We Are Back!!

It took us 5 days working to restore our site and we are finally back! In the past week we were the unlucky recipients of a cyber attack. This attack took down most of our site and attempted to redirect you to other websites not supported by All About Anthem.

In the past week we have learned more about website security than we should have to know. But, we quickly found out our vulnerabilities and worked to make the site more secure.

We appreciate your patience and everyone using our site. We get plenty of positive feedback and we appreciate that.

Things to Do February 2022 in Phoenix

Things to Do February 2022

Hashknife Pony Express arrives | Feb 4 | Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West

Parada Del Sol Parade and Trails End Festival | Feb 5 | Old Town Scottsdale

Arizona Indian Festival | Feb 5 – 6 | Historic Old Town Scottsdale

Monster Energy AMA Supercross | Feb 5 | State Farm Stadium

Street Eats Food Truck Festival | Feb 5 – 6 | SALT RIVER FIELDS

Arizona Renaissance Festival | Feb 5 – April 3 | Festival Village

Merchantile Market | Through Apr 9 | Big Surf Waterpark

Arizona Bao and Dumpling Festival with the Arizona Donut and Ice Cream Festival | Feb 5 – Feb 6 | Dr. AJ Chandler Park

Waste Management Phoenix Open | Feb 7 – 13 | TPC Scottsdale

Waterfront Fine Art & Wine Festival | Feb 11 – 13 | Downtown Scottsdale

Monster Jam | Feb 12 | State Farm Stadium

I Heart Pluto Festival 2022 | Feb 12 – Feb 21 | Lowell Observatory

World Championship Hoop Dance Contest| Feb 12 – 13 | Heard Museum

Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show| Feb 17 – 27 | WestWorld of Scottsdale

Arizona Beer Week | Feb 17 – 27 | Various Locations

Downtown Chandler Fine Art & Wine Festival | Feb 18 – 20 | Downtown Chandler

Buckeye Air Fair | Feb 18 – 20 | Buckeye Airport

Zuzu African Acrobats | Feb 18 – Feb 20 | Madison Center for the Arts

Wigwam Fine Art Festival | Feb 18 | Litchfield Park

Arizona Strong Beer Festival | Feb 19 | Bell Bank Park

CARS & COFFEE | Feb 19 | PENSKE RACING MUSEUM

Devour Phoenix: Seven Chefs Dinner | Feb 20 | The Gladly & Devour at Home | Feb 26 | Your Home!

Angry Crab Shack Southwest Cajun Fest | Feb 26 | Dr. AJ Chandler Park

Arizona Cocktail Weekend | Feb 19 – 21 | Multiple Locations

Spring Fountain Festival | Feb 25 – 27 | Avenue of the Fountains

The Arizona Wine Garden Party | Feb 26 – 27 | Singh Meadows

Spring Training 2022| Feb 26 – Mar 29 | Various Ballparks

Innings Festival | Feb. 26-27 | Tempe Beach Park

Thanks to American Title Service Agency

Looking for a new home?

If you’re interested in purchasing or selling a home you can start by Contacting Us directly or start searching for your new home here Anthem, Desert Hills, New River, Phoenix, Mesa, Scottsdale, Tempe, Glendale or Surprise.

Also, check out our mini-series North Valley Spotlight

Checklist for Selling Your House

A Checklist for Selling Your House This Winter [INFOGRAPHIC]

Some Highlights

If you’re planning to sell your house this winter, you’ll want it to look its best inside and out.
Take the time and focus on tasks that make it inviting, show it’s cared for, and boost your curb appeal.
Let’s connect so you have an expert opinion on what to focus on, so it shows well and catches a buyer’s eye.

Looking for a new home?

Also, check out our mini-series North Valley Spotlight

Your Journey to Homeownership in 2021

Your Journey to Homeownership [INFOGRAPHIC]

Some Highlights

When it comes to buying a home, there are a number of key milestones along the way.
The process includes everything from building your team and understanding your finances to going house hunting, making an offer, and more.
When you’re ready to start your journey, let’s connect so you have trusted guidance at every milestone in the process.

Looking for a new home?

Also, check out our mini-series North Valley Spotlight

VA Loans

VA Loans: Helping Veterans Achieve Their Homeownership Dreams

The purpose of Veterans Affairs (VA) home loans is to provide a pathway to homeownership for those who have sacrificed so much by serving our nation. As the Veterans Administration says of the program:

“The objective of the VA Home Loan Guaranty program is to help eligible Veterans, active-duty personnel, surviving spouses, and members of the Reserves and National Guard purchase, retain, and adapt homes in recognition of their service. . . .”

For over 75 years, VA home loans have provided millions of veterans and their families the opportunity to purchase their own homes.

2020 Data on VA Home Loans

1,246,817 home loans are guaranteed by the Veterans Administration
The average VA loan amount totals $301,044
178,171 of those using a VA Loan are first-time homebuyers

Top Benefits of the VA Home Loan Program

As we reflect on their sacrifice and honor our nation’s veterans, it’s important to ensure all veterans know the full extent of benefits VA home loans offer. As Jeff London, Director of the VA Home Loan Program, says:

“VA loans offer an extraordinary opportunity for veterans because of lower interest rates, lower monthly payments, no or low-down payments, and no private mortgage insurance.”

Those who qualify for a VA home loan are eligible for the following:

Borrowers can often purchase a home with no down payment. In 2020, 350,094 individuals using a VA Loan were able to purchase their homes without putting money down.
Many other loans with down payments under 20% require Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI). VA Loans do not require PMI, which means veterans can save on their monthly housing costs.
Finally, VA-Backed Loans often offer the most competitive terms and interest rates.

Bottom Line

One way we can honor and thank our veterans this year is to ensure they have the best information about the benefits of VA home loans. Homeownership is the American Dream. Our veterans sacrifice so much in service to our nation and deserve to achieve their homeownership goals. Thank you for your service.

Looking for a new home?

Also, check out our mini-series North Valley Spotlight

What Do Past Years Tell Us About Today’s Real Estate Market?

As you follow the news, you’re likely seeing headlines discussing what’s going on in today’s housing market. Chances are high that some of the more recent storylines you’ve come across mention terms like cooling or slowing when talking about where the market is headed.

But what do these terms mean? The housing market today is anything but normal, and it’s still an incredibly strong sellers’ market, especially when compared to the few years leading up to the pandemic. With that in mind, what can previous years tell us about today’s real estate market and if it’s truly slowing?

We’re Still Seeing an Above Average Number of Sales

You may see headlines about a drop in home sales. But are those headlines telling the full story? The most recent Existing Home Sales Report from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) does show a drop of about 2% from July to August. But the month-over-month decline doesn’t provide the full picture (see graph below):As the graph shows, historical context is key. Today’s home sales are well ahead of some of the more normal years that led up to the health crisis. That means buyers are still in the market, which is great news if you’re planning to list your home.

Houses Are Selling Faster Than Usual

When headlines mention the market is slowing, sellers may naturally wonder if their house will sell as quickly as they’d like. According to the most recent Realtors Confidence Index from NAR, homes are still selling at record speed (see graph below):Again, if we look back at data from previous years, we can see the average time on market – 17 days – means homes are selling faster than a normal pace.

Bidding Wars Are Still the Norm

The Realtors Confidence Index from NAR also shows a drop in the average number of offers homes are receiving in August, and many headlines may simply focus there without providing the important context (see graph below):Again, it’s important to compare today’s market to trends from recent years. Currently, the average number of offers per listing is higher than 39 of the previous 45 months. That means the likelihood of a bidding war on your home is still high. And the number of offers your house receives can have a major influence on the final sale price.

So, Is the Market Slowing Down?

While there are slight declines in various month-to-month data, it’s important to keep historical context in mind when determining what’s happening in today’s market. Odeta Kushi, Deputy Chief Economist at First American, put it best recently, saying:

“It’s not the white-hot market from earlier in the year & it’s not the 2020 market benefiting from a wave of pent-up demand but make no mistake this is still a hot housing market.”

Bottom Line

Don’t let headlines make you rethink listing your home this fall. Selling today means you can still take advantage of high buyer demand, multiple offers, and a quick sale. If you’re thinking of selling your house, let’s connect and discuss why this fall is the perfect time to do so.

Looking for a new home?

Also, check out our mini-series North Valley Spotlight

Don’t Wait for a Lower Mortgage Rate – It Could Cost You

Today’s housing market is truly one for the record books. Over the past year, we’ve seen the lowest mortgage rates in history. And while those rates seemed to bottom out in January of this year, the golden window of opportunity for buyers isn’t over just yet. If you’re one of the buyers who worry they’ve missed out, rest assured today’s mortgage rates are still worth taking advantage of.

Even today, our mortgage rates are below what they’ve been in recent decades. So, while you may not be able to lock in the rate your friend got recently, you’re still in a great position to secure a rate well below what your parents and even grandparents got in years past. The key will be acting sooner rather than later.

In late September, mortgage rates ticked above 3% for the first time in months. And according to experts throughout the industry, mortgage rates are projected to continue rising in the months ahead. Here’s where experts say rates are headed:While a projected half percentage point increase may not seem substantial, it does have an impact when you’re buying a home. When rates rise even slightly, it affects how much you’ll pay month-to-month on your home loan. The chart below shows how it works:In this example, if rates rise to 3.55%, you’ll pay an extra $100 each month on your monthly mortgage payment if you purchase a home around this time next year. That extra money can really add up over the life of a 15 or 30-year loan.

Clearly, today’s mortgage rates are worth taking advantage of before they climb further. The rates we’re seeing right now give you a unique opportunity to afford more home for your money while keeping your monthly payment down.

Bottom Line

Waiting for a lower mortgage rate could cost you. Experts project rates will continue to rise in the months ahead. Let’s connect so you can seize this opportunity before they increase further.

Looking for a new home?

Also, check out our mini-series North Valley Spotlight

Finding “The One”

Homebuyer Tips for Finding the One [INFOGRAPHIC]

Some Highlights

The best advice carries across multiple areas of life. When it comes to homebuying, a few simple tips can help you stay on track.
Because of increased demand, you’ll need to be patient and embrace compromises during your search. Then, once you’ve fallen in love, commit by putting your best offer forward.
If you’re looking to buy a home this year, let’s connect so you have a dedicated partner and teammate to help you find the one.

Looking for a new home?

Also, check out our mini-series North Valley Spotlight

Reasons Renters Buy in 2021

Reasons Renters Buy [INFOGRAPHIC]

Some Highlights

When deciding whether you should rent or buy, make sure you’re considering these factors.
Buying a home means consistent monthly payments. Homeownership also helps to build your wealth. And owning a home gives you greater flexibility than renting.
If you’re ready to take advantage of the perks of homeownership, let’s connect to explore your options.

Looking for a new home?

Also, check out our mini-series North Valley Spotlight

Agents Are Key When it Comes to Pricing

Your Agent Is Key When Pricing Your House [INFOGRAPHIC]

Some Highlights

Pricing your house right takes market experience and expertise.
To find the best list price, your agent balances current market demand, values of homes in your neighborhood, where prices are headed, and your home’s condition.
If you’re ready to sell, don’t guess on the price. Let’s connect today so we price your house to attract multiple offers and maximize your return on investment.

Bottom Line

Homeownership is and will always be part of the American Dream! There are many financial and non-financial benefits to take advantage of when owning a home. If owning a home is part of your dream, contact a local real estate professional to help you with the process!