M E T R O As we approach the final quarter of 2009, we anticipate a relatively “quiet” 2010 – sales will continue as the market attempts to normalize. The housing market shows many signs of positive improvement, and properties priced at $500,000 or less continue to sell at a good rate. This is quickly creating a “normal” market for that price range through most of the area. However, as is typical, the luxury market lags the rest of the market, and inventory (particularly in Paradise Valley) remains high. There has never been a better time to buy or “trade up” in the Luxury Home market! Land in Maricopa County is EXTREMELY affordable right now; and Jan is well-versed in geographic areas, availability, pricing etc. If this is a possibility for your investment portfolio, please get in touch and we can save you time and money! Often one acre parcels are available starting at less than $100,000. Please do not hesitate to call us if you have any questions – and as always we appreciate your business and any referrals!
A REALTOR® VIEW OF THE GOVERNMENT STIMULUS PACKAGE Intent of Stimulus (for banks and homeowners): • Unload toxic assets • Relax lending / loan / funds availability • Avoid foreclosure activity through short sales & loan modifications What’s actually happened (at the banks): • Toxic assets (write-downs) are being slowed so as not to cause unnecessary / further downturn in the market. • Lending is primarily in the non-Jumbo category and FHA is making a strong “comeback.” Little activity in the high end. • Borrowers are required to have A+ credit to qualify, and many lenders will not consider self-employed borrowers. • Fewer than 5% of requests for loan modifications are approved, and only after long delays and tons of consumer frustration. • Banking interests lobby for additional abilities to collect on “write-offs” by changing anti-deficiency / state laws. This opens the collection activities and lessens the bank exposure for toxic assets / liabilities. • Banks often avoid short sales / loan modifications in lieu of foreclosures – as it may be in their best interest to foreclose and collect insurance. How the market is reacting: • Price pressures continue for Sellers, as the pool of qualified buyers is limited (particularly in the luxury market). • Short sales are difficult, time consuming, and rarely successful. • Loan modifications are successful in fewer than 5% of the applications. • Homeowners are unsure of their liabilities (i.e. anti-deficiency situations), slowing their actions.
P H O E N I X
2009 January - August Average Sales Price By City Phoenix: $120,986 Glendale: $128,827 Mesa: $158,842 Peoria: $190,981 Litchfield Park: $208,143 Tempe: $224,505
M I D -Y E A R U P D AT E
Gilbert: $226,229 Chandler: $232,253 Cave Creek: $355,106 Fountain Hills: $514,713 Scottsdale: $567,147 Carefree: $804,964 Paradise Valley: $1,826,103 Statistics gathered from ARMLS. All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. (Single-Family Residences)
There is good news: • Valley inventory of available homes for sale has dropped dramatically since the first of the year. • The under-$600,000 market is moving, and investors who are willing to invest and “flip” homes are back in the market. • Seller financing has once again become an attractive option for Buyers.
The Great Recession
JAN ROSS
Where Do We Stand?
Associate Broker, ABR, CRS, GRI Past Chair, Luxury Home Tour 602.228.8821 jross@janross.com
The Local Housing Market Who’s Buying? What’s Selling? Are You Missing Out?
MARY C. SWENSON
ABR, CRS, e-PRO Past Chair, Premier Marketing Group 602.708.2700 maryswenson@cox.net
www.JanRoss.com If your home is currently listed, this is not a solicitation for that listing.
Statistics gathered from NetValueCentral, Inc. All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed.
Produced by Desert Lifestyle Publishing • 480.460.0996 • www.DesertLifestyle.net
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