You know that old comment about people who repeat themselves sounding like a broken record? I'm starting to feel like one here, but it's urgent that I keep repeating this refrain again and again if that's what it takes to make sure you take advantage of this great opportunity for first-time homebuyers. We're in August now, and before you know it, the December 1 deadline for taking advantage of the federal government's $8,000 tax credit will be here. More important, though, is that the others like you who've been sitting on the fence thinking about buying that home will all jump off the fence at once.

What does this mean to you? It means you could be one of a LOT of people rushing to the market to buy a home before the deadline. The last thing you want is to finally decide to take action and buy that first house, and be faced with very little choice because all the other fence-sitters got there before you. Search here for Phoenix homes.

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Arizona investors facing foreclosure may soon be affected by changes in the state's anti-deficiency statutes. On July 10, 2009, Governor Jan Brewer signed into law a significant amendment that decreases the protection for Arizona homeowners who have lost their homes to foreclosure. This new law is due to take effect September 30, 2009.

The general purpose of the Arizona anti-deficiency statutes is to protect most homeowners from being sued after foreclosure by their lender for any unpaid remainders of the loan (i.e., deficiencies) if the home was "utilized as a dwelling."  According to the new law, a home must be utilized as a dwelling "by the trustor [borrower] under the deed of trust for at least six consecutive months..." Translation: the home must be occupied for at least six consecutive months prior to the foreclosure or the investor may be on the hook for the unpaid balance of the loan.       Click here to read more...

Anna Banana Realty is pleased to introduce our new Broker's Assistant, Frannie  Barrientos. Frannie is new to the Valley, having recently relocated from Los Angeles. With 13+ years' customer service experience and 10 years with the California Association of REALTORS®, Frannie is a true asset to the office. So if you hear a friendly new voice when you call, feel free to introduce yourself and make Frannie a welcome addition to the Anna Banana family!

One of the reasons you love Anna Banana is that she's a go-getter who leaves no stone unturned. This is true in the virtual world, too. Anna's an active blogger on a very popular real estate blog, called Active Rain. It's a great resource for all kinds of information related to every aspect of the real estate industry. Make sure to visit Anna's blog, and sign up as a subscriber so you don't miss a single post!

Do you remember those days, summer coming to a close and knowing the first day of school was right around the corner? It was getting the new school supplies that really got my tail wagging. The excitement of new notebooks, folders, pens, pencils, pencil boxes, lunch boxes. What a great time the start of school was - and still is - for many kids. Unfortunately, though, there are a lot of kids here in Metro Phoenix who won't have the proper supplies and tools for the coming school year ... unless you are willing to help.

Once again, Anna Banana Realty has partnered with Off Campus Jams to provide backpacks filled with school supplies to more than 200 Arizona children in foster care. We've got a GIANT collection box set up in the lobby of Anna Banana Realty (2301 W. Dunlap Road, Suite 105, Phoenix 85021).

Click here to see the supplies list.