Desert Living Blog

ZIP Codes with the Most Improved Home Sales

Karen Turney-Phoenix Real Estate (Realty Executives) — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 17:25:18 -0500

According to Business Week California leads the nation with our own Surprise Arizona coming in at number 8!! That should be welcomed news to the homeowners there who have taken quite a dip in home values. But, this doesnt mean that the values have gone up, just that the properties are being snatched up more quickly. One would hope that this increase would follow with some stability.

Surprise offers a great buy for the prospective buyer, with many homes of all types and sizes well under 200,000. To View a property in Surprise or any other Phoenix Metropolitan Area call me today.

Karen Turney/Realty Executives/602-999-2742/"It's A Good Move"

Short Sale Buyer Fatigue! Hang in There.

Karen Turney-Phoenix Real Estate (Realty Executives) — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 21:51:21 -0600

As an Agent it is my responsibility to present the opportunity to view every home that is available to my buyers. Lately however, I have seen a few of my buyers grow tired of bidding on short sales only to walk away from the process after months of waiting.

The process of dealing with REO and Short Sale properties can be filled with roadblocks. When a buyer is truly ready and qualified, they usually would like to move relatively soon.

As an agent I am used to working thru the process and hanging in there until every detailed is handled and it certainly is easier if I am the listing agent. For the buyer however, it is difficult to go thru the waiting process only to find out that your offer was rejected after waiting 60 days for some kind of a response. Or to find out that the house that showed active has 6 offers on it, has been in escrow or is 2 days away from closing. Since 48% of the homes in Phoenix that sell are bank foreclosures or short sales, it sure is nice when it goes smoothly.

So I appreciate it when agents working with short sales and REO properties take some classes to understand the process and how to assist in moving it along.

Counseling my buyers about the possible setbacks doesn't deter them from looking at lender owned and short sale properties. They even know that lenders are not taking low offers and there can be multiple offers. So they suit up their emotional armor, believe that they will not be the "nightmare transaction" and get in the game only to be frustrated in the process.

Certainly I will continue to show , list and sell lender owned property and short sales. But if the banks involved and agents working with them would step up their game and understand "time is of the essence" more buyers would stick with them and we would see our inventory go down quicker. As agents when we handle these properties we need to return calls and keep buyer agents informed. For any buyers who are interested in a short sale, know that it can take months, but in the end you can get your dream home.

These are different times, requiring lots of education and perseverance. So I am hanging tough!!

Karen Turney/Realty Executives/"It's a Good Move"/602-999-2742

SELLING IN AN "AS IS" MARKET, SHOULD YOU MAKE REPAIRS?

Karen Turney-Phoenix Real Estate (Realty Executives) — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 23:47:38 -0600

Recently I was talking with a previous client who wanted to list her home for sale and take advantage of the market prices now to downsize and buy a home. We began by looking at homes on the market to see if what she was looking for was on the market and available on the budget she wanted to spend.

After looking at about 20 homes it became apparent that we could indeed find the floorplan and the price range that suited her. Our disappointment came in the condition of the homes. Most of them are now REO or short sale properties in poor condition which will require extra cash at closing to make them livable.

Knowing that, it becomes hard for a seller to justify pouring money into their existing home to make it ready for sale.

We all know that a pristine property sells quickly, but lately it can sell at an REO price. My suggestion is to make your home as clean as possible, clutter free , freshen rooms by painting them and always make sure your yard is maintained.

So if you are selling your home:

I don't suggest spending lots of cash on your existing home anymore, instead I wait for an offer, the repair requests and weigh the advantages. In most cases an owner occupied home is in better condition to begin with.

In some areas of the Greater Phoenix Area, homes sell at 2001-2003 prices, that's pre pre pre-boom prices! Even if you keep your home in immaculate condition and it shows better than the competition you might have to keep reducing it to get a sale. So my advice is be cautious about your expenditures.

I know that some agents feel it has to be upgraded to the max, new carpet, etc... and yes that will make it sell and even command a better price. However, you might not come close to the dollars you spent getting it that way and do better selling it "as is" like most of the competition

To get more information about Greater Phoenix Area Homes, buying or selling a home contact me at:

Karen Turney/Realty Executives/602-999-2742/It's A Good Move"

Panoramic Views in Fountain Hills

Karen Turney-Phoenix Real Estate (Realty Executives) — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 13:07:42 -0600

9817 N Gorden Drive, Fountain Hills, Arizona

Only home available in this subdivision with these views! Clear Aire subdivision offers an architectural plan modeled after Costa Del Sol in Spain. A small enclave of homes on sloping hills.

Two Master bedrooms, with private baths. Well cared for home with newer roof, bathroom and kitchen upgrades. Dual pane windows, Ac within last 4 years.

Three Private Patios to Enjoy, No Shared Walls, Heated Community Pool, Well Cared for and Updated

Two Master Bedrooms, Living and Family Rooms, Eat in Kitchen, Tiled Floors, Lots of upgrades

Atrium Filters Light into the living room and hallway, Well place Ceiling windows allow light into the vaulted family room. Beehive fireplace adds warmth to the Family room.

This Home is offered for: $269,900

2 bedrooms, 1450 square feet with unbelievable views

View on the mls #4105400

Three private patios to enjoy. Home sits on private land with tremendous views.

Click here to view more photos of this property or see other Phoenix Area Properties

Karen Turney/Realty Executives/602-999-2742/"It's A Good Move"

Phoenix Home Near City North and Desert Ridge

Karen Turney-Phoenix Real Estate (Realty Executives) — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 16:11:05 -0600

Just around the corner from City North and The Desert Ridge Marketplace! Access to the freeway system in minutes.

Located in Paradise Valley Landings, this community is a "no thru traffic" community. The northern border is the CAP project with 6 miles of walking or jogging paths. Reach 11 park area is north of that so the neighborhood is quiet and you can still hear the coyotes howl in the spring. 30 minutes from downtown and only 1 minute from the 51-101 exchange. Get anywhere from here!

4050 E Taro Lane, Phoenix Arizona

3 Bedrooms, 2 baths for $252,500

Large formal living room and separate family room, eat in kitchen and dining room. Stainless steel appliances and tiled floors. Vaulted ceilings and large secondary bedrooms. Large Master Bedroom. AZ mls #4095799

This is not a short sale or a reo, can negotiate now and close in 30 days. Seller open to new roof if offer is at full price.

Priced well for this market in very quiet neighborhood with LOCATION,LOCATION,LOCATION, as they say!

To see this home , view more photos or search for other Phoenix Real Estate visit my website today.

Karen Turney/Realty Executives/602-999-2742

"It's A Good Move"

Holiday Events Phoenix Area

Karen Turney-Phoenix Real Estate (Realty Executives) — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 14:35:44 -0600

Enjoy the Holidays!

Tempe Festival of the Arts Dec 5-7
The renowned festival celebrates its 40th anniversary. Top artists, music and street performers. More than 400 booths line Mill Ave from 10 am till dusk everyday. FREE

Zoolights
The Phoenix offers it traditional holiday Zoolights event Dec-Jan 11th
One of the largest holiday light displays in the southwest, great fun for all the family and those out of town guest. 6-10 pm 7-20$ admission kids under 2 are free.

Holidays at the Heard
Dec 5-Jan 4. Traditional Southwestern and American Indian culture with artist demonstrations and music. Dance performances and hands on activities. Fry bread, cocoa and apple cider. Another great venue for family and holiday guests.
2301 N Central Ave 11 am-4 pm

Carefree Christmas Festival Dec 12-14
3 day event starting with a light parade Friday evening. A visit from Santa and real snow. Carolers, street musicians, food vendors.
100 Easy St, Carefree Az Friday 6-10 pm, Saturday 10am until 9 pm, Sunday 10am until 6pm FREE

Phoenix Realtor/Karen Turney/Realty Executives

"It's a Good Move!"

Phoenix Home Under 220K with a Pool

Karen Turney-Phoenix Real Estate (Realty Executives) — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 17:05:12 -0600

Lovely three bedroom home in North East Phoenix. This home offers vaulted ceilings, breakfast bar, eat in kitchen and bonus room. Pergo floors and Tile. Beautiful salt water pool. Situated on a large lot.

Minutes to all freeway systems, Desert Ridge or North Central shopping areas.

$219,900

Home backs to private property with no homes built on it

Kitchen offers a breakfast bar, eat in area (not featured) and bonus room for an office or excersize room

Large great room with built in computer nook, library area.

Pergo floors in all bedrooms, tile in kitchen.

Easy to care for salt water pool sits in a large backyard with room for any childrens play equipment. Rv gate and poured cement slab on the side of the home. Storage shed.

To view this home call: Karen Turney/Realty Executives/Phoenix Real Estate

602-999-2742

Holiday Shopping Safety Tips

Karen Turney-Phoenix Real Estate (Realty Executives) — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 16:24:14 -0600

Holiday Shopping Safety Tips

1. If you must use an ATM, choose one that is located inside a mall, or well-lighted location. Withdraw only the amount of cash you need. Protect your PIN by shielding the ATM keypad from anyone who is standing near you. Do not throw your ATM receipt away at the ATM location.

2. It is getting darker earlier and earlier in the day. Try to pick up gifts before you go to work and not after. Most malls and super stores like Target and Wal-Mart have holiday hours that extend to earlier in the morning.

3. If you must shop at night, use the valet service. I know, its one of those "luxury expenses" that many just can’t seem to bring themselves to pay for, but it’s usually under $10 including tip and that’s definitely worth your personal safety. Many shopping centers have complimentary valet during the holiday season. Also, it makes you feel fancy!

4. If you have to park your car at night in a lot, park in the best lit spot available.

5. Do not approach your car alone if there are suspicious people in the area. Listen to you intuition. If you have a bad feeling, turn around and go back inside!

6. Ask a Security Guard for an escort. Most major retail stores hire extra help during the holiday season, so there should be plenty to help you.

7. Shop online.

8. Make a day of it. Go with a group of friends or your family and split up. Meet in the food court after a decided amount of time. Come as a group, leave as a group.

9. Leave your kids at home. Children distract us. Our focus immediately goes to them. Pickpockets and purse snatchers look for the distracted mother who put her shopping bags down to deal with her kid and her bags are gone when she turns back around.

10. DO NOT except unsolicited help from strangers. Male or female. This is a way that predators gain your trust. "Let me help you with that" he might say. Say NO! And go back inside. If they persist, state firmly and loudly "I did not ask for your help and I do not want it." This might feel rude or extreme, but all attackers seem nice when you first meet them. They are trying to gain your trust so that they can easily get you into a vulnerable situation. I don’t care if he's wearing a boy scout uniform. SAY NO!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

reprinted with the permission of the author, Anni Lundy from Protect Yourself a self defense for women program. www.protectys.com

Thinking of a new home for the New Year? Start your holiday shopping here. Phoenix Real Estate

The Talking House: Name That Tune

Karen Turney-Phoenix Real Estate (Realty Executives) — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 17:28:27 -0500

This weekend I showed 8 homes that were all vacant. Nice Homes that were crying out for an owner since the previous owner could no longer care for them.

All of these houses were bank foreclosures and they all sang the same song: The familiar beeping of an unattended smoke alarm.

Chirping away as if to say: Hi, Don't Go, Stay Awhile, Visit With Me, Move In I'm Ready.

None of the talking houses lured my client this weekend, so tomorrow some other agent will hear that familiar tune.

We should name that tune, any ideas?

Karen Turney/ Realty Executives/ 602-999-2742

Gated Home in Dreaming Summit Litchfield Park

Karen Turney-Phoenix Real Estate (Realty Executives) — Sun, 05 Oct 2008 20:46:10 -0500

Situated on an oversized lot offering 3897 square feet of luxurious living. No upgrades were spared in this 4 bedroom home. 4 bathrooms and a den complete the convenience of this floor plan with both living room, dining room and family room areas. Kitchen is spacious and offers a large eat in area.

The 20,000+ lot offers an outdoor kitchen, 724 sq ft heated pool and spa, fireplace and extended covered patio. Play area for kids or adults, Rv gate and more space between the homes with no 2 story homes behind. All located in Gated Dreaming Summit. Close to shopping and freeway systems.

13233 W Solano Dr, WADE IN!

Gated Dreaming Summit

42 inch Cabinets and Stainless Appliances

Master Bath and Closets for 2

Asking: $490,000

To view this home or other Phoenix Area Homes contact Karen Turney w/Realty Executives

Karen Turney/Realty Eecutives: 602-999-2742 "It's A Good Move"

Video: Open House Safety Tips

Karen Turney-Phoenix Real Estate (Realty Executives) — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 19:13:13 -0500

Recently I helped a self defense instructor make a short video to show at the start of her classes for Realtors. The instructor, Anni with Protect Yourself, does not believe in making all defense moves available to just anyone. She instructs women only, saying that she could never forgive herself if she gave valuable information to a would be attacker.

I tell my clients they do not have to show "spur of the moment buyers" if they really want to buy a home they can call me for a prompt showing. STAY SAFE OUT THERE. NO SALE IS WORTH JEOPARDIZING YOUR SAFETY!

Karen Turney Phoenix Real Estate "It's A Good Move"

2 Bedroom Remodeled in 2007 (SOLD)

Karen Turney-Phoenix Real Estate (Realty Executives) — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 20:24:23 -0500

TURTLE RUN TOWNHOUSE

722 E MORNINGSIDE DR

Turtle Run is a desirable townhouse community in the Moon Valley area. Nestled in an area that separates Northeast Phoenix from Northwest Phoenix. Turtle Run is close to shopping and all freeway access. 7th street runs directly to downtown Phoenix and this area is one of the few express transit areas. Offering 2 community pools and a heated spa the grounds are lush and delightful.

RECENTLY REMODELED:

New Counters in Kitchen and Baths

New Faucets and Fixtures

New Appliances

Pella Dual Pane Windows installed

New Carpet and Tile

Skylights and Ceiling Fans

Alarm System

New H20 Heater

2 Patios

Covered Parking

Storage Rm w/Wk bench

2 Community Pools/Spa

This is a corner unit with parking outside your front door. Reasonable HOA fees and Move in Ready!

Offered at: 159,300 /Karen Turney/ Realty Executives

Click here: Phoenix Area Homes to find out more about this home, other homes in Phoenix and Phoenix Real Estate

Arizona Passes Loan Originator Licensing. What Do You Think?

Karen Turney-Phoenix Real Estate (Realty Executives) — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 03:09:33 -0500

Arizona Passes Loan Originator Licensing

The Governor signed into law a bill that requires loan originators of Arizona home loans to be licenced . This new law will require loan originators to apply for a one year licence beginning Jan 1, 2010 and take required continuing education units before submitting a renewal application after that.

Supporters of this new law hope that it will reduce fraud by requiring educational classes and oversight of the licensee. Opponents do not like that the new law exempts employees of a commercial mortgage banker from loan originator laws. They feel that loan originators will flock to banks and leave mortgage brokers high and dry. Since mortgage brokers usually have a wider range of products, I think the demand for originators will remain high. What do you think?

I am in favor of this new law, and am delighted to know that loan originators will have a higher required standard of care for their clients. Now I know that some loan originators will be upset and I have to admit that 99 percent of the originators I have worked with have done an excellent job and act as consultants to their clients giving hands on care.

However, with that said, there have been some nightmare originators that clients have had to work with. Most clients come to me with a mortgage broker in tow and often have chosen them because of a referral or rate that they read about. Many clients don't know what level of expertise to expect and can fall for predatory practices. This will help to build consumer confidence.

As Real Estate Agents we are held to a high standard of care, we are licensed and are required to take renewal hours of continuing education mandated by state law.

Hey, even a hair stylist is licensed and takes more classes than this bill requires. This is a good thing.

Phoenix Zoo Winter In July

Karen Turney-Phoenix Real Estate (Realty Executives) — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 14:37:01 -0500

As the summer goes on here's another COOL way to spend your time while living in Arizona. A wonderful family event at the Phoenix Zoo.

60 Tons of manmade snow will be brought in for the Winter In July Event at the Phoenix Zoo. Visitors can watch the animals play in the snow and play in it themselves! Toddlers under age 5 will have a special snow playground. The event takes place from July 12th at 11am with a Barbeque following hosted by El Paso Barbeque. Visit the Zoo Website for more information

KarenTurney/Phoenix Real Estate/It's A Good Move

Winter Escape From the Phoenix Summer

Karen Turney-Phoenix Real Estate (Realty Executives) — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 15:23:33 -0500

If you are looking to escape the summer heat even for just an afternoon consider a visit to the Arizona Science Center.

"The Chronicles of Narnia: The Exbition" premieres here in Phoenix this summer.

Visitors will view artifacts from C. S. Lewis' personal study and visit environments such as the attic and wardrobe which act as a portal to the exhibit.

Complete with falling snow and cold wind, the wintry scene leads to the White Witch Ice Palace.

The exibit was designed for you to enjoy scenes and items from the films and it teaches a message about stewardship of the environment.

For more information Contact the AZ Science Center located at 600 E Washington.

Visit the website at Arizona Science Center or call 602-716-2000

Karen Turney Phoenix Real Estate "Its a Good Move"

Clip art:lucy learns ltd.(c)

Child For Hire, What Was Your First Job?

Karen Turney-Phoenix Real Estate (Realty Executives) — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 17:23:31 -0500

I wasn’t born a Realtor; it was a long slow progression of various jobs to reach this career.

Last weekend while stopping for gas a boy of about 11 approached me to sell candy. Now I know I could have thought he was too young to be out there working but then I thought back to my own youth.

It has been many years since I was 11 but I was working then too. I really didn’t think much of it at the time, it was the means to and end so to speak, work=money, simple as that.

I lived across the street from the tee of the golf course we lived on and I sold soda to the golfers as they passed. They did not have beverage carts then, so my brothers and sisters took turns selling on the weekends and my father gave us a share of the profits. I blew it all on candy as I recall.

When I was 13 my brother and I found a farmer 4 miles away that would pay 6 cents a pint and 8-10 cents a quart, to pick strawberries in his field. So, I rode my bike to and from the fields every day all summer until I had the money I wanted. I remember I was exhausted by the end of the day and that eating strawberries cut into my profit.

I know that there are still kids today that have paper routes, baby sit and mow lawns and they feel great satisfaction from a job well done.

It doesn’t really matter what you do when you first have that desire to make your own income, what matters is that you stick with it, serve your customer well and enjoy the rewards of hard work.

So how did you start your working life? Were you a kid too?

Karen Turney Phoenix Real Estate

Business Networking and the Benefits to my Clients

Karen Turney-Phoenix Real Estate (Realty Executives) — Sat, 21 Jun 2008 20:51:53 -0500

This month I celebrate 10 years of belonging to Business Network International. As the name describes this group is composed of business owners dedicated to marketing and increasing the business of others.

As a realtor working in the Greater Phoenix Real Estate market, I am often asked if I have a pool service, do I know a good banker or have a painter and a handyman service?

As members, we are dedicated to a code of ethics that pledges to be truthful to our members and their referrals. I know I can refer a vendor that you can be happy with.

My networking group, the Scottsdale Business Builders, promise to deliver quality service and live up to the ethical standards of our professions.

Many of the clients that have been referred to me have referred other friends and family members to me.

When you buy or sell a home, you have a goal, including the best price, and the best service. I have a goal too, to fulfill your goals in order to receive your referrals.

Click here to view my preferred list of vendors.

Karen Turney / Phoenix Real Estate/ “It’s a Good Move”

Lovely 4 Bedroom Home! Directly Across from the Fire Station! Can The Internet Tell Me Everything About a Home?

Karen Turney-Phoenix Real Estate (Realty Executives) — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 17:31:51 -0500

Think outside of the box! The computer box.

I love working with web savvy clients, they collect information that reduces their doubts and helps them make good decisions. They come to me with specific goals and ready to ask those all important questions. In short they are educated, feel secure ,have a plan of action and are ready to go.

The biggest problem I see about the internet is that you can’t FEEL the location. Not all buyers can drive by every home, and with the price of gas these days they may not want to! The Phoenix homebuyers market covers a large area.

When clients come to me with a list, they may not know about road noise, or ringing school bells, or lights from a football field . Since I know the area, I can help them with their list by getting crucial information. I form my own list of homes and compare the two lists in a conversational meeting before we head out to look at homes. Realtors can avoid showing homes that the buyer will negate because they did not have all the facts and can’t get them on the internet.

Some homes have beautiful photos, but the multiple listing services can’t tell you the sellers own 4 large dogs or they have a room dedicated to their iguanas, the private remarks that only realtors can view, will. I have actually seen an iguanas bedroom!

Looking for a home on the internet is a very good starting place. Once you have your criteria narrowed down then it's time for a Realtor that knows the area. Make calls to set up interviews with realtors, then enjoy your journey down the street of your dreams.

When is the last time you read an internet listing that said:

LOVELY FOUR BEDROOM HOME

DIRECTLY ACROSS FROM THE FIRE STATION

Visit here for more information about Phoenix area Homes

Karen Turney, It's a Good Move

Phoenix Homes Removed From the Declining Market by Fannie Mae

Karen Turney-Phoenix Real Estate (Realty Executives) — Thu, 29 May 2008 16:42:32 -0500

The article, Fannie Mae payment rules eased from the Arizona Republic dated May 17th, reports that lending Fannie Mae is doing away with higher minimum down-payment requirements for borrowers in parts of the U.S. where home prices are dropping.

When Fannie Mae tagged metro Phoenix a declining housing market in January, the residential market suffered. As if it needed any help in this manner!! Dozens of homes fell thru because borrowers couldnt come up with the extra cash required for a down payment, and the status of buying in a "delining market" spooked potential buyers.

The government-sponsored mortgage finance company said it will require down payments to be between 3 and 5 percent for all loans that it guarantees.
This is wonderful news for the Phoenix Metropolitan market! For months agents were pairing potential buyers with homes only to find that they could not qualify for a loan due to the stigma and requirement of the "declining market" tag.

This move should translate into more Valley home sales!!

click here to begin your search Phoenix Metropolitan Homes

Phoenix Homes in Desert Ridge Neighborhood Where Urban meets Suburban

Karen Turney-Phoenix Real Estate (Realty Executives) — Fri, 16 May 2008 20:46:36 -0500

Phoenix Homes in Desert Ridge Neighborhood
Urban meets Suburban

I have been visiting the sales office off and on at City North to keep up to date on the developments of this new urban development in Northeast Phoenix. City North is situated within the master plan community of Desert Ridge. This is where suburban meets urban living. Similar in planning to Kierland, City North is sure to please the current residents of Desert Ridge and entice others to locate there.

Located at the corner of 56th street and Deer Valley road, this community will be convenient to existing shopping in Desert Ridge and the 51 and 101 freeways.

Construction is in full swing at City North a 144-acre multiuse development east of The Desert Ridge Marketplace. Structural steel, foundations and much more activity is happening to create the first phase of City North known as High Street.
High Street will have 100 units for residency occupying several 4-story buildings.

High Street will have street level retail shops and include a collection of lifestyle boutiques with sidewalk bistros and cafes. Included in the buildings on the second floors will be over 320,000 square feet of first class office space including medical facilities.

Resident homes will offer several floor plans, which are now available for reservations starting in the mid 500k range. Floor plans offering two and three bedroom homes are available for sale now and are expected to be available for occupancy in the fall of 2008.

The Boulevard is the second phase of City North and will offer an Esplanade complete with high-end boutiques, and Bloomingdales. At the center of the Boulevard will be city parks featuring cascading fountains, art installations and public performance spaces.
This phase will offer residences high above the street as well.

54^th Street is the final phase offering residences overlooking a walkable thoroughfare and will be the gateway to City North. Shopping will include a Nordstrom’s.

The community plans on two hotels and ample parking structures. This is sure to be an exciting urban environment in northeast Phoenix.

Call Karen for more information on City North and to view all available homes in Desert Ridge

Information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed, and was obtained from City North sales office team, and the Arizona Republic

Homebuyers Camping Out to Buy a Home at Mountain Bridge Mesa Arizona

Karen Turney-Phoenix Real Estate (Realty Executives) — Wed, 14 May 2008 00:51:11 -0500

Buyers starting arriving monday evening to get a place in line to secure their first choice of homes at Mountain Bridge! Grand opening and Sales begin on Saturday, May 17th at 9am.

Blanford Homes the builder decribes the community on their website:

"Truly a one-of-a-kind resort style Masterplanned Community with Old World charm, Mountain Bridge is centered among top-rated schools, mega-shopping, fine dining and leisure activities, yet is also set so close to the wilderness...literally minutes away! Where else could you live where everything around you is already built and in place so you're not in the middle of nowhere?"

Homes are priced at pre-boom prices from 240K to 800K in this 720 acre community, complete with walking trails and custom homesites.

Buyers have not camped out to purchase homes in Arizona for a very long time. This could the opportunity that many buyers are looking for.

Click here for more infomation or to contact me

Nobody Can Hear Me Cheering!

Karen Turney-Phoenix Real Estate (Realty Executives) — Tue, 13 May 2008 01:47:59 -0500

Well, I just went over 5000 points on active rain and its almost midnight and nobody can hear me cheering. So I was so happy to have a place to come and boast. I am new to blogging but am probably in the top ten in years of experience here on the rain. So I was not used to being a newbie in this industry. I am learning a lot here on Active Rain and hope to be helpful to others while I become a more effective blogger. There is so much to find out about. It seems that I have done more reading than blogging, but that will change in time, expecially now that I am motivated to reach the next level.

These are the things I have learned.

1. I have a lot more patience than a lot of agents, maybe that comes with years of problems resolved.

2. I know how to get a power point presentation on my blog

3. I can flow text around an image.

4. You can reach my blog thru my website.

What I want to learn.

1. Who has the best clip art, I want your sources. I would have added a dancing girl, but .....

2. Who do I have to suck up to to get a featured post (lol) no seriously.

3. Why cant I see most customized blogs.

4. Why can I complete customization, but can only view it from someone elses computer not my own?? This one keeps me up at night.

Where do you go for all the answers? Oh, I know that one ACTIVE RAIN

I Decapitated St. Joseph, It's All My Fault!

Karen Turney-Phoenix Real Estate (Realty Executives) — Mon, 12 May 2008 20:11:34 -0500

It's not unusual for a homeowner to help facilitate the sale by burying St Joseph in their front yard. I have had many sellers tell me that they did so, or ask if I have a supply.

I consider myself a good Real Estate Agent, but even I will take any help offered.

The evening before close of escrow on a property, the sellers asked me to stop by for a visit. We settled on the back patio to have a glass of wine and discuss the difficult escrow period that we were all happy was coming to an end.

Selling the house was difficult enough in a slow market so after 3 months when we got a contract that we accepted everyone was thrilled. Then reality set in. During the inspection period, the buyer supplied us a long list of somewhat silly repairs, which the seller agreed to do, because after all they had a buyer and did not want to jeopardize the sale over a GFIC that may or not have been needed 10 feet from any water source.

After finishing the repair list, the AC quit working, we needed a new thermostat, then a tree died in the back yard, the spa quit pumping, and a windstorm tore off the roof to the patio, the mailbox fell over and the grass got an infestation.

So sitting on the patio we all rejoiced about the impending COE! It was then that my seller told me she had planted St. Joseph on the first day of the listing, she was sure he brought the buyer to us, I had worked hard, but hey, I agreed, why not, could be?

Then she explained the reason for all the fiascos that fell upon them during the escrow period. It seems that very morning she had gone over to dig up St. Joseph and found she had decapitated him sometime earlier. She thought back to the last time she was digging in the garden. After the inspection period ended, she decided to replant some flowers for the new buyer and while digging she thought to herself, where is St. Joseph? Must have buried him deeper. It was on that day, the problems started with the house. THAT was the day of the mutilation.

We all laughed for a while and she said "So you see it was all my fault" I laughed and laughed then I agreed, why not, could be?

WELL IT COULD BE!

For more information about Homes in Phoenix

The Housing Crisis is Over! My Phone is Ringing.

Karen Turney-Phoenix Real Estate (Realty Executives) — Fri, 09 May 2008 18:20:18 -0500

Yesterday my phone started ringing after an article in the Wall Street Journal announced that the housing crisis was over. Is it true? What do you think? Should I buy a home now? What can I get a 3 bedroom home for in Phoenix? Two emails followed from clients who had taken their homes off the market at the beginning of the year inquiring about the listing inventory, which is also slowly declining.

The article, The Housing Crisis is Over?, from the Wall Street Journal, reports that Cyril Moulle-Bertaux suggests that April 2008 marked the bottom of the U.S. housing market. And in his R.O.I. column WSJ's Brett Arends makes a similar argument. He looks at the data on housing starts since 1972, which shows that new housing starts slumped below the one million mark in March. Every time that has happened in the last 50 years, Mr. Arends writes, it proved to be the bottom of a recession. Mr. Arends points out that Bill Wheaton, a legendary real-estate professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, has also suggested that fears about the real-estate crash were overdone. And he points to a private portfolio manager in London, who said the homebuilding stocks on Wall Street were at last a "buy." In the Journal editorial, Mr. Moulle-Bertaux suggests that the housing market will revive, as more first-time buyers are lured in by falling prices and lower mortgage rates. "Homes on average are back to being as affordable as during the best of times in the 1990s," he writes. "Numerous households that had been priced out of the market can now afford to get in."

Lawrence Yun, NAR chief economist, said the extent of an expected recovery hinges on better access to affordable loans. "Things are beginning to improve, but the availability of affordable mortgages is uneven around the country and sometimes within metropolitan areas," he said. "As anticipated, we continue to look for a soft first half of the year, for both housing and the economy, before notable improvements in the second half. Some time is needed for FHA and new conforming jumbo loans to become widely available."

SO DO WE BELIEVE IT? Thats what my clients were asking me. All I can tell you is what I have seen and heard.

1. My listings are showing now more than they did a month ago

2. A lender told me yesterday he has clients pre-qualified that have not been able to secure a property due to multiple offers

3. A home inspector told me yesterday that he has clients who have him waiting to do an inspection but they too are losing out to multiple offers.

4. Obtaining an FHA loan still seems to take forever, and availability of funds is still difficult.

SO WHAT I READ AND WHAT I HEAR, AND WHAT I AM EXPERIENCING ALL SUPPORT EACH OTHER

My feeling is that if your were waiting for the bottom to hit, your wait might be over. I dont expect a dramatic increase in activity but a slow and steady climb. I know there will be naysayers, but there does seem to be some statistics to back up these claims. Homes sales in the Phoenix market have been rising since February. If the homes that are currently pending a close of escrow do indeed close, then April and May look good as well.

So now the question will be, how long will we ride the bottom, before the next upswing? Wait a minute, let me get my crystal ball.

For more about Homes in Phoenix and the Market

Update: Real Estate Market in Phoenix

Karen Turney-Phoenix Real Estate (Realty Executives) — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 15:23:27 -0500

As and agent I am continually viewing statistics of the market conditions in Phoenix, Scottsdale and the surrounding areas. I have compiled some current statistics (with a little help) and put together this presentation for you to view. Unlike what you will hear on the news, these are not statistics from the last quarter, they are as recent as the end of March 2008, one month ago. I hope you find them useful when making decisions in regards to Selling, Buying a home in Phoenix or elsewhere in the Valley of the Sun.

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