Save Energy This Thanksgiving!

Wasting energy on Thanksgiving? Don’t be a turkey.

Here are some great ways to save energy around your home this holiday season!

Light Dimmer

A few days before Thanksgiving install a dimmer for your dining room chandelier or kitchen lights. Every time you dim the brightness of the bulbs by 10%, you’ll DOUBLE the bulb’s lifespan. The dimmer switch will cost around $10 and work most effectively with LEDs or incandescents. The LED bulbs are now the most energy efficient and last longer than traditional bulbs.

Cooking 101

Cook side dishes simultaneously with the turkey. If you plan items that can cook at the same temperature, you will save time and energy!

Use your oven’s convection feature. The convection circulates the heat around the food reducing the required temperature, time and energy.

Put a lid on your pots while cooking to retain heat.

The oven will keep your house warm so lower your thermostat a few degrees. You can also reverse your ceiling fan to suck air up, distributing heat throughout the room.

Cleanup Time

Scrape plates clean instead of rinsing with hot water. Unless food is really caked on there, your dishwasher should get the dishes clean without a pre-rinse. Makes sense.

Compost your non-meat food waste. Your plants will thank you for the nutrients and then you won’t feel like ou wasted a bit.

Use your dishwasher. It actually SAVES energy and water. Wait until you’ve got a full load before starting the dishwasher. Stop the appliance before the heated dry cycle- just open the door and let the dishes air dry to save on energy costs.

We live in a land of plenty, where wealth and opportunity abound! And every year we pause to reflect—to give thanks and appreciate the richness that surrounds us. Practicing gratitude reminds us of what we already have. It inspires us to embrace the family, friends, clients, and colleagues who lend meaning to our lives and guide us on our path to success.

Happy Thanksgiving… and thank you for being part of my journey!

Facts About VA Home Loans!

What is a VA Guaranteed Loan?

According to valoans.com, “VA guaranteed loans are made by private lenders, such as banks, savings & loans, or mortgage companies to eligible veterans for the purchase of a home which must be for their own personal occupancy. To get a loan, a veteran must apply to a lender. If the loan is approved, VA will guarantee a portion of it to the lender. This guaranty protects the lender against loss up to the amount guaranteed and allows a veteran to obtain favorable financing terms.

There is no maximum VA loan but lenders will generally limit VA loans to $417,000. This is because lenders sell VA loans in the secondary market, which currently places a $417,000 limit on the loans. For loans up to this amount, it is usually possible for qualified veterans to obtain no down payment financing. A veteran’s maximum entitlement is $36,000 (or up to $104,250 for certain loans over $144,000). Lenders will generally loan up to 4 times a veteran’s available entitlement without a down payment, provided the veteran is income and credit qualified and the property appraises for the asking price.”

VA HOME LOAN FACTS:

#1. 90% of VA loans come with NO DOWN PAYMENT!

This is amazing! Many people are unable to buy because they do not have the money to cover out of pocket costs such as down payments and closing costs. Imagine putting 0 money down and getting your family into a home- Awesome!!

#2. VA refinance loans have increased 750% since 2006. 

With interest rates at the lowest they have been in 2 years, now is the time to refinance your home! Veterans cane take advantage of this whether you have a VA loan or not.

#3. 8 out of 10 VA borrowers don’t qualify for conventional financing

Conventional Financing has more stringent requirements when purchasing a home. The VA loans are more flexible on credit scores and underwriting standards which is beneficial to those with less than perfect financial profiles.

#4. Veterans who’ve experience bankruptcy or foreclosure can still qualify

Typically there is a two-four year waiting period to purchase a home after a bankruptcy or foreclosure.. Sometimes Veterans are eligible to get a home loan after a short one-year waiting period.

#5. VA loans outperform all others in serious delinquency and foreclosure

This loan program has flexible requirements and it also places a premium on the financial health of its borrowers.

Thank you to all of our Veterans who have proudly fought for our country! If you or someone you know is a vet, I would be honored to help them find their next home. Please contact me today with all of your real estate needs.

Direct: 602-753-8710

Email: MonicaPendrick@KW.com

Source: veteransunited.com

OPEN HOUSE in North Phoenix!

The weather has (finally) cooled down and now is the perfect time to stop by an open house!

COME VISIT US SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 8 FROM 11AM-2PM!!

Perfect Location! Close to Everything! Minutes from the 51 and short drive to 101 freeway, Walking distance to schools, nearby grocery stores. This home has an open kitchen/living room area with plenty of space, a wood burning fireplace and ample natural light. Bathroom features double sinks, nice tile and plenty of light. The nicely sized back yard is your blank canvas! This home is perfectly priced for a quick sale, See this one today!

Home in 5 FHA Program for Maricopa!

The dream of homeownership has been brought within reach for many lower-income Valley residents. The Home in 5 Program is the mortgage financing that’s almost like FREE money! Get 5% towards down payment and closing costs up to $15,000!  Not only does it get you into a home, it stabilizes neighborhoods hurt by the recession and the housing-market crash.

“The 5 percent grant has made a difference to homeowners who otherwise might not have been able to come up with a down payment or closing costs,” said Juan Salgado, executive director for Phoenix’s Industrial Development Authority. “The program also has helped reconnect the network of real-estate agents, lenders and potential homebuyers across the Valley,” he said.

The Home in 5 Program in Maricopa is one of the greatest financing opportunities available. The program offers 5% of the loan amount towards your down payment, up to $15,000 in home loan down payment assistance. The best part is it’s not just for first-time homebuyers- as long as you meet the minimum FICO score requirements and FHA guidelines. PROGRAM DETAILS Qualified individuals or families are able to obtain a 30-year fixed rate loan, with a non-repayable 5% down payment/closing cost assistance grant. There are also special incentives for qualified U.S. military personnel. This opportunity is available for new or existing homes, manufactured homes, condos and townhouses on a first come first served basis. HOMEBUYER ELIGIBILITY

• Buyers must have a minimum FICO credit score of 640 and maximum 45 debt-to-income ratio.
• Standard loan guidelines exist for qualification (i.e., adequate income, acceptable credit, and down payment requirement).
• Maximum credit qualifying income may not exceed $88,340 for ALL borrowers.
• All buyers must attend an eight hour homebuyer education course approved by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.. After the course they will obtain a certificate of completion and receive a home inspection.

PROGRAM ELIGIBILITY

• This is a grant, no repayment required!
• Available for FHA, VA and USDA 30 year loans
• Qualified military personnel will receive 6%
• Homebuyers may purchase a home anywhere in Maricopa County.
• Buyers must occupy the home as their principal residence within 60 days of closing.
• The program may only be used to purchase a home (i.e., no refinancing).

The eligibility for this program gets even better if you are a Qualified United States Military personnel including active duty US Reservist, Qualified Veterans, and active members of the National Guard. As a US Military personnel, you will receive an extra 1% (up to $3,000) on top of the 5% (up to $15,000). If you want to take advantage of this program you must act quickly! Funds are running low and once they’re gone, they’re gone. Sources: homein5advantage.com, homein5az.com