Sandra J. Steele.,REALTOR®

Desert Dwellers Realty Water conservation information

2010-03-20T17:48:00Z

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

2010-03-20T02:01:00Z

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.

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Coppergate Business Park between Cottonwood & Clarkdale on Hwy 89A

2010-03-18T23:23:00Z

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

2010-03-17T00:47:00Z

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

2010-03-16T23:37:00Z

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

2010-03-13T17:54:00Z

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

2010-02-27T23:36:00Z

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

2010-02-27T23:18:00Z

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

2010-02-22T04:00:00Z

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

2010-02-22T00:07:00Z

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

2010-02-21T23:38:00Z

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

2010-02-21T19:02:00Z

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.

2010-02-20T16:56:00Z

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!

2010-02-18T02:27:00Z

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

2010-02-17T00:04:00Z

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."