Real Estate in Phoenix, Arizona

Closing the business

Marsha Cleaveland, GRI, AHWD, CNE (No longer in the sales business) — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 10:21:51 -0800

After a couple of profit-free years, I made the decision to close my real estate sales business and refer my callers to other active agents. Real estate taught me a lot, and I don't regret the effort made. I value the relationships forged and the soul-searching involved in this decision. Although I may continue to post from time to time, bear in mind that I am on the sidelines as an inactive license holder, no longer full time in the sales force.

Consumer Protections Lost when Banks become Sellers

Marsha Cleaveland, GRI, AHWD, CNE (No longer in the sales business) — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 10:22:09 -0700

Banks now own more than 45% of the homes on the market in many areas of the nation through Foreclosure and Short Sale status. This has affected the buyer's ordinary rights in purchasing a home, and will have significant long-term effects. Important consumer protection rights which are being eroded or lost in a market situation controlled by Banks through REOs and Short Sales include:

1. Buyer loses the ability to set a firm closing date.

2. Buyer cannot choose the escrow company.

3. Buyer cannot state a time frame to receive an answer from the bank (ordinarily 1-4 days for seller to respond to an offer; banks take months to return a signed contract).

4. Buyer gets a ‘verbal acceptance' rather than a signed contract. Some only sign the contract at COE.

5. Buyer must sign addendums giving up the right to basic warranties on mechanical functions of the home and appliances.

6. Buyer must receive the home in ‘As-Is' condition - in a normal real estate market this means as it is on the date of the offer; for REOs it means as it is on the date of closing. If vandals move in and destroy it between the date of the offer and COE, the bank holds itself under no obligation to return it to the state it was in at the time of offer.

7. Banks have electricity and water turned off, even on ‘Open House' days, so the unsuspecting buyer will not know if there are major leaks or problems with electrical systems without spending $300-$500 for a professional inspection.

8. Since the water is off, the landscape will die in drier climates, further degrading the value of the property over the 3-6 months the banks take to close the deal.

9. Swimming pools left without maintenance are the cause of further value loss as a great deal of money must be spent to bring it back into service. Furthermore, they become mosquito breeding grounds for the neighbors.

10. Vacant homes are easily vandalized. The protracted wait period makes vandalism easier and more likely, further degrading the home's value.

With the market so skewed against consumer protection, why are we surprised that buyers are non-existent? Wise buyers would do well to stay out of this Russian-roulette market; wise sellers (read: Banks) should allow consumer protections to remain in the contract to lure smart buyers back into the market.

Easy Widgets, Part 2

Marsha Cleaveland, GRI, AHWD, CNE (No longer in the sales business) — Mon, 11 Feb 2008 20:50:58 -0800

You may have read and followed Widgets in 5 easy steps, and now you're ready for a bigger challenge. Check out the ‘Headline Animator' in the left panel of my blog - it flashes the titles of my last four blogs to catch your eye as you're reading this one. Or the mini version of my blog in a Springbox widget that allows you to scroll and read short clips of my blogs. Getting these customized widgets is a bit more complicated, so try inserting an ordinary widget first if you haven't yet.

1. The first step for customized widgets is to Log in to Active Rain and open your AR profile. Click "My Settings" in the left panel. Go into the small box labeled "Blog Description" (the middle box) and scroll down below the text you have placed there about yourself. Text is limited to 100 words, but the widget code you'll place there does not count as words.

2. FOR A HEADLINE ANIMATOR, open a new window or tab and go to http://www.feedburner.com/. Type your URL in the box on the opening page, http://activerain.com/blogs/yourusername/rss and push "Next," then continue through the sequence of menus. You'll be asked to give your feed a title and you'll need to register to create an account. You can choose to track visits and subscriptions to your feed. After clicking next several times, you'll be on a page that allows you to share your feed through a direct link to various blogging platforms, or to PUBLICIZE through a headline animator or a springwidgets box. Click "Publicize" and on the next menu, click "Headline Animator" to customize your banner. You can tweak size, color, and design (to an extent). When the sample looks like you want it to, click "Activate". You'll see your sample with your headlines flashing. You can send your animator directly to some blogging platforms, or you can select from the dropdown menu "Just gimme the code". Copy the code, and go on to steps 3 and 4 below.

3. Return to the "Blog Description" box on your open "My Settings" profile page. At the bottom of the text you should enter one or two blank lines, then paste in the code you copied (control-V). The code you copied should appear there. Click "Update" on the lower left of the Blog Settings box.

4. Click "My Blog" in the left panel to see the results of the code you chose and copied. If all goes well, you'll see your customized headline banner appear in the right panel of your blog from now on.

5. TO MAKE A WIDGET BOX OF YOUR BLOG: Open another tab or window on the internet. In this new window, go to http://www.springwidgets.com/ to create a tiny widget box of your blog to put in the right panel or on your website or another blog. Click "Express Widget" on the left panel. You will be asked for the URL of the blog you wish to showcase. Type in http://activerain.com/blogs/yourusername/rss, then click "submit". Now you will configure your widget (you should already see the titles of your blogs listed in the sample widget). Give your widget a name, a description, choose the dimension, color, and other options. Keep it simple if all this is new; you don't have to use all of the options (but you must use the description box). Now push "Publish my Widget." You will need to register at this point and then you'll be shown your widget in its final form. The "Share It" area on the left panel allows you to see the HTML code. Click the HTML button, the code will appear in a box below. Highlight and copy (control-C). Now follow steps 3 and 4 above to place the code in your blog.

The "Get Widget" button that appears under your widget will allow others to place your widget with your info on their desktop or myspace, etc., giving you free ad space. Enjoy your widgets!

Widgets in 5 Easy Steps

Marsha Cleaveland, GRI, AHWD, CNE (No longer in the sales business) — Sat, 09 Feb 2008 13:04:26 -0800

Ever wondered how to put those cool widgets in the right panel of your AR blog? Here's how to do it, made easy.

1. Log in and open your AR profile. Click "My Settings" in the left panel. Go into the small box labeled "Blog Description" (the middle box) and scroll down below the text you have placed there about yourself. Text is limited to 100 words, but the widget code you'll place there does not count as words.

2. Open another tab or window on the internet. In this new window, go to http://www.widgetbox.com/ or another widget website. Choose a widget to download. Ask for the details (it may say "embed code") You can copy the code to your clipboard (control-C). The code will look like gibberish, for example: script type="text/javascript" src="http://widgetserver.com/syndication/subscriber/InsertWidget.js? --- etc., etc.

3. Return to the "Blog Description" box on your open "My Settings" profile page. At the bottom of the text you should enter one or two blank lines, then paste in the code you copied (control-V). The gibberish you copied should appear there. Click "Update" on the lower left of the Blog Settings box.

4. Click "My Blog" in the left panel to see the results of the code you chose and copied. If all goes well, you'll see your selected widget appear in the right panel of your blog from now on.

5. To customize a widget, you will need to set up an account in widgetbox and/or feedburner. It is free, you just register and then you can customize a widget to show the titles of your blog articles, etc. This is a more complex process. Easy Widgets, Part 2, will teach you how.

For additional sources of widgets, just run a Google search on "widgets".

Climb Piestewa Peak in Phoenix

Marsha Cleaveland, GRI, AHWD, CNE (No longer in the sales business) — Tue, 08 Jan 2008 21:41:09 -0800

Wondering what to do on a lazy Sunday afternoon?

If you're in the mood for a great Sunday afternoon in Phoenix, here's the answer: climb Piestewa Peak (formerly known as Squaw Peak). There are seven trails to choose from, ranging from easy to moderate to difficult. Only two trails go all the way to the summit; dogs and bicycles are not allowed on these two.

The trail to the summit is difficult, yet is tackled by 4,000 to 10,000 hikers per week. Plan a two hour hike on the Summit Trail, then be pleasantly surprised if it doesn't take you as long. You will be climbing 1,200 feet in elevation on the 1.2 mile long trail. Carry drinking water as well as a nourishing snack to fuel the climb. From the summit you have a view of the valley in all directions. Immediately to the east is the mountain preserve, to the south is the Biltmore area, with Phoenix and Glendale to the west.

Five of the trails are appropriate for equestrian use and dog walking. Dreamy Draw Nature trail even has hitching racks and a horse trough for watering your horse.

Parking is available for all the trails, and restrooms, drinking water and picnic tables are nearby for several. For more information about the Piestewa Peak trails, visit http://phoenix.gov/PARKS/hikphgud.html

If you'd like to live in a city with a mountain reserve in its center, call Marsha at 623 337-8990 for information about real estate in Phoenix. Or search for homes online at http://www.homekey.org/.

Are you upside down in your mortgage? Here’s what you can do.

Marsha Cleaveland, GRI, AHWD, CNE (No longer in the sales business) — Mon, 07 Jan 2008 22:12:50 -0800

Homeowners who bought real estate in the '05-'06 boom, especially those who took out mortgages of near 100%, find themselves upside down with nowhere to turn. With a mortgage of $400,000 and a current market value of $320,000, many are frantic to sell and get the load off their back. But is selling the best answer for your situation? Find your scenario and assess your options:

SCENARIO 1: We are staying to raise our family/retire here.

If this is your situation, and your monthly payments are affordable for you, sitting tight may be the answer. Values will climb upward again as time goes by, and when you eventually sell, you will probably have equity. This may require a 2-5 year horizon, but if you love your community and have no financial or life pressures forcing you to move, it works for you.

SCENARIO 2: Our mortgage will re-set next month to a higher interest rate.

In this situation, you need to be doing some serious number-crunching. How much will your monthly payment increase? Do you have the income to maintain that new payment long-term? In some cases, you may be able to negotiate with your lender to keep that re-set from happening, but work it out before it's scheduled or before you miss a payment. If the lender won't negotiate, selling may be the answer. Selling for less than your mortgage payoff amount will require a short sale and the Lender's approval.

SCENARIO 3: We are already behind on our payments and we can't catch up.

Your situation is already desperate. Call a Realtor to discuss selling your home ASAP. This will be a short sale and you will need to give evidence to the Lender of the financial hardship which has caused you to fall behind. You may also try negotiations with the Lender's Loss Mitigation department to keep the house, but do it now - don't wait another day.

SCENARIO 4: We have received a Notice of Default from the bank.

Your homeownership is hanging by a thread. Waste no time - contact a Realtor who can explain the options of forbearance and short sale. Time is crucial and every minute counts to prevent the pain of foreclosure. The Notice of Default officially launches the foreclosure timetable, 90 days to auction/eviction in Arizona. Act now to spare your family this tragedy.

Being upside-down in your mortgage can present special challenges, but your real estate professional can guide you to the best answer for your situation. Contact Marsha Cleaveland at 623 337-8990 for your real estate needs. Or visit www.homekey.org.

When the Super Bowl brings you to Glendale...

Marsha Cleaveland, GRI, AHWD, CNE (No longer in the sales business) — Sat, 05 Jan 2008 20:43:48 -0800

Glendale attracts thousands of visitors and new residents every year. With a growing population and rapidly expanding business network, opportunities flourish. You'll want to know what to see, where to go, and who to meet while you're here. How can you find out about the city before your visit? Check these websites for information about the city and events:

Visitors info

Super Bowl & Game links

Accomodations

http://www.visitglendale.com/hotels.php

Relocation Guide

News about Glendale

Economic Development

http://www.glendaleaz.com/economicdevelopment/index.cfm

Arts & Culture

Glendale Parks

Real Estate in Glendale

http://www.homekey.org/

Short Sale in 2008?

Marsha Cleaveland, GRI, AHWD, CNE (No longer in the sales business) — Tue, 01 Jan 2008 21:46:00 -0800

Should you Short Sale?

If you're following the news, you've been hearing about the mortgage crisis in America. Three factors have converged to create a difficult situation for many homeowners:

1) The market spiraled out of control in '05 and '06 when many bought their homes at record-high prices.

2) Buyers took ARM mortgages in order to afford the high-priced homes, with low starting rates which they could afford. Now those rates are re-setting to higher, market rates, making the monthly payments too expensive, since wages have not risen dramatically.

3) Home prices have now begun to reduce to normal, affordable amounts - which is great for those in the market to buy right now, but difficult for those who bought when prices were high. Now they may owe more than the home would sell for in today's market.

What should homeowners do in this situation? First, know the terms of your mortgage. Do you have a loan that will adjust? If so, calculate what your new payment is likely to be, and begin putting money aside to carry you through those first tight months. This will give you a buffer to make a sound decision when the time comes.

If your mortgage has already reset, and you are struggling, what are your options?

1) Refinance at a fixed rate - the best option if your credit is good and your home is still worth the amount you owe.

2) Work out a forbearance plan with the mortgage company - they may freeze the rates at the present level for a period of time, to allow the market value of the property to catch up to the loan value.

3) Short sale - if circumstances have caused your finances to bottom out - job loss, major medical costs, etc., the mortgage lender may allow you to sell the home for less than you owe. You will lose any equity you may have built up, but the impact on your credit score will be less than for a foreclosure.

4) Foreclosure - the bank will foreclose if you do not pay your mortgage. Act immediately to pursue one of the above options if you receive a foreclosure notice from the bank, as foreclosure is to be avoided if at all possible.

A Realtor can help you evaluate the best choice for your circumstances. If you have already received notice from your bank, legal advice is highly recommended. Be wary of people ready to ‘help' who have no professional licensing or credentials. Some will take advantage of your predicament.

If you are in a tough situation, don't give up. Call a real estate professional who understands these options and more. There is a way out, and there are professionals ready and qualified to guide your journey. Learn the life lessons that come from the storms, and resolve to carry new wisdom into tomorrow.

For more information and an objective view of your situation, call Marsha Cleaveland at 623 337-8990. www.HomeKey.org.

Real Estate's Book of Secrets

Marsha Cleaveland, GRI, AHWD, CNE (No longer in the sales business) — Fri, 28 Dec 2007 20:06:43 -0800

Is Real Estate a National Treasure or a National Disaster?

Success leaves clues, and real estate is no different. What are the points on the secret map of real esate? Can we follow the trail to find our way to the City of Sold?

1. Follow the path left by successful realtors in past down cycles. Do the prospecting, the number-crunching, the study of your local market. Granted, it's hard work; easy money is out.

2. Be alert and ready to alter course when the situation arises. New marketing sources are available, new service techniques, and fresh real estate concepts present choices like a six-way intersection. Stay abreast of the changes and implement the ones that fit you.

3. Cultivate an adventurous spirit. Fighting through the challenges will take persistence, and not everyone will stay in the race. Perseverance and stamina will be required.

4. Think and plan. Market downswings can bring out our best creativity and draw from our past experience and study. Deep thinking is our greatest asset in tough times. Sharpen your thinking and implement your plan.

2008 will be a year that draws out the best that we have within. Active Rain gives us a forum to share our best thinking. What are your "secret" clues to real estate success? Comment or leave a post with 'book of secrets' as a tag.

Marsha Cleaveland, Keller Williams Realty. Search for a home online at www.HomeKey.org.

Three ways to have a Shining New Year

Marsha Cleaveland, GRI, AHWD, CNE (No longer in the sales business) — Thu, 27 Dec 2007 20:57:17 -0800

An open invitation to new experiences...

Like a child on his first visit to the seashore, with eyes, hands and soul open to drink in the new experience, we can move toward the coming year with excitement and hope: ready to explore, eager to shape the pliable sand as we please. We are on the edge of that epoch called a New Year. Confident expectation of being able to do positive good in this year yields the energy we need to face its challenges. What are the positive plans that can energize this New Year? Three shining values stand above the others.

1) Plan to grow - Like the concentric whorls on a seashell that grow larger year by year to accommodate the living creature inside, plan to grow your life. Expansion of heart, mind, skills and community involvement releases new energy. You choose which aspects of your life to grow and what direction to move toward; like that shelled creature, you are the architect of your home.

2) Live today for joy - Waves come in, waves go out, days come, days go. Be resolute about not falling into dull complacency from monotony. Notice instead the variations - and design your own joyful variations, like a child building sand castles. It is the very transience of the sand castles that brings delight to onlookers. I've watched strangers help my sons build a sea wall to protect their castles by the sea - holding onto joy in the middle of crisis is everybody's energy builder.

3) Link arms with like-minded people - Corals, those living creatures who have built the largest structures on our planet, are tiny organisms each linking to the next to form reefs. Individually, they are no larger than a chocolate chip (when feeding), but they build on the work of the previous generation and together have created unimaginable beauty. Our lives, our work, our interests, when linked with the effort of others, can create works of wonder.

Connecting with others, multiplying joy, and growing across many dimensions, will energize us and set a positive outlook for the New Year. Like the child at the end of his day on the seashore, sandy and tired but with a bucket of treasured shells and an internalized knowledge of waves, sand and saltwater creatures, may our experiences in 2008 bring us joy, results and relationships to treasure.

Marsha Cleaveland, Keller Williams Realty. Search for a home online at www.HomeKey.org.

Finding a Great Realtor

Marsha Cleaveland, GRI, AHWD, CNE (No longer in the sales business) — Mon, 24 Dec 2007 15:07:24 -0800

Finding a Great Realtor

When you're ready to buy or sell your home, you're looking for a real estate professional. Someone who will listen to your desires and do the research to find a home targeted to your needs, at your requested price point. A person who will keep your business confidential. A professional who will negotiate on your behalf, using appropriate strategies that result in the best possible outcome. You want someone who will keep you abreast of developments as your transaction goes forward.

Buying or selling property can have many unexpected pitfalls, but your professional realtor has the tools and training to guide you through to a successful closing.

Your real estate experience is a passageway to major life change: your new home. Whether you are relocating to a new city, downsizing, buying a first home, moving up, or buying investment property, you deserve excellent representation. Call on a professional known for personal integrity and team cooperation.

For more details and links to real estate information, visit www.HomeKey.org. Have a wonderful day!

Marsha Cleaveland, Keller Williams Realty. Search for a home online at www.HomeKey.org.

Glendale's Beauty Shines through

Marsha Cleaveland, GRI, AHWD, CNE (No longer in the sales business) — Sun, 23 Dec 2007 21:33:23 -0800

Glendale Glitters continues with every weekend sparkling with entertainment. Murphy Park and the surrounding blocks are hung with over a million Christmas lights, making the area a fairyland of glistening trees. Come enjoy the horse-drawn carriage rides, charming shops with unusual and beautiful wares, and a variety of restaurants. Every weekend brings live entertainment.

For real estate in beautiful Glendale, contact Marsha at Keller Williams, www.HomeKey.org.

Historic Craftsman Bungalows in Glendale

Marsha Cleaveland, GRI, AHWD, CNE (No longer in the sales business) — Sun, 09 Dec 2007 22:02:08 -0800

Glendale adds homes to the National Register of Historic Places

Downtown Glendale has a 12-block core of beautiful craftsman bungalow homes built from 1915 to 1940. The area was declared a Historic District by the city, and recently the National Register of Historic Places has added several additional blocks, making a total of 134 historic properties recognized nationally. The area, known as Catlin Court, consists of the home sites of the founders and early business leaders of Glendale. This area hosts the "Glendale Glitters" event every winter, with a million Christmas lights, entertainment in the outdoor amphitheater, carriage rides, and charming restaurants and boutiques in the walking district.

Additional historic properties outside of Catlin Court bring Glendale's total historic properties on the National Register to 290. You can find more details at the Glendale Republic website, December 8, 2007.

After you enjoy a walk through delightful Catlin Court, call Marsha at 623 337-8990 or search at www.HomeKey.org to find your home in Glendale with Keller Williams Realty Professional Partners.

Are we headed for a Train Wreck?

Marsha Cleaveland, GRI, AHWD, CNE (No longer in the sales business) — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 17:43:14 -0800

Is Housing headed for a Train Wreck?

Whether you are a pessimist or an optimist, you have to admit change is underway. Do we get on the train or jump out of its path? Lasso the monster to slow its forward momentum, or let it run its course? When the smoke clears, be one of the survivors who enjoyed the exciting ride.

Marsha Cleaveland, Keller Williams Realty. Search for a home online at www.HomeKey.org.

Government in Glendale -- You can be in the know

Marsha Cleaveland, GRI, AHWD, CNE (No longer in the sales business) — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 13:53:16 -0800

2008 Neighborhood Legislative Link in Glendale, Arizona

Learn how city and state government works in this series of six free classes at the Glendale Adult Center, 5790 W. Brown Street in Glendale. Exercise your right and ability as a citizen in our progressive city.

Session 1: Legislative Kickoff -- Dec. 6, 2007, 6-8 p.m.

Session 2: Arizona Legislature on the Web -- Jan 10, 2008, 6-8 p.m.

Session 3: Neighborhood Day at the Capitol -- Jan 17,2008, 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Session 4: Hot Legislative Issues -- Jan 24, 2008, 6-8 p.m.

Session 5: Mid Session Recap -- March 6, 2008, 6-8 p.m.

Session 6: End of Session Report -- July 10, 2008, 6-8 p.m.

All sessions require advance registration or RSVP. Please call Deanne Burt (623) 930-2813 for more details.

For details about properties available in Glendale, go to www.homkey.org, or call Marsha at (623) 337-8990.

Free Musical Concerts at Glendale Public Library

Marsha Cleaveland, GRI, AHWD, CNE (No longer in the sales business) — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 13:04:23 -0800

The 2007-2008 concert season is underway at Glendale Public Library. Enjoy live performances on Thursday evenings at 7:00 at 5959 W. Brown Street.

In December, celebrate the season with handbells ( Dec. 6), or harp duets (Dec. 20). Hank Cramer, folksinger, will entertain with ballads on Dec. 13. Don't miss a live annual 'jam session' as the final concert of 2007 on Dec. 27.

January brings a flute and guitar duo (Jan. 3), Cello & double-necked guitjo (Jan 10), Blues and Jazz (Jan. 17), and west African cultural dance & drums on Jan. 24.

The series continues through February, March and April. Go to www.glendalelibrary.org/ for details.

For all your property needs in Glendale, go to www.homekey.org. We'll assist you finding a home in the wonderful community of Glendale.

Titanic Exhibit at Arizona Science Museum

Marsha Cleaveland, GRI, AHWD, CNE (No longer in the sales business) — Fri, 30 Nov 2007 16:55:39 -0800

The Arizona Science Museum is hosting artifacts from the 1901 Titanic disaster from Nov. 10, 2007 to May 4, 2008. In addition to the objects and stories of suvivors, an IMAX film, Titanica, takes visitors through the chain of events that resulted in the disastrous voyage.

For more information about the exhibit, go to http://www.azscience.org/titanic.php.

For real estate in Phoenix, visit www.homekey.org or contact Marsha at (623) 337-8990.

Super Bowl XLII has Art in Glendale

Marsha Cleaveland, GRI, AHWD, CNE (No longer in the sales business) — Fri, 30 Nov 2007 16:44:44 -0800

See a juried exhibition of the valley's fine artists during your Super Bowl visit. The show will be held Jan. 23 to Feb. 17, 2008 at Historic Sahuaro Ranch Park, 9802 N. 59th Ave, Glendale. Tom Herbert will juror the exhibit.

For more on current Glendale arts events, check out http://www.glendaleaz.com/arts/communityartsevents.cfm.

For beautiful real estate in Glendale, go to www.homekey.org.

Glendale's Art and Culture

Marsha Cleaveland, GRI, AHWD, CNE (No longer in the sales business) — Fri, 30 Nov 2007 16:24:04 -0800

Glendale's treasured collection of public art can be viewed via a driving tour for Glendale's visitors and residents. Maps can be found at www.glendaleaz.com/arts/PublicArtDrivingTour.cfm. Public art on display includes a mural by Robert McCall entitled "Icarus Triumphant: The Legend Retold" as well as sculpture "Meeting on the Trail" by Allen Houser and "The Irrigators" by Debbie Gessner at the Main Public Library. "The Sun and The Moon" chandilier by Dale Chihuly graces the lobby of the Foothills Branch Library, and "A Tribute to Firefighters" relief by Jay Tschetter fronts the 59th Avenue Fire Station. See photos at VisitGlendale.com.

Arizona Art Alliance is sponsoring an exhibit at the Glendale Visitors Center entitled "Enriching Life Through Art." The exhibit runs Nov. 30 to Dec. 2, 2007. For more information on current AAA sponsored events, go to www.azartalliance.com.

Glendale has art, drama and culture. For properties available in Glendale, contact Marsha at (623) 337-8990 or visit our website at www.HomeKey.org.

Theater Works brings drama to Peoria

Marsha Cleaveland, GRI, AHWD, CNE (No longer in the sales business) — Thu, 29 Nov 2007 22:02:26 -0800

Peoria has culture -- demonstrated by the Peoria Center for the Performing Arts at 8355 W. Peoria Avenue. The facility is home to two auditoriums and a visual arts gallery. Community plays and dramatic opportunities for youth bring excitement to the facility.

For information about upcoming performances, or to rent the facility for your event, go to www.theaterworks.org.

For properties in Peoria, go to www.homekey.org.

Peoria's Challenger Space Center

Marsha Cleaveland, GRI, AHWD, CNE (No longer in the sales business) — Thu, 29 Nov 2007 21:48:44 -0800

Peoria's Challenger Space Center has activities, displays and events for visitors to learn and explore. Not only are there flight simulators and information about space exploration; visitors will also see space-inspired artwork of Robert McCall. The Challenger Center has the distinction of being affiliated with the Smithsonian Institution.

Visit the Challenger Space Center website at www.azchallenger.org for information about all the programs and events.

To view properties available in Peoria, go to www.homekey.org.

Make 2008 a financial growth year by doing a check-up now

Marsha Cleaveland, GRI, AHWD, CNE (No longer in the sales business) — Tue, 27 Nov 2007 10:40:21 -0800

My Financial Life from Three Altitudes

Sea level: How much money is in my purse and bank account right now?

What's my debt load? Don't let borrowing be your default plan for 2008

What's my credit score? Get a free credit REPORT (score costs $) at www.annualcreditreport.com

Credit Score: a number between 350 and 850 which grades your financial reliability.

Credit Reporting Agencies:

Experian http://www.experian.com/

TransUnion http://www.transunion.com/

Equifax http://www.equifax.com/

Arial view: What are my plans for a financially healthy future? What action must I take?

saving for retirement

buying a home

paying off all debt

college savings plan for kids

saving for a daughter's wedding

emergency funds for car repair, appliances, etc.

medical insurance and deductible

Celestial view: Where's my heart on financial matters?

Thankful for what I have - relationships and material wealth

Ready to share

Committed to principles that create value

Marsha Cleaveland, Keller Williams Realty. Search for a home online at www.HomeKey.org.

Thriving - No Matter What

Marsha Cleaveland, GRI, AHWD, CNE (No longer in the sales business) — Wed, 21 Nov 2007 10:48:42 -0800

Thriving Takes Persistence

A half-dozen from our market center attended the Thriving in a Shifting Market seminar in Scottsdale last Friday. We learned that NAR expects membership to drop from 1.3 million to .8 million in the next 90 days. And we learned how to avoid the dropout fate by staying on track with dollar productive activities. It will take several weeks to begin to implement all the wisdom that Tony Di Cello offered.

Discipline/Accountability/Consistency and Coachability will make the difference in who succeeds and who gives up in this marketplace. May we all find that inner zone of focus that leads inevitably to success.

Should I buy a home right now?

Marsha Cleaveland, GRI, AHWD, CNE (No longer in the sales business) — Wed, 21 Nov 2007 09:45:05 -0800

Top Three Reasons to Buy a Home Right Now

Lush inventory to select your home from. More than 50,000 homes are on the market right now in the greater Phoenix area, for example. New homes, nearly new homes and older homes -- you will see an abundance of inspiring homes in your price range and in the neighborhood of your choice. With selection at an all-time high, why not buy right now?

Prices have moderated from the highs of 2005. If your favorite area was priced too high a year or two ago, check again this year; you will be pleased to find many reductions. New home builders are also offering price reductions and incentives, letting you put the finishing touches on your home. Sellers and builders want you to buy right now.

Mortgage rates are still close to the lowest in history. Get your credit in order by reviewing your credit report and eliminating debt to take advantage of low interest rates (see Decoding Your Credit Report for more information on how to get and understand your credit report). Work your way through your debt; this is vital to your financial health whether you are buying a home or not. Ideas for eliminating debt can be found in Eliminating Debt for Homebuyers. You'll also need to save up a few thousand toward the earnest money deposit and down payment. With these preparations, you'll likely qualify for special treatment with your mortgage lender when you buy right now.

Don't miss out on the chance to own a choice home now when these vital factors are in your favor.

Contact Marsha at (623) 337-8990 for information on homes in your area. Search for homes at HomeKey.org. Keller Williams Realty Professional Partners.

Debt Elimination for Homebuyers

Marsha Cleaveland, GRI, AHWD, CNE (No longer in the sales business) — Tue, 20 Nov 2007 07:27:31 -0800

Eliminate Debt before Buying Your Home

When buying a home, you want to have your finances in a strong position. This means demonstrating a capacity to save and to pay off debt. Your credit report shows both your current standing on the indebtedness scale, as well as your past history of debt repayment. Lenders consider the credit report their most important tool for evaluating your financial reliability. To unlock the secrets about you found in your credit report, see Decoding your Credit Report.

Eliminating debt will increase your credit score and qualify you for better interest rates when buying a home. Your debt will be eliminated when you: Focus your spending, assign a time frame, and envision the payback.

Focus your spending. We all have money; we are just too relaxed and unfocused about the way we spend it. Being decisive and even extreme in this area gets results fast. First, calculate your monthly income. Now list your required expenses:

REQUIRED EXPENSES: taxes, rent or house payment, food, gasoline, medical insurance, house insurance & taxes, phone, debt (minimum payments or typical payments), retirement savings, emergency savings.

You noticed some things are missing from the list, right? Now list your non-required expenses:

NON-REQUIRED EXPENSES: cable, internet, spa/gym membership, personal allowances, purchases other than food or gasoline, activities, restaurants; all those extras we once considered special that have now become a habit.

The area of non-required expenses is the leading edge of possibility when it comes to debt elimination. These are the things we can live without in the short term in order to reach our goal in the long term of being debt-free in order to buy a home, or to move up to a larger home.

Focus all spending on debt reduction, channeling all resources (other than required expenses) into paying off the smallest debt. When that is eliminated, eradicate the next smallest, then the next. With crystal-clear focus, you can tell your money where to go, rather than wondering where it went.

Assign a timeframe: To do an extreme financial makeover, eliminate all spending from the areas of non-required expenses for six months. The money made available will be used to reduce the credit card debt, pay off the cars, pay off all financing, and then, when all is paid down, get aggressive about saving for the down payment on your home. Don't use credit at all during this time; just focus on eliminating what you have already borrowed.

A serious six-month commitment to reducing debt as outlined above will take most prospective homebuyers to a qualifying level for a mortgage. For those who want Olympic Gold clout with the lender, plan a longer timeframe of one to two years. Longer lead time enables greater down payments and more sophisticated knowledge of the mortgage industry to avoid undesirable mortgages. Reserving the funds for a 20% or larger down payment will enable you to avoid mortgage insurance, a required add-on expense of about $100 per month for every $100,000 of mortgage loan.

Envision the results: Your focused spending toward debt reduction may cause short-term pain. Reducing our lifestyle for the life-altering purpose of home ownership is always a good thing; we just need ways to make it feel good in the short term.

Visit a few open house events held by Realtors in the area you want to live in as you begin your debt elimination focus. Get photos of the homes available, and place a few of these photos in strategic areas around the home; i.e. on the refrigerator, the TV, the bathroom mirror, the desk where you pay your bills. Store all credit cards in an envelope with one of these photos attached to remind you why you are focusing all spending toward debt elimination (and to avoid using the cards when you are out and about). Attach a favorite home photo to the file folder where you keep your bills, to inspire you as you pay those buggers off.

Speak with a lender about your income amount and your current credit score to get an indication of what size loan and interest rate you may qualify for. Then ask, "If I had no debt and my credit score was 100 points higher, what rate would I qualify for?" Use a mortgage calculation feature (MS Excel has one, or you can find one at http://www.homekey.org/ under Buyer Resources) to see the total amount of interest you will pay at the two interest rates. The difference will be in the tens of thousands.

Think twice, no, ten times about a no down payment loan. By putting 20% down you have a smaller loan to begin with, and you escape the Mortgage Insurance Premium, which can be several hundreds each month, depending on the size of the loan. Take a look at these figures on a 30 year fixed-rate mortgage at 6.50% interest for a $300,000 home:

NO Down payment 20% Down Payment

$300,000 home price $300,000 home price

0 down 60,000 down payment 20%

$300,000 loan $240,000 loan

1,896 monthly payment 1,516 monthly payment

300 mortgage insurance premium 0 no mortgage insurance

$ 2,196 monthly payment $ 1,516 monthly payment

Short-term ease = long-term struggle short-term struggle = long-term ease

That's a $680 per month difference! Just because of a 20% down payment.

Interest paid: $76,527 more is paid in the "no down payment" scenario compared to the "20% down" scenario over the 30 year life of the fixed-rate loan.

Taking six months to get in top financial condition for home buying will not only enable you to get a better mortgage rate due to debt elimination, you will also have time to become more financially savvy and run the numbers on a few mortgage possibilities before being asked to sign the stack of papers with mystifying mortgage terms.

Resolve to experience all benefits of knowledge plus action. Be a person of character who does what it takes in the short term to reach long-term success. Focus your spending, assign a timeframe, and envision the results. Bookmark this and email me to tell me about your success six months from now.

Call Marsha when you are ready to buy a home at (623) 337-8990. Search for available homes at http://www.homekey.org/. Choose your favorite and focus for success.