Azhomeatlast's blog

What EXACTLY is a Short Sale?

What exactly is a short sale?

 

By definition: A short sale is when you owe more on your mortgage than your home is worth in today’s real estate market and you negotiate with your lien holder to accept less than owed from a willing and able buyer.

 

With the influx of short sale files, the banks are incredibly overwhelmed these days. Needless to say, the process can be lengthy. Here is how it works:

 

First, do some research and find a Realtor that you can trust with such an important task of negotiating with your bank. Choose someone that has experience working with short sales and is able to answer all of your questions. Once you have a good, experienced Realtor, they will list the home at market value.

 

Once you have a contract in place, the real fun begins. You will need to submit all of your financial information to the bank (pay stubs, bank statements, tax returns, hardship letter, etc). Depending on the bank, there are a series of levels that your file will have to go through at their office. Each one requires that you submit, re-submit and submit again, the same financial forms (you can get a sense the “lengthy” process). If you have chosen a good Realtor, then they should be staying on top of the bank.

 

Once the bank has reached an approval, you are getting close! At this point, the inspection period can begin and you typically have 30 days to close.

 

Does all of this make sense? Yes, this is the VERY condensed version and there are, of course, many different factors that come into play to make each transaction unique. Moral of the story:  If you have a good Realtor and lots of patience, you just might be able to have a successful short sale!  

 

Contact me at [email protected] or 480.518.0285 for more questions about all of your real estate needs!

Jami Asanovich

Ashby Realty Group, LLC

[email protected]

www.AzHomeAtLast.com

480.518.0285

DO YOU KNOW WHO YOUR NEIGHBORS ARE?

Do you know who your neighbors are?

 

Moving into an unfamiliar neighborhood can be daunting. It's important to know whom you live around in order to build a sense of security where people look out for each other. Here are some easy and fun ways to get to know your neighbors. 

HEAD OUTDOORS! Just spend some time outside. Whether you are watching the kids, trimming bushes, washing the car or just enjoying the sunset, you are making yourself approachable. Take a walk around the block and get yourself out there...literally. 

 

MAKE SOME MAGIC IN THE KITCHEN! Bake some cookies or brownies and take them to the neighbors. This allows you to introduce yourself and break the ice. I haven't met neighbor yet that doesn't appreciate some freshly baked treats. Not a baker? You can always pick something up from the local bakery. 

 

INVITE A NEIGHBOR OVER FOR COFFEE! If you find that you keep seeing the same neighbor out and have clicked, invite them over for a cup of coffee or a glass of wine. You never know, you may end up building a life-long friendship with a neighbor. 

HOST A PARTY! The Superbowl and World Series are great opportunities to have people over. You can ask that the neighbors bring a dish of their own and have a potluck. If you aren't into sports, you can have a cocktail or block party. This kind of gathering will allow you to have more in depth conversations and build relationships. 

GET INVOLVED IN THE COMMUNITY! Volunteer at a local shelter, attend a community event or simply visit your neighborhood coffee shop. Just being out and about around town will help you link you and your neighbors when you run into each other. 

 

These simple steps can help you build a tight-nit neighborhood and possibly some great friendships. HAVE FUN!!

 

 

For more information about Realtors in Gold Canyon, AZ visis www.AzHomeAtLast.com or call 480.677.2081

 

Jami Asanovich

Ashby Realty Group, LLC

[email protected]

www.AzHomeAtLast.com

480.518.0285

Are you looking for a Realtor in GOLD CANYON, AZ?

Are you looking for a Realtor in GOLD CANYON, AZ?

 

There is much to look forward to this upcoming New Year. New endeavors are waiting!

Gold Canyon, Arizona is a great place to buy! Lots of sunshine and affordable home prices entice the first time homebuyers, retirees and investors alike! The available inventory offers a perfect fit for everyone! The community is tight-nit and the residents are friendly. Hiking, swimming, running and mingling make the outdoors beckon.

Are you thinking of selling and need a Realtor in Gold Canyon? We have lived in the area for over 10 years and are experts in our community. We will get you the most possible from your home. We are certified short sale negotiators and will do everything we can to streamline the process for you.

For more information on short sales, visit www.AzShortSaleRelief.com.

If you or someone you know is thinking of buying or selling a home in Gold Canyon or the surrounding East Valley and would appreciate the service and professionalism that we can offer, we would love to help them! We value honesty, integrity and hard work. We answer the phones and treat our clients like family.

For more information on Realtors in Gold Canyon, visit www.AzHomeAtLast.com

We look forward to hearing from you soon!

Josh & Jami Asanovich and Adrea France

480.677.2081
/ 480.518.0285

[email protected]

www.AzHomeAtLast.com

Naked House Hunting, Do YOU have a Realtor?

Naked House Hunting, Do YOU have a Realtor? 

Naked House Hunting, Do YOU have a Realtor?

Have you ever had the dream where you have an extremely important speech or a job interview and you are standing there naked? It is the worst feeling in the world and you wake up in a cold sweat thankful that it was just a dream. Well, don't get caught with your pants down when you are about to make one of the biggest investments of your life!

Having a Realtor assist you when buying a home should be a no-brainer. First of all, to have someone that has had extensive training, continuing education and deals with your exact situation on a daily basis is FREE for you!!! Secondly, why wouldn't you want to have an expert in the field working, searching and negotiating for you? Not to mention, buying a home can be overwhelming. Paperwork, endless listings, occupied houses and bidding wars is a lot to juggle. There is absolutely no reason you should have to handle this on your own.

Your Realtor should be a stress reliever. They are your security blankets and your straight shooters at the same time. SO, the next time you decide to make an extremely large investment, do the right thing and have a professional on your side. You will be thankful you did when you save countless hours and dollars!

For information on Realtors in Gold Canyon, AZ visit www.AzHomeAtLast.com or call Jami Asanovich at 480.518.0285.

Jami Asanovich

Ashby Realty Group, LLC

[email protected]

www.AzHomeAtLast.com

480.518.0285

Something to wine about in Gold Canyon, AZ

Something to wine about in Gold Canyon, AZ 

Something to wine about in Gold Canyon, AZ

I visited a sweet little place today in Gold Canyon, Arizona. If you are looking for something different and fun that is inexpensive and will keep on giving for months, this is your kind of place!

Wine Canyon, LLC is located on Kings Ranch Rd not far off of the US60. It is a company that allows you to make your own wine. I was very impressed with the friendliness and knowledge that the owner, Loren Kensrud, had to offer. Here is how it works:

You select a wine kit which contains all of the ingredients to make a 6 gallon batch of wine. The kit includes sterile grape juice, yeast, benonite, potassium, metabisulphate (a clearing agent) and a flavor pack if you select a sweeter case. Each batch of wine makes 30 bottles!! There are a ton of different selections from red, white, blush table to lighter, fruitier and sweeter wines.

If you have your own equipment at home, you are now on your own. HOWEVER, if you are a first timer, like me, you can use Wine Canyon's bottling equipment for only $55. They are extremely informative and will explain each step of the process to you in detail. You can use your own bottles that you have recycled or you can purchase an array of bottles from them for only $1-2/bottle. Get this, you can even make your own personalized labels! 

I highly recommend making a visit to this adorable little shop. I guarantee you will not be disappointed. Gold Canyon just keeps on getting better and better!

To contact Wine Canyon, LLC visit www.wine-canyon.com or call 480-671-0112

For more information on Gold Canyon real estate: www.AzHomeAtLast.com or call Jami at 480-518-0285

Jami Asanovich

Ashby Realty Group, LLC

[email protected]

www.AzHomeAtLast.com

480.518.0285

Gold Canyon Real Estate

Gold Canyon really is amazing! 

We are nestled right at the base of the Superstition Mountains and the sunrises and sunsets are breathtaking. Not only do we have everything we need here (grocery store, restaurants, coffee shop, banks, gas stations, dry cleaning, etc) but we are a few short miles from plenty of entertainment and right off the US60. The community offers a home to a wide range of people including snow birds and young families alike. The Superstition Golf Course, incredible hiking trails and the renaissance festival bring in plenty of visitors. Not to mention, there is always something fun happening such as art shows and festivities. The sense of community is strong and it has a small town feeling.

So, why do I dare spread the word of this charming community and risk losing the tight nit feel? I live in Gold Canyon and I want to brag. :)

 

Jami Asanovich

Ashby Realty Group, LLC

[email protected]

www.AzHomeAtLast.com

480.518.0285

REO's, Short Sales and Smoking Deals!

REOs, short sales and smoking deals! 

When most people think of Arizona real estate, they think of inventory. They recall what they have heard on the national news about hundreds of homes sitting on the market with no movement whatsoever. BUT, ask the people that are actively buying right now and you will most definitely get a different story....

Homes are being listed and getting snatched up within days in some cases. I actually had a listing on the market for a mere two hours before I received a full price offer. What is the catch? How is the news portraying a devastated market and local buyers are painting a different picture of multiple offers and bidding wars? 

The fact of the matter is that there ARE hundreds of homes on the market and if you are looking for a home that is in great shape, you have a fight on your hands. There are so many distressed properties due to the foreclosures and short sales and lack of care that the good ones go quickly. Not only do they go quickly, but they go for above asking price more times than not. The Arizona real estate market is on fire! 

Are you looking for a "project"? If so, there is an opportunity to make some good money these days if you are able to buy NOW. The ones that are sitting for any period of time right now are the ones that need a little TLC. If you are handy and have the know how or funds to give a facelift, the sky is the limit these days.

Take a look at the chart below: So far, every month in 2009, the number of sold listings has increased over 2008. Not only that, the sales prices are slowly starting to make a climb!

Number of Sold Listings	Dollar Volume of Sold Listings	Median Sale Price
	2008	2009	Diff	Chg	2008	2009	Diff	Chg	2008	2009	Diff	Chg
January	2,027	3,652	1,625	80.2%	$ 711,753,808	$ 700,800,663	-10,953,145	-1.6%	250,000	139,900	-110,100	-44.0%
February	2,514	4,175	1,661	66.1%	$ 812,777,658	$ 772,934,787	-39,842,871	-5.0%	234,986	134,000	-100,986	-43.0%
March	3,090	5,866	2,776	89.8%	$ 1,016,164,852	$ 983,820,494	-32,344,358	-3.2%	233,800	125,000	-108,800	-46.5%
April	3,527	6,605	3,078	87.3%	$ 1,085,561,505	$ 1,114,050,498	28,488,993	2.6%	230,000	124,000	-106,000	-46.1%
May	4,108	7,104	2,996	72.9%	$ 1,214,737,024	$ 1,244,614,607	29,877,583	2.4%	225,000	130,000	-95,000	-42.2%
June	4,291	7,197	2,906	67.7%	$ 1,231,443,251	$ 1,324,348,244	92,904,993	7.5%	220,000	135,900	-84,100	-38.2%
July	4,462	6,929	2,467	55.3%	$ 1,203,356,338	$ 1,317,346,115	113,989,777	9.4%	210,000	136,000	-74,000	-35.2%
August	4,281	6,006	1,725	40.3%	$ 1,090,977,578	$ 1,111,903,791	20,926,213	1.9%	197,900	139,000	-58,900	-29.8%
September	4,773	5,877	1,104	23.1%	$ 1,111,016,276	$ 1,127,111,229	16,094,953	1.4%	184,000	145,000	-39,000	-21.2%
October	4,125	6,004	1,879	45.6%	$ 939,274,537	$ 1,131,432,482	192,157,945	20.4%	179,900	140,500	-39,400	-21.9%
November	3,390	5,575	2,185	64.5%	$ 743,417,330	$ 1,080,166,830	336,749,500	45.2%	164,900	145,000	-19,900	-12.1%

Don't let the news fool you...come find your AZ home at last! 

Jami Asanovich

Ashby Realty Group, LLC

[email protected]

www.AzHomeAtLast.com

480.518.0285

Hiking in Gold Canyon, Arizona

I had the best hike this weekend!

The trails in Gold Canyon, Arizona are seemingly endless. I was lucky enough to find the  this weekend and it was simply gorgeous. This time of year is a blessing in Arizona. The sky was bright blue and the high was 65 degrees! The total distance is 3.5 miles and the terrain is very manageable. There were families out and about and I even my 56-year-old mother-in-law made it the entire way. There were a lot of little rocks to watch out for but nothing major. 

After hiking into the canyon, you are able to view actual petroglyphs that have been there for many, many years. There is a tiny water hole and the view of the city is breathtaking. I highly recommend exploring the trails in your community, I know I certainly enjoyed it!

http://www.trails.com/tcatalog_trail.aspx?trailid=HGS350-00

Jami Asanovich

Ashby Realty Group, LLC

[email protected]

www.AzHomeAtLast.com

480.518.0285

Short Sales: The Process and What to Expect

Short Sales: The Process and What to Expect

 

Step 1: Have you considered all options?

-Short Sale vs. Foreclosure

-Can you get a second job?

-Can you get a roommate?

 

Step 2: Do you qualify?

-Do you have a valid hardship?

-Has there been a major change in your financial status since the origination of the loan?

 

Step 3: Working with your Realtor.

-Choose a Realtor with experience: This is extremely important. You are putting a great deal of trust into your Realtor. Be sure to interview them and get references.

-Give complete information: Your Realtor wants to help you and in order to do that, they must know your entire scenario.

-Make your home “sellable”: Remember that you are competing with other sellers. Keeping your home clean and viewable is key to obtaining a successful contract.

-Once you have a contract, the fun begins!

 

Step 4: The negotiating process.

-Enable your Realtor to work with your bank: You will need to sign a third party authorization giving them permission to speak to your bank.

-Ensure that your Realtor is doing their due diligence by contacting the bank on a consistent basis: Asking for weekly email updates is an easy and effective way to stay informed.

-Be willing to submit financials such as bank statements, pay stubs and tax returns upon request and on a monthly basis: Banks will ask for this information repeatedly.

-Be Patient: Some short sales have been known to take many months. The banks ask for the same things over and over again and their processes are flawed to say the least. Allow your Realtor to take the stress off of you as much as possible.

 

Deal Killers:

-HOA fees: Stay on top of your HOA dues if possible. Many times, the bank will not be willing to pay these back dues and will not allow you to do so either, That leaves the buyer. Typically, they are not going to be excited to come to the closing table having to pay hundreds of dollars in HOA fines and this can cause a transaction to fall through.

Visit www.AzShortSaleRelief.com for more information.

Jami Asanovich

Ashby Realty Group, LLC

[email protected]

www.AzHomeAtLast.com

480.518.0285

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