Phoenix Heritage Real Estate Group Bloghttp://www.phoenixheritage.com/blogGlendale AZ real estate market news provided by HomeSmartThu, 24 Dec 2009 01:00:00 GMTMortgage Update 03-04-10Interest Rates as of 3/4/2010
 
Rates based on a 200k Primary Residence Purchase (or a no cash out refinance), 720+ Credit, Full Doc Income Verification, paying one "point."  Please note, this information is intended for Real Estate Professionals.

80% 30 year Fixed = 4.875%
90% 30 Year Fixed = 4.875% (Requires PMI)
90% 15 Year Fixed = 4.25% (Requires PMI)
80% 15 Year Fixed = 4.25%
96.5% FHA 30 Year Fixed = 5% (Requires MI)
100% VA 30 Year Fixed = 5.25% (No PMI required)
100% USDA/Rural 30 Year Fixed = 5.25% (No PMI required)
80% 5 Yr ARM = 3.75%
70% 5 Yr Jumbo ARM up to $1M = 4.875%
70% 30 Year Fixed Jumbo up to $1M = 6.25%
Refinances up to 105% of appraised value are available
  
Please feel free to call or email for prequalifications, LSR's, and any financing questions that you have. 
 
Ryan Halldorson
Smart Financial Mortgage
Senior Mortgage Consultant
3131 E Camelback #120
Phoenix, AZ 85016
Phone: 602.793.7204
E-Fax: 602.889.2258
ryan@hsmove.com

]]>http://www.phoenixheritage.com/Blog/Mortgage-Update-03-04-10http://www.phoenixheritage.com/Blog/Mortgage-Update-03-04-10Fri, 05 Mar 2010 08:43:00 GMTIncrease Your Credit Score!Want to add roughly 10 points to your credit score and get a lot less junk mail?  Logging in to www.optoutprescreen.com will keep Experian/Equifax/TransUnion from selling your credit information to credit card and insurance companies that in turn offer pre-approved credit card and insurance offers to you.  The credit scoring formulas view "opting out" positively since it removes the constant temptation of obtaining new debt.  This results in higher credit scores according to most credit experts.  The government forced the credit bureaus to offer this choice to consumers.  Along the same lines, the government requires that Experian/Equifax/TransUnion give you a copy of your credit report for free once per year via www.annualcreditreport.com or 877.322.8228.  They will charge you $10 to give you a score but they each have to give your report for free.  This service is also the best mechanism to dispute inaccurate information on your credit report. 

For more information contact:

Ryan Halldorson
Smart Financial Mortgage
Senior Mortgage Consultant
3131 E Camelback #120
Phoenix, AZ 85016
Phone: 602.793.7204
E-Fax: 602.889.2258
ryan@hsmove.com

]]>http://www.phoenixheritage.com/Blog/Increase-Your-Credit-Scorehttp://www.phoenixheritage.com/Blog/Increase-Your-Credit-ScoreFri, 05 Mar 2010 01:00:00 GMTPre-Foreclosures and Prices RiseBad news for some home owners, but good news for home buyers!

For the bargain home hunter - there is good news, but you need to act soon!  Pre-foreclosures are rising in the Phoenix area putting record numbers of homes on the market, but prices are also starting to rise.  This suggests that prices have stabilized and homes are being sold at or near their asking prices, especially in the lower price ranges.  Start your home-buying experience smart and hire a Short Sale Specialist like the Buyer's Representatives at Phoenix Heritage Real Estate Group.  They will make your home buying experience as hassle free as possible and will negotiate the best price and terms for you in this market.

Read here for a snapshot of what's happening in Real Estate in the Valley.

]]>http://www.phoenixheritage.com/Blog/Pre-Foreclosures-and-Prices-Risehttp://www.phoenixheritage.com/Blog/Pre-Foreclosures-and-Prices-RiseWed, 03 Mar 2010 10:10:00 GMTTermite Reports for LoansIt is important to understand when termite reports are required on loans and also what a lender considers to be a "clean" termite report.  A lender considers a clean termite report to have no evidence of termites on page 1, but also requires that all the boxes on page 2 of the report be checked "No" (wood to earth contact, faulty grades, excessive moisture, etc.).  Before sending a termite report to a lender or title company it is important to look at page 2 first.  If the report makes its way into an underwriters hands they will force any issues noted on page 2 of the report to be fixed even if the buyer and seller do not want it to be fixed.  VA loans always require a termite report.  FHA and Conventional only require a termite report if the appraiser calls for it or if the lender has a special internal rule that requires it for their loans.

For more information contact:
 
Ryan Halldorson
Smart Financial Mortgage
Senior Mortgage Consultant
3131 E Camelback #120
Phoenix, AZ 85016
Phone: 602.793.7204
E-Fax: 602.889.2258
ryan@hsmove.com

]]>http://www.phoenixheritage.com/Blog/Termite-Reports-for-Loanshttp://www.phoenixheritage.com/Blog/Termite-Reports-for-LoansFri, 26 Feb 2010 01:00:00 GMTMortgage Update 02-25-10Rates based on a 200k Primary Residence Purchase (or a no cash out refinance), 720+ Credit, Full Doc Income Verification, paying one "point."  Please note, this information is intended for Real Estate Professionals.

80% 30 year Fixed = 4.875%
90% 30 Year Fixed = 4.875% (Requires PMI)
90% 15 Year Fixed = 4.25% (Requires PMI)
80% 15 Year Fixed = 4.25%
96.5% FHA 30 Year Fixed = 5% (Requires MI)
100% VA 30 Year Fixed = 5.25% (No PMI required)
100% USDA/Rural 30 Year Fixed = 5.25% (No PMI required)
80% 5 Yr ARM = 3.75%
70% 5 Yr Jumbo ARM up to $1M = 4.875%
70% 30 Year Fixed Jumbo up to $1M = 6.25%
Refinances up to 105% of appraised value are available
 
For more information contact:
 
Ryan Halldorson
Smart Financial Mortgage
Senior Mortgage Consultant
3131 E Camelback #120
Phoenix, AZ 85016
Phone: 602.793.7204
E-Fax: 602.889.2258
ryan@hsmove.com

]]>http://www.phoenixheritage.com/Blog/Mortgage-Update-02-25-10http://www.phoenixheritage.com/Blog/Mortgage-Update-02-25-10Fri, 26 Feb 2010 01:00:00 GMTImpeccable Home in Glendale, AZIf you're looking for perfection, then look no further! From the incredible bedroom mountain views to the stunning Arizona sunsets, this home is for you!!!  This Glendale beauty boasts a pristine interior that has been professionally designed, to include multiplied thousands in upgrades (too many to mention here), and a top of the line Pebble Tec pool. You'll enjoy your secluded backyard, providing you with hours of peace and tranquility from another hectic day! This is truly your Oasis in the Sun! And did we mention the excellent location - close to shopping and the 101. And best of all...it's a REGULAR SALE! No waiting for a response from the bank. Get ready to make an offer, as this one will go quick!  For more information, please contact us today!

]]>http://www.phoenixheritage.com/Blog/Impeccable-Home-in-Glendale-AZhttp://www.phoenixheritage.com/Blog/Impeccable-Home-in-Glendale-AZMon, 22 Feb 2010 01:00:00 GMTYour Landlord Got Foreclosed. Do You Have to Go?Renting a home that is going through foreclosure? If so, don't be fooled: Lenders can't kick you out; they have to honor the terms of your lease.

Of course, that doesn't mean that some lenders' representatives aren't trying to scare people away.

Read Full Article

]]>http://www.phoenixheritage.com/Blog/Your-Landlord-Got-Foreclosed-Do-You-Have-to-Gohttp://www.phoenixheritage.com/Blog/Your-Landlord-Got-Foreclosed-Do-You-Have-to-GoThu, 18 Feb 2010 01:00:00 GMTMortgage Update 02-12-10 New FHA Appraisal Process 
 
FHA has changed the way FHA appraisals will be ordered with FHA case numbers assigned after February 15.  The new method will be similar to the Conventional HVCC appraisal ordering system.  All lenders will need to place the order with an appraisal management company who then randomly assigns the FHA appraiser.  FHA case #'s still stay with the property which means the appraisal sticks with the property - for better or worse.  When FHA appraisals come in under value or require repairs, the seller has difficulty playing hardball since cancelling the contract means the next FHA buyer will be using the same appraisal with the same issues.  This scenario is also true for VA appraisals.  Conventional appraisals do not stick with the property and are not re-used from buyer to buyer. 
 
Interest Rates as of 2/12/2010
 
Rates based on a 200k Primary Residence Purchase (or a no cash out refinance), 720+ Credit, Full Doc Income Verification, paying one "point."  Please note, this information is intended for Real Estate Professionals.
 
80% 30 year Fixed = 4.875%
90% 30 Year Fixed = 4.875% (Requires PMI)
90% 15 Year Fixed = 4.25% (Requires PMI)
80% 15 Year Fixed = 4.25%
96.5% FHA 30 Year Fixed = 5% (Requires MI)
100% VA 30 Year Fixed = 5.5% (No PMI required)
100% USDA/Rural 30 Year Fixed = 5.25% (No PMI required)
80% 5 Yr ARM = 3.875%
70% 5 Yr Jumbo ARM up to $1M = 4.875%
70% 30 Year Fixed Jumbo up to $1M = 6.25%
Refinances up to 105% of appraised value are available
 
 
Please feel free to call or email for prequalifications, LSR's, and any financing questions that you have. 
 
For more information contact:
 
Ryan Halldorson
Smart Financial Mortgage
Senior Mortgage Consultant
3131 E Camelback #120
Phoenix, AZ 85016
Phone: 602.793.7204
E-Fax: 602.889.2258
ryan@hsmove.com
]]>http://www.phoenixheritage.com/Blog/Mortgage-Update-02-12-10http://www.phoenixheritage.com/Blog/Mortgage-Update-02-12-10Sat, 13 Feb 2010 10:56:00 GMTNew AAR Short Sale AdvisoryArizona Association of Realtors has released a new Short Sale Advisory for Sellers with lots of great information the Seller should consider before moving forward with selling their house as a Short Sale. Sellers - ALWAYS DO YOUR DUE DILLIGENCE! The advisory can be found here.

]]>http://www.phoenixheritage.com/Blog/New-AAR-Short-Sale-Advisoryhttp://www.phoenixheritage.com/Blog/New-AAR-Short-Sale-AdvisoryWed, 10 Feb 2010 01:00:00 GMTHow Long Before I Can Buy After A Bankruptcy, Foreclosure, or Short Sale? Waiting Periods for Bankruptcy/Foreclosure/Short Sale
 
A common question from borrowers and homeowners these days is how long they will need to wait to buy again if a negative item appears on their credit report.   Different loan programs have different disqualification periods for Bankruptcy/Foreclosure/Short Sale.  Once the automatic disqualification period has elapsed, the normal income/asset/credit requirements typically apply.  It is also important to remember that if a mortgage account is included in a Bankruptcy, then foreclosure waiting periods apply with all loan programs.  Here is breakdown by loan program: 
 
Conventional Loans
  • Bankruptcy = 4 years
  • Foreclosure = 5 years
  • Short Sale = 2 years 
VA Loans
  • Bankruptcy = 2 years
  • Foreclosure = 2 years
  • Short Sale = industry standard is 2 years
 FHA Loans
  • Bankruptcy = 2 years
  • Foreclosure = 3 years
  • Short Sale = industry standard is 3 years unless no mortgage lates in the past 12 months and buying in a different geographic location (out of state job transfer for example).
 
Please feel free to call or email for prequalifications and any financing questions that you have. 
 
Ryan Halldorson
Smart Financial Mortgage
Senior Mortgage Consultant
3131 E Camelback #120
Phoenix, AZ 85016
Phone: 602.793.7204
E-Fax: 602.889.2258
ryan@hsmove.com
]]>http://www.phoenixheritage.com/Blog/How-Long-Before-I-Can-Buy-After-A-Bankruptcy-Foreclosure-or-Short-Salehttp://www.phoenixheritage.com/Blog/How-Long-Before-I-Can-Buy-After-A-Bankruptcy-Foreclosure-or-Short-SaleMon, 08 Feb 2010 01:00:00 GMTWill Federal Guidlines Ease Short-Sales? (Video)Watch Video Here

]]>http://www.phoenixheritage.com/Blog/Will-Federal-Guidlines-Ease-Short-Sales-Video-3http://www.phoenixheritage.com/Blog/Will-Federal-Guidlines-Ease-Short-Sales-Video-3Fri, 29 Jan 2010 17:21:00 GMTThose Who Wait Will Pay Thousands More This SpringWaiting a few extra days or weeks to purchase a home this spring could cost buyers thousands of extra dollars as the office of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) implements several changes for loans guaranteed by the Federal Housing Authority (FHA).

Coming just weeks before the April 30 deadline for the Home Buyer Tax Credit and just days after the March 31 expiration of the Federal Reserve Board's mortgage backed securities purchase program (which has kept home loan rates artificially low for over a year), these FHA changes make it even more important to act now to save big.

Here are a few reasons why:

On April 5th, the cost of required up-front mortgage insurance for loans guaranteed by the FHA will increase from 1.75% to 2.25%. For a borrower purchasing a $200,000 home with a $7,000 down payment, the up-front mortgage insurance will increase by $965. Up-front mortgage insurance is typically financed in the final loan amount so the impact to a monthly payment will be minimal but overall, the increase is still borne by the borrower both upfront and monthly.

Later this spring, the amount of money that a seller can return to the buyer from their sale proceeds will be reduced from 6% to 3%. The reduction in these "seller concessions" can increase the amount of cash a buyer will be required to pay at closing by $6,000 for a home purchase of $200,000.

There is only one way to avoid being affected by all of these costly changes that lie ahead – submit all FHA mortgage applications by the last week of March.

If I can answer any questions you may have about how these changes could impact you, call me. I appreciate your business.

Sincerely,

Nick Vallario
Nova Home Loans
480-614-6434
nickv@novahomeloans.com

 

 

]]>http://www.phoenixheritage.com/Blog/Those-Who-Wait-Will-Pay-Thousands-More-This-Springhttp://www.phoenixheritage.com/Blog/Those-Who-Wait-Will-Pay-Thousands-More-This-SpringFri, 29 Jan 2010 09:25:00 GMTMortgage Update 01-28-10With tax season rolling around you may be getting calls from your old buyers that want to claim the Home Buyer Tax Credit.  You may want to alert them that those wishing to claim the credit will need to mail in a paper tax return rather than filing electronically.  In an effort to fight fraud, the IRS now requires a copy of the final, title company stamped HUD-1 settlement statement and the only way to get this to the IRS is via mail.  Here is the link to the form that is to be used with 2009 tax returns and references all the new rules and programs http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f5405.pdf and here are the instructions http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/i5405.pdf Any buyers still looking to buy and take advantage of the credit need to secure a purchase contract by April 30, 2010 and close by June 30, 2010.  Just shoot me back a reply and I can email back all the details on the Tax Credit rules.

As of 1/28/2010 based on a 200k Primary Residence Purchase (or a no cash out refinance), 720+ Credit, Full Doc Income Verification, paying one “point.”  Please note, this information is intended for Real Estate Professionals.

80% 30 year Fixed = 4.875%
90% 30 Year Fixed = 4.875% (Requires PMI)
90% 15 Year Fixed = 4.375% (Requires PMI)
80% 15 Year Fixed = 4.375%
96.5% FHA 30 Year Fixed = 5% (Requires MI)
100% VA 30 Year Fixed = 5.5% (No PMI required)
100% USDA/Rural 30 Year Fixed = 5.25% (No PMI required)
80% 5 Yr ARM = 3.875%
75% 5 Yr ARM up to $900k = 4.45%
75% 30 Year Fixed up to $900k = 6.3%
Refinances up to 105% of appraised value are available

For more information contact:

Ryan Halldorson
Smart Financial Mortgage
Senior Mortgage Consultant
(New Address as of October 1, 2009) 3131 E Camelback #120
Phoenix, AZ 85016
Phone: 602.793.7204
E-Fax: 602.889.2258
ryan@hsmove.com

]]>http://www.phoenixheritage.com/Blog/Mortgage-Update-01-28-10http://www.phoenixheritage.com/Blog/Mortgage-Update-01-28-10Fri, 29 Jan 2010 09:22:00 GMTGuidelines Aim to Ease Short Sales

Dec. 1, 2009, 2:10 p.m. EST · Guidelines Aim to Ease Short Sales

By Ruth Simon , The Wall Street Journal

The Obama administration laid out final guidelines on Monday that should make it easier for some financially troubled borrowers to sell their homes.

The guidelines are designed to encourage the use of short sales, transactions in which the borrower with lender approval sells the home for less than what is owed on the loan. The program also makes it easier for borrowers to voluntarily transfer ownership of properties through a "deed in lieu of foreclosure."

Short sales can result in higher prices than foreclosures and can be less damaging to local neighborhoods, in part because homes aren't left vacant and exposed to vandalism. But these transactions are often difficult to complete.

Under the plan, borrowers will receive $1,500 from the government if they sell their homes for less than the amount of their mortgages. Mortgage-servicing companies will also receive $1,000 for each completed short sale. The program is open to borrowers who may be eligible for the government's loan-modification program, but don't end up qualifying, or are delinquent on their modification, or request a short sale or deed-in-lieu transaction.

Related

The short-sale program is the latest addition to the Obama administration's $75 billion foreclosure-prevention plan, which includes incentives for mortgage companies and investors to rework troubled loans. The government first said in May that it would include short sales in the program, but it has taken months to finalize the details.

Under the new guidelines, second-mortgage holders can receive up to $3,000 of the sales proceeds in exchange for releasing their liens. Investors who hold the first mortgages, meanwhile, can collect up to $1,000 from the government for allowing such payments.

Borrowers who complete a short sale under the program must be "fully released" from future liability for the debt, according to the guidelines.

Write to Ruth Simon at ruth.simon@wsj.com

]]>http://www.phoenixheritage.com/Blog/Guidelines-Aim-to-Ease-Short-Saleshttp://www.phoenixheritage.com/Blog/Guidelines-Aim-to-Ease-Short-SalesFri, 29 Jan 2010 01:00:00 GMTFHA Removes 90 Day "Anti-Flipping" Rule.US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), will temporarily permit buyers to use FHA-insured financing to purchase property and will waive the 90-day rule.
 
The waiver will take effect on February 1, 2010 and remain available for one year. It will be subject to extension or withdrawal by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA).  It is limited to those sales meeting certain conditions.

Here is a partial list:

  • All transactions must be arms-length, with no identity of interest between the buyer and seller or other parties participating in the transaction.
  • No pattern of previous flipping activity exists for the subject property. (Multiple title transfers within a 12-month time frame.)
     
  • The property was marketed openly and fairly.

In cases in which the sales price of the property is 20 percent or more over and above the seller's acquisition cost, the waiver will only apply if the lender:

  • Justifies the increase in value by retaining supporting documentation for legitimate renovations, repairs to substantiate the increase in value.
     
  • In cases where no such work was performed, the appraiser must provide an appropriate explanation of the increase in property value since the prior title transfer.
     
  • Possibly require a second appraisal.

For more information contact:
 
Zoltan Holubecz, Vice President
Precision Mortgage, Inc.
Phone: 623-202-3142
Fax: 623-321-1432
Email: zoltan@precisioninc.org

]]>http://www.phoenixheritage.com/Blog/FHA-Removes-90-Day-Anti-Flipping-Rulehttp://www.phoenixheritage.com/Blog/FHA-Removes-90-Day-Anti-Flipping-RuleFri, 22 Jan 2010 12:12:00 GMTMortgage Update 01-20-10FHA just announced that they are waiving their 90 day flip rule for one year starting February 10, 2010.  There have been many “false alarms” but this time it is for real – any seller, even private parties, can sell to any FHA buyer with no waiting period.  The transaction must be “arms length” (buyers and sellers have no relationship) and the property must be marketed openly and fairly (MLS, for example).  If the sales price from the previous sale increases by more than 20% they require a 2nd appraisal and a home inspection. 

As of 1/20/2010 based on a 200k Primary Residence Purchase (or a no cash out refinance), 720+ Credit, Full Doc Income Verification, paying one “point.”  Please note, this information is intended for Real Estate Professionals.

80% 30 year Fixed = 4.875%
90% 30 Year Fixed = 4.875% (Requires PMI)
90% 15 Year Fixed = 4.375% (Requires PMI)
80% 15 Year Fixed = 4.375%
96.5% FHA 30 Year Fixed = 5% (Requires MI)
100% VA 30 Year Fixed = 5.5% (No PMI required)
100% USDA/Rural 30 Year Fixed = 5.25% (No PMI required)
80% 5 Yr ARM = 3.875%
75% 5 Yr ARM up to $900k = 4.45%
75% 30 Year Fixed up to $900k = 6.3%
Refinances up to 105% of appraised value are available

For more information contact:

Ryan Halldorson
Smart Financial Mortgage
Senior Mortgage Consultant
(New Address as of October 1, 2009) 3131 E Camelback #120
Phoenix, AZ 85016
Phone: 602.793.7204
E-Fax: 602.889.2258
ryan@hsmove.com

]]>http://www.phoenixheritage.com/Blog/Mortgage-Update-01-20-10http://www.phoenixheritage.com/Blog/Mortgage-Update-01-20-10Thu, 21 Jan 2010 12:57:00 GMTMortgage Update 01-13-10Happy 2010!  2009 gave us many changes in the lending world so here is a snapshot for current lending industry standards.  Conventional loans require a minimum 10% down payment, 620 fico score and a maximum loan amount of $417k.  FHA loans require a minimum 3.5% down payment, 620 fico score and a maximum loan amount of $346,250.  VA allows 100% financing up to a $417k loan amount with a minimum 620 fico score.  USDA/Rural (available in Queen Creek, Buckeye, parts of Anthem and the city of Maricopa) allows 100% financing up to a $417k loan amount with a minimum 620 fico score.  Jumbo loan (greater than $417k) requirements vary from lender to lender but the industry standard seems to be a minimum 25% down payment. 

As of 1/13/2010 based on a 200k Primary Residence Purchase (or a no cash out refinance), 720+ Credit, Full Doc Income Verification, paying one “point.”  Please note, this information is intended for Real Estate Professionals.

80% 30 year Fixed = 5% 
90% 30 Year Fixed = 5% (Requires PMI) 
90% 15 Year Fixed = 4.5% (Requires PMI) 
80% 15 Year Fixed = 4.5% 
96.5% FHA 30 Year Fixed = 5.25% (Requires MI) 
100% VA 30 Year Fixed = 5.5% (No PMI required) 
100% USDA/Rural 30 Year Fixed = 5.25% (No PMI required) 
80% 5 Yr ARM = 3.875% 
70% 5 Yr ARM up to $850k = 4.45% 
75% 30 Year Fixed up to $750k = 5.9% 
Refinances up to 105% of appraised value are available  

For more information contact:
 

Ryan Halldorson  

Smart Financial Mortgage  

Senior Mortgage Consultant  

(New Address as of October 1, 2009) 3131 E Camelback #120  

Phoenix, AZ 85016  

Phone: 602.793.7204  

E-Fax: 602.889.2258  

ryan@hsmove.com 

]]>http://www.phoenixheritage.com/Blog/Mortgage-Update-01-13-10http://www.phoenixheritage.com/Blog/Mortgage-Update-01-13-10Thu, 14 Jan 2010 11:47:00 GMTTop Five Housing Issues to Watch in 2010Another excellent article by Nick Timiraos of WSJ, this time on the topic of Top Five Housing Issues to Watch in 2010. Here is Nick's list:

  • Mortgage rates. Timiraos discusses what will happen to mortgage rates when the Fed stops buying MBS.
  • Fannie, Freddie and the FHA. Timiraos discusses the uncertainty about Fannie and Freddie, and the expected tightening of FHA lending standards.
  • Loan modifications. The HAMP program has converted few borrowers to permanent status. Will there be a new flood of foreclosures and distressed homes when the HAMP trial period ends?
  • More loan resets. This is really about recasts. The key index rates - like LIBOR and the one-year Treasury - are so low, the resets don't matter. But for those paying interest only or with a negatively amortizing loan, a recast could mean a significantly higher monthly payment.
  • Tax credit and home sales. Timiraos wonders about the impact on the market when the tax credit ends.

Abbreviated list courtesy of Calculated Risk.

Read the full article here.

]]>http://www.phoenixheritage.com/Blog/Top-Five-Housing-Issues-to-Watch-in-2010http://www.phoenixheritage.com/Blog/Top-Five-Housing-Issues-to-Watch-in-2010Tue, 05 Jan 2010 09:28:00 GMTU.S. Loan Effort Is Seen as Adding to Housing WoesSince President Obama announced the program in February, it has lowered mortgage payments on a trial basis for hundreds of thousands of people but has largely failed to provide permanent relief. Critics increasingly argue that the program, Making Home Affordable, has raised false hopes among people who simply cannot afford their homes.

Read on for the full story.

]]>http://www.phoenixheritage.com/Blog/US-Loan-Effort-Is-Seen-as-Adding-to-Housing-Woeshttp://www.phoenixheritage.com/Blog/US-Loan-Effort-Is-Seen-as-Adding-to-Housing-WoesSat, 02 Jan 2010 09:19:00 GMTThe "A" List: Icons of Arizona ArchitectureMany may still think of Arizona as "the Wild West", a mostly barren desert landscape that has only recently given rise to a massive population explosion.  A population explosion that many have come to equate with less than appealing strip-malls, and vast seas of cookie-cutter, tile roofed homes.  True in some ways, but just because we are relatively new on the scene of Architeture doesn't mean we don't have our own precious gems out there, just waiting to be discoverd by any who will put forth a little effort.  Our Architectural history, though relatively new and small, is extremely rich thanks to the icons who have designed and created some very impressive and historically significant structures in and around Phoenix.  Phoenix Homes and Gardens magazine just issued a wonderful story that is a must read for anyone interested in where the real Phoenix has been.  Read on for the full story...

]]>http://www.phoenixheritage.com/Blog/The-A-List-Icons-of-Arizona-Architecturehttp://www.phoenixheritage.com/Blog/The-A-List-Icons-of-Arizona-ArchitectureThu, 24 Dec 2009 01:00:00 GMT