Arizona Cardinals on Monday Night Football
I’ve done some posts on the new Cardinals Stadium and what it means to the West Valley of Phoenix. The Cardinals are not having the banner season we were hoping for but the impact the team and stadium is having on the West Valley is significant.
Luke Air Force Base is near my home as is the Goodyear Airport. Jets don’t fly directly overhead but a little air noise is not unusual. Today I heard something new which caused me to rush out and take a look. It was the Goodyear Blimp. A sure sign of Monday Night Football.
I’ll keep my fingers crossed that the Cardinals will win tomorrow. After this season, the glow and novelty will wear off and a winning team will be necessary to keep interest in the new stadium and surrounding areas. I’m grateful for the new homes, new shopping, new jobs, and the subsequent explosion of property values. I would just hate to see a downturn as a result of fielding a team which despite its’ best efforts continues to lose.
Sunday, October 15, 2006
Sunday, October 01, 2006
Thank a Hero Today
Your Chance to Thank a Hero
There is a real estate class in Southern California next month I want to attend. Normally I fly to Southern California but because of the recent changes in travel regulations I have decided it will probably be faster to drive. Which started me thinking about how many others are making the same decision? When I fly I often use my frequent flyer miles but now that I have chosen to drive, i won't be using them. I have to wonder how many others also have a few extra miles not being used.
So here is yet another chance to be a hero.
Please take a moment to visit Fisher House and Hero Miles and consider donating your unused air miles to a military family in need. Many of our injured soldiers would greatly benefit from a visit with loved ones if only they had the means to make the trip.
However you feel about our nation's currently military activities you have to appreciate the dedication to our freedom and safety displayed by the brave members of our military. It takes just a few minutes to help an injured soldier and make a powerful impact on the life of one of our heroes.
As the holidays approach, please think about our military members overseas. many would greatly appreciate a card, email, snacks, deodorant....the list is endless. Few things are more difficult then being separated from family during the holiday months. A care package to a soldier serving overseas will be remembered for years to come. My husband still talks of a care package he received while in serving in Korea almost 20 years ago.
Please, take a moment today to thank a hero.
There is a real estate class in Southern California next month I want to attend. Normally I fly to Southern California but because of the recent changes in travel regulations I have decided it will probably be faster to drive. Which started me thinking about how many others are making the same decision? When I fly I often use my frequent flyer miles but now that I have chosen to drive, i won't be using them. I have to wonder how many others also have a few extra miles not being used.
So here is yet another chance to be a hero.
Please take a moment to visit Fisher House and Hero Miles and consider donating your unused air miles to a military family in need. Many of our injured soldiers would greatly benefit from a visit with loved ones if only they had the means to make the trip.
However you feel about our nation's currently military activities you have to appreciate the dedication to our freedom and safety displayed by the brave members of our military. It takes just a few minutes to help an injured soldier and make a powerful impact on the life of one of our heroes.
As the holidays approach, please think about our military members overseas. many would greatly appreciate a card, email, snacks, deodorant....the list is endless. Few things are more difficult then being separated from family during the holiday months. A care package to a soldier serving overseas will be remembered for years to come. My husband still talks of a care package he received while in serving in Korea almost 20 years ago.
Please, take a moment today to thank a hero.
Thursday, September 28, 2006
How the Media Impacts the Market
How the Media Impacts the Market
Earlier this week I wrote about the Economic Outlook 2007 conference I attended. Two highly respected authorities on the economy and real estate in Phoenix, Arizona spoke to the fact that the current state of the market is more “normal” and the past few years of boom were an anomaly. I felt rather positive after leaving the conference and spent the next few days telling many the message I learned.
Then I turned on the evening news.
Two local stations were both doing stories on the poor state of the housing market. One did a
feature on desperate sellers who were resorting to auctioning their home. Another story featured a local seller who was offering a new motorcycle with the sale.
The next morning a national news program ran a story on challenging an agent to sell a house in one week. Each day they check in with her to see how things are going and speculate on how successful she might be.
Rarely can I have a conversation without someone asking me how I am handling the ‘bad real estate market’. I can quote positive sales figures until I’m blue in the face and it won’t matter. Inevitably the person I am speaking with will tell me I must be wrong because they heard on the news or read in the paper that the housing market is bad, the bubble is burst, and people are losing money.
Yes, the market has slowed and the rate of appreciation has certainly decreased from the past few years but all is not lost. How do we go about educating the consumer that things are not as bad as they hear on the evening news?
Earlier this week I wrote about the Economic Outlook 2007 conference I attended. Two highly respected authorities on the economy and real estate in Phoenix, Arizona spoke to the fact that the current state of the market is more “normal” and the past few years of boom were an anomaly. I felt rather positive after leaving the conference and spent the next few days telling many the message I learned.
Then I turned on the evening news.
Two local stations were both doing stories on the poor state of the housing market. One did a
feature on desperate sellers who were resorting to auctioning their home. Another story featured a local seller who was offering a new motorcycle with the sale.
The next morning a national news program ran a story on challenging an agent to sell a house in one week. Each day they check in with her to see how things are going and speculate on how successful she might be.
Rarely can I have a conversation without someone asking me how I am handling the ‘bad real estate market’. I can quote positive sales figures until I’m blue in the face and it won’t matter. Inevitably the person I am speaking with will tell me I must be wrong because they heard on the news or read in the paper that the housing market is bad, the bubble is burst, and people are losing money.
Yes, the market has slowed and the rate of appreciation has certainly decreased from the past few years but all is not lost. How do we go about educating the consumer that things are not as bad as they hear on the evening news?
Wednesday, September 27, 2006
What is a Normal Real Estate Market?
What is a Normal Real Estate Market?
Last Thursday I attended the Economic Outlook 2007 conference at the Arizona Biltmore. There was a wealth of information provided. I was most interested in the views of Elliott D. Pollack on the future of the Phoenix economy and RL Brown’s opinion of the future of the Phoenix housing market.
While I could write volumes on all of the information, it all boiled down to the real estate market in Phoenix is normal. Yep, normal. OK, maybe the definition of normal is a little broad but basically the 2003-2005 years were abnormal. An anomaly.
The general consensus is the builders over-built, interest rates rose, housing prices increased creating a ‘perfect storm’. Between in increase in prices and the increase in interest rates, affordability went down leaving fewer qualified buyers. The builders over built (approximately 20,000 units over) because the speculators were buying homes faster then they could be built. Builders also increased prices because supply and demand led them to believe they could. At a certain point, it had to stop.
Today we find the Phoenix market saturated with inventory. Builders are offering insane incentives to unload the home they over built. Sellers of existing properties are still over pricing their homes because they cannot adjust to a normal appreciation rate. REALTORS are abundant and clamoring for clients.
What does it all mean? Yes, days on market are significantly longer then that of 2003-2005. Yes, there is a back log of inventory available (currently about 7 months). Yes, it is harder for the average person to afford a home. However, there are still over 130,000 people a year moving to the Valley. These people need homes. We just need to adjust our thinking. Adjust our way of doing business. Learn to appreciate how great the market was and accept the reality of what the market is now.
Last Thursday I attended the Economic Outlook 2007 conference at the Arizona Biltmore. There was a wealth of information provided. I was most interested in the views of Elliott D. Pollack on the future of the Phoenix economy and RL Brown’s opinion of the future of the Phoenix housing market.
While I could write volumes on all of the information, it all boiled down to the real estate market in Phoenix is normal. Yep, normal. OK, maybe the definition of normal is a little broad but basically the 2003-2005 years were abnormal. An anomaly.
The general consensus is the builders over-built, interest rates rose, housing prices increased creating a ‘perfect storm’. Between in increase in prices and the increase in interest rates, affordability went down leaving fewer qualified buyers. The builders over built (approximately 20,000 units over) because the speculators were buying homes faster then they could be built. Builders also increased prices because supply and demand led them to believe they could. At a certain point, it had to stop.
Today we find the Phoenix market saturated with inventory. Builders are offering insane incentives to unload the home they over built. Sellers of existing properties are still over pricing their homes because they cannot adjust to a normal appreciation rate. REALTORS are abundant and clamoring for clients.
What does it all mean? Yes, days on market are significantly longer then that of 2003-2005. Yes, there is a back log of inventory available (currently about 7 months). Yes, it is harder for the average person to afford a home. However, there are still over 130,000 people a year moving to the Valley. These people need homes. We just need to adjust our thinking. Adjust our way of doing business. Learn to appreciate how great the market was and accept the reality of what the market is now.
Monday, September 25, 2006
A little Slice of Heaven in the Desert
A Little Slice of Heaven in the Desert
I’ll admit a few might find that headline a bit inflammatory but what can I say? The Cleveland Indians are coming to Goodyear! The Indians are close to signing a deal with Goodyear to move their spring training from Florida to Arizona’s Cactus League.
Goodyear has been working for some time now to snag at least one team. This is yet another major development for the West Valley. Current proposal for the facility is a site located near Yuma and Estrella Parkway near the Goodyear City Center. Should Goodyear sign the Indians to this agreement there is an excellent chance that another team will also sign so as not to leave the Cactus League with an odd number of teams.
Once the Indians sign the proposal will need approval from the Tourism and Sports Authority to help provide funds. If all moves ahead, development on the $77.5 million facility should be complete by February 2009. Also proposed for the site is a mixed-used open-air style shopping area.
Any news of a spring training team in Goodyear would have thrilled me. Having been born and raised in Cleveland, I’m just a little partial to the Cleveland Indians and am looking forward to attending many spring training games in the future.
I’ll admit a few might find that headline a bit inflammatory but what can I say? The Cleveland Indians are coming to Goodyear! The Indians are close to signing a deal with Goodyear to move their spring training from Florida to Arizona’s Cactus League.
Goodyear has been working for some time now to snag at least one team. This is yet another major development for the West Valley. Current proposal for the facility is a site located near Yuma and Estrella Parkway near the Goodyear City Center. Should Goodyear sign the Indians to this agreement there is an excellent chance that another team will also sign so as not to leave the Cactus League with an odd number of teams.
Once the Indians sign the proposal will need approval from the Tourism and Sports Authority to help provide funds. If all moves ahead, development on the $77.5 million facility should be complete by February 2009. Also proposed for the site is a mixed-used open-air style shopping area.
Any news of a spring training team in Goodyear would have thrilled me. Having been born and raised in Cleveland, I’m just a little partial to the Cleveland Indians and am looking forward to attending many spring training games in the future.
Saturday, September 09, 2006
Breaking the Law, Bending the Rules
Breaking the Law, Bending the Rules
This has been one of those really strange weeks. I received a call early in the week about a property I have listed. It is a large parcel of land listed for over one million dollars. The caller asked “do you plan on using a 1031 Exchange once the property is sold?” Well, based on the way the question was phrased, I was hesitant to answer. Anyone who knows their way around a 1031 Exchange knows you have to initiate the exchange prior to close-of-escrow. Of course, I was also considering that it was just a case of bad semantics but either way, I was not going to compromise the client by answering the question.
So I replied the best way I knew how, I asked “why do you ask?” Big mistake, huge. I should have gone with my gut instinct and gotten off the phone as fast as I could.
The caller then launched into his pitch on TIC’s. I tried to stop him. The first thing out of my mouth was “I do not have a securities license and therefore I do not involve myself in TIC’s”. He was not to be stopped. He then felt the need to wash me of my ignorance and show me the TIC light. By the time I got off the phone, not only was I frustrated, I knew I did not want to do business with him in the future.
I am a 1031 Exchange fanatic. If I was 10 years old again, I would replace the Andy Gibb poster hanging over my bed with a 1031 Exchange poster (pathetic, huh?). 1031 Exchanges are splendid when done correctly. As a result of my worship for the 1031, I have spent countless hours becoming educated on all aspects. Including the use a 1031 Exchange into a TIC.
The SEC views most TIC’s as securities although the IRS views all TIC’s as real estate. The National Association of Realtors estimates 10 percent of TIC’s are structured as real estate and not securities. This means 90 percent are securities, which I am not licensed to sell. Ninety percent is a huge chunk of the market. Large enough that I choose to direct my 1031 Exchange clients who are interested in TIC’s to the proper licensed individuals to assist them with their needs. Why? I value my license and I take the REALTOR Code of Ethics seriously.
This makes sense to me. My husband is an aerospace engineer. I have on occasion read some of his airplane engineer magazines (engrossing stuff). This does not qualify me to work on aircraft. My knowledge of 1031 Exchanges and TIC’s still does not qualify me to sell securities.
Back to my phone call…
The caller insisted to me that he could pay me a ‘referral’ fee for sending my TIC clients his way. My ulcer started to act up just a bit when he said this. He also was exceptionally persistent in letting me know how little I understood about 1031 Exchanges. He told me he could structure things in a way I would be comfortable. He told me not to worry he would make sure everything was legal. He told me how he could make me ‘painfully wealthy’ (his words, not mine) in the future. I hung up.
He was correct about one thing, I did have pain. Then I had some Maalox and went back to work.
This has been one of those really strange weeks. I received a call early in the week about a property I have listed. It is a large parcel of land listed for over one million dollars. The caller asked “do you plan on using a 1031 Exchange once the property is sold?” Well, based on the way the question was phrased, I was hesitant to answer. Anyone who knows their way around a 1031 Exchange knows you have to initiate the exchange prior to close-of-escrow. Of course, I was also considering that it was just a case of bad semantics but either way, I was not going to compromise the client by answering the question.
So I replied the best way I knew how, I asked “why do you ask?” Big mistake, huge. I should have gone with my gut instinct and gotten off the phone as fast as I could.
The caller then launched into his pitch on TIC’s. I tried to stop him. The first thing out of my mouth was “I do not have a securities license and therefore I do not involve myself in TIC’s”. He was not to be stopped. He then felt the need to wash me of my ignorance and show me the TIC light. By the time I got off the phone, not only was I frustrated, I knew I did not want to do business with him in the future.
I am a 1031 Exchange fanatic. If I was 10 years old again, I would replace the Andy Gibb poster hanging over my bed with a 1031 Exchange poster (pathetic, huh?). 1031 Exchanges are splendid when done correctly. As a result of my worship for the 1031, I have spent countless hours becoming educated on all aspects. Including the use a 1031 Exchange into a TIC.
The SEC views most TIC’s as securities although the IRS views all TIC’s as real estate. The National Association of Realtors estimates 10 percent of TIC’s are structured as real estate and not securities. This means 90 percent are securities, which I am not licensed to sell. Ninety percent is a huge chunk of the market. Large enough that I choose to direct my 1031 Exchange clients who are interested in TIC’s to the proper licensed individuals to assist them with their needs. Why? I value my license and I take the REALTOR Code of Ethics seriously.
This makes sense to me. My husband is an aerospace engineer. I have on occasion read some of his airplane engineer magazines (engrossing stuff). This does not qualify me to work on aircraft. My knowledge of 1031 Exchanges and TIC’s still does not qualify me to sell securities.
Back to my phone call…
The caller insisted to me that he could pay me a ‘referral’ fee for sending my TIC clients his way. My ulcer started to act up just a bit when he said this. He also was exceptionally persistent in letting me know how little I understood about 1031 Exchanges. He told me he could structure things in a way I would be comfortable. He told me not to worry he would make sure everything was legal. He told me how he could make me ‘painfully wealthy’ (his words, not mine) in the future. I hung up.
He was correct about one thing, I did have pain. Then I had some Maalox and went back to work.
Thursday, September 07, 2006
Great Arcadia Home
Check out HomeInArcadia.com
This is a beautiful home in a great neighborhood. It features a lush yard which is perfect for entertaining. This one is not to be missed.
Saturday, September 02, 2006
Rite-Way Realty is looking for new agents
The Rite Team
The Rite Knowledge
The Rite Leadership
The Rite Experience
The Rite Values
The RITE-WAY
- Tuition Reimbursement
- Every associate has a Personal Mentor available 7 days a week
- One-on-One Training
- Free New Associate Fast Start Training
- Free Signs
- Free Business Cards
- Free Lead Generating Website with free home listings
- Free Lockboxes
- Free Technology Training
- Free Marketing Resources
- Free Weekly Coaching Sessions
We are a Learning-Based company where we help you start a career not just a job. Our focus is to help you develop your business. Due to our unique mentor program only a limited number of candidates will be accepted.
We are proud to offer a recruiting bonus of up to $1500 for each new associate you refer to Rite-Way Realty.
Call today for a confidential interview.
Tracy Thompson 623-326-0597 Director of Career Development and Training
http://www.AgentFastStart.com
The Rite Knowledge
The Rite Leadership
The Rite Experience
The Rite Values
The RITE-WAY
- Tuition Reimbursement
- Every associate has a Personal Mentor available 7 days a week
- One-on-One Training
- Free New Associate Fast Start Training
- Free Signs
- Free Business Cards
- Free Lead Generating Website with free home listings
- Free Lockboxes
- Free Technology Training
- Free Marketing Resources
- Free Weekly Coaching Sessions
We are a Learning-Based company where we help you start a career not just a job. Our focus is to help you develop your business. Due to our unique mentor program only a limited number of candidates will be accepted.
We are proud to offer a recruiting bonus of up to $1500 for each new associate you refer to Rite-Way Realty.
Call today for a confidential interview.
Tracy Thompson 623-326-0597 Director of Career Development and Training
http://www.AgentFastStart.com
Development Opportunity Available
Development parcel available near the Cardinals new stadium in Glendale. Fantastic opportunity for a luxury townhome development.
Photos and details:
7111N83rdAve.azhomebuyerhelp.com
Photos and details:
7111N83rdAve.azhomebuyerhelp.com
Wednesday, August 30, 2006
Closing Cost Assistance Available
New Home Closing Cost Assistance
We are excited to announce our Closing Cost Assistance Program Rite-Way Realty is excited to announce our Buyer's Closing Cost Assistance Program.
We will contribute up to 2% of the purchase price of your new home toward your closing costs. For example: Purchase a $500,000 home and Rite-Way will contribute up to $10,000 toward your closing costs. Purchase a $800,000 home and Rite-Way will contribute up to $16,000 toward your closing costs.
What is the catch? This offer is only valid with certain new home builders and certain existing homes. The list of builders changes constantly. All you need to do is email or call today for an updated list of builders and communities. Some lenders place restrictions on the amount we can contribute.
Fairly simple rules to save a huge amount of money.
What are you waiting for? visit http://NewHomes.AZHomeBuyerHelp.com Rite-Way Realty, 2200 N. Central Ave. Phoenix 623-326-0597 Tracy Thompson http://www.AZHomeBuyerHelp.com
We are excited to announce our Closing Cost Assistance Program Rite-Way Realty is excited to announce our Buyer's Closing Cost Assistance Program.
We will contribute up to 2% of the purchase price of your new home toward your closing costs. For example: Purchase a $500,000 home and Rite-Way will contribute up to $10,000 toward your closing costs. Purchase a $800,000 home and Rite-Way will contribute up to $16,000 toward your closing costs.
What is the catch? This offer is only valid with certain new home builders and certain existing homes. The list of builders changes constantly. All you need to do is email or call today for an updated list of builders and communities. Some lenders place restrictions on the amount we can contribute.
Fairly simple rules to save a huge amount of money.
What are you waiting for? visit http://NewHomes.AZHomeBuyerHelp.com Rite-Way Realty, 2200 N. Central Ave. Phoenix 623-326-0597 Tracy Thompson http://www.AZHomeBuyerHelp.com
Sunday, August 27, 2006
Tartesso Buckeye Update
Although this master-planned development's name is derived from an ancient Phoenician cultural center, Tartesso aspires to be among the most modern of communities. The sprawling 12,000-acre development has been approved for 40,000 homes.
The first phase, located at Sun Valley Parkway and Tartesso Parkway (Indian School Road), will include sites for 17 elementary schools and three high schools. Open space will be abundant in Tartesso, with plans for 26 parks in the works. The largest of these parks will feature full-size baseball fields, lighted basketball courts, facilities for smaller children, and picnic areas. A Tartesso golf course has not been planned. Commercial or mixed-use sites in Tartesso potentially could encompass 717 acres, or more than 10 million square feet. Tartesso will be accessible from Interstate 10 by two existing interchanges at Sun Valley Parkway and Miller Road. Three additional interchanges eventually will be installed at Johnson Road, Bruner Road, and Wilson Avenue.
Tartesso's main thoroughfare will be Sun Valley Parkway, which historically has been called the "Road to Nowhere" after development dreams turned sour in the 1980s. Developers are ready to fill the 160 square miles of desert with 300,000 new homes in one of the last large pieces of undeveloped land in the metro area. Buckeye's Sun Valley area will be metro Phoenix's next big growth corridor. Planners are projecting that 500,000 to nearly 1 million people will move to the area in the next 40 years.
More development along the Sun Valley Parkway is on the way. Stardust Development is partnering with Sterling Centre Corp. to build Tartesso Town Center, a 3.5 million-square-foot project planned for the entrance to the community. Developer El Dorado Holdings is partnering with Sonoran West Properties to develop Douglas Ranch, the state's biggest planned development. Douglas Ranch will cover 35,000 acres, more than twice the size of Manhattan. Douglas Ranch will eventually have 84,000 homes, 250,000 residents, four freeway interchanges, and dozens of office parks and malls.
Pulte bought or bought options on several parcels of land totaling about 4,100 acres east of the Sun Valley Parkway between Missouri and Northern avenues. The new community will be part of the Sun Valley area of Buckeye. Pulte will build one of its signature all-ages Anthem communities there. Pulte is building Sun City Festival in the northern part of the Sun Valley area. Pulte also is developing property in Tartesso.
I took a trip out to Tartesso in Buckeye, AZ this weekend to update my photos and get an update on progress. I was able to preview homes with 4 builders. Trend Homes is not open on Sundays. Keep this in mind when planning to visit the community.
Unlike the past few years, builders were happy to have a REALTOR visit and were very friendly and helpful. If you are planning on visiting any new home community, you really can and should have a real estate agent with you. Builders will not give you a discount because you don't use an agent. It will NOT cost you extra if you use one and it might just save you money if you do as many builders are offering incentives to REALTORS which might not be advertised to the general public. You are also protecting your best interests by having an agent act as your fiduciary.
Back to Tartesso....
As evidenced by the photos on my site, there are a lot of homes already built and many under construction. Parks are in place as well as tennis courts. Almost every subdivision has a playground area with grass and jungle gym. There is signage for future schools.
The biggest negative was the lack of a central sales center. Recent master-planned communities like Verrado and Estrella Mountain Ranch have a central area with a map of the entire community and directions to individual builders. A feature such as this would be extremely helpful at Tartesso as I found some of the signage and round-abouts confusing.
Contact me today if you would like more information on builders, floor plans and pricing available at Tartesso. Copyright 2006. Tracy Thompson is a member of the National Association of Realtors, The Arizona Association of Realtors and the Glendale Board of Realtors. To find out more about home buying and selling, contact Tracy at 623-326-0597 or email Tracy@TalkToTracyHomes.com http://www.azhomebuyerhelp.com/
The first phase, located at Sun Valley Parkway and Tartesso Parkway (Indian School Road), will include sites for 17 elementary schools and three high schools. Open space will be abundant in Tartesso, with plans for 26 parks in the works. The largest of these parks will feature full-size baseball fields, lighted basketball courts, facilities for smaller children, and picnic areas. A Tartesso golf course has not been planned. Commercial or mixed-use sites in Tartesso potentially could encompass 717 acres, or more than 10 million square feet. Tartesso will be accessible from Interstate 10 by two existing interchanges at Sun Valley Parkway and Miller Road. Three additional interchanges eventually will be installed at Johnson Road, Bruner Road, and Wilson Avenue.
Tartesso's main thoroughfare will be Sun Valley Parkway, which historically has been called the "Road to Nowhere" after development dreams turned sour in the 1980s. Developers are ready to fill the 160 square miles of desert with 300,000 new homes in one of the last large pieces of undeveloped land in the metro area. Buckeye's Sun Valley area will be metro Phoenix's next big growth corridor. Planners are projecting that 500,000 to nearly 1 million people will move to the area in the next 40 years.
More development along the Sun Valley Parkway is on the way. Stardust Development is partnering with Sterling Centre Corp. to build Tartesso Town Center, a 3.5 million-square-foot project planned for the entrance to the community. Developer El Dorado Holdings is partnering with Sonoran West Properties to develop Douglas Ranch, the state's biggest planned development. Douglas Ranch will cover 35,000 acres, more than twice the size of Manhattan. Douglas Ranch will eventually have 84,000 homes, 250,000 residents, four freeway interchanges, and dozens of office parks and malls.
Pulte bought or bought options on several parcels of land totaling about 4,100 acres east of the Sun Valley Parkway between Missouri and Northern avenues. The new community will be part of the Sun Valley area of Buckeye. Pulte will build one of its signature all-ages Anthem communities there. Pulte is building Sun City Festival in the northern part of the Sun Valley area. Pulte also is developing property in Tartesso.
I took a trip out to Tartesso in Buckeye, AZ this weekend to update my photos and get an update on progress. I was able to preview homes with 4 builders. Trend Homes is not open on Sundays. Keep this in mind when planning to visit the community.
Unlike the past few years, builders were happy to have a REALTOR visit and were very friendly and helpful. If you are planning on visiting any new home community, you really can and should have a real estate agent with you. Builders will not give you a discount because you don't use an agent. It will NOT cost you extra if you use one and it might just save you money if you do as many builders are offering incentives to REALTORS which might not be advertised to the general public. You are also protecting your best interests by having an agent act as your fiduciary.
Back to Tartesso....
As evidenced by the photos on my site, there are a lot of homes already built and many under construction. Parks are in place as well as tennis courts. Almost every subdivision has a playground area with grass and jungle gym. There is signage for future schools.
The biggest negative was the lack of a central sales center. Recent master-planned communities like Verrado and Estrella Mountain Ranch have a central area with a map of the entire community and directions to individual builders. A feature such as this would be extremely helpful at Tartesso as I found some of the signage and round-abouts confusing.
Contact me today if you would like more information on builders, floor plans and pricing available at Tartesso. Copyright 2006. Tracy Thompson is a member of the National Association of Realtors, The Arizona Association of Realtors and the Glendale Board of Realtors. To find out more about home buying and selling, contact Tracy at 623-326-0597 or email Tracy@TalkToTracyHomes.com http://www.azhomebuyerhelp.com/
Thursday, August 24, 2006
West Valley Phoenix Growth
West Valley Phoenix Happenings
According to the City of Avondale, the widening of McDowell road is to be complete by mid-September. Yesterday I was surprised to find the lanes on the west side of Avondale Blvd. open. There are still cones everywhere, testing my skills at serpentine driving but, at least there is now a road with pavement. Progress is being made.
Let’s travel down the road to Gateway Crossing at 99th Ave. and McDowell. Although there were still barriers and cones and those yellow flashy light things all over the place, pavement spans almost the entire width of McDowell Road and there is substantial development on the south-side of McDowell at 99th Ave. Claim Jumper already has their sign up and is advertising a September 25 opening date on their web site. If you have never eaten at Claim Jumpers, just a tip, the portions are HUGE.
Signage at Gateway Crossing indicates the Best Buy, Hobby Lobby, and Old Navy stores are all underway. Also in that same area will be an Islands Fine Burgers & Drinks, Rack Room Shoes (anticipated opening October 2006), Paradise Bakery, and more.
Recently I had an interesting conversation with a client about the lack of shopping and dining alternatives in the South West Valley. We both had a good laugh about having to choose between JCPenney and Kohl’s when faced with a shopping emergency. It is nice to see some new choices on the horizon.
Copyright 2006. Tracy Thompson is a member of the National Association of Realtors, The Arizona Association of Realtors and the Glendale Board of Realtors. To find out more about home buying and selling, contact Tracy at 623-326-0597 or email Tracy@TalkToTracyHomes.com http://www.azhomebuyerhelp.com/
According to the City of Avondale, the widening of McDowell road is to be complete by mid-September. Yesterday I was surprised to find the lanes on the west side of Avondale Blvd. open. There are still cones everywhere, testing my skills at serpentine driving but, at least there is now a road with pavement. Progress is being made.
Let’s travel down the road to Gateway Crossing at 99th Ave. and McDowell. Although there were still barriers and cones and those yellow flashy light things all over the place, pavement spans almost the entire width of McDowell Road and there is substantial development on the south-side of McDowell at 99th Ave. Claim Jumper already has their sign up and is advertising a September 25 opening date on their web site. If you have never eaten at Claim Jumpers, just a tip, the portions are HUGE.
Signage at Gateway Crossing indicates the Best Buy, Hobby Lobby, and Old Navy stores are all underway. Also in that same area will be an Islands Fine Burgers & Drinks, Rack Room Shoes (anticipated opening October 2006), Paradise Bakery, and more.
Recently I had an interesting conversation with a client about the lack of shopping and dining alternatives in the South West Valley. We both had a good laugh about having to choose between JCPenney and Kohl’s when faced with a shopping emergency. It is nice to see some new choices on the horizon.
Copyright 2006. Tracy Thompson is a member of the National Association of Realtors, The Arizona Association of Realtors and the Glendale Board of Realtors. To find out more about home buying and selling, contact Tracy at 623-326-0597 or email Tracy@TalkToTracyHomes.com http://www.azhomebuyerhelp.com/
Tuesday, August 22, 2006
West Valley Traffic Update
West Valley Update
What a wonderful rainy morning we had today. Having spent my childhood in Ohio on the shore of Lake Erie, I will freely admit to having days where living in the dry, rain-free desert can be somewhat depressing. I look forward to Monsoon season and the occasional wind and rain that come with it.
It always seems the eastside gets the best storms. Now I am fully aware there are many of you who hate Monsoon and the accompanying destruction but rain and wind can be such a refreshing change of pace. That is until you try to drive in it. The traffic on I-10 into Phoenix was miserable this morning. Actually, it is miserable every day but today was exceptionally bad. We get rain so infrequently that the combination of ‘weather fear’ along with the road slickness thrown in with the miserable West Valley traffic were a recipe for disaster.
The good news is what the Arizona Department of Transportation plans to do with the West Valley I-10 situation. The widening of I-10 was scheduled to begin in 2014 but the Arizona DOT has announced an accelerated fall 2007 date for Phase I of the project.
Phase I will involve the creation to two inside lanes from the existing median. This expansion will occur from the Loop 101 to Sarival Road. With the lanes being added to the existing median, the Arizona DOT does not anticipate the need for road closures.
Once Phase I is complete, the project will move to Phase II. This will add an HOV lane and another regular lane from Dysart to Sarival creating a total of 5 lanes from the Loop 101 to Sarival Road.
Hopefully this will mean I will enjoy my rain and my commute just a little more and all of us will be able to reach our destination just a little faster with a little less frustration.
Tracy Thompson is a member of the National Association of Realtors, The Arizona Association of Realtors and the Glendale Board of Realtors. To find out more about home buying and selling, contact Tracy at 623-326-0597 or email Tracy@TalkToTracyHomes.com. http://www.azhomebuyerhelp.com/
What a wonderful rainy morning we had today. Having spent my childhood in Ohio on the shore of Lake Erie, I will freely admit to having days where living in the dry, rain-free desert can be somewhat depressing. I look forward to Monsoon season and the occasional wind and rain that come with it.
It always seems the eastside gets the best storms. Now I am fully aware there are many of you who hate Monsoon and the accompanying destruction but rain and wind can be such a refreshing change of pace. That is until you try to drive in it. The traffic on I-10 into Phoenix was miserable this morning. Actually, it is miserable every day but today was exceptionally bad. We get rain so infrequently that the combination of ‘weather fear’ along with the road slickness thrown in with the miserable West Valley traffic were a recipe for disaster.
The good news is what the Arizona Department of Transportation plans to do with the West Valley I-10 situation. The widening of I-10 was scheduled to begin in 2014 but the Arizona DOT has announced an accelerated fall 2007 date for Phase I of the project.
Phase I will involve the creation to two inside lanes from the existing median. This expansion will occur from the Loop 101 to Sarival Road. With the lanes being added to the existing median, the Arizona DOT does not anticipate the need for road closures.
Once Phase I is complete, the project will move to Phase II. This will add an HOV lane and another regular lane from Dysart to Sarival creating a total of 5 lanes from the Loop 101 to Sarival Road.
Hopefully this will mean I will enjoy my rain and my commute just a little more and all of us will be able to reach our destination just a little faster with a little less frustration.
Tracy Thompson is a member of the National Association of Realtors, The Arizona Association of Realtors and the Glendale Board of Realtors. To find out more about home buying and selling, contact Tracy at 623-326-0597 or email Tracy@TalkToTracyHomes.com. http://www.azhomebuyerhelp.com/
Monday, August 21, 2006
You don’t know what you don’t know until you know you don’t know it
You don’t know what you don’t know until you know you don’t know it
Yes, the title is a mouthful but I mean well. I recently had the opportunity to present on 1031 Exchanges to the American Society of Women Accountants. They were a great group of women from all walks of accounting. Self-employed, non-profits, small companies, retired, Fortune 500’s. You name it, it was represented.
This was an exceptionally eye-opening experience for me. At least twice a week I have the occasion to say to a client “You need to discuss this with your CPA”. That quote sums up how much interaction I have with those in the accounting profession other then dealing with my own accountant.
I made the same assumption about accountants that many make about real estate agents. I assumed all would be familiar with 1031 Exchanges and know the basics at the very least. What I learned that night was I knew very little about accountants and accounting in general. Accountants have specialties just like real estate agents. Most that I encountered had little, if any, knowledge on tax-deferred exchange.
Ironically, I began my presentation explaining the lack of education requirement for real estate agents in 1031 Exchange and how it could be very likely that the account would be the most knowledgeable individual in the transaction. What I know now is very few accountants specialize in real estate and even fewer specialize in business or investment real estate.
The point of my story is to emphasize just how important it is for the seller, the real estate agent, the accountant, and the intermediary to familiarize themselves with the level of knowledge and experience of the other parties in the transaction. You never know what you don’t know unless you ask.
If you are interested in learning about the advantages of a 1031 Exchange, please visit www.MyAZ1031.com for an overview and to request more information. If you or your organization would like a presentation on 1031 Exchange, feel free to contact me. Programs vary in length from 50 minutes to 3 hours.
Copyright 2006. Tracy Thompson is a member of the National Association of Realtors, The Arizona Association of Realtors and the Glendale Board of Realtors. To find out more about home buying and selling, contact Tracy at 623-326-0597 or email Tracy@TalkToTracyHomes.com http://www.azhomebuyerhelp.com/
Yes, the title is a mouthful but I mean well. I recently had the opportunity to present on 1031 Exchanges to the American Society of Women Accountants. They were a great group of women from all walks of accounting. Self-employed, non-profits, small companies, retired, Fortune 500’s. You name it, it was represented.
This was an exceptionally eye-opening experience for me. At least twice a week I have the occasion to say to a client “You need to discuss this with your CPA”. That quote sums up how much interaction I have with those in the accounting profession other then dealing with my own accountant.
I made the same assumption about accountants that many make about real estate agents. I assumed all would be familiar with 1031 Exchanges and know the basics at the very least. What I learned that night was I knew very little about accountants and accounting in general. Accountants have specialties just like real estate agents. Most that I encountered had little, if any, knowledge on tax-deferred exchange.
Ironically, I began my presentation explaining the lack of education requirement for real estate agents in 1031 Exchange and how it could be very likely that the account would be the most knowledgeable individual in the transaction. What I know now is very few accountants specialize in real estate and even fewer specialize in business or investment real estate.
The point of my story is to emphasize just how important it is for the seller, the real estate agent, the accountant, and the intermediary to familiarize themselves with the level of knowledge and experience of the other parties in the transaction. You never know what you don’t know unless you ask.
If you are interested in learning about the advantages of a 1031 Exchange, please visit www.MyAZ1031.com for an overview and to request more information. If you or your organization would like a presentation on 1031 Exchange, feel free to contact me. Programs vary in length from 50 minutes to 3 hours.
Copyright 2006. Tracy Thompson is a member of the National Association of Realtors, The Arizona Association of Realtors and the Glendale Board of Realtors. To find out more about home buying and selling, contact Tracy at 623-326-0597 or email Tracy@TalkToTracyHomes.com http://www.azhomebuyerhelp.com/
Sunday, August 06, 2006
Smoke Alarm Batteries
Smoke Alarm Batteries
Arizona does not change their clocks for daylight savings time. I’ve never bothered to research why but I would have to guess it has something to do with Arizona having enough daylight and no need to save any. Until 3:30 this morning, I never really gave it much thought other then having to do a little extra math to determine the time in other parts of the country.
Traditionally, consumers are advised to change their smoke alarm batteries when they change their clocks for daylight savings time. Well, what if you don’t do daylight savings time? You become me. You totally forget to change your smoke alarm batteries until the smoke alarm starts chirping at 3:30 in the morning. The dog goes a little nuts and the husband has to dig the ladder out of the garage. Navigating the kitchen ‘junk’ drawer at 3:30 in the morning to find a 9-volt battery is a challenge.
All of this was a little dose of reality. Don’t become me. Enjoy your sleep. Go buy some batteries. Go check your smoke alarm. Go on. What are you waiting for?
Visit http://www.AZHomeBuyerHelp.com
Arizona does not change their clocks for daylight savings time. I’ve never bothered to research why but I would have to guess it has something to do with Arizona having enough daylight and no need to save any. Until 3:30 this morning, I never really gave it much thought other then having to do a little extra math to determine the time in other parts of the country.
Traditionally, consumers are advised to change their smoke alarm batteries when they change their clocks for daylight savings time. Well, what if you don’t do daylight savings time? You become me. You totally forget to change your smoke alarm batteries until the smoke alarm starts chirping at 3:30 in the morning. The dog goes a little nuts and the husband has to dig the ladder out of the garage. Navigating the kitchen ‘junk’ drawer at 3:30 in the morning to find a 9-volt battery is a challenge.
All of this was a little dose of reality. Don’t become me. Enjoy your sleep. Go buy some batteries. Go check your smoke alarm. Go on. What are you waiting for?
Visit http://www.AZHomeBuyerHelp.com
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