Living in The East Valley » Arizona

Live on the Lake! Attractive five bedroom home for sale in Glendale Arizona

admin — Thu, 15 Mar 2012 20:51:58 +0000

Phoenix Housing Market Is Changing

admin — Thu, 09 Jun 2011 21:05:43 +0000

I was talking with another real estate agent yesterday and he told me he had six offers on a property he had listed. Since April, most of the time when we submit an offer for a buyer, the listing agent tells us there are multiple offers for the property and asks for our buyer’s highest and best offer. Other agents in our office are also seeing the same thing. We believe that the Phoenix housing market is changing. Here are a few key statistics recently released by ARMLS (Arizona Regional Multiple Listing Service).

The number of homes sold for each of the last three months has been over 9,000. May saw 9,809 homes sold, an 8.1% increase over May of last year. This was also the second highest monthly sales figure since August of 2005.
Total inventory of homes has dropped significantly in recent months. May inventory was at 31,661 homes, the lowest number in the past 24 months and 23.4% lower than May 2011. For comparison, inventory in November 2010 was 45,353.
Average and median sales prices have been relatively flat over the past six months.
A large portion of sales activity has been for properties priced under $100,000. 46% of pending contracts in May were for properties priced under $100,000. Another 22.4% were for properties priced between $100,000 and $150,000.
Foreclosure and short sale properties continue to make up a large portion of sales and of properties still available for sale.

All of this data signals that the Phoenix market area is changing. We believe there will continue to be significant monthly decreases in the number of properties available for sale for less than $100,000. We think the lower inventory has already started to put some upward pressure on prices although it may take a while for this to show up statistically. If more listings start being added to the market in response to the demand then prices are likely to stay fairly flat. However, we think the lower inventory has already started to put some upward pressure on prices and if inventory continues to shrink we will start to see gradual increases in average prices.

Oh Christmas tree, Oh Christmas tree. . .

patmonahan — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 18:04:44 +0000

On December 6th, Chandler will be lighting it’s one and only tumbleweed Christmas tree in downtown. It’s been a tradition since 1957 and is made up of tumbleweeds collected around town. The ceremony takes place starting at 4:30 pm in AJ Chandler park near the San Marcos in downtown Chandler.

Watch this video, it’s pretty cool.

Tempe, Arizona

patmonahan — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 21:29:12 +0000

If you haven’t been to Tempe in the last 10 years, you haven’t been to Tempe, AZ at all. This Arizona city has added a lake, a major shopping area, changed it’s downtown image and added light rail. Tempe is a city of about 170,000 people and most of them come to work at Arizona State University, US Airways, Chase Bank and Honeywell. But, there’s over 85 companies that have 300 employees or more. So, if you don’t live in Tempe, there’s a good chance you work there.

Or play there. The 10 year old Tempe Town Lake is the centerpiece for sailing, rowing and fishing. But, it also attracks triathletes, runners and folks just out to picnic. The lake and Tempe Beach Park host the Ironman ArizonaTriathlon every November. Other times of the year you can see carnivals, concerts and parties on or around the lake. Tempe has other parks worth checking out too, like Kiwanis Park to the south, Papago Park to the north and 48 parks total. Papago Park is part Tempe and part Phoenix. Either way, you’ll enjoy the hiking, mountaineering, zoo and botanical gardens.

Just to the south of the lake is Mill Avenue, a collection of trendy restaurants, unique boutiques and rowdy bars. Mill is the western boundary of Arizona State University. Pac 10 sports happens on campus year around, plus you can visit over a dozen museums, collections and galleries on campus. All around ASU and Mill Avenue you’ll find shopping, but if you can’t get enough; venture out to Arizona Mills Outlet Mall or Tempe Market Place.

The newest addition to Tempe is the Metro light rail that goes east to Mesa and west to Phoenix. It passes Sun Devil Staduim, Wells Fargo Arena, Mill Ave and heads to Papago Park (short walk) and the A’s spring training home (short walk) and then onto downtown Phoenix, the Diamondbacks and Suns home. Tempe is one of three cities (Phoenix and Scottsdale) that make up the heart of the valley of the sun.

Chandler, Arizona

patmonahan — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 17:48:34 +0000

Chandler is in metropolitan Phoenix, Arizona. Almost 250,000 folks call it home and many more drive in to town to work at Intel, Bashas Grocery Stores, the Chandler Fashion Center and at numerous hi tech businesses along the ‘Silicon Desert’ tech coridor. Although Chandler is not a heavy tourist destination, it is home to the first Arizona golf resort, San Marcos, it is known for the Ostrich Festival held in March and for it’s downtown area full of one of a kind stores, unique dining and beautiful community art.

Living in Chandler is never a dull proposition. You’ll have numerous parks to play in, the largest of which is Tumbleweed. Tumbleweed has playtopia, called the best playground in Arizona by The New Times, Tumbleweed Recreation Center, the cities newest spot to run, lift weights, spin or visit with friends and the tennis center with 15 lighted courts. Or you can shop in downtown Chandler, the Chandler Fashion Center, Casa Paloma or the Fulton Ranch Towne Center. Wanting to run, walk or bike? Check out the Paseo Trail that runs right through Chandler or the soon to be completed Western Canal trail.

Wanting culture? Check out who’s playing at the Chandler Center for the Arts, what’s happening at the Chandler Museum, who’s racing atFirebird International Raceway or hang out at either the Wild Horse Pass Casino or Lone Butte Casino. Hey, it’s culture to somebody.

And this is just the tip of the proverbial iceberg. Learn more about living in Chandler.

The Bisbee Cave House

admin — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 06:20:00 +0000

Are you looking to live in a cave, Batman? Here’s a solution down in Bisbee and it’s for sale.

The Bisbee Cave House $1,950,000

What Would You Take to Antiques Road Show?

admin — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 23:46:00 +0000

This is the item that I have always thought about taking to Antiques Roadshow. It belonged to Pat’s grandmother and originally had electric candlesticks and the glass fruit in the boat also lit up. I’ve always been curious about it. I’ll have to admit that it is not really my style however, I enjoy things with a family history. So, we’ll continue to hold on to it and maybe someday our grandchildren will be curious about it too.

Antiques Roadshow Coming to Phoenix

New License Plate Law

admin — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 18:00:00 +0000

You may or may not have heard that Arizona has a new law regarding license plate frames that goes into effect on January 1. License plate frames cannot cover up the state name, “Arizona”. We’ve removed the frames from both of our cars.

For more information:

AZ Republic Article – Law Targets License-plate Frames

Cure For a Hot Steering Wheel

admin — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 18:44:00 +0000

In past years I have always had trouble with the steering wheel in my car getting unbearably hot during the summer. I tried various things including throwing a towel over the steering wheel when the car was left in the sun. Nothing really worked very well. This year I got a mesh type steering wheel cover and it has made a huge difference. It fits onto the wheel like a glove and just stays on there all the time. No longer do I feel like I will burn myself if I touch the steering wheel after the car has sat in a 110+ degree parking lot. If any of you have any tips for dealing with hot cars in the summer, please share them by leaving a comment.