Have you taken a look at mortgage rates lately? Today's recently updated survey by Freddie Mac shows 30 year fixed rate mortgages as averaging 3.56%!

The fifteen year fixed rate mortgage is only 2.86% and adjustable rate mortgages are super low, too. The 5/1 year adjustable rate mortgage is coming in at 2.74% and the 1 year adjustable rate mortgage is 2.69%. Rates this low haven't been seen in a long time.

As an agent, I can tell you plenty of reasons why any time is a good time to purchase a home. It's all about your personal situation, the market, and what works best in your scenario. I know the local market and as such can share advice to help you find the best value no matter what the real estate market at large may be doing. However, with these record mortgage lows, I strongly suggest that you do act quickly if you are seeking to buy, sell or refinance your home. Another reason to act quickly is the homes for sale in Litchfield Park, Goodyear, Avondale and Buckeye are going fast!

If you are in the market to purchase a home or refinance the home you currently own, it may be wise to lock in the current rate. As a potential seller, it may be wise to offer your home for sale while inventory is down and buying power is high. You may also consider transitioning your existing mortgage to shorter payment terms to take advantage of the historic lows on fifteen year mortgage rates.

Call me today to see if we can find you a home you love so you can lock in this phenomenal rate. I can also refer you to a trusted lender, if you are seeking to refinance. If you can qualify, this may be the prime time to do so.

As always if you are looking to sell your home or buy a home in the Litchfield Park, Goodyear, Avondale or Buckeye area then please give us a call or visit our new website at www.thewestvalleyhometeam.com and start your home search today. I grew up in Litchfield Park, went to High School in Avondale and still live and work here. I have watched the West Valley grow over these last 34 years and would not want to be anywhere else. I love the Litchfield Park, Goodyear, Avondale and Buckeye area and I love living and working here! Why would you work with an agent that claims to know the area when you can work with The West Valley Home Team and know that no one knows more about this area than we do! We are here to serve all of your West Valley Real Estate needs whether you are buying or selling a home, looking to sell your home with a short sale or interested in purchasing a foreclosure. I am a Certified Distressed Property Expert (CDPE), a Certified Investor Agent Specialist (CIAS), a Certified Short Sale Negotiator (CSSN), Internet Marketing Specialist Designated (IMSD) and a Short Sale Foreclosure Resource (SFR) REALTOR®.

Summer time means more time outdoors for most of the nation, but here in Arizona it is hot and you may find yourself hiding inside your Litchfield Park home.  If you find yourself wanting to spend more time outside your Litchfield Park home in the month of July, you are not alone, given that it is officially Park and Recreation month.  July is a great time to head up to higher elevation and visit some of the parks in Arizona.

It is also a good time to peek outside and see how your backyard measures up on the play scale as we head toward Fall. Before we know it we will be spending more time outdoors and enjoying our backyards.  Whether you have a sandbox, a clubhouse, a swing set, or none of the above, you can do a lot to ensure that the backyard of your Litchfield Park home can still be a nice place to relax and have fun.

Contrary to popular belief, swing sets are not just for kids. A wide variety of cushioned and shaded swings are available to enhance your surroundings and give you a place to relax and enjoy your view from your backyard or porch, depending on your landscaping or “play” space. Benches work well for this, too, if you prefer less movement. The underlying object is to take time to enjoy some of the simpler, quiet times that the outdoor areas of your home can offer.

If you would like to add a feature such as a swing to your decor, you have many options. You can take the DIY route with a kit or eclectic swing directions found online or pick up the item of your choice from a local retailer, Litchfield Park has a couple of local shops that sell them. No matter which avenue you choose, be sure to check the materials for solid workmanship and quality. Sun, water and wind damage can make short work of your outdoor addition otherwise, and you need to ensure safety along with beauty on your property.

Consider asking for help from friends or family members, both in evaluating and later in building or enjoying your outdoor area. When evaluating how to make your “play” space more attractive, consider how it is used and who uses it. You may want to also think about location in terms of how the view will be from inside your home. If you have children, it’s always best to be able to view them at play from a window inside your home and what you see could make you smile, too.

Remember Litchfield Park gets hot! Another great addition to your Litchfield Park home is to add a misting system to your backyard. You can purchase a nice complete package for under $50 at Costco and setting it up take an hour so or.  A misting system can help you enjoy your swing even in July!

To learn more information about keeping your Litchfield Park home “play” space safe, consider reading about playground hazards from America’s Backyard, a publication produced by the National Recreation and Park Association. The brochure has general playground safety tips on keeping your loved ones safe, whether in a private place, like your Litchfield Park home or in a public open space. Regardless of where you spend your outdoor time, remember to enjoy it and stay safe!

Many home owners own pets. In fact, that is one of the bonuses to home ownership! However are you aware that your pet(s) can result in your home taking longer to sell or being sold at a reduced price?

This may sound alarming, but really you just need to take a few extra steps to ensure that your home is up to snuff. Consider the items below and ask me for more specific recommendations on selling your home.

Wear & Tear, Chew & Claw - Homes where pets live have a bit more wear and tear in general. As a seller, you want to do what you can to minimize this by examining your home for dirt, fur, stains, chew and claw marks. Take a close look at the exterior of your home, too. Fix or replace any structural damage and level out your landscaping as much as possible. Evaluate your plants, too.

Be “Scent”sible - A home absorbs the scents of its residents. When you own a pet, your home naturally adopts their scent as well. Vacuuming frequently and opening windows windows are easy fixes to alleviate immediate issues, and area or general stain treatment is advised, as well. Deep cleaning may be needed throughout your home and carpet replacement may be necessary, as well. The Humane Society has tips for stain removal, too, and please recognize that a quick spray of air freshener is not the answer.

Plan a Mini-Vacation - Pets are noticed less by prospective buyers if they (and their toys, food and bedding items) are absent from the property. During home showings, especially, it’s best that your animals not be on the property, for the stress of the animal, safety of others, and for the sale of your home. You may even consider friends, relatives, or other safe places where your best friend may enjoy a mini-vacation while your home is being sold. Some pet owners actually choose to relocate first and then sell their home to alleviate stress on themselves and their pet(s).

Keeping the above in mind should help you to get the best price for your home and have you and your pet(s) enjoying your new surroundings in no time.  If you have further questions, please call me.  I'd love to help you sell your home.

Your Ticket to Freedom from Mortgage Frustration

In the news, there is talk of a housing recovery. Experts feel more optimistic about the state of housing industry in America. However, if you or someone you know is one of the millions of homeowners who is stuck with a home on which you owe more than the property is worth, the feeling of helplessness can be overwhelming and frustrating.

Many people don’t realize that just because they are in danger of losing their home to foreclosure doesn’t mean they have to wait around for it to happen. With help, they can take matters into their own hands.

CLAIM YOUR TICKET TO FREEDOM!

As a Certified Distressed Property Expert (CDPE), I make it my business to know all of the ins-and-outs of the options that are available for people who are in danger of losing their homes and help the challenges head-on.

Take a look at the information on this site and then Contact me today to schedule a free, confidential consultation at 623-252-9350.

Feel free to visit my website for a free report "Your Ticket to Freedom from Mortgage Frustration," to learn about solutions to avoid letting your house fall into foreclosure.

Termites strike fear into the hearts of homeowners everywhere. These small insects can go undetected for years, causing damage all the while. Because termites can cause thousands of dollars in structural damage, getting a termite inspection is an important first step in both treatment and prevention.

Termites are small insects that are sometimes mistaken for ants. Termites are lighter colored than ants and are actually more closely related to cockroaches. Termites can infest virtually any home, since even brick homes usually have wood frames. Swarmer’s are simply winged termites that have reached the mating part of the life cycle. Their only purpose is to mate. Mud tubes are tunnels built by the termites in order to safely travel between spaces. Mud tubes are a sign of a serious infestation and should be left for a professional to deal with.

When buying or selling a home, having a termite inspection performed can be beneficial to both the buyer and the seller. It can be a valuable asset for the seller to know if the home is infested. It is also in the buyer’s best interest to have an inspection done so he or she isn’t left paying for costly termite damage.

In real estate, the seller and buyer are not the only ones affected by termites. If a house is found to have an infestation, the bank may not issue the home loan and the real estate agent may lose the sale. Having a termite inspection can make things run more smoothly for everybody involved.

Usually, it’s not possible to detect a termite infestation without close observation by an expert.  A trained termite inspector may be the only way to find out if a home has a problem. It is important that a certified inspector performs the inspection. Not only will a reputable pest control company perform an inspection, it may complete a termite treatment on your home.

After the inspector finds an effective termite treatment for the home, focus turns to termite prevention. Preventing termites before they become a problem is the best treatment method. The first step in termite prevention is having an inspection done by a certified inspector every year. This is important because homeowners are often unaware that there is a problem until it is severe. It can take up to five years for there to be any noticeable termite damage. Another termite prevention tip is to keep things dry. Termites love water, so fixing any structural or plumbing leaks will help keep them at bay. It is also important to have an inspection performed before doing any major renovations. This will ensure that the house hasn't suffered any structural damage because of the termites.

Some inspection companies do provide discounts to home sellers or home buyers having inspections done. It is best to call several different companies before deciding which one to hire. Having a termite treatment done by a certified pest control expert has many benefits. It is always best to hire a professional to make sure that the problem is thoroughly taken care of.

Author Bio: Rose McMillan is an experienced pest control professional who has worked at Terminix and now does freelance writing with the purpose of educating homeowners.

Summer is a great time to throw a party in your home in Goodyear AZ.  The weather is warm, crowds are relaxed, and the food can be fantastic!

Whether celebrating Independence Day, a birthday, or just throwing a barbeque to welcome your friends, you’ll enjoy the easy clean up and lower preparation that comes naturally with hosting a party outdoors.

The following simple tips can help you, as host, deliver a party you can participate in and actually enjoy, as well. After all, your guests are coming to visit with you, not your home or your landscaping.

With that in mind, think about how you can prepare in advance to play an active role at your party.

Things to think about

• Shaded areas to congregate - The sun can be quite hot so if you are planning an event in midday, make best use of areas covered with shade.  Whether under trees, screening, or tents, provide a way for guests to beat the heat.   Better yet, plan your party for the late afternoon or evening.  Remember though, if the party will be after dark, you need to plan adequate lighting to ensure the safety of your guests.
• Choose a theme & music - Even if you just focus on 2-3 colors as your theme, it shows care when you take the time to organize your party’s decor.  You can also choose outdoor oriented themes, such as luaus, pirates, etc. if you are looking for a bit more adventure.  Make sure you have a song playlist prepared so that themed or appropriate music can flow without you having to worry or coordinate it during the party.
• Choose your food & drinks - If you are preparing all of the party food, PLAN AHEAD.  Either with a vendor or hired help who will monitor food safety or by preparing a variety of foods that can be left at room temperature for several hours safely.  Also, make sure there is plenty of it.  The same principle applies to drinks.  You can choose to provide coolers or ice filled buckets of beverages or have an open or attended bar, as long as your provide enough.
• Think about Flow & Activity - Before your party, consider how guests will interact with one another and your home's environment.  Where can you provide open mingling space and where will your seating and eating take place?  How can you make both areas more inviting?
• One More Consideration - Who will your guests be?  Obviously planning an all-adult party is much different from planning a party for families or children.  Think about how your guests be entertained with each other.  Will it be through conversation or dancing, planned activities or games, or through the use or hired performers?

Do you have other tips you can share for hosting a party in your home?  I know you do!  Please share your best tips in the comment section so we all can benefit from them.  And, have a GREAT party!

Do you love your home?

What do you like best about your home?  Does your home bring a smile to your heart?  Which room of your home is your favorite or do you prefer your backyard?

What about your home would you change if money were no object?  What DIY projects do you have planned for July?  Will you be having guests over to your home for some celebrating this summer?

My kitchen and backyard are two of the most used spots in my home. Whether grabbing a bite to eat or BBQing with friends and neighbors, these two areas seem to constantly be flowing with activity.  Not just activity, though, they also are areas of collected sunlight and lingering warmth - things that make me smile.  I enjoy looking out my windows and viewing my backyard and patio and reliving happy memories.  My home is a happy place for me and I hope yours is, too.

If you would like tips on sprucing up your home for summer or are thinking about moving to a new home or selling your current home, let's touch base and see how I can help you.  Working together, I can help you recognize your home's value  so you can love it a little more - let's connect!

Public awareness of real estate short sales has shown a marked increase in the last few years.

As homeowners seek to lessen their financial burdens in hard economic times, the Home Affordable Foreclosure Alternative (HAFA) was created and has since been updated to create short sales as an option to foreclosure and provide much needed assistance to homeowners throughout the United States.

On June 1, 2012, new developments to the HAFA program loosened the requirements for qualification, making more homeowners eligible for this popular program. Previously homeowners had to be behind in payments to qualify, yet now homeowners who are currently paying their mortgage can receive assistance, as well. Debt ratio requirements have been modified, making qualification easier to manage.

Another change is that homeowners no longer must “live” in the home for to be able to qualify for short sales. Prior to the program changes, a 12 month residency requirement had to be met by applicants. It’s also interesting to note that changes in the Home Affordable Refinance Program (HARP) allow more people the ability to refinance, as well, since home equity requirements have been reduced. Sellers who relocate can also receive relocation assistance of up to $3,000, and a variety of real-time, situational assistance by calling 888.995.HOPE (4673).

Perhaps the most historic change is that the new program does not impact a seller's credit report as it did before. The credit report status of short sales can be listed as paid in full in most cases, making homeowners breath a little easier about their future, if a short sale is on the horizon.

To learn more about how these changes can individually impact you as a seller or how I can help you move through the short sales process quickly, please contact me. You can also read more about these changes directly by checking the HAFA website.