I was going to write a recap of the story ..but our local news channels have done such a great job covering this story that I will just ask you to go here Horse Rescued  and take a look at the video.

I am not more fond of this news organization than others…but they have a lot of great content about this unique rescue.

I am proud of the “anonymous” donor who paid for the rescue of Colorado. Who ever you are…YOU ROCK! I do not have horses…but I would do whatever was within my power to save my dogs. People love their animals. And I think we as a community had a unique experience watching the awesome rescue of this well loved horse. It also renews our faith in humanity that a stranger (I am assuming it was a stranger) would step up and help in this situation. People are basically GOOD. I believe that.

Prescott Valley also boasts many delicious places to shop-till-you-drop, and dining is a particular area where they shine!  A medley of culinary delights await, from zesty Mediterranean dishes to south-of-the-border specials.  In the middle of town is the Entertainment District, where everything that is family-fun is found, from movie theaters, the famous Freedom Station arcade, and the stadium where many ice-hockey games are played, and where Prescott Valley hosts many “big-names” on their stages.  Come visit us soon – Prescott Valley has it all!!

I have been out with a few different clients showing homes over the last several days. It has almost become comical. I have had REALLY BAD lockbox mojo.

Well…really it is not bad mojo. Sometimes, it is noted in MLS that there is indeed a  lockbox on the home…and there is none at all. Or there is a “contractor’s box” which requires a combination to gain access. Why is this an issue?? I NEED A CODE! I see the “agent notes” to text or e-mail for the code. I do. Mostly I get a reply…but often I do not. Or they call me hours or even days later. So I can not show the home. I have found this scenario is typically only specific to lender owned , or REO, listings.

OK. I understand that it has become an issue for some agents because their fellow agents just give their clients the code so they can look at the house without the agent being there. I know… this is wrong. Wrong in a number of ways. So…what is the solution? I propose our “industry standard”. Electronic lockboxes.

I do not normally list REO properties. So I am not familiar with all of  the contracts the listing agents agree to with their clients, the banks. Maybe the banks are insisting that they install the combo boxes rather than our more secure SUPRA lockboxes. I do not know why they would do that…but maybe.

I just had a situation with an REO agent that went like this. The agent showing instructions indicted the home had a combination lockbox available and provided the access code. When I met my client at the property there was no lockbox. I called the listing agent and was informed that the lockbox had been replaced a number of times as “agents keep stealing them”. Well, I had to suggest that they install an electronic box as it seemed like such an obvious solution to me! I was told that they have over 100 listings and that would be expensive. It seems to me that it would be a business expense that would be well worth it. (plus…if they have 100+ listings they should be able to afford the more secure lockboxes one would think)

I guess what I am saying is that when I am taking my clients time…and mine…to show homes…it would be nice to easily gain access.

Anyway…I have been lucky to have clients that are understanding. I am blessed! 

With so many banks failing, the FDIC has been severely depleted and at the end of 2009 it carried a negative balance of$20.9 billion.  The FDIC has been quick to replace these deficiencies though.  With special assessments on banks being collected before their due date of 2012 they feel that the “industry will power through this and …they don’t expect the taxpayer to ride to the rescue”.

Source – Business Section of The New York Times

Foreclosures in the U.S. posted a 2% drop in February from January.  Hopefully this is a sign that the market is starting to change for the better and maybe some of the programs that are available might be working.

Experience the True Arizona in Cave Creek with eclectic shopping, art galleries and the unrivaled beauty of the Sonoran Desert. More than 30 restaurants to choose from, everything from fine dining to cowboy cook-outs. Horseback riding, rodeos, country and western dancing, museums, parks and nature preserves, hiking and biking and old mining tours.

In close proximity to these two wonderful towns are close to 40 miles of city-maintained multi-use paths where residents may ride bikes, jog, hike, take animals for walks and even stroll leisurely!  For anyone interested in continuing education, the Paradise Valley Community College is close by with interesting classes in just about anything you might imagine.

Located in the center of the world’s largest stand of virgin ponderosa pines, and nestled in a breathtaking valley just below Arizona’s 7,000’ Mogollon Rim, the town of Payson is another example of the wonders of the State.  It’s an easy 90-minute drive north of Phoenix, and sits at about the same altitude as Prescott, Arizona, at 5,200’.  This little mountain town, with cool breezes, and a four-season climate has been a summer getaway for Valley residents for decades.  With July and August temperatures l5-20 degrees below those in Phoenix, you can understand Payson’s popularity!  Yet Payson’s altitude isn’t so high that winters aren’t mild enough for hiking, fishing and horseback riding, with occasional snows for cross-country ski treks.  During the three coldest months, temperatures most always approach 60 degrees by mid-afternoon.  Come and check it out!

This event benefits the arts and arts education programs around Arizona with more than 3.1 million donated since 1992.

Visit http://www.scottsdaleculinaryfestival.org/ for all of the event information.

http://www.azdfi.gov/Alerts/Regulatory_Bulletin_MB&BK-09-02.pdf

Before you sign up to accept the help of a company offering to modify the loan on your residence, ask if they are licensed, or if they can explain why they are exempt.  If you are not satisfied with their answer,  find another company that is licensed.  If in the end, if you do not get the help that you need and were promised, you will now have a state agency to report these people to.

www.nahb.org/news_details.aspx?newsID=10443