Top 5 real estate posts of the day for 6/24/2009

1) Are any lenders doing the 8,000 tax credit monetization? – Remember all the talk about a month about about how you can use your 8000 first time home buyer tax credit towards your down payment or for closing costs? Well, while it is technically possible to do so, it looks like it is impossible because no one is actually funding the loans.

2) NAR to come out against the HVCC – Anyone who follows me on Twitter knows my feelings of the new HVCC appraisal rules (not a fan). Here are some posts from yesterday about NAR trying to do the right thing. NAR anti appraisal reform lobbying effort, NAR blame appraisers fro stalling housing recovery.

3) Step 2 to understand the short sale process – Dale had forget login as step 1, step 2 could have been titled forget logic again as he looks at the common question when will I hear from the bank.

4) Getting your FHA 203K closed – Tips for Realtors – If you have a client who is considering an FHA 203k loan here are some good pointers from the contract to inspections.

5) Foreclosures near light rail – good or bad? – This post is a great example of micro-targeting and knowing your audience. Nick picks the light rail as his target and talks about the market within a half mile of the rail.

BONUS: For a bonus post, REBarCamp San Francisco August 4th – Hope to see you all there!

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Light Rail is here, but Mesa commuters still will desire more

My mother with 3 of my kids at rail opening

My mother with 3 of my kids at rail opening

It is finally here, after years of planning and $1.3 billion, the METRO light rail has finally hit Phoenix and the Valley.

I am one of the few from Mesa who this will benefit. Living in west Mesa I am only a couple of miles from the furthest east stop on the rail, which is Main and Sycamore. Mesa could have really benefited from the light rail if it had gone into east Mesa. East Mesa to downtown Phoenix can be a a tough commute and the light rail could have greatly benefited those who wanted to work in the city, but wanted to live in a more rural area like east Mesa. Downtown Mesa also could have benefited from an expanded rail. With the museums the city has invested so heavily in, Mesa could have used another easy way to get commuters to their hidden treasures.

lightrailcarThere is plans to expand the METRO in the coming years and hopefully central and east Mesa will be included in those plans. Until then we will have to just deal with what we have, which is a new clean, quick and convenient way to get to Tempe and downtown Phoenix.

I was one of the estimated 150,000 who braved the chilly (for Central AZ) weather on Saturday to take a crowded ride on the rail. I was happy with what I saw and look forward to using it to get to ASU games, Diamondback games and to Central Phoenix. I know not everyone is thrilled with the METRO project, but I hope the nay-sayers give it a chance before they give up to easily.

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Light Rail comes to East Valley in one week

Today marks the one week countdown until light rail officially opens for passengers in Mesa, Tempe, Phoenix and the whole Valley. The best part is, the first five days of the light rail will be free to all riders. On December 27th celebrations will begin at 10 AM and run through 5 PM with free rides concluding at 8 PM.

On January 1st the light rail will assume normal hours of operation and will begin charging their regular fees. During the week days the train will arruve every ten minutes from 6 AM until 7 PM and trains will arrive every 20 minutes during other normal operation hours.

We hope to see you next Saturday. If you want more information on the METRO light rail check out our friends at RailLife.com.

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Reminder, light rail is here, drive carefully

The METRO light rail has been running in the Valley for a few weeks now so drivers can get used to seeing the trains. While no passengers are on the METRO, the trains will be running the full length of the rail which is set to open on December 27th. Today a light rail car had its first accident with a vehicle as the train had a minor accident with a car near 24th and Washington.

For more information on the Metro light rail you can visit our friends at Raillife.com.

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