8 Reasons Why NOW is a Great Time to Buy in Arizona:

#1-A BIG SELECTION - Anyone who considered buying a home a couple of years ago will remember that it was a "seller's market."  If you were lucky enough to find a home that was still available, chances are you were in a bidding war over it.    Today's market is just the opposite:  There's approximately 57,000 homes on the market in Metro Phoenix.  And that's not just in newer cookie-cutter developments.  It also includes homes on larger lots, with RV gates/parking, mature landscaping and trees, with or without homeowner associations.  There are so many more choices for today's buyer.

#2-INTEREST RATES -You can still get a great rate.   It's true, sub-prime loans are a thing of the past, but rate are still historically very low and not expected to rise anytime soon.  Seek out a mortgage professional (I will gladly suggest a reputable loan officer to work with you) and find out how much you'll qualify for.   If you need to work on your credit rating or save some money for a down payment, start now.  Don't wait until you've found the perfect house. 

#3-BOND PROGRAMS-Some great government sponsored bond programs are available in Maricopa and Pinal Counties.  These programs are geared toward first-time buyers struggling to purchase their first home and will cover from 3-10% of your down payment and closing costs.   And FHA loans have made a comeback.   There's even some special programs for teachers, firefighters and police officers.

#4-INCENTIVES-From closing costs assistance to cars, home theatre equipment, and vacations, home sellers are anxious to win your business, and will sweeten the deal by including one or more of these incentives for you to buy.   Nowhere is this more apparent than in the sale of new and spec. homes.

#5-LIVE WHERE YOU WORK-What a concept!  During the boom, you often heard "drive till you qualify".    Today, you can find reasonably priced homes in close-in locations so you don't have to spend 3 hours of your day on the road.

#6-LESS COMPETITION-The investors have moved on.  Although they left behind an inflated market, many rental homes, and in certain areas many vacant homes, you will no longer have to compete with investors for available homes.   Today, smart buyers no longer offer more than the home is worth or waive the appraisal just to be the successful bidder.   With that said, in today's market home sellers are happy to make minor repairs recommended by a home inspector.

#7-TAKE YOUR TIME-In today's market you don't have to feel rushed into a decision.   Once you find the perfect home, you have time to think it over without fear of another buyer snatching it from under your nose.   You can spend some time on due diligence and check out the neighborhood at various times of day to make sure it's the right home for you.

#8-BOTTOM OF THE MARKET?-Any economist will tell you, the best way to tell when the market hits bottom is when prices start rising.   And guess what?  By then, it's no longer the bottom!