It is understandable to have questions when coping with a new and challenging situation, especially when a home is at stake. The reality is that millions of homeowners across the country are finding out that they have more questions than answers.

We hope that the following information will help you better understand the circumstances. If you have further questions not addressed below, or would like additional information resources, feel free to Contact Us.

Do I qualify for a short sale?

The qualifications for a short sale include any or all of the following:
1.Financial Hardship - There is a situation causing you to have trouble affording your mortgage.
2.Monthly Income Shortfall - In other words: "You have more month than money." A lender will want to see that you cannot afford, or soon will not be able to afford your mortgage.
3.Insolvency - The lender will want to see that you do not have significant liquid assets that would allow you to pay down your mortgage.

What is a mortgage modification?

A mortgage modification is a process through which your mortgage lender changes any or all of the following:

• Your interest rate
•Your principal balance (through a reduction)
•Your loan terms (example: from an adjustable to a fixed rate)This process can allow borrowers to stay in their property when they can no longer afford their current mortgage payments.

Why would a lender modify my mortgage?

Lenders have realized that in some cases it is better for them to work with current borrowers to lower payments or possibly improve terms in order to keep homeowners in their properties. The average foreclosure can cost a lender from 35-50% of the value of a property, so keeping borrowers in their homes is a good option for everyone.

Visit our Avoid Foreclosure Website for more frequently asked questions regarding foreclosures. 

Get Your Christmas Crafts at the La Casa Bazaar This Weekend

Yesterday we wrote about some great local gift ideas, and we neglected to mention that this weekend you have your annual opportunity for great crafty gifts at the La Casa Bazaar.

This is Southern New Mexico's largest holiday bazaar and it starts today at the Las Cruces Convention Center. The best part about this fun filled shopping extravaganza is that you help victims of domestic violence when you go and buy something!

It will cost you $5 to get in and shop at the over 100 booths featuring top artisans and vendors from throughout the Southwest. All proceeds go to the La Casa Domestic Violence Shelter and Programs.

This year there's an extra special feature for those of you who would rather watch the game! A special "man cave" has been set up to give husbands, or others, an escape to watch their favorite sports while their spouses take their time shopping and snacking on biscochitos, chile sauces and other treats. Be sure not to miss the La Casa Cookie Cupboard, filled with home-baked goods and other holiday treats!

Other exciting features this year include the annual raffle which this year includes an adobe territorial-style dollhouse built by Studio D Architects and Diemer Construction, a cookie walk, a gift certificate grab bag, the La Casa Store, and other great raffle items.

Most importantly, this year the event is needed more than ever. With financial shortages at the national and state level, grants are non-existent or smaller than ever. In times like these it is up to all of us to step up and help. Events like this give you the opportunity to help in ways that also help you cross things off your to-do list.

La Casa provides shelter, survival basics and other help for domestic violence victims and their families. Everything raised from the bazaar will go right back into operating costs.

Here are all the details:

La Casa Bazaar
Benefits: La Casa shelter for victims of domestic violence and their children
Bazaar hours: 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday
Where: Las Cruces Convention Center, 680 E. University Ave. at El Paseo
How much: $5 each day, kids under 12 free
Info: (575) 526-2819, lacasainc.org

By far the most exciting economic news in 2011 was Union Pacific's decision to move it's operations out of El Paso and into Santa Teresa. Here's why:

Facility To Bolster Economy

Union Pacific Railroad is constructing a state-of-the-art rail facility in the southern part of the state. With an overall economic impact of $500 million for the New Mexico economy, Union Pacific's investment in the project totals more than $400 million.

The facility will create 3,000 jobs during the construction phase from 2011 to 2015, and will eventually be headquarters for more than 600 permanent jobs. While these jobs are not necessarily New Mexico residents, they will pay NM income taxes and the opportunity is huge for those NM residents looking for jobs. 

For the first time ever, southern New Mexico will have a key inland port, positioning the Santa Teresa area as a strategic focal point for goods movement in the southwestern U.S. This opens up countless new ancillary opportunities for economic growth Santa Teresa. It also adds to the growth in transportation opporunities in Santa Teresa which started with the Dona Ana County International Airport, then the border crossing, and now rail. 

The opportunities for future economic development resulting from this project are huge. 

About The Project 

The site for the facility is located just west of the Santa Teresa Airport, and will incorporate:

Fueling Facilities - Located along the busy "Sunset Route" between El Paso and Los Angeles, this fueling facility will enhance commerce and goods movement in the state of New Mexico.

Crew Change Buildings - This facility will eventually serve as home base for Union Pacific employees operating long-haul trains out of the area. 

Intermodal Block Swap /Switching Yard - Enhancing capacity and efficiency, this new switching yard will incorporate the latest engineering techniques for improved efficiency and throughput.

Intermodal Ramp - This regionally focused intermodal ramp will permit both local and regional businesses more immediate access to the efficiencies of freight trains.

Immediate Economic/Jobs Impact

Upon completion, the project will have generated $500 million in economic impact in New Mexico, creating thousands of jobs and fostering a new economic base for the Southern region of the state.

With construction anticipated to begin in the fourth quarter of 2011 and continuing through 2014, the region will see impact as soon as this year, with substantial upside for many years to come.

Competitive Global Economy Demands Efficiency 

The construction of the Santa Teresa facility will permanently position Southern New Mexico as a crucial component of the historic "Sunset Route," one of the oldest and most critical rail corridors in American history, securing New Mexico's future as a leader in the goods movement industry.

Union Pacific's initial plans for capital spending in 2011 total $3.2 billion in support of America's freight transportation needs and to continue enhancing the safety and efficiency of its 32,000-mile network.

The resulting improved rail capacity benefits everyone. It allows freight rail service to grow, helping to build a cleaner environment. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, freight trains are nearly four times more fuel efficient than trucks.

The March of Dimes High Heels for High Hopes 2011 Runway Show is tonight at 6pm at the Las Cruces Convention Center! 

This year's choreographed runway show features 21 local models and their Salon Partners interpreting fashion on all seven continents. Each model has been fundraising for the event benefiting the March of Dimes. 

The event highlights include a VIP reception pre-party, General Reception, Silent Auction, Runway Show and After Party.

The March of Dimes is the leading nonprofit organization for pregnancy and baby health. With chapters nationwide, our mission is to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth, and infant mortality.

In Las Cruces the March of Dimes organizes several anual fundraisers include High Heels for High Hopes and the Celebrity Waiter event in March. 

For many communities the beginning of November marks the end of golf season. In Las Cruces, it markes some of the best golfing you can find.

Our weather is fabulous in October and November. It's cooling down, but you will only need a jacket with your early tee times, and you'll probably take that jacket off after the first 9 holes. This is one of the best things about living in Las Cruces!

In Las Cruces you now have a forth public golf course to choose from - Red Hawk Golf Club. Located on the Northeast side of town, Red Hawk has great views of the Dona Ana and Organ Mountains. While the residential community is just getting started out there, the golf course is up and running! If you're interested in living in a golf course community let us know.

Red Hawk Golf Club

Red Hawk has five sets of tees, with yardage ranging from 5,502 to 7,523. Hazards include 5 lakes (with water coming into play on 8 holes) and 76 bunkers. The course covers 200 acres (100 acres of turf, 50 acres of planted native grasses, and 50 acres of natural desert) in southern New Mexico's high desert terrain (elevation: 4.300 feet). The course is noteworthy for its links-style features, its rolling and generous greens, and its challenging yet spacious design. 

When you mention Whole Enchilada around Las Cruces most people think about the fiesta and the parade.

When you mention Whole Enchilada to softball players they think about the Whole Enchilada Softball Invitational which takes place this year 10/7 through 10/9 at the Hadley Sports Complex.

So why do softball players from around the country know about his? It's the largest adult slow pitch softball event in the nation and it takes place right here in Las Cruces, NM.

It has produced over 250 men's and women's teams for the past 15 years. The Whole Enchilada is sanctioned by the United States Specialty Sports Association and has a World Tournament flavor. In fact, players call this the "Super Bowl" of softball.

It's a large and exciting event, not to mention an economic boost in that so many travel from out of town bringing money to pump into the economy. If you're looking for something to do this weekend, we highly recommend you go spend a few hours at the Hadley Sports Complex to watch a few games. They're not only exciting, they're free!

Learn more about the USSSA on their website: http://www.usssa.com/sports/organizationlinks.asp?Sport=11

Today we want to highlight an organization called El Caldito Soup Kitchen.

El Caldito is a community and volunteer based, non-profit, 501(c)(3) corporation, and a Grade A food service establishment that has been serving meals to those in need in our community since 1984. More than 72,000 free meals are served annually.

It does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, gender, age, sexual orientation, religion, veteran status, handicap, income, national origin, or any other way.

Hot nutritious meals are served every day from 11:30 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. and a sack lunch on Saturday at no cost to the client. Some food is donated by local supermarkets, bakeries, individuals, organizations, producers, businesses, and various food drives throughout the community.

Still, much food, utilities, and all service items must be purchased and that's why the Empty Bowls Fundraiser is so important.

Empty Bowls Fundraiser

The Potters' Guild of Las Cruces holds Empty Bowls annually in mid-October to fight hunger by raising funds for El Caldito Soup Kitchen. Guild members make over 1000 bowls each year, local restaurants donate soup, and ticket-holders enjoy a soup lunch and take home a hand-made pottery bowl.

This year's Empty Bowls is Friday, October 21 from 11 am to 1:30 pm at St. Paul's Methodist Church. You can buy tickets at the door for $18.

Watch this video to learn more:

If you'd like more information on El Caldito Soup Kitchen visit their website:
http://elcaldito.wordpress.com/

For the last few weeks we have been paying close attention to foreclosures (except for last week when we had some Halloween fun). 

Today we want to pick up the conversation with some alternatives to foreclosure. This list is just part of our overall Foreclosure Resources that are available for free on our website. 

Other Alternatives to Foreclosure

Reinstatement

A reinstatement is the simplest solution for a foreclosure, but often the most difficult to achieve. The homeowner simply pays the total amount past due (including late fees) to the lender.

Mortgage Modification

A mortgage modification involves the reduction of one of the following: the interest rate on the loan, the principal balance of the loan, the term of the loan, or any combination of these.

Deed-in-Lieu

Also known as a "friendly foreclosure," a deed-in-lieu allows the homeowner to return the property to the lender rather than go through the foreclosure process.

Forbearance

A forbearance or repayment plan involves the homeowner negotiating with the mortgage company to allow them to repay back-payments over a period of time.

Rent the Property

This option does not require lender approval, but does require the homeowner's ability to rent the house for enough money to cover the monthly mortgage payment.

Servicemembers Civil Relief Act

If a member of the military experiences financial distress due to deployment-and their debt was entered into prior to deployment-he or she may qualify for relief under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act.

Bankruptcy

Many believe bankruptcy is a "foreclosure solution," but this is only true in some states and situations. Entering bankruptcy can be a risky and costly process. Be sure to seek the advice of a qualified bankruptcy attorney when pursuing this as an option.

Refinance

Refinancing means you will acquire a new loan based on your current credit standing. If you have already missed mortgage payments, your credit score may make it difficult to find a loan with cheaper payments. Knowing that foreclosure can be avoided gives you the ability to develop a realistic strategy to plan for a future that is both financially stable and full of hope

For more resources on Avoiding Foreclosure visit: http://www.avoidforeclosureinlascruces.com/avoid_foreclosure_free_reports_offer.php

With all the talk about foreclosure and short sale out there we thought we'd take some time today to make sure you aren't believing some of the most common myths out there. 

1. The Bank Would Rather Foreclose than Bother with a Short Sale

This is one of the most common misconceptions. The reality is that banks do not want to foreclose on your property because the foreclosure process is incredibly costly. Banks, investors, and even the federal government have all publicly stated that if a person is qualified for a short sale, the deal needs to be considered.

Overwhelmingly, banks receive more on their investment through a short sale than a foreclosure. The qualifications for a short sale include:

Financial Hardship - There is a situation causing you to have trouble affording
your mortgage.

Monthly Income Shortfall - "You have more month than money." A lender will
want to see that you cannot afford, or soon will not be able to afford your
mortgage.

Insolvency - The lender will want to see that you do not have significant liquid
assets that would allow you to pay down your mortgage.

2. You Must Be Behind on Your Mortgage to Negotiate a Short Sale

While this may have previously been the case, today lenders are looking for verifiable hardship, monthly cash flow shortfall, or pending shortfall and insolvency. 

If you meet these three requirements and believe that you soon may be unable to afford your mortgage, act immediately. Any delay could limit your options. Do not wait until the countdown clock to foreclosure has started and you have even less time left.

3. There is Not Enough Time to Negotiate Your Short Sale Before Foreclosure

This is a myth that probably hurts homeowners the most. Many do not realize that
foreclosure is a process, and that there is time to make decisions that may result in better outcomes.

The foreclosing party-in most cases a lender-can stall a foreclosure up to the final
day of the process. Today, many lenders will stall a foreclosure with as little as a phone call from you explaining that you are trying to sell, and almost all lenders will stall a foreclosure with a legitimate contract. For real estate professionals who understand foreclosures and short sales, there is time available until the foreclosure process is complete.

Read 4 more short sale myths and other foreclosure reports at our Avoid Foreclosure website:
http://www.avoidforeclosureinlascruces.com/avoid_foreclosure_free_reports_offer.php

It's unfortunate, but there are people (and birds) out there looking to take advantage of just about everyone.

Right now we all know that there are tousands, if not more, home owners who are concerned about foreclosure. And sure enough, foreclosure related scams have popped up. 

The following items should serve as a warning that a mortgage relief service is not legitimate (this is just one section of the foreclosure reports that we offer for free on our Avoid Foreclosure Website):

1. Upfront Fees

Always avoid any mortgage relief company that charges upfront fees. Not only is it illegal, it's certainly a sign that the relief is fraudulent. POINT BLANK: Do not pay for the promise of results ... pay for the results themselves.

2. Guarantees

Be suspicious of anyone who guarantees mortgage relief. Any legitimate agent or company should know that the mortgage relief process is complicated and dependant on many factors, and that to guarantee a successful result is unrealistic. Fraudulent parties will make this promise to falsely raise your hopes, making them appear as though they are providing a rare opportunity. As common
sense suggests, if it sounds too good to be true, it usually is.

3. Government Affiliation

Certain fraudulent companies present themselves as government agencies or other authoritative entities by creating websites with official-looking seals, official-sounding names, or video clips of politicians. If someone claims to represent the government, a lending institution or a bank, be sure to verify his or her affiliation. The best way to do this is to check with your lender, Better Business Bureau, or the government's official Making Home Affordable website (http://
makinghomeaffordable.gov).

4. Deed Transfer 

Beware of people who pressure you to sign papers immediately, or who try to convince you that they can "save" your home if you sign or transfer over the deed to your house. Some call this "taking over your property subject-to existing financing." But no matter what you are told about why you should sign over the deed, understand that once this is done, you no longer have legal rights to the property and can be removed from it. Always seek legal counsel before proceeding with an option like this. 

For a list of common scams visit our Foreclosure Reports: 

http://www.avoidforeclosureinlascruces.com/avoid_foreclosure_free_reports_offer.php

There you will find all the information you need if you are concerned about or facing foreclosure.

FTC Mortgage Assistance Relief Assistance (MARS) Disclosure: Evelyn Bruder Dream Team and Steinborn & Associates Real Estate are not associated with the government. Our Avoiding Foreclosure Services are not approved by the government or your lender. Even if you accept this offer of assistance, your lender may not agree to any change of your loan or any other solutions we propose. You may stop doing business with us at any time. You may reject any offer of mortgage assistance we obtain from your lender. We do not charge for our services unless the final solution you agree to is a "Short Sale." If you accept that solution, you agree that we will list your home, and a real estate commission will be negotiated in the Listing Agreement. Beware: If you stop paying your Mortgage, you could lose your home and damage your credit rating.
We are not engaged in the practice of law or accounting, and we do not gives legal or accounting advice. It is highly recommended that you seek appropriate professional advice.

Forbes Magazine recently ranked Las Cruces number 14 on its list of "Best Small Places for Businesses and Careers."

And we agree!

Over the years we have seen many businesses open their doors and prosper. Whether it's great restaurants like Zeffrio Pizzeria Napoletana who is now getting ready to open their 3rd location, or Serenity Day Spa and Salon in the historic Alameda area, small businesses succeed in Las Cruces. And more businesses are opening their doors almost every day.

We recently learned about a new locally owned coupon website called GrabitSite.com. It's a local alternative to sites like LivingSocial.com and Groupon.com. We also recently visited Cafe Agogo, a great place for a rice bowl.

The bottom line is that Forbes is on to something. When they looked at cities from across the U.S. they recognized the potential and Las Cruces. Their rankings were based on 12 areas relating to past and future projected job growth, business and living costs, income growth, education and projected economic growth. Quality of life areas such as crime rate, cultural and recreational opportunities and net migration patterns are also factors in determining the rankings.

Watch a local news report on the Forbes ranking for more information, click here. 

This isn't our first recognition. The Las Cruces' metro area, with a population of 210,000, previously made the list four times before from 2002-2005. For a more comprehensive list of Las Cruces recognitions, visit our Relocaction to Las Cruces website. RelocationtoLasCruces.com is great resource for the services you'll need if you are relocating to Las Cruces. And if you are considering relocating here, take a look at our GuidetoLasCruces.com website. We have spent countless hours gathering all the relevant information that we can find on Las Cruces if you are visiting or looking to learn more.

Here are seven of the most common myths about foreclosures:

Myth 1: Foreclosures only happen in poor areas.
Foreclosures come in all shapes and sizes and occur in all neighborhoods. From low-income to million-dollar properties, you will see the full spectrum of homes entering into the foreclosure process. Economic forces such as rising interest rates and decreasing home values affect homeowners from all types of neighborhoods.

Myth 2: Financial irresponsibility causes most foreclosures.
While there are always those cases of financial neglect, most homeowners have shown some high level of financial responsibility in order to qualify to purchase a property in the first place. Unforeseen events such as job loss or a catastrophic accident can cause sudden and unpredictable financial havoc for homeowners. In addition, foreclosures also tend to increase when interest rates are up and property values begin to decrease. When this occurs, homeowners may find themselves paying higher monthly mortgage payments for a property that is no longer worth what they originally bought it for.

Myth 3: All foreclosures are in disrepair.
While some foreclosures can be in less than ideal shape, many are in great condition. The myth that all foreclosures are in disrepair seems to be driven by the other myth that foreclosures are usually caused by financial irresponsibility. Many homeowners who find themselves in a default situation encounter circumstances that are out of their control. Even so, this usually does not negatively affect the condition of the property. However, if you are not an expert in buying foreclosure properties, it is highly recommended that you seek the advice of a professional who is experienced with these types of sales to avoid common pitfalls.

Myth 4: Lenders want to foreclose on homeowners.
The foreclosure process is costly and time consuming, and is a last resort for lenders to recover their investment. When a homeowner defaults on a mortgage agreement, the lender must first file a public default notice after which the homeowner is given a grace period known as a pre-foreclosure period. During this time, the homeowner can pay off the debt or choose to sell the property. The minimum timeframe for a pre-foreclosure period varies by state and can range from 27 days (Texas) to 290 days (Wisconsin). Only at the end of the pre-foreclosure period can the lender auction the property off to a third-party buyer or repossess the property and sell it on the regular market.

Myth 5: Foreclosures are often bought for pennies on the dollar.
While it is true that foreclosures are often purchased below market value, one should be leery of anyone claiming that one can consistently find discounts of less than 10 percent of market value. According to a RealtyTrac analysis of foreclosure sales in the last seven months, the average savings on foreclosure purchases nationwide is approximately 29 percent below full market value.

Myth 6: Foreclosure buyers usually take advantage of the homeowner.
While homeowners in default should be wary of unscrupulous buyers and investors who try to take unfair advantage of the situation, most foreclosure buyers can actually help an owner to walk away with something to show for equity in the property and avoid a bad mark on his or her credit history. During the pre-foreclosure period, a potential buyer may approach the homeowner in default and arrange to buy the property before the foreclosure actually takes place. This pre-foreclosure sale also benefits buyers, allowing them to often purchase properties below full market price.

Myth 7: Foreclosure buying is only for professional investors.
Perhaps at one time this may have been the case, but with all of the tools available to today's buyers, more people than ever before have the opportunity to purchase foreclosure properties. Using online resources such as RealtyTrac's online foreclosure database, potential buyers can search nationwide for properties in pre-foreclosure, up for auction or banked-owned, as well as find extensive reports on each property listed. Buyers can also get financing and find real estate agents familiar with ins and outs of the foreclosure market to help create a smoother transaction.

If you think that you are heading into a foreclosure situation with your own home, visit our Avoid Foreclosure webiste. We have many free foreclosure reports to help you. 

The 4th annual Men Who Cook fundraiser for the Mesilla Valley Hospice Foundation is Saturday, August 13 at the Las Cruces Convention Center.

We love this party! And I call it a party on purpose. It may be a fundraiser, but it's more like a good time for a good cause.

It's planned to have over 70 celebrity chefs from around Dona Ana County who will feed attendees the best dish they can come up with. This is the only event of its kind in Las Cruces, NM where each of the men prepares a favorite dish or gourmet specialty, and plenty of it, serving it to the attendees at the evening's event.

Last year's event brought in more than $66,000 in charity funds, benefiting those who cannot afford the hospice's services or don't have medical insurance. This year they're selling more tickets, move the location to a bigger venue at the new convention center, and added more entertainment.

The event will be held from 6:00pm to 10:00pm at the new Las Cruces Convention Center. Doors open promptly at 6:00pm, food will be served from 6:00pm to 8:30pm, and there will be live entertainment from 8:00pm to 10:00pm including a silent auction.

New to this year's event includes a DJ, live entertainment, and a silent auction featuring crafts from around the county. But the main attraction is the FOOD! I don't know about you, but when I put Murray in the kitchen, his number one priority is taste! You should find everything from smoked ribs, yakitori and sweet potato casserole to a wheelbarrow full of chocolate cake and jalapeno poppers. For the best dish, or the station that raises the most tips (which end up donations to hospice), the creator will be named the KAyLaurel Rischer Chef of the Year.

Also, all recipes from the event will be published in a recipe book for sale at the event and at the hospice foundation for $5 for a digital version and $20 for a printed version.

Don't eat lunch Saturday so you'll come hungry!

Free food and drinks will be available courtesy of Farley's, Texas Roadhouse, Walmart and Neuro energy drinks. Other vendors include a Hawaiian Shaved Ice stand, Shred's Board Shop, NMSU Outdoor Recreation and more.

Even if you aren't into skating it should be a really fun event. $5 for general admission includes free food and drinks, and some entertainment. You can't beat that.
Those of you with kids interested in skating, be sure to get out there and encourage them to get active. Those of you looking to move to Las Cruces, know that we have great programs in Las Cruces for our children.

Other Events This Week

7/22

Comedy at the Cabaret - Gary Hood and Kyle Reade at the Boba Cafe & Cabaret

1900 S. Espina

7/23

The fifth annual Donate Life Car Show and Health Expo - Health provides, food vendors and live music at Young Park.

1905 E. Nevada St.

7/26

Photographic Symposium - Passionate photographers looking to enhance their skills won't want to miss this event from 8 am to 6 pm at the Preston Contemporary Art Center.

1755 Avenida de Mesilla

$55 entry

7/27

Cornhole Tournament - Cornhole, also known as bean bag toss, takes place at The Game's newly renovated outdoor patio at 7 pm.

Free Yoga!!!

Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays from 10 am to 11 am at the Immaculate Heart of Mary's parish school building

1260 S. Espina St.

Last week we examined how appraisals can kill the deal. This week we thought we would share a few other surprises that could stop your home purchase.

Your lender demands home repairs

In this fussier climate, lenders may hold up a sale if the appraiser points out even minor repairs that need to be done. We know a lender from another state who once delayed a home purchase until window screens could be installed.

The screens, included in the purchase contract, were nowhere in evidence. The appraiser pointed out the omission, so the bank's rules compelled him to withhold the loan. Loan documents were delayed until the builder put up the screens and the appraiser signed off.

There's nothing new in lenders insisting that homes they finance be in shipshape, but a few years ago, a lender might let the buyer and seller agree to complete the sale and fix any minor problems later, paying for them out of the seller's proceeds held in escrow. Today's buyers and sellers are rarely given that kind of slack.

Pre-emptive action: To anticipate issues an appraiser might raise, scrutinize the home inspector's report for any potential problems with the property. Also, be certain all conditions listed in your purchase and sale agreement are met.

The home has baggage

Remember any boyfriends or girlfriends from your past for whom you fell for before realizing that he or she had deep "issues"? Homes can be like that, too. Some come with baggage.
Any surprises usually crop up when a title search is done to clear the way for your purchase.

For example, there's a chance, given all the financial turmoil these days, that someone besides your seller has a claim on the house. For this reason, many deals today are not clean and easy. For example you may see:

• A bankruptcy — not uncommon these days — may have produced creditors who have filed claims against the home to get what's owed them.
• Your seller may have argued with a contractor who did work on the house years ago. Contractors or suppliers with beefs against the owner can file mechanic's liens against the property, preventing it from being sold until the claim is settled.
• Maybe the seller lost a lawsuit and failed to pay — or perhaps didn't know about — a court judgment worth thousands of dollars. You can't buy the home until the debt is satisfied. Ditto for unpaid child support or alimony.

Missing permits are another deal-stopper. Sellers occasionally complete do-it-yourself remodeling and think, "What the heck, I don't need those expensive permits." But they do. Typically, the real-estate agent listing the home makes sure all permits are in order. But sometimes this escapes notice.

Occasionally, buyers are shocked to learn that the boundaries of the property they're buying aren't correct. Maybe the seller built a carport, addition, shed or fence that crossed onto a neighboring property. No one's the wiser until your title search uncovers the error, but you can't buy the place until the error is corrected. The seller may have to tear down the structure or negotiate with the neighbors to buy or sell a few feet of land. These problems can set back your purchase or end it altogether.

Pre-emptive action: Buy title insurance. We've run into situations where errors have come out of the woodwork years later. With insurance, your claim to your home is protected. WARNING: If an insurer declines to insure the title of a home you want to buy, walk away from the deal.

I’ll say it again, it’s important to be prepared when buying a home. For this reason, we’ve provided you with a free simple 10 step guide to the buying process.

Simply visit the link below for more information on how to get it.

http://www.buyingahomeinlascruces.com/home_buyers_guide_intro.php

Las Cruces has just received another prestigious recognition!
Forbes Magazine ranks Las Cruces No. 14 on its "Best Small Places for Business and Careers" list.

Besides all of the awards and recognitions from national organizations, I want to express my feelings about living in Las Cruces.

The Forbes Best Places for Business and Careers rankings are based on:

• past and future projected job growth,
  
• business and living costs,
  
• income growth, education
  
• projected economic growth.
  
• Quality of life areas such as crime rate, cultural and recreational
  

Las Cruces' metro area, has made the Forbes list four times before. Las Cruces, NM has a positive and growing economy. It provides a great, low cost opportunity for businesses to relocate their offices, establish new facilities, and to open new businesses. There are extensive training and educational facilities for the readily available workforce, and a low cost of living. All of this plus a lifestyle that offers wonderful arts, culture, and recreational opportunities.
See all of the awards Las Cruces has gotten for these  important qualities. 

 I personally would like to add my feeling about life and lifestyle in Las Cruces:

Las Cruces is the best place to live, raise children, work, and retire.
We are: "Unique" ... "A perfect location" ... "An ideal climate"...
"A Dream Town"

Join me and see "Enchanting Las Cruces" – How can you not love Las Cruces?

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If you are from out of town and would like our great relocation package
just click here.

Our Guide to Las Cruces and Relocating to Las Cruces Websites will provide you a look at the Las Cruces Lifestyle.

• Las Cruces can be found nestled between the majestic spires of the Organ Mountains and the fertile green belt of the Rio Grande's Mesilla Valley.
  
• You will find that Las Cruces has beautiful year round weather, with 350-days of sunshine, 4- distinct seasons.
• We pride ourselves on our Multi-Cultural history, diversity, and traditions.
  
•  Las Cruces is home to many year round arts & cultural events, sporting attractions, and outdoor recreation.
• we still have that friendly, Southwestern, small town feeling. Las Cruces is the perfect place to live!

As always, this is Evelyn Bruder, I want you to know that I am available to assist with any of your Las Cruces problems or questions - Real Estate or Not.

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As a parent, I know how important education is to a child’s life. We all know that teenagers especially need a little extra guidance. If put in the right environment, it’s wonderful to see your young one grow and flourish into an independent, compassionate adult. I’m glad to see that Las Cruces has provided such an environment at the Early College High School. 

Early College High School isn’t just a school; it’s an opportunity!

Las Cruces is home to the first early college high school in New Mexico. What’s an early college high school? It’s a joint effort between the university and the public school system aimed at reducing dropout rates by engaging students in the college process early. This engagement includes small class sizes and real-world applications in coursework. The best part is that students graduate with both a high school diploma and an associates degree.

However, the benefits don’t end there. The school is actually more affordable to run and build as costs were reduced through partnerships with NMSU and DACC. For example, the district doesn’t have the additional expense of building a gym or library because students will use university facilities instead.

Last year the early college high school opened to about 120 Las Cruces freshmen at its temporary location at Doña Ana Community College. Eventually the school will be located in the Arrowhead Research Park at New Mexico State University.

ECHS will cost around $18 million and serve 500 students, compared to the new high school under construction on Dripping Springs, which will have between 1,500 and 2,000 students, and cost around $110 million, resulting in a total cost per savings of 16 percent per ECHS student.

Within the next 4 years, the school will boast a maximum of 500 students in the 65,000 square-foot facility. It will feature state-of-the-art technology, a cafeteria and multipurpose center, a student commons area and administration offices. Students will also benefit from and continue to use facilities at NMSU and DACC.

The Early College High School is the first in New Mexico to take advantage of New Mexico House Bill 33. Instead of spending $18 million to build the school, Las Cruces Public Schools will lease the building for six years, paying 4 percent interest on the certificate of participation bonds, and make no lease payments until the campus opens in August 2011. In the sixth year, the school will buy out the lease for the principal amount of $18 million, paying off the loan with future bonds.

It was The Bridge of Southern New Mexico that launched the project. The Bridge was created through an education committee initiative of the Greater Las Cruces Chamber of Commerce that formed the Regional Education Initiative, which led to community discussions regarding school attendance and graduation rates.

This joint effort between the business community and the school systems demonstrates that in Las Cruces, your education matters, and when the right people get together to address an issue, action is taken.

Do you have any other ideas as to how the education system could be improved? If so, please leave a comment below.

If you have young ones and are interested in learning more about the schools in Las Cruces, feel free to visit http://www.lascrucesschools.com/.

Think the keys to your new dream home are as good as yours, do you? Not so fast. In this tough financial climate, some unexpected issues might scuttle the deal.

When a seller wants to sell a home and finds a buyer who wants to buy it, you'd think they'd have a deal. What could go wrong?

These days, plenty. In this tough financial climate, there are both longstanding pitfalls and a crop of new ones. At best, these can cost you time or money. Or both. At worst, the home you want could slip from your grasp.

The appraisal kills the deal

Even after you and the seller have agreed on a price, the appraiser — the expert assigned by the bank to authenticate the home's value — can ruin everything.

A little background: Your lender needs to know that the home you're buying is worth what you're paying. Banks are touchy on this subject at the moment. They own nearly 1 million foreclosed homes and stand to inherit millions more from defaulting borrowers. Your lender wants to be sure your new home won't be added to this pile.

What's your home worth?

Appraisers arrive at a home's value in part by comparing recent sales of nearby homes. Falling prices, foreclosures and short sales in the neighborhood make these comparisons tough.

Your sale can suffer if the appraiser doesn't know the neighborhood. Some federal rules meant to prevent lenders and appraisers from getting too cozy have unintentionally increased pressure on appraisers, which has led to inaccurate appraisals.

Occasionally, though, the buyer enjoys a silver lining: In our experience, a small portion of sellers agree to drop the price after a low appraisal.

Pre-emptive action: Choose an agent with deep experience in the neighborhood. Here in Las Cruces, the Evelyn Bruder Dream Team is exactly the bunch to help you. They can work with the appraiser to show them the errors and the appraiser may revise the home's value to the price that a buyer and seller can agree on.

It’s important to be prepared when buying a home. For this reason, we’ve provided you with a free simple 10 step guide to the buying process.

Simply visit the link below for more information on how to get it.

http://www.buyingahomeinlascruces.com/home_buyers_guide_intro.php

Are you interested in other things that could kill your deal? Next week's Wednesday Morning Coffee will look at another problem that you can pre-empt.

Many contracts are contingent upon the buyer getting financing by a certain date. In today's tough lending climate, buyers are wise to allow themselves plenty of time to get approval for a home loan. If the date passes and no financing is secured, the sellers may terminate the contract and keep the earnest money deposit.

You should also be realistic about your closing date. Don't try to close too quickly. There are a lot of things that need to be done properly, and you must give lenders, title companies and others time.

2. Be specific about which items stay with the house

You've likely heard the story of the buyer who walked into a new home only to discover that the refrigerator and chandeliers were missing. Check the contract.

 One year while my husband and I were on vacation in Russia, we got a phone call about a house whose refrigerator went missing. It turns out,  there was a misunderstanding about whether the fridge came with the house or not. The previous owners were in actuality taking it with them when they moved. Because it was stated that it would come with the home in the contract, a new refrigerator had to be bought. 

As a seller, be sure you specifically state on the contract what will stay with the home.
As a buyer, pay attention. Don't assume that the Sub-Zero refrigerator is yours once you close.

3. Know the dates for all the terms and contingencies

Surprise! The contract doesn't always take effect on the day you sign it.
In every contract, there are things that must be done within X number of days from the effective dates: inspections, loan applications and approval, title searches. If you don't know the dates by which all contingencies must be removed and all terms met, you may not have a valid contract.

4. Get everyone to sign

Sometimes the home is owned by both spouses, other owners or an entity such as a corporation. Whether it is the listing agreement or purchase agreement, all parties must sign the contract. If a party to the transaction fails to sign, that contract is invalid.

Buying a house is one of the biggest financial decisions you're going to make. Simply, take it seriously and make sure everything that's important to you is in writing.

As you may know, one of the most important parts of the buying process is financing. Many people find the financing process intimidating. I’m here to tell you it is not as scary as you would think. Our complete step-by-step financing guide will provide you with all the information you need to have a smooth and successful experience.

Download the Complete Guide to Financing by using the link below:
http://www.buyingahomeinlascruces.com/home_financing_guide_intro.php

Cleaning and repairing your Las Cruces home’s siding once every year will pay off in the form of a long life and value for your home.

With proper care and a little regular maintenance, your home’s exterior could be trouble-free for 50 years and more. I know an elderly man who has lived in his home for about 40 years and has had it cleaned every two or three years. The home still looks brand new and beautiful! Cleaning the exterior of your home removes dirt and mildew that may shorten the life of that exterior. A clean house protects your investment, too. A good first appearance on a home can add as much as 5% to 10% to the value of the home.

Cleaning wood, vinyl, metal, stucco, brick, fiber-cement siding

All types of siding benefit from a good cleaning once every year to remove grit, grime, and mildew. The best way—whether you have wood, vinyl, metal, stucco, brick, or fiber-cement—is with a bucket of warm, soapy water (1/2 cup trisodium phosphate—TSP, available at grocery stores, hardware stores, and home improvement centers—dissolved in 1 gallon of water) and a soft-bristled brush attached to a long handle. Divide your house into 20-foot sections, clean each from top to bottom, and rinse. For two-story homes, you’ll be using a ladder, so keep safety foremost.

Cleaning an average-sized house may take you and a friend every bit of a weekend. Don’t forget to wear sunscreen and stay hydrated. If you don’t have the time—or the inclination—you can have your house professionally cleaned for $300-$500. A professional team will use a power washer and take less than a day.

When confronted with selling a house that needs a little bit of exterior TLC, I highly recommend Engel Coatings&Siding. This is the company to call to get the job done. Trust me, I have seen some dirty houses, but after Engel gets finished with them, the transformation has always been impressive. It makes my job in helping you to sell your home as quickly as possible at the best possible price easier.

You can rent a power washer to do the job yourself for about $75 per day, but beware if you don’t have experience with the tool. One year my husband and I learned this the hard way. Power washers force water through a nozzle at high pressure, resulting in water blasts that can strip paint, gouge softwoods, loosen caulk, and eat through mortar. Also, the tool can force water under horizontal lap joints, resulting in moisture accumulating behind the siding. A siding professional has the expertise to prevent water penetration at joints, seams around windows and doors, and electrical fixtures. We are no experts, so the damage we caused afterwards was frustrating. Ever since then, we either call a professional or use the brush and water method.

Inspect for damage

Right before you clean is the ideal time to inspect your Las Cruces home for signs of damage or wear and tear. A house exterior is most vulnerable to water infiltration where siding butts against windows, doors, and corner moldings. For all types of siding, look for caulk that has cracked due to age or has pulled away from adjacent surfaces, leaving gaps. Reapply a color-matched exterior caulk during dry days with temperatures in excess of 65°F for maximum adhesion. As we all know, there is no shortage of days like those here in Las Cruces, New Mexico.

Other defects include wood siding with chipped or peeling paint, and cracked boards and trim. If you have a stucco exterior, like most houses in Las Cruces do, be on the lookout for cracks and chips. For brick, look for crumbling mortar joints. Repair defects before cleaning. The sooner you make repairs, the better you protect your house from moisture infiltration that can lead to dry rot and mold forming inside your walls.

Repair cracked stucco

Seal cracks and small holes with color-matched exterior acrylic caulk. Try pressing sand into the surface of wet caulk to match the texture of the surrounding stucco. Paint the repair to match.

Take time to inspect and clean your house's exterior, and you’ll be rewarded with more time to concentrate on equally important priorities. If you’re considering selling your home or not, it’s always nice to know how to maintain your house to where you can always be happy and comfortable.

For more tips and tricks on the subject of making a quick and painless sale, we would be happy to share our e-book containing 450 ideas on how to sell your house for the best price possible.

Use this link to request your copy.   
http://www.sellingahomeinlascruces.com/450_ideas_ebook_offers.php