Looney Toon World of Real Estate.

Read this blog post by The Harper Real Estate Team of Danville, California. It's way too funny. They describe "4 Problematic Real Estate Agents" called "Daffy, Yosemite, Pepe' and Sylvester" who they call wild, whacky and looney when they want your real estate business.

Daffy can only remember the first sentence in a paragraph and wanders off in confusion. The Harper Team suggests distracting Daffy and then shuffling all of his papers.

Yosemite is the real estate agent that blasts into everything with guns blazing. He buries you with BS. The Harper Team suggests never answering Yosemite's questions directly while pretending you have all the time in the world to buy or sell.

Pepe' is the sweet talking agent with more sophistication and charm than you can stand. They suggest to continue asking Pepe' about Pepe' and to keep asking him to repeat himself until he gets so frustrated his fake accent disappears.

Sylvester is always on the hunt for that next sweet deal. The Harper Team suggests delighting yourself by dangling the "morsel of a closed deal" so close that Sylvester begins to drool on himself unconsciously.

Technorati Tags: Real Estate Humor, Danville California Real Estate, Real Estate Agents

East Valley Home Value & Sales Comparison April, 2006 Versus April, 2007.

Source: Realty Studies at ASU's Polytechnic Campus.

Depending upon whether you are a buyer or seller, there is a slight bit of both good and bad news in the East Valley real estate market. Some median home prices and home sales increased and decreased comparing April.2006 to April 2007.

Median Prices of Single Family Homes

Community	April '06	April '07	% Change
Ahwatukee	$381,500	$325,000	-14.8%
Chandler	$295,000	$297,950	+1.0%
Gilbert	$339,000	$295,195	-13%
Mesa	$245,900	$234,510	-4.6%
Tempe	$275,000	$285,000	+3.6%

Ahwatukee Real Estate.
Median home prices dropped by about 14.8% vs 2006. The number of home sales increased from 120 in April '06 to 125 in April '07.

Chandler Real Estate.
Median home prices increased slightly vs 2006 by 1%. The number of home sales dropped from 375 in April '06 from 405 in April '07.

Gilbert Real Estate.
Median home prices dropped by about 13% vs 2006. The number of home sales dropped from 310 in April '06 to 285 in April '07.

Mesa Real Estate.
Median home prices dropped by about 4.6% vs 2006. The number of home sales declined from 660 in April '06 to 530 in April '07.

Tempe Real Estate.
Median home prices increased by about 3.6% vs 2006. The number of home sales declined form 16o in April '06 to 120 in April '07.

Technorati Tags: Ahwatukee Real Estate, Mesa Real Estate, Gilbert Real Estate, Tempe Real Estate, Chandler Real Estate

Do You Care How Long Anyone's Tail Is?

We hope not. Whether one has a long tail or a short tail should really be of no concern. If you're puzzled by the above headline, you are likely a consumer that is considering buying or selling real estate. Hopefully that is the case because that would make you our ideal target audience. And if you are reading this article, that means you found us.

If you mention long or short tail to an SEO or a seasoned real estate blogger, they will know exactly what short tail and long tail means. Without getting complex, essentially it means how many words one uses to perform a search query on a search engine. Generally, the fewer the words....."the shorter the tail" and you guessed it....the more words in the search phrase...."the longer the tail". So, this discussion really has nothing to do with one's cat, dog or monkey, or how a large or small one's butt may be.

It's all about how web search works.

When searching the web, you are looking for specific information or solutions to needs and desires. When you perform a web search using your favorite search engine, you would expect to be provided with search results in a tiered ranking order that best satisfies your search query. But that does not always happen for many reasons that are way too complicated to discuss here. However, somewhere in the first couple of results pages you should find what you are looking for.

Here's some simplified examples of typical real estate related search phrases:

1. Short Tail Search.
"Real Estate". This search probably is not going to provide you with much value because it is much too general. If you are buying real estate, then you are likely relocating to a specific geographic location. A state such as Arizona. A county such as Maricopa. A city such as Phoenix or Scottsdale. Therefore your search query should be a bit more precise to a local real estate market.

2. Longer Tail Search.
"Phoenix Real Estate". Or "Scottsdale Real Estate", "Ahwatukee Real Estate" or another city within the Greater Phoenix area will result in better sources of information. If you are not sure exactly where you want to relocate in Arizona you might search for "Arizona Real Estate".

3. Even Longer Tails.
"Condos in Phoenix Arizona" or even "Condos in Phoenix, Scottsdale Area". Maybe your interests are "Private Gated Communities in Phoenix", "Golf Course Property in Scottsdale Arizona" or "Luxury Homes in Phoenix Arizona".

So you can see that the more words, the longer the tail. The important thing to remember is that each of the search phrases referenced above will deliver a completely different set of search results and the more precise (longer tail), the more likely you will find the information or solutions you are looking for.

The order of the words will also deliver a different tiered ranking order of results. For example: "Phoenix Real Estate" versus "Real Estate in Phoenix". Or "Phoenix Homes" versus "Homes in Phoenix". Also adding the word "Arizona" or abbreviations such as "AZ", "Phx" or "Ariz" will effect a ranking order of results. For example, "Real Estate Phoenix AZ" versus "Phx AZ Real Estate".

Just keep in mind that no matter how you found our website, it's participating Phoenix Realtors will make your home buying journey a pleasurable experience. And if you aren't sure where you want to live in Arizona, visit Arizona Leisure to find great information about Arizona including real estate professionals in most Arizona locations.

The diversity of landscape, climate and lifestyle in Arizona is incredible. This Arizona real estate website provides a summary overview of all major Arizona cities and towns. You just might discover the most ideal place in Arizona to call your home.

Technorati Tags: Phoenix Real Estate, Phoenix Homes, Arizona Real Estate, Phoenix Area Real Estate

Count On Our Preferred Phoenix Realtors To Make Relocation Easy and Convenient.

Do you live outside the area and plan on moving to the Phoenix area? Beginning right now, our Preferred Phoenix real estate agents will make your relocation smooth and easy. And they will stay right with you every step of the way. One you've selected the area that entices you, choose the Realtor that is intimately familiar with that geographic part of the Valley of the Sun.

Even though you presently live out of the Metro Phoenix real estate market, they will assist you in every aspect including answering questions, guiding you to the most desirable school districts, and suggesting a manageable commute to a place of employment. Count on them to know where the best real estate values can be found and to the make the home search and buying process a very pleasurable experience.

Just tell them your needs, interest, budget and lifestyle desires and they will suggest homes that fit your criteria. They can send information via fax and mail as well as transmitting photos digitally via email and the web. Each Realtor is professionally expert can thoroughly explain the home buying processes and are proficient negotiators. They'll even give you information to help you make prudent, well-informed home buying decisions. If you need a mortgage lender in the Phoenix area, they can guide you to ethical lenders that can suggest the right mortgage loan packages that fit your unique situation.

And when time is convenient for you to travel to Phoenix to choose your dream home, each agent will personally show you your selected homes of interest. The home buying journey is an `exciting time and they welcome the opportunity to begin that journey with you.

Review the cities and towns within the Valley of the Sun, search the Phoenix MLS online and choose the real estate agent what specializes in the your area of interest. Get ready for an enjoyable experience.

Technorati Tags: Phoenix Real Estate, Phoenix Relocation, Moving To Phoenix

Greater Phoenix Area: Single Family Home Median Prices. Quarterly: 1995 Through 2007.

Contributed by: Angie Young
Phoenix, Scottsdale Realtor








The following data is compiled by the Arizona State University's Real Estate Center which analyzes and evaluates the Arizona real estate market on behalf of private, public and governmental organizations. ASU's Realty Studies offer a wealth of informative statistical insight into the Greater Phoenix area real estate market.

The following compares the median single-family home prices throughout Greater Phoenix(*) from 1995 through the first quarter of 2007. It is interesting to note that the median resale home price increased from $87,300 in the first quarter of 1995 to $262,570 in the first quarter in 2007 (over 300%).

Greater Phoenix Area Single Family Homes:

Median Sales Price	Resale Homes	New Homes
First Quarter 1995	$87,300	$128,800
Second Quarter 1995	89,150	129,125
Third Quarter 1995	93,900	125,325
Fourth Quarter 1995	93,000	127,130
First Quarter 1996	94,000	127,400
Second Quarter 1996	96,000	130,200
Third Quarter 1996	99,500	129,875
Fourth Quarter 1996	97,500	135,400
First Quarter 1997	101,000	135,830
Second Quarter 1997	105,735	137,960
Third Quarter 1997	106,500	134,650
Fourth Quarter 1997	107,000	136,480
First Quarter 1998	110,000	137,210
Second Quarter 1998	114,000	140,000
Third Quarter 1998	113,900	138,600
Fourth Quarter 1998	115,000	140,090
First Quarter 1999	115,000	142,060
Second Quarter 1999	122,000	147,930
Third Quarter 1999	122,000	148,155
Fourth Quarter 1999	121,715	147,745
First Quarter 2000	124,400	148,075
Second Quarter 2000	130,000	150,335
Third Quarter 2000	130,000	151,525
Fourth Quarter 2000	129,000	152,925
First Quarter 2001	132,500	158,030
Second Quarter 2001	136,000	157,615
Third Quarter 2001	138,000	156,500
Fourth Quarter 2001	137,000	154,495
First Quarter 2002	139,700	158,015
Second Quarter 2002	144,000	155,250
Third Quarter 2002	146,000	159,535
Fourth Quarter 2002	147,000	164,540
First Quarter 2003	148,750	163,545
Second Quarter 2003	155,000	176,805
Third Quarter 2003	159,500	173,895
Fourth Quarter 2003	155,800	177,820
First Quarter 2004	159,705	180,510
Second Quarter 2004	170,000	190,745
Third Quarter 2004	177,500	198,050
Fourth Quarter 2004	185,000	207,190
First Quarter 2004	159,705	180,510
Second Quarter 2004	170,000	190,745
Third Quarter 2004	177,500	198,050
Fourth Quarter 2004	185,000	207,190
First Quarter 2005	203,000	218,195
Second Quarter 2005	235,500	240,610
Third Quarter 2005	259,700	258,885
Fourth Quarter 2005	260,000	281,870
First Quarter 2006	260,115	296,665
Second Quarter 2006	265,000	313,775
Third Quarter 2006	260,000	310,000
Fourth Quarter 2006	257,000	305,000
First Quarter 2007	262,570	296,425

(*) The Greater Phoenix real estate market includes: Ahwatukee, Anthem, Avondale, Buckeye, Carefree, Cave Creek, Chandler, El Mirage, Fountain Hills, Gilbert, Glendale, Goodyear, Higley, Laveen, Litchfield Park, Mesa, Paradise Valley, Peoria, Phoenix, Queen Creek, Scottsdale, Sun City, Sun City West, Sun Lakes, Surprise, Tempe, Tolleson and Wickenburg.

Technorati Tags: Phoenix Area Real Estate, Phoenix Area Median Home Prices, Greater Phoenix Real Estate, Arizona Real Estate, Phoenix Single Family Homes

Return to Best Phoenix Real Estate Home Page. View Phoenix MLS Homes for Sale.

Good Advice For First Time Home Buyers.

Contributed by: Angie Young, Phoenix/Scottsdale Realtor.

Buying a home is generally the largest investment a person will ever make and choosing the right home to purchase should be based on sound, well-informed decisions. As you scour the Greater Phoenix MLS for the ideal home, it is crucial that as a first-time Phoenix home buyer that you choose a home that fits your lifestyle, needs and convenience within your range of affordability.

A home is an investment in Phoenix real estate that hopefully will not only give you years of enjoyment, but will return a healthy return on your investment when you decide to sell. Following are five ways to ensure you are making a prudent home buying decision.

1. Stay Within Your Budget Range.
Decide what you can comfortably afford. Be conservative and give yourself flexibility. Do not look at homes that you cannot reasonably afford. Don't tempt yourself with homes outside your budget where higher payments will eventually become a financial burden.

When determining affordability, consider the cost of property taxes, insurance, utility expenses and home maintenance in addition to monthly mortgage payments. Sustaining an enjoyable lifestyle requires stress-free financial flexibility.

2. Do Not Buy On Impulse.
Take your time. Look at a wide variety of Phoenix area homes. List the positives and negatives. Separately list absolute needs versus desires. Be prudent. Evaluate more than just the real estate itself. Metro Phoenix is a big place with many areas from which to choose including Phoenix itself, Mesa, Scottsdale, Carefree, Chandler, Fountain Hills and many other suburban cities. Research community amenities, shopping convenience, dining, school systems and entertainment venues. Consider commute convenience to places of employment. Consider the savings in mileage expenses and wasted time driving to and from work.

3. Plan Ahead.
How long do you plan on living in your new Phoenix home? That length of time effects many decisions such as how much to spend on upgrades and fixed rate mortgages versus adjustable rate mortgages. Consider future career changes, new additions to the family that would mean buying a larger home. Leave yourself flexibility in case of job loss, a sudden disability or sizable emergency situations that require using savings. Real estate values can increase or decrease at any given point in the future, so you do not want to get caught in a Bursting Real Estate Bubble with limited options.

4. Thoroughly Understand The Buying Process.
Do your research on the home buying process. Know how to gain a negotiating advantage. Know how the offer process works. Know the strategies of "offer and counter offers".

5. Get Pre-Approved For A Loan.
There are many advantages and benefits of getting pre-approved for a mortgage loan. First, you'll know how much home you can afford so you don't waste time looking at homes outside your budget range. Second, it gives you negotiating advantage with a seller because it helps ensure a successful and quicker escrow closing. This gives a seller greater confidence of your offer to buy. Choose an ethical mortgage lender or broker.

6. Choose A Knowledgeable Realtor.
Select a Realtor that is intimately knowledgeable of the geographic area of interest. They will generally know where the best real estate values can be found. An experienced Realtor can explain the processes, can give you advice to help you make well-informed buying decisions and can give you the advantage of applying negotiation skills with a seller. Hiring you own Realtor that exclusively represents your interests is cost-free since the seller generally pays the real estate commission.

Remember, buying a Phoenix home will likely be one of the most important financial transactions of your life. Do your research carefully and diligently. Consider all your options, do not buy on impulse, get pre-approved for a mortgage loan, stay within your budget range and choose a Phoenix real estate agent that will help turn a stressful process into a pleasant home buying experience.

More Helpful Information:
Advice For The First Time Buyer
Common Questions For The First Time Home Buyer

Technorati Tags: Phoenix Real Estate, Phoenix Homes, Phoenix MLS, First Time Home Buyers, Real Estate Advice, Phoenix Arizona Real Estate

Two Friends Make Hole In Ones On The Same Hole On Consecutive Swings.

This is incredible! On April 7 two friends, Mark Imhoff and Joe Butz playing in a Men's Club golf event at the Club West Golf Club in the Ahwatukee Foothills, Arizona recorded consecutive aces on consecutive shots at the par 3 17th hole. Golf Digest places the odds of two golfers in the same foursome making a hole in one on the same hole at 17 million to 1. The odds of two golfers making a hole-in-one on the same hole on consecutive swings has to be a gazillion to one.

Here's another amazing twist. The event included a skin's game. Imhoff makes an ace and loses the skin to his partner Butz who got a handicap stroke giving him a "net zero" on the hole. They split the "closest to the pin" prize and split the traditional hole-in-one bar tab. Butz shot a round of 100 and Imhoff recorded a three under gross score of 69. Wow, this guy should be on the PGA Tour.

The 17th hole at Club West is one of the most unusual golf holes in the Phoenix area. It is a par 3 with an 80 foot elevated tee that has two optional greens. One plays at 208 yards while the other plays at 157 yards from the middle tees.

Ahwatukee Foothills is a suburban village in South Phoenix and includes some of the most sought after real estate in the Phoenix AZ area. Homes along the Club West fairways feature awesome views of the golf course and the surrounding desert foothills.

If you're interested in relocating to the Village of Ahwatukee of Phoenix, Arizona, checkout the Ahwatukee MLS and when you're ready, contact our Preferred Ahwatukee real estate agent.

Technorati Tags: Ahwatukee Real Estate, Hole In One, Phoenix Real Estate, Ahwatukee Foothills, Club West Golf Club

Chandler Opens Freestyle Bike Park.

One-footers, tabletops, whips, and 180s. Giant rollers and quarter pipes. BMX freestyle bike fans....get ready to go higher and bigger. The City of Chandler has created a 23,000 square foot freestyle bike park totally dedicated to the sport.

The Chandler Bike Park opens May 5, 2007 inside Espee Park in Chandler AZ at 450 East Knox Road in Chandler. The summer park hours are 6:30 AM to 10:15 PM daily and it's free. This is just another example of what makes Chandler, Arizona a family-friendly environment.

Read more about Chandler, Arizona located Southeast of Phoenix in the East Valley. The new Chandler Bike Park is also convenient to Mesa, Gilbert and Tempe residents. If you're considering relocating to Chandler, our Preferred Chandler real estate agent would love to show you where the best real estate values are located. View the Chandler MLS.

Technorati Tags: Chandler Arizona, Chandler Real Estate, BMX Bike Park

Moving To Phoenix From Another State Can Be Emotionally Traumatic For A Teen.

Tens of thousands of new residents move to the Phoenix and Scottsdale area every month. Phoenix AZ is a great place to raise a family. That's why it's been among the nation's leaders in home appreciation for many decades. The Phoenix real estate market is a very desirable market.

Moving can be a stressing and challenging process, but relocation is particularly difficult for teenagers. Just imagine the trauma, emotions and resistance that can set-in when parents finally tell their teenager(s) the family is moving to Phoenix. They've grown up with their best friends and now they have to leave them behind. They've developed puppy-love romances and they have to leave those behind. They are entrenched in the peer social scene. Now they will have to learn how to fit-in all over again.

Read this article, "Relocation Is Really Tough On Teens" that will give parents some helpful tips on how to deal with teens that are resistant to moving. Being empathetic, getting them involved and listening to their suggestions is always a good start.

Find a Preferred Realtor that will not only find the perfect home for you and your family, but can suggest some of the best "teen friendly" neighborhoods.

Technorati Tags: Phoenix Real Estate, Phoenix Relocation, Moving With Teenagers

Return to our Phoenix AZ Real Estate home page or view the Phoenix MLS.