Out and About in Litchfield Park/Goodyear:  Things To Do In November

"Bullseye Band" will be playing on the front lawn of the Wigwam Golf Resort and Spa on November 14th from 3pm to 5pm.  This is a free outdoor concert so bring your lawn chairs!

On November 14th the Rotary club will be presenting their 4th annual evening of Wine, Beer and Food Tastings along with Live Music, Entertainment and a Silent Auction.  Head to downtown Old Litchfield at the corners of Old Litchfield Road and Wigwam Blvd and for a donation of $50 get a ticket to enjoy a beautiful evening in The Park.  For tickets email maryann@cdsdrivers.com. The event runs from 5pm to 9pm.

On Sunday November 21st the Wigwam Resort will debut their Wigwam Farmer's Market.  The event will be held weekly on the front lawn and will feature produce-only farm products and a variety of local artisans.  The resort is focusing on supporting local farmers by providing a local marketplace to sell their produce.  The Farmer's Market will begin at 9am and run until 1:30 pm every Sunday.

Tons of fresh,"all natural = better than organic" produce and local products can be found at Tonopah Rob's Markets.  Currently The Farm Stand is open in Tonopah from 8am to noon on Saturdays.  In addition, Tonopah Rob has a Farm Stand and Market in Goodyear from 8am to 1pm on Sundays.  The Goodyear Farm Stand is located at the Walgreen's parking lot on the northeast corner of Estrella Pkwy and Van Buren. Feel like a nice drive up to Wickenburg?  Tonopah Rob and his crew also have a Farm Stand and Market in Wickenburg from 8:30 am to 1:30pm.  For more information check out the website at www.tonopahrob.com.  He also has a GREAT blog if you are interested in gardening.

This month's art walk is fast approaching on November 19th so mark you calendar!  The event is centralized at the Sam Garcia Library and the adjoining Sernas Plaza on Western Avenue.  Parking and admission is free.  View art for sale by local and regional artists, enjoy a live DJ and browse through booths and displays.  The event starts at 5pm and runs until 9pm.

Have a wonderful weekend everyone!

Cinda Rose, REALTOR®, CDPE, CSSN, SFR

The West Valley Home Team at Welcome Home Realty

www.TheWestValleyHomeTeam.com

cinda@wvhometeam.com

Recently while at the grocery store I was chatting with the lady behind me and after we talked for awhile she asked what I did for a living.  I told her that I was a REALTOR® that specialized in helping distressed homeowners.  She commented that her and her husband were trying to decide if they should walk away from there home or do a short sale.   Then point blank, with tears of frustration in her eyes, asked me, how do I choose if we should foreclose or do a short sale?  What would you do?

So here is what I told her.  And it is the same thing that I tell every person who is in the same or similar situation.  It really depends on your individual circumstance and it is essential to look at the BIG PICTURE. That's it.  There is not a magic answer on which one is better and which one is worse for homeowners.  We all have our opinions about foreclosures and short sales, but the key is to get the facts about how the BIG PICTURE will affect YOU!

My lady at the grocery store seemed a little overwhelmed, so I offered to send her an email with some important things to investigate before moving forward with a short sale or a foreclosure. I decided to do this post in hope that other distressed homeowners could educate themselves as well.

The best thing you can do is educated yourself on how a foreclosure or a short sale affects you as an Arizona resident.  Here are some items to consider and review with the appropriate professionals:

• Deficiency Judgment:  Will you be held accountable later on?  Arizona may have an anti-deficiency law in place, but it doesn't not apply to every Arizona homeowner with a mortgage.  Certain circumstances must be met.  Speak to a real estate lawyer familiar with your state's laws.
• Tax Implication:  How will a foreclosure or a short sale affect your tax liability?  Will you end up owing the IRS money?  Or not?  Talk to a tax expert and discuss your tax scenario and what you might face in the future.
• Current Employment:  Your current employer has the right to actively check your credit regularly for all employees who are in sensitive positions.  A foreclosure in many cases is ground for immediate reassignment or termination.  If you feel your job may be in jeopardy, check with your human resources department about company policy.
• Future Employment:  Depending on the type of position or field that you are in, a future employer may or may no t check your credit before hiring you.  A foreclosure is one of the most detrimental credit items an job applicant can have.  In many cases it might challenge employment with some companies.
• Security Clearances:  Not a big issue for most of us, but it is still worth mentioning.  A foreclosure is the most challenging issue against a security clearance outside of a conviction of a serious misdemeanor or felony.  People it can affect include bank personnel, police officers, military personnel, security positions or any other position that requires a security clearance.  In almost all cases a security clearance will be revoked and the position may be terminated.
• Future Buying Power:  How will a short sale or foreclosure affect your ability to borrow money later on?  Will you pay higher interest rates due to your credit?  How long will you have to wait to purchase a new home with financing or even purchase a car?  A credit expert can answer these questions for you.

Arizona homeowners need to consult the appropriate professionals, gather the information and then make a decision based on the BIG PICTURE.  Foreclosures and short sales affect different homeowners differently.  You owe it to yourself to check out ALL future implications a short sale or a foreclosure can have on your future.

Cinda Rose * REALTOR® * CDPE, SFR, CSSN
623-252-9350 * www.TheWestValleyHomeTeam.com * cinda.rose@thewestvalleyhometeam.com
Facing Mortgage Troubles or Possible Foreclosure in the West Valley?  You are not alone and you have options.  Check out www.TheWestValleyHomeTeam.com for more information regarding foreclosure, strategic foreclosure, and short sales that can help you make the right choice.  We specialize in real estate in the West Valley, including Litchfield Park, Goodyear, Avondale, Buckeye and the surrounding areas.

Buy a Litchfield Park or Goodyear HomePath® Property with 3.5% Closing Cost Assistance

Recently Fannie Mae announced a seller assistance incentive on Fannie Mae owned properties listed on the company's website, www.HomePath.com. Through December 31, 2010, Fannie Mae is offering buyers up to 3.5% in closing cost assistance, including a home warranty. The HomePath® Property must close on or before December 31, 2010 and close within 60 days of offer acceptance.  The buyer must be purchasing a primary residence to qualify for closing cost assistance.

"More than 87,000 families have purchased HomePath® properties in the first half of 2010 - nearly double the number of Fannie Mae foreclosed properties sold in the first half of 2009," says Terry Edwards, executive vice president of Fannie Mae's Credit Portfolio Management.  "We continue to look for ways to stabilize neighborhoods and offer incentives to qualified buyers who will occupy these properties over the long term and help support their communities."

Interested in purchasing a Litchfield Park HomePath® Property?  As of today there were 32 eligible properties in Litchfield Park, 85340 on their website.  Prices range from a 2 bedroom, 1 bathroom condo in "Old" Litchfield Park for $39,900 to a $344,900 home with 5 bedrooms and 4 baths in Dreaming Summit.

Over 100 Goodyear HomePath® Properties in the 85338 and 85395 zip codes are currently listed on HomePath.com.  Prices range from $35,000 to $374,900.

If you would like more information about eligible HomePath® Properties in Litchfield Park, Goodyear or the surrounding areas please feel free to contact me.
SOURCE:  Fannie Mae

Cinda Rose
REALTOR®, CDPE, SFR, CSSN
The West Valley Home Team
at Welcome Home Realty
623-252-9350
www.TheWestValleyHomeTeam.com
cinda.rose@thewestvalleyhometeam.com

Out and About in The West Valley:  Phoenix Zoo Prowl & Play Finale This Saturday

This Saturday is the last Prowl & Play at the Phoenix Zoo for the summer season and the Zoo is putting on quite a finale. The event runs from 6 to 9:30 pm and is packed full of family fun.  There is a guided night hike along the trails of the Phoenix Zoo or you can jump on the Sneak a Peek Safari Train to see what the animals are up to at night.  The Phoenix Zoo teamed up with Radio Disney so attendees can enter to win Jonas Brother concert tickets as well as meet and greet passes for their upcoming show in September.  In addition, during Prowl & Play, the Phoenix Zoo is also giving away a trip to Legoland in California.

Here are some more fun things to do at the Phoenix Zoo's Prowl & Play Finale:

• Cool off in the Leapin' Lagoon or on the Yakulla Caverns splash pads
• Toddler Music Mayhem
• GameTruck ("the complete video game party")
• Radio Disney tent (music, games and register to win Jonas Brother concert tickets)
• Webkinz Road Trip van which has games and give-awaysBuild a LEGO masterpiece
• ASU Gammage Booth (enter to win tickets to Shrek the Musical, Shrek the Musical buttons and cd samplers, and creat Shrek art)
• Fun Zone Tent (Hula Hoops, bean bags, horse shoes and more)
• Giraffe Encounter (6:30 to 7:30 pm)
• Ride a camel

Enjoy your weekend everyone!

Cinda Rose * REALTOR® * CDPE, SFR, CSSN

623-252-9350 * www.TheWestValleyHomeTeam.com * cinda.rose@thewestvalleyhometeam.com

Facing Mortgage Troubles or possible foreclosure?  You are not alone and you have options.  Check out www.TheWestValleyHomeTeam.com for more information regarding foreclosure, strategic foreclosure and short sales that can help you make the right choice.

Out and About in The West Valley: Litchfield Park's Wildlife World Zoo & Aquarium

Litchfield Park has been the home of the Wildlife World Zoo since 1984. Over the years visitors have seen numerous upgrades and improvements made to the local zoo. In December of 2008, the Wildlife World Zoo opened the much anticipated aquarium as well as a new restaurant. If you haven't checked it out the Wildlife World Zoo & Aquarium yet it is definitely worth a visit. Set aside a day because there is a lot to do at the zoo!

Aquarium: The Wildlife World Aquarium is unique since it has a campus-like design. The aquarium has three separate buildings and each has a different theme. These buildings are home to approximately 75 different indoor exhibits that feature fish, mammals, birds, invertebrates, amphibians and reptiles.

Log Flume Ride: One of the zoo's newest attractions, this ride takes you around the primates island, through the Wildlife World Aquarium's south pacific reef tunnel tank (the longest acrylic tunnel in Arizona) and then splashes you down 3 stories!

Skyride: Travel high above the zoo on their skyride and view the animals down below. The round trip takes around 15 minutes.

Tiburon Aquarium Restaurant and Flamingo Lounge: Located inside the Aquarium, you can enjoy dining and watching some of the ocean's top predators swim by.

Baby Animal Nursery: The Wildlife World Zoo & Aquarium has more than 500 species and babies are being born all the time. Check out the nursery often because the young animals at the nursery change from week to week.

Wildlife Encounters: During various times throughout the day, the Wildlife World Zoo & Aquarium puts on shows about different wildlife at the zoo.

Tropics of the World Reptiles: Come face to face with snakes, turtles, spiders, insects, lizards and even an all-white albino alligator.

Small Mammals of the World: This small building located in the Wildlife World Zoo & Aquarium is home to monkeys, rodents, bats and more!

African Safari Train: Hop on board the train and view endangered antelope, gazelles, ostriches and more.

Australian Boat Ride: On the boat ride you will see red and gray kangaroos, an albino wallaby, an emu and a kookaburra! It really is like being "down under"!

Giraffe Feeding Station: Climb up the 12-foot platform and come face to face with the world's tallest land mammal. Pellets are available so you can feed these beautiful animals.

Lory Parrot Feeding: According to their website, the Wildlife World Zoo & Aquarium was the first zoo in the nation to have a lory parrot feeding exhibit. Zoo workers provide apples and these beautiful birds land right on your hand to eat so you can get up close and personal!

Children's Petting Zoo: The Wildlife World Zoo & Aquarium has a great little children's petting zoo with deer, baby goats and chickens. Pellets are available so you can walk up and feed the animals. Watch out for the goats though, they will do anything to get those pellets from you!

Wildlife World Zoo & Aquarium discount coupons are available so check online.  You can also find 2 for 1 admission coupons on cartons of Hickman's eggs.

Enjoy your day at the zoo!

Cinda Rose * REALTOR® * CDPE, SFR, CSSN

623-252-9350 * www.TheWestValleyHomeTeam.com * cinda.rose@thewestvalleyhometeam.com

In 2009 Phoenix Magazine voted Litchfield Park as one of the top 8 cities to live in Arizona.

If you are looking to take advantage of low home prices but aren't sure where you want to look, take a drive out to Litchfield Park. It is like a little oasis in the desert.  And as you get to know the people of Litchfield, you will soon learn that generations of families have raised their families in this quaint small town.

Here's what Phoenix Magazine had to say about Litchfield Park on their website:
The Cool Retirees (and Their Grandkids)
Litchfield Park
85340

For a 3-square-mile town, Litchfield Park packs in a lot of personas. By reputation, it’s a retirement community populated by snowbirds who stayed. But if that rep is entirely true, why are there so many kids around, and why is the “main strip” anchored by Blu Sushi, an ultramodern Japanese-American joint, and Taps, a stylish black and brick bar where rock music rules and waitresses wear red bustiers?

With its breezy palm-and-orange-tree promenade, you could liken Litchfield Park to Palm Springs – except that the population is one-tenth the size, housing prices are $40,000 less, and the architecture is distinctly Arizonan. And just when you call it a resort community, you remember that only half the town is dominated by the Wigwam Resort & Spa.

“[Litchfield Park] has evolved,” says native Vicki Neal, 30. “It’s a fun little community, a mix of lively retirees and a younger crowd who grew up here.”

“You can be at Grille on the Greens [at the Wigwam Resort] partying with 50- and 60-year olds and having a great time,” says Kait Moore, 40.

So whether you’re a cool, golf-loving septuagenarian or a young family looking for a safe community with a diversely aged social circle, you’ll feel at home “in the park.”

Thinking about purchasing a home in Litchfield Park? I've lived in the West Valley for 34 years and am very familiar with Litchfield Park Real Estate. Working with REALTOR® that knows the area is very beneficial when you are purchasing a new home. Visit our website at www.TheWestValleyHomeTeam.com to find information about buying a home in or around Litchfield Park.  Or call 623-252-9350.  Happy House Hunting!!

First Time Home Buyers:  How to Make a Wise Buy

With all of the short sales and bank owned properties on the market, now is a great time for first time home buyers to make their move.  Buying your first home is a big step, however, and one that will impact your financial future.  To determine if you are ready to buy your first home follow these steps:

How to Make a Good Buying Decision:

1.  Establish a Realistic Budget: Make sure to take into account mortgage insurance, homeowner's insurance, taxes and repairs.

2.  Buy What You Need: Make a list of your wants and needs.  Try to stick to what you NEED while still including your wants.  Remember that a bigger house isn't always better.

3.  Plan For Growth: Plan for growth to ensure that you will be happy in your new home for years to come.

4.  Understand Appreciation: The future value of your home will likely impact your ability to move up later in life.

5.  Work with a Local Agent: Find an agent that is familiar with the area you are looking in.

6.  Get to Know the Neighborhood: Make sure the schools, amenities and other important factors meet your expectations.

7.  Get a Home Inspection: An independent inspection will help ensure that you aren't confronted with expensive repairs or hidden defects later down the road.

8.  Obtain Insurance Quotes Prior to Making an Offer: Insurance rates vary with each and every home.  Things that are considered are the age of the home, prior claims, the neighborhood and other factors.  Make sure you know how much it will cost to obtain insurance for the property you are interested in.

9.  Verify What Your Tax Rate Will Be: It is very possible that you may be faced with a new tax rate after you purchase the home.  Plan ahead and find out what your tax rate will be.

10.  Get Prequalified with a Lender: It is essential to speak to a lender to find out how much you will be able to borrow and at what rate.  Knowing your approximate monthly payment is critical in determining if a home is within your budget.

Facing Mortgage Troubles?  Get The Facts To Get Back On Track

By now everyone has heard the news that more than 1 in 8 homeowners are upside-down on the mortgage and don't know what to do. What's even more alarming is that 7 out of 10 homeowners go into foreclosure without visible intervention.  If you or someone you know is among the many homeowners who owe more money on their home than it's worth, know that there are options available.  Knowledge is power!

Educating yourself about today's market is the most important safeguard you can take in preventing lost opportunities and avoiding scams.  Your first step as a homeowner in trouble is understanding your options.   Every homeowner's situation is different.  The right information leads to the best solution.

Our economy is challenging and millions of people are facing tough decisions and don't know what to do.  There really are a number of options available depending on the situation.  I have set up a website with free information that will help you choose the best plan of action.  All of the information is in one, easy-to-use location.  Please take a few minutes and visit my website at:

www.TheWestValleyHomeTeam.com