Jerry Raviol

1640 S. Stapley Dr., #130 • Mesa, AZ 85204
TOLL FREE: 1888-JRAVIOL (572-8465)
CELL: (602) 695-5478
Office: (480) 820-3333
Fax: (480) 539-9717

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West USA Realty

Archive for Mesa

Over the last century, the real estate market has had its share of ups and downs, none as dramatic as the highs and lows experienced during the past decade.  However, the pendulum is on its way back, signaling the recovery of the housing market.  Although the housing slowdown has fostered anxiety among investors and homebuyers alike, real estate has been, and will continue to be, a good long-term investment.

To help separate fact from fiction, I’m including in this post for you some timely information about the historical trends that have shaped the real estate market over the last century and offer valuable insight into its recovery. When you click the image below you will receive the following information.

  • The first page provides an outline of historical trends in home values, mortgage rates and home equity over the last century.
  • Page two gives an overview of homeownership trends and demographics.  Feel free to share this information with your family or friends who are looking to buy a home.

Please call me if you want more information about the local real estate market.

Jerry Raviol
West USA Realty
www.houseaz.com
602-695-5478

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3 Bedroom, 2 Bath Beauty has a Desirable corner lot in a Great Neighborhood. Relax and enjoy your shady front yard and private pool. The pool is fully fenced.

Interior features a bright, open floor plan. Vaulted ceilings and ceiling fans throughout. Roomy kitchen has an island, walk in pantry and a built in desk. Dining area is just off the kitchen. Great room features decorative pot shelves and room for formal dining area. Inside laundry. Master bedroom has walk in closet, dual sinks and full tub/shower combo. Dont’ miss this opportunity.

To view more pictures or learn more about this property please view the link below.

PIN#126
Mesa, AZ

Jerry Raviol
West USA Realty
www.houseaz.com
602-695-5478

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Sparkling pool with basketball hoop, covered patio, large backyard, dual sinks in the master bath, ceiling fans in all bedrooms and living room, ceramic tile in the wet areas. Built-in microwave, lots of cabinets, and Center Island in the kitchen. Within one mile of freeway access. This is a must see!

To view more pictures or learn more about this property please view the link below.

PIN #125
Mesa, AZ

Jerry Raviol
West USA Realty
www.houseaz.com
602-695-5478

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How Real Estate Can Put Cash In Your Pocket Every Month.

Everything old is new again – Back in the days before housing prices zoomed through the roof like a rocket, the way to make money on rentals was to create a positive monthly cash flow, and to count future price appreciation as gravy for a later day when you wanted to sell. Right now is the first time in years that 4 important factors have aligned so that you can once again both make money every month and build your wealth the old fashioned way –

  1. Low purchase prices – Many homes can be purchased for less than it cost to build them, and sell for 70% less than their market high.
  2. Crazy low interest rates that you can lock in for 30 years – Today’s rates mean your monthly expenses for principal and interest payments are easily 30% less than a few years ago. Combine the low interest rate with a low purchase price and your monthly nut can easily be 50% less than in years gone by.
  3. Stable rent prices – Although rents have fallen, they haven’t fallen by nearly as much as the purchase price of the homes. This is in part due to the increased number of renters.
  4. A larger pool of renters / increased customer base – New mortgage guidelines which make it harder to buy a home + the large number of folks that have lost their homes and need to rent = more renters

Another benefit to a positive cash flow with a one year lease is that it eliminates the need to stress over resale prices every month. When you are putting cash in your pocket every month, a change in resale prices is less of a concern. Many of the landlords that got knocked out of the rental business were completely invested in double digit price inflation. They did not care about the good old fashioned benefits of positive cash flow because they thought they would make it back when they “flipped” it. When prices went in the wrong direction, and they were sitting on a negative cash flow, all their potential profit was gone.

I’m buying rentals and I think it is something you should also consider. Contact me and I’ll be glad to discuss if it makes sense for you to try and get both a monthly return on investment (ROI) combined with future asset appreciation.

Click here to view the Arizona Republic Article published May 2011.

Jerry Raviol
West USA Realty
http://www.houseaz.com
602-695-5478

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It may seem like an odd question given the current instability of the U.S. economy, but actually there are quite a lot of good reasons to think about buying a second home at the moment. Whether you are thinking about a long term investment, renting for extra income or a holiday home, this might be the time to buy a second home in Arizona.

Reasons to think about buying a second home:

Low house prices – At the end of last month the median price for a home in the Phoenix metropolitan are was the same as in the year 2000!! Home prices are incredibly low at the moment and so now might be the perfect time to pick up a bargain on a 2nd home.  If your future plans include spending time in the valley of the sun, there’s a good chance a home will cost you more later. 

Low interest rates – Interest rates are at the lowest level since they started keeping track of home mortgages.  This means that if you have the ability to secure a second mortgage you are likely to get a fantastic rate on it. For those who already own a home and have the available capital, a second mortgage would currently be very appealing.  History tells us that huge deficit spending by the government is often followed by inflation.  With inflation come higher interest rates. 

Better than saving – Although property investment can normally be seen as a risky investment it is currently just as risky to invest savings in the bank. What’s more, with interest rates currently so low, you are likely to see a greater long term return and get more for your money in the property market than a savings account.

Extra income – although there are certain overheads when buying a second home, such as tax, the mortgage and even second home insurance, you could still make a lot of money from it. With most first time buyers finding it very hard to get a deposit together in order to buy a new home, the renting market is currently very strong, meaning if you have a second home you can easily fill it with tenants. You could rent the house out to cover the mortgage costs and then sell up once the market improves.

So there you have, it may feel like a risk but actually there are many good reasons to think about buying a second home.  If you have the available capital, time and desire, this could be the perfect time to buy!  Before you make a decision I suggest we spend 20 – 30 minutes looking at what is available and how you can get it.  I can also provide you with references from other clients that have decided that this could be the perfect time to buy!

Jerry Raviol
West USA Realty
http://www.houseaz.com
602-695-5478

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 A fully detached home with a big back yard, vaulted ceilings, garage, and new A.C. for low electricity bills in an attractive neighborhood.

This home features a large kitchen with a dishwasher and a deluxe side by side refrigerator, a big living room, and an inside laundry room with a FULL SIZE washer and dryer. Out back you’ll find a nice size yard, an enormous patio, a storage shed, and an RV gate. At 1603 W. Curry Drive Chandler AZ 85224 you are just a short walk to Frost Elementary, Hendrix Junior High, and Dobson High School. Why rent an apartment when you can live in a wonderful home? Be sure to take the virtual tour – Call Jerry with questions.  No CATS OR DOGS.  $850/ month, one year lease, $25 nonrefundable application fee, 1 month security.

View more photos and details about this available rental property by clicking the address listed below.

1603 W. Curry Drive
Chandler, AZ 85224

Jerry Raviol
West USA Realty
http://www.houseaz.com
602-695-5478

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Dec
13

Foreclosures During the Holidays

Posted by: Jerry | Comments (0)

Watch the video below to learn about the only town that does not have any foreclosures and how to handle foreclosures during the holidays.

Click the play button to watch the video.

 Happy Holidays,

Jerry Raviol
West USA Realty
http://www.houseaz.com
602-695-5478

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Sellers often ask me what’s the difference if they do a short sale or just let the bank foreclose?  Most of the time property owner’s long term financial health is better off if they do a short sale. There are, however, some cases where the property owner’s long term financial health is better off by letting the bank foreclose or doing a bankruptcy.   

Your current situation is temporary, your finances will change in the future, and the choices you make now can affect you long term.  The most popular tools available to fix your situtaion include -
  • Short Sale
  • Foreclosure
  • Deed in lieu of foreclosure
  • Loan Modifications
  • Bankruptcy

Each of these tools will have a different impact on both your short and long term financial health.  Don’t let the bank foreclose before you know the difference, and you and I talk about the details. My initial consultation is free.

A short sale occurs when you negotiate with the mortgage company to accept less than the full balance of the loan.  When you consider a short sale or foreclosure you need to consider how they will impact the following items:

 Credit History
A foreclosure will hurt your score by approximately 250 to 300 points for at least three years. In addition the loan will show on your credit report as foreclosed for 7 years.

With a short sale only the late or missed payments prior to the short sale will be reported, the points off your credit report can be far less, and if you make all you other payments on time the impact will only be 12-18 months.  Furthermore, if the lender agrees to accept nothing more than the proceeds from the sale the loan is typically reported as “settled” or paid in “full”.

Getting a Mortgage in the Future
In addition to the difference in your credit score with a foreclosure you will not be able to get a Fannie May backed loan for 5-7 years, and you will have to answer yes to the question have you ever been foreclosed on.  Having to say you have been foreclosed on will increase your future interest rates.  With a short sale you will only be prevented from getting a Fannie May loan for 2 years, and you never have to answer yes to whether you have been foreclosed. 

Security Clearances
With a foreclosure if you are a police officer, in the military, or any other position that requires a security clearance, the clearance will be revoked.  A short sale on its own does not challenge most security clearances.

Remember my golden rule – friends don’t let friends get foreclosed on until after they have figured out if short sale can help them more.  You cannot know what is best for you without knowledge of the following:
  • The AZ Deficiency Statute
  • Bankruptcy
  • Loan Modifications
  • Short Sales
  • Foreclosures

As a public service to AZ homeowners I am glad to offer you a free consultation.  If you take advantage of this free service and then go to speak to an attorney and tax expertyou will be armed with information that will help you get more from their consultation fee.

Jerry Raviol
West USA Realty
http://www.houseaz.com
602-695-5478

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Nov
29

5 Things To Do Before You Sell Your Home

Posted by: Jerry | Comments (0)

Putting your home on the market isn’t as simple as placing a FOR SALE sign in your yard. There are several steps you should take when preparing your home for sale. Read more below to learn about the top 5 things you should do.

-5 Tips For Sellers-

  1. Hire a Real Estate Agent.
    It may be tempting to list your home on your own to avoid paying a sales
    commission, but selling your own home is a full-time job itself. A real estate
    professional represents the best opportunity to earn the maximum amount from
    your home’s sale. An agent will recommend the best listing price, market your
    home effectively and show your home to buyers. An agent also recognizes what
    buyers are looking for in a new home.
  2. Get Your Home Inspected
    You are required to disclose any problems with your property to prospective buyers. Failure to do so will lead to further complications, even if you weren’t aware of the flaws ahead of time. Hire a professional inspector to identify and document any problems with your property. Also, make sure your home has a clean bill of health
    from termites.

To read more about the top 5 things you should do before selling your home please click the image below.

If you need a real estate professional to assist you with the sale of your home don’t hesitate to contact me. I’m always happy to help.

Jerry Raviol
West USA Realty
http://www.houseaz.com
602-695-5478

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Are you in the process of purchasing a home? Maybe you have just begun the process of researching buying a home. Well, whereever you are in the process you must read this article. It could save you time, money and headaches!

-Protect Yourself From These Ten Common Pitfalls-

  • Mistake No. 1
    Choosing a real estate agent who is not committed to forming a strong business relationship with you.

    Here’s How to Avoid It
    Making a connection with the right real estate agent is crucial. Choose a professional who is dedicated to serving your needs—before, during and after the sale.

  • Mistake No. 2
    Making an offer on a home without being prequalified.

    Here’s How to Avoid It
    Pre-qualification will make your life easier—take the time to talk with bank or mortgage representatives. Their specific questions with regard to income, debt and other factors will help you determine the price range that you can afford. It is one of the most important steps on the path to home ownership.If you’d like to read more about the top 10 mistakes homebuyers make please click the image below to view the entire list.

As always, if you find you need help with avoiding these common mistakes then contact me and I’ll be happy to assist you through your home buying process.

Jerry Raviol
West USA Realty
http://www.houseaz.com
602-695-5478

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