According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food Price Outlook for 2008 for all food is projected to increase 4.5 to 5.5 percent, as retailers continue to pass on higher commodity prices, for beef, poultry, eggs, dairy, fruit, vegetables and wheat, and energy costs to consumers.

Cathryn Creno of the Arizona Republicwrote an excellent article on AZ grocery stores and how manufacturers are scaling back the sizes not reducing prices so consumers do not feel as much of a pinch in the wallet. Here are a few examples Ms. Creno cites.

• Cheerios shrank by 1.5 ounces
• Scott toilet paper is down 0.3 inch per square
• Breyers reduced the size of ice cream cartons from 1.75 quarts to 1.5 quarts
• Wrigley announced they will offer gum in 15 stick packages instead of 17 sticks

This type of "downsizing" is becoming more and more evident in real estate.

Here are 5 examples of real estate Downsizing:

1. Some Builders are selling homes for less price with less upgrades. Passing on saving to the consumer; just with less 'cereal' in the box.
2. Lowering prices and offering less buyer incentives.
3. Buyers are purchasing smaller homes with less space in order to save energy, upkeep, tax and loan costs.
4. Short Sales, Foreclosure and Bank owned (REO) properties are less expensive and buyers are now willing to pay a lot less and fix up themselves in order to save money versus buying retail.
5. Realtors, mortgage lenders, builders and sellers are more competitive with rates and fees in order to facilitate transactions for buyers and sellers.

Downsizing can be a good thing in real estate. Please, just remember to always read the 'packaging' so you know what you are really getting.

Good deals abound here in greater Phoenix if you look prudently, patiently, and close enough.

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food Price Outlook for 2008 for all food is projected to increase 4.5 to 5.5 percent, as retailers continue to pass on higher commodity prices, for beef, poultry, eggs, dairy, fruit, vegetables and wheat, and energy costs to consumers.

Cathryn Creno of the Arizona Republic wrote an excellent article on AZ grocery stores and how manufacturers are scaling back the sizes not reducing prices so consumers do not feel as much of a pinch in the wallet. Here are a few examples Ms. Creno cites.

• Cheerios shrank by 1.5 ounces
• Scott toilet paper is down 0.3 inch per square
• Breyers reduced the size of ice cream cartons from 1.75 quarts to 1.5 quarts
• Wrigley announced they will offer gum in 15 stick packages instead of 17 sticks

This type of "downsizing" is also becoming more and more evident in real estate especially here in Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tempe, Fountain Hills, Peoria, Glendale, Paradise Valley, Desert Ridge, DC Ranch, Troon, Grayhawk

Here are 5 examples of real estate Downsizing:

1. Some Builders are selling homes for less price with less upgrades. Passing on saving to the consumer; just with less 'cereal' in the box.
2. Lowering prices and offering less buyer incentives.
3. Buyers are purchasing smaller homes with less space in order to save energy, upkeep, tax and loan costs.
4. Short Sales, Foreclosure and REO , Bank owned properties are less expensive and buyers are now willing to pay a lot less and fix up themselves in order to save money versus buying retail.
5. Realtors, mortgage lenders, builders and sellers are more competitive with rates and fees in order to facilitate transactions for buyers and sellers.

Downsizing can be a good thing in real estate. Please, just remember to always read the 'packaging' so you know what you are really getting. Good deals abound if you look prudently, patiently, and close enough.

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Copyright © 2008 By James Wexler, All Rights Reserved. *Food Products Reduced in size - Will homes in Phoenix Scottsdale follow ?*

Contact James Wexler (480) 221-8080 for Internet Marketing Coaching and Consulting.

Lately I have been working with several couples who have retired and are considering downsizing into a smaller home or condo here in the Greater Danbury / New Fairfield, Connecticut area. Sometimes when searching for a new home for their retirement years, physical limitations dictate that the home cannot have stairs, thus limiting the search to ranches or first-floor ranch-style condo units.  Others considering buying a retirement home need to consider whether stairs may become an issue in the future.

We do have several 55+/Active Adult communities in our western Connecticut area and the surrounding towns.  Some of these communities have single-level, no-stair floorplans suitable for adults of all physical abilities.  However, some of these communities offer multi-level homes, and even garages in the basement, requiring a long walk through the basement and up a flight of basement stairs each time you park your car.  This is not an ideal situation for those who may have difficulty walking up stairs on a regular basis.

One retired couple I know have decided that now it's their turn to buy their dream home.  Good for them!  But, while stairs have already become an issue for them in their current ranch home with a finished basement, they are now looking for a colonial-style home.  Since main-level master bedrooms are not yet common in the Connecticut real estate market, this has caused much dismay for them:  They now want their dream home, but the stairs in their dream home will be a problem for them for day one.  It's taken them some time, but they have now realized they need to change their dream and consider a single-story floor plan.

Buying a home is a big commitment for anyone.  There is a lot of money and a lot of emotion involved.  You want to choose a home that you will be happy and secure in for many years.  All factors must be considered, and if stairs may become an issue for you, then a home without stairs must be a prime concern.

Take your time when choosing your new home.  Consider your priorities and your needs, and then choose a home where you will not only be happy, but one that you will be able to enjoy for the long term.

Don Fabrizio-Garcia, REALTOR
Connecticut Real Estate & Appraisals
203.746.1199
Connecticut Real Estate and Homes for Sale