Real Estate Information

VA Petition to Help Veterans

Today I would like to share a story with you about my clients Jack and Denise Randall, who have been impacted by Jack’s exposure to Agent Orange. If you feel compelled, I would like to ask you to click on the link to join them in this fight by signing their petition.

Did you know that if a soldier fights in a "secret" mission and he is hurt or affected from that mission he cannot receive the benefits he needs? The file is top secret therefore he was never there according to the VA. Jack Randall is a career officer in the Navy who did many tours in Viet Nam. After exposure to Agent Orange, Jack was diagnosed with dementia over ten years ago and it has destroyed his health. Denise, his wife, is a school teacher has been forced to quit her job so she can provide round the clock care for him. The VA will not help them with the benefits she needs to provide him appropriate care.

The Randall’s have presented a petition to The Arizona State House, The Arizona State Senate, Governor Jan Brewer, The United States House of Representatives, The United States Senate, and President Barack Obama, which says: "We are asking that in the case of veteran's benefits that all files be it top secret or otherwise be opened so the VA can correctly review the benefits needed by the soldier. This will prove the areas of the world where they worked and the possible effects of chemical warfare."

Each of us know someone who has selflessly dedicated their life to defend the freedoms we enjoy in this Country. It makes me sad to know this man, who spent his whole life in an active of service, is now being denied the care he needs. Will you sign the petition too? Click here to add your name.

Need Mortgage Help? Free Webinar this Saturday 

This Saturday, February 18th at 10:00am the Russo Team will be offering a FREE webinar - if you need mortgage help - this is the place to find it. Our free webinar will provide you an opportunity to learn from industry experts, who will explain how the process of a short sale works, including legal and tax implications.

Recent reports indicate 25 percent of homeowners in this country have found themselves stuck with a home that is not worth what they owe on the mortgage. Upheaval on Wall Street has gotten a ton of attention, but unfortunately, the individual homeowners have largely been left to their own devices. We understand the idea of loosing your home is frightening and overwhelming - if you need mortgage help, please join us for a very informative, free webinar. 

Space and time are limited, please sign up today. Click here now to reserve your webinar seat.

Saturday, February 18th 2012
10:00 am to 11:30 am
Click here to register

Short Sales Work! Check out this video from a real success story

Don't take our word for it, check out this video from a real success story - a real seller The Russo Team assisted with her short sale transaction. Short Sales work! We will be hosting a FREE webinar on Saturday, February 18th to offer a stress-free, anonymous environment for you to get the answers to difficult questions surrounding the short sale process. Webinar will begin at 10:00 am - space is limited so sign up today to reserve your spot. Click here now. 

Why would a bank agree to let you off the hook for less than you owe? 

Banks aren’t in the real estate business, nor do they really don’t want to own your home. And because banks were as blind sighted by the foreclosure crisis as everyone else, they already have more homes on their books than they can expect to sell in a year. If there’s one word that describes how banks feel about foreclosures right now it’s: ENOUGH! 

In light of recent economic events, many banks are now offering cash incentives and have speeded up processes to encourage short sales. You may qualify for a short sale if you:

• Owe more than your house is worth
• Can prove financial hardship
• Are unable to afford your current mortgage payment

The federal government, along with many state and local agencies, have also stepped up their foreclosure prevention initiatives. Key among the foreclosure prevention initiatives is the Home Affordable Foreclosure Alternatives (HAFA) program. Homeowners who qualify for a HAFA short sale get:

• $3,000 CASH in relocation assistance
• The reassurance that the foreclosure process will be halted during the short sale process
• A waiver on deficiency judgments following the sale, meaning the lender will not seek to collect the difference in the amount of the mortgage and the sale price. The situation is complicated and the stakes are high. Never has it been more important to have a local market advocate on your side.

On Saturday, February 18^th the Russo Team will be hosting a free Short Sale Webinar to provide an opportunity for participants to get answer to important questions about the current state of the market. Our panel of experts will address all areas of the short sale process, including legal and tax implications – and best of all, this is a stress-free and anonymous environment (all participants personal information will be confidential). Space is limited so I encourage you to sign up today. You can reserve your Webinar spot now by clicking here. Webinar will begin at 9:00am on Saturday, February 18^th 2012.

If you would like more information regarding the short sale process, you may visit me online at www.RussoTeamHelps.com to receive a complimentary copy of this month’s report entitled, "Are you Living Under the Cloud of an Unmanageable Mortgage.

Changes to HOA Disclosure Laws 

There have been recent changes to the HOA (Home Owner Association) disclosure laws which I felt were important to share with you. As an active member of my HOA for many years, I believe firmly that taking an interest and staying involved in your community is a part of being a responsible homeowner. These changes to the HOA disclosure laws appear to be positive improvements:

·         Fees for disclosure items are capped at $400.00  (this does not include any “rush fees” or “update fees”) 
·         All disclosure related fees will be collected at the time the property closes escrow (COE)
·         Standard delivery is 10 calendar days from the initial request
·         Rush order delivery is 72 hours or 3 calendar days. The “rush fee” is capped at $100.00
·         Updated closing figures will be available at no charge for the first 30 days of an open escrow
·         The maximum charge for an update is $50.00 and can only be charged after the 31^st day
·         HOA management companies may now opt to deliver all disclosure information via an electronic format

I have served as board President and various other roles on my own HOA and I understand how daunting it can appear to be when you have never dealt with an entity like an HOA. If you are considering purchasing a home, as a professional real estate agent, I can help you understanding all the laws pertaining to HOA and how they govern different communities.

Pre-Approved Short Sale in Trilogy at Vistancia

We just listed this gorgeous home in the exclusive subdivision of Trilogy at Vistancia located in north Peoria, Arizona. The short sale terms have already been approved so there is no waiting - take the video tour and call us to make an offer! Don't wait because this upgraded property is priced to sell and it won't last long in this market. 602-864-1200 or TheTeam@RussoTeam.com.

​RE/MAX Awarded Best Customer Service

Thank you for honoring RE/MAX with a pair of J.D. Power and Associates "Customer Satisfaction" Awards for both home buyers and home sellers. I know that I speak on behalf of everyone on my team – we put your satisfaction at the top of our list – customer service is our number priority. It is a privilege to be among the RE/MAX agents to receive this prestigious award. We greatly appreciate your continued support, trust and confidence in us as your real estate professionals. Thank you – Frank 

New Arizona Law Regarding Pools 

Effective January 1^st, 2012 Arizona passed a new law (AZ Title 44:2) concerning the primary pool filter pump motors in residential pools. This new law will impact homeowners if their pool filter pump motor goes out or if they are planning to build a new pool.  Here is a brief overview of the new Arizona law regarding pools:

• Motors shall not be split-phase or capacitor start-induction run type motors, except for the following:
  • The low-speed section of two-speed motors may be capacitor start-induction run type
  • Forty-eight-frame motors designed for use with aboveground pools are exempt from this requirement.
• Motors with a total horsepower capacity of one or more shall have the capability of operating at two or more speeds with a low speed having a rotation rate that is no more than one-half of the motor's maximum rotation rate and shall be operated with a pump control with the capability of operating the pump at two or more speeds. Residential pool pump motor controls that are sold for use with a two or more speed motor shall have a default circulation speed setting no more than one-half of the motor's maximum rotation rate. Any high speed override capability shall be for a temporary period not to exceed one twenty-four hour cycle without resetting to the default setting.

If you have a home warranty currently in place on your property, you should call before you assume you will be covered under your policy terms. Single speed motors can be replaced at a cost of approximately $350.00 however a two-speed or variable speed motors are around $1200.00. To learn more about home warranty coverage, please consider One Guard Home Warranty. 

RE/MAX CEO Margaret Kelly Housing Message for 2012

For a positive message on the housing conditions for 2012, watch this short video of RE/MAX CEO Margaret Kelly as she shares her insights and thoughts on the future of real estate. If you or anyone you know is thinking of making a move or you want to learn how to make a smart investment this year, please give the Russo Team a call today. Don't miss out on one of the the best times to buy real estate in the history of Phoenix! 

Free Short Sale Webinar 
Saturday, January 21^st at 10:00am (MST)

Register now to hear a panel of industry leaders as they discuss the alternatives to foreclosure through a short sale transaction.

Learn Important Information Like:

• Can the bank come after me for the unpaid mortgage balance?
• Will I have to report the short sale to the IRS?
• How does this impact my credit?
• Can I ever own a home again?
• Ask LIVE questions to the panelist on-line

Click here to learn more about the panel of experts!

Join us on Saturday, January 21^st from 10:00am to 11:30am (MST) for this free short sale webinar. All participants will get answers to questions about the current state of the real estate market and what options may be to sell property. Our industry experts will address all areas of a short sale including legal and tax implications in a stress-free and anonymous environment.

Space is limited – click here NOW to secure your spot!