November 2019

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Mortgage Rates Drop Once 
Again-Sparking Refinancing

realtor.com
By Jacob Passy | Oct 10, 2019

Mortgage rates fell yet again on a weekly basis thanks to the declining yield on Treasury notes.

The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 3.57% during the week ending Oct. 10, down 8 basis points from the previous week, Freddie Mac reported Thursday. This is a stark change from a year ago when the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 4.90%

The 15-year fixed-rate mortgage dipped 9 basis points to an average of 3.05%, according to Freddie Mac. The 5/1 adjustable-rate mortgage averaged 3.35%, down 3 basis points from a week ago.

Mortgage rates roughly track the direction of the 10-year Treasury note the yield on which has fallen by more than 10 basis points over the last month and roughly 100 basis points throughout 2019.

Falling mortgage rates have yet again caused a resurgence in refinancing activity. The most recent mortgage application data from the Mortgage Bankers Association showed that refinance activity was 163% higher than a year ago. The same trend has not occurred when it comes to loans used to buy a home. Purchase loan volume was only up 10% from a year ago, the Mortgage Bankers Association reported.

Some home buyers appear to be responding more to low mortgage rates than others, however, according to Freddie Mac. A staggering 46% of the loans Freddie Mac has purchased in 2019 were made to first-time buyers, which represents a two-decade high.



Need Roof Work? 5 Tips to Avoid Scams
Maria Hill
BHHSCA Properties

Replacing or repairing a roof is a costly undertaking-one that for many homeowners has been marred by disreputable roofing contractors. To avoid roofing scams, follow these tips, courtesy of the Insurance Institute for Home & Business Safety (IBHS):

1. Research roofing contractors diligently before hiring one. Consult the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and search for reviews and ratings online. Avoid contractors who have generated complaints, lawsuits, etc.

2. Confirm all credentials before hiring a contractor. A reputable roofing professional will be licensed, insured and bonded, and will be able to provide locally-based references. Request to review their license number, federal tax identification number, and certificate of insurance-a qualified professional will provide them. Fact-check this information with the appropriate authorities.

3. Get detailed estimates (in writing!) from contractors you're considering hiring-more than one is best.

4. Do not enter into an agreement with a roofing contractor who solicits business at your doorstep, particularly after a storm. This could be a sign of an imposter.

5. Exercise caution when dealing with contracts. Be sure to read and re-read all documents, or have a third party review them with you, before signing them. Do not sign a contract with missing information-a fraudster may fill these blanks with inaccurate information. Do not feel pressured to sign a contract on the spot.

Most importantly, never pay upfront in full for roofing work. Scammers will make off with the money, never to be seen again. 







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Soleri Plaza
E. Via Soleri Drive Scottsdale, Az
November 8, 2019 To November 17, 2019
Recurring Daily
12:00 Am To 12:00 Pm
Free
 
Dr. A.J. Chandler Park West
3 S. Arizona Ave Chandler, Az
November 2, 2019 To May 30, 2020
Recurring Weekly On Saturday
9:00 Am To 1:00 Pm
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(480) 855-3539
 
Avenue Of The Fountains
12925 N. Saguaro Blvd. Fountain Hills, Az
November 8, 2019 To November 10, 2019
Recurring Daily
10 A.M.-5 P.M.
Free Admission And Parking
(480) 837-1654
 
Dr. A.J. Park                                     
178 E. Commonwealth Ave Chandler Chandler, Az
November 10, 2019
9:00 Am To 4:00 Pm
Free (Cost Varies By Menu Item)
(202) 294-5999
 
Ism Raceway              
7602 S Avondale Blvd Avondale, Az
November 8, 2019 To November 10, 2019
Recurring Daily
Check Back For Event Times
See Website For Ticket Prices
(623) 463-5400
 
Desert Botanical Garden      
1201 N. Galvin Parkway Phoenix, Az
Hosted By: Desert Botanical Garden
October 28, 2019 To May 10, 2020
Recurring Daily
7:00 Am To 8:00 Pm
$24.95 General Admission; Youth Prices Available
(480) 941-1225
 
Verde Canyon Railroad
300 N. Broadway Clarkdale, Az
October 28, 2019 To November 27, 2019
Recurring Daily
1:00 Pm To 5:00 Pm
(800) 582-7245
first-class (all ages): $89.95, adult coach: $64.95, child (2-12 yrs old) coach: $44.95
 
Downtown Mesa                
Main Street Mesa, Az
November 14, 2019 To November 16, 2019
Recurring Daily
See Website For Schedule Of Events.
 
Salt River Fields At Talking Stick
7555 N Pima Rd Scottsdale, Az
November 16, 2019 To November 17, 2019
Recurring Daily
11:00 Am To 6:00 Pm
$15
 
Phoenix Zoo/Arizona Center For Nature Conservation
455 N. Galvin Parkway Papago Park Phoenix, Az
Hosted By: Phoenix Zoo/Arizona Center For Nature Conservation
November 27, 2019 To January 19, 2020
Recurring Daily
5:30 Pm To 10:30 Pm
$14.95+
(602) 286-3800
Mike Zschunke
Real Estate Specialist  |  REALTORĀ®

203.733.5877  |  mike@shift1properties.com  |  www.shift1properties.com