I received an email from a client who posed the following question: "There's talk around here about the HOA changing the CCR's to prohibit rentals. Can they do that?" She also asked, "We have so many properties in foreclosure, where they're not paying HOA fees, that they want to charge all the rest of us [homeowners] an additional $600 fee. Do we have to pay that?" Over the years, I've heard many comments from homeowners about their Homeowners Association ( HOA ). Often times, those comments were quite harsh. Others were quite complimentary. Many of my clients absolutely LOVE their HOA's, and appreciate the fact that an HOA can help prevent neighbors from painting their houses pink & purple polka-dots, and can do something to help prevent the neighborhood from becoming a scene out of ... 01/24/2009

Oh my God! One of my teenage daughters recently said to me, "I'm bored!" My response? "Just shoot me now and put me out of my misery. If I hear either one of them say that again, I'm gonna scream!" Can you relate? So how often in your life have you felt 'bored'? Or for us parental units, how many times have you heard your kids say they were bored? I'll confess that I've felt it, and said it, many times in my life. Bored with school. Bored with parents. Bored with a job/career. Bored with a friend. Bored with life. Bored with myself. Oh woe is me... Have you ever wondered what's REALLY going on within us that we label as boredom? Is it a lack of activity? Or perhaps it's a lack of something 'new' to think about or do? Could it be the absence of 'challenge'? Might it be an indication of a... 01/23/2009

If you have been making your payments but still need a modification, CALL US!  We can help! If you are past due or facing foreclosure, CALL US! We can help!   We work with homeowners to modify their mortgage to allow most homeowners who can make affordable payments keep their home. A triggering event such as a loss or decrease in household income, job loss, health problems, divorce, bankruptcy all qualify as a triggering event that may allow you to restructure or modify your mortgage.   01/21/2009

  I recently sat in on (more like a refereed) a rather heated conversation between a real estate Agent and his first-time home Buyer client. They had just closed on the purchase of a home in Arizona, and both of them were quite upset.  Seems that the original Arizona MLS listing on the property had indicated that the refrigerator was "to be included with the home." The refrigerator was even mentioned in the property fliers, shown in photos of the kitchen and pictured in a virtual tour of the property. The refrigerator was in the home during the Buyer's first viewing, at the second viewing, during the inspections and at the final walk-through the day before recording. As soon as the transaction recorded/closed, the excited Buyer went to see her new home. If you're anticipating the next p... 01/21/2009

There were a total of 107 closed sales in Power Ranch from July 1st to December 31st in 2008 compared to 119 in July 1st of 2007 to December 31st of 2007. The average selling price for that period was $275,521 compared to an average selling price of $315,087 for the same period in 2007, a percentage drop of 22.5%. The average sales price per square foot was $108.13 compared to $136.31 for the same period in 2007. The average number of days a house was on the market was 120, compared to 97 days for the same period in 2007. Currently there is a 6.1 month supply of inventory with 109 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 her... 01/20/2009

Here we go again, boys and girls!  On October 1, 2008 Down Payment Assistance (DPA) by Sellers was eliminated by HUD, and many FHA Buyers were taken out of the market.  It was a hotly contested issue, but ultimately, HUD won the battle. The powerful agency claimed that DPA by Sellers was fraught with too many risk factors, and was a major contributor to inflated home prices.  HUD cited statistics that many felt were inaccurate, if not erroneous. According to Rep Al Green, however, "HUD chose to eliminate rather than regulate." Well guess what ~ word on the street (from several mortgage brokers) is that Congressman Green (D-Texas) is introducing ‘‘FHA Seller-Financed Downpayment Reform Act of 2009’’, reportedly with bipartisan support.  And according to AmeriDream, one of several major D... 01/18/2009

I'll admit it ~ I hate dentists!  Call me a bigot, or a baby, or a wuss, or a stereotype-challenged idiot, or any other name you want, but it will not change my painful memories and fear-based perceptions of the teeth doctors. Now that I have your attention, and you know where I'm coming from, you'll no doubt be shocked by my next statement. My youngest daughter, Z, recently got braces.  Unfortunately, one of her permanent teeth didn't want to cooperate with the rest of her mouth, and it had decided to grow at a 45 degree angle to the rest of her teeth.  And to add insult to injury, that tooth didn't want to surface and reveal itself to the world. The recommended solution to this problem was to seek the services of an oral surgeon.  I immediately conjured up mental images of old Franken... 01/16/2009

  "Well who would have thought..."  That could very well have been the title of this blog post, but after the events of the past couple of years, I just couldn't bring myself to say it again.  ;)     Nevertheless, believe it or not, Fannie Mae could very well become your landlord in the near future! If you're renting a home that is in pre-foreclosure status, and Fannie Mae becomes the owner of the property via foreclosure on the owner, then that's exactly what could happen. In a Press Release by Fannie Mae, a new policy was just announced that could allow current tenants to continue living in foreclosed homes.  Of course there are all sorts of stipulations and contingencies, like: Properties that are insured by FHA will require HUD approval. [How long might that take?] Rental rates will... 01/14/2009

I spent so little time in the place of my birth that I had almost no chance of getting to know many of my predecessors. So, when a distant relative once produced a box of photographs, I remember peering at the slightly familiar faces.  We have this human custom... we expect people to smile and look at the camera. I don't know if my grandparents and their cousins were given flawed instructions, but their visages were stoic and unflinching. One face in particular stood out. She was a beautiful woman with piercing eyes. The photo was colorless and so were her eyes. I asked my dad, "Who is she?" "She's my favorite aunt." he replied. "Why is that?" I asked. "She was a bit eccentric... maybe a bit mean... but I thought she was great... and she always liked me." he responded. My father is not... 01/13/2009

This is an investment property that I saw for one of my clients.  I figured this will give others an idea of opportunities out here in Arizona. Paul, here is the property that I have been talking about.  You can pick this up, address the cosmetic issues and flip this pretty quickly! Exterior shot of front of home and landscaping.   Entry, living room, dining room and fireplace!   Master Bedroom with fireplace, carpet/flooring situation, walk-in closet and master bath.   Second Master Suite with bath and dual sinks.  No walk-in closet but double closets.   Third Bedroom and view from upstairs to downstairs.  Notice the architectual touches and the quality lighting and fans.  Great view from upstairs.   Downstairs in kitchen and family room area with fireplace.  Half bath, laundry closet ... 01/13/2009

Lender Owned... WOW absolutely beautiful home, 5 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, granite counters, Cherry cabinets, wood banister, loft, formal living and dining room, family and breakfast room, large kitchen with island, wood flooring on bottom level, carpet upstairs, the master suite it HUGE, and that's just the inside. Backyard has pool and spa, built-in BBQ and fireplace. Really this is a beautiful home. Seller has never occupied home, no disclosures available. See REALTOR remarks for code!!! Call Gina McKinley, ABR, CRS, CDPE at (480) 355-8645 in order to schedule an appointment to view this home!     For more pictures and a property brochure, please visit my web page at http://www.LocateArizonaHomes.com/3396PinotNoirAvenue 01/13/2009

Stonebridge Lakes in the heart of Gilbert Stonebridge Lakes, a waterfront community located off of Lindsay Road, is strategically located near parks, dining, schools, freeways, and shopping.  This 150 acres community was bulit almost exclusively by UDC homes.  Of the roughly 370 homes in the subdivision, over 110 of them are waterfront homes. Heritage Trail The trail system runs through Stonebridge Lakes providing easy access to anyone interested in biking, jogging or walking along the consolidated canal.  The canal extends into Mesa and Chandler. Across the street from Stonebridge Lakes is Freestone Park, the flagship of Gilbert parks with batting cages, softball fields, two lakes, volleyball courts, basketball courts, tennis courts and a skate park.  You'll also find the Freestone Rec... 01/10/2009

The Valley Solutions Team at Solutions Real Estate has just added oour new map based home search technology to our Agritopia website.  To view homes in Agritopia Gilbert, just click this link, http://www.eAgritopia.com to be brought directly to the site.  We have also added a direct link to Agritopia bank owned homes and another link to all Gilbert bank owned homes. Bank owned homes in Arizona present the best buying options, right now.  We have put together a special site at http://www.OnlyBankDeals.com .  You will be able to see all Arizona foreclosures all in one spot. We also have a site just for Gilbert Arizona and Gilbert Arizona real estate at www.eGilbertArizona.com.  Be sure to check it out too. Thank you and happy searching!!! 01/08/2009

Real Estate Price Trends The median single family home price as of January 04 2009 for GILBERT is $265,924. Housing Market Conditions With a Market Action Index as of January 04 2009 at 16.55, GILBERT is currently a buyer's market. Home Sales and Demand Trends The average property in GILBERT as of January 04 2009 has been on the market for about 128 days. Price Per Square Foot The median price per square foot for homes in GILBERT as of January 04 2009 is about $121. Homes for Sale There are about 2,000 properties on the market in GILBERT as of January 04 2009. You're Neighborhood Realtor© When looking to buy and or/sell, or know of anyone that is in the market, "Let Our Family Help Yours!"   01/05/2009

When I saw this home, I knew that I would get some buying interest on it.  I have been to the home almost daily for the past week.  I plan on holding it open every other day.  Enjoy this segmented video walk-through of this home and you'll know why this is a gem of a home. The Greatroom, Dining area in greatroom, the kitchen has granite countertops, beautiful cabinets, an island, a pantry and plenty of counter space and cabinet space.  The common areas are gorgeous tile: The backyard has an oasis like setting with a pebble tec pool, grassy play area, children's play area, dog run and plenty of room: Coming back from the backyard, you get to see the size of the family room, the plant shelves just waiting to be decorated, the openness of the eat-in kitchen as you're led to the two bedroom... 12/31/2008

Gilbert Mortgage Rates December 26 2008 12/26/2008

Median List Price - $ 259,900 Average List Price - $ 336,777 Total Inventory - 2003 Average Days on Market - 132 Asking Price per Square Foot - $ 117 Absorbed This Week*  -139 Percent of Properties with Price Decrease  - 54 % Percent Relisted (reset DOM) -  11 % Percent Flip (price increased)  - 3 % Continues to be a bank owned properties driven market.  The number of pre-foreclosures decreased ever so slightly this month, so we should start seeing a positive change soon. Your Gilbert Real Estate Specialist 12/17/2008

There were a total of 74 closed sales from June 1st to November 30th in 2008 compared to 42 in June 1st of 2007 to November 30th of 2007. The average selling price for that period was $212,336 compared to an average selling price of $283,243 for the same period in 2007, a percentage drop of 25%. The average sales price per square foot was $109.99 compared to $147.34 for the same period in 2007. The average number of days a house was on the market was 81, compared to 128 days for the same period in 2007. Currently there is a 3.4 month supply of inventory with 42 houses on the market for sale as of 12/05/2008.  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 to help you find... 12/16/2008

There were a total of 90 closed sales from June 1st to November 30th in 2008 compared to 86 in June 1st of 2007 to November 30th of 2007. The average selling price for that period was $296,124 compared to an average selling price of $434,071 for the same period in 2007, a percentage drop of 31.5%. The average sales price per square foot was $120.03 compared to $165.69 for the same period in 2007. The average number of days a house was on the market was 90, compared to 86 days for the same period in 2007. Currently there is a 8.1 month supply of inventory with 122 houses on the market for sale as of 12/05/2008.  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... 12/16/2008

There were a total of 36 closed sales from June 1st to November 30th in 2008 compared to 15 in June 1st of 2007 to November 30th of 2007. The average selling price for that period was $320,119 compared to an average selling price of $336,083 for the same period in 2007, a percentage drop of 5%. The average sales price per square foot was $169.46 compared to $186.82 for the same period in 2007. The average number of days a house was on the market was 151, compared to 191 days for the same period in 2007. Currently there is an 11.5 month supply of inventory with 69 houses on the market for sale as of 12/05/2008.  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 here to help y... 12/16/2008