Maricopa County Residential Foreclosure Data

Maricopa County Residential Foreclosure Data 11/01/11Maricopa County Residential Foreclosure Data 11/01/11

Phoenix Diversity

Phoenix, Arizona, what a great city to live in! Within a few minutes you can go from the downtown high rise hustle/bustle to the outer suburbs with a rural atmosphere, all under the beautiful big sky umbrella of sunshine! Along the freeways and streets you will discover the different neighborhoods with each having its own unique and charming qualities. Along with the plethora of chain restaurants you can experience the smaller owned coffee shops, cafes and eateries.

If you are a native, how long has it been since you drove to the top of South Mountain for an incredible view of our city? If you live here, take some time and see the city through the eyes of a tourist. Visit the museums, art festivals, theatres, maybe take a drive up through Cave Creek and Carefree. Perhaps a weekend stay-cation at one of our wonderful resorts? It's that most wonderful time of year here in The Valley of The Sun! Get out and enjoy!

When is a Real Estate Agent a REALTOR?

When Is a Real Estate Agent a REALTOR®?
A real estate agent is a REALTOR® when he or she becomes a member of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®, The Voice for Real Estate®, the world's largest professional association. The term "REALTOR®" is a registered collective membership mark that identifies a real estate professional who is a member of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® and abides by its strict Code of Ethics.

Founded in 1908, NAR has grown from its original nucleus of 120 members to more than 1 million today. NAR is composed of REALTORS® who are involved in residential and commercial real estate as brokers, salespeople, property managers, appraisers, counselors, and others who are engaged in all aspects of the real estate industry.

Members belong to one or more of 1,700 local associations/boards and 54 state and territory associations of REALTORS® and can join one of our many institutes, societies, and councils. Additionally, NAR offers members the opportunity to be active in our appraisal and international real estate specialty sections. REALTORS® are pledged to a strict Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice.

Working for America's property owners, the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® provides a facility for professional development, research, and exchange of information among its members.

Check out the Public Awareness Campaign television and radio spots that encourage consumers to rely on the expertise and integrity of REALTORS®.

The NAR advertising campaign runs February through November on network and cable television and network and satellite radio, helping consumers understand the real value of working with REALTORS®. From their voluntary adherence to a Code of Ethics to their incomparable knowledge of real estate processes, REALTORS® are the experts of residential and commercial property transactions.









Copyright NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®

Metro Phoenix August update

There were 8,717 sales of residential properties in the Phoenix Metro
Area in August, an increase 4% over July and 18% over August 2010,
according to the Arizona Regional Multiple Listing Service. Total
inventory decreased again in for the seventh consecutive month to
26,983, or 2% below the prior month. The median sale price of $109,900
and the average sale price of $155,000 in August have remained fairly
flat for the last 12 months. Multiple offers (often 10+) above asking
price is the norm for homes priced below the mid-range and even homes
below $300,000.

Be Prepared!

If you are currently thinking of purchasing a property in Arizona whether a primary or secondary residence, do yourself this favor....before contacting a REALTOR to show you properties you will need to know what you qualify for financially.

Speak to a bank or mortgage lender to learn what you will be able to afford. If paying cash, you will need to show a "Proof of Funds" from your bank. Without either a Proof of Funds or Loan Status Report from a lender no seller will take you seriously.

So do the preliminary steps necessary so that when you find the ideal property you will be able to submit an offer immediately!

Current inventory is low, so just like the Boy/Girl Scouts.....be prepared!

Single Women a Rising Force in the Housing Market

Single Women a Rising Force in the Housing Market
Unmarried women continue to make up a growing segment of home buyers and are buying homes in record numbers: Last year, they composed 20 percent of all buyers last year, according to the National Association of REALTORS®. Single men accounted for 12 percent.

The Joint Center for Housing Studies says the three main reasons single women are purchasing homes are:

▪ They have a strong desire to nest (the top-ranked reason).
▪ They want to relocate closer to a job or family.
▪ They need more space.

In capturing this growing segment of female buyers, builders are reflecting more female tastes in the design of homes. For example, in new houses, builders are adding security features, gourmet kitchens, and maintenance-free yards to appeal more to the single woman buyer.

Housing experts say that single women are purchasing homes at various stages in their lives — some are new college grads and plan to one day get married while others may be divorced or just want to set up roots in their own place.

Source: “Singles Dive Into the Real Estate Market,” SecondAct/MSN (July 12, 2011)

Things are heatin up!

It's Arizona, it's June, it doesn't take a rocket scientist to know the temperatures are heating up and so is our housing market. Our inventory is low, which means multiple offers on properties. Whatever the type of home you are looking for, if you find a clean property at a good price, odds are someone else will want it too. Don't waste months of your time and your agents time by making low ball offers that don't stand a chance, be serious and know what you want but also be open to suggestions from your agent. Frustrations can set in if time passes and you don't seem to find what you want, stay with it, keep on looking, if it's not on the market perhaps look for a new build. Builders are offering some great incentives for buyers right now so keep your options open!