A Revolution in Home Ownership has taken place here in the great state of Arizona!  And, you can join it -- or just place your head in our desert sand and ignore it.  But, what normally takes 10 to 20 years to come back again, is now here.  

 We're talking about Affordable Housing!

To any and all Arizona Real Estate information seekers and explorers who land on this "electronic shore", we extent a hardy WELCOME!  You will find this site one of the best information sites for timely and important resources to help you find, finance & buy your new or resale home here in Arizona! 

Note: This site information pertains to Arizona residents, or those planning a move now to or from Arizona. However, if you would just like general information about the real estate markets, as an Arizona non-resident, feel free to read through this informational site just the same.

Read the Following Free Report To Be Sure You Are Brushed Up and Ready to Do Real Estate Business in the Great State of Arizona.

A Home Ownership Revolution

Achieve Your Home Dream With This

Free Step by Step Guide

By

M.D. Anderson, REALTOR®, AZCLDP

You Can Do It -- With These 5 Easy Steps

Step 1:  Finding the Right Real Estate Agent

Step 2:  Smart Mortgage Financing, circa 2009

Step 3:  Searching For Your New or Resale Arizona Home for the Lowest Price?

Step 4:  Making an Offer and Negotiating for A Seller Accepted Purchase Contract

Step 5:  Maintaining a Checklist to Achieve a Successful Closing (And Stay Out of Court!)

Step 1:  Finding the Right Real Estate Agent

It's either -- "Let's Make a Deal Bub!", or "Let Me Professionally Represent You!"

Now, without trying to be mean, I have to say that there are now just two main types of licensed Real Estate Agents here in Arizona.  There are the "salesman" and there are the "consultants". Well, some are in between.  I will  call them hybrid agents.

But the important thing to remember from this information site is that the salesman, for the most part, will be mimicking the consultants in many cases.  And, it is also true that the consultants are salesman too!  The difference that separates them is professionalism, ethics, education, experience, brains, morals and last but not least -  just who is serving who? 

You see, a typical real estate agent in Arizona may very well have recently migrated out of the "car business" or other commission sales and into a 2 week class to get a quick real estate license.  And..."Walla", he or she is suddenly a professional real estate agent?  Hardly. 

Upon successful passing of a test (that most pass) and after passing basic background checks, just about anyone can get their real estate license here.  Obviously, that doesn't make you an expert.  A "newbie" may not be the best choice in this market we are now in.  Recently, it is more tricky to maneuver in this climate than in running thru a gauntlet!  Creating a successful home purchase for you that makes YOU happy in the end -- means you will probably need some heavy talent working for you from start to finish.

Yes, you could contact any long term agent to represent you.  One that has sold 1000 or homes every decade for the last 3 decades mind you!  (For the twins pictured -- just use a factor of 2) But, making a lot of sales, or surviving in an industry for decades...still doesn't make you an expert per say.  Many long term real estate agents are set in their way, many are mostly commission driven, and quite a few still practice an "old school" mentality. 

To them, the commission in the sale is the most important factor.  After you sign contracts, you may not see them again! Many are solely driven by dollar signs tattooed to their chests, and do the absolute minimum required continued education to meet state licensing and renewal  requirements.  You can usually tell these agents easily by their "success" bragging you find on their websites, business cards, and public advertisements. It doesn't take long to see they -- are about "Me, myself, and I".  As far as who is serving who?  Just remember if you choose a heavy promoter of themselves -- they come first, YOU come second...

I personally hope you become enlightened by the information you are reading, which may help you set the bar high and also motivate you to seek out a professional who puts your interests first and foremost.  Someone whose education and background is geared towards professional standards and performance for their clientele. Someone who maintains double or triple financial services continued education credits compared to most Arizona real estate agents. Someone that understands the entire financial process's necessary to start from scratch in a home purchase and stay with you every step of the way.  That includes "after"  you are moved in to your new or resale Arizona home!

Obviously, you get what you pay for generally in consumer sales.  Good things normally are not cheap and cheap things normally are not good.  Nothing changes in the cost of a professional Realtor® who serves as your consultant and represents you and your best interests at the highest level allowed by law.  THAT SHOULD BE WHAT YOU LOOK FOR IN THE PERSON YOU WILL TRUST TO HELP YOU WITH WHAT WILL BE THE MOST EXPENSIVE PURCHASE IN YOUR LIFE!  (in most cases)

And, forget those online or T.V. gurus who are going to help you out. What they are going to do mostly is help your cash come out of your pocket and into theirs!  Best to forget the gurus and become one yourself!

Just get a good, true professional Realtor® who will give you the facts without any sugar coating or marketing spin.  If you want to review more of the "typical" Real Estate Agent Websites -- (I assume you landed here after already being there), feel free to go back to them.  A recent Google Search listed over 148,000 US Real Estate Websites you can look at.  Yes, they all look nice and glitzy. That is because most are just templates used over and over by different agents. They also all look alike and can be very confusing as well. I hope that is why you are here instead.  Hang in there because if you want to find all of the important information you are seeking -- you are at the right place!

Lastly, so much of the web content in the real estate business is out of date regarding advertised "current listings" as well as site content.  It is the curse of the internet search.  Trying to find CURRENT and valid information.  For that reason, you should bookmark this site right now so you can get back Here!  I don't publish out of date listings or links.  I do take your custom order for what you want, and feed you all the current data you request in just a few hours. (if not instantly)

One thing that is almost certain is that you will get the same "dog and pony" show from the agents who DO respond to you from most website inquiries you do.  (Like you didn't know that?) The part you may not realize is that most Realtor sites that you visit will "trap" your internet address so they can still get back to you...even if you don't fill out any information forms! 

Rest assured, a lot of these real estate web sites typically "trap" you as a "lead", even if you are just checking out a school system link.  If you fill out the information section, you may be led to believe you will get instant access to the information you seek. In some cases, you will.  But in most cases, you are going to be "tracked" and called by phone or sent an e-mail. The call may be quite quick from a "hungry agent" on the other end, or if the site owner is too busy, you will be contacted when they get a round "TUIT".  The bottom line is...you could get the information you seek and/or the true "Consultant/Realtor"  you seek. Or you could get the "Sales Twins" pictured above. 

Key Point: There are over 50,000 licensed real estate agents in Arizona to choose from. Choose carefully!  I feel I have a better way for you. I simply serve as your private and personal real estate concierge to assist you at any and all levels necessary!

If you hire me, you hire a true professional that doesn't need smoke and mirrors, fluff, or puffing to get you to sign up with them.  I most likely won' t be offering a gift bribes, such as a lifetime supply of free calendars to you. Please don't let the tricks of the trade fool you into thinking you are getting a good Realtor.  Do check out the "brain" content of your prospective Arizona Realtor.  You can find proper and professional Arizona real estate representation...if you just look in the right places!   (And Keep Reading)

Step 2:  Smart Mortgage Financing, circa 2009

How Long Do You Want Your Ball and Chain?

(If you are paying cash for your new Arizona home, please skip to part II, as this section is addressing those who need a mortgage.  About 30% of our sales here in Arizona are now for cash!)

First things first, unless you are paying cash for your new Arizona home, getting your mortgage credit set up is the second step. In most cases, without reasonable credit and reasonable down payment money available...it isn't going to happen until such time these two areas of finance are addressed and found acceptable to our current (older and wiser?) mortgage lenders. 

They have gotten burned at the stake (remembering they got greedy and funded loans they shouldn't have funded) the past few years, more than any time in the history of mortgage financing.  So it is important that your professional real estate "buyer's agent" can help and assist you in addressing your credit needs by referral to a qualified lending broker, banker, public bank, or even a private lender if need be. 

I as sponsor of this free information site, have spent my entire adult business life in financial advisory services.  This step #2 is where you  and I will start if we should decide to do business together.  If you need to finance your Arizona real estate purchase, it will be almost impossible to do so now without a "pre-approved" status letter being issued from the main loan company you choose.  That loan source has underwriting software (known as DU), which will analyze your finances and then issue your approval (if your credit and circumstances allow it), tell you how much "home" you are qualified to finance, how much you will need to put down, and hopefully, issue a locked in mortgage interest rate for you. 

With this, you can go on to the next step of buying a home here in Arizona.  Without it, well...that would mean you will have to wait until you can correct any deficiencies the loan software spits out before you will be qualified to go to the next step.  (correct credit reporting mistakes, pay down debts, explain self employment income, etc.)  Without loan pre-approval, hiring my services would be a waste of time, money & talent for both parties. But, let's think positive thoughts which means you are not in bankruptcy, you are not just out of foreclosure proceedings or divorce court -- and move on to what is available in the mortgage world right now. 

Today, there isn't much you can take for granite for the long term. Things change often and sometimes instantly.  Accept for the old traditional mortgage.  It has been updated, but it is the same old ball and chain.  Yes, you can drag it forward and get a home mortgage for fewer years than the traditional 30 year term now.  15 years is a popular option. But, the payment is higher and the chance of default is greater if your income drops and you can't afford the payment.  It's a great option for some, but it leaves less wiggle room when income lowers or stops. So, try to target a fixed rate (with rates this low, it won't last forever!) and give yourself plenty of time -- just in case. 

Your mortgage professional will have you fill out either a paper loan application or an electronic version (which almost always still requires the paper version before loan funding), will run your credit from all 3 main credit bureaus, and make a decision regarding your credit worthiness and qualifications from that initial credit review as well as your monthly income and expenses and debt load stated on your loan application.

Special financing programs may be offered that you qualify for as well, so nailing down Step #2 properly, with accurate and honest information and data guarantees success as you go to Step # 3, as well as great security knowing your limits and approval status will allow you to move quickly should you find that perfect home in Step #3 (Searching homes) and choose to move on to Step #4 quickly. (making an offer)

To read more about mortgage financing and additional options, CLICK HERE

Step 3:  Searching For Your New or Resale Arizona Home for the Lowest Price?

MLS listings, Public Auctions, Private Auctions, Private REO/Foreclosure Purchasers, Public REO/Foreclosure Purchasers, Direct Bank or Lender Recovered Homes, Government Recovered Homes, Investor Pools, Trust & Estate sales, etc. 

HOW IN THE WORLD ARE YOU GOING TO SEARCH AND FIND THE RIGHT HOME ON YOUR OWN WITH ALL OF THESE OPTIONS NOW AVAILABLE?

The answer is, if you want to maintain any dignity and peace of mind -- you are not going to do this alone.  Not well anyway. You are going to need to seek some professional advise to help you search through all the options while protecting you from the many pitfalls that now exist.  This takes what is commonly referred to as a "BUYERS AGENT" real estate agent.  The term was unknown for the most part 10 year ago, but today, every real estate agent and his brother now call themselves a buyers agent if they get wind you are looking for one.

Unfortunately, Arizona buyer agents require no additional certification or additional licensing.  Years back, the listing agent represented both "sides" of the transaction.  Just picture a round table and the agent on a rolling office chair sliding back and forth to answer questions from the seller, then flipping to the other side of the table to answer questions from any potential buyer. Nowadays we call that "dual" agency and yes, sometimes Realtors® in Arizona will need to serve on both sides of a real estate transaction. Disclosed and done properly, it can be done professionally. 

An easy example is that you see a home listed and call the listing agent who shows the home to you.  The minute the listing agent agrees to show the home, they have created a dual agency relationship with you as a buyer.  This is because the same agent is representing the seller as well as as you as the potential buyer. Each side is called a "side" in real estate jargon. So, the listing agent would be covering both "sides" for you and the transaction in that case.

A plus would be that there could be "room" in this example to negotiate a lower sales price, or lower closing costs since the agent showing the home will get paid on both sides of the transaction.  In Arizona, that translates to a typical total commission of about 6 % on residential home sales.  10 years ago, buyer agents mostly didn't exist and selling agents who took the listing (listing agent) represented buyers and sellers alike and got paid well for doing so.  Today, Sellers agents are very happy with their 1/2 of that 6 % rate, as watching the other 1/2 go to the Buyer Agents who bring buyers to their doorstep.  The internet had a lot to do with the change. 

Though the listing agent took a big haircut in his or her gross commission earned because of the separation, instant business started flowing in from internet searching of the MLS by buyers and buyer agents looking for homes requested by their buyer clients.  Instead of buying park bench ads, smart listing agents optimize their websites to attract buyers and buyer agents alike.  Sadly, most listing agent websites still try to deliver every thing they can to the consumer to serve as both buyer and selling agent and the end result is most do not produce adequate leads, contacts, etc.  A smart listing agent website will attract savvy buyers direct as well as the savvy buyer agents!

I won't tell you that a dual agency situation is bad.  It isn't.  But, you want to keep both eyes open in a dual agency real estate transaction and be mindful that the agent has more room in negotiation obviously because they get the full commission on the listed property.  Notwithstanding that potential advantage to you as the buyer, keep in mind that without extreme knowledge of Arizona issues, laws, conditions, etc. that have special risks, an agent trying to do it all for you might come up short.  And that usually means the shortage will come out of your pocket, not theirs!

So, I honestly state that you most likely need professional advisory on issues such as "fissures", uranium deposits in the ground, water or mineral rights reserved, stigmatized property from deaths, murders, crimes or drug histories.  And, when it comes to buying an REO or foreclosure home direct from the bank, special risks are inherent in the transaction that needs professional advisory.  Having a buyer agent on your side and representing ONLY your best interests should make perfect sense to you.  One could not gain higher legal protection other than hiring a real estate lawyer at $350 an hour, to have that protection you not only deserve, but should demand BEFORE writing out that Earnest money check you will read about in Step #4 below. 

Thinking about buying an home at auction?  Those skills need to be bumped up even more and most sitting in the auction house don't realize a professional Realtor should be sitting alongside them to help protect them from the things they don't advertise in the flashy TV ads you see running almost every week here in our state. An auction is a dual agency situation.  They represent the seller (bank) as a spin off agent of the listing agent.  And, when you win the bid, they represent you as buyer agent in a sense, especially if you didn't hire a buyer agent to be with you during the paperwork/closing sessions.  And, like I have personally seen happen here, if your bid for the home won the auction, YOU HAVE NO GUARANTEE, you will get the home for that price! 

(If you don't meet the banks minimum price level, you just tied up your normal 5k or 10k deposit/earnest money all to find out 2-3 weeks later you don't get the home and then have to wait for your money to return to you to boot!) Unless you have a lot of cash to tie up or you are an investor in the purest definition of the word, stay away from auctions unless you take a real estate pro with you.  Those that don't adhere to these cautions may easily become a victim of getting involved with something that could become a really bad experience, especially if while you are bidding, someone is out ransacking that home 1/2 hour after you buy it! 

Could you live in a home with no AC unit(s), no copper piping and thus, running water, no stools, appliances, or sinks? It goes on and on. I have seen it all on some of these auction/REO homes and I feel sorry for those who ignore my advice on this site.  Especially when you see how cost effective it is to hire me to help you stay away from the pitfalls of bank owned foreclosure homes. 

So, the advantage of allowing dual agency could easily be lost if no one will be watching your backside...especially in REO/auction sales. REO's are great properties to explore and find a bargain price, but they also could be a bad dream if you don't have help.  A professional buyer agent can give you the assistance on foreclosure property.  Don't buy one without one!

New!  Like Bargain Pricing? Blazing Hot REO homes in Arizona Are Now Available!  You can get all the information you want -- Inside!  And, HUD (government owned) homes for sale too at unheard of pricing...  CLICK TO REGISTER

Step 4:  Making an Offer and Negotiating for a Seller Accepted Purchase Contract

The Right Negotiator Means Everything!

Just like the profile of the two types of real estate agents here in Arizona, each showing a drastic contrast in appearance, habits, and most likely -- mentality -- so must I address the two kinds of negotiators. 

First, lets review the "Do it Yourself" craze regarding doing your own transactions here in Arizona without professional representation.  Some that have tried that might feel like strangling themselves after the fact now.  You see, it is against Federal Fair Housing laws to do "steering".  That's not cattle roping, or driving a tractor in a cotton field here.  It means someone decides for you where you should live or intentionally places you in a certain community because of race, religion or some other factor.  If you are a new resident, you may not know what is going on.  When NO ONE represents you, you could have a better chance of being "steered" the wrong direction.  It could even happen by a licensed agent who is trying to get rid of his or her own listings.  Or, some online searches that don't show you everything you want to see.

Back to finding the right negotiator, I promised to review the two types.  As you can see in our picture, we are illustrating the direct kind.  They go to the throat first, then ask questions later.  Of course, I am referring to them hopefully in a figurative way here.  If you represent yourself, or hire the wrong buyer agent to do the hardest work for you -- and allow hurt feelings, failures (they usually can be reversed) to control your actions when negotiation breaks down, you most likely will end up with the cute little judge profiled in the last and final step below.  Now, you would never do that would you?   

The second type of real estate transaction negotiator is an ideal and perfect buyer agent who does everything right, and picks up the ball anytime someone involved in the transaction drops it.  Failed closings are legendary everywhere due to the loan officer who didn't get the last E-mail note, the investor who suddenly pulls out of funding a promised mortgage loan, the letter that got lost in the mail or never was delivered, the bank owned seller who couldn't decide on which offer to take and so on.  Anything can happen and using Murphy's law is the best policy during a real estate transaction. Plan for things to go wrong but have the solution also planned out well in advance.  A professional buyer agent does that automatically!

Once you and your buyer agent are set on the right property you want to buy (sometimes called a bid in foreclosure properties here), getting the purchase contract in the hands of the listing agent as fast and accurately as possible is imperative. Especially on lower cost homes being resold direct by bank owners.  Wrong terms or misunderstand provisions can land someone in court in these documents and that someone could be you and maybe your agent too if accuracy and timeliness are not watched closely.  Or, it could simply mean you lose your dream home you wanted so badly and will have to settle for something else.  Though a qualified purchase contract offer and all addendums attached does not guarantee success in being accepted by the buyer, having a sloppy or inexperienced agent almost guarantees failure in the environment we are in right now, especially in multiple bid situations on bank owned homes.

Once the offer is discussed and put on paper (the purchase contract), and additional addendum covering all the other contingencies of a modern real estate transaction are prepared, the offer is submitted with a time table to get a response back.  The seller could accept your offer or they could "counter" it with a change in your offer terms, while not rejecting it completely. Of course, the seller could just reject it too.  The key in making an offer is having professional representation to guide you in proper pricing for the area, type of home, age of home, and other criteria that all go in to making a good offer that deserves consideration and hopefully acceptance once it is in. 

In the market we are now in, this may be next to impossible without professional help.  Aided by research on pricing of the most recent home sales in the area, other community knowledge, personal experience in the area or with the listing agent (or his bank owner) are all going to help get a credible offer submitted. A professional buyer agent will do this for you so that your frustration level is minimized and your chances of success in an offer are maximized.  This is especially true right now in the foreclosure market here in Arizona.  Price bidding wars are happening!  So, in those cases of lower cost bank/lender owned home (REO's) that many times get multiple offers in to the listing agent, offering the "highest" and "best" offer up front is going to make your offer much more serious for consideration by the seller, then trying to buy a home at a deep discount. 

Of course, if I represented you as an investor not ever caring about living in the home, we may be going after homes needing repairs and in that case, we would make our lowest and worst offer, knowing it may be the only offer on the property.  Just like a doctor working in the emergency room, every case is different and all the skills of a professional real estate agent are normally used because we tend to represent all kinds of buyers in many different situations.  Only the experience of a professional financial planner trained to represent you at any level is the best policy for real estate transaction success.  Most Realtors do not have those special skills, also known as "360 degree" financial knowledge and experience.

But, sometimes, it does come down to just negotiation. And having those skills alone could be the difference between an accepted contract or a rejected offer. Negotiation comes early in the process. First a buyer and his/her buyer agent will negotiate the right price and terms offer once a home is found.  (We ask our buyers we represent to tag homes they choose as candidates in order, to be ready for backup offers when or if one fails) It continues on until both the seller and buyer have come to a final agreement on both price and all other contract terms.  So, having a good negotiator on your side, (one who has the grit to place his or her hands on the figurative neck of the listing agent or private seller - without them ever knowing it), means everything to achieve a valid real estate transaction that will close.  The difference between a good negotiator and a bad one is of course, experience, education, high level personal skills, tact, poise, grit, etc. Look for those skills in your buyer agent, so that you as the buyer -- will know you got the "lowest price" and "best terms" possible.

Step 5:  Maintaining a Checklist to Achieve a Successful Closing (And Stay Out of Court!)

Meet Ol' Judge Sam the Slammer, A.K.A."The Arizona Hanging Judge"

He get's thirsty a lot these days. The dry heat does him in and with a growling voice, he just gets meaner every year he sits on the bench in the Arizona Territory while he endlessly slams that gavel!  He is sick and tired of all those real estate transaction feuds he sees on his docket and on top of that, Ol' Sam has been sick and tired anyway going on the last 20 years or so.  It just makes him meaner...

So, doing your own transaction out here without proper real estate representation from a true professional could end you up in his courtroom and that would not be a good thing. Nor would choosing the wrong real estate agent to represent you who also mess's up and puts you within hearing distance of that non-stop gavel pounding the court furniture over and over.  (Rumor is he wears one out every month and they replace the bench every year in his courtroom!)

You even risk the possibility that Ol' Sam could go flying off the handle and like some judges here - be warned...he's packin' a big "heater" under those robes he wears in court!  Or, if you are in the front row of the courtroom some have reported being hit by the gavel head as it has a tendency to fly off the handle almost as often as ol' Sam does! 

Obviously, I am kidding about Judge Sam, but not entirely.  Ignorance is no excuse for the law, a clear legal standard established in our common law now. The point is clear.  Do everything prudently, wisely, with forethought and planning and be careful who you do business with in the state of Arizona.  What looks like a good thing could turn into a session with a judge like Sam the Slammer and if things really turned ugly -- could get you thrown "in" the slammer if you don't know what you are doing.  Having the toughest Sheriff in the land...that also would not be a good thing! He will let you watch one educational TV channel, make you wear pink underwear, feed you mostly baloney sandwiches, and put you up for your entire sentence in a tent, even during our 110 degree summer days!

Even if you never have to stand in Sam's courtroom, you also have to be careful to stay away from the charlatans who would love to take advantage of you in any way possible, especially if you are new to our state.  (Yes, we have a few bad eggs here like anywhere else)

Now, I want to address that "Checklist" to help you stay on track.  To do that, think -- wedding planning.  If you have done it, you will fully understand what it takes to put together a successful real estate transaction in about 30 days from start to finish!  (Yes, it is much more intense than a typical planned wedding that gives you a good 4-6 months to prepare for it)  The good news is that a professional buyer agent will do much of the work for you while keeping you "on track" as well so things get done no matter what. 

Another factor in the real estate business in general, not just pertinent to Arizona transactions, is the FACT that mis-information, delayed MLS changes, un-informed, un-caring or just un-educated agents will answer a question not always knowing the right answer. The very fact of life that mistakes are always going to be common in a hurry up environment (which is what the real estate business is),  -- all produce a "fact versus fiction" testing requirement to be sure decisions are made on accurate data and that information given to you to depend on, is truly reliable. 

Other than the dealings of the United States Government, will you find the need to test the facts as they are presented to you about the availability of a certain home for sale, the condition of that home, the financing you think you can get, etc.  And that is why a buyer agent must be there in the midst of the mis-information that is flying all around during a real estate transaction.  If I was to sum up the key reason you should hire a professional buyer agent, it comes down to the fact that a buyer agent helps separate fact from fiction for his or her buyer client. Making decisions based on facts helps get the job done right.  Making decisions on fiction almost always guarantees failure.  

That is why the checklist system is mandatory for most brokerage firms so that the agent stays on track for the client as well as protects the brokerage agency from liability.  The industry knows that with so many parties involved in a transaction, there has to be a coordinator.  Besides, your main "negotiator" as I portrayed above in Step #4, there has to be some "glue" to hold the average real estate transaction together when things go wrong on it.  (They often do)  That coordinator is your buyer agent!  (Seller/listing agent if you are selling)

If you want a free, no strings attached professional Buyer Checklist to help you stay on track, I have one for you.  Just CLICK HERE to gain access.

O.K., Did You Review the Steps & Get Hung up on Step #2?

In Other Words, Is Your Debt Load About To Go Off?

People were cashing out their home equity like there was no tomorrow until recently.  Many wrote checks they most likely can not cash now.  About 33% of our Arizona homeowners are "underwater" or as some call it, "upside down".  The reason is that they either borrowed too much of their home equity or they bought at the top or near top at midyear 2006.  They ignored the basic fundamental of investing -- before the pricing softened and home values plunged down to more reasonable levels we find them at today.  (That principal being to buy low and sell high)

So, if your main problem stopping you right now from buying a new or resale home here in Arizona is just because your debt load is hitting the overload stage -- YOU ARE THE LUCKY ONE!

You see, those that are now "underwater" on their home, owing a ton more than the current home value -- are depressed and sad that the party ended for them.  The party hats are put away and won't come out now for many, many years for most of them. Sure, they can walk away from their home and wreck their credit. That is an attractive option to some who are massively underwater to the point that continuing payments for as much as 10 years may only bring them back to break even status. Attractive save the fact that they know their credit will be wrecked. On top of that, some will experience psychological damage from such a large "failure" in their life that may haunt them for a long time.

Again, if you didn't get stuck with an upside down mortgage, you should thank your lucky stars! (Or the one who made those stars)  Your problem is solvable!  If your main problem is just bills, a little too much debt, or lack of down payment money -- congratulations!  Your problem is temporary, short term and very fixable in many cases. 

All it takes is the right consultant who can help you spend a little less than you make by assisting you to set up a budget. Then to review your current credit scores to look for ways to improve them. It might just be a common credit bureau mistake knocking your score down.  Also, you need guidance to set up a debt payback system that in a 6 months to two year period will put you in good shape to qualify hopefully for a home mortgage loan.  Once you free up money you were spending on debt payments, it is almost magical how that same monthly payment can help you qualify for a home mortgage! 

Or, maybe all you need is down payment money. If so, we can help you investigate current programs that may assist you.  Though standard and popular FHA financing will require a minimum 3.5% down payment on your home, sometimes exceptions apply with certain programs you may be eligible for.  Many cities here in Arizona have special aid programs as well to help you.  A good buyer agent will explain those programs and investigate them to make sure they are funded well enough for any request you may make to take advantage of them.

The key to getting your finances in order to buy a new home is to identify the main debt problem that may be holding you back, and then turn the situation around so you can get qualified for mortgage funding before the price of homes once again, become unreachable or unaffordable for you. If this describes you, all you need is a professional to help you perhaps. 

If you are tired of renting...we have a good referral to get you started on a better path in your finances!  Meanwhile, please register below to gain access to free information that can help you in an article called "Debt Reduction Class 101".  It will help you understand the key reason you are having trouble, so you can correct it and move on to greener financial pastures quickly!  There is a thief lurking in the shadows who is stealing your money you would like to use to make house payments.  Please find out who that thief is before it is too late!  To register now, just CLICK HERE.

THE WRAP UP

The Race is On.  People are Coming To Arizona Any Way They Can Get Here!

We have the 5th largest city in the United States, dry heat (other than during monsoon season), and nice sunny days most of the year.  Diverse cultures, people, foods and many interesting and pretty sites to see.  Don't forget major sports teams!  And relatives or friends of yours no doubt! 

ISN'T IT TIME TO PACK UP AND COME TO AZ?

O.K., we have given you the five most important steps in a successful real estate transaction here in Arizona.  But, there is much more. A downloadable Step 5 Checklist, and complete access to the MLS for you to search on your own if you want for your next home.  And, a sign up form to have a qualified Realtor® who meets the requirements as a true professional, perform a "precision" search for you with absolutely no cost or obligation on your part. 

And, full contact information and the actual contract necessary to hire the BEST REALTOR to represent you as a buyer agent in your Arizona home or investment property purchase.  Additionally, a full cost and fee schedule is included as well so you can find out how much it costs to hire the best Realtor® money can buy!

To get your hands on all of the tools, data and links you need to search and find the perfect buyer agent & Realtor®, without all the "slickness" other web sites have, or use the best MLS tools to search EVERY home for sale on your own if you like -- it all awaits you "inside".

Maybe you already hired the wrong agent in the past, and in that case, you might have been shaking your head up and down a lot while you read this.  Or maybe even tearing some hair out...

Regardless, thanks for your time.  We hope you had a laugh or two while reading the first 1/2 of our information site!  To hire me as your professional Realtor®,  or just to learn how to get out of debt for good or to pay a mortgage off years ahead of schedule (saving thousands and thousands in needless interest payments normally lost) -- be sure to register for full site access!  (Registration form below)

TO BE INTRODUCED TO THE BEST ARIZONA BUYER AGENT, AND HOW MUCH IT WILL COST TO HAVE HIM REPRESENT YOU IN YOUR PLANNED ARIZONA REAL ESTATE PURCHASE, PLEASE REGISTER FOR AN INSTANT INTRODUCTION AND PRICING! (Or to get free additional information promised)

*  I am just asking for minimal and basic information so I can instantly give you MLS "portal" access to view ALL properties you want to view.  That's it!  No trapping, no tricks. No phone calls unless you request them.  I just need your VALID E-mail address to send them to you!  And, a few extra notes on your desires, areas, etc. will be helpful to to give you back good information you are now seeking.

Disclaimer:  The information contained on this site, though deemed reliable and accurate, is solely the opinion and statements of the Realtor® profiled inside the site.  You must register to be fully introduced and to unlock additional site information reserved only for registered guests. All information on this site should be considered "general" in nature and no action should be taken based on this information until such time your specific situation and circumstances can be reviewed and analyzed by competent and qualified real estate professionals or other professional financial advisors. This information is not, nor should be construed as legal advice. If you need legal advice, you should seek competent legal help. Most services profiled herein and inside the site are available only to Arizona residents, or for those planning a move to Arizona.  The information inside is best suited for those who seek a Real Estate Professional either prior to or after their arrival, to represent them in a real estate purchase transaction and desire an agent who can do most of the work for them at a reasonable cost.  

Copyright © 2007-2009, M.D. Anderson, Chandler Arizona      All rights reserved.