Entries from February 2008 ↓

This is one of the most frequent questions I hear when representing buyers from the midwest and East coast. 

I understand the desire for “green”. I moved to Arizona 7 years ago from Wisconsin and looked around extensively for a green community. The good news is there are a few.

Warner Ranch is a master planned community which sits on the (Tempe/Chandler border ). Half of the community has a Chandler mailing address and half has a Tempe mailing address.  Green lovers love the towering mature trees  including evergreens and lots of green grassy areas and walking paths.  There are currently 36 homes for sale in this community ranging in price from $249,900 to $560,000.  Warner Ranch also has the benefit of being in one of the top ranked school districts in the state (Kyrene School District). The appreciation and resale in this community has historically been very good and it is conveniently located.

In Chandler, there is the Ocotillo area which is known for it’s lakes and ‘green” and golf courses too.  There are currently 36 active listings (ranging in price from  $265,000 to $999,000) in the Ocotillo neighborhood specifically, however, there are many communities surrounding Ocotillo that boast some nice green as well.

In Gilbert, the Val Vista Lakes area is one of the most green areas. Again, known for it’s green and it’s lakes.  There are currently 91 homes for sale in this area ranging in price from $159,950 to $1,350,000.

So there is GREEN in the desert.  Probably not the wisest GREEN move environmentally…but it’s here…so might as well enjoy it!

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For more Information visit Chandler Arizona Real Estate.  This information was provided by Amy Jones, a multi-million dollar top producing Realtor with RE/MAX Elite. Amy specializes in residential, vacation homes & cabins, as well as retirement communities in the communities of Ahwatukee, Chandler, Fountain Hills, Gilbert, Maricopa, Mesa, Paradise Valley, Queen Creek, Scottsdale, Sun Lakes, Tempe and the White Mountains communities of Pinetop/Lakes & Show Low.  Search the Arizona MLS

Breaking News

Senate Passes $150 Billion Stimulus Plan
Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, the government-sponsored mortgage finance companies, will be allowed to buy loans worth as much as $729,750 for loans made between July 31, 2007 and Dec. 31, 2008, an increase over the current $417,000 loan limit, a move that could help struggling homeowners to refinance large mortgages at a lower interest rate. It will also allow the Federal Housing Administration to insure loans as high as $729,750 in expensive markets.  

Additionally, Congress on late Thursday approved a $168 billion stimulus bill designed to boost the sagging economy through tax rebates and business tax breaks.

The bill calls for individuals earning up to $75,000 and couples earning up to $150,000 to earn rebates of as much as $600 and $1,200, respectively. Taxpayers receiving the rebates additionally will receive $300 per child.

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For more Information visit Chandler Arizona Real Estate.  This information was provided by Amy Jones, a multi-million dollar top producing Realtor with RE/MAX Elite. Amy specializes in residential, vacation homes & cabins, as well as retirement communities in the communities of Ahwatukee, Chandler, Fountain Hills, Gilbert, Maricopa, Mesa, Paradise Valley, Queen Creek, Scottsdale, Sun Lakes, Tempe and the White Mountains communities of Pinetop/Lakes & Show Low.  Search the Arizona MLS.

A recent newspaper headline in Phoenix quoted several economists including Elliot D. Pollack & Co “The Source for Information on the Arizona Economy and Real Estate Market” that “The worst is yet to come for the Greater Phoenix housing market“.  The article forecast another 5 years before our market returns to any semblance of normal.

A year earlier in December 2006, the Pollack Report stated “The panelists at this point believes that the worst will be over after 2007.”  Oops.  Oh well, predictions were made to be adjusted. 

Another article in Realtor Magazine this month was more favorable with the following “Over the next few months, existing-home sales are expected to hold fairly steady as indicated by pending sales activity, and then rise later in the year and continue to improve in 2009, according to the National Association of Realtors.”  Ah, yes, I like this one better.  A ray of light at the end of a very long tunnel.  Of course, many will say this is a rosy picture created by a group of Realtors to help encourage a lagging market. 

The truth is, I don’t remember anyone predicting our seller’s market 4 years ago and I don’t remember anyone predicting our crash and burn 2 years ago. 

I actually think the prediction for another 5 years of bad market (is this the world’s biggest groundhog or what?) is a positive in disguise.  I think buyers who are sitting on the fence are going to say “I’m tired of waiting for prices to hit bottom. I’m not going to wait 5 years.  It’s time to get on with my life and buy a house now.”

Yep, that’s the way I’m going to paint this picture.  Realtor or not, I see a great big, pretty and very rosy real estate market future.  Positive visualization!  Yep.  It’s all good and everyone lived happily ever after.

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For more Information visit Chandler Arizona Real Estate.  This information was provided by Amy Jones, a multi-million dollar top producing Realtor with RE/MAX Elite. Amy specializes in residential, vacation homes & cabins, as well as retirement communities in the communities of Ahwatukee, Chandler, Fountain Hills, Gilbert, Maricopa, Mesa, Paradise Valley, Queen Creek, Scottsdale, Sun Lakes, Tempe and the White Mountains communities of Pinetop/Lakes & Show Low.  Search the Arizona MLS.