check out the statistics for Aug 2009...

Here are the average days on the market for August 2009

Mesa Home For Sale...Just Listed, don't miss out!

$169,000 (or $899 per month for rent)
6001 E SOUTHERN AVE 85 Mesa, AZ 85206

2 Bedroom/2 Bath
1,181 square feet
2 car garage

All appliances included!
HOA maintaines your front yard!
Community has pool, spa, & use of the beautiful Superstition Springs Golf Course.
Call today for a showing (480) 330-6242 Leah Hamman (agent of Keller Williams Integrity First Realty).

Financial Benefits of Home Ownership

There are a number of personal and emotional reasons to buy a home. But there are also some strong financial reasons to make the investment. In addition to exceptional home affordability and near historic interest rates, here are some important financial benefits of owning a home:

Increased Net Worth: Few things have a greater impact on net worth than owning a home. In a comparison of renters versus homeowners, the Federal Reserve Board of Consumer Finance found that the average net worth of renters was just $4,000 compared to homeowners at $184,400.

A Big Tax Deduction: One of the largest tax deductions available is the amount of interest paid on a mortgage. In fact, a $150,000 home at a 5.50% interest rate can add up to approximately $8,000 in first year's interest. This amounts to a significant savings - effectively reducing the amount of a homeowner's monthly loan payment.

Long-Term Appreciation: Over the last few years, home prices have corrected and become more affordable. While that's good news for potential buyers, it has overshadowed the long-term appreciation of a home's value. The reality is, despite market ups and downs, real estate historically appreciates around 6% per year. Even if you calculate a modest appreciation of 3%, a home purchased today for $150,000 should grow in value to $364,000 over 30 years.

$8,000 Tax Credit: Don't forget, the government is offering an $8,000 tax credit for first-time homebuyers - or for folks that haven't owned a home during the past three years. However, the program is scheduled to end soon. In fact, the Internal Revenue Service recently reminded potential buyers that they must complete their first-time home purchases before December 1, 2009 to qualify for the special credit, which means the last day to close on a home and qualify for the credit is November 30, 2009.

If you're considering purchasing a home, this is an ideal time. Call or email us today to discuss your specific situation and how you can benefit from today's market.

480-889-1409
MyAzHomeTean@aol.com
www.MyArizonaHomeTeam.com

Mortgage Update for the Week...

"BE WILLING TO MAKE DECISIONS." General George Patton. And that's exactly what the Fed did last week at their regularly scheduled Federal Open Market Committee meeting. But just what did they decide...and what do their decisions mean for home loan rates?

The Fed said they are going to ration out the remaining commitment of Mortgage Backed Security purchases through the first quarter of 2010. There will be no additional buying, but instead, a longer weaning off of the program. There was some speculation about the Fed increasing the amount of buying above the $1.25T committed to, and last week's statement is the Fed's nice way of saying "no." They will not be buying more in quantity, but what they will do is attempt to provide a smoother transition to normal market conditions.

It is a given that once the Fed ceases its purchases, that interest rates will climb significantly higher...most likely back above the 6% area. So instead of a hard transition with a large bump in rates, the Fed is attempting to allow rates to gradually rise. This means that waiting to purchase or refinance will very likely mean a higher interest rate.



Their decision also means that the Fed's remaining purchases will all be lower in quantity, as the remaining allotment for purchases will be spread over a longer period of time - and additionally, will not necessarily be spread out as evenly as their past purchases - which could lead to more volatility for rates in the near term.

In other news, Existing Home Sales and New Home Sales were reported slightly less than expected, but both reports continue to show signs of an improving housing market. The inventory of unsold existing homes fell to its lowest inventory level since April 2007, while the inventory of unsold new homes dropped to its lowest level since January 2007. While some of the decline in new home inventory may be due to builders constructing fewer homes - these reports indicate that the housing market is indeed showing signs of life.

Remember, with home loan rates still low - but slated to increase with the Fed's recent decision - as well as a juicy tax credit for First Time Home Buyers that is going to expire on November 30th, it makes sense to get off the fence if you've been considering a purchase. Or do you have a family member, neighbor, friend or coworker who might benefit from getting some good home advice? We're always glad to get your referrals, so simply let us know who we might be able to help.

Give us a call today: 480-889-1424 or check out our website for additional information about the services we can provide: www.MyArizonaHomeTeam.com

Buying Your First Home

Buying Your First Home
Memories and Money Await You





First-time homebuyers (FTHB) are taking advantage of one of the best real estate environments we have ever seen. Home affordability this year has been at an all time high with low interest rates and declining home prices. However, buyers on the fence should not be complacent.

Home prices in many markets have not only stabilized but are rising. Interest rates, while still incredibly attractive, could be poised to rise in coming months as stimulus from Washington is scheduled to end in December. Finally, the tax credit of $8,000 for qualifying FTHBs is currently scheduled to end November 30, 2009.

Why Buy a Home?
One of the first questions someone naturally asks themselves as a renter is, "Why should I become a homeowner?" There are many reasons, but probably the first one is the pride in knowing that you have established a foundation for building personal wealth as well as a basis for future memories.

Thinking back to your childhood, many of your fondest memories may be from events in your childhood home. Holidays, birthdays, and family events all typically took place in your home growing up. Anything you and your parents wanted to do to your home, within reason of course, were options of your choosing.

Knowing that you have taken a major step in financial independence also creates a sense of pride that few things can replicate. However, it's one thing to say owning a home makes sense, it's another to actually look at how owning a home can help you financially.

Financial Reasons to Buy
Aside from the emotional implications, any decision involving money has to make sense. There are few things anyone can do that have a greater impact on their finances than owning a home.

The reasons to buy your first home are numerous, not only today, but anytime. In a comparison of renters versus homeowners, the U.S. Federal Reserve Board of Consumer Finance found that the average net worth of renters was $4,000 compared to homeowners at $184,400.

Building personal wealth can be accomplished a number of ways but owning a home provides a path that takes advantage of several ways at once, compounding their net impact on your bottom line. Increasing equity leveraged from the reduction of mortgage debt and home price appreciation are one path. Income tax deductions both from the sale and ownership of the property are another.

Move in and Watch it Grow
What do a tree and the impact of owning a home on personal wealth have in common? Neither grow quickly but both grow larger and become stronger over time. A home purchased today at a price of $150,000 will grow in value to $364,000 over 30 years at an appreciation rate of just 3%.

While the impact of home values over the last three years can not be ignored, during the period from 1950-2002, U.S. home prices appreciated at an annual growth rate of 4.8%, or significantly greater than the example just given.

The Impact on Your Wallet – Today
Owning a home creates a number of items that can result in both an immediate and long lasting boost to your wallet. The first is time sensitive and needs to be acted on quickly to benefit.

Income Tax Credit. The income tax credit available from the IRS for up to $8,000 for qualifying FTHBs is scheduled to end November 30, 2009.

Points Pay Twice. Many buyers today are opting to pay points to lower their interest rate. In some cases, this can be a negotiated expense that the seller may pay to incentivize you to purchase their home. Points paid to lower an interest rate are considered pre-paid interest by the IRS and would result in an income tax deduction for the buyer, regardless of who pays it.

Mortgage Interest. One of the largest tax deductions most people report each year is the amount of interest they pay on their mortgage. While not exact, on a $150,000 mortgage with an interest rate of 5.50%, the amount of the first year's interest would be approximately $8,000. For a family earning $70,000 in a federal tax bracket of 25%, this amounts to a significant savings, effectively reducing the amount of a homeowner's monthly mortgage payment. For those that pay state income taxes, the impact is even greater.

Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI). PMI is insurance that is mandated by a lender when the amount of a down payment is less than 20% of the purchase price. The purpose of PMI is to protect the lender in the event a borrower later falls into default and the home falls into foreclosure. PMI under most circumstances is a tax deductible expense. Consult your tax advisor for more details.

Real Estate Taxes. Property taxes, which can be normally included in the monthly mortgage payment to your lender are a deductible expense. This deduction also effectively reduces the monthly mortgage payment for the borrower at tax time.

Possibly More Dough. These are not the only expenses that can be deducted from your income at tax time. Other items can include moving expenses associated with a job relocation and home improvements that are deemed energy efficient as determined by the Recovery Act. As always, consult with your tax advisor for specific details about how each type of deduction mentioned in this article could apply to your situation.

Act Now and Plan Accordingly
If you or someone you know plans on purchasing a home in time to take advantage of the tax credit, there are some things to keep in mind. The last day to close to take advantage of the tax credit is Monday, November 30, 2009. Keep in mind, this follows Thanksgiving week. With the holiday offering a shortened work week for many, this will make closing at the end of the month more challenging.

Another item to take into consideration is recent legislation impacting a lender. If the Annual Percentage Rate, or APR, changes by more than .125% from the time of initial application, the lender is required to re-disclose the Truth in Lending statement. When this document must be re-disclosed, time must be allowed for a home buyer to receive the document in the mail and review it for approval.

One way to minimize any need to re-disclose your loan documents is to either lock early in the application process at the interest rate on the loan application or submit an initial loan application with a higher-than-current-market interest rate. So, if current rates are 5.50%, your mortgage professional may suggest your application reflect an interest rate of 5.75% for underwriting and initial loan disclosures.

A prudent buyer may plan for closing to occur no later than November 24, 2009 to allow for any possible delay and still take advantage of the tax credit before it expires on November 30. Another prudent decision would be to allow a minimum of 45 days to get your loan approved and closed. Just be sure that when you lock your interest rate, you allow for a cushion in your lock expiration date in the event your closing is delayed.

This would mean that, for your protection, you should work to get your home under contract not later than the first weekend in October. While some lenders may still be able to accommodate a later purchase contract signing, submitting your application earlier is advisable due to the volume of applications lenders may receive during this time.

Best Path to Take Now
Buying a home today could be the best financial decision a renter can make. Not only does this decision help turn a residence into a home, it establishes a foundation for future personal wealth, both immediately and over time.

To decide what works best for you or someone you know, get pre-approved today so you know exactly what you may qualify for both in purchase price and monthly payment. This one action can remove a lot of stress and simplify the home search process since you will know what you can afford.



From YOU Magazine

Arizona Restaurant Week 2009

Arizona Restaurant Week is going on now September 19th-26th (Saturday-Saturday)! If you want a spectacular 3-course dinner from top notch restaurants but don't want to pay high prices,...now's your chance! This allows you a full week to enjoy all of your favorite restaurants at a special value price and try out new restaurants as well.

Restaurant week offers a 3-course meal for only $29 a person & $58 per couple with over 150 restaurants to choose from! Some of the finest, most renowned chefs in the Valley showcase their culinary styles for dinners. The event features an array of well known restaurants that will provide unbeatable prices offered during this week only! Some of the participating restaurants include: Roy's Hawaiian Fusion, Bourbon Steak, Ruth's Chris, Fleming's, Deseo, Cowboy Ciao, Don & Charlie's, Estate House, Olive & Ivy, Geisha A GoGo, Kincaid's, Roka Akor, Sassi, Sushi Roku, Talavera at Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale, The Capital Grille, The Melting Pot, Trader Vic's, Tutto Italian, Wildfish Seafood Grille, and many more.

2009 Arizona Restaurant Week will give local, regional and national food lovers the opportunity to enjoy a prix-fixe dinner for $29 per person or $58 for two people at a number of participating high-end Arizona restaurants. Arizona Restaurant Week’s goal is to position Arizona as one of the top culinary destinations in the nation by increasing awareness of the many dining opportunities available in the state, as well as stimulating business and revenue for restaurants throughout Arizona.

Visit www.arizonarestaurantweek.com for more details including participating restaurants and to view each restaurants prix-fixe 3-course dinner menu options.

Phoenix Housing Starts in August 2009

As you can see in the chart above, Housing Starts have fallen significantly since June 2008, but in last week's report, they broke free to come in at their highest level since last November. Building Permits were a bit lower than expectations, but the overall report suggests that while we're not entirely out of the woods yet, the worst in the housing market may have passed and that the industry may be on its way to stabilizing.

Christmas for Rocky Point Families

The members of My Arizona Home Team take a yearly trip to Rocky Point Mexico. We normally use this as a team building event. This year on our trip we will be helping a minister there who puts packages together for families in the area. We are collecting blankets, coats (children especially), knitted gloves, knitted ski hats of sorts, shoes for kids (tennis shoes would be great), toys, dry staple goods (groceries), coloring books, crayons, etc.


We will be collecting until Oct. 1 and donations can be dropped off at our office. Please contact a member of My Arizona Home Team for more information and thank you in advance for your donations!!

Fortune 500's top stock: Freddie Mac

That's not a misprint. The mortgage buyer -- now run by the government -- is the best performer in the year after Lehman's collapse. But it still trades for under $2.


Read on for more info: http://tr.im/za1w

No easy Exit Plan for the Government....

Signs of a housing-market bottom have emerged. Sales of new homes are up more than 30% from lows reached early this year, and sales of existing homes are up nearly 17%. Shares of companies that build homes have turned higher, inventories of unsold new homes are down and home prices have ticked up after steep declines....for the complete article click here: http://tr.im/z5wH

Foreclosures Will Remain the Key in the Coming Months

Live Live to the Fullest

Quote of the Day:

Work as if it was your first day.
Forgive as soon as possible.
Love without boundaries.
Laugh without control
and never stop smiling.

Have your heard of San Tan Valley, Arizona???

Let us give you the short version of all the changes that are taking place out here so that you are well armed with information if/when your clients have questions about the area!

· This big, unincorporated area that sits between the town limits of Queen Creek & Florence is now, legally called “San Tan Valley”.

· San Tan Valley is almost solely responsible for making Pinal County the second fastest growing county in the U.S.

· The current population estimates of San Tan Valley are somewhere between 80,000 – 90,000 which makes it Pinal County’s most populated area.

· Zip code additions have been implemented across the board to accommodate the growth.

· The name establishment of this area was largely in demand to give the area some identity and name recognition to make it more marketable to businesses and help drive in higher wage employment opportunities.

· San Tan Valley is NOT incorporated . . . we are still considered unincorporated Pinal County.

· San Tan Valley neighborhoods (such as Circle Cross Ranch) have the same school districts & post offices they had before.

· To view the map that outlines San Tan Valley, copy & paste this link http://pinalcountyaz.gov/Residents/Documents/SanTanValley.pdf



…so, what else is new out here? As a person who both lives and works here in San Tan Valley, let me share with you some of the latest and greatest developments for the San Tan Valley / Queen Creek area!

San Tan Valley / Queen Creek Developments

San Tan Village (202 Loop & Greenfield Rd) – San Tan Village is a new outdoor mall that offers its guests a great place to shop, dine, take in a movie, and relax in its gracious, well-decorated setting. Shopping and dining options scale all the way from the budget-conscious to the high end shops and eateries.

Queen Creek Marketplace (Ellsworth & Ocotillo Rd) – A Vestar development with 1.1 million sq ft (at build out) of retail development in down town Queen Creek, only 5 miles NW of Circle Cross Ranch. Developments include a Super Target, Lowes (coming soon), Sport Chalet, Stein Mart, Bed Bath & Beyond, BevMo, Kohls, Chipotle Mexican Grill, Paradise Bakery, Peter Piper Pizza (coming soon), Pacific Dental, Verizon Wireless, Great Clips, Shoe Pavilion, Cost Plus World Market and Famous Footwear. Phase two is expected to open in 2011 and is said to include a Harkins Movie Theatre among other things!

Cornerstone at Queen Creek (Rittenhouse & Ocotillo Rd) – Located approx. 5 miles NW of Circle Cross Ranch. A Westcor development; a 74 acre, mixed use project that includes Super Wal-Mart, Staples, Quiz no’s, Petco, Danny’s car wash (coming soon), Bank of America, Walgreens, Jack In The Box, Big Dog Bar & Grill and Panda Express.

Fry’s Marketplace shopping center (Ironwood and Combs Rd) – Approx. 2 miles directly North of Circle Cross Ranch. Includes a Fry’s Marketplace & Fry’s Fuel, Chase Bank, Dance Matrix dance studio, UPS store, Subway, Great Clips, KFC, Burger King, Dentist, & a Chinese food restaurant.

Banner Ironwood Medical Center (Ironwood & Combs Rd) – Approx 1 ½ miles north of Circle Cross Ranch, one of Arizona’s largest hospital chains is planning a new 80 acre medical campus! Phase One plans include a Full-service emergency department, Medical imaging services, Basic laboratory services, and Medical office building. Phase Two will be built when area population is able to support it . . . phase two will include an Acute care hospital, Additional medical office buildings, Outpatient health and wellness services, and retail offerings. Construction began in 2nd quarter of 2008, although no opening date has been set.

Barney Family Sports Complex (Signal Butte & Queen Creek Rd.) – Approx. 3 miles NW of Circle Cross Ranch. This 65,000 sf sports complex is designed for family fun and sports activities . . . it is a venue for team sports including soccer, volleyball, lacrosse, basketball, flag football and roller hockey. The facility features two indoor fields: one made of turf and the other a hard floor. The center includes a weight room, locker rooms, a fitness room and a pro shop.

Schnepf Farms and other local landmarks: - The most well-known landmark in the Queen Creek area is, without a doubt, Schnepf Farms which sits about a mile directly north of Circle Cross Ranch. Schnepf Farms has been operating for almost 70 years now and plays a significant role in the history of the town of Queen Creek. Mark Schnepf, the town of Queen Creek’s first mayor, has helped put this entire area on the map. What was once strictly a rural family farming business has now blossomed into a major concert and entertainment venue. Schnepf Farms hosts one of the largest annual 4th of July fireworks shows in the state and their Fall Harvest Festival attracts hundreds of thousands of people to the farm every year for music, food and fun. Another well-known landmark in the Queen Creek area is “The Pork Shop”, located at Combs Rd, East of Ironwood. “The Pork Shop” offers some of the finest pork in Arizona . . . so much so that people literally will travel an hour or more to stock up. The “Queen Creek Olive Mill” (www.queencreekolivemill.com) which sits across the road from Schnepf Farms, is another growing local attraction. The Olive Mill was recently featured on the Discovery Channel’s “Dirty Jobs” with Mike Rowe. The Olive Mill produces some of the finest Olive Oils in the country including a number of signature blends. They also have a restaurant onsite where you can dine on some of the finest sandwiches in the SE valley.

“Mega-Resort & Conference Center coming soon…” – Approx 8 miles NW of Circle Cross Ranch on the border of Mesa and Queen Creek, sits the site of what will be Arizona’s largest resort and conference center! Currently the site of the General Motors proving grounds, the land was recently sold to an entertainment group out of Tennessee who has preliminary plans for a 10 story resort, 1200 – 1500 rooms, 200,000 – 300,000 sq ft of indoor meeting/convention space, a 200 acre Tom Fazio designed desert golf course and a Westcor retail development onsite as well. The project is expected to create an additional 2000 jobs for the area. Anticipated construction is expected to begin the 3rd quarter of 2010.

Ocotillo Crossing (SEC Ironwood & Ocotillo Rd.) – Located approx 3 miles directly north of Circle Cross Ranch. Current tenants include a Walgreens, Fresh-n-Easy grocery store and a Dunking Donuts. …Other future tenants to come as well!

Hunt Hwy Corridor Shopping/Dining (Hunt Hwy & Bella Vista Rd.) – A lot of this area’s existing shopping, retail, services etc. are scattered along Hunt Hwy approx. 3 miles SW of Circle Cross Ranch. This area includes a Super Wal-Mart, Fry’s grocery store, Walgreens, McDonalds, Jack-in-the-box, Subway, Quizno’s, Chen’s Chinese food, Sonic Drive-thru, R&R pizza, Pizza Hut, Rosati’s Pizza, Wells Fargo Bank, Chase Bank, Bank of America, Misc. medical & dental offices, Anytime Fitness gym, Fletcher’s auto, Checker Auto Parts, Blockbuster video, Great Clips, UPS store, a dry cleaner, nail salon, pet store, ice cream shop, and a few other family owned restaurants.

Skyline Ranch Marketplace (Hunt Hwy & Gary Rd.) – A 64 acre Power Center approx. 1 mile SW of Circle Cross Ranch. No opening date has been set thus far. Anchored by a new Home Depot & Target. Confirmed tenants include Target, Home Depot, Ross, Famous Footwear, Staples, Sports Authority, Pets mart, Mattress Firm, Arby’s, Taco Bell, Panda Express, Chick-fil-a, Red Robin, Chili’s Restaurant, Bath & Body Works, GNC, Payless Shoes, Great Clips, Verizon Wireless, and T-Mobile. This power center will be directly across the street from the already existing Hunt Hwy Super Wal-Mart shopping center.

Nearby Golf Courses:

· Johnson Ranch Golf Course (Bella Vista & Hunt Hwy) – www.golfjohnsonranch.com

· Las Colinas Golf Club (Ellsworth & Ocotillo) - www.lascolinasgolfclub.com

· Apache Sun Golf Course (Ironwood & Pima) - www.apachesungolfclub.com

· Links at Queen Creek (Ironwood & Ocotillo) - www.linksqueencreekgolfclub.com

· Poston Butte Golf Club (Hunt Hwy & Merrill Ranch Pkwy) –http://www.postonbutte.com

· Oasis Golf Course (Hunt Hwy & Az Farms Rd.) – 480-888-8890

· Superstition Springs Golf Club (Baseline & Power Rd.) - www.superstitionspringsgc.com

· Western Skies Golf Club (Val Vista & Warner Rd.) - www.westernskiesgolf.com

Future Pinal County Freeways – There are a number of freeway projects designed to serve Pinal County residents. State Route 802 (Williams Gateway Freeway) is currently in the planning stages with various routes being discussed. This freeway will run from the 202 loop in Gilbert southeast toward Queen Creek / San Tan Valley. There is also a proposed N/S freeway that would run from the US 60 freeway in Mesa all the way down to Florence/Coolidge. Ask your sales associate for a proposed freeway map from the Arizona Department of Transportation.

Five TIps fro Shopping a Mortgage

Federal Reserve's Five Tips For Shopping For a Mortgage


Financing the purchase of a home could be the most complex financial decision you'll every endure.

You need all the help you can get.

To help get you started with the basics, the Federal Reserve offers "5 Tips for Shopping for a Mortgage," because, well, the fundamentals always apply.

1.Don't bite off more than you can chew. Check your budget. You must have a budget so you can estimate what you can afford to pay for a home, including the mortgage, property taxes, insurance, and monthly maintenance and utilities.

You also have to have enough to save for emergencies. Plan ahead to have enough to afford your monthly mortgage payments for several years. Check your credit report to make sure that the information in it is accurate. A higher credit score may help you get a lower interest rate on your mortgage.

2. Shop around. Online and off, shop lenders, brokers, credit unions, government (city, county state) programs, even seller financing. Shopping around is a bear, but it can save you thousands of dollars.

3. Understand costs. Shopping around means scrutinizing loan costs and fees not just the annual percentage rate (APR) On any given day, lenders and brokers may offer different interest rates and fees to different consumers for the same loan, even when those consumers have the same loan qualifications. Keep in mind that lenders and brokers also consider the profit they receive if you agree to the terms of a loan with higher fees, higher points, or a higher interest rate.

4. Learn risks, benefits of loan options. Mortgages have many features -- fixed interest rates, adjustable rates, payment adjustments, interest-only payments, prepayment penalties, balloon payments and more. Consider all the features, including the APR and the settlement costs.

Have your lender calculate how much your monthly payments could be a year from now, and 5 or 10 years from now. A mortgage shopping worksheet can help you identify the features of different loans. Mortgage calculators can help you compare payments and the equity you could build with different mortgage loans.

5. Get advice from those you trust. Ask family, friends, co-workers, professional associates and others you trust for referrals. Talk with a trusted housing counselor or a real estate attorney that you hire to review your documents before you sign them. You can find a list of counseling resources at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's (HUD) website (http://www.hud.gov) or by calling (800) 569-4287.

-Realty Times


If you need the name and information of one of My Arizona Home Team's trusted lenders, please give us a call.

Washington is buzzing about pending changes in the health-care system, and a bill could pass before the end of the year. In the meantime, if you're facing a layoff, graduating from college and losing benefits, or struggling to pay rising premiums, you can still find affordable coverage.

Several recent developments could help you save thousands of dollars on health-insurance premiums. For one thing, this year's economic-stimulus legislation included a health-insurance subsidy for laid-off workers. In many states, new laws allow children to be covered by their parents' policies until they reach their mid twenties. And early retirees can now purchase insurance that will cover them until they qualify for Medicare.

You've Been Laid Off

When you lose your job, you may be able to get coverage from your spouse's employer, continue your own coverage through COBRA – the federal law that lets former employees continue group coverage for up to 18 months – or search for an individual policy. Compare all three options: Many employers no longer subsidize coverage for family members, so adding on to your spouse's plan could be expensive.

COBRA is available to employees of companies with 20 or more workers, and you can't be rejected or charged a higher rate because of your health. But you'll have to pay the full cost yourself, which averages $12,600 per year for family coverage and $4,700 per year for individuals, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation.

Under the stimulus legislation, Uncle Sam will pay 65% of COBRA premiums for up to nine months for people who lose their job between September 1, 2008, and December 31, 2009. But if you're healthy, you might still get a better deal on your own. Melissa Harrison, 32, lost her job as a horticulturalist at a nursery in Summerville, S.C., in early February, just weeks before Congress passed the stimulus. She could have stayed on her old policy through COBRA, but her premiums would have jumped from $200 per month to $480. She went to eHealthInsurance.com, used a tool that lists the insurance networks that included her doctor, and found a policy issued by Celtic for $190 per month. The policy carries a $1,500 deductible, doesn't charge for annual exams and screenings, and offers maximum coverage of $7 million.

Harrison qualified for the 65% COBRA subsidy a few weeks later, but she turned it down. She would have saved only about $20 a month with the subsidy, and the price would have jumped back up to $480 after nine months. Plus, she liked the Celtic policy better – especially because she had been paying out-of-network charges to visit her doctor under her employer's plan.

Harrison concedes that it's tough to focus on shopping for health insurance when you're worrying about finding work. "But my mother drilled into me that you have to have insurance," she says. "If you have a little time, you can get a better deal than COBRA and find a policy that fits you better, too."

You Have Health Issues

Premiums will be pricier if you're older or have medical conditions. Laura and Shaun Best of Stevenson Ranch, Cal., own a locksmith business specializing in bank security. The couple also have three kids between the ages of 13 and 20. The Bests have had their own health insurance for a long time, but the premiums kept creeping up. When they reached $929 per month, Laura, 47, started looking for alternatives and found a policy through Anthem Blue Cross for $305 per month. "I wasn't surprised that I could find less-expensive insurance, although I was not expecting to save as much as we are," she says.

One reason the Bests' health insurance was so expensive was that Shaun, 52, has high blood pressure. But each insurer looks at health conditions differently. "One insurer may charge a lot for a particular condition, while another might offer the same person the lowest possible rate," says Scott Leavitt, a health-insurance agent in Boise, Idaho, who generally gathers medical records and gets prices from at least three insurers for clients with medical conditions (find a local agent at www.nahu.org).

The Bests also saved money by making some trade-offs. They wanted insurance their doctor accepted, but they didn't mind a $2,500 deductible because they plan to use HealthyCheck centers, which charge just $25 for basic visits and screenings. They opted not to pay for prescription coverage because Shaun's medications are currently available at many pharmacies for $3 and $5. And they gave the insurer extra medical records showing that Shaun's high blood pressure has been well controlled for 30 years with a very low dosage of medication. The search paid off, saving them more than $7,000 per year in health-insurance premiums.

Several insurers recently introduced new policies targeted specifically at people in their fifties and early sixties. Aetna's AARP policies are easy to shop for online and lessen restrictions for medical conditions common to that age group, such as hypertension, high cholesterol and weight gain.

If private insurers reject you, 33 states offer coverage through high-risk pools. Other states may have at least one insurer that accepts anyone, or they may require insurers to provide continuation policies for people with health conditions after they exhaust COBRA. Contact your state insurance department or visit www.coverageforall.org to find out your options.

You're a Recent Grad

At the other end of the spectrum are new college graduates who are having a tough time finding a job with benefits. In the past, children were generally dropped from their parents' health insurance when they turned 18 or 19, or when they graduated from college. But more than 20 states now require insurers to cover dependent children on their parents' policies until the kids are in their mid twenties or thirties, even after graduation.

To qualify for the extended coverage, adult children generally must be unmarried and live in the same state as their parents. But they usually don't have to live with their parents or even be considered dependents for tax purposes. (Contact your state insurance department for specifics; you'll find links on the insurance page of Kiplinger.com.)

You may not need to pay extra to keep an adult child on your policy if you're maintaining a family policy anyway to insure younger siblings. But if the insurer bases premiums on the number of children, or if you're insuring only one child and could otherwise switch from family coverage to rates for a single person or couple, it's important to compare that extra cost against the price of buying an individual policy.

Healthy people in their twenties can find particularly good deals on their own. Trevor Cushman, 22, had an emergency appendectomy during his senior year at the University of Southern California. Because of complications, the bill totaled $40,000 – "which is the cost of a full year at my alma mater!" says Cushman. Most of the bill was covered by his parents' policy. So when the coverage they provided expired as of his graduation last year, he knew how important it was to find insurance of his own.

At first he signed up for a policy with a $5,000 deductible and a monthly premium of $107. But a few months later, he went to eHealthInsurance.com and found a Blue Shield policy for $51 a month with a $2,900 deductible plus coverage for a few doctor visits a year. Says Cushman, "Since I don't really have any medical conditions and am fairly healthy overall, I really am most concerned with covering the big-ticket 'surprise' items – like an emergency appendectomy."

Save Even More with an HSA

Anyone can lower health-insurance premiums by raising the deductible. If you choose a deductible of at least $1,150 for single coverage or $2,300 for family coverage, you can make a tax-deductible contribution of up to $3,000 (or $5,950 for family coverage) to a health savings account in 2009, which you can use tax-free for medical expenses in any year.

An HSA can be particularly beneficial for early retirees, who can cut their premiums substantially by raising the deductible (you can also contribute an extra $1,000 if you're 55 or older). For instance, a healthy 55-year-old man in Illinois can get a Humana HSA-eligible policy with a $5,200 deductible for $207 per month, or $179 with no drug benefit.

You can't contribute to an HSA after you sign up for Medicare, but you can use the money tax-free for medical expenses at any time, and you can use it penalty-free for anything after age 65. You can even use HSA money to cover premiums for Medicare parts A, B and D, and for Medicare Advantage plans (but not to pay medigap premiums). An HSA can also help pay qualified long-term-care premiums. (For special HSA rules if you lose your job, see Ask Kim.)

From Kiplinger's Personal Finance magazine, August 2009. Reprinted with permission. All Contents © 2009 The Kiplinger Washington Editors. www.kiplinger.com

The First-Time Homebuyer Tax Credit

Existing home sales jumped 7.2% in July — the biggest monthly gain on record. First-time homebuyers are purchasing about one third of all homes sold. This is largely due to the tax incentive, interest rates hovering at historic lows and housing affordability at its best level in more than a decade.

Qualifying first-time homebuyers can claim 10% of the purchase price up to $8,000, or $4,000 for married individuals filing separately. The credit is available for purchases completed on or after January 1, 2009, and before December 1, 2009. The credit is refundable, meaning recipients receive a check for any claim amount beyond what’s owed in taxes.

Eligibility for the first-time homebuyer credit is determined by the date of the completed purchase, not the date of occupancy. One exception is if the home is being constructed, then the date of occupancy is considered the date of purchase. The home must be used as a primary residence (generally defined as where an individual spends more than 50% of their time). To be eligible, the buyer, or either spouse, cannot have owned and used a home as a primary residence within the last three years. A taxpayer who owned a rental property but not a primary residence within the past three years is eligible for the credit.

The credit does not have to be repaid unless the home is sold or ceases to be the primary residence within three years. There are some exceptions: homes sold as part of a divorce settlement, homes destroyed in a natural disaster, homes subject to condemnation, etc.

To be eligible for the credit, the home cannot be inherited, received as a gift, or purchased from a spouse or related person. The credit applies to any type of new or existing dwelling. Even some houseboats and manufactured homes used as primary residences are eligible. The $8,000 tax credit phases out for individuals with modified annual gross income (MAGI) of $75,000 to $95,000 and married couples with MAGI of $150,000 to $170,000.

If any of your clients qualify for the first-time homebuyer tax credit, they can fill out the IRS Form 5405 and claim this amount on line 67 of their 1040 income tax form for 2009. For more information, visit the IRS Newsroom.

The above content is for informational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for consultation with a tax advisor.

Call My Arizona Home Team today to help you get into a house & qualify for your tax credit! 480-889-1420

OPEN HOUSE TODAY!!

2pm-5pm

Over 1600 sq ft
3 Bedroom
2.5 Bath
2 Car Garage
NEW paint and carpet
cul-de-sac lot
AMAZING!

This is a rare find and won't last long.

Call 602-690-3214 for details or just stop by today from 2pm - 5pm
19 S Tiago Dr -- Gilbert, AZ 85233

Phoenix Area Closed Sales Graph

Our Phoenix market is picking up!!! Now is the time to buy!



Give us a call today for more information on how you can take advantage of this perfect buying opportunity!!! Time is running out for the $8,000 tax credit!!! 480-889-1424

August Sales comparison...

Bank Owned Home For Sale in Gilbert, AZ...New Listing!

$164,900.....19 S TIAGO DR Gilbert, AZ 85233

You won't believe this Bank Owned Home on Cooper & Elliot...It's gorgeous & in an incredible Gilbert location! All new carpet, all new paint, + range/oven, dishwasher, & microwave included! This home will not last long! Features Vaulted ceilings, Tile kitchen & baths, ceiling fans, security system, cul-de-sac lot, sun screens, walk-in kitchen pantry, oak cabinets, SS sink w/disposal, large inside laundry room, bay window at breakfast nook, master bath has separate shower/tub & double sinks, walk-in master closet, all bedrooms are upstairs, 1/2 bath downstairs, great floor plan, extended 2-car garage w/electric opener. This is a rare find...an REO in Great Shape & in highly desirable subdivision! Call (480)330-6242 for more information or to see this property or more properties like this.

Going Green Is Easy!

It's tough to argue against the idea of leading an environmentally conscious existence. But, a concern for many people is that going "green" means spending extra money on eco-friendly products. We'll put that myth to rest with a list of products that will not only help preserve our environment, but our budgets as well.

The GoGreenMug
It is estimated that Americans throw away 25 billion Styrofoam cups and 18 billion paper cups every year. Paper and cardboard make up over 40 percent of the solid waste buried in American landfills. Of that, 40 percent is attributed to disposable coffee cups. Adding to the waste are the plastic lids, straws and cardboard sleeves associated with the purchases made at coffee shops.

One way to help counteract this issue is by purchasing an insulated travel mug. A product that we love is the GoGreenMug available at gogreenmug.com. For less than $15, you can completely personalize a 16-ounce travel mug that will take the place of the hard-to-recycle paper cups found at most coffee shops.

How will this save you money? Many baristas will actually fill your 16-ounce GoGreenMug for the same price as a small coffee. It's also not unusual for coffee shops to offer discounts to customers who provide their own mugs. Regardless, the GoGreenMug is a fun way to take your coffee on the road while also reducing waste.

CFL Light Bulbs
Switching to compact florescent light bulbs is one of the easiest ways to diminish the energy used in your home, as well as the associated costs. While CFLs are more expensive than incandescent bulbs, they last about 10 times longer. Each bulb actually pays for itself after the first six months of use, and will save you at least 30 dollars over the course of its lifetime.

Aside from using less energy, CFLs reduce the amount of carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxide and mercury released into the atmosphere. To find out more about CFLs, as well as to find a retailer near you, log on to energystar.gov.

Water Filter and Reusable Water Bottles
The bottled water industry is thriving, so it's no wonder there are concerns regarding the oil it takes to manufacture and ship the polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic bottles, as well as the effects on our landfills after they're discarded. The good news is that the recycling of these bottles is on the rise. The problem, however, is that our dependency on plastic as a whole is taking a toll on our environment.

Another issue is the cost of bottled water. While tap water is not free, the U.S. Conference of Mayors estimates that bottled water costs between 1,000 and 4,000 times more!

We suggest that a great way to do your part, and save money while doing it, is to invest in a water filtration system for your home, as well as a reusable stainless steel drinking bottle. There are many out there to choose from, so opt for models that are right for your lifestyle and budget. No one is saying that bottled water needs to completely go away, as there are many practical uses. A reduction in our use of plastic water bottles, however, will benefit everyone.

Rechargeable Batteries
Even more disturbing than the millions of batteries purchased and thrown away each year, is the fact they contain heavy metals (lead, cadmium and nickel), which can leach into our environment. Whenever a battery is no longer of use, we suggest storing it in a non-disposable container. Every few months you can take the used batteries to a local recycling center. To find a center near you, log onto earth911.com. The search engine located at the top of the homepage is sure to help.

If you are looking to also save money on your battery usage, you may want to think about purchasing rechargeable batteries, as well as a battery charger. Both can be found in many retail locations, but for a great selection and prices check out amazon.com.

Faucet Aerators and Low-flow Showerheads
It is fairly easy to understand why both of these products are good for the environment, and your budget. Not only are you using less water, but you are also heating less water. In turn, your bills will decrease.

Gone are the days when "low-flow" meant a lackluster shower, or drippy faucets. New technology allows for air to be mixed in with the water. In layman's terms, the aeration provides for less water usage without pressure being sacrificed. In addition, both products are fairly inexpensive and can be easily installed, without the use of any tools.

While both of these products can be found at many hardware and home improvement stores, we ask you to check out ItsEasyBeingGreen.com. There, you will find no shortage of the aforementioned products, as well as many others that are sure to save on energy used, and money spent.

Stainless Steal Drinking Straws
This may not be a product for everyone, but if you're partial to using drinking straws, or you have children who enjoy smoothies on a regular basis, they're perfect! In addition to reducing your waste, they add cache to any drink you may serve to dinner guests. Figure on spending $10 for a set of four, but understand that they have the ability to last a lifetime.

Most endurable drinking straws are guaranteed to never rust or tarnish, and can be easily cleaned in the dishwasher. As an added bonus, they add to the coldness factor of any beverage. Conducting a simple Google search should turn up a plethora of buying options.

Go Online
The fact that you are reading this article means you are already online. So, as long as you have a reasonable understanding of computers and the Internet, you may as well be using it to save money, as well as trees and landfill space.

Nowadays many banks and companies are offering "paperless" statements and online bill paying. Just think of the paper that just one person would conserve if they never received a bill in the mail or wrote a check.

The money you'd save would come from not having to mail the check to the company. But, there is another bonus. With online bill paying comes the ability to pay whenever you want. In other words, no more mailing a check a week before it's due. Simply pay the bill on the day it's due.

Vinegar
Yes, you read it correctly. White distilled vinegar may be one of the most versatile products, not to mention environmentally friendly and downright cheap to buy. Not only can you do some healthy cooking with vinegar, but it also has over a thousand household uses, everything from cleaning and laundry to pets, garden and automotive.

For tips on how to effectively use white distilled vinegar, log onto vinegartips.com. You will be amazed how many toxic and expensive products you will no longer need to buy.

Final Thoughts on Being Green
There are two final thoughts we'd like to share. The first is the items presented in this article only scratch the surface of products that are both eco-friendly and budget-friendly. Look around your home for products that you regularly use and then discard. Simply replace them with products that are reusable.

Lastly, doing your part to preserve our environment doesn't have to be about making drastic changes to your life. It is more about making a few minor changes and sticking to them. Don't feel the need to use all our suggestions. Instead find one or two that work for you and go for it. But whatever you do, please don't believe the myth that going green means going broke.

A Buyers Market???

Supply
The reality of today’s market is that supply is still at an above normal level:
Resale listings are at an above the normal peak level.
New Home specs are at a level of that is only one half of last year.




Demand
The reality of today’s market is that demand (sales) has climbed substantially for each of the last four months..



Give us a call today!!! Now is the time to buy...we have already hit the bottom! 480-889-1424

For Sale: 4BR/3.5BA Single Family House in Gilbert, AZ, $215,000

For Sale: 4BR/3.5BA Single Family House in Gilbert, AZ, $215,000

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Is the Single-Family Market Rebounding?

The most recent reports confirm that sales of both new and existing home have clearly bottomed out. Inventories are shrinking. Housing starts are up, and prices are stabilizing.

Existing Homes - Sales of existing homes bottomed last November, and have risen 7.2% in July to an annualized pace of 5.24 million, much higher than an expected rate of 5.00 million and the biggest monthly gain since 1999.

Moreover, sales were up 5.0% on the year in their first yearly increase since November 2005. The majority of sales were either first-time buyers or distressed situations. Inventories have slightly increased to 9.4 month-supply.

New Homes - Sales of new homes have increased for the fourth straight month, up 9.6% in July to an annual rate of 433,000, following an upwardly revised pace of 395,000 in June.

New home sales hit bottom this January, and the good news is that inventories have been steadily declining since April. Inventory now stands at a 7.5 month supply.

Housing Starts - Since February, starts of single-family homes are up 32% through June, the largest four-month rise in 18 years. In July starts continued on an upward path, as single-family housing starts climbed 1.7% to a rate of 490k – its highest level since October 2008.

Builders have steeply slashed their construction of single-family homes so far below their sales levels that inventories are continuing to fall even though they have begun to build more homes.

Homebuilders will continue to face stiff competition from the existing home market, as buyers are lured by the deeply discounted prices of distressed properties.

While the housing industry continues to walk a tightrope, supply and demand are beginning to balance with the help of stable interest rates.

Give My Arizona Home Team a call today to schedule an appointment!!
480-889-1424.

Salt River Tubing for Labor Day Weekend!

Looking for a cool and wet adventure for Labor Day Weekend?
Enjoy a floating picnic and fun in the sun on the Lower Salt River Labor Day weekend! Chill out and shoot the Salt River rapids on a tube to beat the heat. Floaters will be encouraged to participate in the “Salt River Heroes = Litter Zero” event and help keep the Salt River clean and beautiful. The Take Pride in America event is scheduled Saturday – Monday, September 5 - September 7th, 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., and is co-sponsored by Tonto National Forest, the National Forest Recreation Association, Take Pride in America, Salt River Tubing and local radio stations. Free Tommy & Tammy Tuber litter bags will be distributed to the public with the message to “stash it and bag it” while floating on the Salt River. To date, 556 tons of trash has been bagged on holiday weekends! Salt River Tubing is located just seven minutes from Highway 202 East on north Power Road in Tonto National Forest. Visit www.saltrivertubing.com or call (480) 984-3305 for event information.

Thousands of Arizona tubers have sought refuge from the scorching temperatures on the Lower Salt River in Tonto National Forest this summer. Company officials recommend that tubers arrive early to ensure tube availability and utilize car pools as parking is limited in the Lower Salt River Recreational Area. Henri Breault, President/C.E.O. of Salt River Tubing, advises “non-swimmers, inexperienced swimmers and children to wear a life vest while tubing. Tubers should plan their floating picnics to include plenty of water, sun block, protective footwear, and beverages in cans or plastic containers. Ice chests/coolers will be inspected for glass containers before boarding shuttle buses and glass containers will be confiscated”. Breault also cautions floaters to be aware that drugs, alcohol and the Salt River do not mix and to party responsibly by appointing a designated driver before their tubing adventure.

Operating hours are 9:00 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. daily and the cost of tube rental is $15.00 per person/tube which includes inner tube rental, free parking, and shuttle bus service. Latest tube rental is 3:00 p.m. daily and tubers are encouraged to arrive early as tube availability and parking spaces decrease by noon. Glass containers are prohibited by law at the Lower Salt River and ice chests will be inspected. Children must be at least eight years or older and four feet tall for tube rental and shuttle bus service. Salt River Tubing is located in northeast Mesa on Power Road, fifteen miles north of US Hwy 60 East or minutes from the 202 East on north Power Road in Tonto National Forest.

FREE Tommy Tuber Litter Bags, Beach Balls, Prizes!
Live Musical Entertainment provided by 98 KUPD,
KKFR Power 93.8 and KISSFM 104.7.

Are you ready to buy???

New home sales way up. They increased 9.6% for July, the fourth straight monthly gain. According to the Commerce Department, the sales pace hasn't been this strong since September. Inventory is shrinking: roughly 271,000 new homes were on sale at the end of July, a low not seen since March 1993.
(washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/08/26/AR2009082601876.html?hpid=topnews [8/26/09])