May 2009
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Archive for May 2009

Where are we? What happened? The Housing Market in Phoenix and Mesa, Arizona and Surrounding Areas!

26. May 2009 by Teri Ellis.

The real estate market in the Phoenix, Arizona and Mesa, Arizona valley is going through more twists and turns as foreclosed homes come onto the market.

Unfortunately, many buyers are competing against cash buyers – and losing. The old saying, “cash is king” is true in this competitive real estate market.

Recently one of my buyers made an offer on a foreclosed property. Over asking price, very clean, and a desirable offer to any potential seller. However, the buyer lost out to a cash buyer even though the cash buyer offered less. Even the REO agent wanted my buyer to get the home, but has no say!

Why? You ask? Would the bank accept a lower offer? In our market, appraisals are all over the place. As of May 1, in order to “fix” or “remedy” the problem, a new federal Home Valuation Code of Conduct was placed into effect. No longer are the lenders allowed to speak with the appraisers – nor are they allowed to “choose” the appraisers that will be appraising a home “they” are lending on. Bottom line? It’s a mess!

The left doesn’t know what the right is doing, homes are not appraising, and there are multiple bids on the most desirable homes.

Despite the issues we face, Realtors will continue to push through the paperwork, the difficult appraisals, and we will write two, three, four and more offers in order to get our buyers a home. Ridiculous? Yes!! BUT, this, too, shall pass!

For more insight and understanding about what’s going on, click on the links here and here.

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Phishing Schemes Purporting to be the IRS

3. May 2009 by Teri Ellis.

This is an email I received today – purportedly from the IRS! Ask yourself: would you respond? Should you respond? The answer is a resounding NO!!! Did you notice the misspellings? How about “u” instead of “you?”

Technorati Tags: IRS phishing schemes

I have reported this by emailing this to phishing@irs.gov. Be very, very careful at being lured into thinking the IRS emails you – they state on their website that they DO not email you. Please be careful….and be careful of emails from your bank, from paypal, or any other questionable source. There are lots of scamming crooks ready to take your money!

“After the last annual calculations of your fiscal activity we have determined that you are eligible to receive a tax refund under section 501(c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Tax refund value is $189.60. Please submit the tax refund request and allow us 6-9 days in order to IWP the data received.If u don’t receive your refund within 9 business days from the original IRS mailing date shown, you can start a refund trace online.

If you distribute funds to other organization, your records must show wether they are exempt under section 497 (c) (15). In cases where the recipient org. is not exempt under section 497 (c) (15), you must have evidence the funds will be used for section 497 (c) (15) purposes. If you distribute fund to individuals, you should keep case histories showing the recipient’s name and address; the purpose of the award; the maner of section; and the realtionship of the recipient to any of your officers, directors,trustees, members, or major contributors.

To access the form for your tax refund, please click here

This notification has been sent by the Internal Revenue Service, a bureau of the Department of the Treasury.

Sincerely Yours,
John Stewart
Director, Exempt. Organization
Rulings and Agreements Letter
Internal Revenue Service”

Posted in Out and About in Town, Blogroll | Print | No Comments »

Phoenix, Arizona - Hazardous Waste Collections Scheduled

3. May 2009 by Teri Ellis.

I always appreciate knowing this information, so let’s clean out our garages, our storage sheds and take the “stuff” to the appropriate places for disposal.

Common hazardous waste and other items can be disposed:

from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., May 14, 15 and 16 at Desert West Park, 6602 West Encanto Boulevard, and

from 7 a.m. to noon on June 18, 19, 20 at Los Olivos Park, 2802 East Devonshire Avenue.

Accepted items include: batteries, oil, up to five gallons of paint, antifreeze, pesticides, pool chemicals, computers, five road tires per household and household appliances that use refrigerants, including refrigerators, freezers, air conditioners and heat pumps. Commercial loads will not be accepted.