Jenny Browne, US Preferred Realtor

This is a good one

What a great kitchen remodel!

SRP Customer? Great news!

Did you know that if you are a SRP customer, you can get cash back from them when you buy a new AC system?  Yes, it's true!  "Depending on the unit efficiency ratio (min. 14 seer) and the equipment configuration, the rebate ranges from $250-$600 for current SRP residential electric customers with existing homes who replace existing central heat pumps or central air conditioners with new, high-efficiency central cooling systems." (This is taken straight from the June 2008 SRP newsletter that comes with your bill).  For more info on this program -- go to www.srpnet.com/powerwise.  If it's time for a new AC unit- what a great way to get some cash back in your pocket!!

Have a great weekend.  -Jenny B

Flipping a house - there are new rules

Good news for those of you who see the great opportunities to buy an investment home!  If you are a buyer that wants to buy a foreclosed property at a huge discount, but want to turn it quickly - you now have no limitations!  The government has just suspended the property flipping rule for one year.  Someone who purchases a foreclosed property does not need to wait the 90 days before they can sell it to a buyer who is using a government backed loan.  The Federal government wants to encourage people with money to buy these bank-owned properties, fix them up, and be able to sell them to the next buyer quickly.  This is a great way to get the foreclosed properties that are hurting our neighborhoods OFF the market!  Hats off to our government for this one! 

Let me know your thoughts on this....   -Jenny    

Making changes to your home on a Budget!

There are some great inexpensive design tips in this video... check it out. (I like the way she made a custom looking carpet!).

Buying a home

In the last few months I have mentioned more than once that it is a good time to purchase a home.  If it's been awhile since your last purchase or if this is your first purchase; here is a list of things that you must do as you start this process...

1. GET QUALIFIED!  You need to know what you can afford.  A mortgage broker/lender will be able to give you the amount you can spend and what your monthly payment would be.

2. Pick a LOCATION!  Without knowing where you want to live - you will be floundering for quite some time.  If you are new to the Phoenix area, choose a distance from where you work and use that as a radius for the circle you want to stay within.  If you are a newcomer - it is good to see a few different areas then pick your favorite and stick with it.

3. Decide how many bedrooms and bathrooms you need.  Also, do you need a formal living room with separate family room?  Do you want the master split from the other bedrooms?  Do you need a formal dining room?  Garage or carport?  Here's where you need to get specific on what you can and can not live with.

4. How many square feet should the house be?  How big does the lot need to be?  Pool or no pool?

5. Do you need a turn-key home or can you have a fix-up home?  You need to know yourself and your spouse for this question.  Do you have the skills, money and time to fix up a home?  If you work a lot, aren't good with a hammer and don't have extra money after purchasing the home - turn-key home is probably your answer.

6. What age home do you want?  New build?  Barely lived in?  Or do you like the 70's style ranch homes?  Do you want to look at bank owned homes?  Short sales? Or do you want to buy from an actual owner-occupied home?

With so many homes on the market, buyers tend to think it will be very easy to find a home.  It can be, but you will need to define what you are looking for and where.  Without a clear definition and direction you will be looking at a lot of homes, burning a lot of gas, and using up a lot of time.  If you are ready to buy- answer the above questions and then call a Realtor (ME!).

Have a great week.

Jenny B