Gina McKinley, ABR, CDPE, CRS

Want To Buy A Scottsdale AZ Real Estate Bargain? Know What You Are Doing

Wed, 01 Sep 2010 14:37:55 GMT

If you want to buy a Scottsdale AZ real estate bargain it is of the utmost importance to know what you are doing. No matter how inexpensive the property is, real estate is still a big investment and a big responsibility, so do your research, be aware of the downsides, and know the procedure of buying foreclosure real estate.

The term "deal" is all relative. It is easy to hear of people buying property for little to nothing but we all know that nothing that inexpensive comes easy. Buying a Scottsdale foreclosed property at an auction for $1 or $100,000 sounds good but the property may come with additional fees, maintenance and problems that are not mentioned or advertised.

A couple of possible complications that may arise include:

association fees that may have to be paid by state law (for example in Hawaii up to 36 months in association fees must be paid by the buyer of foreclosed property).
major issues with the home that are not able to be seen without an inspection (broken pipes, faulty wiring, termites, etc.).

Buying foreclosed property can be a great investment but it can also be similar to throwing money into a sinking ship. The old saying "something too good to be true" should constantly be in your head. Find out what you can about any particular Scottsdale property by talking to a Scottsdale AZ Realtor, such as Gina McKinley, who may have seen it, county records and any other resource you can find. Gina McKinley has the experience with buying and selling distressed property, and working with her could help save you quite a bit of trouble. Contact Gina McKinley today at (480) 355-8645 or by email.

Click here to read about foreclosure auction information from RealtyTrac.com.

Do You Have Enough Storage in Your Phoenix Home?

Sun, 29 Aug 2010 13:12:02 GMT

Do you have enough storage in your Phoenix home? You may have when you first moved in to your home, but a few years later you may have expanded your family or your interests and accumulated more possessions along the way. To keep your home clutter-free everything needs a place and adding storage may not be as difficult as you think.

Storage areas can come in all shapes and sizes. Take a good look at your home and try to search out areas that are not being used. To you have stairs? Often the space underneath is not used and can make ideal storage. In addition furniture can add storage space. A built-in window seat can double as a storage bench.

Closets are another area that are not always organized as well as they could be. Closet organizers can be simple and purchased at stores like Home Depot and Target or can be custom built by a builder.

A larger Phoenix AZ home does not mean more storage so whether you have a small home or a large one make the most of what you have and get creative to maximize your storage and minimize your clutter.

Adding storage areas to your Phoenix AZ property can add value to your home. For other ways to increase the value of your home in Phoenix, contact Gina McKinley, a Phoenix Realtor, at (480) 355-8645 or by email today.

Click here to read an article from Realty Times regarding storage in your home.

Arizona Real Estate: There is Good With the Bad

Fri, 27 Aug 2010 16:04:32 GMT

When it comes to Arizona real estate there is good news with the bad news. Reports came out this week that showed a significant drop in real estate sales volume. The increase in sales volume due to home buyer tax credits was bound to be followed by a drop, as most surges are. The tax credit was in full swing during the summer of 2009 and packed a bigger punch when it was extended and expanded to include existing home owners along with new home buyers.

The last extension of the home buyer tax credit expired at the end of June, with some leeway for those who were already under contract but unable to close yet. There is no more tax credit revving up real estate sales, therefore it can be no huge surprise that the month following its expiration took a dip. The recession has brought about a climate of caution, aided by the nation's employment picture.

The good news when it comes to real estate is that, on average, home values have increased, if ever so slightly. While sales may have been down in July, prices appear to be stabilizing. The dropping mortgage rates and increased inventory make it an ideal time to look at buying a home, for those who can qualify for a mortgage.

In a nutshell, Arizona real estate sales figures may not appear great but prices appear to be stabilizing. Once a prettier picture is painted as far as employment goes then we will be on a more stable road to recovery. Gina McKinley, an Arizona Realtor, can give you more information on the Phoenix & Scottsdale AZ real estate situation. Contact Gina McKinley at (480) 355-8645 or by email for more information today.

Click here for recent article on the state of real estate from Realtor.org.

Selling Your Chandler AZ Home? Remember the Basics

Mon, 23 Aug 2010 16:39:19 GMT

If you are selling your Chandler AZ home it is important to remember the basics. Selling Arizona real estate is tougher in a market that has a high inventory and you home needs to have a competitive edge to grab a potential home buyer's eye.

One of the most important first steps in readying your Chandler home for sale is to remove yourself, both literally and figuratively. Take yourself out of the equation and look at your home from a stranger's perspective. Looking at your home with fresh eyes can help point out what needs to be repaired, cleaned, changed, or improved. This is also when you take out your personal effects. Family photos, family knick knacks and children's art work can all personalize a space and make it hard for a potential buyer to see himself living in your home. De-cluttering, organizing and maximizing the use of your home's space will show -off its full potential.

Take a good, hard look at your Chandler AZ home from the inside out. As the say, you will never have a second chance to make a first impression, and grabbing a buyer's attention the first time is an important first step to sealing a deal. Gina McKinley, a Chandler AZ Realtor, can help you make the best first impression when selling your Chandler home. Contact Gina McKinley today at (480) 355-8645 or by email to learn more about selling your Chandler AZ real estate.

Overall A Positive Outlook on Nationwide & Arizona Real Estate

Fri, 20 Aug 2010 18:08:26 GMT

While the economic recovery shows ups and downs, the overall picture of the housing market shows more positive data than negative. Looking at real estate data from the second quarter it is evident that home prices are stabilizing in more areas than not and home sales volume is up. The second quarter was stimulated largely by the home buyer tax credit that was expiring and the historically low mortgage rates that continued to drop.

Home sales rose just over 9% in the second quarter of 2010, over a 15% increase in volume from the second quarter of 2009. The affordability factor is playing a large role in the purchasing of Arizona real estate, with homes considerably more affordable than they were at the peak of the market.

Home values have stabilized in roughly 2/3 of the country, where they remain flat or are rising slightly. The hardest hit areas displayed a bit of a drop in home values but the rate of decrease has slowed down. Home values appear more stable as fewer distressed properties hit the market, but it will take time for home prices to truly increase. The analysis of housing data displays that it is still a buyers market when it comes to Arizona real estate.

If you are an interested buyer of Arizona Real Estate, contact Gina McKinley, an Arizona real estate agent, at (480) 355-8645 or by email today.

Click here to read a recent article from Realtor.org about real estate progress in the second quarter of 2010.

Mortgage Rates Drop Once Again

Wed, 18 Aug 2010 16:29:50 GMT

Mortgage rates have once again hit record lows in an effort to spur real estate sales nationwide. Poor reports on job creation and high unemployment figures are spurring the lowering of rates, meant to improve the housing sector of our economy.

The current average rate for a 30 year fixed rate mortgage is 4.44%, a year ago it was 5.29%. A 15 year fixed rate mortgage is averaging 3.92%, down from 4.68% a year ago. A five year adjustable rate mortgage is averaging 3.56%, down from 4.56% a year ago.

Low mortgage rates appear to be doing the job of increasing home sales in Arizona and nationwide. While real estate sales are in no way booming, they are improving. The National Association of Realtors (NAR) tracks 155 metro areas across the country and has seen improvements in real estate sales in more than 60% of these areas.

The historically low rates are creating an ideal borrowing climate for those who have a steady source of income, the money for a down payment and good credit. It is a prime buyers market when it comes to Arizona real estate. The low home values and low mortgage rates combine to make it more affordable to buy a new home than it has been in years.

To look into buying a Arizona home, please contact Gina McKinley, an experienced Arizona Realtor, today. Gina McKinley can be contacted at (480) 355-8645 or by email to view Arizona real estate for sale.

Some Scottsdale AZ Home Improvements Offer More Return Than Others

Sun, 15 Aug 2010 18:18:00 GMT

There are many improvements that a person can make to a Scottsdale AZ home, many offering more of a return than others. There are some home improvements that can actually hurt a home's investment potential. Some improvements limit the number of future potential home buyers due to the uniqueness of the improvement, for example not everyone wants a home spa, sauna, full workout room, etc. In essence it is important to make sure that home improvements and additions be well-planned and then well-executed.

Historically, the best improvements are kitchens, bathrooms, and decks. These renovations and/or additions offer the best return for the dollars spent, being that they are completed reasonably and not over-the-top. The simpler the project, the better.

Most people want to get their money back when they sell an Arizona home, but many will not. One key element to remember is to keep your Scottsdale home in line with the neighborhood. If every home on your block is similar and you add a huge garage, fancy finishes and ornate touches that do not exist in your neighborhood you probably won't get your money back. Of course, if you don't care about the return that you will get on your home then you can feel free to throw caution to the wind.

Gina McKinley, a Scottsdale AZ real estate agent, can help you look at Scottsdale housing improvement options from a seller and buyers perspective. Contact Gina McKinley today at (480) 355-8645 or by email to discuss your Scottsdale real estate options.

Click here to read a recent article from Main Street about potential remodel pitfalls.

Financing May Be Tougher But It’s Not Impossible

Wed, 11 Aug 2010 21:27:39 GMT

Financing for Arizona real estate may be tougher these days, but it is not impossible. When it comes to buying a new home it is more important than ever to be prepared when qualifying for a new loan. Times have changed. The days of securing no-doc loans or loans with no money down are in the past. To get a loan today it is commonplace to put a minimum of 20% down. If you have the down payment money for a loan on a new AZ home, that is the first step.

Qualifying for a mortgage involves stating a steady source of income, a good credit history, and a reasonable amount of debt. Similarly what will work against you is poor credit, unemployment, no down payment funds and lying on a loan application. In addition if you are self-employed you should expect to jump through some pretty big hoops.

If you want to buy an Arizona home do not despair. If buying a home is in your budget you will be able to work it out. If its not in your budget at the moment it is probably best that you hold off. Gina McKinley, an Arizona Realtor, is the first person to contact about buying Arizona real estate. Contact Gina McKinley at (480) 355-8645 or by email today to see if if owning an AZ home is in your future.

Buying A Gilbert AZ Home? Some Important Things to Think About

Sat, 07 Aug 2010 17:51:01 GMT

If you are buying a Gilbert AZ home there are some important things to think about. While there are people out there who do not believe that a person's primary residence should be looked at as an investment, the reality is that a home is probably one of the most expensive purchases in a person's lifetime and, as such, is a very important investment. That being said, buying real estate is a big deal and should be approached with thought and caution.

There are two main factors when buying a Gilbert home, one being financial, the other being physical. Financially it is of the utmost importance to buy within your means. Know your budget, what you can afford now, and do not go beyond it. Before even looking for a home go through the pre-qualification process of acquiring a mortgage. Lastly, remember that you are your own best advocate, do your research and know what expenses will be coming at you upon closing so that you are not caught off guard and forking over extra, unexpected money that you cannot afford.

When it comes to the physical attributes of your house hunting, it is a good idea to look at everything available in your price range in the area that you want to move to. Realize that there is a good chance that you will be attracted to Gilbert AZ real estate that is above your price range but remember to be realistic, you need to stay within your budget.

When it comes to real estate it is a great time to be a buyer. Contact a local Gilbert AZ Realtor, such as Gina McKinley, who has a solid reputation and see what Gilbert AZ homes for sale she can show you. Gina McKinley can be contacted at (480) 355-8645 or by email.

Click here to read a recent article from Investopedia titled "10 Worst First-Time Homebuyer Mistakes 2010".

Real Estate: What’s Going On?

Wed, 04 Aug 2010 16:39:45 GMT

When it comes to real estate it is easy to wonder what's going on. One report is gloomy while another is bright. The reality is that real estate is improving, how much so being localized to any given area.

Before the recession hit real estate markets nationwide were gaining at unrealistic paces, hence the housing boom and subsequent bust. It is important to remember that the modest improvements being seen are more realistic and if huge jumps were being made we might return to the same boat.

Overall home prices have started a modest recovery, with slight increases across the board, but the areas hardest hit by foreclosures are where values have yet to show much of a rebound. The historically low mortgage rates are increasing mortgage applications as well, adding to the real estate sales volume.

While overall, unemployment levels will continue to affect the economy as a whole, it is impossible not to look at real estate data and see an improvement. Small steps are definitely being made in the right direction.

For more information on the Phoenix and Scottsdale AZ real estate area, Gina McKinley, an Arizona Realtor, is available. To see Arizona homes for sale, please call (480) 355-8645 or email her today!

Click here to read a recent article from Realty Times regarding the current state of real estate.

Borrowing for Luxury Phoenix Real Estate Just Got Cheaper

Mon, 02 Aug 2010 13:28:24 GMT

Borrowing money for luxury Phoenix real estate just got cheaper. Typically money borrowed for luxury real estate is considered a jumbo loan, a loan of more than $729,750. Jumbo loans traditionally hold higher interest rates and are not backed by government sponsored agencies. The current interest rate for a jumbo loan is 5.48%, rivaling those of traditional 30 year fixed rate mortgages.

The low rates for jumbo loans make purchasing luxury Phoenix AZ real estate much more affordable than in recent years. Currently luxury home values are lower than they have been, combine that with the low interest rates and thousands, if not hundreds of thousands, of dollars can be saved over the lifetime of a loan, adding to the affordability level.

The housing recovery has focused on the lower end of Arizona real estate, through tax credits and low mortgage rates. The new low rates for jumbo mortgages should give the higher end a well-needed boost. The luxury real estate market is certain to get a lift from the newly reduced interest rates, luring both buyers and lenders.

Gina McKinley, a Phoenix AZ real estate agent, would love to show you luxury Phoenix real estate now available for sale. Gina McKinley can be contacted at (480) 355-8645 or by email.

Click here to read a recent article from the Wall Street Journal on low jumbo rates.

Selling Your Scottsdale AZ Home? Think Like A Buyer

Fri, 30 Jul 2010 15:13:04 GMT

If you are trying to sell your Scottsdale AZ home, consider thinking like a home buyer. Walk around your home, what features do you like? What parts of your home need work? From the color of the paint on your walls to how clean your carpet appears, the details are important and the details are what will either attract or repel potential home buyers.

When it comes to paint choose a neutral color. This doesn't mean a home has to be painted white but a living room certainly shouldn't be painted hot pink or orange. Taste is subjective and leaving color basic is always best.

The flip side of improving your Scottsdale home for sale is that a recent psychological study shows that new features like new carpet, fresh paint, new cabinets, and the like signal a Band-Aid approach when listed in ads. By all means spruce up your home but point out the great features of your home without using words like "new", "newly" and the like. Apparently some home buyers see these words as bandages covering a deeper wound. Attention to detail will help sell your home in a more timely manner.

For other ideas on how to make your Scottsdale AZ home for sale more attractive to buyers, contact Scottsdale Realtor, Gina McKinley, at (480) 355-8645 or by email today.

Click here to read a recent article from Smart Money on the psychology of real estate.

Relocating to Chandler AZ? To Buy or Rent is the Question

Wed, 28 Jul 2010 15:58:10 GMT

If you are relocating to Chandler AZ chances are that one of the biggest questions looming in your mind is whether you should buy or rent a home. Of course only you can make that decision but there are some important factors to weigh. How permanent do you feel this relocation is? Do you have to sell a home before you buy a new Chandler home? Are home prices in the area that you are relocating to stable?

There is no doubt about it that buying a Chandler AZ home today is more affordable than ever. Low mortgage rates, higher than normal inventory levels and low home values combine to make an ideal buyers market when it comes to real estate. If you already own a home maybe renting it out until the market stabilizes or improves makes sense. If you can hold on to your current home, cover its mortgage, and qualify to buy a new home, you could be in an ideal situation.

Examine the affordability levels of your new location. Is it less expensive to rent, or would a monthly mortgage payment be the same or less than paying rent? Call Gina McKinley, a Chandler AZ Realtor, and pick her brain. Get to know your new area and weigh the pros and cons of renting vs. buying heavily, after-all, buying real estate is a big investment. Gina McKinley can be reached at (480) 355-8645 or by email today!

Click here to read a recent article from Bank-rate regarding selling vs. renting a home when relocating.

Tax Credit May Be Gone But Assistance is Still Out There

Mon, 26 Jul 2010 15:46:12 GMT

The home buyer tax credit may be gone but assistance is still out there. Potential first time Phoenix AZ home buyers have options to explore when considering jumping into Arizona real estate. One of the first hurdles when buying a home for the first time is often coming up with a down payment. Even a good saver may have a hard time saving the thousands that can be necessary for a down payment. Luckily there are options for help.

The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has many assistance and reference programs. HUD's website has links to Habitat for Humanity, rural housing, and a number of home buyer programs in your area. The HUD website can be a great resource, offering a wealth of information on what is involved in purchasing a home.

The Federal Housing Agency (FHA) is another agency offering information and assistance. The FHA helps buyers buy homes with both low interest rates and a small down payment. Where a standard down payment can be anywhere from 10 to 20%, an FHA loan can require as little as 3.5% down. Standard loan fees can be wrapped into the loan through FHA as well.

If Phoenix Arizona home ownership seems like a pipe dream, it doesn't have to. If you have a steady source of income then you have mastered one of your biggest hurdles. Contact a Phoenix AZ real estate professional, such as Gina McKinley, today to learn more about purchasing real estate in Arizona. Gina McKinley can be contacted at (480) 355-8645 or by email.

Click here to visit the HUD website.
Click here to learn more about FHA.

Arizona Real Estate Update: There Are Many Bargains Out There

Thu, 22 Jul 2010 12:57:48 GMT

When it comes to Arizona real estate there are many bargains out there and if you are a home buyer this is your time to shine. The benefit of being a AZ home buyer today is that you can afford to be picky, after-all you are in charge. You may be looking at five houses, which one is best for you? Which one has the best schools, the best amenities, the best features? Maybe two of them do, you can make offers with both and see which seller will give in more. Today's home buyer has the position of bargaining power.

Low mortgage rates, which are at historic lows and do not appear to be rising any time soon, high inventory and a continuing stream of foreclosures continue to keep homes prices at reasonable, if not bargain, levels. Low mortgage rates alone help make the cost of buying a home more reasonable than in recent years. High inventories are making home prices competitive and foreclosures, while they may have slowed, are still coming.

The bottom line is that it is possible to find a great AZ real estate bargain today. There are sellers that are motivated out there and if you are a buyer you have an opportunity to stand your ground and try to get the best deal that you can. Let Gina McKinley, an AZ Realtor, help you find your perfect Arizona home today. Contact Gina McKinley at (480) 355-8645 or by email to search Arizona homes for sale.

Click here to read a recent article from Realty Times regarding the real estate market and the deals that exist.

Price Matters

Sun, 18 Jul 2010 13:26:05 GMT

When it comes to Mesa AZ real estate price matters. Most real estate professionals, such as Gina McKinley, will aim to price your home at fair market value at the onset and some sellers are on board, others are not. It has been a rough realization for many to acknowledge that it is a buyers market out there. It has been an unknown in recent months as to whether home values will continue to drop, stabilize or improve and every market is different. Regardless of what is going on, if your home isn't selling then you may want to reduce its price.

Whether your home is seeing a lot of potential Mesa AZ home buyers or very few, if you haven't had an offer there could be a few factors. What is your home lacking? Can you fix what your home is lacking? Chances are that if your home is on the market for sale, you are ready to sell it and you are not going to make any large changes to it. The one change you can make is lowering the price. Money matters, more today than ever. If someone sees a home for sale at what they see as a bargain price then they are much more likely to make an offer.

Can you afford to hold on to your home until prices start appreciating again? If so keep your price where it is. If you need to sell then lowering the price could be the key to selling it now. To talk pricing matters, contact Gina McKinley, a Mesa AZ Realtor, for more information at (480) 355-8645 or email.

Click here to read an article from House Logic on reasons to lower the price of your home.

Save Money At Closing

Fri, 16 Jul 2010 13:00:29 GMT

It is possible to save money at closing. Whether you are buying a new AZ home or refinancing one you already own, closing costs can often make the process more expensive than expected. When refinancing closing costs can actually get in the way of making a change a poor financial decision. What many borrowers may not realize is that cutting some of the fees out at closing can happen.

When researching a new loan check with your current lender first. Chances are, if you are in good standing, they do not want to lose your business and will work with you to keep it. Working with your current lender may avoid a new appraisal, application fees and other charges that come along with the loan process.

Find out what a lender's fees are well ahead of closing so that you know what to expect. By seeing the fees in writing you may also have an opportunity to do a bit of bargaining. The better your credit rating, the more a lender will want to work with you and secure your business.

Finally, look into wrapping your closing costs, or at least a portion of them into your loan. If it make financial sense it can save you money up front. With mortgage rates currently hanging out below 5% wrapping a couple of thousand dollars into a mortgage does not make too big of an increase on the monthly payment. Shop around and speak with a number of lenders before making your decision.

With over 12 years of experience, an Arizona Realtor that can help you through the closing process is Gina McKinley. She specializes in first-time buyers, luxury homes, condo/townhomes, waterfront & golf course communities, and retirement communities in the east valley, including the cities of Chandler, Phoenix, Gilbert, Mesa, Ahwatukee, Queen Creek, Tempe, and Scottsdale. Gina McKinley can be contacted at (480) 355-8645 or by email for more Arizona real estate information.

Click here to read an article from CNN Money regarding cutting costs at closing.

Buying A Phoenix AZ Home is An Investment

Tue, 13 Jul 2010 19:08:41 GMT

Buying a Phoenix AZ home is always an investment and choosing the best bang for your buck is important. Whether a home is big or small, choosing the home that will have the best return on your investment is key. Schools, low crime rate, amenities and walk-ability all affect the resale value of a home.

Key elements that attract Phoenix Arizona home buyers to a neighborhood or specific home have historically included the quality of available education, the safety of the area, the parks and open space nearby, and the shops and restaurants in the area. Choosing a home in a walkable location can add value to a home as well. The ability to walk to a restaurant or a store is a huge draw for many people. Not everyone wants to hop in a car to pick up a gallon of milk or meet a friend for lunch.

While it is often hard to find a Phoenix home that has it all, it is important to choose a home that will best fit your lifestyle. A Phoenix AZ Realtor, such as Gina McKinley, can help you find Phoenix real estate that you are looking for, or when it comes time for you to sell, Gina McKinley can help you put your Phoenix house on the market. Contact her today at (480) 355-8645 or by email.

Click here to read a recent article from Realty Times regarding the walk-ability factor of buying real estate.

Self-Employed? Be Prepared to Acquire A Mortgage

Thu, 08 Jul 2010 22:02:50 GMT

If you are self-employed and are considering purchasing a Chandler AZ home it is important to be aware of the changes that have occurred in order to obtain a loan. As everyone is well aware, getting a loan is not nearly as easy as it used to be. Those who are self-employed are having a more difficult time borrowing money and must provide documentation that shows their income. The IRS is being contacted for verification by many lenders and any fraudulent income claims are being dealt with.

In a nutshell, if you are self-employed and applying for a mortgage loan, be prepared.

Line up all of your documents showing your income before going to apply for a loan.
Check your credit and do what you can to improve your credit score.
Pay your bills on time.
Most importantly, tell the truth, misrepresentation can cost you.

Many lenders, Chase being one, are hiring more loan officers, convinced that the low rates are going to bring many more new loans and refinance loans in the next 18 months or so. Mortgage rates have been decreasing since April, closely tied to the unsteady economy, where wary investors are putting their money in safe investments like Treasury Bonds. As these yields go down interest rate goes down as well.

In other words, the unsteady global economy equal good news for home buyers acquiring a mortgage and home owners who are refinancing their home loans. If you are self-employed and can provide decent and accurate documentation there is no reason you shouldn't be able to secure a Chandler home loan. Gina McKinley, a Chandler AZ Realtor, can give you more information regarding the Chandler AZ home loan process. For more tips or to view Chandler AZ real estate, contact Gina McKinley at (480) 355-8645 or by email.

Buyers Are in Charge When It Comes To Scottsdale AZ Real Estate

Mon, 05 Jul 2010 10:44:29 GMT

Buyers are in charge when it comes to Scottsdale AZ real estate these days. Sellers don't like this piece of news, and who can blame them, after-all no one likes to be on the losing end of a game. This means that it is a great time to be a home buyer, even better if you don't have to sell a piece of Scottsdale real estate to buy a new one. What makes it such a great time to be a buyer? Mortgage rates, home prices and inventory. That's right, these three items add up to create prime buying power.

Mortgage rates are low, averaging just over 4.5% for a 30 year fixed rate mortgage, and they don't appear to be heading up any time soon. If you have a job and a steady source of income as well as good credit, there couldn't be a better time to buy a new home.

Home prices are down. While there are some areas of the United States that appear to have reached bottom, few areas are rising but merely stabilizing. Some parts of the country are still dropping and bargains abound.

Inventory of Scottsdale AZ homes for sale is high. A high inventory means more bargaining power for buyers. There aren't a lot of home buyers out there and sellers who are lucky enough to receive contracts don't want a potential home buyer to get away.

In a nutshell, if you want to buy a home contact Gina McKinley, a Scottsdale AZ Real Estate Agent, at (480) 355-8645 or by email today!

Click here to read a recent article from CNN Money about being in a buyers market.

Tax Credit Extension Close to Passing

Thu, 01 Jul 2010 13:07:03 GMT

An extension for the tax credit appears close to passing after being approved by the House of Representatives on Tuesday, June 29th. The tax credit is for those who put homes under contract on or before April 30th. The original deadline for closing is today, June 30th. The extension is currently up for approval by the Senate, who will hopefully act fast.

An extension of the tax credit will allow more time to close for those who are currently under contract to purchase a home. This is especially helpful for new homes which may not have met completion by the June 30 deadline. The extension is also helpful for those who are having a difficult time securing a loan, a process that has become much more difficult since the impact of the recession that has crippled so many parts of the United States.

Approval of the tax credit extension displays the government's willingness to help those who want to close on a new home but need a bit more time to do so. The extension will not, however, help prospective home buyers who have put a home under contract after April 30.

Speak with Gina McKinley, a Phoenix AZ real estate agent, for more information on how this possible tax extension could affect you. Gina McKinley can be reached at (480) 355-8645 or by email.

Click here to read a recent article from CNN Money regarding the tax credit expansion.

Lower Costs Make Reverse Mortgages A Possible Lifeline

Tue, 29 Jun 2010 21:10:43 GMT

Reverse mortgages are costing less these days, making them possible lifelines for those trying to find ways to stay in their Arizona homes. What is a reverse mortgage? A reverse mortgage is a loan, or line of credit, available to people aged 62 and older who either do not have an existing mortgage on their homes, or have a great deal of equity built up on their homes.

Reverse mortgages used to be criticized for their large, upfront fees. Recently, however, the fees for reverse mortgages have lowered, making the loan more appealing in the process. Borrowing money has enabled many Arizona home owners to pay their medical fees, monthly expenses and more. In a tough climate, where many of retirement age have lost the bulk of their money, reverse mortgages have allowed people to stay in their homes and sustain their monthly bills and expenses.

At one time an AZ home owner could depend on selling his property, today, with the real estate market on shaky ground, selling a home is more difficult and will most likely yield quite a bit less money than a few years ago. Reverse mortgages have the opportunity to help some people out of a sticky situation.

Gina McKinley, an Arizona Realtor, would be happy to provide you with more information about Arizona real estate or reverse mortgages. Contact Gina McKinley at (480) 355-8645 or by email to set up an appointment today!

Click here to learn more about the reverse mortgage.

Great Time to Buy Luxury Phoenix Real Estate

Mon, 28 Jun 2010 12:55:49 GMT

It is a great time to buy luxury Phoenix real estate. Not only are mortgage rates once again at historic lows, but Phoenix AZ real estate values are low and inventory is high. It is a buyer's market, which means it is an exceptionally great time to invest in a larger, nicer home, a better time in fact than has been seen in years. A recent article in the Wall Street Journal mentions that a larger home gives more bang for the buck, and these days that is exactly what people are looking for.

It has taken a bit longer for sellers of high end Phoenix homes to come to grips with reality. That reality is that it is no longer a seller's market and that sellers are no longer in control. What that means is that sellers now feel the need to not only come down in price but do a better job of haggling when they get an offer, after-all it is an unknown when the next offer may arrive.

Please call Gina McKinley, an ABR, CRS, CDPE, SFR, and Associate Broker at 480 355 8645 or by email to schedule an appointment to view Phoenix AZ luxury real estate or other Phoenix homes for sale.

Click here to read a recent article from the Wall Street Journal on why it is a good time to buy a bigger, nicer home.

Acquiring & Keeping Financing For Chandler AZ Real Estate

Sun, 27 Jun 2010 14:47:34 GMT

Acquiring financing for real estate has gotten tougher, there is no disputing this fact, however it is possible to secure a mortgage for buying a Chandler AZ home. If you have a steady source of income and good credit you should have no problem getting a mortgage, but there are a few things to consider so that the financing comes through when you need it.

Many people believe that if they are approved for a loan then they are guaranteed their money at closing, this is not necessarily true. Nothing is guaranteed these days, especially when it comes to money, and it is very important not to affect your credit before closing.

If you have secured a mortgage for a Chandler home purchase do not go out and increase your credit card spending, do not go out and buy a new boat or car, do what you can to be conservative and keep your finances the way they were when you were approved, or better. Significant changes to your credit could end up canceling out your loan at closing time. Keep things copacetic financially and the closing should occur without any drama.

Gina McKinley specializes in Chandler AZ real estate and Chandler homes for sale. Contact Gina McKinley at (480) 355-8645 or by email to set up an appointment to learn more about qualifying for a mortgage.

Click here to read a recent article from Realty Times regarding the importance of maintaining your credit until closing.

Tax Credits Gone, What’s in Store For Arizona Real Estate?

Mon, 21 Jun 2010 14:39:40 GMT

While it is true that the home buyer tax credits spurred Arizona real estate sales during the past 12 months or so, it is also true that that is exactly what the tax credits were designed to do. There is an old saying, "all good things must come to an end", the tax credits could not last forever but just because they are gone does not mean that recovery is not occurring.

What does the real estate market have going for it now? Two very important things: low mortgage rates and low home prices. While a tax credit may be helpful up front, low mortgage rates can save much more than a tax credit over the length of a loan, diminishing the overall cost of a home by thousands of dollars.

Arizona real estate is recovering at a steady pace. While impatience may create a doubt about the reality of recovery it is important to remember that it is a boom that created the bust in the first place, and a slow approach is more likely to be a secure step in the right direction.

Gina McKinley, an Arizona Realtor, would be more than happy to answer any Arizona real estate questions for show you AZ real estate for sale. Gina McKinley can be contacted at (480) 355-8645 or by email.

Click here to read a recent article from Realty Times regarding the current state of real estate.