http://www.bonnypuckett.com/pblog/index.php http://www.bonnypuckett.com/pblog/index.php?entry=entry080421-140813 No New Home Tax Ballot Measure.

This ballot measure would prevent State and/or local goverment from imposing real estate transfer taxes. Real estate transfer taxes would make property ownership in Arizona out of reach for many people. Arizona's ability to provide affordable housing, create small business ownership opportunities and help seniors and low-income residents keep their homes must be protected.

Real estate transfer taxes create double taxation, weakening the economy by making it harder for owners to sell their property and reducing the equity property owners have worked hard to build.

What is a Real Estate Transfer Tax?

A real estate transfer tax is a state and/or local tax or fee imposed on real property that is typically assessed according to the sales price of real estate property when transferred. Typically, once the tax is initiated, the rate can be increased by the state, county or city to meet future legislative enactments. Transfer taxes in other states range from .001% to 2.2%.

Problems with a Transfer Tax:

Creates Double Taxation. Governments already collect taxes on your property based on the property's value. This new tax would unfairly impose a second tax to impact your home or property.

Damages Equity. Since the tax is assessed against the total value including the amount you owe on your mortgage(s), the overall equity earned by the seller is decreased.

Burdens the Real Estate Market Further. In an already burdened housing market where people are struggling to sell their homes, the overall higher costs will only make it more difficult to initiate a successful sale, not to mention making it less attractive for commercial real estate to recruit business to the area.

Punishes Home Owners. People who move from one house to another should not be punished while others choose not to move; in fact, this is considered discriminatory and harms access to the "American Dream" of home ownership.

Impacts Lower Incomes Most. A real estate transfer tax would impose a higher tax burden on lower income households that typically spend a larger percentage of their income on their home.
Don't let the government strip you of your hard earned home equity. Support the No New Home Tax Initiative and prohibit the the double taxation of real estate in the State of Arizona.

Visit www.nonewtaxonourhomes.com for more information.

REALTORS® learn more at www.rallinow.com. ]]> http://www.bonnypuckett.com/pblog/index.php?entry=entry080403-111235 Fountain Hills is a small hillside community located on the outskirts of the valley, just east of Scottsdale, Arizona. The town is named for its centerpiece, one of the world's tallest fountains. Each year, the town hosts several major local events, including the Fountain Hills Great Fair. Visitors come from all over the world to enjoy the wonderful benefits this unique town has to offer.

Housing
Housing in Fountain Hills tends to be more spaced out than in surrounding Arizona communities, with a nice mix of single family and multi-family residential properties. There is also an adequate amount of commercial real estate space to accommodate a thriving community. The majority of the houses in Fountain Hills are custom homes that have been architecturally designed to fit into the landscape of this hillside community. Many of the homes enjoy dramatic views of the World Famous Fountain Hills Fountain and surrounding mountain ranges including Four Peaks, the Superstitions, the Mazatzals, the McDowells and Red Mountain. The small town atmosphere and friendly nature of the residents create a welcoming environment for visitors and new residents, making Fountain Hills a great relocation spot.

Schools
The Fountain Hills Unified School District has earned a reputation for excellent academic programs, noteworthy student achievement, and high levels of parent and community involvement. The district consists of four schools, McDowell Mountain Elementary School (Pre-K - 2), Four Peaks Elementary School (3-5), Fountain Hills Middle School (6-8), and Fountain Hills High School (9-12). Parents who prefer a self-directed approach to learning may also enjoy the Montessori environment of the Fountain Hills Charter School (K - 8).

Community Activities
On a typical morning, you will find many residents out for a walk or jog around the fountain, playing a round of golf, or visiting at one of the local coffee shops. A variety of programs offered through Parks & Recreation, local clubs, and the community center keep residents busy and involved in the community. Children and adults alike can enjoy numerous sporting activities, cultural events, and outdoor activities. The town's dog park offers a place to get to know your neighbors while your four legged friends play outdoors off leash. Another popular activity is the disc golf (Frisbee golf or frolf) course around the Fountain. You will also find fantastic hiking programs, mountain biking and rock climbing in neighboring McDowell Mountain Park.

Fountain Hills, Arizona was recently named
#1 in Phoenix Magazine's annual "Best Places to Live" in the Valley.

Fountain Hills Relocation Guide

Fountain Hills Homes For Sale

Contact me to have new home listings in Fountain Hills sent directly to your email.
]]> http://www.bonnypuckett.com/pblog/index.php?entry=entry080403-110709 Did you know that you are entitled to a free credit report once every 12 months from each of the nationwide consumer credit reporting companies: Equifax, Experian and TransUnion?

Monitoring and reviewing your credit report regularly can help guard against identity theft and avoid errors that could making buying your next home challenging.

You can order your free credit report by visiting www.annualcreditreport.com. This is a website that is sponsored by the three major credit reporting companies to allow you easy access to your free annual credit reports. You may also request your free credit report by phone by calling 1-877-322-8228, or by mail by sending a completed request form to:

Annual Credit Report Request Service
P.O. Box 105281
Atlanta, GA 30348-5281

You may order your credit reports from each of the three credit reporting companies at one time, or space them out throughout the year to allow for periodic monitoring.

If you find errors or discrepancies on your credit report, you should report them in writing directly to the credit reporting company and include any documentation you may have to support your position. The credit reporting company with then investigate the dispute (usually within 30 days) and send you written notice of their findings along with an updated copy of your credit report for your review.

For more information regarding consumer credit reporting, and samples of dispute letters visit the Federal Trade Commission website.
]]> http://www.bonnypuckett.com/pblog/index.php?entry=entry070813-165433 $10,000 PRICE REDUCTION on my listing at 11044 N Pinto Dr in Fountain Hills.This house is priced below appraisal, vacant and move-in ready! The home has 1865 sq. ft. with 3 BD/2 BA and a 2 car garage.



Energy efficient block construction helps keep this home cool in the summer without breaking the bank.

The hillside lot offers FANTASTIC MOUNTAIN VIEWS!



Sip your morning coffee on the balcony with spectacular sunrises over Four Peaks. And, enjoy picturesque views of Red Mountain from the back yard.



There is a built-in BBQ and professionally matted sports court in the back yard. Plenty of room to play basketball, tennis and much more.



This home has been updated with new carpet, paint, ceiling fans, light fixtures, granite counter tops, designer hardware and more!



Come see why Fountain Hills was named #1 Place to Live in the Valley!

Click here for more details and to take a virtual tour of this home!

Contact me[/url for more information or to schedule a showing.]]> http://www.bonnypuckett.com/pblog/index.php?entry=entry070813-144847 Fountain Hills Luxury Home Tour - Wednesday, August 15, 2007

Are you looking for a luxury home in the Fountain Hills area? Join me for a monthly luxury home tour.

Take a tour of luxury homes listed for sale in Fountain Hills, Arizona. This monthly luxury home tour visits several luxury homes currently listed for sale in Fountain Hills, Arizona each month. We meet in the morning at a central location. From there you will be transported from home to home by motor coach. Lunch is provided immediately following the tour.

The next tour is Wednesday, August 15, 2007.

For more information or to register for this luxury home tour please contact me.
]]> http://www.bonnypuckett.com/pblog/index.php?entry=entry070811-180021 On Thursday, August 9, 2007, The FHHS Band and Band Boosters kicked off the new school year with a Fall '07 Band Preview, followed by the first FHHS Band Booster meeting of the school year. There was a wonderful turn out for the event. In attendance were families of many new and returning band students, as well as Bill Myhr, the new Superintendent for the Fountain Hills School District.

At the Fall '07 Band Preview, Fountain Hills High School Music Director, Lynn Truby introduced the new Drum Major for the year, Brendan Derr, along with the ‘07/'08 Band Council. Band Students, who had been hard at work all week at the School's Band Camp, gave a preview performance of the music they will be playing for the marching band season.

Following the Band Preview, the FHHS Band Boosters held their first meeting of the school year. Topics of the meeting included introduction of Officers, an overview of the FHHS Band Boosters, upcoming fundraising events, request for suggestions from new members and a brief Q&A. The Band Boosters are currently seeking volunteers, sponsorships and contributions for the 2007/2008 school year.

Volunteer opportunities include:

- Assisting with Fundraising Activities
- Soliciting Grants & Corporate Sponsorships
- Tax Donor Promotion
- Sewing and Alterations of Band Uniforms
- Assisting with Local Events & Banquets
- Chaperoning Band Events such as Away Games, Parades and Competitions
- Publicity and Photography
- Concessions at the Football Games

To volunteer with the FHHS Band Boosters, please email Joanne Powell at or contact her by phone at 480-215-9374.

Corporate sponsorships are available. These sponsorships include receiving advertising on the Band's banner which will be carried by the band in several parades throughout the year and displayed at all home football games. For more information, contact the Corporate Sponsorship Chairperson, Bonny Puckett, by phone at 480-205-6324 or by email at Bonny@FountainHillsHomeSales.com.

You may also contribute to the Fountain Hills High School Band through the Arizona State Tax Credit program. Simply make a contribution in any amount you feel comfortable with, and your contribution will be offset by a dollar-for-dollar tax credit for the applicable tax year - up to $400 per tax return if married, filing jointly, and up to $200 if filing single or head of household. Tax credit contributions can be made at Fountain Hills High School or online. Please make sure to specify that your contribution be allocated to "Fine Arts/Band". Also, if you would like your contribution credited toward a particular student, please make sure to specify the student's name. Half of each tax credit contribution applied towards an individual student will go toward funding that student's Spring Band/Choir Trip.

The FHHS Band Boosters meet on the first Thursday of each month throughout the school year. The next meeting will be held on Thursday, September 6, 2007 at 7:00pm, in the Choir Room at the High School. Anyone interested in participating is welcome to attend these meetings and volunteer with the organization.

About the Fountain Hills High School Music Program and Band Boosters

Several years ago, Fountain Hills High School lost its music program completely due to district budget cuts. With community support and the help of dedicated music education professionals, they were able to bring back the program. However, they were not able to bring the budget.

For the last few years, the music program has been allotted a mere $800 per year to fund the marching band, symphonic band, jazz band, choir, band fronts (including pom & flag) and two guitar classes. This budget is meant to support all travel costs to and from football games, parades, workshops, and competitions, as well as equipment and repair costs, uniforms, music scores, and much more.

The Fountain Hills High School Band Boosters was formed to help support the music department where funding lacks. The Band Boosters coordinates fundraising activities, seeks grants and corporate sponsorships, provides assistance and chaperones for music program events, operates the concession stand at Fountain Hills High School home football games, and much more. Through community support, and the generosity of donors, they have been able to raise the funds necessary to keep the Fountain Hills High School music program operating.
]]> http://www.bonnypuckett.com/pblog/index.php?entry=entry070802-195904

3 bedroom 2 bath home with Amazing Mountain Views
reduced to $459,000

11044 N Pinto Dr., Fountain Hills, AZ 85268

Details
Address: 11044 N Pinto Dr, Fountain Hills, AZ 85268
Size: 1862 Square Feet (Assessor)
Bedrooms: 3
Bathrooms: 2
2 Car Garage, attached with separate storage room
Covered Patio
Professionally matted sports court
Built in BBQ
Incredible mountain views
MLS #2794913

Description
STOP THE CAR! This home is a must see. A custom 3 bedroom, 2 bath home in beautiful Fountain Hills, Arizona. It is vacant and move-in ready! New carpet combined with travertine tile and slate accents throughout the home. Fresh paint inside and out. Spacious kitchen with slab granite countertops, pull out shelves in cabinets and breakfast bar. Energy efficient block construction combined with all new ceiling fans keep this home cool in summer without breaking the bank. Great neighborhood, close to Shea Blvd for easy access to shopping, highway/freeway. Hillside lot with amazing views of Four Peaks and the Superstitions from the front balcony and stunning views of Red Mountain from the back yard. Come see this home today and make an offer before it is too late. This home will not last long!

Highlights
* Vacant and Move-in Ready!
* New carpet, paint, ceiling fans, light fixtures and more!
* Spacious kitchen with slab granite countertops and breakfast bar
* Energy efficient block construction
* Large bedrooms all have built in book shelves
* Formal living/dining could easily be converted to game room or home theater
* Professionally matted sports court & Built-in BBQ
* Spectacular mountain views!

Click here for more information about this home
Take a Virtual Tour!
More information about Fountain Hills, Arizona
Contact me to schedule a showing
]]> http://www.bonnypuckett.com/pblog/index.php?entry=entry070721-095752
Investors and property wholesalers who purchase homes at foreclosure auction are beginning to re-evaluate their purchases. Several valley wholesalers are holding onto inventory too long and having to reduce prices to get the properties sold. Often times the opening bid amount is too high for investors and wholesalers to even bid on or purchase the homes that go to auction.

What happens when no one bids on a property at foreclosure auction? The bank gets stuck holding the bag. Lenders are being forced to take possession of these properties in their Real Estate Owned (REO) portfolios. They then turn around and the list the properties for sale with local real estate agents to try to get them sold, often for pennies on the dollar.

There are currently more than 1,000 properties in Maricopa County, AZ listed for sale as lender owned (REO). More than half of those are priced under $250,000, and more than one quarter are priced below $200,000. Many of them are priced well below current market values in an effort to facilitate quick sales.

For more information visit www.InvestInAZHomes.com.
]]> http://www.bonnypuckett.com/pblog/index.php?entry=entry070720-153153
Currently there are more than 10,000 home and property owners in Arizona who are facing the threat of foreclosure. Nearly 7,000 of them are within Maricopa County. In fact, during the month of June 2007, an average of more than 107 home owners in Maricopa County received notice that their home is scheduled to be sold at foreclosure auction each day. And those numbers are continuing to rise.

Reasons why homeowners may be facing foreclosure can vary widely from loss of a job to an unexpected illness. A big challenge, though, lies in adjusting mortgage rates. Many home owners took out adjustable rate or interest only mortgages three to five years ago at incredibly low interest rates, borrowing as much as they could. Those mortgages are now adjusting to higher interest rates, increasing the monthly mortgage payments. Combine that with increased gas prices and cost of living, and these home owners are now struggling to make ends meet.

There are also many properties that were purchased sight unseen by out of state investors (or at least those who fancied themselves investors) who were not familiar with the market. Many of those homes have been vacant for long periods of time. If they do have tenants renting the property, the amount of rent often does not cover the owner’s mortgage payment. This creates a negative cash flow situation in which the owner ends up paying additional out of pocket each month. Having a lease agreement with negative cash flow can also make it difficult to resell the property, because most smart investors are not interested in getting into a negative cash flow position.

When creditors are calling daily looking for money, and it appears that there are no other options available, many home owners become stressed out, frustrated and angry. They get burned out trying to find solutions and make ends meet. It suddenly becomes easy for them to throw their hands up in despair saying “I’m done. Let them take my home. I just don’t want to deal with it anymore anyway!” The problem with giving up is that foreclosure affects more than just the home. Many people faced with foreclosure end up losing their jobs and families as well.

The sad thing is that many of these homeowners who are facing foreclosure do not understand the effects foreclosure can have on their lives, and have no idea what options are available to help them avoid foreclosure. What is great is that there area plenty of options available to help them stop foreclosure and get back on track financially. These options can range anywhere from calling the lender to request restructuring of payments to selling the home and downsizing to something more affordable.

I developed a new website www.AZForeclosurePrevention.com to educate home owners about the foreclosure process in Arizona and how they can prevent losing their home to foreclosure. At www.AZForeclosurePrevention.com you will find FREE Special Reports about the Pitfalls of Foreclosure, Questions to Ask When Facing Foreclosure and Options to Stop Foreclosure. You can also request a FREE No Obligation Home Evaluation and Confidential Consultation to learn what options are right for you.
]]> http://www.bonnypuckett.com/pblog/index.php?entry=entry070710-124728

Remodeled 3 bedroom 2 bath home with Million $$$ Views
offered at only $472,000

11044 N Pinto Dr., Fountain Hills, AZ 85268

Details
Address: 11044 N Pinto Dr, Fountain Hills, AZ 85268
Size: 1862 Square Feet (Assessor)
Bedrooms: 3
Bathrooms: 2
2 Car Garage, attached with separate storage room
Covered Patio
Professionally matted sports court
Built in BBQ
Remodeled
Incredible mountain views
MLS #2794913

Description
STOP THE CAR! This home is a must see. A custom 3 bedroom, 2 bath home in beautiful Fountain Hills, Arizona. It is recently remodeled and move-in ready! New carpet combined with travertine tile and slate accents throughout the home. Fresh paint inside and out. Spacious kitchen with slab granite countertops, pull out shelves in cabinets and breakfast bar. Energy efficient block construction, air conditioning and all new ceiling fans keep this home cool in summer without breaking the bank. Great neighborhood, close to Shea Blvd for easy access to shopping, highway/freeway. Hillside lot with amazing views of Four Peaks and the Superstitions from the front balcony and stunning views of Red Mountain from the back yard. Come see this home today and make an offer before it is too late. This home will not last long!

Highlights
* Remodeled and Move-in Ready!
* New carpet, paint, ceiling fans, light fixtures and more!
* Spacious kitchen with slab granite countertops and breakfast bar
* Energy efficient block construction
* Large bedrooms all have built in book shelves
* Formal living/dining could easily be converted to game room or home theater
* Professionally matted sports court & Built-in BBQ
* Spectacular mountain views!

Click here for more information about this home
Take a Virtual Tour!
More information about Fountain Hills, Arizona
Contact me to schedule a showing
]]>