More incredible photos by my daughter, Jenifer. She caught these in the middle of an Arizona "monsoon" thunderstorm in Phoenix, Arizona in August 2008. They were beautiful and awesome to behold, and yet crazy scary to experience! Hope you enjoy viewing them as much as she did in taking them!  :) photos by Jenifer Hooker Jenifer Hooker's "Bubbling Lemon" Jenifer Hooker's "The Eyes Have It" Jenifer Hooker's "Butterflies - Spectacular Works of Art"   02/11/2009

Gilbert Sold Homes Data for January 2009 In Gilbert Arizona, a total of 233 homes sold in January 2009. Of that 233, 126 of them were lender owned properties which represents 54% of all homes sold. 32 short sales were successful in January which represents 13% of all sold homes. As of February 9th 2009 there are 2079 homes active for sale of which 365 of them are lender owned. 390 Homes are "pending" under contract right now. With home prices down so low and great mortgage interest rates available, now is a great time to think about buying a home.   Contact us for our FREE foreclosure Service 02/09/2009

photo by Jenifer Hooker A beautiful blue eye, with a bonus! The subject is a neighborhood friend who is just 11 years old. Check out her pupil. Look carefully, and you will see a reflection. That's my daughter, Jenifer, taking the photo. Can you see the trees in the background? Picture within a picture!  :) Jenifer Hooker's "Bubbling Lemon" Jenifer Hooker's "Purple Lightning" Jenifer Hooker's "Butterflies - "Spectacular Works of Art"   02/07/2009

A client of mine sent me some information this week on a loan product that his Loan Officer presented to him.  I've never heard of this particular loan before, and I'm wondering if any of you have had anyexperience with it.  Here are the details. Eligible borrowers for a HUD 184 loan:  An individual who is recognized as a Native American by a tribe, the Federal Government or any State A Native American Tribe (Tribal Government) A Tribally Designated Housing Entity (TDHE) A Native American Housing Authority Loan Features: Available on tribal trust, individual allotted trust or fee simple land (on or off reservation) in an Indian operating area (state). [My client was told that houses in the City of Phoenix are in fact eligible.] Down payment of only 1.25% (loan less than $50k) to 2.25% (... 02/07/2009

In a MarketWatch article yesterday by Lew Stichelman, he addressed a Real Estate Question that really surprised me. He described a couple that is falling on hard times, financially, and that are in need of a real estate agent. They said, and I quote, "We are having a problem getting a real estate agent to work with us because we want to downsize."  In a heartbeat, I got nauseous.  How  in the world could any real estate agent in their right mind refuse to work with a client who wants to downsize?!  How lame is that?!  Are there really agents out there, in this market no less, that are that arrogant, self-centered or dumb? And then my thoughts turned to mentally bracing myself for what was sure to be an ensuing agent-bashing by Stichelman.  I could almost feel the blood bath that was ahe... 02/07/2009

After over 12 years in this business, I still occasionally receive this question: “Do you have the time to work with another client?”   My answer has always been and continues to be a resounding “Yes!” I consider referrals to be the highest compliment and honor that clients can convey on me, and referrals never fail to humble me. In fact, I always go out of my way to try to insure that referral clients receive extra-special care, attention and service in an effort to make folks look good for having referred them to me - no matter who makes the referral! Now before you leave this post and judge it as shameless self-promotion, please hear me out.  Why is it that ANY person, client or Realtor, would feel the need to ask me if I have TIME for a new client? What the hell am I doing (or not d... 02/04/2009

Real Estate Price Trends The median single family home price as of February 01 2009 for GILBERT is $255,650. Housing Market Conditions With a Market Action Index as of February 01 2009 at 14.92, GILBERT is currently a buyer's market. Home Sales and Demand Trends The average property in GILBERT as of February 01 2009 has been on the market for about 135 days. Price Per Square Foot The median price per square foot for homes in GILBERT as of February 01 2009 is about $117. Homes for Sale There are about 1,968 properties on the market in GILBERT as of February 01 2009. 02/03/2009

All of these photos were taken by one of my daughters, at the Botanical Gardens in Phoenix, Arizona.  Jeni has a true passion for photography, and as you can see, a definite gift for it as well.  She is still in high school, but has already turned semi-pro.  Considering I didn't have a clue what planet I was even on at her age, I am incredibly impressed by Jeni's focus and commitment to her passion and dreams. One proud father, photos by Jenifer Hooker Jenifer Hooker's "Bubbling Lemon" Jenifer Hooker's "Purple Lightning" Jenifer Hooker's "The Eyes Have It" 02/01/2009

For those of you that know me, you'll recognize this as yet another of my 'wonderings'. For those of you that just stumbled across my blog, you will most likely enjoy this next article or you'll quickly judge me as being just another wacko on the internet.  Either way, all is well!   ;-) The human population on our planet is predisposed to labeling each other with a “name.” Historically, it's for identification of the individual. For most of us, however, I suspect that it is simply a dominant cultural expectation that once assigned our “name,” it's to be used, honored, protected and defended. An exception to this practice has been in the situation of marriage, wherein many cultures expect the wife to ‘assume’ the last/family name of her new husband. And there are at least a couple of cu... 01/31/2009

  Wait!  DON'T hit your browser's Back button!  If you're looking for information and resources about the greater Phoenix, Arizona area, you're at the right place! This post is just my twisted way of making a point >>> How would you like to NEVER see a headline like this again? Arguably the #1 reason folks LOVE this part of Arizona is because we truly live up to our name:  "The Valley of the Sun."  On this day, January 30, 2009, in the dead of winter, we just experienced a warm 75* F! For my friends up north and east that are buried in snow and struggling with sub-zero temps, I say, "Isn't it time you seriously considered moving to Chandler, Gilbert, Mesa, Queen Creek, Gold Canyon or Tempe, Arizona?"  ;-)  And for my local friends who relocated here to get away from all that muck and me... 01/30/2009

  I don't know about you, but I find it mighty frustrating when I head out across the Valley of the Sun on a nice sunny weekend and end up encountering a major traffic detour or slowdown. I recently discovered that the Arizona Department of Transportation issues a weekly notification that identifies all of the upcoming weekend freeway closures and restrictions in the greater Phoenx metropolitan area.  So I had a brilliant idea >>> why not post it here, each week, for all of my friends and clients?!?!? But be forewarned, from now on you'll have no excuse to be late because a freeway was slammed and you didn't know.  ;-) Have a happy and safe weekend!   :)     Arizona Homes 01/30/2009

    Another builder files for Chapter 11, and this time it's one of the largest builders in Arizona - Fulton Homes.  They are reportedly building and selling homes in 21 subdivisions in and around the greater Phoenix area, including the following in the East Valley: In Chandler: Aegean Cove at Fulton Ranch, Gallery at Fulton Ranch, the Island at Fulton Ranch, Classics at Geneva Estates. In Gilbert: Caribbean at Freeman Farms, Mediterranean at Freeman Farms, Classics at Freeman Farms, Sonoma at Freeman Farms. In Queen Creek: Heritage at Cortina, Paradise at Ironwood Crossing, Mediterranean at Ironwood Crossing, Caribbean at Ironwood Crossing. The bad news is that another builder has had to seek protection from its creditors.  The good news is that Chapter 11 will allow them an opportunit... 01/28/2009

Kim Jong Il Announces Plan To Bring Moon To North Korea If you've already seen my Three Stooges post, you know that I have a sick sense of humor. And altho I'm still new to ActiveRain, I'm feeling comfortable enough to introduce you to one of my favorite news services: The Onion. Well... in all honesty it's a stretch to call them a "news" service... they're probably better described as sick, twisted, sadistic and irreverent... but to me, the stuff they do is absolutely hilarious. So - if you dare - the above is one of The Onion's latest 'spoof' news releases. I hope you enjoy! If not, I hope you'll not judge me too harshly. My only excuse is that I fell off the bed a lot, when I was a little kid, and always landed on my head! :) 01/28/2009

Eeyore would probably be perfectly content with the information I'm about to share with you.  However, some of my friends and associates will most likely think this post is leaning to the "doom and gloom" side of things. The intent, however, is not for this to be perceived as negative information, or to elicit feelings of sadness or depression.  And it's certainly not to be construed as "The sky is falling!"  Rather, the intent is to make my Arizona clients and fellow Realtors/Brokers aware of an eye-opening source of information that could prove to be invaluable to all of us! I remember just a few years ago when it was considerd tabboo to discuss the financial status of a specific builder.  And yet, due to the rapidly changing real estate market, the Arizona Department of Real Estate h... 01/27/2009

As if we didn't already love Google enough for their incredible search engine, products and services, wait till you try out their FREE telephone information service! Google now offers FREE 411 calls from any cell or land line in the United States and Canada!  It's fast, simple and easy: Dial 1-800-GOOG-411 (or for those of us that are alpha-dialing-challenged:), dial 1-800-466-4411. When the automated voice answers, you'll state the name of the business, city and state. If there are multiple locations, you'll be given all the choices, and then your call will be completed - for FREE! If you say "text message," you'll receive a text on your cell phone that shows the name, address and phone number. If you say "map it," and you have internt service, you'll receive a map. All of the above c... 01/26/2009

There were a total of 20 closed sales from July 1st to December 31st in 2008 compared to 25 in July 1st of 2007 to December 31st of 2007. The average selling price for that period was $291,875 compared to an average selling price of $378,814 for the same period in 2007, a percentage drop of 23%. The average sales price per square foot was $132.85 compared to $160.83 for the same period in 2007. The average number of days a house was on the market was 69, compared to 104 days for the same period in 2007. Currently there is a 5.4 month supply of inventory with 18 houses on the market for sale as of 01/05/2009. With prices down so low and interest rates very favorable it is a great time to buy if you know where to look. 01/26/2009

There were a total of 96 closed sales from July 1st to December 31st in 2008 compared to 75 in July 1st of 2007 to December 31st of 2007. The average selling price for that period was $287,065 compared to an average selling price of $400,039 for the same period in 2007, a percentage drop of 28%. The average sales price per square foot was $116.15 compared to $159.69 for the same period in 2007. The average number of days a house was on the market was 105, compared to 121 days for the same period in 2007. Currently there is a 7.4 month supply of inventory with 118 houses on the market for sale as of 01/05/2009.  With prices down so low and interest rates very favorable it is a great time to buy if you know where to look.  As real estate experts in Power Ranch, we're here to help you find... 01/26/2009

There were a total of 37 closed sales in Trilogy from July 1st to December 31st in 2008 compared to 19 in July 1st of 2007 to December 31st of 2007. The average selling price for that period was $301,957 compared to an average selling price of $340,539 for the same period in 2007, a percentage drop of 11.5%. The average sales price per square foot was $165.41 compared to $185.67 for the same period in 2007. The average number of days a house was on the market was 153, compared to 181 days for the same period in 2007. Currently there is a 9.7 month supply of inventory with 60 houses on the market for sale as of 01/05/2009.  With prices reduced and interest rates very favorable it is a great time to buy if you know where to look.  As real estate experts in Trilogy at Power Ranch, we're he... 01/26/2009

There were a total of 75 closed sales in San Tan Ranch from July 1st to December 31st in 2008 compared to 34 in July 1st of 2007 to December 31st of 2007. The average selling price for that period was $205,904 compared to an average selling price of $283,841 for the same period in 2007, a percentage drop of 27%. The average sales price per square foot was $107.75 compared to $144.03 for the same period in 2007. The average number of days a house was on the market was 74, compared to 138 days for the same period in 2007. Currently there is a 2.8 month supply of inventory with 36 houses on the market for sale as of 01/05/2009.  With prices down so low and interest rates very favorable it is a great time to buy if you know where to look.  As real estate experts in San Tan Ranch, we're here... 01/26/2009

There were a total of 1916 closed sales in Gilbert from July 1st to December 31st in 2008 compared to 1389 in July 1st of 2007 to December 31st of 2007. The average selling price for that period was $258,951 compared to an average selling price of $325,449 for the same period in 2007, a percentage drop of 20%. The average sales price per square foot was $115.49 compared to $149.22 for the same period in 2007. The average number of days a house was on the market was 105, compared to 107 days for the same period in 2007. Currently there is a 6.3 month supply of inventory with 1916 houses on the market for sale as of 01/05/2009.  With prices down so low and interest rates very favorable it is a great time to buy if you know where to look.  As real estate experts in Gilbert, we're here to h... 01/26/2009