15. March 2012 by Teri Ellis.

It’s amazing when I look back at the numbers in blog posts such as this one where we had almost 50,000 active listings, and as low as 7,000 active listings in January 2005! I enjoy checking the numbers to see what the housing market is doing. Folks, we ARE DOWN!!! We are now at a time where finding that perfect home, and negotiating, is coming at an end. For Sellers, if you price your home right, now is a good time to list your home for sale! 

Following are the numbers!  As of right now, overall, the total (including apartment homes, mobile homes, condos, and single family dwelling) now is 15,665.

The lowest price, interestingly is $2,750, a beginning low bid at auction. The key number to watch is the overall $15,665 even though that is everything on the market as of this minute! I’ll break down a few of the areas on the east side including Phoenix, Mesa, Chandler, Gilbert and Gold Canyon. Inventory is declining FAST!

The available ACTIVE properties in Phoenix – 2,557, PENDING – 3,210

The available ACTIVE properties in Mesa – 1,168, PENDING - 1,113!

The available ACTIVE properties in Gilbert – 439, PENDING – 661!

The available ACTIVE properties in Chandler – 520, PENDING – 661!

The available ACTIVE properties in Gold Canyon – 224, PENDING – 50!

Remember, these numbers include: short sales, auctions, foreclosures AND a normal seller sale.

The market is definitely on the upswing AND good pricing and selection is becoming scarce. If you would like more info on the market in your area, just give me a call at: 480.382-8711 for assistance!

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7. March 2012 by Teri Ellis.

Historic Florence, Arizona ~ Thursday, April 12-Sunday, April 15, 2012

For information about Country Thunder evens, the entertainment lineup and the location/hours, go to http://countrythunder.com.

Special discounts for SRP customers.

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15. February 2012 by Teri Ellis.

On October 15, 2011, I posted the number of active listings, pending listings in the Phoenix and Mesa, Arizona markets as well as closed listings as of July 30! See my article at: http://www.azladyinredrealestateblog.com/update-on-phoenix-and-mesa-inventory-sales-and-activity/

A quick recap of the October 15 numbers:

“In our entire multiple listing area:  as of today, there are 19,783 active listings.

In Phoenix: there are 3,883 ACTIVE listings, there are 3,082 PENDING, and 5,252 have CLOSED since July 30, 2011.

In Mesa: there are currently 1,642 ACTIVE listings, 1,018 PENDING, and 1,848 CLOSED since July 30, 2011.”

As of TODAY, February 15, 2012, there are 17,034 Active listings! Downward trend in available homes for sale across the board. As a reminder, this number includes: other counties and cities outside of the Phoenix Metropolitan area! I’ll break down the numbers as I did in October as I remind my readers, in January 2005, we had less than 7,000 active listings! We are headed that way now. The pickings are slim these days for great properties, but they are out there. It just takes more looking, more negotiating, and more work – but we CAN make it happen.

In Phoenix: there are 2,903 active listings, 3,116 pending listings, and as of October 15, 2011, 7,445 closed!

In Mesa: there are 1,290 active listings, 1,090 pending listings, and 2,767 have closed since October 15, 2011!

We now have 2,749 less available homes for sale than we did in October! The inventory is definitely doing down – watching to see what it does in the future. Meanwhile…….

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14. February 2012 by Teri Ellis.

I grew up in Arizona! Back in the 50’s we had no air conditioning, but as a child, I don’t remember it being a problem. We played in the water and in the irrigation ditches and drank from hoses when thirsty. We survived the heat. Coming from a large family, we were always busy playing and enjoying being able to go barefoot. That was always important to us since we knew as soon as the ground was warm enough, our mother would allow us to remove our shoes.

I love Arizona! There are so many beautiful places to see! Weather is wonderful during the winter especially, but during the summer, there are myriad areas to camp, to fish, to boat, to visit just a short trip to the mountains or to the lakes.

As a child, we would camp at Oak Creek Canyon, just north of Sedona, for two weeks sleeping in tents, or outside, bathing in the cold, cold streams. My dad would leave while we were sleeping and catch fish for breakfast.  Good memories.

Arizona is considered part of the Southwestern United States and is bordered by New Mexico to the east, Utah to the north, Nevada to the northwest, California to the west, its northeast corner touches part of Colorado, this area is known as the Four Corners. To the south of Arizona is the country Mexico with which it shares a border of 389 miles. The state is called the "Grand Canyon State" and the "Copper State" as it is the home of the Grand Canyon and has produced large amounts of copper from its mineral deposits.

Arizona became a state on February 14, 1912 and became the 48th state accepted into the United States. The state capital is Phoenix, which also is the largest city in the state. Phoenix is the largest capital city in the US.

Arizona’s climate can be very hot. In Phoenix, the average temperature is about 107 degrees Fahrenheit in summer. AND it has been known to occasionally get up to 120! AND we enjoy monsoons in July/August which cools us down, but then humidity kicks in. BUT, no matter what, I can always go outside utilizing the conveniences of air conditioning in my car, in my home, in the markets, etc.

So far this winter, I don’t believe we’ve dipped much below 60 (which is cold for us Arizonans!) February has been pretty much in the high 60’s and 70’s, and beautiful!

During the winter months, many people migrate to Arizona to enjoy the mild weather. After spending a couple of months here, they often purchase a home to return to every winter. For those living here full time, there are mountains close by where it is at least 20 degrees cooler than the valley. Many purchase a second home in those mountains and commute to the valley once a month or so.

Happy Birthday Arizona!!!

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15. December 2011 by Teri Ellis.

A GREAT OPPORTUNITY TO RECYCLE!! Gather up your documents, old checks, personal stuff, Christmas trees, computer hard drives, and bring them to the ULTIMATE recycling event scheduled for December 30 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Seventh Avenue and Camelback Road (northwest corner).  “I Recycle Festival 2” is presented by “Keep Phoenix Beautiful”, the city of Phoenix and a group of other businesses and nonprofit organizations. Be sure to visit the website for more information at: phoenixrecycles.org.

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27. November 2011 by Teri Ellis.

Mesa residents looking for a quick and easy way to recycle their appliances, computers and electronics can take advantage of the City’s A.C.E. Express drop-off recycling collection events.

Upcoming event:

Saturday, December 3, 2011

Center Street Facility
2412 N. Center St.

8 a.m. - Noon
Materials not accepted after 12:00 noon

Acceptable items include:

• Computers, printers & scanners
• Refrigerators, freezers, stoves, microwaves & dishwashers
• Televisions, stereos, DVD players, etc.
• Washers & dryers
• Water heaters

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23. November 2011 by Teri Ellis.

What a great idea! Shop at locally owned business to find that unique gift. We have so many shopping opportunities in the Phoenix area. Keep our money in our state which means more jobs, neighborhood improvements and community development for Phoenix.

DID YOU KNOW? the taxes you pay on the merchandise you buy goes directly to the city’s General Fund. City sales taxes are about 40% of total General Fund revenue which pays for city services such as police and fire protection, parks, libraries, senior centers and street maintenance.

A great resource, go to phoenix.gov/shopphoenix.

Holiday Garbage/Recycling Pickup Schedule!

Thanksgiving Day – Thursday, November 24: Thursday’s collection moves to Friday, November 25, and Friday’s collection moves to Saturday, November 26

Christmas Day – Monday, December 26: Monday’s collection moves to Tuesday, December 27, Tuesday’s collection moves to Wednesday, December 28

New Year’s Day – Monday, January 2: Monday’s collection moves to Tuesday, January 3, Tuesday’s collection moves to Wednesday, January 4.

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25. August 2011 by Teri Ellis.

Sellers, we are clearly in a complex real estate market! Since so many homes are “not” selling, I want to suggest some tips so that you can make your home more “sale – able”.  As of today, you are competing with over 19,000 other sellers, so your home needs to have the best edge possible. You may want to consider some of my suggestions below – and remember, first impressions are HUGE! You will only have one time to make that first impression! These are just a few ideas – you might be able to think of more.

10 Ways to Make Your House More Sale-able

1. Get rid of clutter. Throw out or file stacks of newspapers and magazines. Pack away most of your small decorative items. Store out-of-season clothing to make closets seem roomier. Remove unnecessary furniture – after all, you plan to move. Clean out the garage. Put extra stuff into a storage container.

2. Wash your windows and screens to let more light into the interior.  During the listing, have them cleaned regularly.

3. Keep everything extra clean. Wash fingerprints from light switch plates. Mop and wax floors. Clean the stove and refrigerator. A clean house makes a better first impression and convinces buyers that the home has been well cared for. Trust me, buyers look inside your cabinets, closets and drawers!

4. Get rid of smells. Clean carpeting and drapes to eliminate cooking odors, smoke, and pet smells. Open the windows. Potpourri or room deoderizers can make your home smell warm and inviting.

5. Put higher wattage bulbs in light sockets to make rooms seem brighter, especially basements and other dark rooms. Replace any burnt-out bulbs.

6. Make minor repairs that can create a bad impression. Small problems such as sticky doors, torn screens, cracked caulking, peeling paint on the outside, or a dripping faucet may seem trivial, but they’ll give buyers the impression that the house isn’t well maintained. On that note, keeping your home maintained while living in it can cut down on fixes needed when preparing to sell your home.

7. Pretty up your yard. Cut the grass, rake the leaves, trim the bushes, and edge the walks. Put a pot or two of bright flowers near the entryway. Plant flowers in the flower beds! First impressions are important!

8. Patch holes in your driveway and reapply sealant, if applicable.

9. Clean your gutters.

10. Polish your front doorknob and door numbers.

5 Ways to Speed Up Your Sale

1. Price it right- GET IT SOLD! Set a price at the lower end of your property’s realistic price range.

2. Get your house market ready for at least two weeks before you begin showing it.

3. Be flexible about showings. It’s often disruptive to have a house ready to show on the spur of the moment, but the more often someone can see your home, the sooner you’ll find a seller.

4. Be ready for the offers. Decide in advance what price and terms you’ll accept!

5. Don’t refuse to drop the price. If your home has been on the market for more than 30 days without an offer, be prepared to lower your asking price.

Just some additional things for Sellers to consider. We are not in a “typical” market! Bank owned, short sales, mortgage restrictions, and even more will be out there to slow down, change the process, and create problems. Be sure to listen to your Realtor’s advice. After all - that’s what we do! We do this every day, so – NO MATTER THE ADVICE OF YOUR “FRIENDS”, hire a Realtor you trust, and then utilize his/her skills!

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20. August 2011 by Teri Ellis.

APS Offers Shade Trees to Homeowners of Historic Homes

APS wants to spread the word about its Shade Tree Program. This is a great opportunity for historic homeowners to add shade to their homes and to conserve energy without altering windows or other historic features of their homes.

APS will give qualified Maricopa County residents up to three free five-gallon shade trees after attending the free one-hour Shade Tree workshop. You can receive up to two Palo Verde, Mesquite, Desert Willow or Chaste (Vitex) trees for homes built 1980 or later and three trees for homes built prior to 1980. Program participants are responsible for picking up the trees at a distribution event and planting and maintaining the trees. Please visit TREES for more information.

Shade Tree Workshops:

Aug 27th: Avondale Care1st Resource Center
328 W. Western Ave.
Avondale, AZ 85323

Oct 1st & 2nd: Avondale Care1st Resource Center
328 W. Western Ave.
Avondale, AZ 85323

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7. August 2011 by Teri Ellis.

I’m wondering how many Buyers and those who rent or lease a home in Mesa or Phoenix and adjoining areas in the Phoenix valley know about their rights. Yes, rights! Buyers, as consumers, are entitled to rights as set forth in the  Home Buyers’ Bill of Rights!   The Bill of Rights for consumers in Arizona begins with the statement:

"THE ARIZONA DEPARTMENT OF REAL ESTATE, IN COOPERATION WITH INDUSTRY PROFESSIONALS AND THE PUBLIC, CREATED THIS “BILL OF RIGHTS” TO HELP EDUCATE YOU, THE CONSUMER, OF YOUR RIGHTS WHEN PURCHASING OR RENTING PROPERTY.  AS A REAL ESTATE CONSUMER IN ARIZONA, YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO KNOW MATERIAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE PROPERTY.

THE FOLLOWING LIST REPRESENTS SOME OF THE IMPORTANT MATERIAL FACTS YOU SHOULD EDUCATE YOURSELF ON BEFORE PURCHASING ANY TYPE OF PROPERTY IN ARIZONA."

In an effort to better acquaint home buyers and renters with their "rights", I have included a link to the information above, and shared the material below as well.

BUYERS AND TENANTS: YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO KNOW:

• If the property is located in an incorporated city or unincorporated part of the county.
• If title insurance is available and if fire insurance can be acquired.
• If you will have fire and police protection and, if so, who provides this service.
• If the roads provide access for fire protection and police service.
• If the roads are maintained, and by whom.
• If utilities are available, and who provides them. (Water, Electric, Gas, Sewer, Trash)
• If the water supply is adequate.
• If the jurisdiction the property is located in has conservation restrictions and policies.
• If the property is located in a school district, and the distance to the closest schools.
• If there are any natural or geological hazards, pests or wildlife.
• If there are essential services near the property such as grocery and medical services.
• If there is crime in the area and the crime rate.
• That you have a right to equal housing opportunity free of discrimination.
• If the property is affected by a military installation.
• If there is an Arizona Subdivision Disclosure Report, an Affidavit of Disclosure or a Seller’s Property Disclosure Statement.  You should read these disclosure documents before you purchase or rent.

THERE MAY BE OTHER ITEMS NOT LISTED ABOVE THAT YOU SHOULD EDUCATE YOURSELF ON BEFORE BUYING OR RENTING PROPERTY.  FOR A LARGER LIST, PLEASE REFERENCE THE BUYER’S ADVISORY GUIDE.

Visit www.AZRE.gov – a great resource for the public! As REALTORS, we are here to protect you and the public.

The more informed the buyers are here in the Mesa, Arizona and surrounding areas, the more informed their decisions can be.

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