Further, in the spirit of this new era, I sense the tide is turning and a brighter new day is ever closer. Political alliances or ideas are not the point. It is more a sense of all of us seeking a better day for us and our families. How can we best serve ourselves and our fellow countrymen? Change and hope mean different things to different people.

That being said, let’s explore the status of the Maricopa County real estate market; Sales are up, the phones are ringing, interest rate are AMAZING!! Prices are as low as they’ve been in 6 years. If ever there was a time to seize the opportunities to enhance your families portfolio, lifestyle, this is IT….

Personally, I cannot keep up with the calls and enquiries from clients throughout the country. These individuals know great opportunities abound and they want to get in position NOW. If you are looking for value, there has not been a better time to buy since probably the early 1970′s.  

Our team is gaining ground every day and is ready to help you in your search, regardless of motivation or budget. Let’s get America moving (to coin a phrase.) These conditions and the feeling in the air can change quickly. Don’t sit on the fence. If you are a renter, you are throwing your money away. Get qualified and put your financial house in order.

Let’s go America !!!! It’s a brand new day……………call us.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/axeldeviaje/300817084/sizes/m/#cc_license

Now more than ever is the best time to Purchase a home in U.S. history!

You may ask why, think I am crazy or just writing this post due to the fact my job revolves around assisting individuals in the process of purchasing their home.

As a homeowner you will reap many emotional, financial and economic rewards.
A few of the reward consist of the following:

• Tax Benefit
• Inflation Hedge
• Set Savings/Investment
• Rates are at Historical Lows
• Home Values are at 2003-2004 Levels (select areas)

Buying a home vs. renting is a big decision that takes careful consideration. For many years, purchasing real estate was considered an extremely profitable investment. Over the past view years many have held off, due to the Housing bubble burst and the declining market values due to the historic credit crisis.

Purchasing a home has many befits beyond the financial aspect; when you own your own home Mr. Landlord or apt management cannot stop you from  painting your bathroom canary yellow, or owning a cat and a dog.  These are just a few of the freedoms homeowners enjoy.  Yes, there are certain responsibilities associated with owning a home. Landlords will often argue the benefits of renting, and for obvious reason. If you are renting, you’re helping them make their mortgage payment.

The numbers are staggering if you look at it this way. If you are paying $1,100 per month for an apartment, and you know your rent will increase 3% every year, then over the next five years you will pay your landlord $72,901. This does not included deposits and misc rental fees.  Either way, you gain no equity by shelling out this monthly housing expense and you certainly won’t benefit when the property value goes up!

However, if you were to purchase your own home or condominium, you would be well on your way toward building equity within that same five-year period. By choosing a fixed-rate loan program, you can have the comfort of knowing that your monthly mortgage payment will never go up.

In addition to building equity, there are tax advantages that come into play with home ownership. Depending on your tax bracket, owning a home is often less expensive than renting after taxes. Interest payments on a mortgage below $1 million are tax-deductible.  For example if you purchased a $214,000 home at 5.5% your Net after Tax payment (25% Tax Bracket) would total $916 (see Rent vs. Own PDF).  Within 10 years your home equity with a conservative 2% appreciation together with principle pay down would total $91,629 (see Rent vs. Own PDF).

With the FED currently doing everything in their power to induce Economic stimulus with reduced rates will inevitably lead to massive inflation.  Inflation will increase prices across the board.  Real Estate can be an effective hedge against inflation.  While your rent increases, if you have fixed rate you will have the safety and comfort knowing you can manage your monthly housing expense.

Currently there are multiple tools available to Homebuyers from the $7,500 Tax Credit to 203k Rehab Loans (Buy a home and rehab to your liking)….

There are many pitfalls you can avoid when you are in the market to buy a new home. Here are just a few tips and strategies to help you prepare for success:

• Know your credit score.
• Know how much you can spend and determine how much you can afford.
• Don’t get caught in the “pre-approval” / “pre-qualification” trap.
• Understand the 20 Terms You Must Know Before You Sign Off on Your Mortgage (contact me for a copy)

Overall Home Ownership is an achievement that offers a sense of pride, financial stability and potential tax advantages.

I have attached a document that outlines the cost benefits of Rent vs. Own.
Feel FREE to contact me for a No Obligation Rent vs. Own Mortgage Plan.
William Doom, CMPS. “Your Favorite Mortgage Planners Favorite Mortgage Planner!”

A prime example of this is one of my listings located at 1967 E. Wescott DR. in a great quiet neighborhood in North Phoenix. This home was originally an investment property that had recently lost the tenant. It is a 1,566 SF, 3 bedroom, 2 bath home on a large corner lot with a huge backyard. It is in great condition. The only appliance it is missing is the microwave, the paint looks great and the carpet looks brand new. And guess what NO HOLES!! This bank owned property is offered at an amazing $187,500.

So don’t let foreclosures fool you, they don’t always need a lot of work and money. There are great deals out there right now, so don’t let them pass you by.

(This should be interesting for Prime? Credit and Money is NOW Cheep. Didn’t we do this in 2001-2003?)

Given the overall decline in the U.S. Economy, the FED announced that it is determined to use every tool possible to pull the economy out of the current recession. The FED is sticking to its guns and will continue to purchase Government debt and MBS as one of the Monetary Policy Tools.

“over the next few quarters the Federal Reserve will purchase large quantities of agency debt and mortgage-backed securities to provide support to the mortgage and housing markets, and it stands ready to expand its purchases of agency debt and mortgage-backed securities as conditions warrant.”

Interest rates change constantly, but it is important to know that rates are cyclical. If rates are currently at historical lows then we know there is a strong probability rates will go up again, and vice versa. Certain economic indicators such as unemployment data, consumer price index, retail sales data, and consumer confidence all have an effect on mortgage interest rates. But the key factor to watch is the relationship between stocks and bonds.

As always if you are thinking of Refinancing or Purchasing feel free to contact me for your No Obligation Mortgage Plan William Doom, CMPS Your Mortgage Planner. (1.888.271.3437 x7)

www.MyEqityPro.com

OK, so you’ve been hearing about all of the great bargains at the auctions. Yes, there are great deals, but the auction is NOT for everyone. As the Az. Republic noted in last week’s cover story; Auctions are not as simple as they seem.

An inexperienced buyer can get caught in the emotion and rapid pace of an auction environment. Before you know it, your strategy has collapsed and you’ve gotten outbid/outwitted by the savvy investment buyer. As the Republic article also noted, would’nt it make sense to avoid this scenario and be more selective via an experienced Realtor?

While we at the  Thunderbird Team do represent both Banks and buyers, I think it best to carefully look at what’s out there, do your due dilegence (inspections, comps) prior to making an offer. This takes time, patience and above all, a disciplined approach to your overall investment plan, whether it be a primary home or strictly investment for the long term.

We CAN work together to match what the auctions offer, just in a more reasonable manner and without the rapid pace and potential feeling of “buyer’s remorse” one hour later. Think it thru before putting your feet into the water.

My  thought for the day….oh, also, interest rates  are GREAT!!! Don’t sit idle. Let’s get to work and find the right home.

 Bank owned properties are currently selling substantially under market value. This is opening extraordinary opportunities for the experienced or new investor. These properties sit vacant and collectively cost banks millions. With a surplus of available foreclosures, banks are now highly motivated to move these homes. Listings at under-market values combined with consideration to aggressive offers are opening these new opportunities to the savvy investor. 

For example, we currently have this fantastic investment opportunity in Central Phoenix’s Historical District. A great looking duplex, with tenants in place, located at 1631 North 17^th Avenue Phoenix, AZ 85007. It is a single building with two, separate and comfortable units, each with an individual bedroom, bathroom, den and kitchen, plus one also has a fireplace. Beautiful hard wood floors and a relaxing backyard make this a highly desired home. Combined units are approximately 1600sf and a two car garage in the rear.

Usually investment properties foreclose because they do not have tenants. Additionally, many are damaged and/or vandalized and require some upfront investment to repair. These tenants have kept excellent care of this property. Currently occupied by a college student and a young couple the tenants are eager to stay in the home. 

This bank owned property is an excellent investment.

The well cared for condition and the great tenants,

who want to stay, translate into immediate, secure

and positive cash flow for the investor.   

For more information on this property please contact

Judy at (602) 424-2800 or email me at

judyknopf@windermere.com.

People will always need and furthermore, want to OWN their own home. It is the American way and for most, aside from their family, their greatest source of pride and accomplishment. It is a testiment to a person(s) hard earned success and one of the greatest investments a person can make. This will always be true, regardless of the current economy.

My partners and I have come across incredible RE finds. Example: Surprise, Az., 2465 square foot  at $76.00 per sq. ft. in GOOD condition. Yes, $76.00 per sq. ft. That is CRAZY!! The house is only 4 years olds and includes a beautiful swimming pool. A savvy buyer will grab the home shortly and if held for the long-term, it shall provide both an excellent lifestyle and secondly, a fantastic opportunity to maximize ROI.  THAT truly is the American dream.

The Thunderbird Team sees, touches and represents these types of homes everyday. We are “in the trenches” and keeping our eyes open for the best of the best. Don’t fall into the trap of trying to time the market. If you need a home, you need a home. It’s that simple. The bonus is; costs are at historical lows. Why would you NOT take advantage before everyone else recognizes opportunity staring them in the face and the market shift back to the seller. It can happen quicker than you realize.

Just my thoughts for the day…………………..

Rick Travis

Thunderbird Realty Group, AZ Realtors that specializes in helping buyers, investors, first-time homebuyers and veterans find the best deals in today’s HOT foreclosure market!

Take a LOOK at:

Thunderbird Group’s Most Recent REO, Foreclosure Listings

First Time Homebuyers and Investors interested in qualifying for a purchase of a Foreclosed Home, Please contact my Mortgage Planner William Doom, CMPS. (1.888.271.3437 x7) to see what you qualify for.

As cited by every journalist in every publication, however, the story is 100% speculation.  Naturally, that doesn’t stop the press from covering it.  Perhaps most importantly, nearly every analyst interviewed has expressed a belief that a Treasury-sponsored stimulus would apply to home buyers only.  Homeowners wanting a refinance, in other words, would be ineligible.

Mortgage rates are very low today compared to where they’ve been in 2006, 2007 and 2008.  If you think your mortgage rate is too high for this market, reach out to Your Mortgage Planner to review all of your options.  If rates really do reach 4.50%, you can always refinance again later.

Rates Provided by William Doom Your Mortgage Planner 2.0

Interest rates are at record lows, foreclosures are at the all time high and banks are not in the business of home ownership. There are thousands of great bargains out there. Here are a few of examples of what I’ve seen in the past few weeks:

One of my savvy out of state investors is currently in escrow on an unbelievable deal. His approved purchase price of $268,000 for a 4 bedroom home with a pool, built in 1999 located in the upscale community of Cave Creek Arizona. The home was previously sold to an individual in June of 2006 for $585,000. That is an unbelievable deal.

I am currently working with another investor that is currently in negotiations on an 8500 square foot home located in the Phoenix area that recently had a price drop from $2.6M to $1.6M.

I am working with a first time buyer that is currently in negotiations with a bank for her first home. We found a nice 3 bedroom home located in north Phoenix that previously sold for $140,000 and the listing price is un $70,000. If we can make this deal happen, she will own her first home and her mortgage will be way under her current rent.

These are just 3 of the thousands of great opportunities that currently exist. Call me  (602.686.1503) or another savvy Realtor that is looking to find the best deals for their clients.