Arizona is starting to change their laws on solicitation to our homes so it has been awhile since I have had someone at my door trying to sell me something (besides the neighbor kids of course). Yesterday I had some people come to my door. I looked out the peephole and saw a woman and a cute little boy. I opened the door to see what they needed and as soon as I did a man jumped around the corner and started in on his speech about family and how I need to buy this book. I was freaked out because I had no idea he was there and the way he did it I knew it was planned so that I would not be able to see him right away. I was not happy and told him so and told them I did not want to waste their time but they needed to leave. I am sorry but selling at the door is already a scary thing and then you hide and pop out as soon as I open the door...no thanks.
We have had the worst weather in Arizona this past year. I can't remember it being this cold and rainy ever. It is sad when I am wishing I was in Ohio in February. Things look to be clearing up for the week but who knows what tomorrow will bring.
Did anyone really think banks would want to reduce mortgage principal?? As reported today in the AZ Republic
Starting last February, the so-called Hardest Hit Housing program doled out hundreds of millions of dollars from the Treasury Department to the states facing the biggest foreclosure problems. Then, in December, the Arizona Housing Department received an additional $143 million, bringing the state's total to almost $268 million.
The one loan modification so far saved the homeowner a total of $40,000.
Only one person has received help so far...really I am not surprised. I have a loan with a credit union and they actually hired outside services to help them get tighter on giving out any assistance. You can't ask the banks to lose money they just won't do it and why should they, they are a business. Would you want someone coming to your job and asking for money to help with some problems they may be having...um NO.
We are seeing a pickup in the AZ real estate market a little but not in prices. Rates are still low, rentals are filling up about as fast as they come on the market and home prices are very competitive for any first time home buyer ready to go. The homes on the market don't seem to be as well maintained as they once were. It seems like people just don't have the pride of ownership they once did. Short sales are abundandt and still a challenge. You just never know what the banks will say when it comes to the end of the deal. Will they want a Note from the seller, will they accept the offer from the buyers or will they counter for more money. Every deal is different so if you are buying a short sale just expect the unexpected.
The flu this year is horrible. It is taking people down right and left. Everytime I think it is gone it just creeps back in and takes me out for another day or 2. I guess I should consider getting the flu shot next year.
My husband and I just got back from an awesome Celebrity Cruise for 5 days. We had such a fun time with our friends that went with us and met so many more people on the ship that were just awesome! Why is it though when you get off the ship it still feels like you are on it. I have been off the boat for over 24 hours now and I can still feel the rocking. SOOOO annoying!!!
Casino gambling and bets are on the rise in Arizona. Its one of 2 things...people either feel better about their situation and have more money to spend or they have just given up and just want to enjoy what little they have because it is not fun to be miserable and things don't look like they will get better any time soon.