Arizona Homebuilder

DECEMBER | JANUARY

2015

ArizonaHomebuilder You’re an Arizona Builder, We’re an Arizona Lender.

BILL ROGERS

“As an Arizona based lender we always welcome and

EXPERIENCE THE HFG DIFFERENCE

recognize the value of working with builders who are

with local and in-house Processing,

building Arizona communities. Working with other local

Underwriting & Funding. Call us

companies helps Arizona to build stronger communities.”

today to find out how we can help

-Bill Rogers, CEO of Homeowners Financial Group

you sell more homes and give your clients better service!

Founder & CEO of Homeowners Financial Group

Example* Example*

Program Program Requirements Requirements • • • • • • • • • • • •

No First-Time Homebuyer Requirement No First-Time Homebuyer Requirement No Recapture Tax No Recapture Tax $353,360 Max Purchase Price $353,360 Max Purchase Price Income Limit $88,340 Income Limit $88,340 Primary Homes Only Primary Homes Only Homebuyer Education is Required Homebuyer Education is Required

Eligible Eligible Loans Loans • • • • • •

Conforming 30-Year Fixed Conforming 30-Year Fixed 680 Min FICO Score 680 Min FICO Score 45 Max DTI 45 Max DTI

*Scenario based on buyer with 740 FICO and may vary based on individual borrower’s situation. Rates subject to change without notice. *Scenario based on buyer with 740 FICO and may vary based on individual borrower’s situation. Rates subject to change without notice.

Corporate Office | 16427 N. Scottsdale Rd. Suite #145 | Scottsdale, AZ 85254 | www.homeownersfg.com | 480.305.8550 All loan products and loan amounts may not be available in your area and are subject to credit and property approval pursuant to guidelines. Information is subject to change without prior notice. Other restrictions and limitations may apply. Homeowners Financial Group USA, LLC is licensed in AZ: Mortgage Bankers License No. BK 0906222, NMLS#93718; CA: Department of Business Oversight under the Finance Lenders Law License No. 603 F033; ID: Mortgage Broker/Lender License MBL-5879; NM: New Mexico Mortgage Loan Company License 03068; ND Money Broker License MB102538; OR Mortgage Lending License ML-5229 WA: Consumer Loan Company License CL-93718; MN: Residential Mortgage Originator License MN-MO-93718; MT: Mortgage Broker/Lender License 93718; NE: Mortgage Banker License NE93718 and registered in CO: Mortgage Company Registration.

Produced by Desert Lifestyle Publishing • 480.460.0996 • www.DesertLifestyle.net

Featured Project

URBAN Q & A DEVELOPMENT SPOTLIGHT ON THE HORIZON FOR PHOENIX FINANCE CORNER

Urban Buying & Selling Q & A:

WILL DALY

Broker/Developer Services We Know Urban

History in Real Estate? Born and raised in Phoenix, I’ve been an agent since 1997. I grew up only knowing homes with stucco wall and clay tile roofs, but my first sale was to a couple, downsizing from a large golf course home to a 10th story condo in the high rise building Crystal Point.

From that, I became the number one real estate agent for Crystal Point, helping more buyers and sellers in that building than any other agent in town. By working with so many high rise living fans, my appreciation and knowledge of the lifestyle grew, which ultimately led me to launch a website devoted to urban living in 2005 called www.WeKnowUrban.com.

Even though the architecture may be sophisticated, the living is simpler and for many, a lot more enjoyable.

What’s on the Horizon for Metro Phoenix Housing...

What is the trend for urban? Urban is recovering quickly now from the downward cycle. That’s a healthy sign for all. We’re seeing smaller more intimate infill projects right now as well as mid-rise vs high rise buildings in the works.

Pedestrian friendly is a huge right now. Granted, that is always an integral part of urban, but it’s even more important for the first projects built during the recovery.

Areas like Mill Avenue in Tempe, downtown Phoenix and downtown Scottsdale are all hot urban centers because they are so pedestrian friendly.

Urban feeds on itself. With more foot traffic, you naturally attract more shopping, restaurants and entertainment. With more things to do in an area, more buyers want to settle there. Interestingly, more single women are renting and buying urban. We have studied this submarket extensively and understand what is driving the demand.

Because of our reputation and focus on urban, we attract a high number of buyers and sellers who desire a specific and unique lifestyle that only urban can offer.

Your focus is solely on urban? It is. We helped approximately 300 urban property owners in 2013 and we are on track to do the same or more in 2014. My agents and I love the lifestyle, architecture and amenities. Our knowledge and passion seems to resonate with urban enthusiasts looking for someone to help them buy, sell or rent urban.

Bond Market Gives Early Holiday Gift!

Why is Tempe leading the charge? Tempe is a mix between Manhattan and Mayberry RFD! Dense urban living meets small town charm. Sophisticated urban communities like Farmer Avenue Lofts, mixed with red brick sidewalks, small local shops, bars and restaurants.

What do you love about urban? Urban living is social. The diversity of the people, the varying style or architecture and design, continuous community events, the city amenities – from restaurants, light rail and easy transit – draw people out of their homes and into the streets.

Tempe has been extremely proactive in achieving growth and it shows. Downtown Tempe is exploding with new construction of Marina Heights, a two million square foot office and retail project and regional headquarters for State Farm and 8,000 employees.

Add big projects like the USA Basketball complex with ASU sports, with the growing entertainment district, and you can understand why we are very excited about Farmer Avenue Lofts.

Bigger, more dense projects are like towns within the city. You get to know others, hang out, enjoy the project offerings – from social events to project amenities.

To learn more about buying or selling in the urban market, contact Will Daly at will@weknowurban.com or call 602-989-6788.

GREG BURGER RL Brown Reports

Temperatures remained mild deep into November as did the housing market leaving many to speculate on what to expect in 2015. Before we explore the near term future opportunity for new housing, let’s examine the reality of what took place over the last 12 months.

We counted 63 builders with a total of 327 communities that had a new home start or closing in the year to date period through October, the most recent data available as of this writing.

A further study of these communities reveals the inventory of available lots for new permit activity totaled 20,047. In addition, builders continued to maintain a supply of spec inventory homes available in various stages of construction to compete with the available resale housing inventory. Our current subdivision survey counts totaled 1,247 available spec homes.

Our precise tracking of each individual permit, closing and potential spec closing suggests a reasoned forecast expectation of 11,800 new home permits and 10,800 new home closings in 2014 for Maricopa and Pinal counties combined. We expect to see some increase in 2015 with the stronger sales activity occurring in the latter part of the year.

NEW PERMITS IN OCTOBER – RL BROWN REPORTS We counted 145 new community plats issued through October with a total of 10,827 lots. These future subdivision locations shown in the graphic plus the available lots in the current active communities can provide the opportunity for recovery to a more

Urban Lifestyle STEVE BRUCKAL

Farmer Avenue Lofts

Q & A: Your start in real estate? It’s a family business. My father, Myles Bruckal, started in commercial in the 70’s in Vancouver. He has worked in every aspect of real estate. So naturally my brother Jason and I grew up in the business and joined the company after college graduation in 2004. We have been working in Phoenix since 2004 and feel now is a very exciting time for development as Phoenix turns back into a growth market.

The best part of development? Definitely the before and after! Whether it’s taking raw land to finished building or a simple remodel of an apartment unit, we strive to use all of our family’s history and collective knowledge to create the best projects possible.

Why an urban Tempe project? We saw the potential in downtown Tempe and knew it was just a matter of time before the market would come back and growth would return to Tempe. It’s now stronger than ever. Nearly every demographic is looking for the ability to live close to where they work and or play. By creating areas that mix those demographics, you get much more integrated and diverse neighborhoods. There are amazing projects planned and under construction within walking distance of Famer Avenue Lofts. In the next two years downtown Tempe will have thousands of new employees and residents,

which will spur more retail and lifestyle-oriented development. Farmer Avenue Lofts are right in the center of that excitement and we believe that’s what buyers want – the ability to live, work and play all within walking distance.

What design and market influences drive Farmer Avenue Lofts? Buyers want high quality, architecturally appealing and lifestyle focused living spaces. They want it all and the Farmer Avenue Lofts deliver just that. The convenience of townhouse living with the ability to lock-and-leave for travel, with large 2,500 sq ft floor plans featuring open spaces that offer lots of natural light and room for entertaining are key. The overall feel is modern desert with contemporary architectural features like exposed block and commercial glazing. The Farmer Avenue Lofts are within the most dynamic location in the Valley, close to thriving downtown Tempe and very quick access to downtown Phoenix, Scottsdale and the airport.

Future Projects? Currently we’re renovating a large apartment complex on 19th Avenue north of Bell road called The Park at Deer Valley. We’re excited about the market right now. We have several announcements to be made in Phoenix and Denver in the coming months.

To reserve your Farmer Avenue Loft, visit www.farmeravenuelofts.com, email FarmerAveLofts@weknowurban.com or call 602.989-6788. The Lofts are located at 352-398 South Farmer Avenue in Tempe.

sustainable and profitable level of escrow closings.

Other ingredients needed to fuel a consistent recovery will be continued favorable interest rates, competitive pricing, plus desirable incentives to attract the consumer to both new builds and spec inventory versus lower priced resale housing proximate to the new community offerings.

It is our opinion that the metro Phoenix housing market is suffering from economic and political instabilities that will continue to challenge builders, contractors, developers and consumer’s confidence in the near term. While some builders walked away from land purchases in uncertainty of current conditions and future performance, others forged ahead with determination to be prepared for future opportunity and market share. Like any good team playbook, the decision makers must gather the facts, test the suggestions of the MVPs and analyze the results to address the foreseeable future and beyond.

TIM JORDEN Senior Vice President of Sales Homeowners Financial Group

Every holiday season, I sit and watch the movie Christmas Vacation. If you enjoy stupid humor, like me, you’ll remember the scene where Clark Griswold (Chevy Chase) is expecting to receive his big Christmas bonus only to find out that this year’s bonus is a membership to the Jelly of The Month Club. Cousin Eddie tells him, “It’s the gift that keeps on giving the whole year!”

The bond market may be giving us an early holiday gift that “keeps on giving” in the form of lower interest rates. A few weeks back, we saw interest rates dip down to their 18 month low. The sharp drop in rates lasted only a few hours before the stock market rallied and rates rose slightly. However, some clients who had already started the refinance process were in a position to lock in these incredibly low rates.

The longer term outlook from most experts is that interest rates will rise about 1% by the end of 2015. However, in the short term we may see some wild swings in interest rates. So, if you have been considering a refinance to lower your rate/payment, lock in a longer term fixed rate or for any other reason, now may be the right time to start the loan application process. Mortgage rates have been extremely volatile and we may see rates dip again over the next month. If you have a loan application in process, you will be in a position to lock a rate in quickly if lower rates present themselves again. Consider contacting your Mortgage Lending Professional to evaluate your current mortgage situation and determine if a refinance might be beneficial for you. Keep in mind that in many cases there will be an option with little or no closing costs, so the costs of refinancing can be minimal or non-existent!

Every dollar counts, especially around the holidays, so call your Mortgage Lending Professional to see if she or he can set you up with a mortgage gift that will keep on giving every month for years to come!

Also, if you have friends or clients that might benefit from these lower rates, please pass along this message. The mortgage industry is in a giving mood this holiday season!

Tim Jorden is the Senior Vice President of Sales at Homeowners Financial Group and can be reached at tj@homeownersfg.com.

During this season of giving thanks, Riley Grace & all the Care Fund kids & families thank you for your generosity & support of the Care Fund.

For additional insight and market data call Greg Burger at 480-614-0211 or visit our website at www.RLBrownreports.com.

Please continue to help families stay home for the holidays by donating today at www.thecarefund.org/donate

Urban Buying & Selling Q & A:

WILL DALY

Broker/Developer Services We Know Urban

History in Real Estate? Born and raised in Phoenix, I’ve been an agent since 1997. I grew up only knowing homes with stucco wall and clay tile roofs, but my first sale was to a couple, downsizing from a large golf course home to a 10th story condo in the high rise building Crystal Point.

From that, I became the number one real estate agent for Crystal Point, helping more buyers and sellers in that building than any other agent in town. By working with so many high rise living fans, my appreciation and knowledge of the lifestyle grew, which ultimately led me to launch a website devoted to urban living in 2005 called www.WeKnowUrban.com.

Even though the architecture may be sophisticated, the living is simpler and for many, a lot more enjoyable.

What’s on the Horizon for Metro Phoenix Housing...

What is the trend for urban? Urban is recovering quickly now from the downward cycle. That’s a healthy sign for all. We’re seeing smaller more intimate infill projects right now as well as mid-rise vs high rise buildings in the works.

Pedestrian friendly is a huge right now. Granted, that is always an integral part of urban, but it’s even more important for the first projects built during the recovery.

Areas like Mill Avenue in Tempe, downtown Phoenix and downtown Scottsdale are all hot urban centers because they are so pedestrian friendly.

Urban feeds on itself. With more foot traffic, you naturally attract more shopping, restaurants and entertainment. With more things to do in an area, more buyers want to settle there. Interestingly, more single women are renting and buying urban. We have studied this submarket extensively and understand what is driving the demand.

Because of our reputation and focus on urban, we attract a high number of buyers and sellers who desire a specific and unique lifestyle that only urban can offer.

Your focus is solely on urban? It is. We helped approximately 300 urban property owners in 2013 and we are on track to do the same or more in 2014. My agents and I love the lifestyle, architecture and amenities. Our knowledge and passion seems to resonate with urban enthusiasts looking for someone to help them buy, sell or rent urban.

Bond Market Gives Early Holiday Gift!

Why is Tempe leading the charge? Tempe is a mix between Manhattan and Mayberry RFD! Dense urban living meets small town charm. Sophisticated urban communities like Farmer Avenue Lofts, mixed with red brick sidewalks, small local shops, bars and restaurants.

What do you love about urban? Urban living is social. The diversity of the people, the varying style or architecture and design, continuous community events, the city amenities – from restaurants, light rail and easy transit – draw people out of their homes and into the streets.

Tempe has been extremely proactive in achieving growth and it shows. Downtown Tempe is exploding with new construction of Marina Heights, a two million square foot office and retail project and regional headquarters for State Farm and 8,000 employees.

Add big projects like the USA Basketball complex with ASU sports, with the growing entertainment district, and you can understand why we are very excited about Farmer Avenue Lofts.

Bigger, more dense projects are like towns within the city. You get to know others, hang out, enjoy the project offerings – from social events to project amenities.

To learn more about buying or selling in the urban market, contact Will Daly at will@weknowurban.com or call 602-989-6788.

GREG BURGER RL Brown Reports

Temperatures remained mild deep into November as did the housing market leaving many to speculate on what to expect in 2015. Before we explore the near term future opportunity for new housing, let’s examine the reality of what took place over the last 12 months.

We counted 63 builders with a total of 327 communities that had a new home start or closing in the year to date period through October, the most recent data available as of this writing.

A further study of these communities reveals the inventory of available lots for new permit activity totaled 20,047. In addition, builders continued to maintain a supply of spec inventory homes available in various stages of construction to compete with the available resale housing inventory. Our current subdivision survey counts totaled 1,247 available spec homes.

Our precise tracking of each individual permit, closing and potential spec closing suggests a reasoned forecast expectation of 11,800 new home permits and 10,800 new home closings in 2014 for Maricopa and Pinal counties combined. We expect to see some increase in 2015 with the stronger sales activity occurring in the latter part of the year.

NEW PERMITS IN OCTOBER – RL BROWN REPORTS We counted 145 new community plats issued through October with a total of 10,827 lots. These future subdivision locations shown in the graphic plus the available lots in the current active communities can provide the opportunity for recovery to a more

Urban Lifestyle STEVE BRUCKAL

Farmer Avenue Lofts

Q & A: Your start in real estate? It’s a family business. My father, Myles Bruckal, started in commercial in the 70’s in Vancouver. He has worked in every aspect of real estate. So naturally my brother Jason and I grew up in the business and joined the company after college graduation in 2004. We have been working in Phoenix since 2004 and feel now is a very exciting time for development as Phoenix turns back into a growth market.

The best part of development? Definitely the before and after! Whether it’s taking raw land to finished building or a simple remodel of an apartment unit, we strive to use all of our family’s history and collective knowledge to create the best projects possible.

Why an urban Tempe project? We saw the potential in downtown Tempe and knew it was just a matter of time before the market would come back and growth would return to Tempe. It’s now stronger than ever. Nearly every demographic is looking for the ability to live close to where they work and or play. By creating areas that mix those demographics, you get much more integrated and diverse neighborhoods. There are amazing projects planned and under construction within walking distance of Famer Avenue Lofts. In the next two years downtown Tempe will have thousands of new employees and residents,

which will spur more retail and lifestyle-oriented development. Farmer Avenue Lofts are right in the center of that excitement and we believe that’s what buyers want – the ability to live, work and play all within walking distance.

What design and market influences drive Farmer Avenue Lofts? Buyers want high quality, architecturally appealing and lifestyle focused living spaces. They want it all and the Farmer Avenue Lofts deliver just that. The convenience of townhouse living with the ability to lock-and-leave for travel, with large 2,500 sq ft floor plans featuring open spaces that offer lots of natural light and room for entertaining are key. The overall feel is modern desert with contemporary architectural features like exposed block and commercial glazing. The Farmer Avenue Lofts are within the most dynamic location in the Valley, close to thriving downtown Tempe and very quick access to downtown Phoenix, Scottsdale and the airport.

Future Projects? Currently we’re renovating a large apartment complex on 19th Avenue north of Bell road called The Park at Deer Valley. We’re excited about the market right now. We have several announcements to be made in Phoenix and Denver in the coming months.

To reserve your Farmer Avenue Loft, visit www.farmeravenuelofts.com, email FarmerAveLofts@weknowurban.com or call 602.989-6788. The Lofts are located at 352-398 South Farmer Avenue in Tempe.

sustainable and profitable level of escrow closings.

Other ingredients needed to fuel a consistent recovery will be continued favorable interest rates, competitive pricing, plus desirable incentives to attract the consumer to both new builds and spec inventory versus lower priced resale housing proximate to the new community offerings.

It is our opinion that the metro Phoenix housing market is suffering from economic and political instabilities that will continue to challenge builders, contractors, developers and consumer’s confidence in the near term. While some builders walked away from land purchases in uncertainty of current conditions and future performance, others forged ahead with determination to be prepared for future opportunity and market share. Like any good team playbook, the decision makers must gather the facts, test the suggestions of the MVPs and analyze the results to address the foreseeable future and beyond.

TIM JORDEN Senior Vice President of Sales Homeowners Financial Group

Every holiday season, I sit and watch the movie Christmas Vacation. If you enjoy stupid humor, like me, you’ll remember the scene where Clark Griswold (Chevy Chase) is expecting to receive his big Christmas bonus only to find out that this year’s bonus is a membership to the Jelly of The Month Club. Cousin Eddie tells him, “It’s the gift that keeps on giving the whole year!”

The bond market may be giving us an early holiday gift that “keeps on giving” in the form of lower interest rates. A few weeks back, we saw interest rates dip down to their 18 month low. The sharp drop in rates lasted only a few hours before the stock market rallied and rates rose slightly. However, some clients who had already started the refinance process were in a position to lock in these incredibly low rates.

The longer term outlook from most experts is that interest rates will rise about 1% by the end of 2015. However, in the short term we may see some wild swings in interest rates. So, if you have been considering a refinance to lower your rate/payment, lock in a longer term fixed rate or for any other reason, now may be the right time to start the loan application process. Mortgage rates have been extremely volatile and we may see rates dip again over the next month. If you have a loan application in process, you will be in a position to lock a rate in quickly if lower rates present themselves again. Consider contacting your Mortgage Lending Professional to evaluate your current mortgage situation and determine if a refinance might be beneficial for you. Keep in mind that in many cases there will be an option with little or no closing costs, so the costs of refinancing can be minimal or non-existent!

Every dollar counts, especially around the holidays, so call your Mortgage Lending Professional to see if she or he can set you up with a mortgage gift that will keep on giving every month for years to come!

Also, if you have friends or clients that might benefit from these lower rates, please pass along this message. The mortgage industry is in a giving mood this holiday season!

Tim Jorden is the Senior Vice President of Sales at Homeowners Financial Group and can be reached at tj@homeownersfg.com.

During this season of giving thanks, Riley Grace & all the Care Fund kids & families thank you for your generosity & support of the Care Fund.

For additional insight and market data call Greg Burger at 480-614-0211 or visit our website at www.RLBrownreports.com.

Please continue to help families stay home for the holidays by donating today at www.thecarefund.org/donate

DECEMBER | JANUARY

2015

ArizonaHomebuilder You’re an Arizona Builder, We’re an Arizona Lender.

BILL ROGERS

“As an Arizona based lender we always welcome and

EXPERIENCE THE HFG DIFFERENCE

recognize the value of working with builders who are

with local and in-house Processing,

building Arizona communities. Working with other local

Underwriting & Funding. Call us

companies helps Arizona to build stronger communities.”

today to find out how we can help

-Bill Rogers, CEO of Homeowners Financial Group

you sell more homes and give your clients better service!

Founder & CEO of Homeowners Financial Group

Example* Example*

Program Program Requirements Requirements • • • • • • • • • • • •

No First-Time Homebuyer Requirement No First-Time Homebuyer Requirement No Recapture Tax No Recapture Tax $353,360 Max Purchase Price $353,360 Max Purchase Price Income Limit $88,340 Income Limit $88,340 Primary Homes Only Primary Homes Only Homebuyer Education is Required Homebuyer Education is Required

Eligible Eligible Loans Loans • • • • • •

Conforming 30-Year Fixed Conforming 30-Year Fixed 680 Min FICO Score 680 Min FICO Score 45 Max DTI 45 Max DTI

*Scenario based on buyer with 740 FICO and may vary based on individual borrower’s situation. Rates subject to change without notice. *Scenario based on buyer with 740 FICO and may vary based on individual borrower’s situation. Rates subject to change without notice.

Corporate Office | 16427 N. Scottsdale Rd. Suite #145 | Scottsdale, AZ 85254 | www.homeownersfg.com | 480.305.8550 All loan products and loan amounts may not be available in your area and are subject to credit and property approval pursuant to guidelines. Information is subject to change without prior notice. Other restrictions and limitations may apply. Homeowners Financial Group USA, LLC is licensed in AZ: Mortgage Bankers License No. BK 0906222, NMLS#93718; CA: Department of Business Oversight under the Finance Lenders Law License No. 603 F033; ID: Mortgage Broker/Lender License MBL-5879; NM: New Mexico Mortgage Loan Company License 03068; ND Money Broker License MB102538; OR Mortgage Lending License ML-5229 WA: Consumer Loan Company License CL-93718; MN: Residential Mortgage Originator License MN-MO-93718; MT: Mortgage Broker/Lender License 93718; NE: Mortgage Banker License NE93718 and registered in CO: Mortgage Company Registration.

Produced by Desert Lifestyle Publishing • 480.460.0996 • www.DesertLifestyle.net

Featured Project

URBAN Q & A DEVELOPMENT SPOTLIGHT ON THE HORIZON FOR PHOENIX FINANCE CORNER