1 Million Wishes | $1 Million Pledge to Phoenix Children's Hospital

Dan Williams, Scottsdale Mayor W.J. "Jim"Lane, Thuy Pham

The audience of 300 community leaders, realtors, volunteers, hospital executives, friends and family gasped when Dan Williams, President of The Williams Real Estate Company surprised the onlookers by pledging $1million dollars to Phoenix Children’s Hospital at the Grand Opening of his new company in April 2009.
“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.

We’ve already donated over a quarter of a million dollars to local charities and our plans are to raise our company donation level to $100,000 per month.

“In a market where consolidation of real estate offices plague the Valley, the new real estate model developed by Dan Williams is creating a positive buzz about their philanthropic foundation of “Growing Our Community,… One Home at a Time.”


Every real estate transaction has a donation built-in for a local Valley charity. In the first 120 days since opening its doors, The Williams Real Estate Company has attracted 25 new Valley agents who share the same vision of doing good while doing their real estate business.

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.”

We are In The Light Tower at Phoenix Childrens 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

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 602.908.4715 for your personal appointment to learn how you and your charity

How the Interest Rate affects the Price of a Home

That sounds like a simple question.

Of course a lower rate means a lower monthly payment.

But how much of a difference does that really make.

I’ve heard people overly-simplify the issue by saying that a 1% change in rate is roughly the same as a 10% change in price. Let’s look into this a little closer and see if it holds up.

We’ve all heard that interest rates today are at all-time lows. I think we take that for granted, so it helps to include this chart that goes back to 1975.



It shows a 36-year average of mortgage rates.

The BLUE LINE is 30 year fixed rates and since that is the most popular program, that is what we will focus on.

As you can see by the graph, mortgage rates in 2010 are truly lower than anything we have seen in our lifetimes.

Current average 30 year fixed mortgage rates are around 4.375%.

If you were to purchase a home with a $400,000 home loan, the monthly principal and interest payment at that rate would be $1,997.

Now let’s see how raising the rate to the 2000 average of 8.05% affects the payment. That’s not all that long ago.

The payment at same loan amount at the 2000 rate is $2,949.

We increased the rate by 3.675% and that resulted in a 48% increase in payment!

That seems worse than the 1% rate to 10% price ratio, but let’s look at it from a price perspective.

That increase in payment from $1,997 to $2,949 is the same as raising the loan amount from $400,000 to $590,646.

That is also a 48% increase in loan amount.

If the down payment is the same percentage for each example, then it also results in a 48% increase in sales price.

So for this example we discovered that a 3.675% increase in rate equals a 48% increase in price.

It also means a 1% increase in rate is equivalent to a 13% increase in sales price.

Don’t think I chose a year with an exceptionally high rate. I could have used 1981 where rates were 16.63%!

In fact, the average rate over the 36 years is 9%. I chose 2000 because it wasn’t that far back in history.

The lesson here is that we must recognize what an amazing opportunity we have to borrow money at this specific point in history.

Years from now we can look at an updated version of this graph and see the low point, and remember what a great deal we got in 2010.

Chris Mozilo NMLS# 183726; AZ LO-0912308; BKBR-0115591; CA-DOC 183726

Why a Large Percentage Drop in Home Sales in July

Why Home Sales Dropped Dramatically in July from June
Or
Why Were We Surprised When Buyers Were Incentivized?

In the week of August 23, blasted throughout the news was existing home sales nationally dropped 27% in July from June.



This was reported as the biggest monthly percentage decline on record.

The Greater Phoenix residential market faired slightly better with a 24% decrease. A large percentage drop in July sales was expected for Greater Phoenix.

Why The Large Percentage Drop for Sales in July Was Expected

Why did sales drop in July?

Because the affect of the tax credit(s) were worn out!



Many buyers bought because of the two tax credits:

The first time homebuyer’s tax credit up to $8,000 and the move up buyer’s tax credit up to $6,500.

To qualify buyers had to be under contract by April 30, 2010 and close by June 30 (at the end of June the close of escrow date was extended to September 30).

The April 30 deadline led to a surge of buyers going under contract in March and April.

So, before you believe the Headlines in the News....look at the statistics...it's not all doom and gloom!

Hand Prints of Hope Phoenix Children's Hospital

Julia drew her dream home.

And now, thanks to a group of caring business leaders, her beautiful art will be sold for a donation and hung in a caring corporate donor’s office, which in turn benefits the very hospital which saved her life.

The Williams Real Estate Company and its founder, Daniel Williams, came up with the idea after having his own office walls adorned with Phoenix Children’s Hospital patient artwork.

Williams kicked-off a program and assembled a dedicated group of business leaders that will take PCH children’s art to a new level, creating a year round business-to-business fundraising opportunity for Phoenix Children’s Hospital.

For more than 23 years, the Art Project at Phoenix Children’s Hospital Foundation started with just greeting cards designed by young patients, only available during the holidays. All proceeds benefit the Hospital’s Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders, helping fund medical and family support programs, research equipment, school re-entry programs, lodging at the Ronald McDonald House, and patient camps and retreats.

But, with funding cuts and hospital costs continually rising, the need for more creative and long-term fundraising endeavors are being created by committed Phoenix Children’s business leaders like Dan Williams.

“Our Real Estate Company is based on Philanthropy, and we always donate through every real estate transaction. Yet, there’s always more that can be done with business associates that I work with every day,” says Art Advisory Chairman, Williams.

Dan invited industry associate, Bill Rogers, President of Homeowners Financial Group to be the Co-Chairman of the business community “Art Advisory – Handprints of Hope”.

Together they launched an initial 50-member team of business leaders with a kick-off event at the W Hotel last July.


Business leaders will promote and sell “Handprints of Hope” artwork for PCH fundraising, while conducting their own daily business.

From City of Phoenix employees to business owners – each will help fundraise.

Adopt-A-Family | Christmas 2009 | Phoenix Day

"Dear Davy…

You [Davy Yee, Realtor®, The Williams Real Estate Company] and Thuy [Designated Broker, The Williams Real Estate Company] and the rest of the good folks at The Williams Real Estate Company, were instrumental in the success of Phoenix Day’s 2009 Adopt-A- Family Program.





I took over the program in 2005, and at that time we were working with Make-a- Difference, which they are now known as HandsOn Greater Phoenix.



Their role was to get sponsors for the Adopt-a-Family Program and Phoenix Day would sign-up families in need that would benefit from being adopted for the holidays.



It was a wonderful collaboration and year after year we would have their support and many Phoenix Day and HealthLinks families benefited from this program.



Long story short, last year HandsOn told us they were unable to take on this project due to lack of staff and the demands of the project.



So what I turned to the Board Members for their assistance and support in helping me get sponsors for the 69 families that needed help. Needless to say, they were all very supportive and helped by adopting a family or recruiting their family, friends, co-workers to adopt a family.



But Davy, being the amazing person that you are, got your company [The Williams Real Estate Company] involved and hyped up this project!



Thanks to you and The Williams Real Estate Company’s support, 28 families had a wonderful Christmas!”


Bernice Medina
HealthLinks and Case Director
Phoenix Day

http://www.phoenixday.org/

At Phoenix Day, we believe that every child, no matter what their socio-economic background, deserves the highest quality early education program. Early childhood education empowers the way children think, learn and behave for the rest of their lives. Established in 1915, Phoenix Day provides a safe, nurturing and diverse environment with age-appropriate curriculum that promotes a lifetime of learning. We welcome you to explore our website and learn more about Arizona's oldest early education and childcare center.

100 Club features Linda Mras in Newsletter

Supporter Spotlight for The 100 Club
with Linda Mras of
The Williams Real Estate Company

1. How did you first get involved with the 100 Club?

I was first introduced to the 100 Club when my son was training to become a Police Officer. A volunteer spoke on his last day of training at the Police Academy after we had viewed the facility. I remember being ecstatic and proud that my son had decided to become an officer that day and also elated to see how excited he was, however I wasn’t prepared for a presentation by the 100 Club.

As the presenter spoke and I watched the film my happiness was succumbed. As tears rolled down my face, reality set in and I realized the serious commitment that my son had made. He or any of his fellow officers could have their lives taken away in an instant or be injured… then what? Who would help them? Who would help their families?

At the end of the presentation membership forms were passed out for anyone who might be interested in joining the 100 Club. … I knew that our family had to sign up immediately.

2. What has surprised you the most about working with the 100 Club?

The dedication of the staff, volunteers and supporters. I am amazed at how quick they act when the need arises. Also, all of the creative events that they do to raise funds and how thankful they are to the volunteers and contributors.

3. What was the last 100 Club event you volunteered for? And how did that make you feel?

I volunteered for the Gambo and Ash Holiday Hero’s Event that was hosted by KTAR. That day the 100 Club Staff and the volunteers had there adrenaline pumped up which was so exhilarating to me. It felt good to hear the phones ring non-stop in support of our Public Safety Workers. I was so happy to be a part of it.

4. What do you wish other people knew about the 100 Club?

I wished that they knew the 100 Club is a financial first responder for our fallen or injured public safety officers.

5. How else do you support the 100 Club and why?

After becoming a member and then a volunteer I knew that if my son or his fellow officers ever needed assistance that the 100 Club would be there for them. Helping to support the 100 Club through my Real Estate endeavors is my way of giving back.

My real estate broker (The Williams Real Estate Company) works with us to donate a portion of proceeds for every transaction that is referred by the 100 Club – a win-win to increase funding for the club and the families it serves.

6. When your friends/family find out that you volunteer at the 100 Club, what do they say or ask?

When I tell my friends and family that I am a member and volunteer of the 100 Club, they usually ask “The 100 Club…what do they do?”. Of course, I always explain and hope that they want to become involved.

7. Tell me about someone who has influenced your decision to work with the 100 Club?

I believe my decision was influenced and finalized by attending the Jason Schechterle Scholarship Ball last Fall and also getting to know all of the amazing people who are a part of the 100 Club.

8. What would you tell someone who is thinking about volunteering or donating to the 100 Club?

Just do it! Your support will have a huge impact.

9. What do you do when you aren’t volunteering for the 100 Club?

Exercise and seek every opportunity that I can to dance the night away to Frank Sinatra tunes.

10. What might someone be surprised to know about you?

I have a passion to find solutions to help others.

Jason Bressler joins The Williams Community Foundation

On Dan Williams and Thuy Pham's 5th Year Anniversary and after months of hard work, The Williams Community Foundation is now officially a 501(c)(3)!

And the best news...Jason Bressler, a well-respected leader in the Scottsdale business community, has been appointed Vice President of The Williams Community Foundation.

His leadership expertise with memberships, events, community giving and business initiatives are a coup to our unique philanthropic real estate model.

The Williams Community Foundation serves over 15 local Arizona charities for their 2010 annual giving program.

Under the direction of Founder, Dan Williams, President of The Williams Real Estate Company, the community foundation was a dream that formulated through Mr. Williams’ original real estate transactions.

“I started giving to local charities in my 20s through my real estate commission proceeds, and dreamed one day that I could engage other like-minded Realtors and create a business model with philanthropy as the basis."

"Real estate is our vehicle, and to date, we’ve donated over $350,000 to local Arizona charities,” states Dan Williams.

Multi-faceted Bressler will be in charge of The Williams Community Foundation’s programs serving the business-to-business community and a volunteer board, as well as assisting local businesses in developing their giving programs through The Williams Community Foundation.

“Jason is an amazing and skilled business networking specialist. His forte is listening to the needs of the business community and connecting leaders to deserving community initiatives. His distinct leadership will strengthen our commitment to our local community and its future leadership!” Barbara Bowers, President of The Williams Community Foundation.

Dan Williams, Thuy Pham, Barb Bowers, Jason Bressler

As Vice President, Bressler will also create events benefiting local charities through the Foundation.

The Collection, a luxury division of The Williams Real Estate Company, has a signature “Celebration Home” fundraising open house, where local charities may host a fundraising event to showcase a luxury home.

When that home sells, The Williams Real Estate Company donates a large portion of the proceeds to that deserving charity.

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.

One of the Angels, Christina Catalano (Realtor, Triathlete and Community Leader), is a board member for Phoenix Womens Sports Association. Christina and her husband recently participated in Ironman Switzerland, and will be organizing a group of women to run the first Women's Half Marathon in Phoenix.

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!

Christmas In July

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!