My New Blog

On Saturday, March 20, 2010 from 10am to 4pm, the Arizona State Escrow Association in conjunction with the Better Business Bureau, Arizona Department of Financial Institutions and the Arizona Mortgage Lenders' Association will host the Homeowners' Survival Event at the Steele Indian School Park / Memorial Hall at 300 East Indian School Road, Phoenix, AZ 85012.

Attendance at this community assistance event is FREE.  Throughout the day there will be mini sessions on adjustable rate loans, foreclosure/homeowner eviction, short sales, scams, tax implications and second mortgages/credit impact.

Attendees who would like to meet with a counselor from Take Charge America are encouraged to bring copies of their current loan documents, e.g., Note, Truth-in-Lending Statement, etc.

From Ryan Halldorson at HomeSmart Mortgage:

From the National Association of REALTORS

You’ve decided to purchase a home and take advantage of the Extended Home Buyer Tax Credit. Here's what you have to do to get your benefit:

1. Close on your home purchase between November 7, 2009 and April 30, 2010, or have a binding written contract by April 30, 2010 and close by July 1, 2010.
   
2.  Decide whether to: 
   • apply the credit to your 2009 tax return, filed on or before April 15, 2010;
   •  file an amended 2009 return; or, 
   • apply the credit on your 2010 return, filed on or before April 15, 2011.
     
3. Attach documentation of purchase to your return.

Documentation of Purchase

Details concerning the precise documents required to confirm your purchase have not yet been released. When this information becomes available, I will include instructions and updates on my blog.

When to Apply the Credit

Buyers purchasing homes on or before December 31, 2009 may claim the credit on their 2009 tax returns.

Buyers purchasing in 2010 will have the option to:

•  Claim the credit on their 2009 return, even if the purchase is completed after December 31, 2009;
•  File an amended return for 2009 if their purchase is completed after April 15, 2010; or,
•  Claim the credit on their 2010 tax returns.

Applying the Credit to Your 2009 Taxes

You will need to do three things to claim the credit on your 2009 tax return:

1. Fill out Form 5405 to determine the amount of your available credit;
2. Apply the credit when you file your 2009 tax return or file an amended return;
3. Attach documentation of purchase to your return or amended return.

Ready to start looking for a home? Give me a call and I would be happy to guide you through every step of the way. There is not much time left on the tax credit. Call me at 602-686-8037 or email me at KathyLLockhart@yahoo.com today!

This 2 bedroom, 2 bath home is in the active adult community of Sunland Village. My parents live in Sunland Village and enjoy many of the multiple features this neighborhood offers. There are 2 pools, spas, many tennis courts, a large hall for dances, shows and gatherings, an amphitheater, golf course, library, wood shop and more. The classes and social events are endless!

There are many homes for sale in Sunland Village. This one features a bonus room with a fireplace, an always popular Arizona Room, 1746 square feet, newer appliances and a new water heater.

Interested in more info? Give me a call at 602-686-8037 or email at KathyLLockhart@yahoo.com to see this home or any offered for sale.

Three bedroom, two bath home with 1861 square feet in north Gilbert. It has a formal living and dining area, an eat-in kitchen and a great room with a split floorplan and an office. Asking price is $159,000.

Short sales require some patience and I would be happy to help you every step of the way. Give me a call at 602-686-8037 or email me at KathyLLockhart@yahoo.com for your personal showing or for more information.

Welcome to my new blog series called East Valley Happenings. I'll be focusing on listings and bargains in the Phoenix area East Valley including Mesa, Tempe, Chandler, Gilbert, Scottsdale, Queen Creek, Apache Junction and Chandler.

The first blog is a listing in east Mesa within walking distance of nationally recognized Mountain View High School. It's been updated with new carpet, paint, tile, cabinets, granite counters, landscaping and shower & tub surrounds. It has a pool, 1686 square feet and is listed for $159,900.

For more info on this property, email me at KathyLLockhart@yahoo.com or give me a call at 602-686-8037. I would be happy to email you the listing.

One of the most important things to do before putting your home on the market is to take care of the “easy” things. Make a list of things that need to be repaired – leaky faucets, chipped paint and loose hinges – and fix those items.

DECLUTTER – Remove “you” from the home (meaning pictures and personal items).  A good rule to follow is to have no more than 3 items on any surface. Remove all items from kitchen counters and store them away.

• NEUTRALIZE – Neutralize the rooms with light-colored paint, like creams, tans and white. Keep bright colors to a minimum and use neutral and/or natural colors that can work with many different styles. KEEP IT CLEAN – Nothing sells better than a clean and well — maintained home. Always keep the home feeling and smelling clean for showings. Some inexpensive upgrades that can make a huge difference to the buyer include:New bed treatments (especially for the master bedroom)
• New towels
• Fresh paint
• Replacing old lamps or lighting fixtures

Start with these staging suggestions and talk to me (602-686-8037) about your home and what specific changes will bring the biggest bang for your buck.

There are many factors in determining if it is the right time to buy or sell real estate, but the most important one is if it is the right time for you. No matter what is happening in the real estate market over all, it still comes down to evaluating each individual overall picture.

If you are thinking of selling, you may think this can't be the right time, and . . . you may be correct. It all depends on how much your home is currently valued at versus how much is owed and your current situation. It may be better to wait or consider a short sale.

If you are thinking of buying, your credit history and personal finances need to be reviewed by a mortgage specialist. It may be the right time or, you may need to repair your credit score or build a credit history.

Either way, possibly buying or selling, give me a call or send me a text at 602-686-8037 or shoot me an email at kathyllockhart@yahoo.com and let's look at the overall picture. I promise you I will keep your best interest my priority.