Buying A House in the Winter?

Some people may think that you are crazy buying a house in the winter but some people think that will be a great idea.  Yes, that is true since majority of the sellers that wants to sell their house before the year is over will be more willing to re-negotiate the price and terms of the sale.

From another point of view, as the number of the sellers diminishes, so is the number of the buyers. Therefore, you’ll have less competition! And what does this mean to you? Less competition means more chances for you to get the property at the price you want!  Here are the pros and cons!

Bet You Didn't Know: Christmas

Christmas is both a sacred religious holiday and a worldwide cultural and commercial phenomenon. For two millennia, people around the world have been observing it with traditions and practices that are both religious and secular in nature.

Christians celebrate Christmas Day as the anniversary of the birth of Jesus of Nazareth, a spiritual leader whose teachings form the basis of their religion. Popular customs include exchanging gifts, decorating Christmas trees, attending church, sharing meals with family and friends and, of course, waiting for Santa Claus to arrive. December 25–Christmas Day–has been a federal holiday in the United States since 1870.

Phoenix Named Hot Housing Market to Watch in 2015

Metro Phoenix is one of the U.S.'s "10 hottest housing markets to watch in 2015," according to a new Realtor.com report as mentioned by Catherine Reagor of The Republic.

The real estate website's chief economist, Jonathan Smoke, said Phoenix's potential for income growth and new-home construction landed it on the list.

CNN Money stated 2015 home sales forecast: +11%

Source: Catherine Rigor | The Republic | AZCENTRAL.COM

Relocation Guide - Real Estate

Thanksgiving dinner on the patio, New Year's hikes up South Mountain. Two thriving downtowns and another awakening. More manageable mortgages and mountain views. 

Phoenix-area residents tote thick brag books on their hometown, adopted as it may be. And they're not just filled with sunny skies and sparkling swimming pools.

Where weather was long the area's main appeal- and remains a big seller - the attraction has broadened.

One of the advantages in moving to Arizona is you don't have to leave the state to get away, of course. Arizona boasts dramatic geographical diversity. Tourism folks like to brag about being able to ski in the morning (in Flagstaff or the White Mountains) and swim in the afternoon. Sedona, Jerome, Prescott and Tucson, each with their own appeal, are easy day trips.

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Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac Unveils Mortgages with 3% Down Payment

To broaden the pool of home buyers and boost real estate market, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are launching #mortgage loan programs with down payment as low as 3%.


The loans, unveiled Monday, reverse a trend of tighter lending standards by the government-sponsored mortgage giants since their taxpayer-financed bailouts. The programs allow only fixed-rate loans on single-family homes used as a primary residence.

Caution on Over Improving your Home

Homeowners need to be cautious when making home improvements, renovations or addition. When you sell, you "never get 100 cents on the dollar no matter what the improvement is" says Erik H Reisner, managing partner of a Vermont real estate company. "It may increase the value of the property but not dollar for dollar." If you have equity, you might even burn off all the equity in your property.
Bottom line, if it is for your own use or helps you get more time in the house (like adding a first floor bedroom) that is smart. But if your sole purpose is to increase your home price, or even "get it back at resale" it might not even be worth it.

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