Archive for April, 2008
Phoenix Home Buyers have Choices!!
April 13th, 2008 categories: Real Estate News
To expand upon a great post from Jay and Francy at Thompson’s Realty- Home Buyers have choices when buying a home in Phoenix.
First and foremost- the inventory is high- you have a lot of homes to chose from. More importantly- interview lenders and interview agents.
When buying a home in Phoenix or anywhere, YOU, the buyer, needs to have the best possible representation possible.
With a high inventory of short sales and bank owned homes (REO) there are several obstacles to overcome such as long response times from the bank, homes being sold “As-is”, homes being stripped of appliances, lighting, heating and cooling units. All of these factors can affect you loan approval, title insurance and extra costs, with delinquent HOA fees and possibly delinquent tax payments.
So do your homework such that you will score an A+ with your new home purchase.
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Economic Update and Road Closures-Phoenix
April 11th, 2008 categories: Economics
The latest installment from my friend Diane Gerdes from the Mortgage Advantage
“Like Cousin Eddie from the “Vacation” movies
, recession has made an unwelcomed stop at the U.S. economy. Since 1854 the U.S. has experienced 32 cycles of economic growth and pull backs. Since 1980 we have had 4 recessionary periods. A recession is defined as a decline in economic activity measured by: unemployment, incomes, production and consumer purchasing. The government tries to prevent or at least soften the effects of economic pull backs or recessions by tax cuts to give us more money to spend and decreasing the fed rate to help banks borrow money. The real estate market weakens before recessionary cycles. This time the real estate market is the recession. To quote Gary Schlossberg, economist at Wells Capital Management, we are more in a “fear-cession” than a “recession”: businesses and the government are taking steps to avoid a full blown, long term, recession. He also pointed out that housing prices have fallen 20% or more in some markets, but between 1998 and 2006 that there was a 225% increase in home prices in some areas. The two worst recessions were in the 1930’s and in 1982. Farmers were losing their farms in 1982 when crop prices plummeted along with all of the other economic issues, and in the 1930’s dry, windy, weather killed the crops. Today, the farmers are doing well and changing the model. So maybe if this is a recession, like Cousin Eddie, we will have to withstand some annoying times before it quickly moves on.
FYI: If you go to NASCAR this weekend, call ahead for road closures. Why is Go Daddy‘s new, hot car not driving here this weekend?
And if you are coming to Tempe on Sunday the Ironman competition will have roads closed around ASU, Tempe Town Lake, and some parts of Scottsdale. The high tomorrow in Chicago will be 38 degrees. Fahrenheit. “
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Gilbert Real Estate- March 2008 Market Trends
April 8th, 2008 categories: Market Statistics
Here are a couple of charts showing the current Gilbert Real Estate Trends regarding number of new listings vs sold listings and Average List Price and Average Sold Price.
Good news- the number of sold listings has been on the increase since Jan 2008
Search all Gilbert Homes for Sale
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Real Estate Secrets?????????
April 8th, 2008 categories: Real Estate News
Last nights broadcast on Channel 12 they had a story “What you agent might not be tilling you when you buy a home” referring to commission bonuses being offered upon COE. They sited a case of a North Scottsdale Home that had been reduced $120k with a $50,000 bonus to the buyer’s agent with a full price offer. So of course this in effect is another slam at REALTOR’s integrity and that we are desperate to make a dime. It would have been nice if they got the “other” side of the story. They did interview Bob Bemis from ARMLS????
As a listing agent, I advise people to price the home right and have it show like a model and it will sell. Increasing the buyer broker commission or offering a “bonus” , in my opinion, does not work.
As a buyers agent in the Phoenix area, when I am preparing to show property- I first interview my clients and try to match their needs and wants in their new home, or they hop on the Internet and send me listings of what they would like to look at. I look at the Realtor Remarks for showing instructions, pet alerts etc. If there is a bonus to the agent- great- but I will never push a client to buy a property because of an increased paycheck for me. I like to sleep at night.
If the home is overpriced to start, it will not appraise and the lender will not loan the money- so any bonus that is offered, might be better spent on reducing the price of the home and getting it sold for fair market value.
I think home buyers are a lot more savy with all of the information available on the Internet. If there is a bonus- I do disclose to the buyer (I have yet to recieve any such “bonus”)
In a buyer’s market- there are great deals out their, so if selling your home- just price it right and competively and it will sell.
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Where is Waylon-4-6-2008
April 6th, 2008 categories: Where is Waylon
I did not have to look far tonight- Since Mommy was working in the yard- My faithful companion was right by my side- so he is tuckered out.
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A Lovely Day Trip to Discover the Beauty that is Arizona
April 6th, 2008 categories: Discover Arizona, Real Estate News
With all the rainfall we have had over the winter months, the wildflowers are abloom.
If you want to get an up close and personal view of the beauty without pulling off the side of the road head out to the Boyce Thompson Arboretum. It isn’t far at all.
Hop on the 60 East heading towards Superior, Miami and Globe. Once you pass the Ironwood Exit you will notice how beautiful the views are. The Superstition Mountains loom off to your left—another day trip is a drive along the Apache Trail through the Superstitions. Along that drive you can see a few lakes and some beautiful scenery.
Back on the 60 East you leave civilization behind REAL quick. If you need snacks or gas, get ‘em before you leave the Gold Canyon area. Also a word of advice, the 60 is being widened out along this way so leave extra time in case of bottlenecks of construction. But with the views you are about to see, you won’t mind a slow journey if you are delayed.
As you get closer to the town of Superior, an OLD copper mining town rich with history, you will see a HUGE rock “mountain” on your right
—the Arboretum in right at the base. You will see signs to turn right almost when you are there so be on the look out. Watch for milemarker #223! The parking is shaded and ample and there are picinic spots outside the park as well. For those of you with 4 legged friends, they are allowed as long as you keep them on the a leash and clean up any “accidents” you may have.
The Boyce Thompson Arboretum is home to many different plant and animal life. Regular admission for adults is $7.50 and $3 for ages 5-12. Many days guided tours are included in the admission price or you can choose to walk the trails at your own pace.
The Arboretum includes two miles of trails, including stops at The Smith Interpretive Center, The Heritage Rose Garden, The Cactus Garden, Ayer Lake, The Magma Ridge, The Herb Garden, The Eucalyptus Forest, and the Demonstration Garden. Opening relatively soon is the Children’s Garden and Trail. This looks to be a wonderful place of discovery for children of all ages and is set to open this Spring 2008.
Check their website periodically for special events such as plant sales, herb festivals, special guests leading walks and other adult education events. www.btarboretum.org
If you still have some daylight left, I suggest getting back on the 60 East and take in the beautiful drive from Superior to Miami…I believe it rivals the red rocks of Sedona!
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Welcome to Mountain Bridge-Mesa Real Estate
April 3rd, 2008 categories: Mesa Neighborhoods, New Construction
The Flags are flying at Blandford’s new Master Planned Community of Mountain Bridge. Located in NE Mesa at McKellips and Hawes.
The community is a 717 acre community for all ages with 304 acres of open area and will feature extensive paths, trails and parks.
Careful planning will preserve the spectacular city light and mountain 
views. The community will feature Rustic Old World, Mediterranean and Andalusian Architecture in small gated communities.
Following in the footsteps of Las Sendas, Mountain Bridge will feature the Mountain Bridge Owners Club with Resort Pools, Spa, Fitness, Tennis, Recreation Area, Event Lawns and Parks.
There will be four different series of homes. The models are close to completion.
At the Model Home Center all there will be 16 models available for viewing
The Vintage collection will feature homes from 1483-2836 sqft. This series will start in the $200’s- 2 single level models and 2 two story models
The Craftsman Collection will feature 5 models ranging from 1986-3930 sqft, 3 single level and 2 two story models.
The Artisan Collection will feature 4 models ranging from 2568-5204 sqft with 2 single levels and 2-two story models.
The Master Collection only be single level homes from 3650-5332 sqft. This collection will have optional casitas, 4 and 5 car garages available.
Blandford homes has a long history as a quality builder in the Valley of the Sun. Ranked#1 in JD Power’s Customer Satisfaction Survey all 5 years they were surveyed.
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The Toll Roads are Coming!–or are they?
April 2nd, 2008 categories: General
Announced yesterday on KTAR.com, the stunning news came that all valley freeways would be turned in to toll roads as of Wednesday April 2, 2008. 
The story stated that while Valley residents slept Monday night, lawmakers passed and the governor signed a bill requiring you to pay tolls on all Valley freeways. This came as a step towards balancing the state’s budget. Many Valley residents were shocked, confused and downright angry! How could this happen without a vote? How could the lawmakers and Governor be so sneaky?
Did you happen to notice what the date was yesterday? Yes, it was April 1st! April Fool to you!
The debate regarding toll roads has increased in the last months with a bill NOT being passed last month assuring us that there will be NO toll roads anytime soon here in the Valley. In fact, the Senate last month considered two such bills, rejecting one while sending the other to the House. By the end of March, the Senate considered a third and rejected it also. Can you imagine? With gas prices at an all time high, and with how the economy is struggling, the last thing we need is to pay to drive the freeways. Rest assured, this will not happen! Unless you vote for it….and I don’t see that happening anytime soon. What a great April Fools prank! Check out KTAR.com for more details of the real story!
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