“Looking at the top product types projected for smart grid interoperability, in 2015 the global market size for smart washers and smart refrigerators, respectively, will reach $3.54 billion and $2.69 billion.“Consumer education from every member of the smart grid ecosystem is critical to making the smart grid a global victory for all stakeholders,” said Mark Ishac, Managing Director of Zpryme’s Going Green Practice.

In 2011, the U.S. is projected to dominate the household smart appliance market, accounting for 46 percent ($1.43 billion) of the global market, Ishac said.

That leading market share is projected to decline, however. By 2015, the U.S. market share is projected to be 36 percent ($5.46 billion).”

Full story: http://www.environmentalleader.com/2010/03/05/smart-grid-appliance-market-may-reach-15b-by-2015/

It Seems that rates are slowly climbing up – According to the Associated Press:

“Rates on 30-year fixed mortgages climbed above 5 percent this week as a Federal Reserve program geared to keep interest rates low came to an end.

The average rate on a 30-year fixed rate mortgage rose to 5.08 percent this week from 4.99 percent last week, mortgage finance company Freddie Mac said Thursday. At the same time last year, the average rate for a 30-year fixed mortgage was 4.78 percent.

Rates on 30-year fixed mortgages fell to a record low of 4.71 percent in December and have hovered around 5 percent since. Rates were kept down by the Fed’s $1.25 trillion program to buy up mortgage-backed securities issued by Freddie Mac and sibling company Fannie Mae.”

Full Story: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/7148582/ns/business-real_estate/

“First-time home buyer and move-up tax credits worth $8,000 and $6,500, respectively, expire April 30. Buyers who qualify get a dollar-for-dollar reduction in taxes or a cash payment if they don’t pay enough taxes to cover the credit.

Other factors that should spur buyers:

Low mortgage rates. If the Federal Reserve stops buying mortgage-backed securities at the end of March, 30-year rates will almost certainly rise to more than 6 percent.

Rising prices. About 30 percent of markets are already experiencing price increases. Prices are falling in 12 percent of markets, says Fiserv (but that only helps if you want to live there).”

Scottsdale is a perfect destination for a second home investment.  At Sunscape Villas, you can purchase condominiums and lofts with tenants already in place creating instant Cash Flow.

We are located along the Continental Golf Course and only 2 miles from downtown Scottsdale. Close to the 101 Freeway, minutes from Sky Harbor Airport. Convenient to many spring training facilities as well as golfing, with Scottsdale offering over 174 public and private Golf Courses.

Call Today for a Private Tour – 480.309.3862

ASK ABOUT OUR CANADIAN PACKAGE!

Keller Williams Realty East Valley 

“HomeLovers, one of Arizona’s fastest growing Arizona real estate investing and property management companies, today announced availability of its 2010 State of the Industry Report for Arizona Real Estate Investing, which outlines recent trends and takes a look at what lies ahead in 2010 for investors. The report also discusses how the investor of today is different than the investor demographics that lead to the buying frenzy of 2005 and subsequent market crash. The free report is available for download via an automated email response at investorinfo@homelovers.com.

The HomeLovers 2010 State of the Industry Report indicates that by mid 2009, real estate trends in Metropolitan Phoenix showed a marked upswing as investors begin to show confidence in a market recovery. Report participant Michael Orr of The Cromford Report notes that pending home sales in ARMLS (the Arizona Regional Multiple Listing Service) were at a record level for January, indicating an increase in demand with a sales price increase likely to follow. He further noted that buying for the lowest price ranges is cooling off but that buying in the $250,000 – $400,000 range is beginning to increase and showed substantial activity in fourth quarter.”

“McLean, VA – Freddie Mac (NYSE:FRE) today released the results of its Primary Mortgage Market Survey (PMMS)in which the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage (FRM) averaged 5.01 percent with an average 0.7 point for the week ending February 4, 2010, up from last week when it averaged 4.98 percent. Last year at this time, the 30-year FRM averaged 5.25 percent.

“Mortgage rates remained relatively stable for a second week amid news of a strengthening housing market,” said Frank Nothaft, Freddie Mac vice president and chief economist. “Residential fixed investment rose for two consecutive quarters over the last half of 2009 following a steady quarterly decline since the beginning of 2006. Pending existing home sales rebounded by 1 percent in December from a record drop in November that was due in part to the original expiration of the homebuyer tax credit, according the National Association of Realtors. More recently mortgage applications for home purchases jumped 10 percent at the end of January, according to figures from the Mortgage Bankers Association.”

Easy access to the Hayden Greenbelt, and Chaparral Park.

Located near Old Town Scottsdale and Fashion Square along the Continental Golf Course, this private resort style condo has mature landscaping, 2 heated pools w/ spas, a fitness center, yoga room, movie theater.

While there are many short sales, we can close cash buyers in 7 days!

Stop by for a Private Tour or Call Us Today

Keller Williams Realty East Valley

Independent Broker Member

480-309-3862

sales@ecolivinggroup.com

Below is an excerpt from the January 8, 2010 press release:

“The Energy Star designation identifies SkySong I as “one of the most efficient buildings in the nation,” according to the EPA’s announcement. It is the latest in a string of significant environmental recognitions for the project.

The designation is also another example of Arizona State University’s commitment to sustainable practices and the furthering of sustainability through education. ASU created the nation’s first free-standing School of Sustainability in 2007, which now includes approximately 600 students who have declared sustainability as a major.”

Read Full Press Release Here:

 http://www.skysongcenter.com/documents/SkySongEnergyStarRelease_000.pdf

“Typically, the busiest time for home shopping starts in March and continues through May, but this year buyers who want to take advantage of the tax credits have to hold a signed contract by April 30 and close the deal by June 30.

That is getting people off the couch.

“The tax credit will absolutely have an effect,” says Pete Flint, CEO of residential real estate search engine Trulia.com. “It is going to shift demand from the later part of the year to the first part. January and February will be very strong. The next three months, there will be a surge in demand.”

More information about the Extension:
http://tinyurl.com/d439j7