Abundant Housing Supply Makes Phoenix AZ Top Ten Boom Town

July 11, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Finally something good in the news about Phoenix. In a recent article by Forbes Magazine author Joel Kotkin suggests that Phoenix AZ is poised to make a comeback over the next ten years when it comes to being a “Boom Town.”

Some of the factors that lead to Phoenix ranking 9th in the Forbes study are: immigrants moving to the area, retired parents means following families from other areas, warm weather, and pro-business environments. Last but not least Kotkin lists a large supply of affordable housing as a major contributing factor to allow Phoenix to grow.

Affordable housing opportunities are certainly abundant in the Phoenix area. From my experience as a real estate agent in the Phoenix area, I have never seen such an inventory of really great homes for sale at such cheap pricing. I have also never seen such good mortgage financing opportunities for families with the extended period of time where we have had low VA rates, low FHA rates, and low conventional mortgage rates making homes even more affordable.

Even still, with affordable housing so abundant, what is still missing from our recession turnaround here in the Phoenix area to make things really turnaround?

I think it is jobs.

We can have a lot of homes, but without jobs for people to work, what is the point of moving here from other areas? I have heard from the grapevine that solar industry jobs are going to bring a huge influx of jobs to the Phoenix area, but most of these jobs are a few years away. So in the meantime, I think we will remain somewhat steady in our economic recovery. Given this if you are interested in selling your home, please get in touch with me. If you are looking to buy a home, let’s get together and talk about what you need.

Filed Under: Consumer Confidence Tagged With: , ,

12 W MONTOYA LN Phoenix, AZ 85027

June 23, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Address:12 W MONTOYA LN Phoenix, AZ 85027

MLS: 4603912
Price: $99900
Bedrooms: 3
Bath: 2
Year Built: 1979
Pool: No
Spa: No
Fireplace: NO

SqFt: 1350

Type: Single Level – Single Family
Lender Owned: Yes
Homepath Eligible:

Subdivision: Rose Garden
Cross Streets: Central & Beardsley
Gated Community: No
Schools: Deer Valley District
Garage: 2 Car Garage
Exposure:North/South exposure
Taxes: $1082.02 – 2010
New Financing: Cash, VA, FHA, Conventional
Listing Broker: RE/MAX Diamond

BRAND NEW A/C 6/2011! Vacant. Bring Contract! Regular home for sale by owner who is taking a huge loss…hurry won’t last. Tile, 2009 paint in and out, 2009 landscape and drip system, newer patio, newer outside lighting, 2008 Roof, 2009 hot water heater, 2008 dishwasher, fun newer mailbox. Plantation Shutters. North – South Exposure. Cabinets in garage, intercom, alarm system. Master has exit to yard. Elementary School just down the street. Close to 101, I-17 and Hwy 51. NOTE: ROOM SIZES ARE ACCURATE. 2rd bed is now open can be large den or familyroom. FORMER MODEL HOME.


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Filed Under: East Valley Listings, Existing Home Sales Tagged With: , , , , ,

Sarah Palin and Buying A Home In Arizona

June 9, 2011 By Leave a Comment

If you have watched the news you have without a doubt heard the speculation that former Alaska Governor and Republican lightening rod Sarah Palin has bought a home in Arizona (although I’m pretty sure she didn’t use a VA home loan to do it).

Imagine, the former Governor of Alaska, the 2008 Republican hopeful for Vice President of the United States bought a home in Arizona. Of all the 50 states to live in why would she choose Arizona? Maybe for the same reasons so many others move to Arizona. Let’s look at what makes Arizona – specifically Phoenix – a great place to live and why you might consider moving here as well.

WEATHER
Do you like sunny weather? If you do your choices really come down to Florida and Arizona. Arizona has, on average, 300 or more days of sunshine every year. But don’t worry, “it’s a dry heat”. 100 degrees with little to no humidity is much more comfortable that 80 degrees with 100% humidity.

THINGS TO DO
Do you like to ski, sled or snowboard? Flagstaff, Arizona is only 144 miles north of Phoenix where you can do both at an elevation of 12,000 feet. The Grand Canyon, one of the Seven Wonders of the World delivers breathtaking scenery, hiking, camping, and many other activities. Other natural wonders throughout the state of Arizona and only hours from Phoenix include Monument Valley, Saguaro National Park, the Colorado River and the Petrified Forest/Painted Desert, and that is just a few. It’s rare to live in a vacation destination with other vacation destinations within hours. Oh, and what about golf – we have golf and lot’s of it.

HOUSING
Everyone needs a place to live right? Whether you are looking for a condo or a mansion Arizona has something for you and it’s more affordable than ever. Californians find Arizona a great place to live partly because of the reasonably priced homes. The recent downturn in housing costs while bad for many is good for you. Housing ha never been more affordable in Arizona than it is right now. Couple housing costs with record low interest rates and your buying power goes further anytime in memory.

PROXIMITY
Do you have kids? Phoenix is only a short 6 hour drive away from exciting destinations like Disney Land, Lego Land, Sea World, San Diego Zoo etc. If you don’t have kids or would prefer to leave them at home, Phoenix is only a 6 hour drive away or 1 hour flight from exciting destinations like San Diego and 373 miles from Huntington Beach or 357 miles from Los Angeles.

No SNOW!
Yes it’s true, there is no snow in Phoenix. It’s one of those great side effects of having 300+ days of sunshine. In fact, winter is something we look forward to here in Phoenix. You haven’t lived until you can say you have experienced a Phoenix Christmas, 60 degrees is beautiful.

So, should you move to Phoenix? I guess that depends on where you are moving from. If you are looking for great weather, affordable housing, things to do, proximity and of course NO Snow, I would say YES!

With all of this and that there are still hundreds of resorts and amenities throughout the state – it is now wonder Sarah bought a home here.

Filed Under: Home Buyer Information Tagged With: , ,

Buying a Short Sale In Mesa AZ Is Not Really A Short Deal

May 12, 2011 By Leave a Comment

As if the home buying process was not stressful enough someone went and added another variable – an oxymoron really – buying a Short Sale.

In a nutshell, a short sale is when the bank agrees to accept less than the mortgage amount (the amount borrowed). A short sale can be very stressful, both on the buyer and seller side. One of the reasons buyers are pursuing short sales is because it can be a good deal. In a short sale the seller has a vested interest in closing as soon as possible as it avoids heavy mortgage debt and prevents further credit deterioration.

So if you are considering a short sale, here is what you should know.

Patience is a virtue

It’s called a short sale but that is far from what it is. In reality, there is nothing short about a short sale. It can take 6 months or more to close, and there is no guarantee that it will close. As such, if you are considering a short sale you should not put all of your eggs in one basket.

While waiting to hear whether you will get the house, you should look around for other alternatives and keep using tools like a VA loan calculator to keep a close eye on how changing mortgage rates are changing your payments. It is important to note that Murphy’s Law is in full effect when buying a short sale. Just because you have come to an agreement to purchase a short sale with the homeowner does not make it a done deal – the bank has the final say on the matter.

Be realistic

Some home buyers are under the impression that a short sale is a great deal. This is not always the case. Just because the home you want to purchase is a short sale does not make it a great deal. A short sale is purchased as is. As in no repairs and no warranties. What this means is what you see is what you get.

Hire a professional

If there is ever a time to work with a real estate agent a short sale is it. There are so many things that can and most likely will go wrong when purchasing a distressed property like a short sale. A real estate agent can save you time and money. Time because an experienced agent will be able to tell you the likelihood of your “dream home” actually closing and money meaning you can get it at a fair price. Just because you are looking for a short sale does not mean that you will be able to get a screaming deal. Your real estate agent can help you identify homes that have a likelihood of closing and at a reasonable purchase price.

Short sales are not for the faint at heart. If I were in the market for a home, I would look for homes in a geographic area that my needs – if that turns out to be a short sale so be it but I don’t think I would intentionally target short sales. Given the choice between purchasing a short sale or a resale, I would take a resale every day of the week and twice on Sundays.

Filed Under: Home Buyer Information

3541 E San Pedro Ave, Gilbert AZ 85234

March 16, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Address:3541 E San Pedro Ave, Gilbert AZ 85234
MLS: 4552353
Price: $189900
Bedrooms: 4
Bath: 3
Year Built: 2001
Pool: Yes
Spa: Yes
Fireplace: No
SqFt: 2109
Type: Two Level
Lender Owned: Yes
Homepath Eligible: Contact Kay Wood, RE/MAX Diamond
Subdivision: Melody Ranch
Cross Streets: Higley/Guadalupe
Gated Community: No
Schools:Gilbert and Highland High
Garage: 2 – Extra Wide Garage on both sides
Exposure:
Taxes: $1,619.92
New Financing: Cash, VA, FHA, Conventional
Listing Broker: RE/MAX Diamond

WOW – from when you step in you won’t believe this immaculate home with TLC. This is a relo short sale. Awesome Gilbert neighborhood! Move in ready. Newer 5” real wood in LR/DR. Tile in all the right places. Larger backyard with pool and lots of grassy area. Formal Living/Dining plus Large Family Room off Kitchen. Tons of cabinets in Kitchen PLUS don’t miss the huge hall pantry. A bedroom or den down with full bath next to it – great office or guest suite. Large area off family room makes for nice open office to make 5th area which makes it 4 FULL BEDS and bonus area for Den. Extra wide garage on each side. Close to freeway, shopping, easy commute location.

Filed Under: East Valley Listings Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , ,

Foreclosures in Arizona and Around the Nation Drop to a 3 Year Low According to Realty Trac

March 11, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Foreclosures in Arizona and around the nation drop to a 3 year low according to Realty Trac**. Foreclosures are always a hot topic especially here in Arizona where according to Realty Trac 1/178 homes received a foreclosure filing in the month of February.  According to this article http://www.housingwire.com/2011/03/09/foreclosure-filings-hit-3-year-low-in-february-realtytrac?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=twitter&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+housingwire%2FuOVI+%28HousingWire%29  although the rate seems to be more skewed by the amount of foreclosures that were held up in courts due to issues with the banks, it is not projected that we will ever see the peak that we saw in March 2010. 

This information is all pointing to good signs that the market, although still struggling in Arizona, is making a change in a different direction.  What does this mean for you?  The homes are still going to be foreclosed upon at a higher rate meaning the deals are still out there, but now is the time to take advantage of those low foreclosure  prices that may not be around forever.

** The article can be found here : http://www.housingwire.com/2011/03/09/foreclosure-filings-hit-3-year-low-in-february-realtytrac?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=twitter&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+housingwire%2FuOVI+%28HousingWire%29

Filed Under: Foreclosures Tagged With: , , ,

Preparing Your Home to Sell

March 9, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Preparing a Home for Sale

If you are preparing to sell a home right now you were once a buyer.  You had high hopes and expectations and then went shopping only to find that some people don’t keep house like you do.  Some have more clutter than what you would and some haven’t cleaned behind that toilet in ages!  All of these things are simple cosmetic fixes that probably in some way whether conscience or otherwise could have or did deter you from buying a home.  Put yourself in the buyer’s shoes when you are preparing to sell your home.  Do you remember how tired you were by the time you saw the 6th house that day?  What things stood out to you and made you feel like you could move in tomorrow? 
One of the easiest things you can do to prepare your home to sell is to clean it and I mean a deep clean (like your in-laws are coming for a long stay).  If you don’t have time it is well worth it to hire a professional company to come in and deep clean your home.  If you still have furniture in the home make sure it is not cluttered with your decoration and your knick knacks.  The buyer wants to be able to visualize where they will put their furniture and if they are stuck on how small the room looks with all of your things stuffed in there they will have a harder time with this vision. 
The cozy country kitchen may have worked for you, but it may be a turn off for most buyers.  The best thing to do is to go neutral with all of your paint and decorations.  If you have to put a fresh coat of paint on then do it.   Most buyers who are looking at non-distressed properties are not interested in having to take down that wallpaper or having to do the painting before they move in. 
Not all upgrades and changes are worth it though so make sure you consult an expert real estate agent before you make major changes to the flooring or counter tops.  Today’s market is a little tricky so you want to make sure you are staying in the black when selling your home.  Stick to the simple stuff and then consult with a professional about the major things. 
If you just throw your house on the market and hope for the best chances are you will be disappointed.  Take time to consult with a professional.  Remember the Realtor doesn’t get paid until you close on the home.  It is well worth it to take advantage of this much needed expertise when selling your home. It will cut out a lot of headache in the end.

Filed Under: Selling Your Home Tagged With: , , , ,

1458 W La Jolla Drive, Tempe, AZ 85282

March 7, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Address:1458 W La Jolla Drive, Tempe, AZ 85282
MLS: 4547835
Price: $79900
Bedrooms: 2
Bath: 2
Year Built: 1984
Pool: Community Pool
Spa: Community Spa/Heated
Fireplace: Yes-1
SqFt: 957
Type: Patio Home
Lender Owned: Yes
Homepath Eligible: call agent, Kay Wood
Subdivision:Fiesta Villages
Cross Streets: Priest/Southern
Gated Community:
Schools:Tempe
Garage: 1 Car Carport
Exposure:
Taxes: $2,685
New Financing: Cash, VA, FHA, Conventional
Listing Broker: RE/MAX Kay Wood

Unique quaint pocket of patio/townhomes in amongst new housing, Just North of Arizona Mills on N side of 60. Great for students, professional, winter visitor, small family. Has large ”L shaped” patio with tall trees around it. Washer, Dryer and Refrigerator stay. Wood in Great Room and Dining. NEW A/C and Hot Water Heater. HOA includes Water, Sewer and Garbage and outside maintenance – recently painted. Inside being painted now. Unit will be professionally cleaned on 3/6. Rent should run around $750-850 for unit. Last sale $125,000 ($130.62) on 12/15/2004 turned into tenant all these years. Sellers equity loss is your gain. NOT A SHORT SALE OR REO. Close to ASU, Airport, Downtown Phoenix, Scottsdale, Downtown Tempe.

Filed Under: East Valley Listings Tagged With: , , , , , ,

Grandview Estates, Mesa Home for Sale with Pool

March 7, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Address:1261 N 86th Pl, Mesa, AZ 85207
MLS: 4548674
Price: $299900
Bedrooms: 4
Bath: 2.5
Year Built: 2002
Pool: Yes, salt water, Pebble Tec, floor cleaner, new filter
Spa: No
Fireplace: No
SqFt: 2489
Type: Single Level – Single Family
Lender Owned: Yes
Homepath Eligible: call agent Kay Wood
Subdivision: Grandview Estates
Cross Streets: Ellsworth/Brown
Gated Community:
Schools:Red Mountain
Garage: 3 Car Garage, new garage door opener
Exposure:
Taxes: $1785
New Financing: Cash, VA, FHA, Conventional
Listing Broker: RE/MAX Kay Wood

SQUEEKY CLEAN, Tile in all the right places. Wait til you see the MAN CAVE. 3rd bay is separate and has cabinets, TV, unbelievable. #4 bed=built in office w/extra cabinet. Sellers loss as purchased for over $430,000 – added more than $30,000 in upgrades. Pebble Tec salt pool, floor cleaner. New pool filter tank, salt generator, cleaner, garage door opener, microwave and Hot Water Heater. All back landscaping new – don’t forget to look on N side. Extra hard surface including Kool Decked patio. Corian counters – huge island, large pantry, pull out shelves…includes a built in buffet under counter lighting. NON-walk thru Laundry, storage and hanging rack. Extras throughout – added storage space everywhere.

Filed Under: East Valley Listings, Mesa News Tagged With: , , , , , , , , ,

Short Sale Home for Sale, 85215, Mesa, Arizona

March 7, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Address:6728 E Melrose St, Mesa, AZ 85215
MLS:4548637
Price: $124900
Bedrooms: 3
Bath: 2
Year Built: 1998
Pool: Yes, new in 2006
Spa: No
Fireplace: n/a
SqFt: 1250
Type: Single Level – Single Family
Lender Owned: call agent
Homepath Eligible: call agent
Subdivision: Corta Bella
Cross Streets: Power/McKellips
Gated Community: No
Schools:Red Mountain
Garage: 2
Exposure:North/South Exposure
Taxes: $999
New Financing: Cash, VA, FHA, Conventional
Listing Broker: Kay Wood – RE/MAX Diamond

32k pool added 2006. Low HOA. Great schools. HUGE Great Room off Kitchen. 3 FULL Bedrooms with closets. Kitchen has island plus there is inside laundry. Vaulted ceilings and no interior steps. Water softener and R/O stay. Gas Heat. Multi-pane windows. North/South exposure. Close to Lakes, shops, 202 for easy commute, Usery Pass Recreation Area.

Filed Under: East Valley Listings Tagged With: , , , , , , , , ,
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