Below are some fun facts I learned last night at my "Citizens Academy" class for our wonderful little city presented by Joe Schmitz, a city Planning Manager in the Planning and Zoning Division of the City of Goodyear's Development Department.
*In 2003, the Goodyear city limits encompassed 117 square miles
*Since that time, Goodyear has annexed over 71 square miles
*Goodyear is over 35 miles long north to south
*Goodyear now encompasses 188.4 square miles
*Since 2000, Goodyear's population has more than tripled
*Population in 2000 - 18,911
*Population in 2008 - 58,600
*37% north of I-10 freeway
*44% between I-10 and Gila River
*19% south of the Gila River (Estrella)
*Current population is less than 10% of the population projected at build out
*Goodyear has 20,194 residential dwelling units
*Of that number, 19,311 are single family homes (95.6%)
*There are 836 multi-family units currently under construction
Friday, September 26, 2008
Thursday, September 25, 2008
A favorite thought
In this world of givers and takers
Too few are willing to give what it takes
author unknown
Too few are willing to give what it takes
author unknown
Monday, September 22, 2008
It's Fall in the desert
So the calendar says anyway! We still have temps just over 100* but our nights are definitely dropping. The hum of the air conditioner kicking on and off is much less also and will hopefully reflect on our next energy bill!
Yesterday morning Dennis and I left our cozy little abode here in the Sonoran Desert and within 2 hours were sitting under pine trees allowing nature to cool us down.
Payson was about 78* with breezes blowing....glorious! This state is so truly amazing in the diversity of the terrain and the wide open spaces. We continued our day trip from Payson up through Show Low (73*) and then down through the Salt River Canyon to Globe and on back to the Valley of the Sun.
Dennis commented that in California we could drive from the Ocean to the Pines in just under 3 hours.....but it was populated with cities and towns the entire drive. In Arizona so much of the state is still undeveloped and pristine in its own natural beauty. For miles we were the only truck on the road, we took our time, windows down and enjoyed ourselves. Simple pleasures!
Now back to the calendar, since today is the first day of fall I am sure we make the trip again in about 4 weeks as the leaves change. Perhaps Sedona and Oak Creek Canyon as well, more natural jewels of our state.
Yesterday morning Dennis and I left our cozy little abode here in the Sonoran Desert and within 2 hours were sitting under pine trees allowing nature to cool us down.
Payson was about 78* with breezes blowing....glorious! This state is so truly amazing in the diversity of the terrain and the wide open spaces. We continued our day trip from Payson up through Show Low (73*) and then down through the Salt River Canyon to Globe and on back to the Valley of the Sun.
Dennis commented that in California we could drive from the Ocean to the Pines in just under 3 hours.....but it was populated with cities and towns the entire drive. In Arizona so much of the state is still undeveloped and pristine in its own natural beauty. For miles we were the only truck on the road, we took our time, windows down and enjoyed ourselves. Simple pleasures!
Now back to the calendar, since today is the first day of fall I am sure we make the trip again in about 4 weeks as the leaves change. Perhaps Sedona and Oak Creek Canyon as well, more natural jewels of our state.
Friday, September 19, 2008
Metro Phoenix Home Prices Down? REALLY?
I just read an article reflecting the news that Metro Phoenix home prices are down by 23% according to a July/Aug study. The little voice in my head wanted to scream DUH!
We are all in this mess together friends, whether you are trying to sell your home or investment homes you were looking to "flip" or as a buyer watching your loan restrictions tighten.
By the grace of God many of us don't have to worry about selling just now. However the news that the home 3 doors down from you just dropped over $70k overnight does tend to send a shiver, straight down your spine to your wallet. I currently have buyers that don't want to make a move until they think the market is at the bottom and I continue to tell them that no one has the crystal ball as to when that will happen! Meanwhile the sad misfortune of short sales and foreclosures continue to load the market and traditional owner/sellers clutch their chests and hope for the best!
We will all ride this out together, bumpy as the journey may be. Remember, we live in the Wild Wild West, we are made of stern stuff and come from hardy stock! My advice is that if you know of anyone even THINKING about buying a home, now is the time........someone needs to ride this bull and win the prize!
We are all in this mess together friends, whether you are trying to sell your home or investment homes you were looking to "flip" or as a buyer watching your loan restrictions tighten.
By the grace of God many of us don't have to worry about selling just now. However the news that the home 3 doors down from you just dropped over $70k overnight does tend to send a shiver, straight down your spine to your wallet. I currently have buyers that don't want to make a move until they think the market is at the bottom and I continue to tell them that no one has the crystal ball as to when that will happen! Meanwhile the sad misfortune of short sales and foreclosures continue to load the market and traditional owner/sellers clutch their chests and hope for the best!
We will all ride this out together, bumpy as the journey may be. Remember, we live in the Wild Wild West, we are made of stern stuff and come from hardy stock! My advice is that if you know of anyone even THINKING about buying a home, now is the time........someone needs to ride this bull and win the prize!
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Words I have loved since High School
I expect to pass through this life but once.
If, therefore there can be any kindness I can show or any good thing I can do
for any fellow being let me do it now...
Let me not defer it, or neglect it,
For I shall not pass this way again.
Stephen Grellet (Etienne de Grellet du Mabillier)
If, therefore there can be any kindness I can show or any good thing I can do
for any fellow being let me do it now...
Let me not defer it, or neglect it,
For I shall not pass this way again.
Stephen Grellet (Etienne de Grellet du Mabillier)
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Your imagination and buying a home
In the past prospective buyers would look at homes that were "Traditional Owned" (not short sales or bank owned, owner owned so to speak) and would focus on the owners bad wallpaper or paint color. As their Agent is was my job to try to get them to use their imagination and look past the clutter, nick nacks, photos, collections, etc and see the bones of the homes. Cosmetic fixes are easy and personalize the home to your taste after you move in.
Today 90% of the homes I show are foreclosures and most often the previous owners were not always so happy when they moved.....leaving homes at best needing a deep cleaning and maybe new carpeting. The deals are out there, but buyers today must look past the furniture and trash left in the empty pools, kitchens stripped of appliances and sometimes even the counters, sink and cabinets removed!
Again I must encourage their imagination to visual what the home can become for them. What might be needed? Paint, flooring, maybe drywall patches and good 'ol elbow grease! So if you are buying your first home, maybe a second.....the deals are out there. Are you willing to look beyond what was left and what the home can become? Are you up to the challenge?
Today 90% of the homes I show are foreclosures and most often the previous owners were not always so happy when they moved.....leaving homes at best needing a deep cleaning and maybe new carpeting. The deals are out there, but buyers today must look past the furniture and trash left in the empty pools, kitchens stripped of appliances and sometimes even the counters, sink and cabinets removed!
Again I must encourage their imagination to visual what the home can become for them. What might be needed? Paint, flooring, maybe drywall patches and good 'ol elbow grease! So if you are buying your first home, maybe a second.....the deals are out there. Are you willing to look beyond what was left and what the home can become? Are you up to the challenge?
Saturday, September 6, 2008
First Time Home Buyer
How do we find our perfect new home?
Yesterday I spoke a little about interviewing/hiring your REALTOR. I just wanted to encourage first time buyers, or second, etc to make a list of your 5 or so "must haves" in a home. Make this clear to your agent. Only you as the Buyer know what is important to you.
Your list of must haves may include price, # of bedrooms, # of baths, single or 2 story, town(s) desired or more specifically the schools. Perhaps you need a home that is equipped for special needs or one that may be in an age restricted area. These first few items on the list again should be your priorities. Then we move to the extras you would like to have such as granite counter tops, a pool, etc.
Your agent will search hundreds (perhaps thousands in this market)to narrow the field and show you what you are looking for. If you cannot find what you are looking for from your initial search, your REALTOR may suggest looking outside the target area of your first choice. Be open to this as it may offer more homes that meet your criteria.
How many homes will I be shown prior to making my decision?
In our current market the inventory of homes available is huge. Another question up front is to ask your prospective Agent how many homes they are willing to show you. I have heard that some agents may offer only 6 or so and expect you as a Buyer to make a decision.
A REALTOR should be willing to work with clients until their perfect or best home is found, which could be days or even months.
I know I sure do!
Yesterday I spoke a little about interviewing/hiring your REALTOR. I just wanted to encourage first time buyers, or second, etc to make a list of your 5 or so "must haves" in a home. Make this clear to your agent. Only you as the Buyer know what is important to you.
Your list of must haves may include price, # of bedrooms, # of baths, single or 2 story, town(s) desired or more specifically the schools. Perhaps you need a home that is equipped for special needs or one that may be in an age restricted area. These first few items on the list again should be your priorities. Then we move to the extras you would like to have such as granite counter tops, a pool, etc.
Your agent will search hundreds (perhaps thousands in this market)to narrow the field and show you what you are looking for. If you cannot find what you are looking for from your initial search, your REALTOR may suggest looking outside the target area of your first choice. Be open to this as it may offer more homes that meet your criteria.
How many homes will I be shown prior to making my decision?
In our current market the inventory of homes available is huge. Another question up front is to ask your prospective Agent how many homes they are willing to show you. I have heard that some agents may offer only 6 or so and expect you as a Buyer to make a decision.
A REALTOR should be willing to work with clients until their perfect or best home is found, which could be days or even months.
I know I sure do!
Friday, September 5, 2008
First time home buyer? Where do I start?
Ever thought about buying Real Estate (maybe your first home) but don't know where to start?
Ask friends for a referral to a REALTOR that they have used. Ask them straight up if they would use that person on their next transaction. REALTORS that are worth their commissions want not only to be your REALTOR for now, but your REALTOR for life!
That's my philosophy anyway. I want a successful closing with each of my clients that leave them wanting to give my name and phone number out for referrals!
Chat with prospective REALTORS, ask questions, get some answers and once you do, ask yourself if you feel you can work with that person over the next few months. Do your personality types work together well. Some agents will want you to sign a Buyer Broker agreement with them. (this is basically an agreement saying you will employ that agent to work for you, and you will use only THAT REALTOR to represent your transaction whether you buy a New Build or pre-owned home) Remember you are hiring a professional to provide a service for you. That means you can fire them too! Prior to signing any agreement, ask if the agent has a problem voiding the agreement if things don't work out.
Home ownership is usually the largest purchase a person will make in their lifetime. Make sure you hire someone who will work FOR you and help you along the process.
Ask friends for a referral to a REALTOR that they have used. Ask them straight up if they would use that person on their next transaction. REALTORS that are worth their commissions want not only to be your REALTOR for now, but your REALTOR for life!
That's my philosophy anyway. I want a successful closing with each of my clients that leave them wanting to give my name and phone number out for referrals!
Chat with prospective REALTORS, ask questions, get some answers and once you do, ask yourself if you feel you can work with that person over the next few months. Do your personality types work together well. Some agents will want you to sign a Buyer Broker agreement with them. (this is basically an agreement saying you will employ that agent to work for you, and you will use only THAT REALTOR to represent your transaction whether you buy a New Build or pre-owned home) Remember you are hiring a professional to provide a service for you. That means you can fire them too! Prior to signing any agreement, ask if the agent has a problem voiding the agreement if things don't work out.
Home ownership is usually the largest purchase a person will make in their lifetime. Make sure you hire someone who will work FOR you and help you along the process.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)