26. February 2009 by Teri Ellis.

Apparently credit card companies are realizing that they’re the first to go when it comes to paying off bills for income-challenged consumers. Since so many consumers are struggling, there is a new “Help With My Credit” campaign along with a website and toll-free number to deal with the mounting losses from defaults on credit-card payments. Several of the credit-card companies are on board.

They want people to understand “the assistance and options that are available,” said a spokesman for Help With My Credit.  Callers to 866.941-1030 might be able to negotiate lower fees, extended payment plans or make other agreements. The Help With My Credit campaign is available to make more consumers aware of their possible options.

Obviously the credit card companies want to get paid; thus, as a consumer, I see this as a way for consumers to possibly get some help along the way.

It seems like such a good idea, I’m wondering why more mortgage lenders aren’t doing the same?

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21. February 2009 by Teri Ellis.

Globe, Arizona 25th annual Historic Home and Building Tour…
A day trip from Mesa, Arizona to Globe - just about one hour east from Mesa, this weekend - February 21 and 22 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Prices for admission: $15, $10 for ages 65 and older and 12 and younger.

For any of you who have been through Globe, Arizona, a copper mining town, it is full of history. The tour gives visitors a glimpse of how regular people in the tough old mining town once lived. There will be a tour of about six homes and a couple of Globe’s landmark buildings and its recently refurbished train depot.

As you head east on the 60 through Superior and Miami, you arrive in Globe. It’s a treat, albeit slow and winding roads, to travel this highway. Evident are the mining operations still happening, and these little mining towns are still happening.

As we travel to the White Mountains in May, I will make sure to stop to take and share some photos of the older homes and buildings that the highway, for the most part skips.

If you have a chance to go this weekend, there will be lots going on. There will be antiques and quit shows, pancake breakfast, a chili luncheon and more. For more details, call: 928.425-4495, or logon to globemiamichamber.com. 

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18. February 2009 by Teri Ellis.

I am tracking just how many month’s inventory we presently have in our MLS, and thought I would share. Sellers and Buyers need to be aware of two things:

Sellers - you are competing with over 51,000 other listings as of today.

Buyers - you can now purchase a home that is affordable and available.

I pulled up a couple of graphs from our Arizona MLS to give the readers an idea of what our inventory is now, what is active, what is pending, etc., compared to 2007. There are about 13,000 Bank owned, and 11,000 Short Sales. As you will see, there is an 11+ month’s supply of inventory; however, more properties are being sold.

It’s interesting to look at the numbers. It might be a more realistic “look” for the sellers listing their homes in this market. This is definitely the best market I’ve ever seen for buyers. Though short sales and bank owned can be a challenge, there is so much from which to choose that it can be worth it. AND though there are many of these short sales and bank owned, many sellers have priced their homes at competitive pricing.

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17. February 2009 by Teri Ellis.

We took one of our day trips from Mesa, Arizona today - about 1/2 hour west of Mesa into Phoenix/Tempe area. There is a special blown glass display which is scattered and integrated into the Desert Botanical Garden. It is located at 1201 North Galvin Parkway, Phoenix 85008.

This is Chihuly’s first installation entirely within a desert garden environment. I’ve uploaded quite a few of the photos HERE ON Flickr and invite you the check them out. I have also included some special photos here to whet your appetite. There is so much to see here, in our very own state of Arizona, and I, for one am going to try and see it all and then share it with you.

Check out these plants….they are blown glass with the sun coming in from the side. This was a fun trip.

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11. February 2009 by Teri Ellis.

Tomorrow between 2-6, there will be a Job Fair at the University of Phoenix Stadium presented by Jobing.com. This is a great resource for any city to keep track of these Job Fairs.

Listed on the website are the 150 employers looking for their next employee. Suggestions include: pre-registering first, bringing several copies of your resume, and other good information. I’ve posted below part of the first page including some of the ideas for preparing.

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8. February 2009 by Teri Ellis.

Each year, the Phoenix Chinese Week stages activities, including an art contest, and more. The most popular part of the week is the Culture and Cuisine Festival at the Chinese Cultural Center.

When: Today, February 7 - 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

and Sunday, February 8 - 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Where: Chinese Cultural Center, 668 NOrth 44th Street, Phoenix

Admission: Free

Logon to: phoenixchineseweek for more details.

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6. February 2009 by Teri Ellis.

As many of you know, red is the color I market with - BIG TIME! I want to remind all of and help bring awareness that February is American Heart Month. The American Heart Association’s theme is “Go Red For Women.” Cardiovascular disease is the number ONE killer of women — claiming the lives of nearly 500,000 each year. Be sure to wear red - I will, especially on February 6 AND 14.

National Wear Red Day is February 6. For all of the women you know who have been affected by cardiovascular disease, participate in Wear Red Day. For details go to Go Red For Women.

How appropriate for February! Lots of red in the stores.

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