Thursday, April 30, 2009

First Time Home Buyers Need to Purchase Now to Qualify for Tax Credit

Federal Tax Credit for First Time Home Buyers is Contingent on Closing Home Sale by November 30th.

Time is running out for home buyers looking to purchase their first home and qualify for the $8,000 Federal tax credit. According to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) first time home buyers looking to purchase a new home in 2009 and take advantage of the $8,000 first time home buyer tax credit, should do so immediately in order to qualify. The Federal tax credit is contingent upon closing the home sale prior to the November 30th deadline. full story..

Wednesday, April 29, 2009

Staging on a Budget

Was reading Realtor Magazine and found these Great Ideas on home staging I wanted to share.

REALTOR® Magazine asked readers of our Daily Real Estate News e-mail to send in their best tips for sprucing up listings on the cheap. Here are some of the quick, creative ideas that poured into our inbox.

Ideas for:

•Living Room
•Bedroom
•Bathroom
•Color and Lighting
•Kitchen
•De-cluttering
•Exteriors
•Special Touches

LIVING ROOMS

Create a Focal Point

"Pick out the most visible corner and put a large plant—I've found that silk trees work best. Set up a spotlight behind it so it lights up the leaves and throws an interesting shadow on another wall. It really makes a difference in a person's perception of the space, especially if it's a large room without too much natural lighting."

—Izabela Stone, Keller Williams Realty, Apollo Beach, Fla.


Set Up a Chat Room

"Be sure that the living room furniture is positioned for conversation as well as entertainment. Potential buyers should be able to easily envision sitting in a space where they can easily talk without having to move a chair or turn completely around."

—Rana Lindhorst and Troy Schmidt, Prudential One Realty Centre, Edwardsville, Ill.


Get Rid of Carpet Dents

"Furniture often leaves indentations in the carpet. When a piece of furniture is moved, I tell my clients to put medium-sized ice cubes in the imprints. As the ice melts, it causes the compacted carpet to expand and erase those imprints."

—Shawn Moss, Century 21 C.R. O'Neil & Co.


Accent Special Features

"Place an accent by a home's feature, such as an attractive plant near a fireplace to draw the eye to it or a tall palm or two in place that directs the buyer toward another part of the home or suggests a separation of areas. This also ensures that someone often enters the home to care for it."

—Susan Cramer, HomeSmart Real Estate, Temecula, Calif.


Invoke the Outdoors

"Use a little nature in each room. I create a flow throughout the home using cuttings, flowers, dried flowers, whatever will work. Simple things, such as twigs to spell out a word or a small cutting tied with raffia around a pillow on a bed, draw the eye into the room but don't overpower it. I have even used a branch cutting to make a 'tree' in an empty corner. I try to use one piece of nature in each room to create an ongoing theme throughout the home. It works with any type of decor, whether it's modern or traditional. One important note: Always check for insects!"

—Lauren Scurlock, North Star Real Estate Inc., Virginia Beach, Va.

and of course here is mine, Linda Wieczorek Arizona Elite Properties., Phoenix AZ

Outdoor Space Takes Centre Stage in Phoenix AZ

Playing up the outdoor space can increase the use able square footage as well as highlighting a lifestyle, when I am out showing property it's is the out door living that wows me and most of my clients.

1st When a client drives up to your home, you want them to feel invited, to feel excited to view the inside of your home,and that happens by having a clean front yard.. Add a few flower pots,a door mat, hose the front sidewalk, get rid of the weeds, hose the house off, it gives the front of the home a fresh look. Just a little elbow grease goes a long way.

Personalize your outdoor living space with items such as: Yard art (fountains. unique walking stones, stakes, sculptures, wind chimes, weather vanes, flags and colorful windsocks. Use trellis and garden arbors or Stepping-stones to break up and to connect other areas of the space. Welcome birds by utilizing birdhouses and decorative feeders. Don’t forget to use colorful plants in the ground, pots, railings, window boxes, and/or hanging baskets.

Evening lighting will always add interest and drama so use candles throughout your seating space and string lights to accent an arbor, railing, umbrella, or put them in your trees for light and sparkle. There are solar lights that can be used as a floodlight to highlight trees or garden statuary or fountain. Also use solar lighting to line a walking path, pathways, around gardens, railings and window boxes. These are inexpensive and free to operate. A little goes a long way.

Fireplaces help to warm the space in many ways and are available in many different styles, from built-ins to small mobile types. These help to extend your comfort into the evening hours and add a lot of ambiance.

Friday, April 24, 2009

Stunning Beauty in "Gay Friendly Willo Neighborhood in Phoenix"

For information on the Gay Friendly Neighborhood in Phoenix give me a jingle 602-391-8246 or E-mail Linda Wieczorek

Featured properties on this web site may not necessarly be listed by Linda Wieczorek. They represent homes Linda Wieczorek has previewed and selected for her Fine Homes of Phoenix buying clients and visitors to AZPrideProperty.com

Gay and Lesbian Retirement


Many gays and lesbians reject the traditional retirement community lifestyle. After years of living freely, they don’t want to move back into the closet. So make way for the following alternatives:

Marigold Creek which is a new retirement community for gays, lesbians and their family and friends. Marigold Creek is located In Surprise, Arizona, which is 30 minutes from Phoenix. Close to Sun City West on Phoenix’s rapidly growing west valley. Marigold Creek is a welcoming and "straight-friendly" community.




1. They offer the choices of 2 or 3 bedroom Single Family Homes or Patio Homes with Casitas available for an additional charge.

2. They offer 1 to 3 bedroom Condos, all of these in a “Contemporary Southwestern” design.

3. The property is owned by Out Properties and is a gay-owned and operated
Realetate development company with many years of experience in building luxurious, lifestyle properties.

4. A Green Community, and pet friendly community complete with a dog run and bath area.

5. Marigold Creek is specifically designed to cater to the wishes of the “gayby boomer” generation.

6. Walking Trails - Persuades you to “break a sweat” with the breath-taking beauty that surround you.

7. Coffee Kiosk - serves fine coffees, teas and other beverages in a cozy gathering place.

8. Travel Club - Coordinates trips to exciting destinations for you, your loved ones and neighbors who share your love for seeing new places and faces.
Activities Director - Plans enjoyable outings and programs that suit your active lifestyle.

9. Gated Entrance - Contributes to the safe, secure and full-acceptance atmosphere that makes Marigold Creek such a unique place.
10. Poolside Bar and Grill - Features delicious snacks and refreshing beverages so you can make the most of your time in the sun.

11. Daytime Spa and Salon - Provides the finest relaxation and beauty treatments without ever leaving the comfort of Marigold Creek.

12. Concierge Service - Supports the entire living experience, from securing tickets to area events to helping you find the best dry cleaning services in the area.

13. Fitness Center - Features state-of-the-art equipment in the ideal environment for staying fit.

14. Spiritual Center - Provides a relaxing and meditative space for residents of all faiths and devotions.

15. Theatre & Cabaret - And we love the theatre, Engages the community with live entertainment and movies. Showcases the residents with the Annual Talent Show!

How do I secure a home at Marigold Creek or view the community?
Contact Linda Wieczorek, 602-391-8246 or e-mail me.

Rainbow Vision has developed gay and lesbian retirement communities in Santa Fe, New Mexico and Palm Springs, California.
Currently under development, Paradise One Condominiums is part retirement community and part upscale condominium, “a progressive community that is as Straight-Friendly as it is Gay Friendly.”
Stonewall Communities’ vision is to develop and offer a range of options for older GLBT people. Stonewall Audubon Circle, currently under development, will be open to anyone regardless of race, colour, national origin, religion, familial status, age, handicap, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression.
The Resort on Carefree Boulevard bills itself as Southwest Florida’s premier lesbian destination, with a mixture of full-time and holiday residents ranging in age from 40 to 85 years, both working and retired.
Despite its name, Finnish Mummolaakso (’Grandma Valley’) is a solidarity group open to women of all ages, with most members aged between 30 and 60. The organisation aims to provide healthcare and terminal care for lesbians and bisexual women, with the ultimate aim of providing retirement housing services, too.
F
For information and any of these communities contact Linda Wieczorek

First Time Home Buyers & Investors... Now is the time to buy in Phoenix





Things have changed in the Phoenix market in the last month, it is NOW time to buy. All you first time buyers who've been on the fence, there are some Great Homes out there just waiting for you. The interest rates are down and plentty of inventory. I have been working with investors who are busy building their real estate portfolios. it is time for you.

Several market indicators suggest the Greater Phoenix market is rebounding, primarily in the under $200,000 price range. This is not to say prices are going to go up soon... that would be wishful thinking and I'd be stupid to suggest it. However, prices in the under $200,000 market are stabilizing and that market is pretty darn hot right now.

To sum things up, if your thinking about that first home, investment property or just getting back into home ownership in the under $200,000 range you may want to move forward. At the top-right portion of my Blog there is a sweet home search tool. We invite you to take a look, dream a bit and maybe you'll find something that really excites and surprises you.

Have a great weekend. If you have any questions, we're here for you. We love to help first time home buyers and investors have the real estate experience of their life.

Contact Linda NOW

The city of Phoenix has kicked off their first Neighborhood Stabilization Program

To find out if you are eligible for federal money to help purchase an Arizona foreclosure home, go to yourwayhomeaz.com.
The new site lists information on the state's neighborhood stabilization programs, which target areas hardest hit by foreclosures.

Most of the programs offer down-payment money to home buyers.

The programs are funded by the $121 million that the state, Maricopa and Pima counties, six Valley cities and Tucson recently received from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Home buyers can qualify for money from more than one program in some communities. The money must be spent before 2011.

"Homeownership Assistance" assisting buyers of foreclosed homes, townhouses or condominiums with $15,000 in down payment and closing cost assistance. Why not give it a try!!!

If you are interested in finding out how to purchase a foreclosed property using this program Call Linda at 602-391-8246 or send me an e-mail.

Monday, April 20, 2009

Guide to Gay old Phoenix

The Valley's lesbian and gay community is large and thriving, especially in the area of downtown Phoenix. With more than 30 gay bars - more per capita than anywhere in the United States - a growing number of gay-friendly churches, heavily gay residential neighborhoods and plenty of resources and publications that cater to the lesbian and gay demographic, the Valley offers a positive environment to live and work.

There's gay-specific bowling (International Gay Bowling Organization [igbo.org], gay square dancing (Desert Valley Squares [www.iagsdc.org/desertvalleysqs]) and gay hiking and camping (Desert Adventures [www.desertadventures.org].


Gay-borhoods and business

Most of downtown Phoenix's historic neighborhoods, especially Coronado, Encanto and Willow, have a heavy gay and lesbian presence. The Greater Phoenix Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce reported in 2004 that the ZIP code with the highest gay population is 85013, the area fanning out from Central Avenue and Camelback Road. The gay-owned Clarendon Hotel+Suites, incidentally, is in the 85013 ZIP.

Unique on Central (4700 N. Central Ave.; 602-279-9691; www.uniqueoncentral.com) sells gay and lesbian paraphernalia - videos, jewelry and adult items.

As for the arts, Stray Cat Theatre and Nearly Naked Theatre produce quite a bit of gay fare but are not specifically gay, while The Alternative Theatre Company (www.thealternativetheatreco.com) produces exclusively gay works and bills itself as the state's "only gay and lesbian theater company."

Bars and Restaurants

Nightclubs of every genre exist in the Phoenix area. Here's a sampling:

Cash Inn Country
2140 E. McDowell Rd., Phoenix
(602) 244-9943
www.cashinncountry.com
Country dance bar.

Charlie's
77 W. Camelback Rd., Phoenix
(602) 265-0224
www.charliesphoenix.com
Twenty years old and always hoppin', filled with fresh-faced cowboy types.

Phoenix La Roca Bar
4129 N. 7th Ave., Phoenix
(602) 248-8559
www.phoenixlaroca.com
The only gay hookah bar in town.

A League of Our Own
40 E. Camelback Rd., St. 102
(602) 252-2354
Supper club with live jazz, sometimes performed by the always fabulous Margo Reed.

Club Vibe
3031 East Indian School Rd.
(602) 224-9977
www.clubvibe602.com
Lesbian bar formerly known as "Ain't Nobody's Bizness."

Amsterdam
718 N. Central Ave.
(602) 258-6122
www.amsterdambar.com
Upscale martini bar.

BS
7125 E. 5th Ave., Scottsdale
(480) 945-9028
Casual sports bar with lots of regulars and THE place to be on Halloween.

Pat O's Bunkhouse Saloon
4428 North 7th Ave., Phoenix
(602) 200-9154
www.bunkhousesaloon.com
$1 drinks on Thursday nights for men in their underwear.

Pumphouse II
4132 E. McDowell Rd., Phoenix
(602) 275-3509
www.pumphouseii.com
Karaoke and drag shows, no pretension.

Roscoe's
4531 N. 7th St., Phoenix
(602) 285-0833
www.roscoeson7.com
Lively sports bar.

Wild Card
801 N. Arizona Ave., Chandler
(480) 857-3088
The east Valley's only lesbian bar.

Gay-friendly churches

Within the past decade, more and more churches are becoming "affirming," meaning that they incorporate into their mission the concept that all worshippers, regardless of xx or sexual orientation, are welcome. The United Church of Christ is, as a whole, is known for being gay-supportive, as are the Unitarian Universalists. The clergy group No Longer Silent (nolongersilent.org) is made up of representatives from two prominent "gay churches," Community Church of Hope and Gentle Shepard (www.gsmcc.org), and offers support to gays and lesbians.

Here are some welcoming churches, plus a motto or a bit about the philosophy of each:

Trinity Episcopal Cathedral
100 W. Roosevelt, Phoenix
(602) 254-7126
www.trinitycathedral.com
"Radical hospitality, radical equality, radical love."

Grace Lutheran
1124 N. 3rd St., Phoenix
(602) 258-3787
www.graceinthecity.com
Known as "The Pancake Church" for its pancake-breakfast outreach to the homeless.

Valley Unitarian Universalist Church
6400 W. Del Rio St., Chandler
(480) 899-4249
www.vuu.org
"A welcoming community that honors diversity in all its forms."

Olive Tree Christian Fellowship at Palo Cristi Presbyterian
3535 E. Lincoln Dr., Paradise Valley
(602) 955-6080
www.palocristipres.org
"We welcome and encourage all people to join us in knowing Jesus Christ and learning about our faith."

Asbury United Methodist
1601 W. Indian School Rd., Phoenix
(602) 279-2369
www.aplaceforallpeople.com
"A place for all people to become disciples of Jesus Christ."

Casa de Cristo Evangelical Church
1029 E. Turney Ave., Phoenix
(602) 265-2831
www.casadecristo.org
"Christ-centered, Bible-based, spirit-filled, open and affirming."

Christ of the Desert Catholic of the Antioch at Faith Evangelical Lutheran Church
801 E. Camelback Rd., Phoenix
"We welcome all to our altars regardless of race, gender, marital or economic status, sexual orientation or denominational affiliation."

Community Church of Hope
4121 N. 7th Ave., Phoenix
(602) 234-2180
www.communitychurchofhope.com
"A diverse group of people who are God-centered and Christ-driven, seeking to provide God's hope and love to all."

Scottsdale Congregational United Church of Christ
4425 North Granite Reef Road
Scottsdale, Arizona 85251
(480) 946-2900
www.scucc.com
"An open and Affirming community of Christians who gladly welcome into our midst any person who seeks Christian fellowship regardless of race, age, gender or sexual orientation."

Via de Cristo United Methodist Church
20199 N. 78th Place, Scottsdale
(480) 515-4490
www.viadecristo.com
"Open hearts, open minds, open doors"

Healing Waters Ministries
225 West University Drive, Suite 105, Tempe
(480) 894-8681
www.hwmaz.com
"A Non-Denominational Christian church for lesbians, gays, bisexuals, transgenders and heterosexuals."

Resources and publications

• OutlookAz Magazine (www.outlook-mag.com) is the Valley's premiere gay publication. The magazine says it is "edgy, upscale" and "offers a clever mix of lifestyle elements targeted to the sophisticated reader."

• Echo Magazine (www.echomag.com) is a well-respected gay-centric news magazine that has been around since 1990 and focuses less on nightlife than issues.

• The Greater Phoenix Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (www.gpglcc.org) is a non-profit that focuses on networking within the Valley.

• For entertainment and events, check out www.visitgayarizona.com, www.gayarizona.org and www.funmaps.com.

Events

The pre-eminent lesbian and gay event in the state is the Arizona Pride Festival, also known as the "Party in the Park." Held the second weekend of April each year at Phoenix's Steele Park, it has drawn close to 20,000 people in recent years. (www.azpride.org)

Other annual events include the following:

• OutFar Lesbian & Gay Film Festival, February (outfar.org)

• Road Runner Regional Rodeo and the Sierra Stampede in Sierra Vista, January.

• Rainbows Festival, October in Phoenix's Heritage Park. (rainbowsfestival.com).

• AIDS Walk Arizona, November. By Carrie Miner

Welcome to the Gayborhood

Welcome to the "Valley of the Sun" - Gay Phoenix and Scottsdale

Phoenix and Scottsdale sit in the heart of a valley which enjoys 325 sunny days a year and is aptly named "The Valley of the Sun". The temperatures here are warm year round and the summers bring many days over 100 degrees . Phoenix, probably due to its warmth, has a laid back small town feel. But don't let that stop you -- it has a thriving gay community and there's a growing variety of dining and nightlife options for all types here. Gay nightlife and the bars & clubs are mostly concentrated in central Phoenix between 7th Ave and 7th Street and Indian School and Camelback ..

Thursday, April 16, 2009

ARIZONA REGIONAL MULTIPLE LISTING SERVICE, INC. HOME SALES / per Month

View the number of Residential (Class 1) listings added monthly or view sales activity charted by Average List/Sales Price and Median List/Sales Price. These charts cover years 2001 - 2009. Home Sales and Home Listings.

A Great 'How-To' Website

Hello. We're happy to be able to share more information with you that we think you may find interesting. Have you heard of the web site that provides step-by-step how-to information for thousands of common projects, from how to replace a leaky faucet to how to plan a dinner party? It's How-To' Website

We enjoy being able to share Internet sites that we think may be useful to our clients. It's one of the ways we say that we care about you and your family. Of course, we have a whole lot more information that we can share with you. We just need to know your needs and goals. We find that the better prepared our clients are in advance of the actual purchase or sale of a home, the less anxiety they tend to experience.

Don't think you are bothering us with your questions, either. That's what we're here for. You want someone you can trust with a decision of this size. That's why we encourage you to call or e-mail us, so that we can get to know each other.

Whatever your real estate needs, we look forward to the chance of working with you.
Feel Free to Contact me at any time with any real estate questions.

Scottsdale Arizona Foreclosures

Goodyear/Avondale Bank Foreclosures

Monday, April 13, 2009

Appealing Your Property Appraisal Phoenix Arizona

After looking at my Property Appraisal for taxes my eyes poped out, the value went up on my home! This was not right.. I know I lost value. It was time to take on the County Assessor ........



HOW TO APPEAL for Phoenix AZ

January 1 is the property valuation date for the following tax year. The County Assessor must mail the Notice of Value card to you no later than March 1. The assessor's opinion of the market value of the property is indicated on the postcard as "Full Cash Value". The assessor's determination of the use of the property is reflected in the legal classification as indicated on the postcard. A.R.S.§§ 42-11001 , 15101,15102 ,15103. and Title 42, Chapter 12, articles 1, 2, 3, and 4. Your Right To Appeal
If you believe the "Full Cash Value" is greater than the market value of the property - or that the legal classification is incorrect - you have two methods of appeal: Administrative or Judicial. A.R.S.§§ 42-15104,16051, 16201.


You may appeal the "Full Cash Value" or legal classification to the County Assessor where your property is located. This is the first step of the Administrative Process. Steps for this process are outlined below. A.R.S.§ 42-16051

OR You may file a petition directly with the Tax Court at any time after receiving the Notice of Value, provided you do not file an administrative appeal - but you must file it no later than December 15. This is the Judicial Process. You are responsible for expenses such as filing fees. A.R.S.§§ 42-16201 , 16202 , 16203 , 16204 , 16205 .

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Administrative Process

Step 1
File a petition with the County Assessor. The filing deadline is printed on the Notice of Value card. You must file your appeal within 60 days after the card was mailed to you. A.R.S.§ 42-16051 D.

Step 2
You may request a meeting with the County Assessor's office - or submit written evidence that supports your appeal. The assessor must consider, decide, and answer all requests on or before August 15. A.R.S.§§ 42-16054 , 16055,

If you reach an agreement, no further appeal is permitted. A.R.S.§ 42-16056.

Step 3
If you do not agree with the assessor's decision, you may file a petition with the Board of Equalization for that county. The petition must be filed within 25 days of the date the assessor's decision was mailed to you. However, you may decide to bypass the Board and appeal directly to the Tax Court within 60 days. A.R.S.§§ 42-16056, 16157, 16201.

Step 4
If you are not satisfied with the Board of Equalization's decision, you may appeal to the Tax Court. Be sure to file your appeal no later than 60 days after the Board of Equalization decision is mailed to you. A.R.S.§§ 16168, 16203 .
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Notice of Change Appeals
Individuals may file an appeal pursuant to A.R.S.§ 15105, supplemental notice of appeal of valuation in case of new construction, additions, deletions, splits, consolidations or change in use. These appeals are filed directly to the Board within 25 days after the the date of the assessor's notice.
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Notice of Proposed Correction and Taxpayer Notice of Claim Appeals
These appeals are for correction of prior tax year records. Property owners may file an appeal to the Assessor pursuant to A.R.S.§42-16252 Assessor Notice of Proposed Correction or A.R.S. §42-16254 Taxpayer Notice of Claim within the time limits specified in the statutes. After the appeal to the County Assessor individuals may file an appeal to the County Board of Equalization or State Board of Equalization. The appeal must be filed on a form DOR82179C Petition for Review of Proposed Correction or DOR82179C-1 Petition For Review of Taxpayer Notice of Claim. File the form along with a copy of the original form DOR82179A Notice of Proposed Correction or form DOR 82179B Taxpayer Notice of Claim. Be sure to include a copy of the Assessor's decision if available. These appeals are filed directly to the Board. If filed electronically, the taxpayer must submit the requested hard copies by mail or in person.
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Electronic Filing/E-Filing
Individuals may file an electronic petition according to the rules above for manual filing, but without having to mail in a form, by filling out an electronic filing via this web site. Make sure you understand the rules and the deadlines and then click here to start an individual e-filing .

Agents filing large amounts of petitions or individuals submitting many tax filings may also talk to the SBOE about sending in a bulk database filing.
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Petitions rejected by the Assessor cannot be e-filed to the Board. When filing a petition that has been rejected by the Assessor, mail or deliver the original filing in addition to attaching the required information to correct the deficiencies. Petitions rejected by the Assessor for the second time must include the original of the second rejection. Petitions rejected by the Assessor after June 15 are filed directly to the Board.

Thursday, April 9, 2009

Iowa marriage no longer limited to one man, one woman



WHAT A GREAT DAY TO LIVE IN IOWA...WE WON TODAY!!!!!

The Iowa Supreme Court this morning unanimously upheld gays' right to marry. "The Iowa statute limiting civil marriage to a union between a man and a woman violates the equal protection clause of the... Read More

When the Iowa Supreme Court ruled on Friday that gays can marry in the Hawkeye State, gay marriage became not just a coastal thing. Deep in the rural heartland, a straightforward opinion — written by a justice appointed by a conservative Republican governor — methodically eviscerates one argument after another that for decades has been used to keep marriage the sole preserve of straight couples. "This class of people asks a simple and direct question: How can a state premised on the constitutional principle of equal protection justify exclusion of a class of Iowans from civil marriage?"

Video Link



Friday, April 3, 2009

Top 10 Bargin Markets and Phoenix AZ is #7



Bargain Market #10: Washington, D.C.
is prime for bargain-seeking homebuyers. The area has one of the lowest unemployment rates in the country and boasts bustling nightlife and culture. With home prices down 12.15 percent over the past year, this may be the time to buy in the nation's capital.

Bargain Market #9: Detroit, MI
Home prices have fallen 16.42 percent over the past year in this Midwestern metropolis, as job losses fueled a flood of foreclosures on the market. But Detroit is committed to restoration and revitalization, as evidenced by its mix of historic districts and new developments.

Bargain Market #8: San Diego, CA
With year-round sun, sand and surf, who wouldn't want to live in Southern California's gem, San Diego? Home prices are down 18.03 percent over the past year, so you could find a great deal in this once super-hot market. Plus, it doesn't hurt to be a couple hours' drive from Los Angeles, in case you want to bargain hunt there as well.




Bargain Market #7: Phoenix, AZ
The Valley of the Sun is teeming with potential bargains, with home prices down 18.85percent year-over-year. The Phoenix market was a hotbed of speculative overbuying during the real estate boom, and these days, stretched-thin investors may be willing to negotiate. Homebuyers who can appreciate this rugged Southwest region will find many diverse neighborhoods to choose from. bargin Homes are flying off the market right now..

Bargain Market #6: Napa, CA
Like many vacation destinations, Napa in Northern California saw a surge in speculative buying that inflated real estate prices during the boom. Today, buyers can find homes in beautiful wine country selling for 20.11 percent less than last year. If you're a luxury homebuyer, you may find multi-million-dollar properties offered at steep discounts.

Bargain Market #5: Miami, FL
The heat is on in Miami. Home prices have come down 24.15 percent over the past year, meaning you won't have to shell out as much to enjoy tropical weather, beautiful beaches and hot nightlife year-round.

Bargain Market #4: Ft. Lauderdale, FL
Shedding its "spring break" reputation, Ft. Lauderdale has redefined itself as a pedestrian-friendly, 24-hour community offering a mix of traditional Old Florida neighborhoods with trendy shopping and nightlife. Prices have fallen 25.95 percent since last year, so if a laid-back yet lively lifestyle is what you crave, start here.

Bargain Market #3: Las Vegas, NV
Gamblers weren't the only ones taking risks in Sin City. Eager developers and investors flocked to Las Vegas looking to cash in big on the real estate boom. The hype is over, and prices have plunged 32.60 percent since last year. The city is consistently among RealtyTrac's list of top foreclosure markets, making this area prime for bargain hunters who want to spice up their lifestyle.

Bargain Market #2: Naples, FL
Florida is going Strong with 3 Ciies on the list. Known for its vibrant art scene and the natural scenery of the nearby Everglades, Naples was another vacation destination that was overrun with real estate investors during the boom years. Prices plummeted 32.87 percent over the past year, offering new opportunities for buyers looking to live the beach-town lifestyle.

Bargain Market #1: Stockton, CA
The inland California cities -- Stockton, Merced, Modesto, Vallejo, Riverside, Bakersfield, Madera and Fresno, to name a few -- have been the hardest hit since the real estate housing bubble burst. Home prices in Stockton plummeted a whopping 40.19 percent last year, dragged down by a barrage of foreclosures on the market.

But Stockton's proximity to both the San Francisco Bay Area and the Sacramento area gives it an advantage over other struggling markets. In the past, Bay Area folks sought affordable housing in Stockton (which changed when the market became inflated). Once prices stabilize, the city will have the potential to return to its "affordable" status.

If you are interested in investing in the Phoenix Real estate market I am committed to assisting real estate investors who would like to take advantage of the booming real estate market and investment opportunities in the Phoenix, Arizona area. Contact Linda Wieczorek

Ingredients of a Great Real Estate Investment

Boost your odds for a successful resale down the road with these four essentials

Think ahead when buying a home. An abode with in-demand features like central air conditioning will be easier to sell down the road.
Whether you're shopping for an investment property, buying a starter home or relocating for your job yet again, your next home likely won't be your last. That's why it pays to go house hunting with your successors in mind. After all, buyers are a demanding bunch, and simple renovations won't always satisfy their stringent criteria. Luckily, you can tip the resale scales in your favor by planning wisely and purchasing a property with these in-demand amenities.

#1: The Hottest Feature
An overwhelming majority of buyers want a cool house, but that doesn't mean you need to scour the listings for basement theaters or zoned audio systems. Take this request literally -- central air conditioning is the most sought-after feature, with nearly three-quarters of buyers ranking it "very important" in a National Association of Realtors survey. And in the sweltering South, that number jumps to 91 percent. Central air is a pricey add-on, especially in a home without a forced-air heating system, so you may want to favor a house that already beats the heat.

#2: Essential Storage
While curb appeal and designer decor can attract potential buyers, what they can't see is just as important -- like, say, an Imelda Marcos-worthy shoe collection or a rusty project car. Call them packrats if you will, but buyers are serious about storage space. Fifty-seven percent say a garage with two or more bays is key, and 53 percent want a walk-in closet in the master bedroom.

#3: Modern Musts
Your next house can be any hue, as long as it's green on the inside. The eco-friendly trend gets high marks from 46 percent of buyers, so try to find a property with energy-efficient features like newer windows, Energy Star appliances and a well-maintained HVAC system. And a growing number of buyers want to stay wired at home -- nearly half say cable and satellite connections are important, while 40 percent want access to high-speed Internet.

#4: Exterior Excellence
When you're shopping for a house, what's on the outside definitely counts. Half of all buyers say a backyard is important, and 36 percent would like a fence for their pups (and their privacy). And you know the real estate cliche about location, location, location? Make it your house-hunting mantra. "Location, you can't change. Everything else, you can," says Pat Vredevoogd Combs, the immediate past president of the National Association of Realtors. Research the local school district before you invest -- even if you don't have kids, the next owner might. And steer clear of high-power lines, highways and airports, which can raise red flags for buyers.

Most importantly, remember that trends can vary widely between states. A two-bedroom may seem teeny in Texas but downright luxurious in Malibu, and an adobe house might have slightly more appeal in Santa Fe than in northern Michigan. "Talk to your Realtor and find out what things are most important in your marketplace," Vredevoogd says. "And always keep resale in mind." You may not be able to check off every item on a prospective buyer's wish list, but the right features can lay the groundwork for a solid investment. By Kara Wahlgren, FrontDoor.com

Thursday, April 2, 2009

Domestic Partner Registry




In Phoenix, Arizona a Domestic Partner Registry identifies a relationship that grants visitation rights to a domestic partner in any health-care facility in Phoenix. Medical powers of attorney or advance directives do not guarantee visitation rights to domestic partners who are not family members. Only family members have visitation rights if there is no registered domestic partnership.

Technically, no other rights are conferred by this registry. An additional advantage of registration may be that it could serve as proof to employers who recognize domestic partnerships for benefit purposes.

Although the registry is often thought of as being an accommodation for gay and lesbian couples, there are many heterosexual couples, living together in a committed relationship but not married, who can avail themselves of the registry.

Finally, no one is required to register; it is simply an option. The registry in Phoenix began accepting applicants on February 9, 2009.

Prerequisites for Phoenix Domestic Partner Registry
1.Both partners must reside within the City of Phoenix.
2.Both partners have to be present to register.
3.Both partners must have valid photo ID issued by a government agency within the U.S. that includes name, date of birth, weight, height and hair and eye color.
4.The couple may be same-sex or opposite-sex.
5.Both partners must share a residence in Phoenix.
6.Neither partner may be married to or in a civil union with anyone else.
7.Both partners must be at least 18 years old.
8.Partners may not be blood relatives.
Even if you are already registered in another city or state, you must register again in the City of Phoenix for the purposes of this registry.
When the couple registers, a Declaration of Domestic Partnership must be completed, affirmed and signed by both applicants in the presence of a City Clerk notary. The registered domestic partners each receive a copy of the completed Declaration of Domestic Partnership document with the official City of Phoenix seal.

Either partner may terminate the domestic partnership registration by completing an application available at the City of Phoenix.

There is a non-refundable registration fee. This registry is for the City of Phoenix only. It is not an Arizona registry and other cities within the Greater Phoenix area are not bound by it.

For more information, contact the Phoenix City Clerk Department at 602-262-6811.

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