Buyer's Revenge

Buyer's are feeding off the glut of properties on the market. For those who restrained themselves during the real estate feeding frenzy that drove home prices to new caloric highs are now feasting on the skinny seller who is suffering from stretch marks left by his quickly deflating bargaining power. "In a lot of communities, smart shoppers can actually get more house for the same money than they could a year or two ago" says Sid Davis, the author of A Survival Guide for Buying a Home. How can we, as real estate practionors, best negotiate in the best interest of our buyer's and seller's? I welcome your comments!

The Heat Is On!

Sellers are feeling the heat, not just here in Arizona but everywhere! What can we do as their Real Estate Representatives to cool the flames of sellers anxiety when streets are littered with "For Sale" signs? First, do your homework.

Scottsdale Realtor Home Tour

Focus On Fall to get back into the real estate rhythm by attending the Scottsdale Realtor Home Tour put on by Independence Realty Professionals. All agents and their guests, residents, and interested parties are invited to participate, Wednesday, September 12th, to view Scottsdale's finest showcase properties. Meet at the Scottsdale Independence Realty Professionals Scottsdale office, 9449 N. 90th Street, Suite 102, Scottsdale, AZ 85258 at 9:00 am promptly. Each home will be exquisitely displayed and formally visited. Tour will conclude at the Rio Mountain Estates gated-community situated in the beautiful high desert of the Rio Verde foothills with a complimentary BBQ Luncheon.

To submit listing for tour or R.S.V.P. attendence, please contact Barbara Merrill Barb.bmw4u@gmail.com

Please plan to attend the full tour. Transportation will be arranged.

STOP The Madness!

ATTENTION fellow real estate agents of Arizona! If you have money to burn, there is a worthless marketing campaign out there just for you. It might seem like a small investment to satisfy your sellers with absolutely no return. I'm refering to the endless array of email flyers about numerous listings that fill my inbox every night. Every morning when I sit down at my computer the first thing I do is empty my inbox with a big fat KABOSH on the delete key. We are in the business to make money not give it away, especially in this market. Please be more resourceful with the use of your money and time. It is time to go back to the old fashion practice of building relationships and using creative imaginations to attract visitors to actually step foot into the properties we have listed. I have faith in the quality of individuals involved in this industry. Strive for a higher level of professionalism. You can do it!

Seeing GREEN!

That's right! Green as in money, green as in golf courses and green as in energy efficient alternatives for desert living! The state of Arizona is going green! Those alternatives are right under our feet. With the cost of energy rising as fast as heat off the desert floor, it only makes sense (cents) to build below ground. Basements are not just for the mid-West anymore they have a significant contribution to make in the Southwest. With land becoming more expensive and less available, builders are starting to notice the value of building down. However, only 20 - 30% of Valley homes utilize this valuable resource. Basements no longer take on the dingy dungeon atmosphere that go with their reputation. Today they are built with 9 foot ceilings, expansive window wells to allow for natural light, outside access complete with patio areas (imagine even a water feature!), exterior private staircase and feature the better-than-being-there home movie theatres. Who wouldn't want a basement? The cost to maintain is minimal and adds valuable square footage. It's easy being GREEN!

What Goes Around Comes Around

"Nice job guys!" as quoted by Yahoo.com in their explanation of what builders, mortgage, and the resale real estate industries have done to flatten the real estate market reputation in the media. They have deflated its value in the economy. It just isn't a quick 'n easy fix 'n flip market as it was a couple of years ago. No instant gratification here! However, let me remind everyone that real estate is the essential safe investment over the long term. Real estate has a consistant cycle. When there is an over-abundance of available houses for sale there will be downward pressure on sales prices. As homes are consumed, competition intensifies for the dwindling reserve thus sending home prices into orbit. More homes are built or dumped back into the market, thus creating an over-abundance, and on it rolls. Simply put, if you understand that, you understand real estate. Those who coordinate buying and selling to best profit from this ever- turning cycle have the greater advantage. My final words, "Rock n' Roll guys!"

Could The World Be Flat?

With summer upon us here in Arizona, like most outdoor enthusiasts, I turn indoors to reshift my priorities into an alternative source of aspiration. I have to admit, I love real estate! I was disappointed this past Sunday when I read the article in the Arizona Republic proclaiming that real estate is flat. I am here to emend that stale term and suggest that it is round! In fact it is so round, it has been known to bounce around all over, depending on the location, price and/or age of property. My experience with real estate in the state of Arizona is that the only constant flat characteristic is that it will change. There is plenty of activity out there. However, this round real estate market does present it's challenges. Please share your triumphs and difficulties to improve the image of our otherwise shapeless real estate market.