The reality is that for most consumers facing turmoil today, they will be eligible to purchase a home again in three years. Federal Housing Administration (FHA) guidelines allow for someone to purchase a home three years after a foreclosure, as long as there has been nothing delinquent after the original event. For example, let’s say that two years after a foreclosure, I have a dispute with a satellite television company, and they report a collection on my credit report. Anything negative (such as this dispute) after the original event (the foreclosure) could potentially derail my chances for being approved at the three-year mark.
Someone who had an FHA, Veterans Affairs (VA) or United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Housing loan previously may have a federal claim against them in the Credit Alert Verification Reporting System (CAIVRS). They would have to wait three years from the date the federal claim was paid, which generally adds six to nine months to the timeline. Any mortgage lender can check the Housing & Urban Development (HUD) system to see if there is a claim against the borrower.
Keep in mind that the three C’s to an approval apply: credit, capacity and collateral. The borrower still has to have two years of continued verifiable employment, they must make enough money to qualify for the purchase, and they must have the minimum required down payment (3.5% for FHA). There will be a lot of scrutiny for someone who has had a past foreclosure (or short sale, bankruptcy, deed-in-lieu of foreclosure, etc.). The back end debt-to-income ratio for an average consumer is generally 41% or more; for someone coming out of a financial crisis, the debt-to-income ratio may be a maximum of 36%.
As far as credit goes, many lenders require a minimum credit score of 620; some require 640, so this can be a hurdle. It is critical that borrowers have “enough” credit, which is generally three accounts open for the past 12 months plus a rental history. Traditional credit, the type included on a credit report (credit cards, auto, student loan, etc.), is preferable, but that’s not always the case. Alternative credit is non-traditional credit, such as utilities, cable, cell phone and other accounts that generally do not appear on the credit report. Paying the electric bill on time every month takes on greater importance simply because the borrower may have to go to the utility company for a letter of credit. The alternative credit must be paid on time. I have had clients compile the alternative credit documents, but if the payments were not made on time, it is unusable.
Rent payments should be made by personal check when possible. Copies of the cancelled rent check should be obtained and saved to prove the rent payments were made on time. Paying cash can come back to bite consumers if the landlord cannot or will not verify rent or if the landlord is at arms length. If the landlord is at arms length, or disappears, it will be imperative to prove the rent was paid on time for the past 12 months.
Consumers should save all documentation they receive. This goes without saying, but I have had clients who have shredded their entire bankruptcy package. Fortunately bankruptcy paperwork can be obtained at the federal courthouse if it has been misplaced. The reason saving all documents is so important is because the bad debt market buys and sells old debt, which could result in issues needing to be resolved. It is difficult to resolve these issues without documentation; the old adage of “he who holds the sword rules the land” certainly applies to the world of debt. The most common issue is a credit card that reaches charge-off status (180 days delinquent). It is placed into collection, which likely means it will be sold in a portfolio on the bad debt market. The debt is purchased for 5% - 20% of the original amount; it then shows up as a collection on the credit report. This can be problematic if the date of delinquency is changed, which is not uncommon, so saving all documentation for future reference is a smart move.
How long should this documentation be saved? Most people answer seven years. Although that may be generally true for tax audit purposes, it is not the case for bad debt since it carries a declining value, yet always has a value to third parties. For example, a collection stemming from a vehicle repossession ten years ago may still be worth 1% - 5% of the original collection amount. If someone can purchase an old debt of $10,000 for $100, there is motive to abuse the debt collection system and potentially break the law in pursuit of the old debt. Consumers should be aware of the importance of holding onto documentation since they very well may find themselves in a position of needing to prove something, especially dates. The cleanest method of documentation is the credit report itself; saving copies annually of a credit report is an excellent practice to keep a record of all important account dates. It is one of the best protections against abuse and can be handy when requalifying for a mortgage. The only government-mandated source for a free credit report is www.annualcreditreport.com.
The borrower will have to explain in a letter three important points to the underwriter:
•Why did the foreclosure, short sale or bankruptcy occur?
•Why was the event out of their control?
•Why is it unlikely the circumstances will repeat?
Approval is at the discretion of the underwriter based on perceived risk, so this explanation is important. The bottom line is that when consumers who have a past financial issue are ready to consider buying a home again, they should consult a lender to see how their specific situation applies. The lender should give them an assessment of where they are now and what needs to happen in order to qualify for a mortgage.
Article By Patrick Ritchie Courtesy of Arizona REALTOR® Magazine - August 2010
RESOURCES
Impact of Adverse Credit Events on the Ability of Consumers to Purchase Another Home
NAR has posted a chart showing FHA, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac credit policies for short sales, deeds-in-lieu, foreclosures and bankruptcies.
The Facts about Your Credit Score
This article from the June 2010 issue of Arizona REALTOR® Magazine explores what you should know about that pesky three-digit number known as your FICO score.
The Semlers, Art & Vickie, REALTOR® 480.620.7670
avsemler@cox.net
www.SemlerAzHomeTeam.com
Let's Stay Connected on Facebook & Twitter!
Friday, August 27, 2010
Buying a Home After a Foreclosure
A financial crisis can strike anyone. It seems we have all had clients who were once thriving but now are facing difficult decisions regarding their finances. The reasons vary, but the outcomes are similar. The people come from all walks of life—lawyers, dentists, truck drivers, teachers, the list is endless. Here is some good news: Nothing will keep us down forever. Everything has a limitation on how long it can affect our credit. Most derogatory issues have a seven-year limit, Chapter 7 bankruptcy stays on credit reports for ten years, but nothing is forever. The Fair Credit Reporting Act provides the details of how long derogatory items can remain on the credit report.
The reality is that for most consumers facing turmoil today, they will be eligible to purchase a home again in three years. Federal Housing Administration (FHA) guidelines allow for someone to purchase a home three years after a foreclosure, as long as there has been nothing delinquent after the original event. For example, let’s say that two years after a foreclosure, I have a dispute with a satellite television company, and they report a collection on my credit report. Anything negative (such as this dispute) after the original event (the foreclosure) could potentially derail my chances for being approved at the three-year mark.
Someone who had an FHA, Veterans Affairs (VA) or United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Housing loan previously may have a federal claim against them in the Credit Alert Verification Reporting System (CAIVRS). They would have to wait three years from the date the federal claim was paid, which generally adds six to nine months to the timeline. Any mortgage lender can check the Housing & Urban Development (HUD) system to see if there is a claim against the borrower.
Keep in mind that the three C’s to an approval apply: credit, capacity and collateral. The borrower still has to have two years of continued verifiable employment, they must make enough money to qualify for the purchase, and they must have the minimum required down payment (3.5% for FHA). There will be a lot of scrutiny for someone who has had a past foreclosure (or short sale, bankruptcy, deed-in-lieu of foreclosure, etc.). The back end debt-to-income ratio for an average consumer is generally 41% or more; for someone coming out of a financial crisis, the debt-to-income ratio may be a maximum of 36%.
As far as credit goes, many lenders require a minimum credit score of 620; some require 640, so this can be a hurdle. It is critical that borrowers have “enough” credit, which is generally three accounts open for the past 12 months plus a rental history. Traditional credit, the type included on a credit report (credit cards, auto, student loan, etc.), is preferable, but that’s not always the case. Alternative credit is non-traditional credit, such as utilities, cable, cell phone and other accounts that generally do not appear on the credit report. Paying the electric bill on time every month takes on greater importance simply because the borrower may have to go to the utility company for a letter of credit. The alternative credit must be paid on time. I have had clients compile the alternative credit documents, but if the payments were not made on time, it is unusable.
Rent payments should be made by personal check when possible. Copies of the cancelled rent check should be obtained and saved to prove the rent payments were made on time. Paying cash can come back to bite consumers if the landlord cannot or will not verify rent or if the landlord is at arms length. If the landlord is at arms length, or disappears, it will be imperative to prove the rent was paid on time for the past 12 months.
Consumers should save all documentation they receive. This goes without saying, but I have had clients who have shredded their entire bankruptcy package. Fortunately bankruptcy paperwork can be obtained at the federal courthouse if it has been misplaced. The reason saving all documents is so important is because the bad debt market buys and sells old debt, which could result in issues needing to be resolved. It is difficult to resolve these issues without documentation; the old adage of “he who holds the sword rules the land” certainly applies to the world of debt. The most common issue is a credit card that reaches charge-off status (180 days delinquent). It is placed into collection, which likely means it will be sold in a portfolio on the bad debt market. The debt is purchased for 5% - 20% of the original amount; it then shows up as a collection on the credit report. This can be problematic if the date of delinquency is changed, which is not uncommon, so saving all documentation for future reference is a smart move.
How long should this documentation be saved? Most people answer seven years. Although that may be generally true for tax audit purposes, it is not the case for bad debt since it carries a declining value, yet always has a value to third parties. For example, a collection stemming from a vehicle repossession ten years ago may still be worth 1% - 5% of the original collection amount. If someone can purchase an old debt of $10,000 for $100, there is motive to abuse the debt collection system and potentially break the law in pursuit of the old debt. Consumers should be aware of the importance of holding onto documentation since they very well may find themselves in a position of needing to prove something, especially dates. The cleanest method of documentation is the credit report itself; saving copies annually of a credit report is an excellent practice to keep a record of all important account dates. It is one of the best protections against abuse and can be handy when requalifying for a mortgage. The only government-mandated source for a free credit report is www.annualcreditreport.com.
The borrower will have to explain in a letter three important points to the underwriter:
•Why did the foreclosure, short sale or bankruptcy occur?
•Why was the event out of their control?
•Why is it unlikely the circumstances will repeat?
Approval is at the discretion of the underwriter based on perceived risk, so this explanation is important. The bottom line is that when consumers who have a past financial issue are ready to consider buying a home again, they should consult a lender to see how their specific situation applies. The lender should give them an assessment of where they are now and what needs to happen in order to qualify for a mortgage.
Article By Patrick Ritchie Courtesy of Arizona REALTOR® Magazine - August 2010
RESOURCES
Impact of Adverse Credit Events on the Ability of Consumers to Purchase Another Home
NAR has posted a chart showing FHA, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac credit policies for short sales, deeds-in-lieu, foreclosures and bankruptcies.
The Facts about Your Credit Score
This article from the June 2010 issue of Arizona REALTOR® Magazine explores what you should know about that pesky three-digit number known as your FICO score.
The reality is that for most consumers facing turmoil today, they will be eligible to purchase a home again in three years. Federal Housing Administration (FHA) guidelines allow for someone to purchase a home three years after a foreclosure, as long as there has been nothing delinquent after the original event. For example, let’s say that two years after a foreclosure, I have a dispute with a satellite television company, and they report a collection on my credit report. Anything negative (such as this dispute) after the original event (the foreclosure) could potentially derail my chances for being approved at the three-year mark.
Someone who had an FHA, Veterans Affairs (VA) or United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Housing loan previously may have a federal claim against them in the Credit Alert Verification Reporting System (CAIVRS). They would have to wait three years from the date the federal claim was paid, which generally adds six to nine months to the timeline. Any mortgage lender can check the Housing & Urban Development (HUD) system to see if there is a claim against the borrower.
Keep in mind that the three C’s to an approval apply: credit, capacity and collateral. The borrower still has to have two years of continued verifiable employment, they must make enough money to qualify for the purchase, and they must have the minimum required down payment (3.5% for FHA). There will be a lot of scrutiny for someone who has had a past foreclosure (or short sale, bankruptcy, deed-in-lieu of foreclosure, etc.). The back end debt-to-income ratio for an average consumer is generally 41% or more; for someone coming out of a financial crisis, the debt-to-income ratio may be a maximum of 36%.
As far as credit goes, many lenders require a minimum credit score of 620; some require 640, so this can be a hurdle. It is critical that borrowers have “enough” credit, which is generally three accounts open for the past 12 months plus a rental history. Traditional credit, the type included on a credit report (credit cards, auto, student loan, etc.), is preferable, but that’s not always the case. Alternative credit is non-traditional credit, such as utilities, cable, cell phone and other accounts that generally do not appear on the credit report. Paying the electric bill on time every month takes on greater importance simply because the borrower may have to go to the utility company for a letter of credit. The alternative credit must be paid on time. I have had clients compile the alternative credit documents, but if the payments were not made on time, it is unusable.
Rent payments should be made by personal check when possible. Copies of the cancelled rent check should be obtained and saved to prove the rent payments were made on time. Paying cash can come back to bite consumers if the landlord cannot or will not verify rent or if the landlord is at arms length. If the landlord is at arms length, or disappears, it will be imperative to prove the rent was paid on time for the past 12 months.
Consumers should save all documentation they receive. This goes without saying, but I have had clients who have shredded their entire bankruptcy package. Fortunately bankruptcy paperwork can be obtained at the federal courthouse if it has been misplaced. The reason saving all documents is so important is because the bad debt market buys and sells old debt, which could result in issues needing to be resolved. It is difficult to resolve these issues without documentation; the old adage of “he who holds the sword rules the land” certainly applies to the world of debt. The most common issue is a credit card that reaches charge-off status (180 days delinquent). It is placed into collection, which likely means it will be sold in a portfolio on the bad debt market. The debt is purchased for 5% - 20% of the original amount; it then shows up as a collection on the credit report. This can be problematic if the date of delinquency is changed, which is not uncommon, so saving all documentation for future reference is a smart move.
How long should this documentation be saved? Most people answer seven years. Although that may be generally true for tax audit purposes, it is not the case for bad debt since it carries a declining value, yet always has a value to third parties. For example, a collection stemming from a vehicle repossession ten years ago may still be worth 1% - 5% of the original collection amount. If someone can purchase an old debt of $10,000 for $100, there is motive to abuse the debt collection system and potentially break the law in pursuit of the old debt. Consumers should be aware of the importance of holding onto documentation since they very well may find themselves in a position of needing to prove something, especially dates. The cleanest method of documentation is the credit report itself; saving copies annually of a credit report is an excellent practice to keep a record of all important account dates. It is one of the best protections against abuse and can be handy when requalifying for a mortgage. The only government-mandated source for a free credit report is www.annualcreditreport.com.
The borrower will have to explain in a letter three important points to the underwriter:
•Why did the foreclosure, short sale or bankruptcy occur?
•Why was the event out of their control?
•Why is it unlikely the circumstances will repeat?
Approval is at the discretion of the underwriter based on perceived risk, so this explanation is important. The bottom line is that when consumers who have a past financial issue are ready to consider buying a home again, they should consult a lender to see how their specific situation applies. The lender should give them an assessment of where they are now and what needs to happen in order to qualify for a mortgage.
Article By Patrick Ritchie Courtesy of Arizona REALTOR® Magazine - August 2010
RESOURCES
Impact of Adverse Credit Events on the Ability of Consumers to Purchase Another Home
NAR has posted a chart showing FHA, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac credit policies for short sales, deeds-in-lieu, foreclosures and bankruptcies.
The Facts about Your Credit Score
This article from the June 2010 issue of Arizona REALTOR® Magazine explores what you should know about that pesky three-digit number known as your FICO score.
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Arizona's Own...Hickman Eggs are Safe!
The recall of about 500 million eggs is having a ripple effect on Arizona’s only major egg farmer.
Last week, two Iowa egg producers, Wright County Egg and Hillandale Egg, recalled eggs due to an outbreak of salmonella.
Clint Hickman is the vice president of sales and marketing for Hickman’s Egg Farms and wants people to know that his family’s products are safe and not connected with any recall.
“Food safety is an absolute necessity for how we do business. We are proud of what we do. We brand our eggs with our family name and we feed our own families with our own eggs,” Hickman said.
The Hickman family has been in the egg business for three generations and is the state’s only large egg producer.
Hickman said the firm has been fielding questions from consumers as well as potential buyers and brokers as the nationwide egg recall has grown.
While Hickman declined to discuss specific numbers, his current business clients are increasing their existing orders and the firm is fielding calls from new ones.
“We are seeing activity from people in Western states, but the most important thing for us is to take care of, and respond to, the needs of our long-time customers first,” Hickman said.
Hickman said the family has had long-term safety measures in place to protect their products and their clients from such instances.
The firm vaccinates their flock, they wash their eggs twice before going to market and also use an ultraviolet disinfection process.
Although hens can lay eggs with salmonella, the bacteria is destroyed by heat and proper cooking.
People can become sick if they eat raw or incompletely cooked eggs. Salmonella typically causes diarrhea, vomiting and stomach pains. In rare instances, it can cause more serious illness.
Article Courtesy of Lynn Ducey of PBJ
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
INDULGE: 10 Vices That Are Good For You
You can officially stop feeling guilty about those little "bad-for-you" habits you can't seem to break. Turns out, many of life's greatest indulgences bring big health benefits -- helping you stay slim, fight off the blues, and kick disease to the curb.
And we've got the 10 best right here, conveniently ranked by Health magazine's expert panelists. Start at the top of the list to get the most bang for your healthy buck, and keep moving on down to learn how to boost your well-being in the most decadent ways possible.
Pleasure No. 1: Getting your zzz's: Our experts unanimously agreed: Sleep is free and has virtually zero health drawbacks, making it the one treat no one should skimp on. Pillow time gives you energy, bolsters your immune system, boosts your memory, and even helps you get (or stay) slim.
Cut slumber short, and you'll find it harder to make decisions (no surprise to anyone who's struggled through a workday after a too-late bedtime). Plus, you'll increase your risk for anxiety and depression.
"Lack of sleep has also been associated with hypertension, glucose intolerance, and belly fat -- all risk factors for heart disease," says Nieca Goldberg, M.D., medical director of the New York University-Langone Women's Heart Program.
Aim for seven to eight hours of sleep a night, the amount that studies show is ideal. If you're up-and-at-'em on less, don't sweat it: Some people are just wired that way, Goldberg says. But if you have trouble falling or staying asleep, or can't seem to drag yourself out of bed on a regular basis, talk to your doctor about possible underlying causes, such as anxiety or sleep apnea.
Pleasure No. 2: Playing hooky: There's a reason it's called a mental-health day. Studies confirm that time off -- whether on a trip out of Dodge or a 24-hour staycation -- relieves stress, lowering your blood pressure and your risk for heart disease.
It also promotes creative thinking (attention, bosses!). And women in a 2005 study who took two or more vacations per year were less likely to be depressed than women who took one every two years.
Can't swing more than a few days away? No problem: The length of a vacation had no bearing on how happy it made people, according to a recent study in the journal Applied Research in the Quality of Life.
What's more, the biggest thrill came before the vacation. So spread around the joy of that sweet anticipation by planning short jaunts throughout the year instead of one big blowout trip.
Pleasure No. 3: Sexual healing: Getting frisky is, hands-down, the most pleasurable form of physical activity there is. Having sex releases feel-good endorphins and oxytocin, the hormone that promotes attachment.
"That component of feeling connected to another person really benefits mental health," says Alice Domar, Ph.D., the executive director of the Domar Center for Mind/Body Health.
Another plus: Subjects in one study who did it once or twice a week had higher levels of the antibody immunoglobulin A, which shields you from colds and other infections. Why doesn't sex rank higher on our list? It can bring unintended consequences, from sexually transmitted infections (especially if you're not currently monogamous and not practicing safe sex) to "oops!" pregnancies.
Pleasure No. 4: A daily chocolate fix: Our experts gave a hearty thumbs-up to nibbling a little chocolate every day -- as long as you stick to a square or two of the dark kind, to minimize sugar and fat intake and maximize the benefits. (The temptation to overeat this sweet treat accounts for it not making it into the top three.)
Dark chocolate and cocoa may help lower blood pressure, reduce the risk of stroke, and provide other cardiovascular benefits, multiple studies have shown.
"Dark chocolate contains antioxidants called flavonoids, believed to improve the flexibility of blood vessels," Goldberg explains. "That can help lower blood pressure and also make blood vessels more resistant to plaque buildup."
Chocolate's rep as a go-to comfort food when you're upset has science behind it, too. A study published late last year found that eating 1.4 ounces of dark chocolate a day for two weeks reduced stress hormones in highly anxious people. Check for at least 75 percent cacao content to get the most bliss for your bite.
Pleasure No. 5: Girls' nights out: A flurry of recent studies have shed light on how huge an impact our friends and family have on our behavior, from what we drink and eat to how much we weigh -- for better and for worse.
But there's little question that strong social ties can bring a host of benefits: fewer colds, better brain health, and a longer life, to name a few.
"Friendships are very good for you -- as long as you hang out with people with whom you have a well-balanced relationship and limit your time spent with people who are toxic for you," Domar says.
Pleasure No. 6: Full-fat dressing: For years we were trained to reach for low-fat everything, but there's no need to deprive yourself of the real deal. Full-fat foods not only taste better but also serve a real health purpose, as long as you get the right amounts of the right kinds.
Aim for at least 10 percent of your daily fat intake to come from monounsaturated fats (found in vegetable oils, avocados, and many nuts and seeds), says Keri Gans, R.D., a spokeswoman for the American Dietetic Association.
These fats reduce your risks of heart disease and stroke -- a big deal, since coronary heart disease is the leading cause of death of American women. In fact, nearly twice as many women die of heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular diseases as from all forms of cancer.
Omega-3 fatty acids (found in fish such as salmon and tuna, and in flaxseed and walnuts) also lower heart disease risk and may help decrease symptoms of depression, rheumatoid arthritis, and other ailments. Plus, "when you have a meal that includes a little fat, you tend to feel more satisfied, so you eat less," Gans says.
Still, no more than 30 percent of your daily calories should come from fat -- even the good kind.
Pleasure No. 7: Your morning java: It's completely OK if you need it to pry your eyes open in the a.m. A wealth of research suggests that coffee doesn't just pick you up -- it fights heart disease and some cancers, and it may even help you push through harder, longer workouts.
Moderate coffee-drinking in middle age has been associated with lower risks for dementia and Alzheimer's. And a 2009 review of more than four decades of research found that for every additional cup of coffee you drink each day -- high-octane or decaf -- your risk of developing type 2 diabetes shrinks by 7 percent, possibly because chemicals in the beverage improve your body's insulin sensitivity and increase metabolism.
Enjoy up to two cups a day; more than that may leave you jittery or rob you of that precious number-one pleasure -- sleep.
Pleasure No. 8: Getting a rubdown: Don't ever feel guilty about shelling out for massages.
"In general, people who are touched regularly are healthier," Domar says. And if your budget doesn't include spa services, consider hands-on time with your honey.
Women in a 2008 study noted less pain, depression, anxiety, and anger when they were massaged twice a week by their partners -- and (bonus!) their partners reported better mental health, too.
Pleasure No. 9: Basking in the sun: Bright days really do lift our moods -- sunshine is the ultimate natural antidepressant, triggering our bodies to nip production of the sleep-stimulating hormone melatonin so we're alert, energized, and ready to face the day. Exposing bare skin to the sun also triggers the synthesis of vitamin D, a hormone that may reduce your risks for cancer, heart disease, fragile bones, and other problems.
Still, many doctors feel that no amount of unprotected sun exposure is safe (that's the official position of the American Academy of Dermatology). So always wear sunscreen and, Goldberg says, take a D supplement if your levels are low; see your doc to find out.
Pleasure No. 10: Wine with dinner: The buzz on wine is about its heart-healthy properties, though researchers aren't entirely sure how it works its magic. Its antioxidants may keep blood vessels flexible, or alcohol could boost HDL (good) cholesterol.
Either way, the key is moderation: one 5-ounce glass a day. More than that can raise blood pressure and pack on pounds.
"Women who drink heavily also have higher rates of breast cancer," Goldberg warns.
More of a martini kind of gal? No problem: You can get similar perks from one liquor drink or beer a day. So go ahead -- raise a glass to the pleasures of the healthy life!
America's healthiest pleasures: 10 'vices' that are good for youBy Susannah Felts and Jeannie Kim(Health.com) -- Permission granted
Courtesy of CNN
Pleasure No. 1: Getting your zzz's: Our experts unanimously agreed: Sleep is free and has virtually zero health drawbacks, making it the one treat no one should skimp on. Pillow time gives you energy, bolsters your immune system, boosts your memory, and even helps you get (or stay) slim.
Cut slumber short, and you'll find it harder to make decisions (no surprise to anyone who's struggled through a workday after a too-late bedtime). Plus, you'll increase your risk for anxiety and depression.
"Lack of sleep has also been associated with hypertension, glucose intolerance, and belly fat -- all risk factors for heart disease," says Nieca Goldberg, M.D., medical director of the New York University-Langone Women's Heart Program.
Aim for seven to eight hours of sleep a night, the amount that studies show is ideal. If you're up-and-at-'em on less, don't sweat it: Some people are just wired that way, Goldberg says. But if you have trouble falling or staying asleep, or can't seem to drag yourself out of bed on a regular basis, talk to your doctor about possible underlying causes, such as anxiety or sleep apnea.
Pleasure No. 2: Playing hooky: There's a reason it's called a mental-health day. Studies confirm that time off -- whether on a trip out of Dodge or a 24-hour staycation -- relieves stress, lowering your blood pressure and your risk for heart disease.
It also promotes creative thinking (attention, bosses!). And women in a 2005 study who took two or more vacations per year were less likely to be depressed than women who took one every two years.
Can't swing more than a few days away? No problem: The length of a vacation had no bearing on how happy it made people, according to a recent study in the journal Applied Research in the Quality of Life.
What's more, the biggest thrill came before the vacation. So spread around the joy of that sweet anticipation by planning short jaunts throughout the year instead of one big blowout trip.
Pleasure No. 3: Sexual healing: Getting frisky is, hands-down, the most pleasurable form of physical activity there is. Having sex releases feel-good endorphins and oxytocin, the hormone that promotes attachment.
"That component of feeling connected to another person really benefits mental health," says Alice Domar, Ph.D., the executive director of the Domar Center for Mind/Body Health.
Another plus: Subjects in one study who did it once or twice a week had higher levels of the antibody immunoglobulin A, which shields you from colds and other infections. Why doesn't sex rank higher on our list? It can bring unintended consequences, from sexually transmitted infections (especially if you're not currently monogamous and not practicing safe sex) to "oops!" pregnancies.
Pleasure No. 4: A daily chocolate fix: Our experts gave a hearty thumbs-up to nibbling a little chocolate every day -- as long as you stick to a square or two of the dark kind, to minimize sugar and fat intake and maximize the benefits. (The temptation to overeat this sweet treat accounts for it not making it into the top three.)
Dark chocolate and cocoa may help lower blood pressure, reduce the risk of stroke, and provide other cardiovascular benefits, multiple studies have shown.
"Dark chocolate contains antioxidants called flavonoids, believed to improve the flexibility of blood vessels," Goldberg explains. "That can help lower blood pressure and also make blood vessels more resistant to plaque buildup."
Chocolate's rep as a go-to comfort food when you're upset has science behind it, too. A study published late last year found that eating 1.4 ounces of dark chocolate a day for two weeks reduced stress hormones in highly anxious people. Check for at least 75 percent cacao content to get the most bliss for your bite.
Pleasure No. 5: Girls' nights out: A flurry of recent studies have shed light on how huge an impact our friends and family have on our behavior, from what we drink and eat to how much we weigh -- for better and for worse.
But there's little question that strong social ties can bring a host of benefits: fewer colds, better brain health, and a longer life, to name a few.
"Friendships are very good for you -- as long as you hang out with people with whom you have a well-balanced relationship and limit your time spent with people who are toxic for you," Domar says.
Pleasure No. 6: Full-fat dressing: For years we were trained to reach for low-fat everything, but there's no need to deprive yourself of the real deal. Full-fat foods not only taste better but also serve a real health purpose, as long as you get the right amounts of the right kinds.
Aim for at least 10 percent of your daily fat intake to come from monounsaturated fats (found in vegetable oils, avocados, and many nuts and seeds), says Keri Gans, R.D., a spokeswoman for the American Dietetic Association.
These fats reduce your risks of heart disease and stroke -- a big deal, since coronary heart disease is the leading cause of death of American women. In fact, nearly twice as many women die of heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular diseases as from all forms of cancer.
Omega-3 fatty acids (found in fish such as salmon and tuna, and in flaxseed and walnuts) also lower heart disease risk and may help decrease symptoms of depression, rheumatoid arthritis, and other ailments. Plus, "when you have a meal that includes a little fat, you tend to feel more satisfied, so you eat less," Gans says.
Still, no more than 30 percent of your daily calories should come from fat -- even the good kind.
Pleasure No. 7: Your morning java: It's completely OK if you need it to pry your eyes open in the a.m. A wealth of research suggests that coffee doesn't just pick you up -- it fights heart disease and some cancers, and it may even help you push through harder, longer workouts.
Moderate coffee-drinking in middle age has been associated with lower risks for dementia and Alzheimer's. And a 2009 review of more than four decades of research found that for every additional cup of coffee you drink each day -- high-octane or decaf -- your risk of developing type 2 diabetes shrinks by 7 percent, possibly because chemicals in the beverage improve your body's insulin sensitivity and increase metabolism.
Enjoy up to two cups a day; more than that may leave you jittery or rob you of that precious number-one pleasure -- sleep.
Pleasure No. 8: Getting a rubdown: Don't ever feel guilty about shelling out for massages.
"In general, people who are touched regularly are healthier," Domar says. And if your budget doesn't include spa services, consider hands-on time with your honey.
Women in a 2008 study noted less pain, depression, anxiety, and anger when they were massaged twice a week by their partners -- and (bonus!) their partners reported better mental health, too.
Pleasure No. 9: Basking in the sun: Bright days really do lift our moods -- sunshine is the ultimate natural antidepressant, triggering our bodies to nip production of the sleep-stimulating hormone melatonin so we're alert, energized, and ready to face the day. Exposing bare skin to the sun also triggers the synthesis of vitamin D, a hormone that may reduce your risks for cancer, heart disease, fragile bones, and other problems.
Still, many doctors feel that no amount of unprotected sun exposure is safe (that's the official position of the American Academy of Dermatology). So always wear sunscreen and, Goldberg says, take a D supplement if your levels are low; see your doc to find out.
Pleasure No. 10: Wine with dinner: The buzz on wine is about its heart-healthy properties, though researchers aren't entirely sure how it works its magic. Its antioxidants may keep blood vessels flexible, or alcohol could boost HDL (good) cholesterol.
Either way, the key is moderation: one 5-ounce glass a day. More than that can raise blood pressure and pack on pounds.
"Women who drink heavily also have higher rates of breast cancer," Goldberg warns.
More of a martini kind of gal? No problem: You can get similar perks from one liquor drink or beer a day. So go ahead -- raise a glass to the pleasures of the healthy life!
America's healthiest pleasures: 10 'vices' that are good for youBy Susannah Felts and Jeannie Kim(Health.com) -- Permission granted
Courtesy of CNN
Monday, August 23, 2010
How to cheat the tax man in 2010
Thanks to a strange quirk in the law, the heirs of people who die this year don't have to pay estate taxes.
(CNN) -- Want a hot tip about how to make a financial killing this year?
Die.
That's right. It sounds like a distasteful joke, but courtesy of the United States Congress, it's a gruesome reality.
Because of a hiccup in the convoluted tax laws, Americans who have done exceptionally well for themselves during their lives will be able to preserve an enormously greater percentage of their money, and thus be able to pass it on to their heirs, if they die before midnight on December 31.
The federal estate tax, for this calendar year only, is zero percent; at the stroke of midnight on New Year's Eve it immediately goes to a potential 55 percent for people who have managed to build up a considerable nest egg for their families. The 55 percent rate will apply to everything after the first $1 million in assets, if the current law stands. (Congress still has the beat-the-clock option to step in and change the rules for next year, but so far has not.)
The details of the back-and-forth in Congress that has led to this are enough to give you a headache, and those mice-trapped-in-a-maze legislative machinations have been exhaustively reported on and analyzed. Suffice it to say that the smart people in the world of money and investments -- the ones who always seem to know when it's time to move to municipal bonds, or to roll their cash over into some exotic derivative, or to switch to real estate -- are now saying that dying this year is a sound financial strategy.
As the Wall Street Journal recently put it: "It has come to this: Congress, quite by accident, is incentivizing death."
No one is kidding about the basic facts of this. The Bernie Madoff scheme may have been unspeakably cruel, and the tricks played by the big investment banks may have been infuriating, but at least no one was telling people that they'd better die quickly if they'd like to let their families hang on to their money.
The Journal ran a photo gallery of six prominent men who beat the system by dying this year: former TV host Art Linkletter, actor Dennis Hopper, Taco Bell founder Glen Bell, novelist Louis Auchincloss, real estate developer Walter Shorenstein and author J.D. Salinger.
The most-talked about beneficiary -- if you can call it that, which you probably shouldn't -- of this tax weirdness is George Steinbrenner, the late owner of the New York Yankees who died last month. Under the headline "Why Now Is a Great Time to Die," financial journalist Lauren Drell, who writes for AOL, calculated that by dying this year instead of next, Steinbrenner saved his relatives approximately $600 million.
What do you call a system that allows such a thing to happen? "Grisly" is the word that tax expert Barbara Weltman used when she spoke to Drell: "There's talk about pulling the plug on people on life support ... [It is] just horrible to think that taxes should play any role in life-and-death decisions."
But the same people who knew how to play all the angles to build an enviable financial life for themselves are now coming face to face with the ultimate angle. As attorney and estate planner Jack Nuckolls told The Associated Press: "If you're super-wealthy, it's a good year to die. It really is."
Last year, when the estate tax was 45 percent, people in ill health faced a different kind of challenge: If they could just hold on until the first few seconds of 2010, then they could die knowing that their money had made it into the freakish one-year holiday from estate taxes. But as sadistic as that setup was -- imagine having to fight for a few more breaths because if you made it to New Year's Day, you could do a better job of providing for your children -- at least it put a premium on living.
What's scheduled to happen in a little more than four months is the opposite. Those who die are the fiscal winners. There doesn't seem much to be done about it, except engage in dark wit. Eugene Sukup, 81, of Sheffield, Iowa, who founded a grain-bin manufacturing firm with $15,000 in 1963 and who has presided over it with such skill that today it provides jobs for 450 Iowans, told the Wall Street Journal that if he were to die this year he would not have to pay a penny in estate taxes. But if he were to live until the dawning moments of next year and then pass away, his bill could be $15 million.
He seems to have a sense of humor about this insanity (unless he's not kidding). He said:
"You don't know whether to commit suicide or just go on living and working."
That's what is so Alice-through-the-looking-glass about all of this, and that is why, in its nonsensical way, the tax situation is a parable for the financial madness of our times.
If you've been fortunate in your life, and have accumulated a sizeable amount of money and property to leave to your children and grandchildren, and your health is starting to fail, you can hope for one more springtime with your family, and a seat in front of the television set to watch the 2011 Super Bowl, and a chance to gaze upon the fireworks and the community parade next Fourth of July.
But if you do, will you feel like a sucker? Will you feel like you've wished for something foolish?
Will you weigh the joy of one more year against the empty feeling of having your pocket picked by the lunacy of this particular law?
"Happy new year," for some people, may soon enough sound like a taunt.
By Bob Greene, courtesy of CNN
The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of Bob Greene
The federal estate tax, for this calendar year only, is zero percent; at the stroke of midnight on New Year's Eve it immediately goes to a potential 55 percent for people who have managed to build up a considerable nest egg for their families. The 55 percent rate will apply to everything after the first $1 million in assets, if the current law stands. (Congress still has the beat-the-clock option to step in and change the rules for next year, but so far has not.)
The details of the back-and-forth in Congress that has led to this are enough to give you a headache, and those mice-trapped-in-a-maze legislative machinations have been exhaustively reported on and analyzed. Suffice it to say that the smart people in the world of money and investments -- the ones who always seem to know when it's time to move to municipal bonds, or to roll their cash over into some exotic derivative, or to switch to real estate -- are now saying that dying this year is a sound financial strategy.
As the Wall Street Journal recently put it: "It has come to this: Congress, quite by accident, is incentivizing death."
No one is kidding about the basic facts of this. The Bernie Madoff scheme may have been unspeakably cruel, and the tricks played by the big investment banks may have been infuriating, but at least no one was telling people that they'd better die quickly if they'd like to let their families hang on to their money.
The Journal ran a photo gallery of six prominent men who beat the system by dying this year: former TV host Art Linkletter, actor Dennis Hopper, Taco Bell founder Glen Bell, novelist Louis Auchincloss, real estate developer Walter Shorenstein and author J.D. Salinger.
The most-talked about beneficiary -- if you can call it that, which you probably shouldn't -- of this tax weirdness is George Steinbrenner, the late owner of the New York Yankees who died last month. Under the headline "Why Now Is a Great Time to Die," financial journalist Lauren Drell, who writes for AOL, calculated that by dying this year instead of next, Steinbrenner saved his relatives approximately $600 million.
What do you call a system that allows such a thing to happen? "Grisly" is the word that tax expert Barbara Weltman used when she spoke to Drell: "There's talk about pulling the plug on people on life support ... [It is] just horrible to think that taxes should play any role in life-and-death decisions."
But the same people who knew how to play all the angles to build an enviable financial life for themselves are now coming face to face with the ultimate angle. As attorney and estate planner Jack Nuckolls told The Associated Press: "If you're super-wealthy, it's a good year to die. It really is."
Last year, when the estate tax was 45 percent, people in ill health faced a different kind of challenge: If they could just hold on until the first few seconds of 2010, then they could die knowing that their money had made it into the freakish one-year holiday from estate taxes. But as sadistic as that setup was -- imagine having to fight for a few more breaths because if you made it to New Year's Day, you could do a better job of providing for your children -- at least it put a premium on living.
What's scheduled to happen in a little more than four months is the opposite. Those who die are the fiscal winners. There doesn't seem much to be done about it, except engage in dark wit. Eugene Sukup, 81, of Sheffield, Iowa, who founded a grain-bin manufacturing firm with $15,000 in 1963 and who has presided over it with such skill that today it provides jobs for 450 Iowans, told the Wall Street Journal that if he were to die this year he would not have to pay a penny in estate taxes. But if he were to live until the dawning moments of next year and then pass away, his bill could be $15 million.
He seems to have a sense of humor about this insanity (unless he's not kidding). He said:
"You don't know whether to commit suicide or just go on living and working."
That's what is so Alice-through-the-looking-glass about all of this, and that is why, in its nonsensical way, the tax situation is a parable for the financial madness of our times.
If you've been fortunate in your life, and have accumulated a sizeable amount of money and property to leave to your children and grandchildren, and your health is starting to fail, you can hope for one more springtime with your family, and a seat in front of the television set to watch the 2011 Super Bowl, and a chance to gaze upon the fireworks and the community parade next Fourth of July.
But if you do, will you feel like a sucker? Will you feel like you've wished for something foolish?
Will you weigh the joy of one more year against the empty feeling of having your pocket picked by the lunacy of this particular law?
"Happy new year," for some people, may soon enough sound like a taunt.
By Bob Greene, courtesy of CNN
The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of Bob Greene
Angels RE / Game ON! | Phoenix Women's Sports Association
Angels RE Serving our community through Real Estate
"You Refer, We Donate."
The Angels are shining examples of the Philanthropic Realtors at The Williams Real Estate Company. Combining their passion for real estate, sports and community leadership has taken the philanthropic mission to a new level.
The Phoenix Women’s Sports Association's mission it is to foster young women in sports, and to honor elite Arizona women Athletes and Award nominees.
Their annual “Game On Event!” an exciting auction night was held at a historic school site, George Washing Carver Museum and Cultural Center with its beautiful historic gym decorated to the hilt as the setting for the event.
Angels RE has three great team members, Natasha Greenhalgh, Jennifer Noelani-Spenser and Christina.
They were fortunate to be a part of the event and invited Dan Williams, President and Founder of The Williams Real Estate Company; Thuy Pham, Designated Broker; and Barbara Bowers, Partner and President of The Williams Community Foundation, to their upbeat and fun annual evening celebration of women in sports who make a difference.
The event draws in local Arizona Olympians, Athletes and Physical Education Teachers who have served the Arizona community for their entire careers.
A tribute was paid to each of these outstanding women to acknowledge their impact on the many lives they have touched through sports. Young gals in sports and professional women athletes came together to carry on the integrity and spirit of sports.
The night was filled with a range of community donated auction items related to sports and much more. The “Angels” donated an iPad as the Raffle prize to help raise even more for PWSA. Raffle tickets could be purchased to play golf, throw hoops,… and all for a really great cause. Fundraising goals were exceeded, as well as the expectations of every attendee.
It was a fun, philanthropic evening and they were proud to be a part of the event! “I’ve made it a mission to stay connected with women in sports because it’s such a powerful tool for young women.
Sports teaches so many good character qualities that continue a lifetime. This supports The Williams Real Estate Company mission of giving back! It is our pleasure to donate a sizable portion of our real estate endeavors back to our community through local charitable organizations.” states Christina Catalano.
It must be working, because Angels RE is one of the most successful real estate teams at The Williams Real Estate Company!
Friday, August 20, 2010
Best Places to Retire
Surprise is only one of many Great Places to Retire in Arizona!
Surprise, Arizona
Population: 91,000
% over 50: 43%
Typical 3-bedroom home: 150,000
Housing prices down: 48%
State income tax: 4.54%*
This fast-growing community outside Phoenix is named after the hometown of the man who founded it in 1938, but Surprise could just as easily describe what people feel when they look at the real estate listings. "You can scoop up a great house for less than $100,000."
Locals can watch baseball at Surprise Stadium (the Kansas City Royals and Texas Rangers both do spring training here), cool off at the town's 10,500-square-foot aquatics center, and check out ancient petroglyphs at a nearby 30,000-acre park. Nearly 20% of residents live in Sun City Grand, a resort-like retirement community that offers reams of activities--tennis, golf, wine tasting, and more. (The original Sun City is a few miles down the road.)
"It's hard to think of this as retirement," says Ron Ransom, 68, a former restaurant owner from Columbus, who moved here with his wife, Kay, 67, in 2005. "There's always something going on." --S.M.
Article Courtesy of CNN
Locals can watch baseball at Surprise Stadium (the Kansas City Royals and Texas Rangers both do spring training here), cool off at the town's 10,500-square-foot aquatics center, and check out ancient petroglyphs at a nearby 30,000-acre park. Nearly 20% of residents live in Sun City Grand, a resort-like retirement community that offers reams of activities--tennis, golf, wine tasting, and more. (The original Sun City is a few miles down the road.)
"It's hard to think of this as retirement," says Ron Ransom, 68, a former restaurant owner from Columbus, who moved here with his wife, Kay, 67, in 2005. "There's always something going on." --S.M.
Article Courtesy of CNN
Christmas in July | Money Raised for St. Mary's Foodbank & PCH
Only through The Williams Real Estate Company and lovely Realtor®, Jennifer Dana- Sheedy, could anyone pull off a Grand Open House in 115 degrees in July - with guests wearing Christmas Holiday wear and Santa plus his elf’s gathering for photos in full garb!
In a June 2009 brainstorming around the big conference table at TWREC, someone suggested holding a Paradise Valley listing “Celebration Home” in July, with a holiday theme and give back to Phoenix Children’s Hospital and St. Mary’s Food Bank.
That was it – toys for the kids and water for the Food Bank -as it was one of the hottest seasons’ on record.
It’s the way we roll… at The Williams Real Estate Company....a Luxury Listing deserves full attention.
The donations poured in. So did the guests! Brilliant and fun!
The word spread fast through the Real Estate Community and by invitation weeks’ end, several companies offered in-kind donations, from wine and food to professional musicians playing Christmas carols!
Rob Kanyur of NOVA Home Loans was gracious to bring lots of water and food, as well as HOPE Wines donated their wines as it was a charity event.
Even new Agents with The Williams Real Estate Company, Kevin Horikami and Mark Sumstine, jumped into the festivities and came to work in their holiday tuxedo’s.
Now that’s the special spirit at TWREC!
Guests strolled in - non-stop - for hours. Cars were parked up and down McDonald Drive in front of the luxury home, and by the count at the end of the evening, over 250 guests enjoyed music, holiday food (including home baked cookies!) and beautiful decorations throughout the magnificent home. The guests lingered in sweltering heat, and may never forget this special “Celebration Home” event.
“We had no idea how many guests, agents, friends or vendors would actually attend, but the response was enormous. And, those who didn’t attend literally sent over checks to donate to both Phoenix Children's Hospital and St. Mary’s Food Bank!” says proud realtor, Jennifer Dana-Sheedy.
The best part is saved for last. After all was said and done – that Paradise Valley luxury home sold in 3 weeks! The exposure was even more than donated water and toys for those in need.
The Williams Real Estate Company has created a way for families to move on with their lives, helping others in the process and giving their agents a philanthropic platform to feel good about their business. TWREC Karma. Win-Win-Win!
Thursday, August 19, 2010
TWREC Replaces Stolen Tricycles at Phoenix Day
Thank You Note & "Friendship Wreaths" from the Children at Phoenix Day.
This is hanging on the wall at The Williams Real Estate Company office.
"Friendship Wreaths" from the Children at Phoenix Day.
This is hanging on the wall at The Williams Real Estate Company office.
"Friendship Wreaths" from the Children at Phoenix Day.
This is hanging on the wall at The Williams Real Estate Company office.
Thank You Note from the Children at Phoenix Day.
This is hanging on the wall at The Williams Real Estate Company office.
Monday, August 9, 2010
Draw Your Dream Home
The Williams Real Estate Company was founded on philanthropy. It started with Phoenix Children’s Hospital and the young patients and families they serve.
In keeping with the core mission of “Growing Our Community...One Home at a Time”, Dan Williams saw an opportunity to bring smiles to the kids at PCH, and to the faces of those who visit their corporate headquarters in Scottsdale, Arizona.
Rather than put up just any corporate art in newly opened offices of The Williams Real Estate Company, Dan Williams and Thuy Pham, Owners, decided to make real artists out of the children at Phoenix Children’s Hospital.
They sat bedside and asked the kids to draw their dream houses. These colorful and fun pieces were then hung as original artwork, which adorned the new headquarters of Arizona’s most philanthropic real estate company.
Dan, Thuy and young leukemia cancer patient, Gabriel, 8-years old, put on their germ masks and proceeded to work together with crayons in hand to capture his idea of the perfect family house – kitchen, “Angel's room” and bedrooms for he and his siblings.
Dan and Thuy made a significant donation for all of the artwork created by the kids at Phoenix Children's Hospital - truly making them real commissioned artists!
Phoenix Children's Hospital has provided hope, healing, and the best healthcare for children and families since it was born in 1983. Today, Phoenix Children's is one of the ten largest children's hospitals in the country and provides specialty and sub-specialty inpatient, outpatient, trauma, and emergency care to patients throughout Arizona and other Southwestern states.
http://www.phoenixchildrens.com/
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
One Million Wishes
Dan Williams, Scottsdale Mayor W.J. "Jim"Lane, Thuy Pham
“I’ve been looking forward to this moment for a long time, states Dan.
Our new real estate company is going to buck the trend of negative real estate news by action and not just words.
Since creating this concept years ago, Dan Williams own business has sky rocketed “just by giving back”.
“For years, I’ve been asked to move to firms because of my production levels, and I interviewed them. Nothing came close to Dan Williams and his vision for The Williams Real Estate Company.
It’s amazing to blend your business with the community and feel rewarded on both fronts.” States Susan Roberts, Realtor® with TWREC.
Williams plans to hire 50 more Valley agents in 2010 with his new program and to train those agents to build their business with a charity in mind.
Many Arizona charities are starting to hear about the program and meeting with Williams to align with one of their agents.
Recently, The Southwest Autism Research & Resource Center (SARRC) held its annual Foundation Breakfast where Dan Williams and Denise Resnick, Founder, met to learn more about The Williams Real Estate Company’s format to help Valley Charities.
Denise Resnick invited his company to tour their offices and new training facility to learn first-hand about how both of their organizations could benefit by working together.
Dan Williams says, “This is a long term mission that our agents and their clients can embrace every time they work together. Agents are encouraged to select a non-profit organization based on their own personal passion.”
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
We are in The Light Tower at Phoenix Children's Hospital
After The Williams Real Estate Company made its first donation to The Phoenix Children's Hospital, Dan Williams was taking a tour of PCH, meeting all of the wonderful Doctors and patients.
When he went through the "Light Tower", he saw names like Senator John McCain, The Goldwater family, Jake Plummer, Mike Tyson and huge corporations.
Dan gasped at the size of the donation amount.
Later that day, Dan asked Bob Meyer, President & CEO of Phoenix Children's Hospital, “How did all those wonderful people get on the wall?”
Bob stated that they were Phoenix Children's Hospital's largest donors.
At that moment Dan knew he wanted to be someone who contributed at that level and he told Bob Meyer, jokingly (because it seemed so far out of reach), “Give me 20 years and I will be a donor of that significance!”
5 years later The Williams Real Estate Company is very proud and honored to have its name in the Light Tower at The Phoenix Children's Hospital.
Learn More: Phoenix Children's Hospital
Dan gasped at the size of the donation amount.
Later that day, Dan asked Bob Meyer, President & CEO of Phoenix Children's Hospital, “How did all those wonderful people get on the wall?”
Bob stated that they were Phoenix Children's Hospital's largest donors.
At that moment Dan knew he wanted to be someone who contributed at that level and he told Bob Meyer, jokingly (because it seemed so far out of reach), “Give me 20 years and I will be a donor of that significance!”
5 years later The Williams Real Estate Company is very proud and honored to have its name in the Light Tower at The Phoenix Children's Hospital.
Learn More: Phoenix Children's Hospital
Monday, August 2, 2010
The Beginning...A Love Story
The Williams Real Estate Company was founded in Philanthropy.
The goal of the Company is to donate $100,000 each month to local Arizona Charities through The Williams Community Foundation.
Dan Williams, President & Founder, was led directly into his anticipated destiny at 27 years of age.
This young man seeking to "Make a Difference" had an unsuspecting conversation with a woman inquiring about buying a home in Arizona, as she and her husband were in the midst of their relocation.
Dan stated,"If you buy a home from me, I would like to donate to any children's charity of your choice."
Puzzled,she replied,"Why would you do that?"
Williams explained that over the last few years he has donated his time and a portion of his paycheck to Arizona Charities.
"Since Becoming a Realtor, I've been building a program of giving through my real estate commissions," stated Williams.
Well, would you donate to Phoenix Children's Hospital?" she asked.
Yes, they were one of the organizations that I would like to become involved with! Why do you ask?" Williams inquired.
She then uttered the magic words that launched a mission of passion and profession.
I'll introduce you to my husband...he's the new President and CEO of Phoenix Children's Hospital."
The mission statement is clear and simple.
"Growing Our Community...One Home at a Time."
Now we get to the Love Story. Dan had to complete one more Real Estate Class to obtain his required 24 credits. He was dreading it....but his Dad said, "Hey..you never know...you may meet the woman of your dreams".
And 1 hour later...on August 18th, 2005, Dan met Thuy Pham...and it was all over...Click on the video below for the whole story....
Join Us in Our Support
Please join us in support of our community. The Williams Real Estate Company is dedicated to the growth of local charities. We are honored to have donated hundreds of thousands of dollars to local charities such as Phoenix Children's Hospital.
From every commission earned by each of our agents, the company donates a substantial portion of the proceeds. Our goal as The Williams Real Estate Company is to exceed donations of $100,000 a month to Valley Charities.
Dan Williams & Thuy Pham at Phoenix Children's Hospital
CHARITIES SERVED
The Williams Real Estate Company celebrates and will help to support qualified 501 (c)(3) charities in Arizona.
If you would like to partner with The Williams Real Estate Company, please call our office at 480.686.9899 for your personal appointment to learn how you and your charity may be selected to partner and benefit by funds raised through each real estate transaction referred by your charity.
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