Miss Out on the Tax Credit? You May Be Better Off

Buyers who were eligible for the now expired federal government tax credits who were unable to find a property in time to meet the April 30th contract deadline may end up better off if financing a purchasing soon. Interest rates have fallen substantially in the last month since the tax credit expiration and depending upon […]

Distressed Properties: Are Foreclosures and Short Sales A Good Deal?

Today’s local real estate market differs from recent years because of the higher volume of “distressed” properties. These homes which have been foreclosed or whose owners are trying to sell short offer substantial attraction for many buyers because of their lower list price, but are they good values? That answer often depends on a buyer’s […]

Highlights of Updated RESPA Rules

Starting in January of this year new guidelines went into effect surrounding the RESPA (Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act) statutes. RESPA exists as a protection for consumers and covers closing costs and settlement procedures. Among the many protections offered to buyers is a ban on kickbacks which increase the cost of settlement services. RESPA also […]

Northwest New Housing Picks up in Early 2010

The following is an excerpt of an article published in The Explorer on May 5, 2010 by Alan M. Petrillo.

Spring brought a dazzling crop of wildflowers to southern Arizona, and it’s fostered the growth of something else — a spurt in the building of new homes throughout Northwest Tucson.

John Strobeck of Bright Futures […]

Tax Credit Expiration

Only just over a week remains for buyers to take advantage of the federal government’s latest tax credit program. This “Extended Tax Credit” allows qualifying first-time and some previous homeowners to receive either up to $8,000 or $6,500 respectively. The expiration of this credit comes in two phases with buyers having to be under contract […]