Blog
Latest NewsN. Mark Kramoltz, JD, GRI, CIPS writes blog articles on the metro Phoenix, Arizona, national and global real estate markets. Written from his perspective as a designated broker and real estate attorney, his articles avoid the inaccuracies and vacuous industry propaganda common to most real estate writings. Due to his love of animals and military history, he also frequently writes about dogs, cats and horses that have played a role in military conflicts. Subscribe to his blog now!
Is a Reverse Mortgage Right for You?
A reverse mortgage usually pays a lump sum and is not used to acquire a property. Because these characteristics differ from the type of loan used to buy a home that we are all used to, it has been given the “reverse” moniker. Typically a reverse mortgage borrower uses...
By the Numbers – Your Real Estate Update
First, the good news. Rates on 30 year mortgages matched the lowest level in decades by falling to 4.32%. According to Freddie Mac, this is the lowest rate since 1971. The rate on 15-year fixed loans fell to 3.75%, the lowest since records began in 1991. The 15-year...
Liability from Older Home Renovations.
If you buy and fix up older homes to sell or hold as a rental, it just got a lot more difficult and expensive. New federal regulations effective in April of this year (the "New Lead Rules"), now require professional remediation techniques when even a relatively small...
Home Prices in the Valley of the Sun
The numbers are in, and everybody wants to know - what is the latest on metropolitan Phoenix area real estate? Before I give you that, I have to tell you about my vacation. Like many Arizonans, I went to San Diego last month. But unlike normal people who spend their...
Remodeling Always Pays Off.
When homes decrease in value, people stay put. Many are unable to move due to a lack of equity or can’t afford the sale and moving costs. But if homeowners need a change, will they recoup any of their costs if they remodel? Remodeling Magazine's Cost vs. Value Report...
Canada’s Real Estate is Up, Up, Up!
In the midst of more news about the continuing struggles of the U.S. home market, the news from Ottawa last week is that Canadian home prices rose 1.3 per cent in May, their largest monthly gain since last September. On an annual basis, prices rose 13.6 per cent and...