by Shar Rundio on November 22, 2008
image: www.freeimages.co.uk
Is your house a ticking time-bomb? Are you worried that your appliances are ready to bite the dust? Have you considered a home warranty?
One of the misconceptions that I often hear about home warranties is that most people think they are only for:
1.) new homes
2.) just purchased resale homes.
I always try to dispel that rumor and encourage ANYONE to put a home warranty on their existing home (as well as any rental homes). For a yearly investment of approximately $300-500 depending on whether you have a pool and what you want covered you are protected if something should break down. I’ve never had anyone regret purchasing a home warranty BUT I have had people really frustrated that they didn’t. In fact, I’ve been one of those people. Several years ago, I let our home warranty lapse after the first year and didn’t renew it. The $400 I spent on a new water heater would have more than paid for the home warranty AND I would have had a new water heater. **NOTE TO SELF: Practice what you preach!** I was talking to someone (okay, it was my mom…at least she follows my advice) the other day and she said, “The new washing machine is being delivered tomorrow.” I thought/said “What are you talking about?” Apparently, the washing machine croaked and she had upgraded her warranty to cover the washer/dryer/refrigerator (a REALLY good idea if your appliances are getting on the older side). The repair man decided that it wasn’t able to be fixed and they delivered a new one of comparable quality. Oh, and then there was another client’s air conditioner…but you get the idea.
So for a service call (@ $50), the home warranty will cover parts and labor on most of your major housing components.
If you’re interested in looking at some quality companies I’d be happy to send you some information on several companies that we have worked with. Typically, I am able to negotiate better pricing for your initial investment and then a reduced renewal rate as well.
Give me a call @ 480.560.7255 or an email @ info@SpeakingofPhoenixRealEstate.com if you are interested in protecting your home and I’ll be happy to help.
by Shar Rundio on November 13, 2008
This is what I woke up to this morning:
Yep, it’s my birthday. For those who are counting, I’ve added another year to my 32 making me 33 today.
My amazing husband and adorable girls decided to make me breakfast in bed. I’ve never had breakfast in bed and I’ll tell you it was quite a treat. It included and omelet (bacon, cheese & onion with basil on the top), crepes (with creme cheese & jelly), an iced coffee and even a little chocolate chip cookie to the side. The flowers were fresh picked from our backyard. The purple ones are skyflowers and they smell like Easter candy. Everyone should have breakfast in bed sometime!
Thanks to all who’ve been reminded by Facebook that today is my birthday (as well as those who knew anyway) and sent me well wishes . You are loved.
As for the rest of the day, I think I’ll hit up some of my favorite freebies that I like to remind you of. I’m headed to Joe’s Farm Grill for lunch with an “old” friend who has known me way too long. Later, I’ll likely hit Krispy Kreme for a free decadent dozen (to be shared!). Oh, and some work today, too!
Birthday or not…wishing you a great day, also!
by Shar Rundio on November 12, 2008
New 2009 guidelines were recently released by FHA, Fannie and Freddie. Some things you should make note of include:
- In all AZ counties the FHA loan limit has been reduced to $271,050 with the exception of Coconino which will be $333,500. This is down from the 2008 limit in Maricopa and Pinal counties of $346,250.
- Fannie and Freddie have announced that they will leave the conforming loan limits at the current $417,000 (for all counties in AZ except Coconino which is at $450,000). In other high cost areas (San Diego & Orange County and such) it will be $625,000.
- Freddie Mac has also announced that effective 2/2/09 they will no longer purchase loans with stated income/stated assets. Lenders will implement the changes earlier than this date to insure a smooth transition. Maximum debt to income will be 45%.
What does this mean?
Better yet, where’s your opportunity?
This all means that anyone considering purchasing a home that would fall in the $271,050-$346,520 range should be looking at doing that now if you’d like to take advantage of an FHA loan. With a low initial investment of 3% and historically low interest rates combined with a discount buyer’s market, what’s holding you back?
by Shar Rundio on November 4, 2008
Today we are honored and privileged as a country to get out and make our voices heard. It is a time of reflecting on the sacrifices and trials that our country men and women have endured and continue to do so that we might have this right. Whatever your vote is, I hope you’ll get out and make it heard today.
If your civic duty isn’t enough to make you get out and cast your vote, there are some enticing treats various companies are offering. Make sure to hang on to your “I voted” sticker and wear it proudly, some of the offers require it.
- Starbucks is offering a free cup of Joe (no plumber here).
- Ckick-Fil-A is serving up a free chicken sandwich ***you should double check with your local store to make sure they are participating in this as I have heard of at least one that is not. The Mesa Riverview location is for sure!***
- Ben and Jerry’s is offering a free scoop of ice cream from 5-8 this evening
- Krispy Kreme is handing out star sprinkled (not spangled) doughnuts
