AZ Buy Homes- Buyers Blog

Single Story For Sale in Happy Village

Dawn Craig, ABR ,CSSN,e-Pro — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 23:21:00 GMT

Huge Lot with Pool

• 1,673 sq. ft., 2 bath, 3 bdrm single story - MLS® $225,000 - Awesome Famliy Home w

Happy Village, Glendale - Amazing short sale opportunity. Great family home on oversized lot. Remodeled kitchen new flooring throughout house. Open floor plan,stacked stone fireplace in living room, tiled floor. Granite countertops in kitchen,new cabinets, newer appliances. Family room wood laminate floors neutral paint through out. Remodeled baths with tiled showers, granite counters, tiled floors. Large master bedroom with double closets. Huge backyard, pool and built in patio with barbeque area. Storage shed in backyard.

Property information

Single Story For Sale in Silva Estates

Dawn Craig, ABR ,CSSN,e-Pro — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 21:13:00 GMT

Newly remodeled!

• 2,041 sq. ft., 2 bath, 3 bdrm single story - MLS® $289,900 - Biltmore Area

Silva Estates, Phoenix - Gorgeous remodeled home in Prime Biltmore area! Just newly renovated home on cul-de-sac corner lot! New kitchen, baths,paint, neutral color ceramic tile and carpet through out. Master bed with 2 separate closets new master bath with tiled shower, breakfast area in kitchen, large den with built in bookcase, huge dining/living room. 3rd bedroom could be used as mother-in-law bedroom has separate entrance extra sitting room with built in murphy bed for guests. Copper plumbing, newer roof, out door gas barbecue,workshop,mature landscape, large garden area to grow your own vegetables! Close to schools, shopping & freeways. The list goes on and on! Don't miss seeing this one!

Property information

What To Do When You're Facing Foreclosure

Dawn Craig, ABR ,CSSN,e-Pro — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 22:18:00 GMT

It's a situation facing hundreds of thousands of people and the numbers are growing rapidly. Foreclosures aren't just happening to people who over-leveraged themselves and got into risky loans. They are happening to homeowners who are getting divorced, facing health issues, needing to relocate for a job, and numerous other reasons. Regardless of how you may end up falling behind on your mortgage, knowing what to do next is critically important.

I spoke with Carla Douglin, a leading expert in the field and CEO and founder of The Douglin Group and Foundation, to learn more about solutions to the ever-growing problem. Her foundation gives free seminars and workbooks to the public for homeowners facing foreclosure.

There is a lot of information out there about foreclosures, but one thing that the news media tends to tout as being the first action step should actually be postponed, why?

"A lot of the news media is talking about the first thing you need to do is contact your lender. However, if [homeowners who are] facing foreclosures contact their lender first, the first person they interact with is the customer service agent who may threaten them and tell them 'We're going to foreclose on your home right away' and scare them into not taking action. If they get to a loan mitigation person and they are talking to them, they may agree to a workout that they cannot afford just to get the phone calls to stop. However, if they agree to a workout they cannot afford and they miss a payment, [the homeowners] have essentially lied to their loan agency and that's not something good."

Homeowners generally fall into a panic mode shortly after they realize the severity of their foreclosure circumstances. What do you recommend they do first?

"People need to back up, really stop panicking. … [They need to] look at their finances, look at their income, look at their expenses, and any liquid cash and then call their lender with that information so that they can workout something that's really going to help them and not break them."

What can homeowners say to their lenders to help influence them to work out a mutually beneficial arrangement?

"If you have gone through the steps of understanding what your deadlines are and then facing your finances and you still see that you're short, that's where you do need to communicate with your lender and say 'I need to work out some other agreement with you because right now I don't have it.'"

How receptive are lenders when homeowners say they can't pay their mortgage?

"What people are finding is that lenders are willing to work with them. It will take a whole lot of persistence on the part of homeowners. They really need to make sure that they're not intimidated by the conversation they need to have with their lender but they need to step up and say 'I am not going to be able to make this. What can we do to suspend the payment or lessen the payment or modify the payment until I get back on my feet?'"

Homeowners should also look for other sources of money. Where can they find this help?

"There are some employers who have a five-thousand-dollar loan that they are able to give their employees with low interest. They can pay it back through their pay over time; that's one. Two, there are grant programs through housing counselors like HUD; there are grant programs that are available to people who are going through foreclosure. [Homeowners] can reach out and be able to get some money that way."

You advise homeowners to also think outside of the box to help come up with money; what are those creative strategies?

"A lot of people are taking in boarders and renting out rooms. Some people are renting out their entire house and they are staying with family so that they can make the mortgage payment. These are all things that homeowners need to do—think a little bit outside of the box when it comes to a solution. Another thing is, with the gas prices being as high as they are and people having to commute back and forth to work, you may want to ask your employer if you can cut down to a telecommuting schedule and think about selling your car."

"There are plenty of other alternatives and people just need to look for them and apply them as quickly as possible."

Looking for solutions to an emotionally and financially draining situation such as a foreclosure is fatiguing and frustrating. However, if you realize there are options then you can begin to build momentum to rectify your situation. Ultimately, it's critical to consult with experts on this matter, to be open about your financial dilemma, and to seek help immediately. For instance, real estate agents can either help you sell your home in a short sale, if necessary, or rent it out to help you pay your mortgage. Trying to do it alone can be a painfully disastrous experience -- seek the help you need.

by Phoebe Chongchua
Published: August 1, 2008

Live/Work Residences

Dawn Craig, ABR ,CSSN,e-Pro — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 21:39:00 GMT

One benefit of buying a home in the suburbs is that real estate can generally be more affordable there. But with the cost of gasoline soaring these days, that commute is looking much less attractive.

In response to the cash crunch, some builders are constructing homes with fully functioning home offices. Now you may be thinking, sure most homes already come with an office space, but this is actually quite innovative.

Live Work Builders has created The District at Uptown in Keller, TX, a suburb of Dallas-Ft. Worth. They describe the community as live/work executive residences. It's a combination of residential and employment space that is specifically designed for dual use. A typical buyer would be someone who wanted to establish or grow their existing business and who also desires the convenience and benefits of working from home.

Each office is pre-wired for high-speed internet and features custom built-in bookshelving and filing units. There's an independent, well-defined exterior entrance to the office so that a client can stop by comfortably. There's even exterior signage noting the business inside, and a dedicated parking space for customers. These offices are ideal for professional businesses like attorneys, counselors, web-designers, etc.

The architects of these semi-custom homes note that having a dedicated work space alleviates the time and cost associated with commutes, which can result in higher productivity during the work day. They also remind buyers of the tax benefit of business ownership and the convenience of having only one mortgage for your home and business.

With the direction gas prices are heading these days, this sounds like a trend that might be here to stay. To learn more about this builder and the live/work concept visit www.LiveWorkBuilders.com.

by Tara Darby
Published: August 19, 2008

What the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008 Means for You

Dawn Craig, ABR ,CSSN,e-Pro — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 21:35:00 GMT

Good news has made its way into the real estate arena this summer -- in the form of the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008. What does this Act mean for you?

It means a lot if you are in the market to be a first time homebuyer -- up to a $7,500 tax credit if you purchase before July 1, 2009. And there's more good news. First time homebuyers is defined as, "a buyer who has not owned a principal residence during the three-year period prior to the purchase."

This means for all those markets that have started to stabilize, now could be a great time to buy.

Let's take a closer look at just what this new incentive entails.

In order to receive the tax credit you must have purchased your home -- single-family detached, townhouses and condominiums, manufactured homes, and houseboats -- between April 9, 2008 and July 1, 2009. Purchase being the closing date.

You must also meet income requirements. But even if you are over the modified adjusted gross income level of $95,000 (single) or $170,000 (married), you may be able to receive partial tax credits. The full amount of credit is available for individuals with adjusted gross income of no more than $75,000 ($150,000 on a joint return). This phases out above those caps ($95,000 and $170,000, respectively).

And getting started with the tax credit program is simple. You claim the tax credit on your federal income tax return. That's it. It doesn't require any other confusing, fancy paperwork.

You can even access the funds quick -- instead of waiting to file your return. The NAHB reports, "Buyers who believe they qualify for the tax credit are permitted to reduce their income tax withholding. Reducing tax withholding (up to the amount of the credit) will enable the future home buyer to accumulate cash by raising his/her take home pay. This money can then be applied to the downpayment. Buyers should adjust their withholding amount on their W-4 via their employer or through their quarterly estimated tax payment. IRS Publication 919 contains rules and guidelines for income tax withholding."

What's tricky about this Act -- its a tax credit, meaning that you must repay the government either over the next 15 years (no interest charged), or when you sell the home, if there were sufficient capital gains from the sale.

The NAHB gives this example, "A home buyer claiming a $7,500 credit would repay the credit at $500 per year. The home owner does not have to begin making repayments on the credit until two years after the credit is claimed. So if the tax credit is claimed on the 2008 tax return, a $500 payment is not due until the 2010 tax return is filed. If the home owner sold the home, then the remaining credit amount would be due from the profit on the home sale. If there was insufficient profit, then the remaining credit payback would be forgiven."

So why do you have to repay this credit? Because this is just that -- a credit, not a deduction. The government's hope is that this credit will stimulate the housing market ... and in turn the economy. By providing first-time home buyers with a little financial boost -- remember it's interest free -- it could do just that.

by Carla L. Davis
Published: August 19, 2008

Love The House, Hate The Traffic Noise -- There Is Hope!

Dawn Craig, ABR ,CSSN,e-Pro — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 23:34:00 GMT

Depending on the location, whether you're shopping for a new home or trying to sell your current residence, one of the biggest challenges is trying to reduce street noise. Tony Sola, founder of Acoustics.com cautions homeowners and buyers about too high expectations when it comes to reducing traffic noise.

"Too many times I have seen homeowners try to do something about the noise by adding another layer of drywall, or something to the wall itself. It's not minimal return, it's zero return. Unless you control the weak point, that does nothing," says Sola. Sola says there are some cases where the wall might be the weak point but he says usually that's just one percent of the time. Generally the windows are the weakest noise link.

So, if you've fallen in love with a home that's perfect for you but butting up a little close to a busy road, there are options to help make the traffic less noticeable. Starting with the interior of the house, the first area to listen closely to are the windows. They can tend to let in a significant amount of noise.

"The sound almost always goes through the window and doing anything at all to the walls will be pointless until you have fixed the noise that comes through the window," says Sola.

Windows have a Sound Transmission Class (STC) rating. The higher the rating the less outside noise you should hear inside the home. A typical single-pane window only has a 22-25 STC rating whereas a dual-pane window might have a STC rating of 27-32. There are also specialty windows with even higher STC ratings available.

Choosing the right STC rating depends on what you're planning to do.

"If you're looking at a STC 30 window versus a STC 33 window, you're not going to notice a huge difference in that but it might be worth it to you, if they're about the same price. But if you're looking at replacing windows and you're planning to go from a STC 30 to a STC 33, that's a lot of work to get virtually little improvement. If you can get a five or six decibel difference, then that can start to make a noticeable change," explains Sola.

Keeping sound from coming into your home is usually only part of the solution. Many people want to enjoy a traffic-noise-free backyard. This can be a little more complicated but not impossible.

"One of the first things you would look at is the barrier. If you've got a view wall or wrought iron fence that's not going to block anything, or if you have large oleander bushes, that might block the view but it doesn't block the sound at all," says Sola.

Instead he says a solid wall that doesn't have gaps in it will help a little.

"Auto noise comes from the tires. So to control auto noise the wall will work pretty well because the source is really low -- it's at ground level but truck noise -- the medium trucks or the semi truck -- comes from about eight feet off the ground, so even if you build a six, seven, or eight-foot wall, that won't help much," says Sola.

However, if you couple a barrier wall with a noise-masking system such as a water feature then you can virtually wash away the traffic sounds. "A water feature, if done right, can work very well," says Sola. "You wouldn't want a water feature that's just trickling water. You would want something more substantial that does have a noise level to it and more of a broad band noise," says Sola.

He says the problem with water features is they tend to be very localized. Sola says he's been to some homes where the homeowner placed one water feature in the backyard and it drowned out the traffic noise in that one area of the yard but the street noise could be heard from other parts of the backyard. He says that's when a couple of fountains might need to be used.

Getting creative is the key. Working with a sound acoustic expert and landscaper can result in a beautifully designed outdoor area that's doesn't reveal any sign of the chaotic hustle and bustle of the nearby road.

Written by Phoebe Chongchua

Re-examine Your Risk For Flood

Dawn Craig, ABR ,CSSN,e-Pro — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 23:31:00 GMT

Flood insurance is only mandated for properties in high-risk flood zones, but even if you live in a low- or moderate-risk area, you should bone up on the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).

To help get you started, here's a quick primer on floods and flood insurance. Floods are the most common natural disaster in the U.S. If you live in a flood plain, your home has a 26 percent chance (more than one in four) of being damaged by a flood during the course of a 30-year mortgage, compared to a 9 percent chance (less than one in ten) for fire damage.

Your regular homeowner insurance policy typically does not provide benefits for losses caused by a flood, yet the NFIP says one in four flood insurance claims come from areas with low-to-moderate flood risk. That's because while everyone does not live in a flood plain, everyone does lives in a flood zone, says the NFIP.

If you live in a low- to moderate-risk area made so by a system of levees, dams and dikes -- as Midwestern and Gulf of Mexico area residents have learned -- the risk may be reduced but it is not removed. Levees, dams and dikes are not impervious to nature's worst. Flooding can be caused by heavy rains, melting snow, inadequate drainage systems, failed flood control structures and tropical storms and hurricanes. Even if you have a hillside home and you think you are out of harm's way, there's a risk of mudslide or debris flow which is covered by flood insurance.

The share of claims from low- to moderate-risk homes and the overall risk for flooding could increase. A recent U.S. Climate Change Science Program report "Weather and Climate Extremes in a Changing Climate" said flatly, global warming-spawned climate change is increasing the intensity, duration, frequency, and geographic extent of weather events.

For example, 15 years ago, after the Midwest was previously inundated by what was pronounced a "100-year" or a "500-year" flood, some residents believed they'd seen the worse and dropped coverage. This summer, uninsured homeowners got soaked.

The term "100-year" flood doesn't mean there's a major flood every 100 years. It means a 100-year flood would have a 1 percent chance of occurring again in any given year and a 500-year flood a 0.2 percent chance.

In non high-risk areas you could qualify for the Preferred Risk Policy that provides contents coverage beginning at $39 per year and building plus contents coverage beginning at $119 a year, according to the NFIP.

If the relatively small premium doesn't get you to at least learn more about flood insurance, keep in mind, if you don't move fast you could lose. Once you decide to buy flood insurance, there's a standard 30-day waiting period, from the date of purchase, before a new flood policy goes into effect.

There is no waiting period provided: The initial purchase of flood insurance is in connection with the making, increasing, extension, or renewal of a loan in a high-risk zone by a regulated lender. The initial purchase of flood insurance occurs within one year of a flood zone map change.

You could have to wait even longer for related coverage. Insurers in the Midwest currently have moratoriums on sewer and drainage coverage, which is part of your homeowner's policy, but can protect you from flood induced sewer and drainage problems. Moratoriums on selling disaster-related insurance coverage are common following a disaster.

If you aren't required to have flood insurance and choose not to buy it, it's a good idea to have as much as $20,000 socked away for self-insurance. For just one inch of water in your home, expect an estimated $8,000 in damages, according to the NFIP's "Cost of Flooding" estimator. A foot of water -12 inches -- will cost you nearly $19,000.

Residential NFIP coverage provides up to $250,000 of insurance to protect your owner-occupied home and up to $100,000 to protect your belongings. In a high-risk area, federally insured or regulated lenders will require you to have flood insurance for the amount remaining on your mortgage, or $250,000, whichever is lower. Renters can get up to $100,000 coverage for the contents of their home.

For more information, visit the consumer-friendly NFIP web site at FloodSmart.gov.

Forewarned is forearmed.

Written by Broderick Perkins

Washington Report: Tax Provisions

Dawn Craig, ABR ,CSSN,e-Pro — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 23:16:00 GMT

The mortgage bailout sections of Congress's massive federal housing bill have gotten all the attention in the press, but there are two tax provisions tucked away that could prove far more significant for some home buyers.

First-time buyers would get a tax credit of 10 percent of the purchase price of the home - up to a maximum of $8,000 - to encourage them to get off the sidelines and help reduce the unsold inventories of properties currently weighing down many local markets.

The tax credit would reduce buyers' federal tax bills, dollar for dollar, for the year of the purchase.

A second form of new tax benefit would be available to millions of home owners who do not itemize on their federal tax filings. They are in line to receive a $500 to $1,000 "standard" annual deduction for the real property taxes they pay but currently can't write off.

The $1,000 deduction would be for married homeowners filing jointly; the $500 maximum would be for single filers.

Now as with all seeming gift packages from Capitol Hill, you need to read the fine print of the legislation because there are some key limitations.

For example, on the new tax credit, the $8,000 maximum is limited to married home buyers who file their taxes together. Singles get maxed out at $4,000.

By the way, the credit isn't free. It's more like a loan. You've got to repay it to the IRS over a fifteen year period that starts one year after you close on the purchase. Each year of the fifteen, you're required to repay six and two-thirds percent of the original tax credit amount.

If you sell the house within the first year, you don't qualify for any credit whatsoever. If you sell later, you're liable for taxes on any remaining amounts of the credit you haven't already repaid, but not beyond your capital gain - if any - on the sale.

Finally in the fine print -- and this is good news -- the definition of "first time buyer" isn't necessarily what you think. You can still qualify for the credit even if you've bought and owned homes before.

You just can't have owned a house any time in the three years preceding your latest purchase.

Written by Kenneth R. Harney

Credit Scores Remain Misunderstood

Dawn Craig, ABR ,CSSN,e-Pro — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 23:08:00 GMT

Too many consumers still don't get it when it comes to credit scores. And what you don't know about credit scores can hurt you when it's time to buy a home -- especially in a tight credit market. Only 28 percent of consumers are aware they need at least a 700 credit score to qualify for a low-rate mortgage.

Three of every four consumers incorrectly believe that credit scores are influenced by income. And even more, 79 percent, erroneously believe that credit scores can be obtained for free once a year. (They're probably thinking about their credit report, instead.)

Those are among the findings of a new report, "Consumer Understanding Of Credit Scores Improves But Remains Poor" commissioned by the Consumer Federation of America (CFA) and Washington Mutual Bank (WaMu).

First, your credit score is a number assigned to your creditworthiness. Your credit score indicates how well or how poorly you'll repay a debt. The higher the number, the more likely you'll repay on time. Your bill paying information on credit reports provides the basis for your credit score. Consumers who take the time to obtain their credit score, for only about $15 under most circumstances, are more likely to have a better understanding of the scores. That includes knowledge that mortgage lenders rely heavily upon credit scores to approve or reject home loan applications.

Informed consumers also know they can generally raise their credit score by consistently paying bills on time every time; by paying off debt and closing those paid off accounts; by not coming close to maxing out credit cards and by regularly checking their credit reports to make sure they are accurate. Your credit report is free from AnnualCreditReport.com. For more information about your credit score go to MyFICO.com.

The study also found that consumers could save $28 billion a year in lower finance charges if they improved their credit scores by 30 points. "Lack of consumer knowledge about credit scores not only increases the costs of their credit and insurance, but also reduces the availability of these and other services," said CFA Executive Director Stephen Brobeck.

The study's findings include:

When asked to define "credit score," only 31 percent correctly identified the answer "risk of not repaying the loan" in a multiple choice question that also included "financial resources to pay back loans" (21 percent), "amount of consumer debt" (16 percent), "knowledge of consumer credit" (15 percent), and "attitude toward consumer credit" (9 percent) as other options.
Consumers typically fail to understand that a credit score reflects only how they use credit, not factors such as income and age. Significant percentages incorrectly believe that credit scores are influenced by income (74 percent); age (40 percent); marital status (38 percent); the state in which they live (29 percent); level of education (29 percent); and ethnicity (15 percent).
Majorities correctly understand that they can learn their credit scores if they are denied a mortgage loan (72 percent) or declined for a credit card (65 percent). But, an even larger group, (79 percent), incorrectly believes that credit scores can be obtained for free once a year. Only credit reports are free every year.

Mortgage Rate Locks Become Crucial

Dawn Craig, ABR ,CSSN,e-Pro — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 22:51:00 GMT

An interest rate lock is always a good idea in any market. But it becomes a better idea when it's crucial to lock in an interest rate and other loan costs at a level you can afford.

A changing market -- especially when the change is for the worst -- is one of those crucial times. During the first half of 2008, nearly a full percentage point separated the high of 6.45 percent in recent weeks and the low of 5.48 percent in January, according to Freddie Mac.

Get off the interest rate elevator ride with an interest rate lock. A traditional rate lock is a lender's guarantee that your mortgage will come with a specific interest rate, points, other costs and terms. Most locks are designed to protect home buyers from rising rates, but those refinancing can also benefit.

A rate lock's terms include a specified period for the lock. If you fail to complete your home purchase or refinance before the clock runs out, and interest rates rise, brace yourself for higher costs. Those higher costs could come in the form of more up front cash to keep monthly payments in line with what you can afford or what you lender will allow.

With a refinance, if your home ownership isn't at stake, you have more wiggle room and can wait out the market, take less cash out or otherwise cope. Of course, those refinancing to stave off foreclosure could also find higher rates, without a rate lock, to be just as problematic as for home owners.

In an up-and-down interest rate market, falling interest rates are another strong reason for a rate lock. If interest rates fall during the lock period you can't take advantage of the lower rate unless you rewrite the lock at additional cost or include a "float down" provision in the original lock.

The "float down" option grants you a lower rate if rates fall within a given window of time. Again, unless specified otherwise, float downs stick you with the higher rate if rates rise during the lock period.

All these rate lock variations underscore the importance of being sure the language of the lock contract gives you the options you need, for a sufficient term.

Get it all in writing. It's difficult to enforce a verbal agreement. The contract should lock should lock in the interest rate, points and other costs, where possible. The agreement should include your name; the lock's effective date; lock cost; what terms are locked; the lock's expiration date and time; and any post-lock options.

Lock as soon as you see the desired rate or "on application" -- when you first apply for the mortgage -- so that your rate is locked as you spend time getting the application approved. That's particularly important if you barely qualify at today's rates, and an increase would make buying unaffordable.

Of course, you can choose to set the lock on approval, especially in markets where loan applications are prolonged due to heavy demand for housing. In any event, the lock period should be long enough to allow for settlement, contingencies, and other potential delays. Locks average 30 days, but can range from 15 to 60 days.

Also consider:

Locks cost money. Shop around for both the terms of the lock contract and its cost, which varies from lender to lender. Some lenders want up-front lock fees. Others take them at settlement. There are non-refundable fees, flat fees, and fees based on a percentage of the mortgage, among the variations.

Before choosing a lock-in period, determine the average time for loan processing. Ask your lender to estimate the time necessary to process your loan and verify the information with other realty professionals. If the loan doesn't close on time, lenders can extend your lock for free, charge more for the extension or charge an additional percentage of the loan amount.

Once you lock-in a rate, if you haven't already, quickly submit the application and other required documents. You should have previously checked your credit report, prepared income, job, debt, asset and other documents to back up your application information.

If you have a floater, it's your job to keep an eye on the market.

Written by Broderick Perkins

Houston... We Have A TOOTH!!

Dawn Craig, ABR ,CSSN,e-Pro — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 22:55:00 GMT

Finally!!! After months of fussiness, running nose and drooling so much it could fill a lake... a tooth is poking through! It's on the top right side of his mouth and it is just barely poking through but.. its finally coming through! We are so excited and hoping that they will all follow quickly from now on! (Its still to small to get a picture of so, once the tooth fully shows itself we'll post a picture for you to see.. cause I know you wanna see it!!)

Corban is 8 months! Wow.. I know I always say this but.. time flys by SO fast! He has gone from a little bundle of skin that couldn't really do anything on his own to trying to do everything on his own! This month he started crawling! And he is EVERYWHERE!! At first he would just crawl two steps and then lay on his tummy and then sit back up, get back into crawling postion and do it all over again. But now he's got it down, he is a professional crawler! Although sometimes he kind of does what we like to call the "Gollum Crawl". For those of you who have seen Lord of the Rings you have an idea what I am talking about. But for those of you who haven't, I'll explain.. Corban crawls with one knee on the ground and one knee up with his foot on the ground (and his hands are on the ground too) and he scoots himself along. Gollum kind of hunches over and creeps around similarly to that but, It's not as creepy as Gollum though, Corban is way cute when he does it!

Corban is eating alot more solid foods, including cheerios! He loves to pick Cheerios up and put them in his mouth himself because he is a big boy! Mom and Dad took him up to Big Bear, California with the Refuge youth group for camp this month. He really enjoyed himself up there! He even had his first yummy mouthful of dirt, actually he got two in his mouth before mom and dad could stop him! And he tried to go back for more.. not sure why but he seemed to think it was tasty! While up at camp Corban started saying "Mama" again (on his mom's birthday!)... he stopped for a few weeks, but he's back to saying it now!

This month he also started pulling himself up to standing on anything he can find and grab on to, including dad's leg hair! Ouch!! He loves to stand and he actually can stand by himself for about 10 seconds without holding onto anything! He so badly wants to walk but.. doesn't quite have to skills necessary to accomplish it. Mom thinks he'll be and early walker.. although everyone tells her that boys don't walk early and he'll probably walk at 13 months! She doesn't believe any of them though.. Corban is going to prove them wrong, just wait and see!

Corban got his first swimming lessons where he got dunked under the water.. he did a great job and still loves the water! Yay! He also learned how to say "DaDa" and how to wave to people! Its so cute because he puts his arm up and shakes it a little and then just leaves him arm up for a good 30 seconds before bringing it back down! Very adorable! Grandpa is so amazed by all of this waving, crawling and standing and thinks he is going to be a genius! I think so too! Stay tuned for next months update... Maybe Corban will be walking and mom can prove everyone wrong!

HOA Model Remodeling

Dawn Craig, ABR ,CSSN,e-Pro — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 21:32:00 GMT

Owning your own home is an American dream and, for many, a reality. In urban settings, homeowner associations have become a dominant form of new construction, often representing over two thirds of new homes. While HOA homeowners have many rights and privileges, they often concede certain freedoms usually enjoyed in more traditional home ownership. One particular area of concession involves remodeling.

To control the look and feel of the community, many HOAs have material, color and design standards which must be adhered to. In common wall and multi-story communities, structural integrity demands that changes made in one unit do not compromise the viability of the building. For these reasons, it is important for the homeowner association to keep the owners informed and reminded of material standards and remodeling guidelines to avoid inadvertent violations.

Here are a number of requirements and guidelines which can be included in a Remodeling Policy as appropriate:

1. For smaller projects (mostly aesthetic, no structural or utility work involved), submit to the board for written approval prior to commencement of work a description of the work to be performed, who will do it and the anticipated schedule.

2. For involved projects (includes structural, utility work) owner must submit architectural plans, copies of permits and contractor agreements to the board for written approval prior to commencing work. If warranted, the board may seek the review and approval of an architect or engineer with related costs to be paid by owner.

3. If view is a consideration in project, require disclosure of proposed structure height and whether removal of trees is contemplated for better view.

4. All power tool operation must be accomplished either in the unit or off property unless authorized by the board in writing and provided there is no unreasonable objection from the neighbors.

5. Contractors are permitted to work only from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Saturdays. No work on Sundays.
6. All demolition and construction material shall be disposed of off property, not in HOA dumpsters.

7. Contractor shall clean up any affected common area daily.

8. Owner will provide adequate parking for contractor. Contractor may not use guest parking or block fire lanes.

9. Common utility (electrical, water, gas, etc.) interruption must be approved and coordinated by the board.

10. If landscaping renovation is proposed and the HOA has a landscape standard, a comprehensive plan should be submitted showing proposed changes.

11. Establish specific standards (brand, model, color) for paint color, roofing material, storm doors, screen doors, awnings and other common add-ons.

Since the desire to remodel can happen anytime as the spirit moves the remodeler, the board needs to be proactive in keeping owners informed of expectations. Publish the Remodeling Policy on the HOA website and reference it in all newsletters and periodic email updates. Since remodeling will happen, make sure you do all possible to direct a model outcome.

For more on this, see Regenesis.net Policy Samples.

Written by Richard Thompson
July 2, 2008

Time Management Secrets

Dawn Craig, ABR ,CSSN,e-Pro — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 21:23:00 GMT

I have spent most of the last twenty years researching, studying, writing and speaking about Time Management and Personal Productivity. I have learned a whole lot and my full-time mission now is to share that knowledge through my writings, seminars, consulting and keynotes with people who want to get more done in less time in their business and personal lives.

One important lesson I learned is that there are three simple, yet powerful Time Management Secrets. Knowing these will go a long way to helping you to better manage your time each and every day and get more done in less time and with less stress.

We all have too much to do. Almost everyone I speak with tells me they have more to do than time permits. This says a lot of good things about you. That you have too much to do means many have entrusted a lot to you. People who seldom have enough to keep them busy and are always looking for things to do may not have earned this level of confidence from others.

There is never enough time for everything. If you have too much to do, by definition, you will not have enough time for everything. In fact you will only accomplish but a tiny fraction of what you will want to accomplish in your lifetime. You will leave undone far more than you ever get done in this world. Your life is going to be like a sandy beach. Take one grain of sand and let that represent all that you accomplish in your lifetime. The other billions of grains of sand will represent all of the other things you might have done.

While there's never enough time for everything, there's always enough time for the important things.

Early in our marriage, my wife and I were both working, our social life was packed and we didn't seem to have a spare five-minute block of time in our days. Soon we were to receive our first daughter and a few weeks before she came to us my wife and I were agonizing over how to find the time to take care of this new addition to our family. Babies, they take a lot of time!

But what happened? Jennifer came along and we made the time for her. Did we still have a social life? Sure, but it was different. Three years later, our second child Pam arrived, and once again, we found the time to attend to this new responsibility and still have time for other things. While there is never time for everything, there always seems to be time for the most important things in life. "Necessity is the mother of invention."

But you don't have to wait until circumstances come upon you forcing you to attend to the most important things in your life. You can do it now. Each day in Daily Planning, identify the most important things you want to get done in your day. Place a high priority of those items and leave undone the less important things.

You won't get it all done but you will get the most important things done.

The secret's finally out.

Want four easy tips to help you to more easily manage your day? Get your copy now of "Managing Multiple Priorities." Email your request now for "multiple" to: ctsem@msn.com.

Written by Dr. Don Wetmore
July 2, 2008

Gas Prices Fuel Urban Desire

Dawn Craig, ABR ,CSSN,e-Pro — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 21:21:00 GMT

Gasoline is putting the brakes on the choices you thought you had about where to live. Scientists recently revealed how burning fossil fuels, like gasoline, contributes to climatic change. Climate change can spawn severe weather conditions that force you to think twice about where to live.

It's not just the fear of the roof being blown off, burned away or snowed under. Extra costs are associated with living in a natural disaster risk area -- more robust buildings, higher insurance premiums, higher home energy costs and disaster preparedness, to name a few. Now, the cost of gasoline -- averaging $4 a gallon nationwide -- is further reducing the choices you have about where to live.

A recent Coldwell Banker Associates Report, "Interest in Urban Homeownership Fueled by Higher Gas Prices", found that the vast majority of sales associates' clients -- 78 percent -- said the rising cost of gas has increased their desire to live in the city instead of the suburbs.

More than 80 percent of them said that's because, with the higher cost of gasoline, the commute is just killing their household budget. They want to be closer to work centers or the public transit that can take them there.

Urban development, inline with mitigating global warming, is typically more compact, more densely populated with both people and destinations, more walkable and generally easier to traverse for less via public transit.

Urban cores also tend to be nearer job centers and community and cultural centers. From city center it's often a lot easier to get from Point A to Point B for a fraction of the cost of a gallon of gasoline.

It the Coldwell Banker survey, 75 percent also said the basic prospect of being able to walk to more places is a positive factor. And there's a positive health factor that comes with walking.

Coldwell Banker's survey also found an 84 percent spike in interest for properties with a home office, another indication of a trend towards telecommuting, getting out of those gasoline burners and having more money to spend at home and for the home.

Global warming-sensitive planners and developers as well as consumers, more and more often seek urban living-style development -- even in the suburbs -- for a host of reasons from a healthier, walkable, more energy efficient environments to cheaper development costs, less impact on the infrastructure and closer knit communities.

See the series "Global Warming Hits Home" only available on DeadlineNews.Com.

Written by Broderick Perkins
July 1, 2008

Grill Burgers, Not Your Home

Dawn Craig, ABR ,CSSN,e-Pro — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 20:20:00 GMT

For years, New York City has prohibited propane barbecue grilling on a balcony, terrace or roof. Residents can barbecue with charcoal on a balcony or terrace provided there's sufficient clearance and a source of water to douse any flare-ups.

Last year, Washington State began banning open-flame gas or charcoal barbecues on certain multifamily housing balconies where there's no overhead sprinkler. And beginning this year, Silicon Valley placed a permanent ban on charcoal and gas fired grills on multi-family housing balconies made of wood or other combustible materials, if there is no sprinkler overhead. Propane tanks heavier than one pound are forbidden on such balconies -- sprinkler or not.

Residential barbecue bans amount to gustatory purgatory for a growing number of barbecue fans who have to wait get their thrill from a grill away from home. Nearly 80 percent of households own an outdoor barbecue appliance and nearly 60 percent use them year round, according to the Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association (HPBA). But firing up a grill with an open flame presents a clear and present fire danger, especially in confined spaces.

The U.S. Fire Administration's National Fire Data Center estimates that barbecuing accounts for more than 6,000 fires, 170 injuries, a half dozen fatalities and some $35 million in property loss each year. Grilling responds to our primal longing for fire-kissed feasts, but singeing sustenance into submission comes with another primal directive -- protecting life and property.

The HPBA offers these tips to get you safely through a barbecued meal:

Read the owners manual. As simple as it sounds, many fail to follow instructions in their rush to barbecue heaven. The manual contains specific assembly, use and safety procedures, as well as manufacturer contact information.
Never use a grill indoors. Barbecuing in your trailer, tent, house, garage, fireplace or any enclosed area can become a carbon monoxide accumulation hazard and kill you. Barbecue smoke can clog your fireplace flue.
Even outdoors, use a well ventilated area. Laws prohibit use on certain small balconies because they don't have sufficient clearance from the building, can produce a back draft into the home and provide limited safe maneuvering space. Set the grill away from buildings, overhead combustibles, dry leaves, brush and swimming pools and swimmers. Beware of wind-blown sparks.
Follow other codes. Electric grills or accessories (rotisseries, etc.) must be properly grounded in accordance with local codes. Place electrical cords out of traffic, walkways or where people can trip over them.
Keep the grill still. Be sure all parts of the grill are level and firmly in place so that it cannot be tipped over. Don't allow play or young children near the grill. Never attempt to move a hot grill. If you stumble and drop the grill, nasty burns are possible.
Use the proper equipment. Use long-handled utensils designed for barbecue work to avoid burns and splatters. Wear clothing that does not have hanging shirt tails, frills, or apron strings that can catch fire, and use flame-retardant mitts when adjusting hot vents.
Keep the fire controlled. To put out flare-ups, either raise the food grid, spread out the coals evenly, or adjust the controls to reduce oxygen and/or lower the temperature. If you must douse the flames with a light spritz of water, first remove the food from the grill. Never leave a grill unattended once lit.
Be ready to extinguish flames. Use baking soda to control a grease fire and have a fire extinguisher handy. Keep a bucket of sand or a garden hose near if you don’t have a commercial extinguisher.
Buy a grill pad or splatter mat. Heat resistant pads placed beneath the grill are usually made of lightweight composite cement or plastic and will protect your deck or patio from any grease that misses the drip pan.

Written by Broderick Perkins