Around the end of June the Arizona Republic reported that as many as 45,000 “pending” foreclosure homes are being “held back” from being placed on the market to be sold.

One belief is that the banks are deliberately dragging their feet at putting these homes onto the market in an effort to keep home prices from sliding even farther. But many feel that this may even hinder and prolong the market’s long term recovery.

Another belief is that the banks are dragging their heels on higher ticket properties because the demand is low and selling off so many of these properties at low prices could possibly cause some banks to fail.

Another school of thought is that the banks are simply overwhelmed with the volumes and cannot deal with them any quicker. 

Or maybe the reasons are some of all the above. Whatever the reason it seems there will be foreclosures coming onto the market for the foreseeable future making some great buyer opportunities.

To read more about the state of the pre-foreclosures in the Phoenix Arizona area, checkout our post on Benjamin.com's blog. 

If you are a buyer thinking of buying, now may be the time. Give us a call - -480-201-3001.

Sorry this is late being posted on Active Rain -- busy, busy. But the information is always posted on our outside blog in case we are delayed with posting here. The information for home sales in Gold Canyon Arizona in posted on the GoldCanyon.net blog each month.

We'll be posting the stats for June in a day or so, but in case you did not make if over to the Gold Canyon Arizona community blog on GoldCanyon.net,  and are interested in seeing how home sales are doing is this part of the East Phoenix Arizona valley, then click over to this post on GoldCanyon.net's blog and see what happened in May 2009.

In Arizona we are approaching the annual monsoon season. Monsoons can bring sudden rain bursts and at times high winds. In order for trees to be safe during the winds, it is important to be sure they are trimmed and kept "airy" so the winds can go through the branches. Top heavy trees are in danger of being pushed over by the winds, causing potential damage to homes, landscaping and pools. To read more about the Arizona monsoons, and ways to adequately trim trees, check out our blog on Benjamin.com.

On May 1, 2009 the rules for home appraisals changed and are now handled through a third party. Home Valuation Code of Conduct (HVCC) was implemented by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. The Code is based on an agreement between the Enterprises (FNMA and FHLMC), the New York State Attorney General Andrew Cuomo and FHFA to improve the reliability of home appraisals.The revised Code builds on already existing Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac seller-servicer guidelines to increase the reliability of appraisals for loans sold to the Enterprises for their portfolios or for securitization. The Code applies to lenders that sell single-family mortgage loans to the Enterprises beginning May 1, 2009.

For more information about the changes as to how home appraisals are now done visit our blog post on Benjamin.com.

People who live in the Phoenix Arizona area and who like fresh pork products are known to drive, even if it takes more than an hour, to get to a place called The Pork Shop. Located in Queen Creek Arizona at 3359 E Combs Road this is a shop that cuts all of its own product. 

The business has been around since 1979 and was established by a long time hog farmer. They brown sugar cure and hickory smoke their bacon and hams in their own smoke house. The place sells pork in every cut and possible form. There are always samples on hand. And if you are hungry and want to eat right now, they have a menu and outside sitting.

For more information catch our blog about The Pork Shop on Benjamin.com.

During April 2009 there were 449 homes on the MLS in Gold Canyon Arizona. The number of homes sold during April 2009 was 37. Of the 37 homes sold, 15 of these homes were “distressed” **. The average sales price of Gold Canyon homes for April was $265,548.
(** distressed means the home was a foreclosure)

If you want to read more about the Gold Canyon Arizona real estate market and how these stats compare with the previous month or the last year, check out our blog on GoldCanyon.net.

The current Phoenix home market, in some areas, is experiencing a new trend. Often times agents are finding many of the lower priced homes that are in good condition will receive bids very quickly after being listed. And many times these homes end up selling for more than the listed price. For some homes, in some areas of Phoenix, bidding wars are happening.

Investors are swooping into the Phoenix valley and are buying several homes at a time, which is making it more difficult for the individual home buyer who looking to simply buy a good home at a good price for their family to live in.

We have had some cases where a buyer ends up having to make offers on several homes before they can get the nod of an accepted offer. Each time their offers have been beat out by other offers, above listed price.

Interested in reading more about this development in the Phoenix market check out out blog on Benjamin.com

Interested in reading more about this Phoenix Arizona market trend and what was reported in the New York Times - check this link.

American Hiking Society has a signature trail awareness program called National Trails Day that is coming up on June 6th. National Trails Day works to inspire the public to seek out their favorite trails to discover and to become more involved in educational exhibits, instructional workshops and trail work projects.

Those who visit a participating Arizona State Park between now and National Trails Day on June 6, 2009 can register to win State Parks merchandise including a set of Arizona Trails Guides, an annual pass and two-night stay in a cabin or yurt.

Interested in more information about this event and how to enter to win? Then visit Arizona Trails website on Benjamin.com's Blog.

The National Day of the Cowboy is becoming quite the holiday in Arizona. The U.S. Senate passed a resolution in 2005 stating that the fourth Saturday in July is to be set aside to honor this national icon with its creed of honesty, hard work, independence and loyalty.

If you have a business in or near Gold Canyon it’s time again to begin planning for the annual summer celebration that takes place this year July 24-26, 2009, called National Day of the Cowboy. This annual event commemorates the contribution that the American Cowboy has made in American history.

To read more about this event and the activities that are being planned in and around Gold Canyon Arizona click over to read our blog post on GoldCanyon.net.

If you live in Gold Canyon, or are coming to the area, Boyce Thompson Arboretum State Park always has something interesting going on. Coming up is their showcase of “the land down under” in which they are featuring 340 species of Australian plants in the Arboretum’s Australian exhibit. The newly completed Australian Interpretive Pavilion has been enhanced and officially opened to the public April 24, in celebration of Earth Day activities. Want to read more about this interesting new exhibit? Then visit our post on the blog of GoldCanyon.net.