Ritz-Carlton remains committed to PV
PARADISE VALLEY - The proposed Ritz-Carlton, Paradise Valley Resort will not go to another community.
The project planned northwest of Lincoln Drive and Scottsdale Road received a setback last week when a Maricopa County Superior Court judge ruled that a referendum challenging the project could be placed on the Nov. 4 ballot.
But Jerry Ayoub, president and chief executive officer of Scottsdale-based Five Star Development, this week sought to clarify a statement released by the company after the ruling about what might happen next.
"Other communities have solicited us to move the project; that is a fact. However, we have worked for three years to establish trust with Paradise Valley officials and residents," Ayoub said in a prepared statement.
"Collectively, we have created a project that we can all be proud of for decades to come. Our commitment to the community has not wavered and we believe that the Ritz-Carlton is a perfect fit for Paradise Valley," Ayoub added.
The Paradise Valley Town Council unanimously approved the project on April 10. But a citizens group called Preserve Our Paradise, which opposes the density of some of the project's homes, collected enough petition signatures to force a referendum.
Five Starr challenged the referendum in court, but was turned down by Judge Peter Swann. Five Starr has not decided whether to appeal.
Tonight, the Town Council will consider setting a Nov. 4 election date for the referendum. The meeting begins at 7 p.m. at Paradise Valley Town Hall, 6401 E. Lincoln Drive.
The project calls for a 225-room resort hotel and 161 residences ranging from 1-acre home sites to patio homes on 105 acres.
Ayoub said the project's team maintains that the overwhelming majority of Paradise Valley residents are behind the project. He said Five Star has, and will continue, to have immense support from town residents and officials.
"It's unfortunate that such a small group of people can cause this significant of a delay after we've worked tirelessly with neighbors and officials to get this project right and get it unanimously approved. However, we are confident in Paradise Valley's acceptance of the Ritz-Carlton," Ayoub said.
The council also will vote to give the Scottsdale Convention and Visitors Bureau an additional $25,000 in annual funding. That would bring the total to $625,000 to promote the town's resorts and $75,000 in special funding to support the Fiesta Bowl.
At its 4 p.m. work-study session, the council will discuss the mayoral selection process. In Paradise Valley, the council elects the mayor, not voters. Vernon Parker, who was chosen mayor June 12, would support voters doing so. He requested the council discussion.
Ready to find a home at a great price in the Phoenix Metro Area. Speak To A Professional RE/MAX Phoenix Realtor NOW....Call : 623-979-8888. We can show you foreclosures, Short Sales, REO, as well as any and all homes for sale in the Maricopa area. Search the complete Phoenix AZ MLS for free at http://www.buyphoenixazhomes.com/
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Ritz-Carlton remains committed to Paradise Valley
Friday, March 21, 2008
Dream Homes With Affordable Payments
The Industrial Development Authorities of the City of Phoenix and Maricopa County, AZ have joined together to offer to help first-time homebuyers obtain FHA, VA or other eligible loan or conventional financing to purchase a home anywhere in Maricopa County. Individuals or families who qualify would be able to obtain 30-year fixed loan at a competitive rate, along with five-percent assistance for down payment and closing costs.
Financing for these fully assumable loans is available on new or existing homes, condominiums, townhouses or manufactured homes on a first-come, first-served basis.
Qualified Veterans are exempt from the first-time homebuyer requirement. Please contact a participating lender or the City of Phoenix IDA for additional information.
How To Qualify
Your annual income must fall within the income limits for eligible borrowers. Our definition of a first-time homebuyer is someone who has not owned a home for at least the last three years. All homebuyers must meet credit requirements.
If you purchase in a designated "Targeted Areas", you do not have to be a first-time homebuyer.
Remember, for first-time homebuyers, the home can be anywhere in Maricopa County.
Income Limits for Eligible Borrowers
Family of Non-targeted Area Targeted Area
Two or fewer $64,524 $74,203
Three or more $74,203 $77,542
Homes must be located within Maricopa County, Arizona.
The following home purchase price limitations apply for eligible residences:
Purchase Price Limits
Non-target Area Target Area
Maximum $311,625 $380,875
Sales Price
Down Payment Assistance
All qualified homebuyers will receive 5% of the original loan amount to be used for down payment and closing costs assistance.
$75,000 $3,750
$90,000 $4,500
$125,000 $6,250
$165,000 $8,250
Friday, December 14, 2007
Canadians snap up Arizona homes
Canadians snap up Arizona homes
CHANDLER, Ariz. (AP) - Two hours after his flight landed in Phoenix, Calgary resident Doug Farley already was cruising the city's vast stuccoed suburbs in search of the one attraction Canadians can't seem to get enough of these days, cheap homes.
There are thousands of them here: almost new, unoccupied and dropping in value. The mortgage meltdown, combined with a surging Canadian currency, has Farley - and many of his countrymen - dreaming of winter golf on grass that's always green.
"My dollar's the same as your dollar, finally," Farley said, grinning as he peered through a pool fence at a sparsely populated condominium complex in Chandler, a Phoenix suburb.
For moderate-income Canadians like Farley, the race is on to take advantage of the "loonie," which in September reached parity with the U.S. dollar for the first time since 1976. Many are combing the Internet for anxious American home sellers and looking with an investor's eye at the condos they rented while on vacation in sunbelt states.
"Now it's more than just the snowbird coming down and staying in a condo. It's people looking for business opportunity," said Frank Nero, president of the Beacon Council, Miami-Dade County's economic development arm in south Florida.
Canadian condo-builder Solterra Group of Companies also is riding the surge in the Canadian economy as it plans to snatch large chunks of land in Las Vegas. Michael Bosa, the company's vice president for development and acquisition, said the loonie has bolstered his company's bids.
Now's the time to buy, he said. Alberta, a three-and-a-half-hour flight from Phoenix, is experiencing a modern-day gold rush from booming work in its vast oil sands.
"Fifteen of my friends are on buying trips down here, and we're all cheap," Sirockman said. He brought his family to Scottsdale this month while he submitted a lowball all-cash offer for a three-bedroom home.
"I don't want to take advantage of a guy who's having trouble in the market and is losing his shorts," Sirockman said. "But I have no problem with a guy from California who bought on spec and has five houses in Arizona and never lived in them."
Single family homes and condos in the Phoenix metro area now sit an average of 99 days before getting sold. That's three times the wait for homes and four times the wait for condos compared with two years ago, according to the Arizona Regional Multiple Listing Service.
The market has shifted totally in the buyer's favor, especially those offering cash, said Jeff Russell of Alberta. Last month, Russell snapped up a patio home next to a golf course in Scottsdale with a $299,000 check. It was listed at $463,000.
"I was actually going to come down here and buy a seven-series BMW because cars are ridiculously cheap here," he said. "But I discovered that, forget cars, houses are on deep discount. I could never get anything on a golf course as nice in Canada for this type of money."
Real estate agents in Phoenix, especially those with Canadian ties, are hustling to reach potential buyers up north while the American housing market and the U.S. dollar continue to slump.
"When I take them to a brand new subdivision, and for $210,000 can get them four bedrooms, 2,000 square feet, all appliances, brand new, that's something they haven't been able to buy in Canada for 10 or 15 years. In my opinion, everyone should be buying now."
"When (the Canadian dollar) hit a dollar ten, it really created a real buzz for Canadians, not only those looking to buy second homes but we're also seeing it from buying purely from an investment standpoint," Dziedzic said.
As he searched for his new winter home, Farley kept an eye out for condos near a pool. When it got cold in Calgary, that's where his family would be.
"I just want the ability to go outside, you know, the ability to go for a walk," Farley said. He left for Calgary with a few strong choices, but he didn't bid on anything.
Sirockman also returned to Canada without a house after the owner of the Scottsdale home turned down his offer. No worries. Sirockman told the seller there were a thousand other homes like his on the market, and someone was going to deal.
As he was about to get on the flight back to Edmonton, Sirockman called his friends, and they told him it's 28 below zero back home.
"That's what I'm flying into," he said with a sigh. "I brought a big down-filled jacket with me. I'm looking like an idiot getting onto the plane."
The Associated Press Dec. 14, 2007 12:00 PM
Monday, December 10, 2007
Working With Your RE/MAX Real Estate Agent
Selecting the right real estate agent to help you buy or sell your home is essential to a smooth transaction. For the best possible experience, you should consider a professional's background, personality and responsiveness.
Here are some tips to help you choose and work with your real estate agent.
How to choose a real estate agent
- When it comes to choosing a real estate agent, consumers who do their homework can save thousands of dollars and experience a smooth financial and physical transition. So don't waste time and resources - decide what's most important to you, and then find a professional who specializes in that area. Are you buying or selling a loft? A condo? A rural property? Raw land? An investment property? Perhaps cost is your main concern. Or timing. Whatever you decide, a RE/MAX Associate can help you.
- Ask friends and family members for referrals. Someone you know and trust may have a RE/MAX agent in mind to help you meet your real estate goals.
- If you've already determined where you'd like to live, drive through neighborhoods in the area and survey them for Realtor yard signs. Seeing the same name pop up on signs time after time may indicate that the agent is a specialist in the area. If you're thinking about selling, monitor the signs in your own neighborhood.
- Moving far away? Right here on remax.com, you can begin to meet and greet RE/MAX agents from all around the world who can offer the same great expertise and service. Consider services they offer, additional certifications, any specialties, languages they speak. You'll find the right professional to meet your real estate needs no matter where your home search takes you.
- Pay attention to credentials. This will help you determine areas of expertise. You may be interested in these designations: ABR (Accredited Buyer Representative), CLHMS (Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist), CRP (Certified Relocation Professional), CRS (Certified Residential Specialist) and SRES (Seniors Real Estate Specialist). There are dozens of designations pursued for continuing education, so identify one or more that fit your needs.
What to ask in the interview
- If selling, ask the real estate agent how he or she would establish a price. Request a Comparative Market Analysis, also called a CMA, which shows the market value of similar homes in the area that are for sale or have recently sold.
- If selling, ask the real estate agent how he or she would market your property. Understand that some agents may prefer to first tour your property and then put together a comprehensive customized marketing plan to present at a later meeting. But if he or she can't suggest a single strategy when asked, you might consider interviewing other candidates..
- Ask the real estate agent how often you should expect to hear from him or her. Know how and when you will communicate to avoid unrealistic expectations. Pay attention to office hours and whether you'll be invited to stay in touch via a cell phone or e-mail.
- Ask how long the real estate agent has been licensed and how many buyers and sellers he or she has helped. While time is not the most important factor, it may demonstrate experience.
- Ask about designations. Interest in continuing education is a strong indicator of motivation and professionalism.
- Pay attention to the agent's listening skills. Does he or she cut you off before you've finished a sentence? There's nothing worse than looking at houses you have no interest in because the real estate agent has not listened carefully to your needs, or having your home on the market too long because it's priced incorrectly and the wrong buyers are being targeted.
- Ask the real estate agent what his or her fee structure is. Does he or she require a percentage of the sales price or work for a flat fee? Will the agent be paid another way?
- If you are unsatisfied with a prospect's plans or personality, thank him or her for taking the time to meet with you and repeat the process with another real estate agent. It can be time-consuming, but it's worthwhile.
Once you've found the right real estate agent to represent you, hold up your end of the relationship. There are simple things you can do to help your real estate agent get you the best deal.
How to work with your real estate agent
- If you are selling, create an information sheet that lists your home's features and best qualities, especially those you know best that others might overlook. Give this to your real estate agent, who may be able to use the information in marketing materials or when talking with potential buyers.
- When selling, talk to the real estate agent about cosmetic improvements. Your home may need fresh paint or new carpet. (Make sure you choose neutral colors.)
- If selling, keep it clean. Eliminate cobwebs and dust. Keep the bathroom counters and mirrors wiped down. Vacuum and sweep daily during the selling process.
- If buying, be clear about what you want. Make a list of your priorities numbered 1 through 10 and give it to your real estate agent. You can always revise the list, but give your real estate agent something concrete so that he or she can research available listings more efficiently.
Food for thought
- Office environment can say a lot about a businessperson. Is it clean and organized? Do the office hours make it easily accessible? Are staff members pleasant and helpful?
- Your real estate agent is an authority you hire to help you make the right decisions, but you have the final word.
- Hiring a Realtor will give you the best advantage. Although many practitioners work part time,
RE/MAX Associates are industry professionals who can provide their complete attention and expertise. This gives you an enormous advantage. - Your residence is likely to be the biggest single investment you'll ever make. Buy and sell wisely.
- Remember that home values fluctuate with the economy.
Speak To A Professional RE/MAX Phoenix Realtor NOW....Call : 623-979-8888
As Your RE/MAX Phoenix AZ Real Estate Agents, We Will:
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Assure that you see all the properties in the area that meet your criteria.
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Guide you through the entire home buying process, from finding homes to look at, to getting the best financing.
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Make sure you don't pay too much for your new home and help you avoid costly mistakes.
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Answer all of your questions about the local market area, including schools, neighborhoods, the local economy, and more.
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The Powerful RE/MAX Brand Name
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Robust Online Marketing
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Global Referral Network
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Specialty Markets
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Mortgage Services
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Home Warranty Protection
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Home Inspection Services
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Title/Escrow Services
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Professional Moving Services
Friday, November 9, 2007
Worried about declining home values in the Phoenix AZ?
Worried about declining home values in the Valley - Phoenix AZ?
If you live in central Phoenix, north Scottsdale and patches of the East or West Valley, you don't need to fret. Average home prices in those areas are still climbing - and climbing rapidly, in some cases.
In other pockets around metropolitan Phoenix, the average price of an existing home dropped 6, 7, even 12 percent from the fourth quarter of 2005 to the first quarter of this year.
An analysis of sales by ZIP code shows most areas saw average home values climb, if only by a little bit, during the first part of this year. About a third of all metropolitan Phoenix neighborhoods experienced drops in price, according to figures from the Arizona Regional Multiple Listing Service.
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The Valley's overall median home price has remained flat this year at about $265,000. Resales, meanwhile, are down 34 percent for the year.
"The Valley's housing market is going to be dicey for a while, and it's best to track it by neighborhood," said Terry Turk, president of Sun American Mortgage of Mesa. "I don't think we are at the bottom of the market, but it shouldn't be a dramatic drop from here."
The ZIP code data show that some of the price fluctuations are random, but they also show some trends: Many neighborhoods close to downtown Phoenix saw price increases, and many on the farthest edges of the Valley showed little improvement or posted decreases.
Part of Glendale in the West Valley saw a 7 percent dip. The average price of a home on the southeastern edge of Mesa dropped 12 percent. Some parts of the Valley are still seeing big increases in value. Republican Sen. John McCain's north central Phoenix neighborhood saw home prices jump 21 percent during the first part of the year. The average home prices in the established West Valley community of Litchfield Park climbed 11 percent. The north Scottsdale area that is home to McDowell Mountain Ranch saw prices rise 14 percent.
Declines should be pretty painless to most homeowners, unless they bought last year during the peak, have tapped all the equity in their homes or are trying to sell. Home prices in most of those neighborhoods shot up more than 100 percent in the past five years.
The data from ARMLS show that homes in neighborhoods closer to downtown Phoenix sold more quickly during the first quarter than those in outlying regions, even if prices in some of the areas were down.
Homeowners, buyers and housing analysts are all watching carefully to see what happens to Valley housing prices this summer, the traditional home-buying season.
"It's possible that home prices will drop 5 to 10 percent overall," said Jay Butler, director of the Arizona Real Estate Center at Arizona State University Polytechnic.
Thursday, November 1, 2007
About Re/Max Desert Showcase - Phoenix Metro Area Realtors
About Re/Max Desert Showcase - Phoenix Metro Area Realtors
Hello and thank you for visiting! It is our goal as your full service real estate company specializing in the Phoenix Homes. Search Free Phoenix MLS Homes for sale in: Phoenix, Scottsdale, Paradise Valley, Cave Creek, Carefree, Sun City, Peoria, Glendale, Surprise, Buckeye, Avondale, Tempe, Chandler, and Mesa, Arizona areas, to provide you with superior service at all times. Our local expertise and extensive real estate experience will benefit you whether you are serious about buying or selling a home at this time, or are a returning client checking out the many homeowner resources we offer:
Buying a Phoenix area home. We look forward to helping you select the home of your dreams by taking time to listen to your needs and desires.
Buying a home is an exciting time in one's life. Making the smart move of choosing a Re/Max REALTOR® is your first step to ensuring that your new home and community meets your needs. Our services and experience range from financial aid to helping you find the home that best suits you and your family. For your convenience, we also provide listings by email. We pride ourselves on repeat business and hope you'll come to understand why.
Selling a Phoenix area home. Our Phoenix real estate expertise and many effective marketing programs will give you the exposure and edge you need to sell your home quickly for top dollar
Selling your Phoenix home shouldn't be a stressful ordeal. Making the smart move of choosing a Re/Max Desert Showcase REALTOR® is your first step to ensuring that your investment in your home pays off. Our services and experience allow you to focus on your move while We manage your home sale from our initial consultation to the closing deal, and beyond. We pride ourselves on repeat business and hope you'll come to understand why.
Phoenix Commercial Property
Re/max Desert Showcase has the power to help bring investors together! Re/Max commercial real estate professionals are specially trained in the commercial and investment properties markets can help you choose the investment that is most appropriate for you.
Through the use of targeted advertising, industry-leading technology, creative marketing materials, and one of the largest referral networks in the real estate industry, our Re/Max Phoenix Commercial Agents are committed to helping you maximize your commercial property portfolio.
Re/Max Collection of Phoenix Fine Homes and Estates
Buying a Phoenix luxury home is a unique real estate experience requiring special tools and skills. Re/Max Collection of Phoenix Fine Homes and Estates professionals understand that luxury homebuyers are looking for a home reminiscent of their own signature style. Selling your Phoenix luxury property or finding one that suits your needs can be a time consuming process, and time is often a luxury most of our clients don't have. Through our access to a global referral network and a keen understanding of the luxury real estate market, we help bring more luxury home buyers and sellers together.
Returning Clients. We appreciate the opportunity to continue to serve you and hope you take advantage of the valuable resources we provide. Come back to visit often!
Our business ties us strongly to our valued clients and our goal is to continue to extend you a level of service and attention that is not dependant on whether you are prepared to do a transaction. We appreciate the opportunity to serve you and have designed our site to provide you, as a homeowner, valuable resources that can assist you in your goals, hobbies, and living.
Do You Want A Winning Real Estate Career With Re/Max?
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Benefits and Competitive Advantages of RE/MAX Affiliation
We consider the Phoenix, Maricopa County community an excellent place to reside and would love to share with you our enthusiasm for the many neighborhoods that encompass it. we pride ourselves on providing unparalleled service and look forward to developing a long-term relationship with you. Please feel free to contact us if you would like to discuss how we can best assist you with your real estate needs.
Sincerely,
The Desert Showcase Team
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