the Lender has approved the loan and you are scheduled to sign your documents; your pledge to pay, etc.

10. The Loan Funds, you are handed the keys and you have had an easy, wonderful experience.

Now I know you have probably heard war stories about how hard or horrible the home buying process may be. There are many factors that can cause the steps outlined above to deviate. Credit issues uncovered at the last minute, or the Seller not agreeing to repairing the home which may cause you to re-negotiate the offered price on the home. However a seasoned REALTOR is prepared to help you through any hurdles you may encounter.

In a normal real estate market (which is not today's market) it would take approximately 45 days to complete the process of purchasing a home. However in today's market, with so many short sales, and foreclosures, it may take any where from 60-120 days to close on a home purchase.

For more information on the First Steps to Purchasing a Home in Arizona or how to contact a housing ccounselor Call 602 697-4487
Cynthia Smitherman, ABR, GRI, DB, VP, AAREB

Emage` Fine Properties, LLC
http://www.homes4saleaz.com/
cynthia@emagehomes.com
WE CARE ABOUT YOU, AND ARE NOT AFRAID TO SHOW IT!

EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES FOR MINORITY STUDENTS

Education is the key to success, it is important to be qualified for the type of career you want to pursue. If money is an obstacle to furthering your education, then here is an opportunity; you must act quickly.

Wake Forest University has an opportunity for minority students to attend its MBA program for FREE, and so far, the response has been very poor. Please pass along this opportunity to your friends, families, and networks to see if there is an interest. This is a great school and a tremendous opportunity to attend a top graduate school. See details below. The contact person is: Derrick S. Boone, Ph.D. Associate Professor of Marketing Room 3139 Worrell Professional Center Babcock Graduate School of Management Wake Forest University 1834 Wake Forest Drive Winston-Salem , NC 27109-8758 derrick.boone@mba.wfu.edu http://mba.wfu.edu/ Telephone - 336.758.4475 Fax - 336.758.4514 I wanted to let you know about a great opportunity here at Wake Forest where you can get a FREE education and get PAID while you're doing it. Our Dean of the Schools of Business is the former CEO of PepsiCo and very committed to diversity. He's gone around to his CEO friends, who have agreed to donate a bunch of money to pay tuition and fees, provide a stipend and a job to diverse students. The details are below. The problem is, response to the program has been dismal! As a faculty member, I would be embarrassed for him to have to tell his CEO friends, "thanks so much for your donation, but unfortunately I have to give it back because we couldn't find any students who wanted it." Don't worry about whether or not you have taken the GMAT, etc. All you need to do at this point is JUST APPLY. In business, you have to act when the opportunity is presented and that is now. The Master of Art in Management program is designed specifically for liberal arts majors only. The MA degree program is a 10-month intense study of the basic functional areas of business. After graduation and working for approximately two years, all MA graduates are eligible to apply to Wake Forest as part of the MA/MBA joint degree program and get the MBA in one year. The new dean, Steve Reinemund, has created a new scholarship for diverse students pursuing the MA degree called the Corporate Fellowship. The Corporate Fellowship provides full tuition and a $21,000 stipend to cover living expenses. Additionally, each Corporate Fellow will participate in a practicum. The practicum has two components, educational and professional development. Each student will be assigned a mentor that is a high level executive with his or her sponsor corporation. The mentor will oversee an educational project covering four of the functional areas of business using their own corporation as the ! subject. The student will visit the corporation 3 - 4 times during the program to present his/her results of their research project. Additionally, the "professional development" component of the fellowship provides career coaching and leadership development for the students. The goal for the corporation is to be able to groom and hopefully hire a top candidate from a diverse background for their organization. Of course, there is no obligation that the students accept any offer of employment. Still, the student benefits, even if their sponsor corporation does not ultimately hire them in that they have the MA degree and the type of experience that will make them more marketable.

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