News for Fountain Hills and Arizona - Tuesday February 2nd, 2010 6:26pm
Wow - 2010. and we are in the 2nd full year of falling prices in the valley. In the past 2 months, prices have steadied, but we are also seeing mostly short-sales(which are a pain) and foreclosures (if I was in the market would be pursuing) that are selling at about 65% of the market. Normal, conventional sales make up about 35% of what is moving. Are sellers finally lisitng their properties at market value?? well, if they want them sold, they definitely are.
More about the short sale process: a lot of realtors are just throwing up numbers they hope the bank will accept without doing their homework as to what the bank may do, and also exactly what the homeowner owes, and his or her dilemma. the biggest problem is the wait time, i've had clients wait over 3 months for an answer, and the bank still won't make a decision. So if you go in that direction, be ready to wait, and you may get a great deal. Also, have your realtor, (me) ask the listing agent proper questions to make sure he has done a lot of the leg work before he has listed the property, or you will not be happy.
PRICING - I'm seeing amazing prices, condos under 90,000, when in 2006, 2007 there was nothing under 200,000 wiht a 2 bedroom. good news, if you have the wherewithal, one person's loss is your gain. If you've always wanted to own something in the valley of the SUN, its your time. The rental market is at an alltime high, these people who are selling, or forced to, need a place to live, and out-of-towners are always looking for a winter rental.
I am very familiar with the whole valley, and will work with you wherever you want to be, and will work to fit your needs and you r price point. Some places are cheaper, some are more expensive. I still believe Fountain Hills and the northeast valley of Scottsdale is the best part of town, bar none. So if you are in the market, or jsut curious, you owe it to yourself to explore what is out there.
Prices are holding steady, and people will always want to live in Phoenix, so let's get rolling on getting you into the property of your dreams.

News for Fountain Hills, AZ - Wednesday October 14th, 2009 1:54am
Its October 2009, and what is going on in the valley, and specifically Fountain Hills. I always thought the great mountain views all around brought a higher price to this part of the valley, and it does. With its pristine views, open air, and small town feel, Fountain Hills has many great features. Easy access up the bee-line highway to Payson, 2 miles to the Casino and We-ko-pa golf course, plus all the amenities of Fountain Hills. Now here comes the really good news for you buyers; Properties that were selling for 200-250 a square foot are no longer the minimum, I've seen homes under 100 a square foot, and they are real bargains. Are there foreclosures out there?? yes there are, and they aren't as prevelant as the rest of the valley, but there are plenty of short sales.
What is the difference you ask - how bout 100 days or more - actually foreclosed homes are much easier to purchase because the bank has already taken over, while the short sale - you wait and wait for a lender to approve a short pay-off on what is owned on the property.
Bottom line, there are great deals out here, almost as good as the weather is going to be for the next 6-8 months. HEAVEN ON EARTH. Please feel free to let me know what you are looking for. I also handle Scottsdale and the surrounding northeast valley, and yes I know where the great places are.
If you are interested in Arizona, look no further than Fountain Hills, and surrounding Scottsdale. Prices that are lower than they were 8 years ago. But be mindful, many of these "sweet" deals are being scooped up quickly by investors, and then re-sold to you at a 10-25% mark-up. Don't wait, get your specs on a property you are interested in seeing, and when it comes along, be ready to move.
I've been offering $500 airfare coupons or cash to people who close with me by the end of 2009, so hurry, time is running short.... AND THE SNOW WILL BE FALLING ON YOU SHORTLY.. for you midwesterners anyways