Glendale Arizona Real Estate News & Listings Presented By HomeSmart

5 Minutes to downtown and the 51 Freeway.

Tue, 31 Aug 2010 21:20:13 GMT

Potential rental property. 5 minutes to downtown and the 51 freeway. Close to Phoenix College. Great Starter home. Screened Patio. Cool, quiet rear yard. Has many built-ins and pine pane.

For more information, and the latest pricing, call our 24-hour Property Information Hotline at: 1-866-200-6401 Ext. 3015

Excellent Views!

Tue, 31 Aug 2010 02:34:39 GMT

This is a large floor plan with spacious room sizes. Off the master suite is a private veranda with views of Buffalo Ridge and City Lights. Everything is in excellent condition. 2 RV gates and room to park anything. Workshop/storage building is wood frame constructed. Nice corner lot with a dozen large shade trees. Very pretty.

For more information, and the latest pricing, call our 24-hour Property Information Hotline at: 1-866-200-6401 Ext. 2405

Immaculate 3 Bedroom in Avondale!

Tue, 24 Aug 2010 02:50:44 GMT

IMMACULATE 3 bedroom 2 bath home * 2'faux wood blinds throughout * Large spacious eat-in kitchen * Large open great room with surround sound, TV niche, and 2 accent walls * Master bedroom has nice bay window, walk-in closet and spacious bathroom * Landscaped backyard has a BEAUTIFUL view of the park. Bring your pickiest buyers this home is VERY CLEAN

For more information, and the latest pricing, call our 24-hour Property Information Hotline at: 1-866-200-6401 Ext. 2155

Popular Floor Plan in Sun City.

Fri, 20 Aug 2010 16:55:25 GMT

Popular economical floor plan in Sun City. Close to Sun City West Lakes Golf Course and Banner Boswell Hospital. Priced to sell with loads of great potential.

For more information, and the latest pricing, call our 24-hour Property Information Hotline at: 1-866-200-6401 Ext. 2655

Well kept home in the Biltmore Corridor

Fri, 20 Aug 2010 16:46:10 GMT

Super clean well kept home in the Biltmore Corridor. Minutes from shopping, restaurants, FWY 51, downtown PHX & Airport. Wood Shutters throughout interior. Home has extra large Master Bedroom with spacious master bath. Covered patio and large desert landscaped yard with drip system. Pre-wired for security and 2 large storage closets.

For more information, and the latest pricing, call our 24-hour Property Information Hotline at: 1-866-200-6401 Ext. 2015

Beautifully Maintained Unit in 60's Retro Complex.

Tue, 03 Aug 2010 04:26:21 GMT

End unit in 60's retro complex. This home has exposed stacked block in living room, dining room. With ceilings 12 to 14' high. Incredible light! Owned by designer who has taken great care to maintain this 3 bedroom/2 bath home. Consistently updated. 20'' tile throughout. Staircase to second level is typical of 60's look..Open with appearance of being suspended by cables. First level large master/full bath. Second level bedroom with walk-in closet. Plus 3rd bed/office/den. Apprx 1700 sq ft. Cats ok no dogs.....Please Note HOA inclusive of AC, heat, water, roof, exterior maintenance, pool + insurance. Two assigned parking spaces. This complex feels very much like Palm Springs!!!

Condominium Upscale Gated Community

Sat, 31 Jul 2010 02:45:05 GMT

Large master bedroom downstairs with custom built in closet. This Condominium has a guest room with a must-see loft ideal for home office or den upstairs. 2.5 bath. Attached oversize 2 car garage. Upgraded maple cabinets in the gourmet kitchen. Premium-lot quietly nestled at rear of upscale gated community. Private patio. Open floor plan feels much bigger than 1385 sq. ft. Neutral ceramic tile and upgraded luxurious carpet throughout. Ceiling fans, security system, Resort style community pool & spa. Close to downtown, ASU, Scottsdale, shopping, freeways and airport.

Mortgage Update 07-08-10

Fri, 09 Jul 2010 08:20:00 GMT

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 = 4.375%
95% 30 Year Fixed = 4.375% (Requires PMI)
80% 15 Year Fixed = 3.875%
96.5% FHA 30 Year Fixed = 4.5% (Requires MI)
100% USDA/Rural 30 Year Fixed = 5.25% (No PMI required)
100% VA 30 Year Fixed = 4.75% (No PMI required)
80% 5 Yr ARM = 3.375%
70% 5 Yr Jumbo ARM up to $1M = 4.875%
80% 30 Year Fixed Jumbo up to $1M = 5.75%
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

National Licensing Requirement for Loan Officers

Fri, 09 Jul 2010 08:19:00 GMT

Beginning July 1, 2010, all loan officers working for mortgage brokers must have their national license in order to conduct business. Licensing required 20 hours of classroom education and then successfully passing both a National and State Exam. Loan officers also had to pass a criminal background check and submit a credit report to the Arizona Department of Financial Institutions. The best part of the new licensing system is that complaints can now be filed against an individual's unique national license number that will stay with them from company to company and state to state. The weak part of the law is that loan officers employed by federally-regulated institutions (the big banks) are completely exempt from these licensing and testing requirements. At last count, there were still 1100 loan officers that waited until the last minute who were still waiting for their application packages to be processed and approved by ADFI.

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

Luxury Condominium Living!

Thu, 01 Jul 2010 02:23:49 GMT

Located in Renaissance Villas on the Park, with luxury condominium living and resort-style amenities. Classic European architecture, private neighborhood drives. Distinctive custom home interior features Elegant Designer kitchen, luxurious master suite with bath. Located next to Wigwam Resort & Golf Club, hike and bike the scenic nearby Sonoran Desert and White Tanks Regional Park. Close by to Cardinal Stadium and Glendale Arena. This location has many more luxury amenities come and see!

Gorgeous Custom Home on Cul-De-Sac Lot.

Wed, 16 Jun 2010 18:53:05 GMT

Gorgeous Custom Home on Cul-De-Sac lot in beautiful Cave Creek. Just minutes away from Rancho Manana Resort and Spa and Miramonte Rancho Manana Golf Club. Exquisite unique shopping and restaurants just moments away in Downtown Cave Creek. Home Features Beautiful covered patio with a must see Giant Saguaro. Plantation shutters, custom lighting and exterior fireplace give this home its western charm. Also features Wet Bar with built-in Wine Cooler perfect for entertaining. Bathrooms, Kitchen and Roof newly remodeled including outside paint. Priced to sell quickly come and see.

For more information, and the latest pricing, call our 24-hour Property Information Hotline at: 1-866-200-6401 Ext. 2255

Highly upgraded in Canyon Ridge Surprise.

Sat, 05 Jun 2010 15:16:02 GMT

Highly upgraded house on a premium interior lot. Custom travertine tile and upgraded carpet throughout. Custom paint and kitchen cabinets. Comfortable floor plan with upstairs laundry and a huge play room / loft. Downstairs office featuring laminate flooring. Fully finished backyard with a combination of grass and desert landscaping. Homeowner would consider renting the house back at reasonable market rate. Refrigerator, Washer and Dryer to not Convey.

Mortgage Update 05-27-10

Tue, 01 Jun 2010 11:20:00 GMT

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 = 4.75%
95% 30 Year Fixed = 4.75% (Requires PMI)
80% 15 Year Fixed = 4.25%
96.5% FHA 30 Year Fixed = 5% (Requires MI)
100% VA 30 Year Fixed = 5% (No PMI required)
80% 5 Yr ARM = 3.75%
70% 5 Yr Jumbo ARM up to $1M = 4.875%
80% 30 Year Fixed Jumbo up to $1M = 5.875%
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

VA Loans

Tue, 01 Jun 2010 11:18:00 GMT

The only 100% loan left in lending is a VA Loan. VA loans have good rates and carry no monthly Private Mortgage Insurance even at 100% all the way up to a loan amount of 417k. Many veterans do not realize that VA loans can go up to $1.5M but they require a down payment if the loan is above 417k (for example, a $700k purchase price would require a 10% down payment). Another seldom known fact about VA loans is that a veteran can get a 2nd VA loan if his existing VA loan is less than $144k. VA loans are only allowed on primary residences. There are certain closing costs that a VA borrower is not allowed to pay which need to be included on line 79 of the AAR purchase contract. The amount of the "VA non-allowables" varies between $600 and $1500 depending on the title company and the purchase price. The seller is allowed to contribute up to 4% of the purchase price towards a VA buyer's closing costs and prepaids which would include the VA non-allowables.

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

Mortgage Update 05-07-10

Sat, 08 May 2010 09:20:00 GMT

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%
95% 30 Year Fixed = 5% (Requires PMI)
95% 15 Year Fixed = 4.5% (Requires PMI)
80% 15 Year Fixed = 4.375%
96.5% FHA 30 Year Fixed = 5% (Requires MI)
100% VA 30 Year Fixed = 5.25% (No PMI required)
80% 5 Yr ARM = 3.625%
70% 5 Yr Jumbo ARM up to $1M = 4.875%
80% 30 Year Fixed Jumbo up to $1M = 6%
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

Claiming your tax credit

Sat, 08 May 2010 09:19:00 GMT

The deadline to secure purchase contracts for buyers wishing to get the tax credit has now passed for everyone except for military members working outside the US (they have until April 30, 2011). Recent buyers will now want to know how to claim their money from the IRS. They can either wait until next tax season or they can file an amended return to claim their money this year. The IRS requires this to be done in paper via mail and a final HUD-1 settlement statement needs to be included. Here is a good link to forms and details on how to the claim the tax credit http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=218698,00.html

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

10 Markets Where Prices are Still Falling

Thu, 06 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Interesting to note that the Phoenix Area is NOT on this list!!

Daily Real Estate News | May 5, 2010 |

10 Markets Where Prices Are Still Falling
While the overall housing market appears to be on the mend, there are some Metropolitan Statistical Areas where prices are still falling.

Forbes magazine asked Local Market Monitor, a real estate research firm, to examine all 315 MSAs and identify those where home prices are still at least 10 percent above the point where home prices should be based on economic fundamentals.

Many of these locales have higher than average home prices because they are relatively small and their economies are dependent on a few businesses or a single industry. When those businesses run into trouble, the communities feel the pain.

Here are the top 10 places that Local Market Monitor identifies as most vulnerable to continued price declines:

Atlantic City/Hammonton, N.J.
Provo, Utah
Portland, Vancouver, Oregon, Ore.
Glen Falls, N.Y.
Bellingham, Wash.
Flagstaff, Ariz.
Charleston/Sommerfield, S.C.
Eugene/Springfield, Ore.
Salisbury, Md.
Salt Lake City, Utah

Source: Forbes, Francesca Levy (04/27/2010)

Mortgage Update 04-29-10

Mon, 03 May 2010 13:36:00 GMT

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%
95% 30 Year Fixed = 5% (Requires PMI)
95% 15 Year Fixed = 4.5% (Requires PMI)
80% 15 Year Fixed = 4.375%
96.5% FHA 30 Year Fixed = 5% (Requires MI)
100% VA 30 Year Fixed = 5.25% (No PMI required)
80% 5 Yr ARM = 3.625%
70% 5 Yr Jumbo ARM up to $1M = 4.875%
80% 30 Year Fixed Jumbo up to $1M = 6%
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

Rates Remain Low

Mon, 03 May 2010 13:33:00 GMT

Interest rates have remained low even after the Fed ended its Mortgage Backed Securities (referred to as MBS) purchase program on March 31, 2010. In a knee jerk reaction, interest rates initially increased by roughly .25% in early April but they have now settled back down to the nice, low levels of the past several months. The worldwide demand for MBS has remained strong even without the Fed purchases which have kept interest rates low. The massive debt problems in Greece and several other European nations have caused many worldwide investors to move their bond money over to US MBS which they still view as a safe haven. Interest rates will inevitably rise back to "normal" levels in the not so distant future but for now we continue to enjoy some of the lowest rates in history.

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

Mortgage Update 04-15-10

Sat, 17 Apr 2010 07:50:00 GMT

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 = 5%
95% 30 Year Fixed = 5.125% (Requires PMI)
95% 15 Year Fixed = 4.5% (Requires PMI)
80% 15 Year Fixed = 4.375%
96.5% FHA 30 Year Fixed = 5% (Requires MI)
100% VA 30 Year Fixed = 5.25% (No PMI required)
80% 5 Yr ARM = 3.875%
70% 5 Yr Jumbo ARM up to $1M = 4.875%
80% 30 Year Fixed Jumbo up to $1M = 6%
Refinances up to 105% of appraised value are available

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