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.

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

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.

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.

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. 

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 

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!

Join us on Saturday, January 21, 2012

This free short sale webinar will allow participants to 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. This is a fantastic opportunity to obtain thousands of $$$ in free advice!

Join us on Saturday, January 21^st from 10:00-11:30am (MST). All participant names and information will be confidential. Space is limited.

Click here NOW to reserve your webinar seat.

See what others are saying about the Russo Team Short Sale Events…

“We could not have done it without you! Thanks so much for the extra work you did to bring us our home. We heard that “Short Sales” were very hard to complete, you made it look easy. The one thing that really stood out when we met with you was how accommodating you were. We asked a lot of dumb questions I am sure. You also impressed us when you brought out your iPad and looked up info on the fly - we were rushed for time that weekend and this helped immensely. Sorry, I don’t have any bad feedback! We have recommended you to two more people that are interested in buying in the area; again, thanks for all you did for us!!!” - Gary and Dean

“The short sale seminar was very beneficial to me - I was able to ask questions about my individual situation pertaining to the short sale process. The people there were very knowledgeable about all aspects of the process. It was a great benefit to hear perspectives on my situation from a lawyer, an accountant, a mortgage lender, and real estate agents...and all for free:) The materials that were put together for the presentations were very thorough, and helped me understand the short sale process and all of the pros and cons that go with it. I was also able to learn about other options that are available to people to help them stay in their homes.” – J. Weigel

Top 10 Housing Predictions from RE/MAX Co-Founder & Chairman

RE/MAX Chairman and Co-Founder, Dave Liniger, reveals his top 10 predictions for the real estate market in 2012.

Millions of homeowners in this country are unable to afford the payments on a home that's worth less than the amount they owe on their mortgage. Unfortunately, these are people who have played by the rules, made good decisions, and had every reason to believe that the American Dream of homeownership was in their hands.

Unemployment, underemployment and real estate market upheaval has derailed a lot of those dreams. Since 2007, 8.9 million homes have been lost to foreclosure. My mission is to keep you and anyone you care about from adding to that statistic. The fact is, there are options to foreclosure—better options now than ever before.

As a Certified Distressed Property Expert, (CDPE), I have the training and expertise to help financially distressed homeowners to make a positive fresh start. If you or anyone you care about is faced with an unmanageable mortgage, I can help.

On Saturday, January 21^st starting at 10:00am we will be hosting a Short Sale Webinar. I invite you to join us to learn important information you need to know from industry experts about foreclosure alternatives. In the meantime, I encourage you to download a copy of my recent report, “Tipping the Scales Toward Foreclosure?” Then take action to get back on the right track for a positive 2012 – click here to register today.

RE/MAX Professionals 24/7 Home Hotline

RE/MAX Professionals Home Hotline gives you access to property details (in both English and Espanol) on virtually every property for sale in the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) – 24 hours a day, 7 days a week from any phone. 

To access listing information all you need to do is follow these three simple steps – and remember this professional service is provided compliments of RE/MAX Professionals.

• Step 1: Call our 24/7 RE/MAX Professionals Home Hotline phone number at 602-277-3111
• Step 2: Enter the house # you are inquiring about (example, if you are looking at 123 Main Street, you would enter 123 on your telephone keypad)
• Step 3: Listen to property details and follow the voice prompts to hear additional information

If you are actively looking for a home, please visit us online at www.RussoTeam.com. We can register you with the RE/MAX Professionals Home Hotline so you will never miss out on any new listings. The Russo Team has the expertise and market knowledge to assist you with your real estate goals. We look forward to hearing from you!

The New Normal - 2012

Happy New Year! I hope everyone has had a wonderful holiday season. Several years ago I wrote an article about a "new normal".  That new normal was the advent of the repo age. In 2009 our Team sold 437 homes. Those within the industry know that is a daunting number, about 100 times what a typical REALTOR® sells in a year. Unfortunately about 90% of those sales were repossessed sales.

Today in 2012 I again will use the term "new normal" but for a very different reason.This new normal is the age of the short sale. By now most of you are aware of what a short sale is.  In short (no pun intended), you are selling your home for market value but for less than what is owed and the bank is taking the loss. During the age of the repo, very few banks would negotiate short sales. The ones that did, or attempted to, did not have systems in place and the process could easily take 6 months or more. Well buyers are funny in that they want to know, did I or didn't I buy a house. Many, in frustration, walked away from the transaction and purchased a home that had already been foreclosed on because the bank already owned it and the process was complete.

Now we have the new normal. Today, many of those same banks communicate with the homeowner and discuss the short sale. Then they contact us, the REALTOR®, to work with the seller to get the property sold.  In many cases they are releasing the seller from future liability of the loan and paying the seller up to $4500 to leave the property in good condition and move out. There is also a program that pays 3% of the buyers closing costs at no cost to the seller.

Why are banks being so gracious? Because even after paying all of these costs, they still net more money on a property that is occupied. There is less chance for vandalism and the upkeep on the property is in place with a homeowner still living in the property.

What does this mean to you? If you have a friend, coworker or family member that needs help and has questions, PLEASE don't let them stick their head in the sand and walk away from the home. The options offered today have changed dramatically. 

To learn more about the options available, please sign up for our free webinar. Click here to join us on Saturday, January 21st at 10:00am.

A Toast to 2011

Auld Lang Syne
Should auld acquaintance be forgot, and never brought to mind? Should auld acquaintance be forgot, and days o’ lang syne! For auld lang syne, my dear , for auld lang syne. We’ll tak a cup o’ kindness yet for auld lang syne!

Thank you to each of you who have bought or sold a home or referred someone who did. We greatly appreciate your trust, confidence and above all, your continued support throughout the years. From all of us on the Russo Team, to you and your loved ones, we wish you a very happy, healthy and prosperous New Year - here is a toast to 2011! We look forward to seeing you in 2012 – Happy New Year!

This time of year is steeped in traditions from family recipes to favorite holiday songs and of course, it always seems the four weeks of the year come too soon and leave too fast. As we rush around, busy with shopping, baking and parties, it is important to remember why and where we come from.

This year, I get to spend the holiday with my beautiful daughter Lianne, and my amazing mother. To me, the importance of the holiday is not always about the gifts and the food, although that part is a lot of fun, I find joy in the simple things, like being able to hug my daughter and my mother.  

When I watched this video, I couldn’t help but think how lucky I am to have a house full of guests to celebrate the ending of 2011 with. I know this year has been especially difficult for many people out there, some of which may have been left with no one to hug. The spirit of the holiday season is a great time to spread joy and hope to those around us even if it is as simple as a hug. So instead of worry about what to buy or what to bake, how about giving a free hug? I plan on hugging those I love, as often as I can. Happy Holidays – Frank

A message from the North Pole

Have you been naughty or nice this year? Now you can find out!  In just a few minutes you can visit the Portable North Pole and create a custom video message from Santa Claus himself. This is a great way to spread holiday cheer for those whole still believe in the magic of St. Nick – no matter how old they are!

I hope you aren’t on the naughty list! Happy Holidays!

On Saturday, January 21st we will be hosting a free online Short Sale Webinar which has been designed to educate and assist homeowners who need to sell but don’t know what their options are. My team has hosted several short sale seminars this year with great success – but don’t my word for it – read for yourself:

“The short sale seminar was very beneficial to me - I was able to ask questions about my individual situation pertaining to the short sale process. The people there were very knowledgeable about all aspects of the process. It was a great benefit to hear perspectives on my situation from a lawyer, an accountant, a mortgage lender, and real estate agents...and all for free.

The materials that were put together for the presentations were very thorough, and helped me understand the short sale process, and all of the pros and cons that go with it. I was also able to learn about other options that are available to people to help them stay in their homes. Thanks!" - J. Weigel, Arizona Homeowner

As Certified Distressed Property Expert (CDPE) it is my goal to connect Arizona homeowners with real solutions to the very complicated challenges that our housing market faces today. For a complimentary copy of my short sale report, “Mortgage Weighing Your Down” click here. If you are interested in signing up for our next Short Sale Webinar on January 21st 2012, please send an email to: rsvp@therussoteam.com.