Cynthia Smitherman

INVESTORS are a two edge sword; they slice both ways. We love them and we dislike them. This is why: As a real estate professional, they are a dream come true, but as a property owner they can bring down the values in our communities. Why? Very simple, they are speculators, they buy for less and sale for more. When buying for less, so does the values in the community where the home was purchased. However if they are able to sell higher very quickly (usually cash) it can help stabilize the pricing.

It is amazing how much revenue is being generated through the current housing debacle, there are investors who purchase and flip, purchase and rent, and purchase and hold. There are buyers who take advantage of the lower home pricing, lower interest rates, and there are Seller's who were smart enough to have held onto their equity, and are now selling for a pretty good profit. Real estate investors are good in the whole scheme of things, they help move the market along - and we all know how much we need to move it along. Now is the time to invest in real estate either as a real estate investor, or as a buyer for your personal use because rates are still low, and pricing is good as well.

If you are an investor or if you have been thinking of becoming an investor, give me a call, I have a list of homes available for you to consider.

Cynthia Smitherman, ABR, GRI, DB, VP-AAREB

602 697-4487

cynthia@emagehomes.com

Yep, it is summer time, temperatures are hovering around 100-113 degrees. The faint at heart are fleeing the Sonoran Desert cities and looking for cooler temperatures in the high country - or heading back East and even to the northern costal areas.

It is true it does get hot when living in Arizona, however you learn how to adapt and adjust, just as you do in any city in the United States during the summer months. You are in your air conditioned house, car, office, etc., nothing unusual about that. Granted you don't park your lawn chair in the center of the sidewalk while sipping a cup of coffee during the months of June-August, however with a little shade and a cool drink, you will do just fine.

With Arizona having over 110 lakes this couldn't be a better time to pack your cooler with sandwiches and cold drinks and head towards the lake. As you travel the winding roads to the Lake as shown in the photo

inset, you will notice the stark contrast of cactus, desert and water. I have been a resident of Arizona for over 16 years and have lived in Chandler, Mesa and Scottsdale. Each city has its great points; I enjoy all of the splendor they offer and have adapted to the heat. I have learned that even a street lamp can yield shade and a few degrees of coolness when standing behind it. So it is hot, and unless you live in a country where it is cold year round, you have learned to adjust to the summer months regardless of where you call home during June, July and August.

If you are looking to make Arizona your home state, particularly the Phoenix metro area, give me a call, I would love to show you how wonderful it is to live in the desert.

Cynthia Smitherman, ABR,GRI, DB, CDPE, VP AAREB

Emage` Fine Properties, LLC

602 697-4487 www.homes4saleaz.com

L@@K!! Resort styled living in Mesa, Arizona, bordering Gilbert, AZ as well.

Live as though you are on vacation everyday. Enjoy resort type pool area, fitness center, and a upscaled club house where activities are planned for the residents and guest. Located 1/2 mile from the US 60, and just one exit away the Superstition Springs Mall, and Theatres. It is also close to a world class golf course, lakes, camping, and even an active goldmine. All appliances stay. This property is sold AS IS, Lender Approval is required.

Breakfast room with bay window

Appliances Stay

MLS # 4380472

1058 sf, is just $115,000. For more information call:

Cynthia Smitherman, DB, ABR, GRI, CDPE, VP AAREB

Emage` Fine Properties, LLC 602 697-4487

I must say I am impressed with Bank of America and the short sale process. If you can recall I, like many other real estate practitioners have written Blogs complaining about Bank of America short sale process, and shuttered at the thought of working with them. They were the proverbial "black hole". Paper work would go in and NEVER COME OUT. BUT TODAY, TODAY IS A NEW DAY.

I received a request from B of A to resubmit my short sale contract through the "Equator" computer bases system. Reluctantly I resubmitted and felt "put out" that they could not just take the information I gave them and run with it. However, once I placed the information into the system - within a week, I was assigned a negotiator, and a Broker's Price Opinion, (BPO) ordered. Through this computer system, I even have the email address of the negotiator. Additionally, everything is submitted via PDF files, and you are able to download pictures, to boot. HOW REFRESHING!

No more faxing, re-faxing, and re-faxing - it is all there on site.

Bank of America, You desire a standing ovation, you are a game changer!

If you are facing foreclosure, and looking to sale your home as a Short Sale, we hold the distinctive designation as a Certified Distressed Property Expert, CDPE.

Call today for more information or assistance.

Cynthia Smitherman, ABR, GRI, DB, CDPE, VP-AAREB

Emage` Fine Properties, LLC

602 697-4487

www.homes4saleaz.com email: cynthia@emagehomes.com

I am a Jazz lover, I cut my teeth on Miles Davis when I was just 16 years old. The first album (yes I said album, not CD) was a Miles Davis goodie by the name of "Miles Ahead". By the time I learned to like Miles, I had become a Jazz aficionado.

Prior to Jazz, I listened to Classical while reading Russian Novels. I had a thirst for understanding different cultures and their music. However, I found early on Jazz transcends all cultures, all races, and all nationalities -in other words it is universal. (Something like what we strive to be as Real Estate Professionals)

Another favorite of mine has the same name as the title of this Blog: "Old Socks, New Shoes", by the Jazz Crusaders.

Sometimes as a person, as a woman, as a mother, as a wife, as a daughter, as a Real Estate professional, I feel like Old Socks, in New Shoes. I am ever changing, ever evolving, running to stay in tune, stay in step, and stay up to date. I have FB friends, I try to Tweet, and want to be Linkedin, but sometimes I have to realize that sometimes those old socks get holes in the toes, and are just plain worn out. However, just like a new pair of shoes make those socks look good, my clients make me feel good when they tell me my job is "well done". I feel like a new person - like a pair old of socks in new shoes.

So let me flip the album over, and start anew tomorrow, I won't give up, or give in, there's a lot of work to be done.

Cynthia Smitherman, ABR, GRI, DB, CDPE, VP AAREB

602 697-4487 , www.homes4saleaz.com email: cynthia@emagehomes.com

Offering outstanding real estate services - I care and not afraid to show it!

Specializing in serving Chandler, Arizona, Mesa, Arizona, Tempe, Arizona, Gilbert, Arizona.