Jennifer Srock

1. Reduce- This may be the hardest to adopt. Minimizing how many resources we consume is the foundation for living a greener lifestyle. What are some ways to help reduce waste?

• Turning off lights when you’re not using them and use energy efficient light bulbs.
• Check to see if your power companies offers energy efficient usage plans and energy saving tips.
• Shut down your work computer at the end of every day.
• Do away with running water while you're brushing your teeth.
• Buy products that contain environmentally friendly packaging.
• Instead of buying something you're not going to use very often, see if you can borrow it from someone you know.
• Try to reduce car use by carpooling, taking a bus, roller blading, riding a bike or walking.
• Use a computer. Many newspapers and magazines are online now. Print only what you need.
• Opt out of getting junk mail that you just throw away.

Reducing helps conservation efforts, decreases landfull waste and energy use which results in a cleaner environment. Striving for better choices helps conserve our natural resources.

2. Reuse- Can you repair something damaged? Can you donate something you're finished with? Before you "trash" something, think of how you might get more out of it.

• Use silverware and dishes that can be cleaned and reused instead of plasticware, styrofoam or paper plates that get thrown away.
• Store food in reusable containers.
  
• Metal cans and plastic containers can be used for storing items.
• Donate clothes, furniture, toys and "garage sale items" that didn't sell.
• Turn old shirts into pajamas or cleaning rags.
• Some supermarkets recycle plastic shopping bags. Turn yours in. Better yet, bring your own cloth shopping bags for your groceries.
• Many junk removal companies donate items to charities, repair items, and recycle.
• Use all writing paper on both sides.

3. Recycle- Make new products out of old products and buy products that contain recycled materials. Recycling reduces the amount of garbage thrown away by 25%-50%.

• Composting kitchen waste is healthy for the soil therefore enhancing plants in your landscaping and less waste will go into the landfill.
• Check your state's Department of Environmental Quality for recycling programs.
• Check to see if your city has a recycling program you can participate in and aks for a list of what they recycle.

Check out websites dedicated to going green. The Green Guide Tree Hugger The Daily Green Going Green

Best wishes in your attempts to master the art of being green.

What makes Casa Grande, Arizona so desirable? At an elevation of about 1395 feet, Casa Grande is strategically located at the intersection of two major interstates, I-8 and I-10. It's just 45 minutes south of the Phoenix Airport and an hour north of Tucson. Casa Grande is a smaller community and housing is more affordable than the two bigger cities. However, the previously known as "bedroom community" is growing fast as you will see in some of the links below as you get to know Casa Grande, Arizona.

Active Adult Communities-(*Register you & your realtor*) Mission Royale, Palm Creek, Ironwood Village, Villa de Jardins, & nearby Robson Ranch.

Arizona Builders in Financial Trouble- List of Arizona developers & home builders with projects in foreclosure, recorded liens or general financial trouble.

Assisted Living Communities- Cypress Point Apartments, The Garnet and The Villas by Mary T.

Chamber of Commerce -Find out more about local businesses.

City Commercial Developments- What businesses are being built in the City of Casa Grande?

City Data- Search housing statistics, demographics, crime rates, weather, local government, taxes and more.

Crime Map- The Casa Grande Police Department Crime Map shows information on burglary and auto theft crimes.

Elementary Schools- This link is temporary until the district site is up and working again.

Flood Risk Profile- Determine if the home is a flood risk and find an insurance agent servicing the area.

Golfing- Including tee time specials.

High Schools- List of High Schools that service Casa Grande.

Local Newspapers- Choose which newspaper publication to view.

Promenade Mall- Location and list of services.

Senior Center- Adult center classes, clubs and more.

U.S. Census Bureau for Casa Grande- Social, economic and housing characteristics.

Weather- Local weather conditions

I have often said to throw some of your common sense out the window when buying or selling real estate because your common sense may conflict with that of the other party only causing negotiating problems. Furthermore, when you are ready to buy or sell, it is Murphy's Law that your crystal ball will be broken. In this volitile market, there were so many important topics that I had a hard time chosing one to focus on this time. So, here's some articles from other real estate experts I've chosen to share so that your common sense or crystal ball don't get the best of you in today's market.

5 biggest real estate myths. Real estate expert says Phoenix market hit bottom. Will you miss the curve & be buying on the rebound?

According to the National Association of REALTORS®, home sales have increased. largest More buyers have taken advantage of the housing market conditions of affordability, supply of inventory, low interest rates and housing tax credits.

Economic Indicators, Home Sales Rise. The decline in home sales is the largest year-over-year drop in records going back to 1968.

Please leave comments about other articles you may have come across as well.

Seller's Beware!!! There are many realtors out there that will list a short sale for you but they don't know about a possible deficiency judgment against the seller after the home has been sold. Furthermore, they don't explain the possible afffects a short sale has on your taxes and credit.

What is a deficiency judgment?

The difference between the mortgage balance and the discounted amount will be the total that the lender may seek a deficiency judgment againt the seller who sold their home "short" of what they owed on their mortgage. If granted, this judgment may affect the homeowners and their credit report just as any other judgment. Likewise, the same judgment can be sought after if the homeowner has let their home go back to the bank and the bank sells it at auction for less than what was owed.

What is a 1099 on a short sale?

A 1099 is given to homeowners as a result of income they've received from the sale of their home. For example, if the bank is owed $100,000 and agrees to accept $75,000 for a short sale, the homeowners actually made $25,000 (the short sale amount). Therefore, the homeowner can receive a 1099 for that amount.

Can these consequences be avoided?

Results may vary by state. Speak with a local accountant on how a 1099 may affect you. Speak with a local realtor and or attorney on how a deficiency udgment may affect you.

In Arizona, AZ statute 33-814, subsection G covers deficiency judgments. In Pinal County, Arizona, listing agents with The Yost Group at RE/MAX Casa Grande specialize in short sales.

Here's an example of a short sale negotiation currently taking place between a bank and a lisitng agent on behalf of the seller.

The agent received approval from the first mtg on a short sale, but the letter of approval said that they were releasing the property only (and reducing the balance) but not releasing the homeowner from the debt. The letter said that by signing the agreement, the homeowner would still be responsible for the difference. There was a second mortgage for $10k and it is an equity line taken out after the home was purchased. The second will settle for $2500 but will go after the balance with a deficiency judgment.

AZ law provides for NO deficiency judgments on purchase money mortgages, meaning a mortgage used to purchase a property for a single family home on 2.5 acres or less. So, the first mortgage lender does not have the right to pursue a deficiency judgment. However, the second mortgage was placed after the purchase so that is a full recourse note, meaning they can go after the homeowner for the difference. Now if this had been an 80/20 loan when they first bought the home the second would also not be able to get a deficiency judgment. That gave the listing agent a reason to push the bank holding the second mortgage even harder in this type of a situation. The second mortgage company is in second lien position, meaning they will wind up with nothing and no recourse if the first mortgage forecloses.

The listing agent contacted our attorney who said to NOT have the seller sign the letter from the first mtg holder, which specifically says the homeowner will be responsible for the difference. The lisitng agent is going to call that first mortgage holder and remind them of the statute and NEGOTIATE. She is going to explain that we are in a declining value situation and by taking this as a short sale they will receive more money than waiting to foreclose and putting it back on the market.

This situation provides one more example of why the listing agent must be super knowledgeable about short sales. A typical agent would have accepted what the bank is telling them and the deal would have fallen apart. The listing agent must be able to negotiate with the lender by knowing the market, the state laws and being able to convincingly demonstrate the information in a helpful, supportive way.

Keep in mind that there is hope for short sales now that a new light has been shed on them. My office has more extensive information on short sales through our website at www.YostHomes.com including a foreclosure/short sale comparison chart that shows the differences on how each impacts your credit in the future. This is definitely worth viewing if you are unable to continue making your payments. We have a frequently asked questions section. Follow this link for more information on Short Sale FAQ's . My blog about "Buying a Short Sale" gives some insight about a buyer's perspective on short sales if you're interested as well.

What's a Buyer's Agent? When an agent works with you to buy a home, that agent is acting as a buyer's agent. Do you know if this agent was just working with a seller as a seller's agent prior to switching hats and meeting with you as a buyer's agent? Do you know if your realtor is someone who understands the problems, has the solutions and spends 100% of their time working with buyers, or if they're a jack of all trades trying to work with buyers, sellers, and everything else in between?

Why is a team beneficial? Getting an agent who has a team means you have more eyes looking out for you, more people available for you, and communication on a regular basis. Each team member applies their specific strengths and experience to provide you superior service and results than you could ever expect from a single agent or simple partnership.

Who's interviewing who? Realtors have the luxury of choosing how they do business and who they do business with. As a buyer, you have the same luxury. When interviewing realtors, do you feel as if you are being interviewed as well. Only agents that know what they are doing will interview you to determine what stage of the process you're in and where to guide you from there. Your realtor is there to give you the facts and figures necessary for you to make a wise decision. Your first meeting with your realtor should be a mutual interview so you both feel comfortable and decide together on how you're going to continue the process.

Who's in charge? You will be making all the decisions. If you're able to articulate your wants and needs your agent will be able to make the most of your time. Don't be surprised if you find the home you want to buy within the first few homes you view. If you're walking through a house you like and your agent doesn't ask you if you'd like to buy it, ask yourself. You may surprise yourself with an answer. That question seems to make you aware of how interested you really are.

It's almost like building a home. If you had one individual who had to come in, clear the ground, put in the foundation, do the framework, electrical, plumbing, finish carpentry, and paint- it would take forever and there would be too much room for error. In real estate, if one individual had to return calls, arrange advertising, go on listing appointments, show buyer's homes, coordinate inspections and closings, there's just too much to get done in such little time. Now does it make sense to choose an agent that specializes working with buyers and has the staff and systems to provide proficient service necessary for such a life changing investment?