Vermilion Realty Blog

Program To Emphasize Short Sales

Don Grafues — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 15:10:47 +0000

April 5 marks the start date for a new program to help homeowners facing foreclosure. There is a concern that if foreclosures continue at a high rate, the effect could be catastrophic to an economic recovery. Read the full article here.

Don Grafues
Resource: REALTOR.org & The New York Times

Rates Predicted To Stay Low

Don Grafues — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 14:00:28 +0000

Goldman Sachs predicts mortgage rates will stay low, partially due to low demand.

Don Grafues
Resource: REALTOR.org

No More Rapid Appreciation

Don Grafues — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 16:04:37 +0000

Barclays Capital predicts that home prices will not fall much more with prices then remaining virtually flat for a few years.

Don Grafues
Resource: REALTOR.org

Underwater Update

Don Grafues — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 13:53:54 +0000

There have been a few articles about underwater mortgages over the past week. Following is a summary and links to some of the articles.

The head of the FDIC Sheila Bair is in favor of lenders writing down the principal. The negative equity of the estimated 16 million home owners underwater is making many unqualified for home loan refinancing and preventing some from selling, putting a damper on the recovery. Reuters
Barney Frank, Chairman of the House Financial Services Committee, is going after the four largest providers of mortgages to write down second mortgages. Holders of the first mortgage are reluctant to write down the principal to help an underwater homeowner. They do not want to take the hit and let the second mortgage holder recoop the full amount of their loan. Reuters
Underwater homeowners who walk away from their homes stand to suffer from a poor credit rating. If the homeowner files for bankruptcy, all of their debts will be wiped clean. With low home prices and no debt, the probability of them being able to purchase and pay for a home is likely. REALTOR.org

Don Grafues

Jim And Carol

Don Grafues — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 16:44:14 +0000

I do not know Jim and Carol. They are traveling around Cochise County taking photographs and writing about what they see.

You can see more of Cochise County by following their blog “Jim and Carol’s Travels.”

Don Grafues

Refinancing Not Easy

Don Grafues — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 14:34:20 +0000

Mortgage rates are at a low not seen for many years. Yet many of us are unable to capitalize on the rates by refinancing.

According to The Wall Street Journal approximately 37% of borrowers with 30 year fixed loans have rates 6 percent or higher.

The obstacles to refinancing are significantly lower home values, lower wages and tighter (self imposed) lending requirements. As the article states, the people who can refinance are the ones who need it the least.

Don Grafues
Resource: The Wall Street Journal

Celebrate The Arts

Don Grafues — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 15:35:17 +0000

The Month of March is “Arts Month” in Benson, AZ. The San Pedro River Arts Council and Cochise College are presenting programs, demonstrations and classes March 13 through March 21 at the Cochise College Benson Campus. Unless otherwise indicated these programs are free of charge and open to the public. We will re-post this from time to time to be certain we capture any changes to the program. If you have any questions or want to reserve a place you can call (520) 586-1981.

Celebrate the Arts: Schedule of Events

March 1-28, Teen Art Show

Benson City Hall Gallery, 120 W. 6^th Street, Benson.
Saturdays, 10:00-5:00
Weekdays by calling Danna Judd at (520) 586-8834, ext 2031.
A display of high school student art from across Cochise County.

Saturday, March 13

2:00 – 9:00 Juried Art Show open to the public

4:00 – 9:00 Opening Reception

4:00 Cochise College Guitar Ensemble

5:00 Keynote Address, Dr. J. D. Rottweiler
Cochise College President

6:00 Benson & St. David High Schools Culinary Arts Presentation
Enjoy the beautiful and delicious foods created by our local high schools’ culinary arts program under the direction of Jean Gregory (St. David) and Mia Cashman (Benson).

7:00 Duane Reilley Quartet – Live Dixieland and Swing
Duane Reilley has played the flute, clarinet and saxophone professionally for over 40 years. He received his formal education at Western Connecticut University. Recent highlights of his career include performances at Lincoln Center (NYC), and with the Nelson Riddle, Gene Krupa, and Jimmy Dorsey Orchestras as well as with Marvin Hamlisch, Diahann Carrol and Ben Vareen. He currently spends his time teaching, recording and freelancing in the Southwest.

Tonight’s concert will be devoted to Dixieland and Swing music. Accompanying Duane will be Ray Templin (drums), Evan Dain (banjo) and Sly Slipetsky (Tuba)

Sunday, March 14

2:00 – 5:00 Juried Art Show open to the public

2:00 – 3:00 Portrait Painting Demo with Clement Scott

Born in Benson, Clement specializes in portraits and will demonstrate his creative technique.

3:00 – 4:00 A Dark Afternoon by Don Edmunds

Benson performer Don Edmunds recites Edgar Allan Poe classic tales “The Tell Tale Heart”, “The Raven” and “The Cask of Amontillado”.

Monday, March 15

9:00 – 5:00 Juried Art Show open to the public

12:00 – 1:00 Brown Bag Lunch Lecture: Ron Fritts, The Original Window: Stop Look and Loosen

Local Benson award-winning artist and instructor, Ron Fritts, published his book The Original Window in 2009. In it, Professor Fritts shares his method for engaging and nurturing creativity in every individual. Professor Fritts is a judge in the Celebrate the Arts Juried Show at the Benson Center, and teaches Painting I and II at Cochise College every semester. In 2008, The College President, presented the Star Award for Excellence in Teaching to Professor Fritts. The Original Window will be available for sale.

2:00 – 4:00 Film Screening “From the Horse’s Mouth”

One of Alec Guinness’ strangest British comedies, this Oscar-nominated film is well worth your time. An eccentric artist, just recently released from jail, somehow convinces rich “clients” to pay him for artwork they didn’t order. A curious mixture of the usual British brand of subtle comedy with a pinch of black comedy thrown in, The Horse’s Mouth will tickle your funny bone with its clever writing.

Tuesday, March 16

9:00 – 5:00 Juried Art Show open to the public

1:00 – 4:00 Kids Day Art Education: Vegetable Stamps and Printing – sign-up in advance requested

Kids ages 6 and up will enjoy this interactive class using vegetables to create any stamp pattern they choose. Older kids will learn the art of monoprint, and all ages will have a piece to take home.

Wednesday, March 17

9:00 – 5:00 Juried Art Show open to the public

10:00 – 12:00 Beading 1-2-3 with Stella Bennett – $5, RM 116

Learn the spiral stitch that is easy for any beginner and have a completed piece at the end of the class. $5 covers a kit fee to the instructor at the beginning of class.

3:30 – 5:30 Crochet Workshop with Dianne Mulkey – $15, RM 116

Discover the tricks and techniques of the art of crochet. Students will learn to make a hat, scarf or other pattern of your dreams. Students should bring own pattern, or follow one provided by the instructor, yarn of your choice, and crochet hook.

5:00 – 6:30 The Minstrels: Kiss Me I’m Irish

Put on the green and enjoy this barbershop style presentation of traditional Irish music and songs.

Thursday, March 18

9:00 – 5:00 Juried Art Show open to the public

10:00 – 12:00 Self Publishing with Howard Bandy - RM 116

Self publishing is more than just type and hit print. It involves formatting, research, and unique printer considerations. Learn the tips and traps before you start and save yourself time and money.

10:00 – 12:00 Making Art Paper with Lindsay Roberts – $45, 4 days, RM 117

Paper is growing in your own backyard…literally! In this 4-part class, learn to make art paper with plants, recycled paper, and other items. Class also meets March 23, 25, 30.

2:00 – 4:00 Creative Writing: Find Your Muse with Beth Colburn - $15, RM 116

We all have a story inside us, no matter how trivial it may seem at first. Develop your writing style and discover your own story in this fun and enlightening writing exercise.

7:00 – 9:00 Gareth MacKenzie: Celtic Bard & Harpist

A Southern Arizona resident, Gareth combines harp music and storytelling to present a colorful program of stories drawn from the traditions of the Celts, Norse and other Indo-European peoples.

Friday, March 19

9:00 – 5:00 Juried Art Show open to the public

10:00 – 12:00 Encaustic Demo with Karon Leigh – RM 117

Discover the ancient art of encaustic painting, a medium that uses hot wax and color pigments. Arizona artist Karon Leigh will demonstrate her technique as she creates beautiful works of art.

7:00 – 8:30 Nancy E. Turner: Book Discussion

The award-winning author of the Sarah Agnes Prine series: These is My Words, Sarah’s Quilt, and The Star Garden. Ms. Turner will also autograph copies of her books, available for purchase at the Benson Center.

Saturday, March 20

9:00 – 5:00 Juried Art Show open to the public

5:00 – 6:00 Juried Art Show Awards Presentation and Mixer

Learn the results and mingle with judges, speakers, volunteers and friends from the week’s events.

6:00 – 7:30 Mariachi Aztlan de Pueblo High School

Mariachi Aztlan de Pueblo High School was founded in the fall of 1992 by Mr. Richard Carranza, as a curricular component within the Pueblo High Magnet School Performing Arts department.

The group plays authentic mariachi music, arranged and conducted by director, John Contreras, himself a mariachi musician with over twenty-five years of experience. Dressed in their elaborate traje de charro outfits, the group boasts a repertoire of traditional mariachi music.

As Tucson’s most popular youth mariachi, they have gained a reputation for excellence, sharing the stage with many of the world’s finest Mariachi ensembles as well as Symphony Orchestras. Through their music, they are continuously promoting a manifest pride in their cultural background and are an excellent example of the best our youth has to offer.

Cochise College Benson from U.S. Army Fort Huachuca on Vimeo.

Celebrate the Arts is sponsored by;

San Pedro River Arts Council
Cochise College
Benson/San Pedro Valley Chamber of Commerce
The City of Benson, AZ
Sierra Southwest Cooperative Services, Inc.
Arizona Commission on the Arts
Walmart, Benson, AZ.

Mortgage Rates Decline

Don Grafues — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 19:05:19 +0000

Freddie Mac’s weekly survey of rates shows a decline in 30 year fixed loans.

30 year fixed loans averaged 4.97 percent with 0.7 points for the week ending March 4. The week prior average was 5.05 percent and the same period a year ago was 5.15 percent.

The 15 year fixed rate was 4.33 percent, also with 0.7 points.

Don Grafues
Resource: FreddieMac

Cheyenne Davis

Don Grafues — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 15:58:33 +0000

Congratulations to Cheyenne Davis of Saint David, winner of the spelling bee championship for Cochise County. She now heads on to the state competition in Phoenix on March 27.

Rates Up A Tad

Don Grafues — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 14:00:14 +0000

Rates on 30 year fixed mortgage rose slightly last week going above the 5 percent level. 30 year average was 5.05 percent, 15 year fixed rates were up a bit to 4.40 percent.

Don Grafues
Resource: REALTOR.org