I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday season filled with joy and good health.
As 2008 comes to an end I am reflecting on the years events. It has been a year full of ups and downs for many. I want to express my sincere gratitude to everyone who allowed me the pleasure of working with them this year and to all those who sent me the referrals of these wonderful people. Your continued loyalty and support mean the world to me.
As we embark on 2009 I see a year of positive growth, change and movement in the real estate market here in Tucson. Prices and interest rates are at an all time low (no kidding!) now and that will not last forever. As your trusted advisor, I'm committed to doing whatever I can to help you understand what the current economic situation means for you and your family going forward in 2009. I look forward to helping you or your friends and family with all your real estate needs. Give me a call if you want to discuss strategies for strengthening your financial future in the weeks and months to come. I look forward to hearing from you. Let’s make 2009 great.
Happy New Year!
Renée
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Mortgage Market Changes
There have been some important current mortgage market changes. The move in the past week by the Federal government has caused a very significant drop in mortgage rates. This is great news and we need to take advantage of the steep drop in rates quickly, this is a real opportunity.
Most of the time when things go on sale people get excited. Well…houses are on sale and we should all be excited! It took the government one full year to declare that we are in a recession that started December of 2007. Don’t wait another year to learn that we started coming out of it in December of 2008. By that time prices will have gone up. If you receive my newsletter you know that Tucson has been on a trend of stabilization. Rather than being fearful, take action and keep our market moving in a positive direction. It is always better to be proactive than reactive and then finding yourself saying “I wish I had done something then.”
A lender told me yesterday he was able to lock a 30 year fixed rate for a client at 5.25%! We do not know how long this will last but today opportunity is knocking. There has been no better time to borrow money and buy a house on sale!
Let’s keep Tucson moving.
Renée
Most of the time when things go on sale people get excited. Well…houses are on sale and we should all be excited! It took the government one full year to declare that we are in a recession that started December of 2007. Don’t wait another year to learn that we started coming out of it in December of 2008. By that time prices will have gone up. If you receive my newsletter you know that Tucson has been on a trend of stabilization. Rather than being fearful, take action and keep our market moving in a positive direction. It is always better to be proactive than reactive and then finding yourself saying “I wish I had done something then.”
A lender told me yesterday he was able to lock a 30 year fixed rate for a client at 5.25%! We do not know how long this will last but today opportunity is knocking. There has been no better time to borrow money and buy a house on sale!
Let’s keep Tucson moving.
Renée
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Worried About Identity Theft?
Identity theft is the number one fastest growing crime in America and Arizona is number one in the nation for the fourth year in a row for Identity Theft. In 2006 there were 327 reported breaches, there were 100.3 million identities compromised yet the number of thieves sentenced was only FIVE. To date there are close to 200 million identities that have been stolen. It is expected to be 20 times worse in the next two years.
There are five types of Identity Theft.
1. Drivers License
2. Social Security
3. Medical
4. Character or Criminal
5. Financial
We tend to focus on the fifth type however they are all a concern.
What can we do? It boils down to Deter, Detect and Defend.
Keep all sensitive information in locking file cabinets. Shred any information you no longer need. Be careful about what you put in your out going mail box. And never give out your social security number unless it is absolutely necessary. Most companies (like your bank and credit card companies) can identify you in other ways such as a series of questions. Early detection of potential identity theft can make a big difference. Keep an eye out for suspicious activity by regularly monitoring your financial statements and credit reports. If you should become a victim of identity theft the following steps will help.
Place a fraud alert on your credit reports and review your credit reports.
Close the accounts that you know or believe have been tampered with or opened fraudulently.
File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission.
File a report with your local police or the police in the community where the identity theft took place.
In some cases if you fail to follow these steps and report it quickly enough you may be held responsible.
The above information comes from a class I just took on Identity Theft and an article put out by First American Title from the Federal Trade Commission.
Be sure to visit the Federal Trade Commission’s website on Identity Theft to learn more. They will provide information to help you deter, detect and defend yourself against Identity Theft.
www.ftc.gov/idtheft
Be careful and protect yourself.
Renée
There are five types of Identity Theft.
1. Drivers License
2. Social Security
3. Medical
4. Character or Criminal
5. Financial
We tend to focus on the fifth type however they are all a concern.
What can we do? It boils down to Deter, Detect and Defend.
Keep all sensitive information in locking file cabinets. Shred any information you no longer need. Be careful about what you put in your out going mail box. And never give out your social security number unless it is absolutely necessary. Most companies (like your bank and credit card companies) can identify you in other ways such as a series of questions. Early detection of potential identity theft can make a big difference. Keep an eye out for suspicious activity by regularly monitoring your financial statements and credit reports. If you should become a victim of identity theft the following steps will help.
Place a fraud alert on your credit reports and review your credit reports.
Close the accounts that you know or believe have been tampered with or opened fraudulently.
File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission.
File a report with your local police or the police in the community where the identity theft took place.
In some cases if you fail to follow these steps and report it quickly enough you may be held responsible.
The above information comes from a class I just took on Identity Theft and an article put out by First American Title from the Federal Trade Commission.
Be sure to visit the Federal Trade Commission’s website on Identity Theft to learn more. They will provide information to help you deter, detect and defend yourself against Identity Theft.
www.ftc.gov/idtheft
Be careful and protect yourself.
Renée
Monday, November 17, 2008
6th Annual Gratitude Gathering
At a time when others are cutting back I am giving back. That is what my 6th Annual Gratitude Gathering was, a giant client appreciation party. The event was this past weekend at the Embassy Suites Paloma Village and it was a total success! I want to thank everyone who made it out and made the night special. I also want to give an extra “Thank you” to all the vendors who donated to the event. We gave out 30 prizes all donated by wonderful local business.
Select Mortgage, Curt Cannon
American Home Mortgage, Jerry Hoy
Adam Amante, Fortress Financial
Bekki Booth, American Home Guardian
Andy Cassells, Castle Flooring
Mara Concordia, Peaceful Spirit Massage Centers
Alan Lerch, Desert Foothills Carpet Cleaning
John & Pat Maisch, Oro Valley Heating and Cooling
Jo Martin, Title Security
Tia Martin, AK Gift Solutions
Dr. Jay Phillips, Casas Adobes Chiropractic
Pam Phillips, P2 Preparedness
Gina Quiros, Mary Kay
Jose Rodriguez, Embassy Suites
Jana Socha, Send Out Cards & Mystic Lights Photography
Tom Stutsman, Quik Tecks Computer Services
Rosalind Tao, Bellows Consulting
Robert Townsend, Townsend Fine Art Photography
Shari Treiber, American Home Shield
Wayne Zatarain, AmeriSpec Home Inspection
The start of the evening was cocktail hour on the patio and a game of “what T.V. character am I?” Then we moved into the ballroom for dinner catered by Red Sky. The theme “Survey says…” was two fold. After dinner we played a great game of Family Feud in teams based on our T.V. characters show/family. Guests had the opportunity to meet other clients of mine and I know several new friendships were made. After dinner I had a survey of my own. I am always seeking to improve my business and the services I offer you, my clients. I want to know what is working well and what needs changing or improvement so that I can better serve you and you’re your referrals. Thank you to everyone who filled out the short survey; your feedback is so important to me. If you have any other comments or feedback for me I would love to hear from you. Please feel free to call or email me any time.
Thanks again for a wonderful fun filled evening. More to come with photos from the party… check back soon.
Oh by the way... if you know of someone looking to buy or sell a home I would love to help them.
Renee
Select Mortgage, Curt Cannon
American Home Mortgage, Jerry Hoy
Adam Amante, Fortress Financial
Bekki Booth, American Home Guardian
Andy Cassells, Castle Flooring
Mara Concordia, Peaceful Spirit Massage Centers
Alan Lerch, Desert Foothills Carpet Cleaning
John & Pat Maisch, Oro Valley Heating and Cooling
Jo Martin, Title Security
Tia Martin, AK Gift Solutions
Dr. Jay Phillips, Casas Adobes Chiropractic
Pam Phillips, P2 Preparedness
Gina Quiros, Mary Kay
Jose Rodriguez, Embassy Suites
Jana Socha, Send Out Cards & Mystic Lights Photography
Tom Stutsman, Quik Tecks Computer Services
Rosalind Tao, Bellows Consulting
Robert Townsend, Townsend Fine Art Photography
Shari Treiber, American Home Shield
Wayne Zatarain, AmeriSpec Home Inspection
The start of the evening was cocktail hour on the patio and a game of “what T.V. character am I?” Then we moved into the ballroom for dinner catered by Red Sky. The theme “Survey says…” was two fold. After dinner we played a great game of Family Feud in teams based on our T.V. characters show/family. Guests had the opportunity to meet other clients of mine and I know several new friendships were made. After dinner I had a survey of my own. I am always seeking to improve my business and the services I offer you, my clients. I want to know what is working well and what needs changing or improvement so that I can better serve you and you’re your referrals. Thank you to everyone who filled out the short survey; your feedback is so important to me. If you have any other comments or feedback for me I would love to hear from you. Please feel free to call or email me any time.
Thanks again for a wonderful fun filled evening. More to come with photos from the party… check back soon.
Oh by the way... if you know of someone looking to buy or sell a home I would love to help them.
Renee
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
A fulfilling career
Understandably I have been getting the same question over and over lately… “How is your business doing?”
The honest answer is that it has slowed. However, each person and family I help now is more rewarding than ever because I know I have helped navigate them through these unique market conditions. There was a time, a few short years ago, when even an inexperienced agent managed to help clients (although I will always advocate the use of an experienced professional). I know now more than ever people need a Trusted Advisor. Someone who is looking out for their best interest and can give gentle guidance in their decision making process. With the markets continually changing it is more important than ever to seek out a professional with experience, knowledge and your best interests at heart. Any agent can take a listing but I am interested in giving you good council so that you can make the right decision for your family. It is important to me to be honest and use my 9 years of experience and knowledge of the Tucson market to help you come to the best decision for your particular situation. Yes, I have a proven track record in sales however, if you also want a Realtor who will be honest and who cares about what is best for you give me a call.
Until next time, Renée
The honest answer is that it has slowed. However, each person and family I help now is more rewarding than ever because I know I have helped navigate them through these unique market conditions. There was a time, a few short years ago, when even an inexperienced agent managed to help clients (although I will always advocate the use of an experienced professional). I know now more than ever people need a Trusted Advisor. Someone who is looking out for their best interest and can give gentle guidance in their decision making process. With the markets continually changing it is more important than ever to seek out a professional with experience, knowledge and your best interests at heart. Any agent can take a listing but I am interested in giving you good council so that you can make the right decision for your family. It is important to me to be honest and use my 9 years of experience and knowledge of the Tucson market to help you come to the best decision for your particular situation. Yes, I have a proven track record in sales however, if you also want a Realtor who will be honest and who cares about what is best for you give me a call.
Until next time, Renée
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Proposition 100
I have had several people ask me how to vote on Proposition 100. This proposition is critical to Real Estate and property owners here in Arizona and could greatly impact you when you buy or sell a home.
Proposition 100, The Protect Our Homes Initiative, will protect both families and businesses from the damaging effects of a real estate sales or transfer tax. A real estate sales or transfer tax is a state or local government imposed tax that is collected when you sell or transfer ownership of your home, land or commercial real estate. While Arizona currently does not have such a tax, there is nothing to stop one from being enacted at any time. Proposition 100 will ensure that real estate sales or transfer tax is never a burden Arizonans have to face. Proposition 100 will protect the equity that people have worked hard to build in their homes and property. Since home and property owners already pay annual property taxes, an additional tax would be double taxation. Further, Proposition 100 will help keep housing affordable in Arizona by preventing a rise in closing costs and will allow more Arizonans and their families to purchase a home or property while protecting those living on fixed or low income.
Vote YES on Proposition 100.
Proposition 100, The Protect Our Homes Initiative, will protect both families and businesses from the damaging effects of a real estate sales or transfer tax. A real estate sales or transfer tax is a state or local government imposed tax that is collected when you sell or transfer ownership of your home, land or commercial real estate. While Arizona currently does not have such a tax, there is nothing to stop one from being enacted at any time. Proposition 100 will ensure that real estate sales or transfer tax is never a burden Arizonans have to face. Proposition 100 will protect the equity that people have worked hard to build in their homes and property. Since home and property owners already pay annual property taxes, an additional tax would be double taxation. Further, Proposition 100 will help keep housing affordable in Arizona by preventing a rise in closing costs and will allow more Arizonans and their families to purchase a home or property while protecting those living on fixed or low income.
Vote YES on Proposition 100.
Welcome
Welcome to my blog. I am so excited about this new format to communicate with you. Here I plan to post current information regarding the real estate market, happenings around Tucson, promotions through my preferred vendors and more. Be sure to check back frequently for all the latest or subscribe to my blog so you are sure to never miss a thing. I look forward to enhancing the level of service and expertise I bring to you as your Realtor and trusted advisor. Now more than ever we need a resource that we can trust for accurate information, it is my pleasure to bring this to you!
It’s a good life!
Renée
It’s a good life!
Renée
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