How Soon Can You Buy After a Distressed Sale?

I received this chart from a lender today. Thought everyone would find it interesting!

Curb Appeal 101

Thinking of selling? First impressions are everything!
Here are ten great curb appeal tips:

1. Act like a buyer... walk around your house and make notes of things that look a little "off"
2. Look up to the sky... give your roof a second glance to make sure it isn't missing any tiles or shingles
3. Shiny, happy numbers... make sure your house numbers look good!
4. Get a second opinion... it helps to have an outsider's opinion
5. Under pressure... pressure wash the driveway, patios and sidewalks
6. Plant some color... colorful flowers and plants give your house an instant lift
7. Open up... open blinds and curtains. Homes that are brighter, sell faster!
8. Lighten up... outside lighting helps too!
9. Add some polish... make sure your front door and trim are freshly painted. Also consider adding a cheerful welcome mat.
10. Curb appeal starts online... make sure your house is spic and span for the photos I will take when listing your house!

Rate on 30-year mortgage drops to record 3.89 percent

Associated Press, by Derek Kravitz - Jan. 12, 2012 10:48 AM

WASHINGTON - Fixed mortgage rates fell once again to a record low, offering a great opportunity for those who can afford to buy or refinance homes.

Freddie Mac says the average rate on 30-year fixed mortgages fell to 3.89% this week. That's below the previous record of 3.91% three weeks ago.

The average on 15-year fixed mortgages ticked down to an average 3.16% from a record 3.21% three weeks ago.

Great News for the City of Mesa

Forbes Magazine named Mesa the 7th safest city in America. Cities with populations of more than 250,000 were ranked by violent crime rates reported by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and traffic fatality rates reported by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Read the full America's Safest Cities Article in Forbes Magazine.

Green Products Buyers Really Want

"Energy efficiency is not on the wish list for home buyers in 2011- it is on the 'must' list," writes Paul Cardis, CEO of Madison, Wis. based AVID ratings.

Which eco-friendly amenities are grabbing buyers' attention?

* High efficiency insulation
* High efficiency windows
* Double and triple glazed windows
* Tankless water heaters
* Water conserving devices
* Products aimed at improving indoor air quality
* Renewable flooring products, such as bamboo and cork

If you are thinking of remodeling in a green way, be sure to take these into account!

$5,000 Grant for First Time Military Buyers

Active duty personnel, veterans, retired members of the military, and employees of the US Deparmetn of Defence and the Department of Homeland Security are elibible to apply for up to $5,000 in down payment and closing costs in the purchase of a first home.
The national nonprofit Pentagon Federal Credit Union Foundation is offering the assistance through its Dream Makers program and sayst he grants can be applied to a mortgage from any financial institution.

More info is at www.PentagonFoundation.org. Click on the "Dream Makers" link.

New Rental Opportunity

Looking for a great option to buy a rental property or two and have instant positive cash flow?
Section 8 tenants are a great opportunity to earn above market rents for properties across the valley!

Call Stacia today to find out more information.