Top 10 Summer Fun Ideas 

It’s hard to believe that the end of the school year is just around the corner – and summer is official upon us here in the Valley of the Sun. Although my daughter is grown and out of the house now, I can still remember on many occasions hearing those dreaded words, “Dad I’m bored.”

Here are the top 10 summer fun ideas you can have with your kids – with little or no cost involved. Make it a great summer, filled with memories that will last a lifetime!

Check out the Public Library – getting your kids to read over the summer can be more than just fun, it can help them stay sharp and better prepared for the next school year. Library cards are free for Maricopa County residents and there are plenty of public libraries filled with great books!

Water Balloon Contest – in the scorching Arizona summer heat, finding ways to cool off is a must. Why not head to the dollar store, pick up a bag of balloons and have a water balloon contest!

Take a trip to IKEA – a trip to IKEA can be an all-day affair. Cool air conditioning, plenty to see for everyone in the family and great food. IKEA is located off Baseline Road on the I10 Freeway.

Board Games – some of my favorite memories are playing board games as kid. Today, there are a plethora of options, ranging from simple to complex. You can pick up a brand new board game at any Wal-Mart, Target or Kmart for around $20.00 or you can check out your local thrift store too.

Build a Fort in the Living Room – let the kids turn your sofas and chairs into an indoor fort with the cushions, pillows and some sheets. Join them with a flashlight and an old ghost story – they’ll love it!

Have a Scavenger Hunt – scavenger hunts require a little planning and organizing but they don’t require a lot of money. You can plan one with ordinary household items and right in your own neighborhood. Google it, for more details on how to plan a scavenger hunt.

Head to the Lake – we are pretty lucky to have a beautiful lake recreation area in Peoria, which is relatively close to anyone living in the northwest or northeast valley. Lake Pleasant is a great place to spend the day, even if you don’t have a boat. You can walk around the marina or find a spot on the shore and set up camp. There is a cost to enter the recreation area - learn more at http://www.maricopa.gov/parks/lake_pleasant/.

Bake Cookies – who doesn’t love a fresh batch of warm cookies right out of the oven? Spend some quality time with your kids in the kitchen with your favorite cookie recipe.

Go for a Random Drive – one of my favorite things to do, even as an adult. Jump in the car and head out for the day. You can go for a random drive, see where you end up or pick a place you’ve never been before and go exploring.

Volunteer – there are plenty of places we can volunteer – such as local businesses, retirement homes, the Phoenix Children’s Hospital or maybe even someone you know who might need a helping hand. Teach your children the value of giving back while they are young.

RE/MAX CEO Margaret Kelly spoke to FOX Business News on Friday, May 10th about the recovering U.S. real estate market. The low inventory is impacting home prices, but as Margaret Kelly shares, this is good news for homeowners. 

The increase in property values is especially good news for underwater homeowners. Due to rising home values, 2.7 million homeowners who were  previously underwater, are now in a positive position.

If you or someone you know is interested in learning more about property values in our Phoenix market, please give the Russo Team a call today.

www.RussoTeam.com
602-864-1200

Top 5 Reasons to Sell a Home Today

In today’s market, there are many opinions about the condition of the market and whether or not it is a good time to sell. Despite what you may have heard on the local news, here are 5 great reasons to consider selling a home today.

1. Supply is Low: Demand is High

The current number of homes that are available in our market has dropped to its lowest point since May of 2005. The month’s supply of homes for sale is down 21.6 percent from this time last year. Today, in our Arizona Multiple Listing Service (ARMLS) there are 12,251 active homes for sale. With 9,886 homes sale pending, this means we have just over a one month supply of homes for sale. The law of supply and demand, in our market, means you as a seller are in a very good position to sell your home, for top dollar.

2. Time to Upgrade

Although property values are up on average 25 percent from this time last year, we are still far below what homes were selling for in the hype of the boom back in 2003-2005. If you have a dream home in mind, now might be the time to take advantage of low prices and make the upgrade before property values climb any higher.

3. Bidding Wars: More Money In Your Pocket

In keeping with the law of supply and demand, the fact that we are seeing multiple offers on properties makes sense. And it makes even more sense that bidding wars mean more money in your pocket. More demand, or in other words, more buyers who want your home, the higher the dollar amount you get for your home.

4. New Homes: Unforeseen Competition

With the economy making a comeback, new homes have returned to our market place. Builder permits are up on average 50 percent in the Phoenix market place. With low inventory, buyers are turning to new homes as an alternative to bidding wars. And as a seller, new homes create an unforeseen competition for you.

5. We NEED More Homes to Sell

With just about a month’s supply of homes for sale, there is just not enough to meet the growing buyer demand. Recent studies done, report that despite the crash of the market and the negativity of mass foreclosures, most American’s plan to own a home at some point. The sale of a home is the number one thing that stimulates the economy. In order for our economy to continue its rebound, more homes need to come into the market place. We need more homes to sell!

If you have been kicking around the idea of selling your home, here are the top 5 reasons you should consider selling now. The Russo Team has been serving Valley homeowners for over thirty years. My team and I have the local experience and skill you need to sell your home for top dollar. Don’t miss out on the strong demand that exists in our market right now – call us today!

www.RussoTeam.com
602-864-1200

The Dream of Homeownership – even for youngsters 

In a recent article published by US News, the dream of homeownership is still alive, even for youngsters.

“Nearly seven in 10 Americans between the ages of 18 and 29 don't currently own a home, but plan to make the big purchase within the next 10 years, according to Gallup. Less than 10 percent of respondents in that age group said they have no plans to buy a home in the future.”

Due to a large number of foreclosures across the United States, homeownership dropped from nearly 70 percent of all Americans in 2004 to approximately 61 percent today. However, in recent polls, more than 80 percent of Americans say they will continue to own a home or plan to buy in the next ten years.

The dream of homeownership is full of potential – from quality of life, to tax incentives, to long-term wealth building. With property values on the rebound in our Phoenix market, now is a better time to consider a purchase, than later. Home prices in the metro Phoenix area, went up on average 25 percent in the last twelve months. Although good news for the overall economy, it might not be good news for buyers who are sitting on the fence. If you want to own a home, now is the time to act – why not make your dream of homeownership a reality today? Call the Russo Team – we can help you find a great deal in today’s market. 602-864-1200.

To read the full article published by US News, please click here.

Source: USnews.com

Today, more than ever homeowners need to focus on creating a comprehensive plan for marketing their property. This video, Tips for Successfully Marketing Your Home, will show you that as RE/MAX agents, the Russo Team is uniquely qualified to help you successfully market your home. We have been serving Arizona homeowners for over thirty years with all their real estate needs - whether that is buying, selling, investing or short sale help, we have the experience you need to get the job done.

If you have heard or read anything about the real estate market as of late, you should know that property values have gone up on average 25 percent in the Valley of the Sun. If you own a home and you had previously thought you could not sell, we may have good news for you. If you are interested in learning more about the current value of your home, please contact my team today. Frank

www.RussoTeam.com
602-864-1200

From Foreclosure to Freedom

When a homeowner is in danger of losing their home to foreclosure, it can be a very emotional time. Some homeowners feel angry others may feel shame or even helplessness. But one of the most common feelings for homeowners in this situation is that of being alone with no one to help. They often feel as if no one has experienced or understands their circumstances. Nothing could be further from the truth. There are millions of homeowners who have been in this exact situation, and many of them have found ways to get through it without having their future damaged by a foreclosure.

The Russo Team has helped many Arizona families who found themselves in danger of losing their homes. Instead of giving up, these clients sought help with us, to find a way to move on with their lives and protect their future.

If you or someone you know is in this situation, you are not alone! There are options for people who are still struggling with their mortgage. As a Certified Distressed Property Expert (CDPE), I am uniquely qualified to help you navigate all of your options and come up with the best possible solution. Contact me today for a free, confidential consultation and take the first step towards becoming the next success story.

Please visit me online at www.RussoTeamHelps.com for more information. Frank

Today’s Unique Market Opportunities 

In the real estate market today, there are incredible opportunities. You just have to know where to look.

There are two ways to make money in real estate investing: cash flow and appreciation. Cash flow should be your primary consideration when looking for properties to rent. The beauty of cash flow is that it provides income every month. It ensures that, no matter what is happening in the market, there will always be properties that make sense for investors. All you have to do is make sure that the math makes sense.

Although cash flow is the most important element to consider when investing in real estate, it doesn’t mean you should ignore appreciation. Appreciation occurs when the value of your property increases after you buy it.

The great thing about cash flow is that it exists in any market. Good markets and bad, there are always properties in which the math works out so that cash flow can be achieved. What makes today’s opportunity so unique is that so many of the properties can be bought at a discount or below true market value.

According to recent reports, property values on average in the Phoenix metro area, have increased approximately 25 percent. When you consider how far property values dropped during the market crash, this is positive news for sure. However, even though 2012 showed huge signs of improvement, there are still areas of the city that have a long way to go.

For investors, this opportunity is real, and it’s incredible. Savvy investors are taking advantage of this market because they recognize it is a once in a generation opportunity.

If you are interested in taking advantage of today’s unique market opportunities, please give me a call today. Frank

www.RussoTeam.com
602-864-1200

To view the Russo Team Newsletter March-April 2013, please click here.

www.RussoTeam.com
602-864-1200

There is just ONE home left in the final close-out at Cabrillo Point in Peoria, Arizona! Built by Lennar Homes this gorgeous Bloomfield Model is 1,759 square feet with 3 bedrooms and 2.5 baths.

Complete with beautiful amenities such as granite counters, stainless appliance package, raised panel cabinetry and upgraded tile flooring, this lovely floorplan is open, spacious and full landscaping package - this home is literally MOVE-IN ready!! For the current price, please call 602-864-1200 or email TheTeam@RussoTeam.com.

Cabrillo Point is located in the heart of the Arrowhead Entertainment District at 71^st Avenue just south of Bell Road. Within the Peoria School District, Cabrillo Point is surrounded by community playgrounds, biking and walking trails at Paseo Park.

If you or anyone you know is interested in a new spec home in Peoria, Arizona please give us a call today. This property is priced to sell and will not last long!

602-864-1200
www.RussoTeam.com

Mortgage Fraud Alert

When a homeowner is in danger of losing their home to foreclosure, the last thing they are thinking about is that a scammer might be trying to take advantage of their situation. Unfortunately, homeowners in this situation are precisely the most vulnerable to this type of fraud.

Scammers always try to stay one step ahead of law enforcement. Even though many of them have been caught, there are still people who prey on vulnerable homeowners with too-good-to-be-true promises.

In order to help homeowners distinguish between what's fraudulent and what's legitimate, I have created a report that details the most common forms of mortgage relief fraud.  To download the report, visit my website at http://www.russoteamhelps.com/.

If you or someone you know is facing foreclosure, make sure they don't fall victim to predators by reading this report. Then, contact me for a free, confidential consultation. Frank

602-864-1200

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Custom Estate in Cave Creek 

This estate is tucked away behind lush desert landscaping on 3.41 acres. The property can be entered via two different gated drives lit by lampposts. Custom built by the current owner, this property features a waterfall/pond at the front of the property with another waterfall bridge crossing the front door past fire pots to light the way. A third outdoor waterfall graces the desert backdrop into the heated pool/spa which includes a concealed rock water slide and grotto.

Situated near the pool is a one bedroom guest house with complete kitchen and laundry. Once inside the main home you will be greeted by an indoor waterfall pond and 25 foot ceilings. The master bedroom features hardwood floors, sitting area, fireplace that includes a built in 55” LCD TV and three sets of French doors with a great view of the pool. The master bath will take your breath away with lighted glass block steps that lead into the jetted tub surrounded by columns. Two walk-in closets off the sides provide plenty of room for the largest of wardrobes.

The first bedroom shares a Jack & Jill bath with the game room which features hardwood floors, granite countertop bar, French doors and an old time belt and pulley fan system you will marvel at. The game room jukebox can be heard throughout the home and songs accessed from the kitchen and patio areas so you can play your favorite tunes. As you exit through the center of the glass display case for your collectibles you are lead into the 10 seat theater with 110” screen.

At the opposite end of the home you will find a dream kitchen featuring dual ovens and appliances make this kitchen one of a kind. The kitchen overlooks the family room which steps down and includes a fireplace and 30 foot sectional motorized glass door that opens to the patio which spans the entire back of the home. If you like to work from home you won’t find another office like this one. Hardwood floors, three entrances, two with French doors and a wooden spiral staircase to a storage area above make this one office you will want to see.

Following the large winding staircase brings you upstairs where you find a loft overlooking the patios overlooking the desert and city lights. From the loft you will also find the entire south western end of the home lined with windows that overlook the city for extraordinary views. If you are into the latest technology you won’t be disappointed with a central hub that can accommodate your wishes with security cameras, LCD monitors, whole house audio, IR systems and generous amounts of CAT6 throughout the home for future expansion. To top off all the one of a kind feature of this home you will be shocked to find a hidden room on your tour!

For current pricing or to schedule an appointment to see this home today, please call 602-864-1200 or email Frank@RussoTeam.com

The number one brand in real estate is celebrating our 40th anniversary! Having been a member of the RE/MAX Family for many years, and co-owner of RE/MAX Professionals, I can not imagine working for any other company.

Congrats to the founders, Dave and Gail Liniger - we are here today because you were not afraid to defy the odds and overcome the adversities. Thank you for not giving up, when others might have - Frank

In a real market that appears complex and overwhelming, The Russo Team is making you a guarantee - we sell your home in 89 days or less OR we pay you money - $2500.00 to be exact!

If The Russo Team does not successfully get an executed contract within 89 days of listing your home and all other terms have been met, then we will pay you $2500.00 from our commission!!

Click here to read the terms of agreement.

To learn more about your property values or to schedule an appointment to meet with The Russo Team to list your home, please click here.

If you need to sell your home, but you are unsure where to start, please give The Russo Team a call. With our guarantee, you can breath easy that your real estate needs are our top priority!

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602-864-1200

The Russo Team is Listening

I read an article this week about the importance of social media and how it can have both a positive and negative impact on the relationship we have with our clients and customers.

In the article, the author tells a story about a tweet he posted while having a bad experience in Las Vegas. “No Vegas hotel could be worth this long wait. Over an hour to check in. #fail" (of course, he includes the name of the hotel, which I have opted not to share in this blog).

In the article, he goes on to say that the hotel did not tweet him back, however a competing hotel down the street did. Instead of bashing the hotel he was staying at or trying to coax him into changing locations, they simply apologized for the bad experience. Had the hotel he tweeted about, been listening, the outcome of this situation could have been vastly different. So guess where this guy now stays whenever he is traveling to Vegas?

I know in our fast moving real estate market, there are lots of options when it comes to hiring a REALTOR. I also know, there are plenty of bad experiences which results in tweets exactly like this one I am sharing. Listening is a lost art in our service-oriented industry. At the end of the day, good experience or bad, most people just want to know that their needs have been heard.

The Russo Team is listening – don’t let your next real estate buying or selling experience result in a #fail – call me today. Frank

www.RussoTeam.com
602-864-1200

Cabrillo Point by Lennar Homes – Only 2 Homes Left!  

Cabrillo Point by Lennar Homes only has 2 homes left! With low inventory on the market, new homes offer home buyers an alternative to multiple offers in the resale market.

Cabrillo Point by Lennar Homes is located in beautiful north Peoria at 71^st Avenue just south of Bell Road - close to shopping, dining, schools and the 101 Loop.

Lot 25: Bloomfield Model - priced at $210,490 with a February move-in date
This floor plan is a two-story home with 1,759 square feet, 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths http://www.russoteam.com/Bloomfield-3-Bedroom-Model

Lot 29: Columbus Model - priced at $256,990 with a May/June move-in date 
This floor plan is a two-story home with 2,903 square feet, 5 bedrooms + loft, 3 baths http://www.russoteam.com/Columbus-5-Bedroom

To learn more about these homes, or to visit the community, please contact the Russo Team today – don’t wait – these 2 homes will not last long. Call us today! 602-864-1200.

www.RussoTeam.com

*A price increase is planned; therefore the prices listed are subject to change.

The housing market has been top of mind for most, for many years. Well, back by popular demand, RE/MAX Co-Founder and Chairman, Dave Liniger, shares his top 10 housing predictions for 2013. Last year, Dave shared his thoughts on the housing market with an 80% accuracy.

If you or someone you know, is considering a real estate move in 2013, please give the Russo Team a call today. 602-864-1200 or visit us online at www.RussoTeam.com.

Savvy Investors Know That Real Estate Is King of the Investment Mountain

Many people believe that to build wealth one must invest in the stock market. The underlying concept is straightforward enough: You purchase stock in a company and they in turn work to increase their profits, which increases the value of your stock. If you’re lucky, they may even send you a dividend, but it’s not likely. If they do, it won’t be much. For serious investors, what’s missing from this process is control. The truth is that those who invest in stocks are at the mercy of the companies they’ve invested in to generate profits and increase stock value.

For those who prefer a more active, hands-on approach, real estate has proven to be a lucrative alternative. Many are choosing investment properties with great cash flow with the help of an expert agent experienced in real estate for investment. Once they have acquired a property, these investors have control over a variety of elements affecting the size of their returns, including property condition, rent charged and tenant screening. These decisions have a direct impact on creating a steady stream of cash flow while building equity, both of which will work to build wealth over time.

But it’s not just this control that makes real estate as an investment so attractive. In fact, the numbers are on the side of real estate investment. When you look at the performance of stocks versus real estate, the stock market has proven to be much more volatile. If you had invested $100,000 in the stock market in in January 2000, your investment would only be worth $97,680 in June 2012¹. That same investment in real estate would be worth $135,670 according to median sales price figures from the National Association of Realtors². That’s a 2.32 percent decrease for the stock market and a 35.7 percent increase for real estate. And, based on Census Bureau averages of rental pricing³ during that time, cash flow from a rental property would generate $93,954. When combined with the average appreciation over that time period, this investment’s returns would total $229,624—even after the worst housing crash in our generation. Any investor can see that a 129.62 percent increase is a more attractive proposition than a -2.32 percent loss.

Certainly, investment properties will have expenses associated with them, such as insurance and maintenance; however, working with a knowledgeable agent to find the right property and do the math ahead of time can help mitigate risk and help ensure cash flow. As an agent with a Certified Investor Agent Specialist (CIAS) Designation, I can help you identify and negotiate your purchase to ensure a great investment from the outset.

Considering all the great deals in today’s market, the lower-than-ever interest rates, tax benefits, and proven stability over time, it’s easy to see that when compared to other asset classes, real estate is indeed King of Investment Mountain. Frank

602-864-1200
www.RussoTeam.com

Source:
1: CNN Money
2: National Association of REALTORS
3. U.S. Census Bureau

RE/MAX Chairman, Dave Liniger speaks with CNBC's this week regarding the housing market and the impact on the economy. In this video, he is asking the two presidential candidates to let the housing market help the economy by addressing the key issues homeowners and homebuyers face right now.

If you or someone you know needs real estate assistance, please call the Russo Team today. 602-864-1200.

Cabrillo Point by Lennar Homes - Final Inventory

Cabrillo Point by Lennar Homes is near completion! With inventory at an all-time low, new homes offer home buyers an alternative to multiple offers in the resale market. These homes will not last long!

Check out what Cabrillo Point by Lennar Homes has to offer:

Lot 25: Bloomfield Floor Plan $205,990 – estimated delivery date Jan/Feb 2013
Lot 27: Bloomfield Floor Plan $206,990 – estimated delivery date Mar/Apr 2013
Lot 33: Bloomfield Floor Plan $210,990 – estimated delivery date Feb/Mar 2013

This floor plan is a two-story home with 1,759 square feet, 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths http://www.russoteam.com/Bloomfield-3-Bedroom-Model

Lot 36: Freedom Floor Plan (NextGen “A Home Within A  Home”) $230,990 – estimated delivery date Jan/Feb 2013

This floor plan is a two-story home with 2,247 square feet, 3 bedrooms in the main house plus a private suite with 1 bedroom/1 bath http://www.russoteam.com/Freedom-4-Bedroom

Lot 23: Cortes (Superhome) Floor Plan $239,990 – estimated delivery date Dec 2012
Lot 24: Cortes (Superhome) Floor Plan $241,990 – estimated delivery date Dec 2012
Lot 31: Cortes (Superhome) Floor Plan $239,990 – estimated delivery date Feb/Mar 2013

This floor plan is a two-story home with 2,567 square feet, 5 bedrooms, 3 baths http://www.russoteam.com/Cortes-5-Bedroom

Lot 29: Columbus (Superhome) Floor Plan $260,990 – estimated delivery date May/June 2013
Lot 63: Columbus (Superhome) Floor Plan $265,990 – estimated delivery date Mar/April 2013

This floor plan is a two-story home with 2,903 square feet, 5 bedrooms + loft, 3 baths http://www.russoteam.com/Columbus-5-Bedroom

Gourmet kitchen and luxury flooring is included! To learn more about these homes, or to visit the community, please contact the Russo Team today – don’t wait, prices are scheduled to increase and these homes will not last long. Call us today! 602-864-1200.

www.RussoTeam.com

*A price increase is planned; therefore the prices listed are subject to change.

A Historical Housing Perspective: 1981 vs. 2012

*The figures used in this example are only an example and should not be relied upon by you to determine your mortgage eligibility. To learn more about your qualifications, please contact a qualified mortgage consultant.