Sandra J. Steele * Cottonwood-Sedona-Verde Valley Real Estate

Desert Dwellers Realty informing you with last minute Tax Credit Helpful Information

Sandra J. Steele, Branch Manager., REALTOR® S — Sat, 27 Mar 2010 16:42:00 GMT

Desert Dwellers Realty- Sedona/Verde Valley Branch agents report that the home buyer tax credit currently can deliver meaningful savings, but only for those who, at a minimum, have a binding contract to purchase a home in place on April 30, 2010. With that deadline bearing down, potential buyers who want to capture the tax credit had better get serious about home shopping.

“It is certainly possible to find a great home and get it under contract in a month or less, but doing it requires intense focus on the part of both the buyer and the buyer’s real estate agent.

Two versions of the tax credit are still being offered: a maximum credit of $8,000 for first-time buyers (and those who last owned a home 3 or more years ago), as well as a $6,500 credit for current homeowners. Either way, the credit applies only to the purchase of a new principal residence costing $800,000 or less, and there are income restrictions and other limitations, including a requirement to close the sale before July 1.

How can buyers eager to capture the tax credit streamline their home shopping?
Here are some suggestions:
1. Get to Know Your Market: Buyers can do that using Internet sites that permit you to see the homes currently on the market, and our good real estate agents are ready to expedite the shopping process. Our capable agents can guide buyers through the home search process and save them a lot of time, “New listings can be emailed to buyers as they are posted, and buyers should stay on top of the market on a daily basis, seeing what properties are coming onto the market and which ones have sold.”

2. Line Up Your Financing: Talk to a reputable lender right away and go through the pre-approval process. That will tell buyers quickly how much they can borrow. At today’s extremely low interest rates, that amount may be more than many buyers imagined. But either way, the process will help buyers determine how much they are willing and able to spend on the home.

3. Start Narrowing Your Search: With a large inventory of homes to choose from in the current market, buyers won’t have time to look at everything in their price range. By establishing specific criteria of the home they want, buyers can screen out homes that won’t fit their needs. “If you can give out real estate agents answers to two questions: Where do you want to live, and how much can you invest, you should be well on your way to a successful home search.”

“When it comes to geography, buyers should factor in their daily commute. Few of us want to be more than 45 minutes from work. If buyers need access to public transit, then that also shapes their choice, and if they have children, schools are going to be a factor. Ideally, you can narrow you search to one or two communities rather quickly.”

4.Separate Needs from Wants: Buyers can look at fewer homes if they can tell our agents what features the home they buy must have and what features would be nice but aren’t required. “When it comes to must haves, start with the basics. “How many bedrooms are needed? Is a separate home office essential or just desirable? Will a two-car garage be sufficient, or do you need something larger? And don’t forget to consider the type of home. Are you interested only in a traditional two-story single-family detached dwelling, or would a ranch plan work just as well? or what about a townhouse?”

5. Consider Condition: In today’s market, many of the best values are foreclosed homes that aren’t in perfect condition. Buyers should decide up front if they are willing to tackle a home that needs work, and if so, how much.

“Buyers often have a hard time articulating what they will accept when it comes to condition. “That’s why it is important for a buyer to get out and walk through some properties with their agent as soon as possible. Buyers’ reactions give an agent the clearest picture of their priorities.”

6. Keep Things in Perspective: As nice as it may be to get the tax credit, don’t let the desire to do so completely control your home search. “Some buyers are quick decision makers, and others are not. “If you like to mull over important decisions, take the time you need. The tax credit is a great incentive, but an $8,000 credit equals just 2.5% of the price of a $320,000 home. Buying the wrong home can end up costing you a lot more.”

7. Leave Time to Handle Standard Contingencies: The typical purchase contract may have several contingency clauses, for such things as a home inspection, attorney’s approval, obtaining financing and even the sale of the buyer’s current residence. Fortunately, standard contingencies in a contract won’t prevent it from qualifying for the tax credit..

However, “the more contingencies you have in a contract, the greater the risk that it won’t close. For example, if an issue arises in the home inspection, and it can’t be resolved, the buyer may want to find another house, but doing that after April 30 will mean losing the tax credit. Allowing time to work through the contingencies before the deadline reduces that risk.

8. Be Careful of Short Sales: If the home you want to buy is offered as a short sale, qualifying for the tax credit may become more difficult. “Short sales require that purchase offers be approved by both the seller and the sellers’ lender, and lenders often are slow about responding. “Waiting for lender approval could leave you without a binding contract on April 30.

Sandra J Steele, Branch Manager, REALTOR®, SFR
DESERT DWELLERS REALTY - SEDONA/VERDE VALLEY BRANCH
www.CottonwoodHomesforSale.com
Sandra@CottonwoodHomesforSale.com
928 649-9888 / 928 301-3898

Another tip to Save Your Live from Desert Dwellers Realty LLC-Sedona/Verde Valley Branch

Sandra J. Steele, Branch Manager., REALTOR® S — Thu, 25 Mar 2010 21:22:00 GMT

Passed along by Police Department

Police Memo
BE CAREFUL , IT'S A CRUEL WORLD OUT THERE !!!

Passed along by Police Department & Courthouse

Several things to be aware of this year...as gangs and robbers are now plotting different ways to get a person to "stop" their vehicle.

  Please send to your friends.

Please note:

There is a gang initiation reported by the local police department that gangs are placing a car seat by the road...with a fake baby in it...   waiting for a woman, of course, to stop and check on the baby...

Note that the location of this car seat will usually be beside a wooded or grassy (field) area ...and the person - woman - will be dragged into the woods- beaten and raped- usually left for dead.

DO NOT STOP. DIAL 9-1-1 AND INFORM THEM.....


  IF YOU ARE DRIVING AT NIGHT AND EGGS ARE THROWN AT YOUR WINDSHIELD.    DO NOT OPERATE THE WIPER AND SPRAY ANY WATER BECAUSE EGGS MIXED WITH WATER BECOME MILKY AND BLOCK YOUR VISION UP TO 92.5% SO YOU ARE FORCED TO STOP BESIDE THE ROAD AND BECOME A VICTIM OF ROBBERS. THIS IS A NEW TECHNIQUE USED BY ROBBERS.

PLEASE INFORM YOUR FRIENDS AND RELATIVES

                    I   JUST   DID   !!!!

Sedona, AZ Real Estate information from Desert Dwellers Realty LLC - Sedona Verde /Valley Branch

Sandra J. Steele, Branch Manager., REALTOR® S — Sun, 21 Mar 2010 17:19:00 GMT

Well… we’re officially at the beginning of the busiest time of the year for properties changing hands here in

Sedona, AZ. Spring has traditionally been the busiest season – and this year is no exception. In the last 2

weeks, 31 properties have gone under contract in areas 40-46 (the greater Sedona area – including the

Village of Oak Creek). Prices are down, there are some well priced homes on the market, and the weather’s

fantastic – about 65 degrees and clear blue skies. If you’re headed to town soon to evaluate some

properties, be sure to contact me early so I can save you some time and email you

properties in advance of your trip!

All information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed.

Call: Sandra@CottonwoodHomesforSale.com
www.CottonwoodHomesforSale.com
928 649-9888 / 928 301-3898

Let My 31 Years of Experience Work for You!

Desert Dwellers Realty Water conservation information

Sandra J. Steele, Branch Manager., REALTOR® S — Sat, 20 Mar 2010 17:48:00 GMT

Water is our planet’s most valuable resource. Providing enough clean water for every person will be one of the biggest challenges we face in the coming decades.

Americans use more water per person than any other country. On average, each one of us uses about 100 gallons of drinking water a day, and almost half of that is in the bathroom.

For many of us, the toilet is where we flush away most of our water. Toilets made before 1992 use more than 3 gallons of water with every flush. New, improved low-flow toilets use just 1.6 gallons of water per flush. Making the switch can save 4,000 gallons of water every year.

If you’re not quite ready to make the upgrade, there’s a free alternative. Make a water displacement device for a regular toilet tank using a plastic half-gallon jug. Put some gravel or sand in the bottom of the jug and fill it with water. Place the jug in the tank away from the flushing mechanism. This no-cost solution will save you a half-gallon of water every time you flush.

A low-flow showerhead is another easy way to conserve water and save money. These water-conserving devices use air to create water pressure, saving up to 3 gallons of water every minute. That’s 11,000 gallons of water a year for every person in your home who takes a daily 10-minute shower. Taking shorter showers will conserve even more.

To maximize your water conserving efforts, look for fixtures with the WaterSense logo. This certifies that the product meets the Environmental Protection Agency’s criteria for water efficiency.

Some low-flow fixtures include a built-in valve that will shut off the water while maintaining the water temperature—ideal for those who like to shave in the shower. When you install a low-flow showerhead you’ll be using less water, but don’t forget about the energy savings you’ll create by heating less water.

If you find yourself waiting more than a few seconds for hot water when you turn on the faucet, investing in a hot water recirculator will save you both water and time. These devices keep hot water circulating through the pipes in your home so it’s ready on demand.

The best pump system is one that has a temperature-controlled bypass valve and a timer on the pump that can be programmed to operate only during the times you need it most. A hot water recirculator ranges from $200 to $600 depending on the model and installation.

Even the simple act of turning off the water while you brush your teeth can save more than 500 gallons a year for every person in your home.

And adding a $2 aerator on every faucet can save thousands more gallons of water by reducing the flow of water to less than 2 gallons a minute.

Do your part and use less water in the bathroom. It’s easy and relatively inexpensive to make some simple changes that will conserve our most precious natural resource for tomorrow and beyond.

Sandra J Steele, Desert Dwellers Realty, LLC Sedona/Verde Valley Branch, Cottonwood, AZ

Sandra J. Steele, Branch Manager., REALTOR® S — Sat, 20 Mar 2010 02:01:00 GMT

FOR IMMEDIATERELEASE:

Contact: DESERT DWELLERSREALTY, LLC

Contact Person Sandra J Steele

Company Name Desert Dwellers Realty, LLC-Sedona/Verde Valley Branch

Telephone Number 928 649-9888

Email Address Sandra@CottonwoodHomesforSale.com

Web site address www.CottonwoodHomesforSale.com

Sandra J Steele Earns NAR Short Sales and Foreclosure Certification

Buyers and Sellers Benefit from REALTOR^® Expertise inDistressed Sales

Cottonwood, AZ March 19, 2010 — Sandra J Steele with DesertDwellers Realty LLC, Sedona/Verde Valley Branch has earned the nationally recognizedShort Sales and Foreclosure Resource certification. The National Association ofREALTORS^® offers the SFR certification to REALTORS^® who wantto help both buyers and sellers navigate these complicated transactions, asdemand for professional expertise with distressed sales grows.

According to a recent NAR survey, nearly one-third of allexisting homes sold recently were either short sales or foreclosures. For many real estate professionals, shortsales and foreclosures are the new “traditional” transaction. REALTORS^® who have earned the SFRcertification know how to help sellers maneuver the complexities of short salesas well as help buyers pursue short sale and foreclosure opportunities.

“As leading advocates for homeownership, REALTORS^®believe that any family thatloses its home to foreclosure is one family too many, but unfortunately, thereare situations in which people just cannot afford to keep their homes, and aforeclosure or a short sale results,” said 2009 NAR PresidentCharles McMillan, a broker with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage inDallas-Fort Worth. “Foreclosures and short sales can offer opportunities forhome buyers and benefit the larger community, as well, but it’s extremelyimportant to have the help of a real estate professional like a REALTOR^® who has earned the SFR certification for these kinds of purchases.”

The certification program includes training on how to qualifysellers for short sales, negotiate with lenders, protect buyers, and limitrisk, and provides resources to help REALTORS^® staycurrent on national and state-specific information as the market for thesedistressed properties evolves. To earn the SFR certification, REALTORS^Òare required to take one corecourse and three Webinars. For moreinformation about the SFR certification, visit www.REALTORSFR.org or call 1-877-510-7855.

# # #

Coppergate Business Park between Cottonwood & Clarkdale on Hwy 89A

Sandra J. Steele, Branch Manager., REALTOR® S — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 23:23:00 GMT

Coppergate Business Park is a 16.5+- acre business park btw Cottonwood and Clarkdale on Hwy 89A. Construction drawings are complete and the development could be completed in 100-180 days. Engineering for vehicular access to 89A has been proposed and the permit is ready to be pulled. Traffic count on 89A estimate at 14K cars per day. Final plat includes: Lots 1 and 2 represent 1.18 and 1.11 acres respectively and are zoned C-1 with Hwy frontage, Lots 3-7 represent .60,.57,.57,.58,.89 acres respectively adjacent to West, 9.20 Ac I-1 zoned land. Cottonwood is rapidly becoming the hub of the Verde Valley for service industries and light manufacturing. Sedona seems more intent on using existing space for more restaurant and art galleries, with no space to expand for light industry. Coppergate , representing some of the only remaining available land for light industrial activity , is uniquely positioned to take advantage of growth in the Verde Valley. Coppergate is ready to go!

For more information contact Sandra@CottonwoodHomesforSale.com
www.CottonwoodHomesforSale.com
928 649-9888 / 928 301-3898
Desert Dwellers Realty, LLC - Sedona/Verde Valley Branch

Courtesy & Brokered by Prudential Northern AZ R.E.

Cottonwood Ranch Beauty in Cottonwood, AZ - A Del Webb Community

Sandra J. Steele, Branch Manager., REALTOR® S — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 00:47:00 GMT

3 bedrooms and 2 baths are complemented by an office/den off of livingroom. New carpet throughout. New stone countertops in the kitchen Plantation Shutters.

All this and more for only $214,500

Front Entry Security Doors -->

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Call Sandra at 928 649-9888 at Desert Dwellers Realty-Sedona/Verde Valley Branch
www.CottonwoodHomesforSale.com
Sandra@CottonwoodHomesforSale.com

Brokered by Cottonwood Real Estate

Sedona La Barranca

Sandra J. Steele, Branch Manager., REALTOR® S — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 23:37:00 GMT

40 Lost Eden Circle Only $975,000 Fantastic, Fantastic!! Call Sandra 928 649-9888 Desert Dwellers Realty Sedona-Verde Valley Branch

Click on the Attachment at the very bottom for the Video of this home. You will be impressed!

Brokered by ReMax Sedona

Desert Dwellers Realty informing you $1.5 Billion in Homeowners Assistance

Sandra J. Steele, Branch Manager., REALTOR® S — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 17:54:00 GMT

Obama Targeting Homeowners with $1.5 Billion in Assistance

Posted By susanne On February 22, 2010 @ 3:21 pm In Consumer News and Advice, Homeowner's Toolkit, Real Estate, Today's Marketplace | Comments Disabled

RISMEDIA, February 23, 2010—(MCT)—Facing millions of foreclosures and high unemployment, President Barack Obama recently announced a $1.5 billion fund to help unemployed homeowners and other struggling borrowers in a handful of states.

“What we can do is help families that have done everything right to stay in their homes, and we can stabilize the housing market so that home values can begin rising again,” Obama said at a town hall meeting in a Las Vegas suburb.

As part of the program, five states—Arizona, California, Florida, Michigan and Nevada—have home prices that have fallen enough to qualify for the additional assistance. Obama said that price declines in homes and high unemployment in these regions have created major challenges for families.

He argued that too many lenders were too focused on “making a quick buck than acting responsible,” that “too many borrowers acted irresponsibly by taking on mortgages they couldn’t afford” and government regulators turned a blind eye to the problem.”

State and local housing-finance agencies in states seeking assistance must submit program proposals to the Treasury Department, which will evaluate and decide if they qualify. The funds are allocated from capital set aside for housing from the $700 billion Troubled Asset Relief Program.

States where the average price for all homeowners in the state have fallen more than 20% from their peak are eligible to participate. The average price for all homeowners in Nevada, for example, has fallen by more than 40% from its peak.

According to Obama, three sorts of problems may be addressed with funding: unemployed borrowers, underwater borrowers and those with second mortgages on properties. “This fund is going to help out-of-work homeowners avoid preventable foreclosures. It will help homeowners who owe more than their homes are worth find a way to pay their mortgages that works for both borrowers and lenders alike.”

Herb Allison, assistant secretary of the Treasury for Financial Stability, told reporters that the allocations are a modest step to stem the housing crisis. However, he added that the program is intended to encourage these states to foster innovative approaches to limit further foreclosures. “Local housing-finance agencies understand the local markets,” he said. “While the housing crisis is national, it takes on local characteristics, and these groups understand the situation on the ground. We want to put to work their creativity and their knowledge to come up with new ideas to test those ideas in their communities.”

Allison added that he hoped the successful programs could help the Treasury Department come up with additional ideas for national programs to help troubled homeowners. “We can learn a great deal from this and see what works in local situations and how we can leverage that.”

Obama announced the program in Nevada, one of the hardest-hit states, along with Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and other lawmakers. Reid, a Nevada Democrat, is in a battle for re-election in his state, in part due to frustration over high unemployment. The program’s announcement comes two days after the Treasury Department reported that a one-year-old $75 billion program to help 3 million to 4 million homeowners modify their mortgages to avoid foreclosure has only aided a small fraction of those at need.

The program, known as the Home Affordable Modification Program (HAMP), seeks to aid borrowers by allowing them to modify their mortgages and lower monthly interest rates through any participating lender. Under this plan, the lender voluntarily lowers the interest rate, and the government provides subsidies to the lender and borrower. The Obama program has so far only helped 116,000 troubled borrowers modify their mortgages from three-month temporary plans into more affordable permanent loans. The HAMP program, which is set to run through 2012, was announced on Feb, 18, 2009. Allison pointed out that about roughly a million homeowners have had their payments reduced, mostly as part of the trial three-month plans. He added that roughly half of those are eligible for permanent modifications. “We are on pace to help 3 million to 4 million homeowners by the conclusion of the program in 2012,” according to Allison.

Henry Sommer, director at the National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys in Philadelphia said he supported the idea of targeted taxpayer assistance to states that need it most. However, he was skeptical whether the vast majority of the $1.5 billion would ever be used. Sommer pointed out that the largest part of the $75 billion HAMP program so far hasn’t been allocated—in large part because only a small number of households have received permanent modifications, which is when the majority of incentive payments go out. “They are supposed to spend $75 billion, but aren’t using it,” he said. “I am concerned that even though they announced this program, that the funds in it won’t be used.”

Sommer added that he was interested in seeing what kind of programs the Treasury would approve to be eligible for access to funds.

A program to help troubled homeowners who have taken out second mortgages on their homes could be helpful, if it provides high-enough incentive payments to convince lenders to drop the second mortgages. Sommer recommends a regional program that gives banks “a few thousand dollars” to drop second mortgages. “Banks don’t want to give up the second mortgages because it is a big hit on their balance sheets,” he said. “However, they’re not worth anything if the homes are sold in foreclosure.”

Federal funds for other state programs to help the unemployed stay in their homes and programs to help borrowers whose homes are worth less than their mortgages would also be helpful, according to Sommer.

Sommer also expressed concern that some other states with high unemployment and massive foreclosure rates may not qualify for the additional assistance, because the average price for all homeowners there hasn’t fallen 20% or more from their peak. Rhode Island, for example, recorded a 12.9% unemployment rate in December 2009, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics data as of Jan. 22.

Sommer is hopeful that the Obama administration will focus additional attention and funds to a national program that could help struggling unemployed homeowners—a growing segment of borrowers that are facing foreclosure.

Jaret Seiberg, an analyst at Concept Capital in Washington, said the White House is considering a program that would suspend mortgage payments for jobless homeowners for three months and give the borrower three opportunities to extend the payment deference for up to a year.

The new targeted assistance comes after the Special Inspector General for the Troubled Asset Relief Program on Jan. 21 released a report warning that the Obama administration’s and the Federal Reserve’s policies to support the mortgage market could in fact be creating another dangerous housing bubble in some markets, while at the same time failing to do a good enough job to stabilize other markets.

Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services.

SEDONA/VIEWS GALORE/ARTIST DREAM HOME IN EXCLUSIVE GATED LA BARRANCA - Presented by Desert Dwellers Realty-Sedona/Verde Valley Branch

Sandra J. Steele, Branch Manager., REALTOR® S — Sat, 27 Feb 2010 23:36:00 GMT

This is just a magnificiant home with breath taking views.

Click on the ATACHMENT BELOW FOR VIDEO then

Call:

Sandra J Steele
Desert Dwellers Realty, LLC

928 649-9888 / 928 301-3898

www.CottonwoodHomesforSale.com
Sandra@CottonwoodHomesforSale.com

Brokered by ReMaxSedona

SEDONA BEAUTY Presented by Desert Dwellers Realty, LLC-Sedona/Verde Valley Branch Only $499,000

Sandra J. Steele, Branch Manager., REALTOR® S — Sat, 27 Feb 2010 23:18:00 GMT

Click on the attachment to see the video of this fantastic home in Sedona, AZ

Call:

Sandra J Steele
928 649-9888 / 928 301-3898

www.cottonwoodHomesforSale.com
Sandra@CottonwoodHomesforSale.com

Brokered by RemaxSedona

TAX CREDIT INFORMATION Presented by Desert Dwellers Realty

Sandra J. Steele, Branch Manager., REALTOR® S — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 04:00:00 GMT

As a reminder, buyer must sign a contract by midnight April 30th and close by midnight June 30, 2010 to qualify. Supporters of the homebuyer tax credits warn that there will likely be no more extensions of the tax credits. " I will remind readers; that the credit is not a flat $8,000 for new buyers and $6,500 for repeat buyers. It is 10% of the purchase price up to those ceilings. There is no credit if the price of the house is above $800,000. - What will a home buyer need to claim the tax deductions - Due to an increasingly rising number of fraudulent (non-existing) purchase transactions that the IRS has mistakenly paid out up to $8,000 on, the IRS just released new policy guidelines. To avoid such abuses in the revised credit program, Congress directed the IRS to spell out documentation standards in detail and to install monitoring systems to spot fraud upfront. Among the keys to the monitoring system is that all documentation accompanying credit claims must comply with the IRS's detailed rules. Here's what the agency wants from anyone seeking a credit: -- A fully executed IRS Form 5405 (available at: www(dot) irs(dot).gov) on which taxpayers provide basic information supporting their claim of eligibility, including income and home purchase date.

Sedona/Verde Valley 65 Alta Vista Drive-Sedona,AZ Presented by Desert Dwellers Realty, LLC

Sandra J. Steele, Branch Manager., REALTOR® S — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 00:07:00 GMT

CLICK on the ATTACHMENT below to see the VIDEO on one of the nicest homes in Sedona. Only $499,000

Call Sandra at:

Desert Dwellers Realty, LLC
Sedona/Verde Valley Branch
www.CottonwoodHomesforSale.com
Sandra@CottonwoodHomesforSale.com
929 649-9888 / 928 301-3898

Brokered by ReMax Sedona

Sedona's Back-O-Beyond 15 Scenic Drive-Presented by Desert Dwellers Realty-Sedona/Verde Valley Branch

Sandra J. Steele, Branch Manager., REALTOR® S — Sun, 21 Feb 2010 23:38:00 GMT

This lot is located in a Master Planned Gated Community. It has Fabulous Red Rock Views of Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock, Courthouse Rock and Twin Butte, just to name a few. The lot is positioned high up the hill and easy to build on. House Plans are available and have been approved by the City of Sedona and Back O'Beyond Ranch

Call Sandra at:

Desert Dwellers Realty, LLC
Sedona/Verde Valley Branch
928 649-9888 / 928 301-3898
www.CottonwoodHomesforSale.com
Sandra@CottonwoodHomesforSale.com

Click on the attachment for picture

40 Lost Eden Circle-Sedona, AZ Desert Dwellers Sedona Dream Home

Sandra J. Steele, Branch Manager., REALTOR® S — Sun, 21 Feb 2010 19:02:00 GMT

Click on the ATTACHMENT for the Viedo of this exceptional home perched on the edge of a hill and commands the FULL SPECTRUM of the Oak Creek Village Red Rock Range.

Desert Dwellers Realty, LLC
Sedona/Verde Valley Branch
928 649-9888 / 928 301-3898
Sandra@CottonwoodHomesforSale.com
www.CottonwoodHomesforSale.com Don't forget to click on the attachment for Video of this exceptional home

Brokered by ReMax Sedona

Desert Dwellers Realty, LLC-Sedona/Verde Valley Branch Reminder on $8,000 & $6,500 Tax Credits getting ready to expire soon.

Sandra J. Steele, Branch Manager., REALTOR® S — Sat, 20 Feb 2010 16:56:00 GMT

Current homeowners buying a house between Nov. 7, 2009, and April 30 and who have used the home being sold or vacated as a principal

residence for five consecutive years within the last eight can qualify for the $6,500. It seems less is known about the repeat buyer credit.

This incentive was added when the original $8,000 tax credit for qualified first-time buyers, which expired Nov. 30, was extended.

Houses purchased for $800,000 or less are eligible for repeat buyers. Single buyers with incomes up to $125,000 and married couples

up to $225,000 may receive the maximum tax credit for both repeat and first-time purchases. The credit decreases for buyers who earn

between $125,000 and $145,000 for single buyers and between $225,000 and $245,000 for home buyers filing jointly. The amount of the

tax credit decreases as his/her income approaches the maximum limit. Buyers earning more than the maximum are not eligible for the credit.

If a binding written contract to purchase is in effect April 30, the purchaser will have until July 1, 2010 to close.

HOMEOWNER'S TAX CREDITS MAY BE ENDING SOOOON!

Sandra J. Steele, Branch Manager., REALTOR® S — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 02:27:00 GMT

Get the straight scoop and put some money in your pocket now. Inquire about the homeowner's tax credit at www.CottonwoodHomesforSale.com .

We at Desert Dwellers Realty - Sedona/Verde Valley Branch are ready to work for you. Our government is trying to make many changes soon and I

would like to see you benefit with the tax credit that is NOT only for 1st time Homers Buyers Call Sandra at 928 649-9888 / 928-301-3898. Let us work for you

now!!

Sandra with Desert Dwellers Realty Speaks on Mortgage Interest Deductions

Sandra J. Steele, Branch Manager., REALTOR® S — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 00:04:00 GMT

The interest deduction costs the Treasury more than $80 billion a year.

President Obama's 2011 Budget just announced surprised many in Washington for going after what has been called one of the "Sacred Cows".

The proposed budget, caps the value of itemized deductions based on a taxpayer's income, in essence eliminating the mortgage interest deduction

for single taxpayers making more than $200,000 a year. ($250,000 joint returns).

The move is designed to raise nearly $179 billion next year by increasing taxes on wealthier Americans.

Current law allows interest on up to $1 million in total mortgages on first and second homes to be deducted.
The MID is highly regressive tax policy, meaning that the wealthiest people with the biggest mortgages benefit the most.

Last year over 70% of homeowners with a mortgage used the benefit.

Many of those watching the issue thought there may be a shot at reducing the benefit in other ways. Disallowing interest deductions on a second

home and homes equity loans would reduce the over all benefit.

The National Association of Realtors was quick to offer a stern warning that such a move would be counter-productive to the improving housing market.

"This proposed change in the Mortgage Interest Deduction will result in further erosion of home prices and home values", a spokesman said.

The Mortgage Bankers Association also started firing up their lobbying. In a prepared statement just issued, MBA's Chairman Robert E. Story, Jr. states,

"Reducing the federal deficit is vital to the long-term health of the US economy and our industry. However, we believe it can and should be done

without negatively impacting the already-fragile housing market."

Story further commented, "Limiting the mortgage interest deduction and imposing additional taxes on lenders will only make economic recovery

more difficult."

Sandra Steele Desert Dwellers Realty,LLC Sedona/Verde Valley Branch Cottonwood Ranch Property Information

Sandra J. Steele, Branch Manager., REALTOR® S — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 02:41:00 GMT

More Cottonwood Ranch listings, A Del Webb Community not age restricted.. Sandra has complete information for you on Cottonwood Ranch and areas in the Verde Valley. Go to http://www.CottonwoodHomesforSale.com for great Sedona/Verde Valley information. Work with a professional in this sophistated housing market. We are ready to serve you with intregrity, knowledge and we want to be your REALTOR® whether buying or selling.

Desert Dwellers Realty, LLC - Sedona/Verde Valley Branch

Sandra J. Steele, Branch Manager., REALTOR® S — Sun, 31 Jan 2010 02:38:00 GMT

CottonwoodHomesforSale.com, the Sedona/Verde Valley Branch of Desert Dwellers Realty, LLC is a Full Service Broker and ready to serve you whether buying or selling. The site features integrated IDX property searches. Click on the various links on the home page for extremely interesting information about the Sedona, Cottonwood & Verde Valley areas including schools, shopping, casino, verde canyon railroad & etc information. We have Decades of Real Estate Experience and want to work for you!! http://www.CottonwoodHomesforSale.com Sandra@CottonwoodHomesforSale.com

Do NOT CALL Registery

Sandra J. Steele, Branch Manager., REALTOR® S — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 23:39:00 GMT

Call 1-888-382-1222 Register your land line #and your cell phone #'.

Foreclosure information-3 Trial Period- READ

Sandra J. Steele, Branch Manager., REALTOR® S — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 21:21:00 GMT

Many homeowners under President Obama’s foreclosure-prevention program may be at risk of foreclosure.

According to a Treasury Department guideline issued last month, mortgage companies have until January 31 to review all trial modifications that have been modified due to the Home Affordable Program. New guidelines will be issued next week.

Loan Services must review all trail modifications and must determine if borrowers have made all their payments and handed in necessary paperwork.

For the homeowners who have not, they will get letter giving 30 days to comply.

The goal of the new guideline is to try and clear up the backlog of borrowers stuck in trail periods.

Home owners have waited seven or eight months just to hear if they qualify for permanent mortgage adjustments.

"About 450,000 homeowners currently have HAMP trial modifications and have demonstrated a willingness and ability to make timely payments for at least three months," said Richard Neiman, superintendent of the New York State Banking Department.

"Now, unfortunately and very alarmingly, these same homeowners face the prospect of foreclosure strictly on account of documentation issues," he said.

Paperwork has caused an issue for the president’s foreclosure-prevention program. Homeowners have been claiming, servicers are losing the documents sent in, but loan services have been claiming homeowners have not sent them in.

Next week new guidelines will be issued so the process can be expedited. The new guidelines might lighten the paperwork. Continue to fight.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION Regarding your credit cards, checks and personal information (From an Attorney)

Sandra J. Steele, Branch Manager., REALTOR® S — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 00:41:00 GMT

Not A Joke!!   Even If you dislike attorneys..You will love them for these tips.

Read this and make a copy for your files in case you need to refer to it someday. Maybe we should all take some of his advice! A corporate attorney sent the following out to the employees in his company:

1.... Do not sign  the back of your credit cards. Instead, put 'PHOTO ID REQUIRED.'

2. When you are writing checks to pay on your credit card accounts,  DO NOT put the complete  account number on the 'For' line. Instead, just put the  last four numbers. The credit card company knows the rest of the number, and anyone who might be handling your check as it passes through all the check processing channels won't have access to it.

3. Put your work phone # on your checks instead of your home phone. If you have a PO Box use that instead of your home address. If you do not have a PO Box, use your work address. Never  have your  SS# printed on your checks. (DUH!) You can add it if it is necessary. But if you have It printed, anyone can get it.

4. Place the contents of your wallet on a photocopy machine. Do both sides of each license, credit card, etc. You will know what you had in your wallet and all of the account numbers and phone numbers to call and cancel.... Keep the photocopy in a safe place.
I also carry a photocopy of my passport when I travel either here or abroad. We've all heard horror stories about fraud that's committed on us in stealing a Name, address, Social Security number, credit cards.

Unfortunately, I, an attorney, have first hand knowledge because my wallet was stolen last month... Within a week, the thieves ordered an expensive monthly cell phone package, applied for a VISA credit card, had a credit line approved to buy a Gateway computer, received a PIN number from DMV to change my driving record information online, and more.
But here's some critical information to limit the damage  in case this happens to you or someone you know:

5.. We have been told we should  cancel our  credit cards immediately. But the key is having the toll free numbers and your card numbers handy so you know whom to call. Keep those where you can find them.

6.  File a  police report immediately in the jurisdiction where your credit cards, etc., were stolen. This proves to credit providers you were diligent, and this is a first step toward an investigation (if there ever is one).

But here's what is perhaps  most important of all: (I never even thought to do this.)
7. Call the  3 national credit reporting organizations  immediately to place a fraud alert on your name and also call the Social Security fraud line number. I had never heard of doing that until advised by a bank that called to tell me an application for credit was made over the internet in my name.

The alert means any company that checks your credit knows your information was stolen, and they have to contact you by phone to authorize new credit.

By the time I was advised to do this, almost two weeks after the theft, all the damage had been done. There are records of all the credit checks initiated by the thieves' purchases, none of which I knew about before placing the alert. Since then, no additional damage has been done, and the thieves threw my wallet away this weekend (someone turned it in). It seems to have stopped them dead in their tracks..

Now, here are the numbers you always need to contact about your wallet, if it has been stolen:

1.) Equifax: 1-800-525-6285

2.) Experian (formerly TRW): 1-888-397-3742

3.) Trans Union : 1-800-680 7289

4.) Social Security Administration (fraud line):
1-800-269-0271

We pass along jokes on the Internet; we pass along just about everything......

How about something useful as well

If you are willing to pass this information along, it could really help someone that you care about .

Thank You

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FROM "FOOD & DRUG ADMINISRATION"

Sandra J. Steele, Branch Manager., REALTOR® S — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 15:39:00 GMT

FDA NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: Nov. 18, 2009

Media Inquiries: Sandy Walsh, 301-796-4669, sandy.walsh@fda.hhs.gov
Consumer Inquiries: 888-INFO-FDA

FDA Announces New Warning on Plavix: Avoid Use with Prilosec/Prilosec OTC

Patients should avoid using the stomach acid reducer Prilosec/Prilosec OTC (omeprazole) with the anti-clotting drug Plavix (clopidogrel),

the U.S. Food and Drug Administration warned on Nov. 17.

New data suggest that when patients take both Prilosec and Plavix, Plavix’s ability to block platelet aggregation (anti-clotting effect) may be

reduced by about half.

“Both of these drugs, when used properly, provide significant benefits to patients.” said Mary Ross Southworth, Pharm.D., of the Division of

Cardiovascular and Renal Products in the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. “However, patients at risk for heart attacks or strokes

who use Plavix to prevent platelet aggregation will not get the full effect of this medicine if they are also taking Prilosec.”

Plavix is used to prevent blood clots that could lead to heart attacks or strokes in at-risk patients. Omeprazole, the active ingredient of Prilosec

and Prilosec OTC, is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) used to reduce the production of stomach acid and prevent stomach irritation.

Plavix does not have anti-clotting effects until it is converted or metabolized into its active form with the help of the liver enzyme, CYP2C19. Prilosec

blocks this enzyme, thereby reducing the effectiveness of Plavix

Public Health Advisory: Updated Safety Information about

a drug interaction between Clopidogrel Bisulfate

(marketed as Plavix) and Omeprazole (marketed as

Prilosec and Prilosec OTC)

[11/17/2009]

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has new data showing that omeprazole (Prilosec/Prilosec OTC)—a medicine used to reduce

stomach acid—reduces the anti-blood clotting effect of clopidogrel (Plavix) by almost half when these two medicines are taken by the same

patient. Patients at risk for heart attacks or strokes who use clopidogrel to prevent blood clots will not get the full effect of this medicine if they

are also taking omeprazole. This effect is called a drug interaction and it occurs because omeprazole blocks the conversion of clopidogrel into its

active form.

Since clopidogrel can cause bleeding in the stomach, medications like omeprazole may be used in combination to reduce the production of stomach

acid, and prevent stomach bleeding. Omeprazole is available by prescription and as an over-the-counter (OTC) medication to treat frequent heartburn

FDA wants to emphasize the following information for patients using clopidogrel:

Patients using clopidogrel should consult with their healthcare provider if they are currently taking or considering taking omeprazole, including
Prilosec OTC.
Both clopidogrel and omeprazole can provide significant benefits to patients, and patients should always consult with their healthcare professional
before starting or stopping any medication.
It is very important that patients talk with their healthcare professional about any over-the-counter (OTC) drugs they are taking before starting or
while using clopidogrel

Patients who use clopidogrel and need a medication to reduce stomach acid can use antacids (such as Maalox or Mylanta) and most acid reducers,

such as Zantac (ranitidine), Pepcid (famotidine), or Axid (nizatidine) because the FDA does not believe that these medicines will interfere with the

anti-clotting activity of clopidogrel. However, Tagamet and Tagamet HB (cimetidine) should not be used. Ranitidine and famotidine are available by

prescription and OTC and antacids are available OTC.

The manufacturers of clopidogrel have agreed to look at other possible drug interactions with clopidogrel. In the meantime, the clopidogrel label will

be updated with new warnings on omeprazole and other drugs that could interact with clopidogrel in the same way. When more information becomes

available, FDA will communicate any additional recommendations or conclusions on the use of clopidogrel.

FREQUENTLY ASKED TAX CREDIT QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

Sandra J. Steele, Branch Manager., REALTOR® S — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 20:46:00 GMT

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions on the changes to the Homebuyer Tax Credit

Question: Existing homeowner credit: Must the new house cost more than the old house?
Answer: No. Thus, for example, individuals who move from a high cost area to a lower cost area who
meet all eligibility requirements will qualify for the $6500 credit.
Question: I am an existing homeowner. On October 25, 2009, I signed a contract to purchase a
new home. I have lived in my current home for more than 5 consecutive years and
am within the new income limits. I will go to settlement on November 20. If
President Obama has signed the bill by the time I go to settlement, will I qualify for
the new $6500 tax credit?
Answer: Yes. The existing homeowner credit goes into effect for purchases after the date of enactment
(when the bill is signed). There is no reference to the date of contract for the new credit. The
provision looks solely to the date of purchase, which is generally the date of settlement.
Question: I am a firsttime
homebuyer but was not within the prior income limits at the time I
entered into my contract to purchase on October 30, 2009. I will be covered,
however, by the new income limits. If the new rules have been signed into law by the
time I go to settlement, will I be eligible for a credit?
Answer: Yes. The new income limitations go into effect as soon as the President has signed the bill.
The income limit and other eligibility rules will look to your status as of the date of purchase,
which is the settlement date. So if the new rules have been signed when you go to settlement,
you should be eligible for the credit (or a portion of the credit if you're within the phaseout
range).
Question: I am an eligible existing homeowner. I have a fair amount of equity in my home. I
have found a home with a nonnegotiable
price of $825,000. Will I be able to use any
of the $6500 tax credit?
Answer: No. The $800,000 cap on the cost of the purchased home is firm at $800,000. Any amount
above $800,000 makes the home ineligible for any portion of the credit. The $800,000 is an
absolute ceiling.
Question: I owned my home for 10 years, but sold it two years ago year and have been renting
since. If I purchase a home, will I be eligible for the $6500 tax credit if I meet all the
other eligibility tests?
Answer: Yes. Because you lived in the home for more than 5 consecutive years of the previous 8, you
will qualify for the $6500 credit. For example, Say John and his wife bought a home in 2000
and lived there until 2008 when he got a divorce. Whether John has been renting or bought in
the interim, he WOULD INDEED be eligible for the credit because he owned a home and
occupied it as his principal residence for 5 consecutive years out of the last 8 years. The
keyword here is "consecutive." As long as he lived in that house for 5 years straight what he
did since 3 years doesn't impact eligibility.
Question: I am an eligible firsttime
homebuyer. I entered into a contract to purchase on
November 1, 2009. Do I have to go to closing before December 1? How does the
extension date affect me?
Answer: You do not have to close before December 1. Once the legislation has been signed, it will be as
if the Nov 30 date had never existed. Therefore, so long as the contract settles before April 30
(or July 1, worst case), the purchaser will be eligible for the credit.