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Short Sales continue to be a major part of the market in Phoenix
Short sales have become a significant part of the Real Estate transactions.
The chart to the right shows the sales in January 2010 by city and the corresponding percent of sales by type; Bank or Lender Owned in red, Short Sales in blue, with the remainder being traditional sales. Anthem had the highest percentage of short sale transactions in January 2010 with 38%. As you can see, every city or town in Phoenix is experiencing short sales and the underlying hardships that make these sales necessary. From Avondale to Anthem, and Gilbert to Glendale, it is a trend that will continue for all of 2010 and longer.
Short sales are defined as the market value being less than the amount owed to the bank(s). Nationwide, 24% of all properties with a mortgage were upside down or negative equity. In Arizona, the number is estimated to be closer to 51%. When a homeowner experiences a hardship such as relocation, job loss, divorce, separation, or health issues and must sell, but have negative equity, the choices are difficult. The Arizona Department of Real Estate and the Arizona Association of Realtors recently released a Short Sale Seller Advisory that discusses the options available to homeowners in this situation. A website that also have information regarding short sale can be found at Phoenix Foreclosure Options.
If you know if anyone who is experiencing a hardship and needs additional information regarding short sales and the available alternative, please pass on this information or have them call me at 480-326-8571 with any questions.
 Hospitals Keeping Up With Growing East Valley
There are many variables that affect a buyer’s decision regarding the perfect home. Obviously, the appeal and price of the home are the most important. When it comes to the area around the house, what are the critical variables? For many people, accessible and quality healthcare are a must have that cannot be compromised, especially in emergency situation . Luckily for those searching for a home in the Gilbert, Chandler, Mesa and Queen Creek / San Tan Valley area, quality hospitals are a byproduct of the developing east valley infrastructure. In the last 4 years, the east valley has seen four new hospitals open their doors. Mercy Gilbert Medical Center opened in June 2006, Mesa’s Mountain Vista Medical Center opened July 2007, Banner Gateway in Gilbert opened Sept. 2007, and Banner Ironwood in Pinal County is scheduled to open in November of 2010, even though it was finished Fall of 2009.
Continue reading The newest Gilbert, Mesa and Queen Creek Hospitals
Guest or In Law Suite Homes in Tempe Enjoy Other Benefits
 A Tempe home that provides a separate guest quarter and entrance may be the perfect solution for a family with an aging parent. The decision to locate in Tempe benefits from the strong mass transit system that can provide a safe way to travel throughout the valley. One element of that system is the Phoenix Light Rail System. Of the 28 stations, 8 of them are located in Tempe. The light rail is also wheelchair friendly, and passes right in front of the Disability Empowerment Center in Phoenix.
Tempe Homes with Guest or In Law Suite
Tempe, unlike other cities further removed from employment centers provides close access to freeways and more developed transportation infrastructure so nothing is really very far away and commuting time can be significantly reduced.
For more Tempe housing information please contact me at 480-326-8571.
Added Search Fields Enhance Wheelchair / Handicap Accessibility Search Fields For Phoenix Homes
Just recently the ability to search for Phoenix Az homes with accessibility features improved significantly. Previously, the only way to search for homes with wheelchair or handicap features was through a search of the description for certain words such as “roll-in shower”, “ramps”, “wide doorways”, or “wheelchair accessible”. This was unreliable because you depend on the listing agent to accurately describe these features in the remarks section of the listing. The new fields are a tremendous improvement, but still rely on the listing agent to recognize and properly input the features. Below is a list of the new fields.
The added fields help define the various degrees of accessibility. Accessibility is not a “yes” or” no” question. Some potential buyers may require a roll in shower and 32″ wide doorways while others only need a zero grade entrty and tile or hardwood floors. The 21 fields provide a more complete picture of the features that a buyer may need or desire, and allow the seller to better exposure.
Continue reading Arizona MLS System Adds Accessibility Features Search Fields
Flexible Floor Plan offers Casita, Guest Suite and 2 Master Bedrooms in Gilbert
 You can tell when the east valley real estate market is picking up. The new home builders are coming back into the market. I stopped into the models of a new home builder in east Gilbert looking for multi-generational homes that offer a casita, in law suite or two master bedrooms. I was pleasantly surprised by what I found, especially in one floor plan that is extremely versatile. If a buyer is willing to wait, the house could be customized to include a downstairs and upstairs master and a casita / guest suite downstairs. The casita would include a separate outside entrance where the guest suite access is from the house.
Continue reading Gilbert New Home with 2 Masters, Guest Suite or Casita
Award Winning Trilogy at Power Ranch in Gilbert
 Trilogy at Power Ranch is the recipient of the Gilbert Excellence Award Neighborhood of the Year for 2009. This age restricted active adult community has an endless supply of amenities which include tennis courts, swimming pool and spa, pool tables, cyber cafe, and planned social activities to name a few. The list would not be complete without mentioning the Trilogy Golf Club with a 18 championship par – 71 golf course that stretches over 6,800 yards. Trilogy at Power Ranch has all the amenities that could keep you entertained and busy without having to leave the community.
Continue reading Trilogy At Power Ranch – Gilbert Casita Homes
Gilbert Receives High Ranks As A Safe Arizona Community
 CQ Press released its annual City Crime Ranks and Gilbert ranked as Arizona’s safest city and 24th safest nationwide. The ranking was based on data from 6 categories reported by local law enforcement agencies during 2008.
This information can be invaluable to those families that find themselves in the situation where they are caring for elder parents and raising their own children. A recent study by Communispace reported that over 20 million Americans find themselves as part of the “Sandwich Generation“; simultaneously taking care of aging parents while raising children and/or teenagers. This population demographic will continue to grow as people live longer and recent economic developments force couples to become multi-generational caregivers. Multi generational or extended family housing needs will therefore also increase.
Continue reading Gilbert – A Safe Place for Families
The Most Important Part of the Due Diligence May Not Be The Inspection Report
 You’ve found a house that you believe is a perfect fit, it has that rare two master bedroom or ideal in law suite layout. Your offer was accepted and you begin your due diligence. Now you need some confirmation that it’s everything you wanted and there are no unwanted surprises. The inspection period, typically 10 days, is the time do to just that. The Arizona Department of Real Estate has published the Buyer Advisory to help buyers investigate the condition of the property, and assist in evaluating the area surrounding the property. There is a tremendous amount of information to review and the check list of items to investigate can be overwhelming. The Department of Real Estate has even created the Home Buyers’ Bill of Rights to help buyers be aware of material issues of the property. I also created a page on my website in order to educate buyers on the home buying process. Finding a qualified home inspector will be a major part of the activites during the inspection period. But there is more to a thorough home inspection.
Continue reading A Critical Task During The Inspection Period
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Contact Us Gordon Baker
Re/Max Alliance Group
745 W.Elliot Rd. #111
Gilbert, AZ. 85233
Direct Phone: 480-326-8571
Fax: 480-718-8455
E-mail: info@ourphoenixfamilyhome.com
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Active Adult Retirement Community is part of Peoria and Sun City