Thursday, April 24, 2014

WHY USE A REALTOR®?

WHY USE A REALTOR®? Here is why IT PAYS TO USE A REALTOR®....


SO! If you have any questions Regarding your Real Estate needs please Feel Free to contact me.









THE GALE TEAM at NOVA HOME LOANS launches a New FHA loan product for buyers!!!



Great news from "THE GALE TEAM" at NOVA HOME LOANS.

YES IT IS TRUE - NOVA launches a New FHA loan product for buyers with a 580 FICO score or higher.......
I have used Greg and The Gale Team at NOVA Home loans. "THEY GET THE JOB DONE LIKS NO ONE ELSE CAN....."


If you need more information on "THIS PROGRAM" or want to find out WHAT PROGRAMS YOU MAY QUALAFY FOR contact Greg or his Team and tell them I referred you to them. We will get the job done together...










Wednesday, April 9, 2014

Market Report for March 2014

Report overview

This report includes MLS data for the past 36 months in Maricopa County only as provided by the FlexMLS system.  Please note that searches fluctuate daily when running these reports; these figures were obtained on 3/2/2014.

A reminder that you need to meet with a real estate professional to see how statistics impact the area where you are considering selling or buying – blended statistics will not be as accurate as a more detailed report that your real estate professional can provide to help you with your decision making.

(click any graph for larger view)


Closed Sales Report Analysis:

Sellers:
As is typical in February over the past 3 years, last month saw a significant increase in the number of closed sales – a 13.6% increase over the month of January.  This is the normal “rebound” we see in activity after the holidays.  The statistics show that we had 4,858 residential homes sell in February in Maricopa County compared to 4,277 in the month of January.  Although this is good news, sellers need to continue to be diligent in pricing and staging their homes, as we are no longer in a seller’s market.  The traditional/balance market means a level playing field for both buyers AND sellers.

Buyers:
For buyers, this is great news.  It means that buyers are taking advantage of this amazing market due to low interest rates, higher inventory levels, and more traditional sales from which to choose.  The traditional market that we are in now means that there is balance from both the buyer and seller side.
 

Average Sales Price Analysis:

Sellers:
Last month saw the average sales price increase 2.5% from $251,087 to $252,201.  This is the second highest average sales price in the 36-month period.  The past two years have seen a higher increase in this month so sellers should pay careful attention to the overall reaction of buyers in the current market to make sure homes are priced to attract the most buyers.

Buyers:
This statistic is an indicator that buyers still continue to pay more for homes than they have in the past 36 months.  Educated and savvy buyers understand that a competitive market gives them fewer options for home choices – even when inventory increases.  Although this may vary from area to area and from price range to price range, buyers need to make sure they are fully informed regarding the specific market in which they have an interest.  This will give them the best chance of being competitive when making an offer.
 

Active Listings Analysis:

Sellers:
The month of February saw an uncharacteristic increase in the number of active listings for the second month in a row!  We have a total of 22,335 residential homes actively listed in Maricopa County as of 3/2/14.  Sellers need to continue to watch this trend as we begin to see more competition for getting a home sold – we saw our low in this area in May of 2012 when we only had 9,785 active listings.  Using a real estate consultant is essential to determine how homes should be priced in order to be competitive AND the terms that will need to be available for prospective buyers in order to take advantage of this market.

Buyers:
The current market means that buyers had more homes to consider than last month.  Continue to monitor this statistic, as it WILL be the statistic that indicates how many options you will have in your home search and how quickly you will need to act…the lower the number, the more likely the competitiveness for lower price homes will remain part of the current market.  As always, market activity is local and should be researched with your real estate professional to determine the activity and desirability of the homes that are of interest to you.
 

 
Average Days on Market Analysis:

Sellers:
This is a VERY important statistic to review this month.  February saw a significant increase in the average days on market – a 9.2 percent increase from 76 days to 83 days.  As we transition out of a sellers market and into a traditional market, we are seeing homes remain on the market for a longer period of time.  The longer a home is on the market, the more costly it is to sellers, as they continue to pay mortgage payments and all the other fees associated with home ownership.  Days on market are controlled by appeal to buyers – in condition and in price.  Staging and realistic pricing can dramatically impact a seller’s success in todays’ market.

Buyers:
Inventory continues to increase, providing buyers with more choices.  However, buyers need to be aware that competition for great homes continues to remain high.  Great homes will draw great buyers regardless of the real estate market we are experiencing.  The importance of having a reliable lender AND real estate professional to guide you through this process has never been more important.
 
STOP!

Would you like to know what is happening in your neighborhood?

Would you like to know the value of your home?

Do you need help deciding whether to sell or not or would you like to know if now is the right time to buy?

I would be very happy to get you that information.

Thursday, March 20, 2014

Home Improvements That Pay You Back...



February 2014 Market Report

Report overview

This report includes MLS data for the past 36 months in Maricopa County only as provided by the FlexMLS system.  Please note that searches fluctuate daily when running these reports; these figures were obtained on 2/3/2014.

A reminder that you need to meet with a real estate professional to see how statistics impact the area where you are considering selling or buying – blended statistics will not be as accurate as a more detailed report that your real estate professional can provide to help you with your decision making.
 
(click any graph for larger view)
 
Total # of Closed Sales (36 Month Overview)
 
Closed Sales Report Analysis:

Sellers:

As is typical in January of the past 3 years, last month saw a significant decrease in the number of closed sales – an 18% decrease over the prior month.  This can be due in large part to fewer buyers going under contract over the holidays.  The statistics show that we had 4,277 residential homes sell in January in Maricopa County compared to 5,225 in the month of December.  Sellers should pay close attention to this figure as January’s closings were the lowest in the 36-month reporting period.

Buyers:

For buyers, it is good to know that buyers are still buying and taking advantage of the great interest rates and lending options available to them.  Although we traditionally see fewer homes close in January of each year, savvy buyers continue to remain very active.
 
Average Sales Price (36 month overview)
 
Average Sales Price Analysis:
 
Sellers:

Last month saw the average sales price decrease 2.5% from $257,626 to $251,087.  Although this is the third highest average sales price in the 36-month period, sellers should be aware of a shift in the market.  Homes are remaining on the market for a longer period of time, average prices are dropping, and inventory is increasing.  Pricing is more important than ever to ensure that a home remains attractive compared to the competing listings.  Homes that are priced right from the onset of the listing historically sell faster and closer to the list price compared to listings that experience price-reductions.

Buyers:

This statistic is an indicator that buyers still continue to pay more for homes than they have in the past 36 months.  Educated and savvy buyers understand that a competitive market gives them fewer options for home choices – even when inventory increases.  Although this may vary from area to area and from price range to price range, buyers need to make sure they are fully informed regarding the specific market in which they have an interest.  This will give them the best chance of being competitive when making an offer.
 
Total # Pending Sales (36 Month Overview)
 
Pending Sales Report Analysis
 
Sellers:

The month of January saw a significant increase in the number of homes that moved to pending status – a total of 4,542 homes.  This type of increase is very typical for this time of year.  It is very important for sellers to continue to monitor this statistic, as it is a strong indicator of the number of buyers and sellers that were able to come to an agreement on the terms of a contract on a home.

Buyers:

Educated and savvy buyers understand that a competitive market gives them fewer options for home choices, negotiating on price, and requesting seller concessions.  Although this may vary from area to area and from price range to price range, buyers need to make sure they are fully informed regarding the specific market in which they have an interest.  This will give them the best chance of being competitive in the search for a home.  The new lending practices make it more important than ever for buyers to be prequalified for a mortgage through a reputable lender.
 
New Listings (36 Month Overview)
Months of Inventory Analysis
 
Sellers:

The month of January followed the normal trend for this month and saw a dramatic 44% increase in the number of new listings entering the market, a total of only 9,648 homes.  This is the second highest number during this 36-month period.  Sellers definitely need to monitor this new inventory to see how it might impact the sale of their home.  With all of the other factors showing a shift to a more balanced market, sellers need to be more aggressive than ever to price their homes to attract buyers.  If your home is not selling in this market, it is more than likely a pricing issue.  Buyers are very aware of this shift, and are making offers on homes that are priced well, and offer the best amenities and terms.

Buyers:

Buyers pay attention! January brought you 9,648 more choices. Although buyers do have more options, the other statistics in this report reveal that well priced homes are still selling quickly.  More than ever, it is essential that you take advantage of this new inventory.  Spend time with and listen to your real estate professional to develop your strategy for succeeding in a market that is constantly changing.
 
STOP!

Would you like to know what is happening in your neighborhood?

Would you like to know the value of your home?

Do you need help deciding whether to sell or not or would you like to know if now is the right time to buy?

I would be very happy to get you that information.

Just hit Reply and let me know.


January Market Update 2014


Existing-Home Sales Drop in January While Prices Continue to Grow
By Walter Molony


WASHINGTON (February 21, 2014) – Existing-home sales fell in January to the lowest level in a year-and-a-half, but ongoing inventory shortages continue to lift prices in much of the U.S., according to the National Association of Realtors®.

Read more, click HERE.


How to buy a house, even with no savings and bad credit


 
Sure, you'll buy a house. Just as soon as the money truck dumps a big load of cash at your front door. And the credit fairy sprinkles a whole bunch of that magic dust on some numbers that aren't even close to "qualifying" levels.

To learn more, click HERE.
 
What the New Mortgage Rules Mean for You
By Les Christie
 
New mortgage lending rules are going into effect Friday that aim to put an end to the worst mortgage lending abuses of the past. 
Read more, click HERE

Why Failure is Good for Success

The sweetest victory is the one that’s most difficult. The one that requires you to reach down deep inside, to fight with everything you’ve got, to be willing to leave everything out there on the battlefield—without knowing, until that do-or-die moment, if your heroic effort will be enough.

Read more, click HERE.
Buckeye Community is Wooing Boomers 
 
Baby Boomers considering buying in metro Phoenix’s newest community for people 55 and older will have four home builders from which to choose: Lennar, Maracay Homes, Standard Pacific and T.W. Lewis.

To learn more, click HERE.

Ides of March: What Is It? Why Do We Still Observe It?
 
Thanks to Shakespeare's indelible dramatization, March 15—also called the Ides of March—is forever linked with the 44 B.C. assassination of Julius Caesar, and with prophecies of doom.

Read more, click HERE.
Phoenix Events March

If you can't find something to do in the Phoenix area, you probably aren't looking very hard. March is one of our busiest months of the year, with baseball, art festivals, garden events -- this is the place to be in the springtime.

Learn more, click HERE.

Emerald Isle Cocktail Recipe

You will find that the Emerald Isle is a minty gin cocktail that is a great green drink for St. Patrick's Day parties and is similar to the Caruso.

For the recipes, click HERE.
How March Madness Works
 
March Madness is a phenomenon that grips the national sports psyche from the second week of March through the first week of April.

Learn more, click HERE.

Bacon Wrapped Smokies 
 
"Time consuming but it is well worth it! The brown sugar and bacon grease combine beautifully and give such a great taste."

For the recipe, click HERE.

Keeping Your Home Safe While You’re Away
 
Total home security means that you won't have to worry while you're away. A few simple actions and some high-tech additions will give you peace of mind whether you're at your office or on a Caribbean cruise.

Learn more, click HERE.

Thursday, February 13, 2014

Phoenix-area housing market tilts in favor of buyers

Home sales: Best year since 2006


Homeowners sold 5 million homes in 2013, a rebound year for the industry that marked the highest level of sales since the housing boom year of 2006.

Read more, click HERE.


Phoenix-area housing market tilts in favor of buyers


The number of houses for sale in metro Phoenix has climbed almost 40 percent in the past year. With many more properties from which to choose, the market is tilting away from sellers toward people looking to buy.

To learn more, click HERE.
 

Phoenix Events February

February is high season in the desert Southwest, and it a very busy month for art festivals, sporting events and other indoor and outdoor activities.

Learn more, click HERE.

What to do at the AZ Renaissance Festival

Walk among more than 2,000 brightly costumed actors, dancers, and musicians who roam the medieval replica village.

To learn more, click HERE.

5 Easy DIY Weekend Projects Under $300
 
Most of the cost of these DIY weekend projects is in the materials. The labor — that’s you — is free. All you need now are the hours.

Learn more, click HERE.

10 Hottest Housing Markets for 2014
 
From Oakland, Calif., to Memphis, Tenn., these major metro areas are expected to see the biggest increase in home prices this year, according to CoreLogic Case-Shiller's latest home price forecast.

Read more, click HERE

14 Things to Consider Before Buying a Home
By Diane Benson Harrington

Wait! That house may seem like everything you’ve ever wanted, but before you make an offer, take some time to consider a few things beyond the size, style and price.

To learn more, click HERE.

Romantic Valentine's Day Menu

Surprise someone special with this decadent Valentine's Day dinner menu for two.

For the recipes, click HERE.

Valentine's Day Humor

Watch the Video
 

CBS News to Mark 50th Anniversary of the Beatles on ‘The Ed Sullivan Show’
 
CBS has launched a new division called CBS Live Experiences which aims to bring CBS’s popular TV programming to live events. The first, happening in February, will mark the 50th anniversary of The Beatles performing on “The Ed Sullivan Show”

Learn more, click HERE.

Smarter Ways to Use Your Kitchen Cabinets and Drawers

Reduce counter clutter and make the most of your kitchen space with these clever ideas to make your cabinets and drawers work harder.

To learn more, click HERE.

Spirit:  8 Questions to Ask Yourself Today

You want change? Here's how to get it—in big, fat, meaningful ways—from a few of this year's freshest, wisest thinkers.

Read more, click HERE.

STOP!
Would you like to know what is happening in your neighborhood?

Would you like to know the value of your home?

Do you need help deciding whether to sell or not or would you like to know if now is the right time to buy?

I would be very happy to get you that information