Make the Move Easier

Blog Contributed by: Brian Barwig

Marketing Executive

marketing@selfstoragefinders.com

www.selfstoragefinders.com 

 

 

[caption id="attachment_7419" align="alignright" width="300" caption="Make the Move Easier"][/caption]

There are no easy ways to put it…moving is a stressful hassle. There are always problems and obstacles no matter how minor they are. One way to minimize the stress and problems is to plan your move and create a list. A well organized and planned move will ensure your possessions arrive safely at your new residence. Although each move is different, the basics of a move are the same for nearly everyone. First, don’t wait until the day before to begin packing or even planning. 

This is why we are creating this list…do it beforehand! Make a list of everything you need to pack, which room it will go into and how you can fit it on the truck. Secondly, find a good, reputable moving company. Get at least 3 quotes from movers in order to better understand the costs associated with the move. Thirdly, be sure to register for your change of address in order to receive mail at the correct residence.

Don’t forget to notify your banks, power companies and utility service providers to let them know you are changing addresses as well. Have the utilities turned off in your old home and turned on in your new home prior to arriving with the moving truck. Be sure to ask your movers about moving insurance as well. Most moving companies offer insurance but it may only cover a portion of your belongings. Ask about their coverage, policies and upgrades in order to ensure all of your items are covered.

Lastly, consider using a self storage unit prior to and after the move. You may need extra space in your residence if you are downsizing or not quite set in your home yet. SelfStorageFinders.com lists thousands of storage facilities around the country should you need a storage unit quickly. Research, analyze and rent online in a few simple steps!

 

 

Make the Move Easier

The Meaning of Mortgage Loan Modification

[caption id="attachment_7400" align="alignright" width="300" caption="The Meaning of Mortgage Loan Modification"][/caption]

 

A loan modification is an agreement between a borrower and a lender to re-negotiate the terms of an existing mortgage in order to make a borrower's payments more affordable. For the borrower, loan modification is a way to prevent or forestall default and possible foreclosure on a home. For a lender, loan modification offers a way to avert the costs of foreclosure and sale of a repossessed property. In many cases it can be less expensive for a bank to modify the terms of an existing mortgage than to force a borrower into insolvency and/or bankruptcy.

In order to get a loan modified, a borrower will generally have to prove financial hardship and convince a lender that he or she cannot make the agreed upon monthly payments stipulated in the original agreement. The borrower will need to present compelling evidence including income and expense records, paystubs, bank statements, proof of unemployment or divorce, accounts of outstanding debts or bills, etc.

A lender may also be persuaded to modify a mortgage if it determines that a short sale of the property will not cover the amount of the original loan.

Before agreeing to a loan modification, a lender will want to make sure that a borrower can meet the new obligations set forth in the modified loan. Once a lender has decided to grant a loan modification, it can be accomplished in several ways:

• Payments can be temporarily skipped (forbearance) and added to the end of the loan term.


• The total amount of the principal can be reduced.


• The interest rate can be reduced.


• A variable interest rate can be changed to a fixed rate, or visa versa.


• The loan's repayment term can be extended.


• Any combination of the above.

Since a modification is different from refinancing, it is important to remember that there are no set rules. Loan modification is a negotiation between a borrower and a lender that, ideally, will result in a win-win situation for both parties – the borrower gets to remain in his or her home and the lender gets continued payments.

Drawbacks to a mortgage loan modification do exist. Since the modification process usually begins after the borrower is behind or in default, there will be a negative impact on his or her credit report. Also, if a loan is modified by extending the repayment term, additional interest payments may actually increase the long-term cost to the borrower.

Currently, the federal government's Home Affordable Modification Program requires mortgages owned by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, who hold nearly half of the nation's outstanding mortgages, to work with eligible borrowers to modify their loans.

Also, according to the terms of a recent settlement, five major banks (Wells Fargo, JPMorgan Chase, Citigroup, Bank of America, and Ally Financial) who, together, handle payments on most of the other half of the nation’s outstanding home loans, are also required to provide relief in the form of loan modification or refinancing to eligible borrowers, especially those whose homes are underwater or who are at imminent risk for default.

Jeffrey Sterner writes about personal finance, Veteran issues and gives real estate debt advice for Debt.org.

 

The Meaning of Mortgage Loan Modification

A Celebration of Love in Scottsdale

A Romantic Valentine's Day Dinner

The sweetest day of the year also happens to be the busiest. Brace yourself for a very hectic Thursday: traffic will be horrid, looking for parking space will be worse, dining spots will be packed, and you may find yourself running the risk of having nowhere to go on Valentine’s Day. 

So here are some ideas – on luxurious side of what to do and where to go on this highly celebrated day of love we have some options. It is after all, best to have a game plan for a celebration of love in Scottsdale.

If you are looking for a good dining experience, one might want to check out the dinner spreads offered at Zuzu where they have a few ala cart special along with a regular dinner menu. Specials include Tempura Shrimp + Lobster, Braised Halibut, a Dessert Duo with Chocolate-covered strawberries and mini red velvet cupcakes and drinks. Dinner is served at 5:30 – 10:00 pm. Call 480-421-7997 for reservations.

SASSI restaurant in North Scottsdale will also feature a specialty menu in this year’s Valentine’s Day. The evening will begin with a rose for all of ladies, followed by a four course pre-fixe meal for two. Special holiday wines by the bottles and glass will also be available in addition to a selection of cocktails including the signature, Amore Smooch. Click here for the complete holiday menu selection.

Lovely Roses for the Ladies

Discover the artful Mediterranean cuisine at T. Cooks at Royal Palms Resort and Spa one of the top rated restaurants in the metropolitan Phoenix area. The restaurant will serve a three-course pre-fixed menu offering a wide array of special dishes; guest will surely have a chance to indulge with their sweetie. Admission is $95 per person. Call 602-808-0766 for reservation. Click here for  a complete Valentine Dinner menu.

Roaring Fork celebrates the Valentine’s Day holiday in rustic style with an assortment of special menu items by Executive Chef, Michael Bouwens. The Valentine’s Day celebration will begin at 4:00 pm and all selections will be served a la carte in addition to the regular menu. Holiday menu includes:

• Sole stuffed with crabmeat served with a red pepper beurre blanc


• Rotisserie Roasted Prime Rib


• Lobster Bisque


• Holiday flavored crème brulee


• Tuxedo (white and milk chocolate) strawberries

For reservations, call 480-947-0795. 

Lastly, one can’t simply let the day go by without mouthwatering desserts. Sprinkles Cupcakes celebrates the love month with their Sprinkles XOX box. Topped with XOX and heart sugar decorations, each dozen contains the perfect mix of flavors for your special someone: Valentine's Day favorites Red Velvet and Chocolate Marshmallow as well as classics Dark Chocolate and Vanilla. To order, visit their website at http://www.sprinkles.com

Of course, there is a lot more happening in the valley come February 14. The important thing is make sure to get a head start – Making reservations is a must so as not to allow traffic, bad preparations and the like to ruin this special day.



From the Luxury Valley Homes team, we wish you a very Happy Valentine's Day. May this day be filled with love and understanding as you journey through life with those you hold dear.



This article: A Celebration of Love in Scottsdale is brought to you by the Luxury Valley Homes team. For real estate inquiries, email or call us at 480-595-6412. You may also visit our website at the Luxury Valley Homes.

A Celebration of Love in Scottsdale

For more information, please visit our website.

A Celebration of Love in Scottsdale

 

[caption id="attachment_7375" align="alignright" width="220" caption="A Romantic Valentine's Day Dinner"][/caption]

The sweetest day of the year also happens to be the busiest. Brace yourself for a very hectic Thursday: traffic will be horrid, looking for parking space will be worse, dining spots will be packed, and you may find yourself running the risk of having nowhere to go on Valentine’s Day. 

So here are some ideas – on luxurious side of what to do and where to go on this highly celebrated day of love we have some options. It is after all, best to have a game plan for a celebration of love in Scottsdale.

If you are looking for a good dining experience, one might want to check out the dinner spreads offered at Zuzu where they have a few ala cart special along with a regular dinner menu. Specials include Tempura Shrimp + Lobster, Braised Halibut, a Dessert Duo with Chocolate-covered strawberries and mini red velvet cupcakes and drinks. Dinner is served at 5:30 – 10:00 pm. Call 480-421-7997 for reservations.

SASSI restaurant in North Scottsdale will also feature a specialty menu in this year’s Valentine’s Day. The evening will begin with a rose for all of ladies, followed by a four course pre-fixe meal for two. Special holiday wines by the bottles and glass will also be available in addition to a selection of cocktails including the signature, Amore Smooch. Click here for the complete holiday menu selection.

[caption id="attachment_7377" align="alignright" width="207" caption="Lovely Roses for the Ladies"][/caption]

Discover the artful Mediterranean cuisine at T. Cooks at Royal Palms Resort and Spa one of the top rated restaurants in the metropolitan Phoenix area. The restaurant will serve a three-course pre-fixed menu offering a wide array of special dishes; guest will surely have a chance to indulge with their sweetie. Admission is $95 per person. Call 602-808-0766 for reservation. Click here for  a complete Valentine Dinner menu.

Roaring Fork celebrates the Valentine’s Day holiday in rustic style with an assortment of special menu items by Executive Chef, Michael Bouwens. The Valentine’s Day celebration will begin at 4:00 pm and all selections will be served a la carte in addition to the regular menu. Holiday menu includes:

• Sole stuffed with crabmeat served with a red pepper beurre blanc


• Rotisserie Roasted Prime Rib


• Lobster Bisque


• Holiday flavored crème brulee


• Tuxedo (white and milk chocolate) strawberries

For reservations, call 480-947-0795. 

Lastly, one can’t simply let the day go by without mouthwatering desserts. Sprinkles Cupcakes celebrates the love month with their Sprinkles XOX box. Topped with XOX and heart sugar decorations, each dozen contains the perfect mix of flavors for your special someone: Valentine's Day favorites Red Velvet and Chocolate Marshmallow as well as classics Dark Chocolate and Vanilla. To order, visit their website at http://www.sprinkles.com

Of course, there is a lot more happening in the valley come February 14. The important thing is make sure to get a head start – Making reservations is a must so as not to allow traffic, bad preparations and the like to ruin this special day.

 

From the Luxury Valley Homes team, we wish you a very Happy Valentine's Day. May this day be filled with love and understanding as you journey through life with those you hold dear.

 

This article: A Celebration of Love in Scottsdale is brought to you by the Luxury Valley Homes team. For real estate inquiries, email or call us at 480-595-6412. You may also visit our website at the Luxury Valley Homes.

 

A Celebration of Love in Scottsdale

Invest Your Rent

Why Pay Your Landlord's Mortgage?

Invest Your Rent

Invest your rent. It makes financial sense because the only one who benefits from a rent check is the landlord. Renters never see that money again, while homeowners usually profit when they sell. In addition, renters can't use any of their rent payment as a tax deduction, like homeowners can. If you or someone you know is renting, it's time to put that rent check to better use! We can help make that happen for you, just call or email us at Luxury Valley Homes. We have some special programs for  veteran loans, so if your a veteran, talk to a veteran that has already been through the process and has helped dozens of others find a house they could call home.

The mortgage-interest deduction is probably the best financial argument for buying rather than renting. Consider this example:

If you can afford a mortgage payment of $1,000 (principal and interest only), you can buy a house for $151,426 if you put 10% down on a 30-year mortgage at 8% interest. If your payments started in January, you would pay $10,862 in interest for the first year in the home. That entire amount is deductible on your federal income tax return! Assuming you are in the 27.5% tax bracket, you would save $2,989 in taxes, or $249 per month. So your $1,000 payment is really only $751 when you factor in the homeowner's tax advantage.

Can A Renter Really Afford To Buy?

The real question is whether renters can afford not to buy. The tax savings alone make the purchase of a home a wise financial decision. But let's go a step further.

Using the same example, a 10% down payment would create an immediate equity of $15,142. Assuming the $151,426 house grows in value by just 3% a year, in five years it would be worth $175,544. The original loan amount would then be down to $129,565, yielding an equity of $45,980. In addition, remember the nearly $3,000 tax savings every year. The total value of your equity and tax savings would be almost $61,000 after five years.

Pick A Loan

To take advantage of the financial benefits of homeownership, renters must first find out how much buying power they have. We can help. Call us for information about the whole range of mortgage options now available, including low- and no-down-payment loans, and programs that allow buyers wrap home-improvement costs and closing costs into the mortgage.

Plan Ahead

Invest your rent means investing in yourself. Keep in mind that some lenders allow buyers to use up to 41% of monthly income to purchase a house, beware of becoming "house rich and cash poor." Be sure to budget for home ownership costs beyond the mortgage, including expenses for:

• moving


• decorating and furnishing


• homeowners insurance


• property taxes


• homeowners association fees (if any)


• utilities-power, water, sewer, cable, trash pick-up


• yard tools, supplies and general upkeep


• home repairs, supplies, cleaning and upgrades.

Today, home ownership is a wonderful dream-come-true for more people than ever before. Let us help turn those dreams into a home to be proud of.

Article: Invest your rent, is brought to you be the Luxury Valley Homes team.

Invest Your Rent

For more information, please visit our website.

Invest Your Rent

Why Pay Your Landlord's Mortgage?

[caption id="attachment_7359" align="alignright" width="255" caption="Invest Your Rent"][/caption]

Invest your rent. It makes financial sense because the only one who benefits from a rent check is the landlord. Renters never see that money again, while homeowners usually profit when they sell. In addition, renters can't use any of their rent payment as a tax deduction, like homeowners can. If you or someone you know is renting, it's time to put that rent check to better use! We can help make that happen for you, just call or email us at Luxury Valley Homes. We have some special programs for  veteran loans, so if your a veteran, talk to a veteran that has already been through the process and has helped dozens of others find a house they could call home.

The mortgage-interest deduction is probably the best financial argument for buying rather than renting. Consider this example:

If you can afford a mortgage payment of $1,000 (principal and interest only), you can buy a house for $151,426 if you put 10% down on a 30-year mortgage at 8% interest. If your payments started in January, you would pay $10,862 in interest for the first year in the home. That entire amount is deductible on your federal income tax return! Assuming you are in the 27.5% tax bracket, you would save $2,989 in taxes, or $249 per month. So your $1,000 payment is really only $751 when you factor in the homeowner's tax advantage.

Can A Renter Really Afford To Buy?

The real question is whether renters can afford not to buy. The tax savings alone make the purchase of a home a wise financial decision. But let's go a step further.

Using the same example, a 10% down payment would create an immediate equity of $15,142. Assuming the $151,426 house grows in value by just 3% a year, in five years it would be worth $175,544. The original loan amount would then be down to $129,565, yielding an equity of $45,980. In addition, remember the nearly $3,000 tax savings every year. The total value of your equity and tax savings would be almost $61,000 after five years.

Pick A Loan

To take advantage of the financial benefits of homeownership, renters must first find out how much buying power they have. We can help. Call us for information about the whole range of mortgage options now available, including low- and no-down-payment loans, and programs that allow buyers wrap home-improvement costs and closing costs into the mortgage.

Plan Ahead

Invest your rent means investing in yourself. Keep in mind that some lenders allow buyers to use up to 41% of monthly income to purchase a house, beware of becoming "house rich and cash poor." Be sure to budget for home ownership costs beyond the mortgage, including expenses for:

• moving


• decorating and furnishing


• homeowners insurance


• property taxes


• homeowners association fees (if any)


• utilities-power, water, sewer, cable, trash pick-up


• yard tools, supplies and general upkeep


• home repairs, supplies, cleaning and upgrades.

Today, home ownership is a wonderful dream-come-true for more people than ever before. Let us help turn those dreams into a home to be proud of.

Article: Invest your rent, is brought to you be the Luxury Valley Homes team.

Invest Your Rent

Homes and Condos for Sale in Tatum Ranch, Cave Creek, AZ

 

[caption id="attachment_7229" align="alignright" width="300" caption="Tatum Ranch Subdivision"][/caption]

Situated around the junction of Cave Creek Road and Tatum Boulevard, Tatum Ranch is a master-planned community of 3,400 homes and 5 commercial sites in the Northeast corner of Phoenix, Arizona. With Tatum Ranch's spectacular mountain views coupled with 7 washes or arroyos coursing through the community, every home in Tatum Ranch community feels a resort-like suburban atmosphere.

Real state opportunities in Tatum Ranch consists of single family detached homes and estates and some beautiful condominiums. Home buyers may wish to consider the homes and condos for sale in Tatum Ranch, Cave Creek, AZ. The ranch is in a wonderful spot where residents can enjoy the quite beauty and tranquility of the Upland Sonoran Desert life.

 

View available current listing of homes and condos for sale in Tatum Ranch, Cave Creek, AZ here.

 

Enjoy the Tatum Ranch's proximity to downtown Phoenix. The community itself has a shopping area such as hardware, pharmacy, grocery, along with doctor and dental clinic. Also nestled within the neighborhood is the Desert Willows Elementary School, making families with children to get the young students to school.

[caption id="attachment_7245" align="alignleft" width="570" caption="Tatum Ranch Current Listings"][/caption]

 

Sitting in the middle of the Tatum Ranch community is the private golf course and country club. Every home owner has the opportunity to enjoy the pool especially during early summer months. Shopping and dining are also available both in Cave Creek and Phoenix area which means that the buyers of homes and condos for sale in Tatum Ranch will always have something to do.

For inquiries on homes and condos for sale in Tatum Ranch in Phoenix and Cave Creek, just email or call us at 480-595-6412.

Article: Homes and Condos for Sale in Tatum Ranch, Cave Creek, AZ is brought to you by the Luxury Valley Homes team.

 

 

Homes and Condos for Sale in Tatum Ranch, Cave Creek, AZ