2010 Calendars are here!

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Foreclosures lead market

Foreclosures lead market

We’re not out of the woods yet. Not nationwide and certainly not in the Valley. With trillions of dollars of ARMs still to reset in the coming months/years; unemployment still high & the economy far from showing signs of stability and growth home ownership continues to be for a lot of people their most expensive and challenging expense. While in the first phase of the housing debacle we saw subprime mortgages as the culprit, and the fringes of the valley were mostly impacted we’re now seeing the mid and high end markets catching up. In North Scottsdale shortsale listings have increased. Even Paradise Valley is not immune.

Homeowners today are more educated about their options and unlike in 2007 when the “tsunami” as some call it first hit us, today most people are more comfortable with pursuing a short sale vs. simply walking away because they realize the benefits of a successful short sale on their credit, their family, and the emotional turmoil vs. a foreclosure.

To learn more about what other options you have if you are underwater or soon won’t be able to keep up with your house payments drop me a line.

Uzi Husain, CSSN, REALTOR® North Scottsdale Realtor Luxury Homes by Uzi Scottsdale Short Sales & Relocation

Recession pushes back Loop 303 timeline in West Valley

My case as to why the west valley cities are still a safe bet for investors although patience is required. Please see the link below for the article about the 303 expansion and what it'll mean for economic growth in those cities, namely Goodyear, Glendale, Peoria and Surprise. The only thing I caution is while the housing driven recession has definitely hurt real estate prices those in the know agree we in the valley, especially the outer bands such as the west valley and far east valley cities have bottomed and as such NOW is the time to buy and hold real property around the 303 belt etc. Monkey see monkey do attitude of the boom years devastated many a households. Where can people get money to invest now you ask when savings is at it's highest and people are out of jobs. Many don't know that you can buy real property, especially investment property through your IRA. For more on that shoot me a note or email for a free consultation along with a certified financial advisor that specializes in this asset class.

Recession pushes back Loop 303 timeline in West Valley

Scenic ‘pedestrian beltway' to link 9 parks in the Valley

Now here's another example of a "green" initiative: please click on the link below -

Scenic ‘pedestrian beltway' to link 9 parks in the Valley

Justice Department to focus on mortgage fraud in Arizona

Justice Department to focus on mortgage fraud in Arizona -

2863 S. Southwind Dr., Gilbert, AZ | Powered by Postlets

OPEN HOUSE TODAY 1pm - 4pm:

Fabulous New Listing in Gilbert - excellent schools, desirable neighborhood - upgraded

5bedroom home with pool, spa and views!

2863 S. Southwind Dr., Gilbert, AZ | Powered by Postlets

1451 E. Crescent Way, Chandler, AZ | Powered by Postlets

1451 E. Crescent Way, Chandler, AZ | Powered by Postlets

West Valley farmers markets sprouting up for the season

West Valley farmers markets sprouting up for the season

This is my favorite time in the year! The air is crisp and cool and the holidays just around the corner. In greater Phoenix and Scottsdale it means festivals, farmers markets and outdoor activities galore! Check out the link above to the farmers market information - my favorite farmers markets have got to be downtown Phoenix, Estrella mountain ranch, Casa Paloma in Chandler, Biltmore Fashion, and Peoria and Glendale's farmers markets at Parkwest off Northern and the 101 near westgate and at the citadel in Glendale, arrowhead area respectively.

How about yours?

ps. as a Realtor, I also enjoy this season - I don't mind showing homes when it's 60 outside vs. tripple digits on somedays in the summer :(

all the best,

until next time

Uzi Husain

serving valleywide - realestate from Goodyear, to Grayhawk, Chandler and Gilbert!

Congress giving homebuyers $6,500 tax break

Congress giving homebuyers $6,500 tax break

First Time Home Buyer Tax Credit has also been extended through June 2010!

Panel approves extension of Loop 202 through Ahwatukee

Panel approves extension of Loop 202 through Ahwatukee

The article above makes reference to how much the Valley has grown and no doubt we need better access and traffic flow connecting Chandler and the east valley cities with the west valley cities. This has been controversial for so long and I'm sure the debate will continue. Some questions that come to mind:

1. What is this going to mean for home owners & home values in both Ahwatukee and Laveen?

2. 2017 is the projected date for completion - traffic and construction nightmares will continue along the route for years to come.

3. While the costs are prohibitive I can't quite understand why they're not looking ahead and building the infrastructure that will also connect the loop 202 to the loop 101 past Tolleson so as to create a wider loop that connects the SW cities of Avondale, Goodyear and Glendale etc.

stay tuned...

Scottsdale police warning residents of banking scam

Scottsdale police warning residents of banking scam

On the subject of scams - I think it's appropriate for home owners, especially those with a distressed property (preforeclosure, shortsale etc.) or anyone currently facing hardship and looking at selling their home as a distressed property or doing a loan modification to be very careful of a lot of scams and scam artists out there. When times are hard there's a lot of emotional turmoil that we face and sometimes we just want the easy way out. Just remember something that sounds too easy or too good to be true often is. Consult with professionals for sage advice especially when you're most vulnerable due to hardship conditions and you'll be much better off. Invest a little time today to ward off a lot of loss time in the future in the event you have to fix anything that goes awry if you fall a victim of a potential scam. As a REALTOR with years of experience in successfully listing and marketing homes for my clients and as a practicing Certified Short Sale Negotiator I can tell you Short Sales are definitely moving in the market. Banks have got their "act together" more so now than months earlier. The process is not as cumbersome on the home owner and by hiring a professional you can expect to be guided along the way to make the right decisions for you and your family with the least amount of inconvenience. Fear is our biggest obstacle. Partner with professionals, you wouldn't go to anyone less qualified if you had to do a colonoscopy on yourself or a loved one so why not leverage professional Realtors who have committed countless hours of training and experience to help you in the case of disposing assets as distressed property the right way.

Home resales hold steady in September

Home resales hold steady in September

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Short sales not a long shot, experts say

I completely attest to this. I'm finding my short sale listings go under contract within a week at most. Banks are favoring short sales because they net more proceeds. We're also seeing the change in paradigm with regards to credit score. FHA has changed their guidelines to requiring that a borrower who has a short sale on their record can get approved for a new FHA loan 2 years from the date that the short sale was recorded. If you read between the lines that is an indication of the shift in what credit means today.

I'm not a credit advisor and guidelines do change. But in my opinion people are just scared of the unknown. Short Sale's wouldn't be around if they were not a viable option for all parties involved. The best thing to do is consult with an attorney, CPA and a trusted real estate professional, preferably one who has experience with short sales.

The media projects a lot of fear and people who are not in the business and uninformed can also create doubt and angst in your mind. Always consult professionals and make an educated decision.

Uzi Husain, REALTOR, CSSN
Certified Short Sale Negotiator
Keller Williams Realty Professional Partners
http://www.UziHusain.com


Short sales not a long shot, experts say

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Avondale could be home to TV, movie studio

This is exciting. Please see the link to read details.

Avondale could be home to TV, movie studio

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Bidding wars complicate housing market

Bidding wars complicate housing market

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Neighbors: Exec. moved into bank-owned beach home

here's my comment: NO COMMENTS!

Neighbors: Exec. moved into bank-owned beach home

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Group to host HOA forum in West Valley

Group to host HOA forum in West Valley

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Center caters to high-end home design pros

Center caters to high-end home design pros

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More zoning violations investigated in Paradise Valley

More zoning violations investigated in Paradise Valley

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As deadline looms, Phoenix may sell historic properties

As deadline looms, Phoenix may sell historic properties

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Theft of fixtures becomes major risk in foreclosures

Theft of fixtures becomes major risk in foreclosures

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Valley foreclosures drop, but reasons unclear

In addition to the bank back log my theory for this is that a lot of Short Sales are finally starting to close as well. When a home owner is able to list their home with a Realtor, especially one that is experienced and knowledgeable about Short Sales and are able to work with the bank to get a short sale approval then those home owners are able to avoid foreclosure.

Most of my business right now is Short Sale business. I recently got my first designation as a Certified Short Sale Negotiator and together with my team of short sale negotiation experts, we're seeing a huge success rate in helping home owners avoid foreclosure. If you're interested or know of anyone who needs to consult with a Realtor and discuss if Short sale is a good and viable option for them, please let us know. Thanks.

Valley foreclosures drop, but reasons unclear

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9/5: Wildlife World Zoo marks 25 years

I have to try to make it there soon, before we move to Scottsdale in a few weeks. It's a great li'l zoo and another fun place to shoot some pix.

9/5: Wildlife World Zoo marks 25 years

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ASU wants Goodyear to build new campus in SW Valley

I'd love to hear your thoughts on this one...

ASU wants Goodyear to build new campus in SW Valley

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Valley home prices holding steady

Valley home prices holding steady

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I heard something pretty poignant the other day that made me chuckle...it's ironic that usually in a "buyer's market" buyer's are not buying. They actually wait till prices start going up! If you think about it, that's not a convention we apply when it comes to any other purchase in our lives so why do we do that for real estate. I really hope those who are inclined or have a need to buy a home, or sell a home, aren't waiting on the fences any longer. Especially first time home buyers. There's a lot of money to be left on the table and I don't know about you but I like to get in on the sale not a bidding war because of the old supply demand axiom working in the favor of the seller!

Uzi Husain, Realtor, Goodyear Palm Valley resident, Certified Short Sale Negotiator, serving Phoenix, Scottsdale and the surrounding cities since 2005

Single-family home building rises for 5th month

Single-family home building rises for 5th month

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Here in the west Valley, we're definitely seeing New Build projects once again. From Avondale and Goodyear to Laveen, from north Scottsdale and Phoenix to east Mesa and Gilbert, each day my inbox is full of announcements for a new development's grand opening. Seems Maracay and Richmond American Homes are most active amongst the new builds here in Maricopa County.

Have a great day!
Uzi Husain, REALTOR(R), Palm Valley Goodyear resident: serving greater Phoenix, Scottsdale and the surrounding valley cities since 2005.

Where to see wildlife, from elk to tarantulas

Where to see wildlife, from elk to tarantulas

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This post couldn't have been more timely...I just got a new D-SLR & I was thinking about going up to Sedona, visiting the various zoo's in the valley, possible day trip to Tucson and maybe even Desert Botanical Gardens for some shutterbug activity time - I can't wait. Stay tuned, I'll post the pictures as I take em

Watch Indians' Rookie League games at Goodyear Ballpark

Football Season is just around the corner but for BaseBall fans in Goodyear, here's some great news to catch games at the new Goodyear Ballpark on Estrella Pkwy just south of Yuma.

I think I'm craving a hot dog!

Watch Indians' Rookie League games at Goodyear Ballpark

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Uzi Husain, REALTOR
Goodyear resident, proudly serving the metro Phoenix/Scottsdale and surrounding cities since 2005

Bashas' seeks to shut 14 more stores in state

Bashas' seeks to shut 14 more stores in state

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Sad indeed - the new Bashas on Pebblecreek pkwy in Goodyear is a beautiful store with a nice gourmet selection of cheeses and other items. The food court has a great variety. I wish they'd reconsider. All the best to all the families and folks who will be affected by these store closings.

Uzi Husain, REALTOR
Goodyear resident, specializing in Palm Valley & Serving Metro Phoenix/Scottsdale & the surrounding cities since 2005!

Home Buying Seminar Details

Plan to extend Loop 202 mulled

Plan to extend Loop 202 mulled

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Folks living in Laveen would have to wait until 2017 before construction for this highway ever becomes a reality. Now, my personal opinion is that if they are going to build then either connect thru at the 101 on the west side of town so that we truly have a loop and the folks living in the SW Valley have an easier access to the SE Valley cities (it would cost an arm and a leg yes I know but it would help traffic flow so much better for everyone) or build both, the 101 connection and the 51st ave connection. I think it's short sightedness to discount connecting at Laveen and not further out in or west of Tolleson. (Here's a thought...makes it easier for sports and concert fans living in far out Gilbert and Chandler etc to be able to bypass downtown and head straight on this for westgate)

Three I-10 ramps to reopen next week

Three I-10 ramps to reopen next week

and an update on an earlier post: the electronic billboards off the 101 by Westgate near the University of Phoenix Cardinal Stadium are now up and running and in fact there are two of them. Most of the adds are for restaurants in the SW Valley including Peoria near the Peoria Sports Complex as well as pizza joints in Goodyear. Today I saw an add for Cirque du Soleil happening at Westgate - stay tuned for more...

Uzi Husain, proudly serving the metro Phoenix/Scottsdale/Goodyear, Palm Valley and SW Valley communities real estate needs since 2005 -

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Rent-to-own home deals gaining in popularity

Rent-to-own home deals gaining in popularity

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Scottsdale gears up to buy 400 acres of state trust land

Scottsdale gears up to buy 400 acres of state trust land

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Avondale launches Rx discount program

Avondale launches Rx discount program

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Home prices increase from April to May

Home prices increase from April to May

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Energy Audits & Energy inspections...

Energy is high on the Obama administrations list of "To Do's" & so is this just another step towards incorporating energy inspections as part of the home inspection process to buy and sell a home. There are a lot of rebates being offered for green initiatives for conscientious home owners this year (see your tax advisor for more info on that) as well. This is an interesting article, I've shared the link below. Meanwhile if you want to know more about conducting an energy audit for your home at least here in AZ, drop me a line.

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/18/business/energy-environment/18codes.html

All the best!

Uzi

6 new restaurants join CityScape project

6 new restaurants join CityScape project

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Tiger cubs a powerful draw for Wildlife World Zoo & Aquarium

Tiger cubs a powerful draw for Wildlife World Zoo & Aquarium

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2009 Financial Forum "the new reality"

I'm attending this later today in Scottsdale...will tell you all about it.  Basically a commentary of what has transpired on Wall St. that has led to the mess we're in today and the outlook for real estate at this time...stay tuned

An Observation of the greater Phoenix housing market

Whoa! Is this a coincidence or a new trend.  Today as I was searching through the ARMLS (Maricopa County, greater Phoenix housing) I came across two new listings in two different parts of town that were not flip, short sale or REO but good old fashioned traditional equity sales (I checked tax records).  Just yesterday we got the news we're down to 3.33 mnths of inventory in the valley based on the active listings in the MLS but now I have to ask, is this a coincidence or a trend?  I'd love to hear your thoughts and opinions on this.

Uzi Husain

inventory is low???

I just read our inventory in Maricopa county is now at 3.33 months - this is terrific news and a sign of recovery - we don't know what the crystal ball has in store for us next but we'll take all positive news as it comes - if you've been thinking about selling your home or investment property whether as a traditional equity sale or a shortsale now is the time to consult with your favorite realtor.

Twitter Twitter

In the past few weeks I've had several occassions where I've called on the availability of a listing and received a text message back from the listing agent. I'm cool with that. I like my iphone and I enjoy texting. Then twice in the last 3 weeks I've had a scenario where from availability to offer to counter offer acceptance the entire transaction was done via email and I never got to speak to the listing agent even once! Now I love gadgets (told you i'd be stir crazy if I ever lost my iphone) and techonology, damn it I own a technology company for heavens sake but yet I find that some times in business you need to have a good old phone conversation as well - hey it worked for years didn't it? Well, so i'm wondering what's next - are we ready to discuss availability on properties and negotiate offers via twitter? If so follow me on
https://twitter.com/uziHusain and while you're at it and if you're uber cool then look me up on facebook, I might just add you as a friend!
Happy Friday folks
Uzi Husain, REALTOR