Friendly and Fun Neighborhood - Stratford Estates

When a client calls and says "We need a larger house but we absolutely have to stay in the same neighborhood", I know it's a community I need to find out more about.

Jaime and Scott M. bought their home in Stratford Estates, Mesa Arizona three years ago.  At the time, the main motivator was a great deal.  The builder was offering great incentives with their final model home.  Jaime and Scott couldn't say no to a big, beautiful new home, completely landscaped and decorated nicely. 

Besides the great deal, there were other things about the community that keep their family there today.  The most prevalent being no homeowner's association.  This is extremely rare in Phoenix, to find a newly built home without a homeowner's association. 

The average HOA fee is $100 a month.  That generally pays for a landscape company to keep up a public area and maintaining a governing body to enforce community standards such as weeding, upkeep, and architectural standards. 

They are quite happy to live without those standards.  They say the majority of the neighbors maintain their lawns and homes quite nicely.  And there is a lot to maintain;  the average lot size in Stratford Estates is a little over a quarter of an acre.  This doesn't sounds like much to people coming from Idaho or Missouri, but in Arizona the average size lot is closer to a 10^th of an acre.  With all of that land and no homeowner's association, many neighbors in Stratford Estates are building second garages, workshops, or even guest homes. 

Not only do the large lots add to the send of privacy, it also helps that all of the homes are single level.  Not one house has a two story looming down on the back yard. 

I wondered about the sense of community without a common area, such as a park or community pool.  Jaime says that people are out all the time, walking dogs or playing with the kids.  That makes it really easy to get to know your neighbors.  During the eight months of the year that it's comfortable to sit outside, Jaime and Scott frequently sit in the front yard, watching the kids play and chatting with neighbors. 

In addition, the neighbors of Stratford Estates have organized a Block Watch.  They meet a few times a year, including a huge Halloween Block Party that is held every year.  Each street has a leader that is responsible for his/her own section of volunteers.  Jaime makes a point to bring her family every year because it's really only once a year to see all of the neighbors together.

The location has become very convenient.  The brand new Gilbert School District school is a short bike ride away, the newly completed San Tan Freeway is only 5 minutes away with major shopping and movie theaters nearby.  Amazingly, it's also rural enough to see the stars at night. 

Well, Jaime and Scott have recently had their third child and know that a fourth will come in a year or two.  Which means it's time to find that larger floorplan they already know they love.  And they know something that most homebuyers don't, they just know they'll love the neighborhood. 

New to the Gilbert, AZ market, Week of July 21, 2008

So many, many of my clients that are moving to Gilbert Arizona are looking for short sales, preforeclosures, or foreclosures.  There are so many incredible deals out there right now, check these out!

This is the best deal of the week, I think.  It has 4 bedrooms plus a den PLUS a diving pool.  Almost 2,200 square feet, in a great school and family area for only $180,000

This home is in the heart of Gilbert, has 4 bedrooms, plus a pool with a waterfall, and mature palm trees.  2,000 square feet for $195,000. 

This is a huge home, over 2800 square feet.  It has 4 bedrooms upstairs, plus a loft, and a den downstairs.  A large backyard.  Best of both worlds:  low Mesa taxes and Awesome Gilbert Schools.  It's a short sale offered at $229,000. 

This one is even bigger.  Over 3,000 square feet, with 5 bedrooms and a huge loft.  This one has a bank-approved price at $230,000.  Who wants it? 

Short sales are home that have not been foreclosed on yet.  The seller is negotiating with the bank to take less than what is owed for the home, hence the term "short sale".  By no means does the term mean a "short" amount of time.  Sometimes the banks/lenders are highly motivated and will get back to you quickly.  Other times it can take weeks or even months just to find out if they accept your offer. 

Also, banks/lenders will not do any repairs.  Sometimes though, they will pay for your closing costs.  If you are relocating and would like more information about short sales in the Gilbert, Chandler, or Mesa, Arizona area, just contact me.  I'd be happy to answer your questions.

Higley Groves: Friendly Gilbert Neighborhood

When Eric and Terri decided to relocate to Arizona from San Diego, they were overwhelmed at the decision before them.  Terri had put her career on hold once their son was born.  On one income, San Diego just proved too expensive.  They did a lot of research and decided it was time to relocate to Gilbert Arizona.  They made one trip out to house hunt.  When their top choice fell through, Eric was put in charge of the hunt as Terri returned to San Diego to get ready for the move to Gilbert.  After a thorough search and many pictures sent back to Terri, Eric found the home they live in now.  He made a great choice.

The first thing you notice when you enter Higley Groves, is the tree lined streets and mailboxes at the end of the drives.  When was the last time you saw a new development with individual mailboxes and not big, community boxes?  The next thing you notice are numerous playgrounds in the community as well as a huge grassy field for soccer, baseball or just running around.  But aesthetics are one thing, what about the feel of the neighborhood?

When Eric and Terri moved in, the atmosphere was a shock.  They had neighbors coming to greet them and people waving as you pass by, it was a very foreign environment from the urban city life that they had known. 

The developers, the Morrison Family, have lived in the area for decades and wanted to create a small town feel with the neighborhoods.  They certainly have achieved that.  By creating the majority of streets as cul-de-sacs that end at a park, it fosters a strong sense of community.

May afternoons you can find parents out with their children at the end of the cul-de-sac, socializing and watching the kids play.  Many streets get together for street BBQ's, Halloween pot lucks, holiday cookie exchanges, and other celebrations.

In addition, Higley Groves has an active HOA which puts together events for the whole neighborhood, has a very informative websiteand a quarterly newsletter.  Terri joined the HOA Board as soon as they moved in to ensure the neighborhood stayed as family friendly as it was when they moved in. 

The close knit feeling amongst the neighbors is hard to beat.  There is a horse trail that runs behind the community which is also great for walking, but just taking a stroll down the tree lined streets brings you back to the "good old days".

This was just the kind of place Terri and Eric envisioned raising their children.  From big city life to the good ole days, Terri and Eric are happy to be in Higley Groves.  If you are looking at moving to Gilbert, Arizona be sure to put Higley Groves and the rest of Morrison Ranch on your list.

New to the Gilbert Arizona Market - Week of July 14

Even with the crazy real estate market, more and more people are choosing to relocate to Gilbert, Arizona.  Buyers can find some great deals, but the best ones go quick.  For more information about moving to Gilbert, check out the Gilbert Arizona Relocation Guide.

These are regular resales, not preforeclosures or foreclosures.  Here are some of the great homes for sale in Gilbert that just came on the market!

This is a brand new townhome in an excellent location, near shopping, restaurants, freeway.  It's 3 bed/ 2.5 bath/ 2 car garage, about 1300 square feet.  New community with parks, pools, and even lakes.  It's listed aggressively at $185,000. 

Gorgeous home in a great neighborhood.  This gorgeous 3 bed/ 2 bath has beautiful wood flooring, shutters on the window, island in the kitchen.  Backyard is decked out with built-in bar, fireplace, and waterfall.  No neighbors behind.  Offered at $229,900.

This lovely family home is over 2500 square feet, 4 bedroom, 2.5 bath.  Great neighborhood with pools, playgrounds, and walking paths.  Tastefully decorated inside and out, listed at $279,000.

This gorgeous home has 3600 square feet, pool, 4 bed/ 3.5 baths, plus a bonus room.  Elementary school, fishing lakes, pools, all within the community.  Corner lot, offered at $399,900. 

How Localism Makes Me $$$

This story will begin with The End:  Last week my client Laurie says to me, "It's like you wrote in your article, Elena.  When we move, it's not just about finding a house, it's about finding community.  We're leaving behind our favorite grocery store, our babysitters, our Bunco group, our neighbors, our entire support system.  All of that has to be replaced.  Thanks for understanding that."  In the last year I have closed 5 deals resulting from Active Rain leads. 

Let's go back to the beginning, when I bought my first home.  I found it, my agent merely let me in the door.  After contract acceptance I never heard from her again.  Two weeks after moving in, a couple of ladies from my church dropped by to welcome me to the neighborhood.  I stood armed with a list of questions: "Where's the best grocery store?  Where's the nearest dollar store?  Where's the post office?  Where are the best parks?  Are there any mommy-and-me classes around here?"  They were a little shocked and since they were both empty-nesters, they couldn't answer most of my questions.  It was up to me.

So the seed was planted.  We all understand that buying a home is one of the largest undertakings a person can experience.  I'm sure that's part of the reason we're all in this, it's a rush to be involved with something so big.  But part of the enormity is starting all over again, if you can get off on the right foot, anyone who was involved with the success is remembered fondly.  I want to be there.

I knew I had succeeded when I answered the phone, two days after a closing.  All I could hear was a screaming baby.  And then my client Wendy says "Emma has an ear infection.  My doctor back home will call in a prescription but I don't know where."  Like any mommy knows, this is a major crisis.  And she thought of me!  I was honored, and had my pharmacy on speed dial, so no problem.  Wendy has since referred deals to me and we've become good friends. 

Today's families do as much research as they can on the internet.  They need more than listings, they need to know they will have community again when they get to where they are going.  When I provide that, they remember.  My clients have called after they've seen my posts on school boundaries, crime stats, family friendly neighborhoods, even introductions to dentists and family activities.  They know they won't be left alone.

And it happens to make me cash. 

Leaving Home: Keep Your Cool in Arizona

With so many of us gettin' out of dodge for a weekend or more, we start to wonder how to save a little green while we're gone.  Just how high can I turn up my thermostat?  Does that water heater really need to be on?  With your home being one of your largest investments, it makes sense to learn how to protect it and your wallet while you get a little vacation time.

• You can set your thermostat between 85 and 90 degrees.  For every degree above 80, the potential savings is 2-3% on cooling costs.  However if you have fine wood furnishings, antiques, or other items that might be harmed, think twice. 
• If you have a pool, about a third of Arizonans do, install a timer on the pool pump.  eights to twelve hours a day should be good in the summer. 
• You can turn your water heater off at the circuit breaker.  When you get back from vacation, make sure there is water in the tank before you turn it back on. 
• Keep your fridge and freezer as full as possible but not crowded.  One trick is to keep water bottles or ice blocks inside.  Trust me, you'll want them when you get back and your house is 90 degrees for awhile. 
• Unplug all unnecessary electronics, especially those designed to charge things. 

Owning a home in Arizona comes with its own quirks and nuances, just like environment.  Bone up on tips and hints from a local and you should do just fine.

Above information came from SRP, our local utility company. 

In-Depth, but not boring!, Market Stats for Gilbert AZ

If you are thinking about buying or selling real estate in Gilbert Arizona, you need to be well armed with good information.  Here are some interesting statistics for us.

At the current absorption rates Gilbert Arizona has:

Price Range       Currently Active      Months of Inventory (historically, a balanced market is 3-4 months)

$1-199k             316                       3.2

$2-299k             771                       4.0

$3-399k             442                       5.4

$4-499k             249                       8.4

$5-599k             120                      12.9

$6-699k             93                        23.3

So what does this really mean, oh number crunchers?  To me, it means the more expensive home you have to sell, the less chances you have to sell it in a reasonable manner.  It also means, the more expensive home you want to buy, the better chances you have of getting a great deal because those people are desperate. 

Therefore maybe you can afford a higher mortgage payment but you really want someone else to pay your closing costs and maybe even your down payment, the $400k price range might be the way to go.

The other good news is that in the first three tiers, pending contracts have risen each month in the second quarter of 2008.  That to me is a hard fact that the bottom rung of the real estate ladder is getting active again, which is the basis for the whole kaboodle.  If the first time buyers aren't getting into the market, then ain't nobody moving up.

New to the Gilbert, AZ Market

Let's check out what is brand new on the market in Gilbert, AZ. 

Why Gilbert?  Because it's one of the best, if not THE best suburb in the Phoenix area. 

With great neighborhoods, excelling schools, and low crime, Gilbert Arizona is the place for newcomer to Arizona.  Check out the Gilbert Arizona Relocation Guide for more info. 

This great home 3 bedrooms, 2 baths and almost 1600 square feet.  Stainless steel appliances and other upgrades make it move in ready.  Listed at $219,000.

This home is a great deal as it is already owned by the lender.  It's over 2500 square feet with 5 bedrooms and 3 baths.  It's on a cul de sac lot, close to the school, with community amenties including mulitple swimming pools.  It's a steal at $242,500.

Great home and a really great location.  Near Val Vista and Williamsfield, 5 bed/3 bath over 3,000 square feet.  Wood floors, shutters, double ovens, pool, and spa.  Listed at $299,900. 

Gorgeous horse property in close-in Gilbert, very convenient to shopping, freeway, schools, etc.  Quiet street with mature trees.  4 bed/ 2 bath, over 2400 square feet.  Horse trailer and lighted batting cage included if desired.  Offered at $479,000

Incredible Value: 3 bed/2 ba for less than $200k!

Stunning Home for under $200k

684 E. Redondo Dr., Gilbert, AZ 85296 View Map

Stunning home for under $200k. NOT a short sale or foreclosure, real owners offering a realistic sales price. Vaulted ceilings, tile and new wood flooring throughout. Throw away your vacuum! Walking distance to Lifetime Fitness, grocery store, movie theatre, bowling, restaurants, and EXCELLING elementary school. Gorgeous kitchen with lots of natural light, plenty of storage. Lovely master suite with spa-like bath and walk-in closet. Style, function, location, and great value: This Home Has It All!

Details

Asking Price:

$199,900

MLS:

3019976

Sq. Feet:

1350

Bedrooms:

3

Bathrooms:

2

# of Floors:

1

Subdivision:

Neely Farms

Contact Info

Elena Thurston
Your Family's Realtor

Dir (480) 215-6536
Email | Website

4th of July Events for the Family

There are some great places to check out the fireworks and have some fun. 

Don't forget plenty of water, even after dark!

• Gilbert's Old Fashioned 4th of July Celebration:  Mesquite high School, 550 S. McQueen Rd, Gilbert.  5 pm to 10:30 pm, fireworks begin about 9 pm.  Admission and parking are free, no cooler's, pets, alcohol, tobacco, or weapons.  Live entertainment, contests, games, inflatables, community exhibits, food, and beverages.  Bring your blankets and lawn chairs.
• Chandler's 4th of July Celebration and Fireworks Spectacular:  Tumbleweed Park, southwest corner of Germann and McQueen roads.  Gates open at 4 pm, Fireworks begin about 9L30 pm.  Live music, classic cars, free kids' carnival, food and fireworks.
• Rawhide Red White and Boom:  Rawhide is at 5700 West North Loop Road, Chandler.  See website for pricing details, www.rawhide.com.  Rawhide and Ahwatukee Foothills Chamber of Commerce are brining one of the Valley's largest fireworks displays to Rawhide's star-spangled Main Street.
• Mesa's 4th of July Celebration:  Gates open at 6 pm at Mesa Community College Dobson Road and Southern Avenue in Mesa, Family entertainment, Fireworks at 9 pm.  Admission is $1 per person with kids under 6 admitted free.
• July 4th Tempe Town Lake Festival:  For location go to www.tempe4th.com.  Live entertainment, inflatable village with rides, rock climbing walls, water wars and more, from 4 to 11 pm.  Advance purchase tickets at Fry's are $6, Children 12 and younger are free.  Tickets are $8 at the gate or $15 for two.