I’ve learned – That you cannot make someone love you. All you can do is be someone who can be loved. The rest is up to them.

I’ve learned – that no matter how much I care, some people just don’t care back.

I’ve learned – that it takes years to build up trust, and only seconds to destroy it.

I’ve learned – that it’s not what you have in your life but who you have in your life that counts.

I’ve learned – that you can get by on charm for about fifteen minutes. After that, you’d better know something.

I’ve learned – that it’s not what happens to people that’s important. It’s what they do about it.

I’ve learned – that you should always leave loved ones with loving words. It may be the last time you see them.

I’ve learned – that either you control your attitude or it controls you.

I’ve learned – that learning to forgive takes practice.

I’ve learned – that sometimes when I’m angry I have the right to be angry, but that doesn’t give me the right to be cruel.

I’ve learned – that maturity has more to do with what types of experiences you’ve had and what you’ve learned from them and less to do with how many years you’ve lived.

I’ve learned – that no matter how good a friend is, they’re going to hurt you every once in a while and you must forgive them for that.

I’ve learned – that it isn’t always enough to be forgiven by others. Sometimes you have to learn to forgive yourself.

I’ve learned – that no matter how bad your heart is broken the world doesn’t stop for your grief.

I’ve learned – that just because two people argue, it doesn’t mean they don’t love each other and just because they don’t argue, it doesn’t mean they do.

I’ve learned – that no matter how you try to protect your children, they will eventually get hurt and you will hurt in the process.

I’ve learned – that your life can be changed in a matter of hours by people who don’t even know you.

I’ve learned – that the people you care most about in life are taken from you too soon.

I’ve learned – that even when you think you have no more to give, when a friend cries out to you, you will find the strength to help.

What I Learned By: Roger Knapp

Contributed by Mario Romero, CRS, CDPE, CLHMS
602-252-4191 office, 602-254-9810 fax
The Romero Team - Melcher Agency
www.TheRomeroTeam.com
www.ShortSaleTeamAz.com
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There will be 150 homes auctioned off that day, all with $100 for a down payment instead of the customary 3.5% down.  Only owner-occupied are eligible.  All homes are in ready to move in condition with no repairs needed.  HUD will pay 3% towards buyer(s) closing costs/prepaids.  A Realtor MUST accompany the buyer(s) or one will be assigned to them at the auction.  The buyer(s) must come in with a cashiers check payable to HUD and/or the buyer(s) for $1000.  If their bid is accepted, the $100 comes from the $1000 and the balance is held as earnest money.  Each property has a reserve bid and the head of HUD’s REO Division will be there to evaluate the highest offer iF it is less than the reserve and make a  decision on-the-spot about accepting the lower than reserve offer.  IF THE BIDS go over the reserve, all the bidders are pulled aside and told they have exceeded the reserve and anything bid over that amount must be paid as extra cash at closing.

THE BUYER(S) MUST HAVE A PRE-QUALIFICATION LETTER FROM THEIR LENDER ON LENDER LETTERHEAD to accompany their bid.
It’s a WONDERFUL opportunity for a home buyer who is looking for their first home!
The properties on the auction can be found at HUD’s website (www.HUD.gov)  I navigated through the website and found this link to the auction on the 26th:   http://www.hudsonandmarshall.com/AuctionSale/HUDReferral/3998.aspx?utm_source=HUDsite&utm_medium=banner&utm_campaign=PhoenixHomeAuctionHUDReferrel

Contributed by Mario Romero, CRS, CDPE, CLHMS
602-252-4191 office, 602-254-9810 fax
The Romero Team - Melcher Agency
www.TheRomeroTeam.com
www.ShortSaleTeamAz.com
Follow Me on Twitter

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

There will be 150 homes auctioned off that day, all with $100 for a down payment instead of the customary 3.5% down.  Only owner-occupied are eligible.  All homes are in ready to move in condition with no repairs needed.  HUD will pay 3% towards buyer(s) closing costs/prepaids.  A Realtor MUST accompany the buyer(s) or one will be assigned to them at the auction.  The buyer(s) must come in with a cashiers check payable to HUD and/or the buyer(s) for $1000.  If their bid is accepted, the $100 comes from the $1000 and the balance is held as earnest money.  Each property has a reserve bid and the head of HUD’s REO Division will be there to evaluate the highest offer iF it is less than the reserve and make a  decision on-the-spot about accepting the lower than reserve offer.  IF THE BIDS go over the reserve, all the bidders are pulled aside and told they have exceeded the reserve and anything bid over that amount must be paid as extra cash at closing.

THE BUYER(S) MUST HAVE A PRE-QUALIFICATION LETTER FROM THEIR LENDER ON LENDER LETTERHEAD to accompany their bid. 
It’s a WONDERFUL opportunity for a home buyer who is looking for their first home!
The properties on the auction can be found at HUD’s website (www.HUD.gov)  I navigated through the website and found this link to the auction on the 26th:   http://www.hudsonandmarshall.com/AuctionSale/HUDReferral/3998.aspx?utm_source=HUDsite&utm_medium=banner&utm_campaign=PhoenixHomeAuctionHUDReferrel

Contributed by Mario Romero, CRS, CDPE, CLHMS
602-252-4191 office, 602-254-9810 fax
The Romero Team - Melcher Agency
www.TheRomeroTeam.com
www.ShortSaleTeamAz.com
Follow Me on Twitter

Short sale frustrations could easily be the reason so many homes head to foreclosure. The lengthy time frame to complete a short sale, combined with hanging in the balance waiting for the mercy of the lender is wearing to say the least. A short sale can be a great way to avoid foreclosure and save a credit rating but it often takes thick skin and a whole lot of patience.

One of the most frustrating things about a short sale is the fact that if the home were already foreclosed upon it could be sold immediately, possibly for less than it would sell for a short sale price, so why won’t the bank simply agree to a short sale? Either way the bank is losing money, why go through the foreclosure process if the home could be sold as a short sale? Be prepared. Have proof of what your home is worth in today’s real estate market and demonstrate that accepting the short sale is in the lender’s best interest.

A short sale has a much better chance of occurring when an experienced REALTOR is involved. When connections exist the short sale process tends to run more smoothly. The key to a successful short sale is preparation and determination.

http://www.propertyindistressaz.com/  for access to short sale help, and find answers to the most common short sale questions.

 

Contributed by Mario Romero, CRS, CDPE, CLHMS
602-252-4191 office, 602-254-9810 fax
The Romero Team - Melcher Agency
www.TheRomeroTeam.com
www.ShortSaleTeamAz.com
Follow Me on Twitter

Contributed by Mario Romero, CRS, CDPE, CLHMS
602-252-4191 office, 602-254-9810 fax
The Romero Team - Melcher Agency
www.TheRomeroTeam.com
www.ShortSaleTeamAz.com
Follow Me on Twitter

Vacation real estate appears to be what is selling. A recent article in the Wall Street Journal noted how vacation property and second home markets are starting to see activity. When real estate is suffering all over the nation what is making vacation real estate loosen up? Low mortgage rates and bargain prices. While volume is way up in certain sought-after areas, prices are down and that is bringing buyers in, buyers who don’t want to miss the opportunity to buy a vacation home.

The key is patience and an absence of emotion. The true deals are being bought by patient buyers who are submitting offers until they succeed in finding sellers who are willing to accept a low price. A lot of vacation properties are being bought by cash buyers who are in a position to offer a quick closing with no financing contingencies. As the economy improves so do the piggy banks of the wealthy, who are all too happy to buy a second home in a desirable location.

Click here to read the Wall Street Journal article, “Market for Vacation Homes Is on the Rise”.

 

Contributed by Mario Romero, CRS, CDPE, CLHMS
602-252-4191 office, 602-254-9810 fax
The Romero Team - Melcher Agency
www.TheRomeroTeam.com
www.ShortSaleTeamAz.com
Follow Me on Twitter

SCVNGR is a game about going places, doing challenges and earning points.

Pick a challenge and do it. You’ll earn points, start unlocking badges, share your activity with your friends and play on. As you  visit your favorite places more and more often, you’ll unlock extra functionality like being able to add your own challenges for your friends to do.

Visit  www.scngr.com  join the fun

Contributed by Mario Romero, CRS, CDPE, CLHMS
602-252-4191 office, 602-254-9810 fax
The Romero Team - Melcher Agency
www.TheRomeroTeam.com
www.ShortSaleTeamAz.com
Follow Me on Twitter

The question, “Is real estate a good investment?” is one which many have wondered over the course of our recession. In most situations the answer is yes, especially for the long term. Those buying real estate with the intent to live in a home or own a property for a long period of time are making an investment. Historically speaking real estate has displayed a return that outpaces inflation by at least one percent if not higher. In fact, regardless of the recent bursting of the housing bubble, many parts of the country have shown more than a 50% increase in property values since 1990. While huge jumps in home values are not expected to occur any time in the near future, the subtle rise in values in most home prices will make long-term real estate values grow at consistent levels.

Now could be a great time to buy a home for the following reasons:

• Mortgage rates are hovering above historic lows and have nowhere to go but up.
• Home values appear to be stabilizing and even increasing in some markets.
• Home affordability levels are at all time highs.
• Sellers are motivated.

There is no doubt that many people got caught up in the housing bubble, gambling on the huge returns that were occurring for real estate investors. Unfortunately those that bought at the height of the market, as well as those who bought beyond their means, gambled and lost. In today’s market buying a primary residence or rental property seems to make a lot more sense than it did at the height of the market, after all buying low and selling high is much better for your wallet than buying high and selling low.

Contributed by Mario Romero, CRS, CDPE, CLHMS
602-252-4191 office, 602-254-9810 fax
The Romero Team - Melcher Agency
www.TheRomeroTeam.com
www.ShortSaleTeamAz.com
Follow Me on Twitter

Fannie Mae launched a new website to help homeowners who are behind on their Mortgage  payments or are facing foreclosure.  Knowyouroptions.com features practical information and resources to help homeowners avoid foreclosure and either stay in their home or sell it.  Resources include a list of local foreclosure prevention events, housing counselors, Fannie Mae resources, credit score information, forms, videos, calculators and more.  The Site also provides important tips for recognizing and avoiding foreclosure scams. 

For more information, go to www.knowyouroptions.com

Contributed by Mario Romero, CRS, CDPE, CLHMS
602-252-4191 office, 602-254-9810 fax
The Romero Team - Melcher Agency
www.TheRomeroTeam.com
www.ShortSaleTeamAz.com
Follow Me on Twitter

Opening night at  The Arizona Theatre’s production of  Woody Guthrie’s American Song.  The  cast was exceptional and delivered so much great heart and spirit you can’t help but sing along, tap your foot, or clap your hands.  One of my favorites was “Deportees,”   This song was about an actual airplane crash that happened back during that period. A plane carrying Mexican immigrants crashed, but in the media they were not given the dignity of being named, instead they were just called deportees.

Live theater my friends, that  is why I love the arts so much.   This show takes you through an emotional journey, high and low and so fitting for the times it makes the human spirit and heart to feel, react, and think.    

for tickets visit  http://www.arizonatheatre.org/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deportee_(Plane_Wreck_at_Los_Gatos)

Contributed by Mario Romero, CRS, CDPE, CLHMS
602-252-4191 office, 602-254-9810 fax
The Romero Team - Melcher Agency
www.TheRomeroTeam.com
www.ShortSaleTeamAz.com
Follow Me on Twitter