Courtesy of WallStreetJournal.com:

By JULIET CHUNG and JAMES R. HAGERTY

For years, Jennifer Metz and her husband John yearned for a bigger home in San Francisco. Three months ago, the couple started looking, figuring that in this shaky economy, their $3 million budget should provide them a pick of attractive homes and accommodating sellers.

They were wrong. Hours after seeing a 5,000-square-foot fixer-upper in Presidio Heights with an asking price around $2.7 million, the Metzes put in a bid—and lost…. ( full story )

I am pleased to announce that I have a new free mobile real estate search application that works on any phone. You can find local listing information, view GPS mapping, view closed sales in any given area, view photos and so much more. You can also call me with the touch of a button to schedule a showing or for additional details.

( Download It Now )

The Arizona Association of REALTORS® is running a statewide tax credit awareness campaign to help get the word out about the first time and move-up homebuyer tax credits. This campaign will culminate with a National Open House Weekend, April 10-11, 20101, where associations nationwide will join together for the first time.

It will be a great weekend for buyers, sellers and real estate professionals to be out and about looking for great buys, learning more about the tax credits and for successful open houses.

( find out more )

I recently earned the Certified Distressed Property Expert (CDPE) designation in recognition of a vast number of homeowners that are in financial trouble. Statistics show that 1 out of 6 homeowners has stopped paying their mortgage payments and are facing the possibility of foreclosure. There is an alternative.

Discerning homeowners should choose to work with a CDPE who is professionally trained in the process of short sales. An expert in luxury properties, I specialize in helping homeowners in the luxury sector with not only marketing and selling their homes (which is needed more than ever), but facilitating negotiations with property lien holders to help get the best outcome for my clients.

Being faced with losing your home is devastating. It’s bad enough that homeowners feel ashamed when they have a sincere distress and can no longer afford it, but in addition, many don’t even contact a REALTOR® to find out their options. How can this be? Another stat – 75% of those in distress never contact a real estate professional.

It is my sincere hope that luxury homeowners who are facing foreclosure understand that they have someone to talk to – professionally and in confidence. Call me for more information if you or someone you know is facing foreclosure on a luxury home. I am here to help.

The latest issue of Luxurious Living is now available and features some of the finest luxury homes for sale in Scottsdale, Fountain Hills and Phoenix, Arizona. Inside you’ll find detailed articles, photos, and links to virtual tours. Contact me for more information!

( View Luxurious Living | March 2010 )

This contemporary residence located in exclusive Eagle Mountain Country Club in Fountain Hills, AZ offers extraordinary views and finely appointed interiors.

Designed by owner of Interior Motives, this home is perfect for a full or part-time residents.

Offered at $1,650,000
4 bedroom / 5.5 bath / 5,600 SF
( view property )