Why does the media often mislead us? - 09/25/07 04:42 PM
Why does the media often mislead us?by Kaushik Sirkar, Chandler AZ REALTORChandler Arizona Real Estate
Certain markets boomed more than others in the past few years.  Certain markets didn't boom at all.  Some boomed and are now coming down.  For some, the bottom isn't quite in sight yet.
I run across may articles as I traverse the internet and I came across this one today from money.cnn.com.  The article highlights ten cities that "have just about hit rock bottom" and are good best for investors to put their money into.  Now, I have no problem with some of these cities being promoted as … (7 comments)

More Realtors, Lenders are leaving the business - 09/25/07 04:25 PM
More Realtors, Lenders are leaving the businessby Kaushik Sirkar, Chandler AZ REALTORChandler Arizona Real Estate
I'm going to go really, really basic for a second.  Lets say you have 10 apples for sale with 5 salespeople marketing them.  50 people want to buy apples.  Those 10 apples will sell pretty darn quickly and on average each salesperson will earn 2 commissions.
How if you have 50 apples for sale with 25 salespeople marketing them?  And 10 people want to buy apples?  Who knows which ten apples will sell.  Many apple (the fruit, not the company!) salespeople will go without any commissions whatsoever.
Is it … (7 comments)

Ever wonder why those water tankers are at new home construction sites? - 09/24/07 11:15 PM
Ever wonder why those water tankers are at new home construction sites?by Kaushik Sirkar, Chandler AZ REALTORChandler Arizona Real Estate
You drive by a new home subdivision or a plat of land where homes are slated for.  A lot of dirt.  And often, a water tanker.  Sometimes they can even be spotted "watering the dirt."  What gives?  Whats that all about?  Pretty simple, really.  Local authorities don't really want a whole bunch of dust/sand flying around when the wind kicks up - hence regulations to keep the ground at such locations moist.
One local builder was just busted and fined in excess of $150,000 … (7 comments)

2007 Phoenix Area New Builder Rankings - 09/24/07 11:07 PM
2007 Phoenix Area New Builder Rankingsby Kaushik Sirkar, Chandler AZ REALTORChandler Arizona Real Estate
Are all builders created equal?  Of course not.  Some have better workmanship.  Some have better designs.  Some have better customer service.  Can you tell by just walking into the model homes at the subdivision?  Probably not.  But our friends at JD Power have decided to help out out in this regard.  See the links below for various rankings of new home builders in the Phoenix metropolitan area.
Customer Service Rankings
Quality
Design
Enjoy this information.  Definitely don't use it in a vacuum but also please don't completely disregard it in your new … (0 comments)

Phoenix is # 15 for "Bad Traffic" - 09/20/07 03:28 AM
Phoenix is # 15 for "Bad Traffic"by Kaushik Sirkar, Chandler AZ REALTORChandler Arizona Real Estate
Traffic.  Gridlock.  Rush Hour.  Nightmare.  Unfortunately, these terms are sometimes used interchangeably.  What about here in the Valley?  I-10 when it loses a lane near Tempe.  I-17 whenever there is a crash.  The 101 if your not going against traffic.  Yup, traffic can definitely be a royal pain in the you know what in the Phoenix metro area.
But Valley residents and those considering moving here - take solace in the fact that many places are much, much worse!  This article from the Arizona Republic points out that Phoenix … (3 comments)

Caught between two homes...in a down market? - 09/20/07 02:45 AM
Caught between two homes...in a down market?by Kaushik Sirkar, Chandler AZ REALTORChandler Arizona Real Estate
A big problem in many of today's Real Estate markets involves the "move-up buyer".  Who is the move-up buyer?  Well, I don't think there is necessarily any one definition that fits all.  But typically it will be someone or a family that already has a home.  They have decided they need more space, want a better school district or want amenities that the current home doesn't offer.  These people want to sell there current home and purchase a new one.  Often, they will have equity in the … (1 comments)

The FIRST subdivision in Maricopa is Cobblestone Farms - 09/19/07 03:18 AM
The FIRST subdivision in Maricopa is Cobblestone Farmsby Kaushik Sirkar, Chandler AZ REALTORChandler Arizona Real Estate
Maricopa is growing by leaps and bounds.  Why?  Well, its relatively close to employement centers in the Valley (Chandler/Tempe/Gilbert/Ahwatukee) and is comparably quite affordable.  There is quite a bit of inventory out there not to mention great, GREAT deals on spec homes.  So what's so great about Cobblestone Farms, you ask???
Ever take highway 347 into Maricopa?  What's the 1st subdivision you see (on your right)?  Yup, Cobblestone Farms (sure, one could argue that Rancho El Dorado is spotted first on the left....splitting hairs!).  In addition, Cobblestone … (1 comments)

Do you text while you drive? It might cost you - 09/18/07 11:57 PM
Do you text while you drive?  It might cost youby Kaushik Sirkar, Chandler AZ REALTORChandler Arizona Real Estate
I couldn't help but write about this topic (admittedly not a whole lot of Real Estate content here).  Talking on the phone used to be "the" hazard when driving.  Well, now its texting while driving - my guess is that this has been pioneered by our younger friends.  See this article in the Arizona Republic.  This ordinance will go to the full City Council for a vote.  Fines up to $400.  To my friends (and some clients who text me) - I apologize in … (12 comments)

DON'T invest your 401k money in your own company - 09/13/07 05:46 PM
DON'T invest your 401k money in your own companyby Kaushik Sirkar, Chandler AZ REALTORChandler Arizona Real Estate
I am by no means a financial consultant.  I am not a retirement planner.  I am not a stockbroker.  I am a REALTOR.  But every so often, I can't help but throw out some general financial 'suggestions'.
I just came across this article at money.cnn.com.  It addresses employees of Countrywide suing their employer because their retirement accounts have dwindled - supposedly Countrywide misled them as to the status of the company's financials.
Here is what I have to say to everyone who works in Corporate America.  DO … (6 comments)

Ironwood Vistas YTD Statistics - 09/08/07 09:18 PM
Ironwood Vistas YTD Statisticsby Kaushik Sirkar, Chandler AZ REALTORChandler Arizona Real Estate
Enclosed please find year-to-date market statistics for the Ironwood Vistas subdivision located near the intersection of Arizona Ave and Chandler Heights in South Chandler.  Data courtesy of ARMLS.
Thanks for Reading :)
Kaushik Sirkar, Chandler AZ REALTORChandler Arizona Real Estate
… (0 comments)

Saguaro Canyon YTD Statistics - 09/08/07 09:15 PM
Saguaro Canyon YTD Statisticsby Kaushik Sirkar, Chandler AZ REALTORChandler Arizona Real Estate
Enclosed please find the year to date market statistics for Saguaro Canyon, located in South Chandler near the intersection of Cooper and Ocotillo Rds.  Data courtesy of ARMLS.
 
Thanks for Reading :)
Kaushik Sirkar, Chandler AZ REALTORChandler Arizona Real Estate
… (0 comments)

D'arcy Ranch YTD Market Statistics - 09/08/07 09:10 PM
D'arcy Ranch YTD Market Statisticsby Kaushik Sirkar, Chandler AZ REALTORChandler Arizona Real Estate
Enclosed, please find the year-to-date market statistics for the D'arcy Ranch subdivision.  D'arcy Ranch is conveniently located near the intersection of the 101 highway and Ray Rd. in Chandler.  Data courtesy of ARMLS.
   
Thanks for Reading :)
Kaushik Sirkar, Chandler AZ REALTORChandler Arizona Real Estate
… (0 comments)

Landlord by Choice or Necessity? - 09/08/07 09:02 PM
Landlord by Choice or Necessity?by Kaushik Sirkar, Chandler AZ REALTORChandler Arizona Real Estate
Many folks choose to become landlords.  There is no doubt that if developed properly, a sound real estate investment portfolio can lead to impressive financial results down the line.  Some ~90% of this country's millionaires have generated their wealth through real estate.
But to be truly successful down this path, one has to know many things and have a defined plan and pathway.  I'm willing to bet that being forced to rent out a home because it won't sell typically doesn't fall into such a plan.  Read the following article … (5 comments)

Realtors dropping like flies - 09/08/07 08:40 PM
Realtors dropping like fliesby Kaushik Sirkar, Chandler AZ REALTORChandler Arizona Real Estate
Subprime crisis.  Lenders suffering massive layoffs.  Construction jobs disappearing.  Etc.  The real estate downturn has and is continuing to have a huge impact on numerous facets/segments of our society.  It was only a matter of time before this impact was to be felt by Realtors.  See this article from the New York Times.
Membership no longer increasing at ridiculous rates.  "Successful" agents leaving the business.  Going back to former professions in areas such as IT.  I still don't think this is "enough".  There are still too many agents out there.  Maybe … (14 comments)

 

Kaushik Sirkar

Chandler, AZ

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