Special offer

Gilbert, AZ Real Estate News

By Chris Dunham, The Real Estate Guy™
(Brokers Hub Realty)
This charming home is ideally situated just a few blocks from the vibrant heart of downtown Gilbert's heritage district, offering easy access to bustling nightlife, cozy coffee shops, delightful breakfast spots, and the local VFW. Additionally, the area is rapidly growing with an array of new shops and stores. Nestled within a welcoming community, this property boasts a large lot complete with a pristine swimming pool and enjoys north-south exposure. This 3 bedroom home has been meticulously maintained by the same owners for more than twenty years. Inside, you'll find a formal dining room, an eat-in kitchen with a breakfast bar, and a great room featuring a wood-burning fireplace—all designed to warm the heart.Adding to its appeal, the home includes a spacious 31 x 16 addition currently...
Comments 1
By Randy Hooker, Gilbert, Chandler, Mesa, Queen Creek
(Dreamcatcher Realty / Greater Phoenix Area)
    1 Southbound Loop 101 (Price Freeway) closed between Broadway and Baseline roads in Tempe for carpool lane construction. US 60 ramps to southbound Loop 101 also closed. Southbound Loop 101 narrowed to one lane between Rio Salado Parkway and Broadway Road for carpool lane construction. 2 a.m. Saturday to 5 a.m. Monday (April 6) 2 Eastbound Loop 202 (Red Mountain Freeway) narrowed to two lanes between Priest Drive and Scottsdale Road for freeway widening work. Eastbound Loop 202 on-ramps at Van Buren Street and Center Parkway closed. 11 p.m. Friday to 9 p.m. Saturday (April 4) Eastbound Loop 202 on-ramp at 32nd Street closed. 9 p.m. Friday to 5 a.m. Sunday (April 5). 3 Westbound Interstate 10 narrowed to one lane overnight between Dysart Road and Sarival Avenue for freeway widening wo...
Comments 3
By Randy Hooker, Gilbert, Chandler, Mesa, Queen Creek
(Dreamcatcher Realty / Greater Phoenix Area)
  I'm in the final stage of a transaction in which I'm the Buyer's Agent and the seller is Freddie Mac (bank owned single family detached house).  All inspections have been completed, appraised value is in, and by all appearances, we were good to go ~ until we received a letter from the buyer's lender.  Here are the key parts of the letter:   "The purpose of this letter is to address the empty pool at [referenced] property.  The buyers have applied and been approved for an FHA loan in order to purchase the property.  The credit approval part of this process has been finalized and is complete. To obtain full and final approval and successfully close this transaction we need to obtain property approval.  Upon reviewing the appraisal it came to our attention that the pool is currently empt...
Comments 42
By Randy Hooker, Gilbert, Chandler, Mesa, Queen Creek
(Dreamcatcher Realty / Greater Phoenix Area)
A couple of you have contacted me privately to make sure I'm alright.  I've not been as active and visible with my blogging lately, but I'm OK!  There's one simple reason for my online absence:  I'm completely swamped with home buyers.  In fact, I haven't seen this kind of buying activity in about 3 years!  And I'm not talking about low end bargain hunters; I'm working with clients looking at large horse properties, waterfont estates, gated commuities, golf course homes ~ especially in Gilbert, Chandler, Mesa, Queen Creek and Phoenix.  I've also been dealing with many out-of-state folks as well as local buyers ~ and I cannot remember the last time anybody has asked me if we're "at the bottom" of the market.  Smart money is on the move, and they are indeed buying! For those of you that a...
Comments 6
By Randy Hooker, Gilbert, Chandler, Mesa, Queen Creek
(Dreamcatcher Realty / Greater Phoenix Area)
    1 Eastbound Loop 202 (Red Mountain Freeway) narrowed to two lanes between Priest Drive and Scottsdale Road for widening project. Eastbound Loop 202 on-ramp at Center Parkway also closed. 4 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday (March 28) 2 Northbound I-17 closed between Happy Valley and Jomax roads for widening project. Traffic will use frontage road and re-enter northbound I-17 via the Jomax Road on-ramp. 9 p.m. Friday to 7 a.m. Saturday (March 28) 3 Northbound I-17 on-ramp at Happy Valley Road and off-ramp at Jomax Road will close for approximately two months starting Friday night for freeway reconstruction work. Traffic will be able to use ramps at adjacent freeway interchanges. 9 p.m. Friday - Approximately May 27 4 Westbound US 60 (Superstition Freeway) on-ramp at McClintock Drive and off-ra...
Comments 3
By Rob Becker, Designated Broker - Mesa Gilbert, Arizona
(Top Rock Realty)
Well - I haven't posted any blogs lately. So, here it goes. From my own personal experiences lately, I would say that the market is picking up. Each time I write an offer for a client in the $150K market, we are in competition with a couple of other offers....! I don't want the competition, but I do want the competition. That tells me that things are getting better. And, it has even been reported "In the News" that February home starts and sales have risen to much more than anticipated. Now is the time to BUY! Rob Becker  
Comments 4
By Randy Hooker, Gilbert, Chandler, Mesa, Queen Creek
(Dreamcatcher Realty / Greater Phoenix Area)
This is definitely not news to most people, but considering the number of questions I'm still receiving, it seems like a review and recap might be a good idea. The “American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009” passed the House and Senate on February 13, 2009, and was signed by President Obama on February 17, 2009. The bill is a $780 billion package, roughly one-third of which is dedicated to a home buyer credit. Here are the highlights:   The tax credit is for first time home buyers, with a "first-time home buyer" defined as a person who has not owned a principal residence during the three-year period prior to the purchase. The tax credit is equal to 10 percent of the home’s purchase price up to a maximum of $8,000, and does not have to be repaid as long as the home is not sold withi...
Comments 9
By Randy Hooker, Gilbert, Chandler, Mesa, Queen Creek
(Dreamcatcher Realty / Greater Phoenix Area)
VALLEY OF THE SUN     Many members of homeowner associations (HOA's) across the greater Phoenix metro area are being impacted by the economic downturn. Some HOA's are facing collection issues and possible bankruptcy, as well as being heavily impacted by a reduction in the collection of HOA fees, cash flow problems and community disrepair challenges. With delinquency rates of HOA fees at an all-time high, it’s important to know the issues that your community may be facing, and what solutions you can provide. Members and boards of HOA's are invited to attend an event that will examine current HOA financial challenges. Who?  ~  A panel of attorneys will address these issues and will open up the concerns for a group discussion. The event is being sponsored by the Leadership Centre, in part...
Comments 8
By Randy Hooker, Gilbert, Chandler, Mesa, Queen Creek
(Dreamcatcher Realty / Greater Phoenix Area)
  1 Southbound Loop 101 (Price Freeway) closed between Warner Road and Loop 202 (Santan Freeway) for carpool lane construction. Traffic will use frontage road. 11 p.m. Friday to 5 a.m. Monday (March 23) 2 Northbound Loop 101 (Price Freeway) narrowed to two lanes between US 60 (Superstition Freeway) and Loop 202 (Red Mountain Freeway) for carpool lane construction. 11 p.m. Friday to 5 a.m. Monday (March 23) 3 Scottsdale Road closed in both directions at Loop 202 (Red Mountain Freeway) for freeway widening project. Loop 202 ramps at Scottsdale Road also closed. Use alternate routes, including McClintock Drive. 10 p.m. Friday to 5 a.m. Monday (March 23) 4 Northbound Loop 101 (Price Freeway) closed overnight between Guadalupe Road and US 60 (Superstition Freeway) for sign work. Traffic wil...
Comments 3
If you are looking for things to do in Gilbert this weekend for the kids during spring break, head on over to Gilbert's new mall, SanTan Village.  Macy's department store is having their official grand opening March 19 - 21, 2009. Join in the three day fun filled celebration.  If you haven't made your way to the SanTan Village Westcor mall on Williams Field Rd and SanTan Village Parkway (Greenfield Rd) then you really should treat yourself.  View List of Stores at SanTan Village Mall in Gilbert The outdoor environment is pretty awesome this time of year.  A must have cookie from my favorite hangout that also is my home away from home office, Paradise Bakery is conveniently up front and has easy access at the west side of the mall. Thursday, March 19th* will be the Community Shopping Day...
Comments 2
By Patrick Harfst
(Realty Executives - Phoenix AZ)
We just don't know how far away it is. Yeah, that bit of info helps a lot, right? I see it all the time - articles that someone, somewhere, typed out into a news story, an article in a weekly magazine, or on some website. I've been seeing these rosy little missives for years now. So, where is this miraculous recovery? Next quarter? Next year? Where?? When?? Keep reading... Being raised by an engineer has its good points. It made me want to go get a technical science degree, although I seldom use it. Made me analytical, tho, and I love to juggle data. Here is some of that data... 18-Mar-09               All Metro area Gilbert 85234 85297 85298 V V L ALL Active Homes 48953 1991 368 313 323 55 Actives that are REPOS 21683 1087 216 155 132 15   44% 55% 59% 50% 41% 27%               ALL Pen...
Comments 0
By Randy Hooker, Gilbert, Chandler, Mesa, Queen Creek
(Dreamcatcher Realty / Greater Phoenix Area)
This is a question that was posted by a prospective home buyer on Trulia this evening.  On the surface, it seems like a harmless enough question.  And apparently a few others had that same thought, as within minutes a couple of real estate agents weighed in and posted answers to the buyer. I was shocked when I read their answers, as the agents literally named and described areas and zip codes that they deemed to be "good" neighborhoods.  What those agents did - probably without a clue - was walk all over federal fair housing laws like they were a pair of old worn out shoes! Check out HUD Fair Housing Laws and Presidential Executive Orders. A friend of mine said, "those agents [that just flagrantly and publicly violated fair housing laws, in writing, on a national real estate site], shou...
Comments 101
By Randy Hooker, Gilbert, Chandler, Mesa, Queen Creek
(Dreamcatcher Realty / Greater Phoenix Area)
    1 Northbound Loop 101 (Price Freeway) closed between Guadalupe Road and US 60 for overhead sign work. Northbound Loop 101 ramps to US 60 closed. 11:30 p.m. Friday to 9 a.m. Saturday (March 14) 2 Eastbound I-10 narrowed to one lane between Litchfield and Dysart roads for widening project. Eastbound I-10 off-ramp at 107th Avenue also closed. 11:30 p.m. Friday to 9:30 a.m. Saturday (March 14) 3 Southbound Loop 101 (Pima Freeway) off-ramp at Frank Lloyd Wright Boulevard closed for widening project. Southbound frontage road closed between Bell Road and Frank Lloyd Wright Boulevard. 10 p.m. Friday to 5 a.m. Monday (March 16) 4 Eastbound I-10 off-ramp and westbound on-ramp at Queen Creek Road (SR 347) closed for resurfacing. Use interchanges at Wild Horse Pass Boulevard or Riggs Road. 6 a....
Comments 2
By Randy Hooker, Gilbert, Chandler, Mesa, Queen Creek
(Dreamcatcher Realty / Greater Phoenix Area)
I frequently hear derogatory remarks made about car sales people - particularly "used car salesmen." I also hear many derogatory remarks made about real estate agents, and how they sometimes use the same high pressure tactics as car salesmen. Car sales people help folks make buying decisions and accompany them through the process. Real estate agents help folks make buying decisions and counsel them through the process. The specific techniques and skills utilized by either profession can vary by price range and area, but those lines have become extremely blurred. For instance, there are many cars for sale right now that are priced considerably higher than many homes in certain markets, and vice-versa.     ARE there any significant differences between a car sales person and a real estate ...
Comments 9
By Randy Hooker, Gilbert, Chandler, Mesa, Queen Creek
(Dreamcatcher Realty / Greater Phoenix Area)
According to a news release today, Congress has just introduced legislation that if passed would establish a panel to provide independent mortgage advice. The new "panel" would be called the "Financial Products Safety Commission," and would "provide independent advice to consumers on mortgage products. It would also be charged with approving new financial and home loan products before they can be marketed to consumers." Is this just one step closer to governmental control of banking and finance? Or is this potentially some much needed and long over-due oversight of mortgage loan products?     Search Homes in:  Chandler - Gilbert - Mesa - Queen Creek - Phoenix
Comments 19
By Troy Erickson AZ Realtor (602) 295-6807, Your Chandler, Ahwatukee, and East Valley Realtor
(HomeSmart)
If you are looking to purchase a new home in Gilbert starting under $150,000, and are considering applying for that new $8,000 first time homebuyer tax credit, you should check out The Willows by K. Hovanian Homes. The Willows has four great new neighborhoods in Gilbert.  The neighborhoods are centrally located at Recker and Williams Field Road.  Within these neighborhoods, you can enjoy community features including swimming pools, tot lots, basketball and volleyball courts, and greenbelts. The Courtyards at The Willows has seven single family floor plans to choose from, ranging from 3 to 4 bedrooms, and up to approximately 1,340 to 2,020 square feet.  All homes have two car garages and include fully installed and maintained front yard landscaping.  Again, these homes are starting at un...
Comments 0
By Randy Hooker, Gilbert, Chandler, Mesa, Queen Creek
(Dreamcatcher Realty / Greater Phoenix Area)
    1. Southbound Loop 101 (Price Freeway) closed between Rio Salado Parkway and Guadalupe Road for carpool lane project. Loop 202 (Red Mountain Freeway) and US 60 ramps to southbound Loop 101 also closed. 11 p.m. Friday to 5 a.m. Monday (March 9) 2. Northbound Loop 101 (Price Freeway) closed between Loop 202 (Santan Freeway) and Warner Road for carpool lane project. 11 p.m. Friday to 5 a.m. Monday (March 9) 3. Northbound Loop 101 (Pima Freeway) closed between Shea Boulevard and Cactus Road for sign structure work. Northbound on-ramp at 90th Street closed. 10 p.m. Saturday to 4 p.m. Sunday (March 8) 4. State Route 143 (Hohokam Expressway) closed in both directions between McDowell Road and Washington Street for widening work. Eastbound Loop 202 (Red Mountain Freeway) also narrowed to tw...
Comments 2
By Randy Hooker, Gilbert, Chandler, Mesa, Queen Creek
(Dreamcatcher Realty / Greater Phoenix Area)
GILBERT, ARIZONA   ...a shining star in The Valley of the Sun!     February 2009 vs. February 2008   240 single family detached homes were purchased last month vs. 175 last year. The average price paid was $221,280 vs. $298,733 last year. The median price came in at $197,000 vs. $254,990 last year. The ratio of purchase price to list price was 97% vs. 96% last year. 122 of the homes (51%) were bank owned vs. 43 homes (22%) last year. The average time on the market was 85 days vs. 115 days last year. There were 2,644 Active single family listings vs. 3,182 last year.   Click Here for full current Gilbert Market Report Gilbert Homes   photo by Miguel Folch
Comments 2
By Arizona Real Estate Associate Broker
(MR Realty)
Join other locals Thursday, March 5th for the kick-off of the 2009 Spring Concerts in the Park Series! The Concerts in the Park Series is held at the beautiful Freestone Park Amphitheater, located by the lake in Freestone Park (Lindsay and Juniper Roads). There is no charge for these concerts, and you and your family are invited to bring a blanket or lawn chair and enjoy an evening under the stars. Food and beverages are available to purchase. The Desert City Six Enjoy New Orleans style jazz at it’s finest. It’s heartfelt music sometimes hot and spirited, and sometimes sweet and restrained. The Desert City Six preserves the style learned from the fabulous New Orleans masters who pioneered the Americanart form called Dixieland Jazz. The Desert City Six have been performing for more the 6...
Comments 6
By Randy Hooker, Gilbert, Chandler, Mesa, Queen Creek
(Dreamcatcher Realty / Greater Phoenix Area)
I met some extremely nice clients this morning - a mom and her son. She had been looking at listings I had been sending her for a couple of weeks, gotten her financing arranged, and they were both quite excited to tour some of the homes that looked and sounded so appealing on-line. The first listing was a relocation property - fresh paint, clean, newer appliances, vacant and immaculate. The second listing was an owner/agent property - vacant but staged, nicely updated, clean and inviting. The third listing was a foreclosed, bank owned property - anybody wanna guess what we found? We were greeted by a warm, friendly family of nice, healthy cockroaches. They lead us to the kitchen, which was filthy beyond imagination and smelled like a sewer. Down the hallway we went, with ripped floorin...
Comments 30
By Randy Hooker, Gilbert, Chandler, Mesa, Queen Creek
(Dreamcatcher Realty / Greater Phoenix Area)
Arizona's Maricopa County includes Phoenix, Chandler, Gilbert, Mesa, Queen Creek, et al. Following is a chart, courtesy of the Maricopa County Tax Assessor, that shows a comparison of 2009 vs. 2010 median Full Cash Value (FCV) for each city in the county.  FCV's will not rarely, if ever, line up with current resale market values, but the trends should be comparable.  Here's a simple equation for you to remember:  Assessed Value does NOT equal Market Value. So FCV should NEVER be used to try to accurately determine the current market value of any given property.  I posted the chart here so you could take a quick glance at the latest annual change in each city.  And we can all go take some Prozac!   ;-)     Homes in Arizona ~ Homes in Gilbert ~ Homes in Chandler ~ Homes in Mesa ~ Homes in...
Comments 5
Explore Gilbert, AZ
Gilbert, AZ Real Estate Professionals