Posts filed under ‘Home Buying’
South Chandler, Ocotillo Area Actives, Pendings and Closed Properties
I have put together a list of properties in the South Chandler, Ocotillo area that are Active, Pending or have Closed in the past 3 months so you can get an idea of what’s going on in certain neighborhoods. They are sorted by the name of the community and then by square footage. The link to the list contains the following communities in which there is an Active, Pending or Closed (within the past 3 months) property as of April 30th:
Alma Park Place, Alma Ranchettes, ALMA SCHOOL PLACE, Arden Park, AVALON AT DOBSON CROSSING, BALBOA @ OCOTILLO, Bridges at Ocotillo, BRITTANY HEIGHTS, CALLOWAY AT THE VINEYARDS, Calypso, Cantabria Shores, Carino Estates, Carino Villas Condominiums, Carmel Bay at Ocotillo, CARRIZAL, Catalina Shores at Ocotillo, CLEMENTE RANCH, COMANCHE HEIGHTS, Corona Del Mar, Cottonwood , Springs, Cottonwood Springs, Crescent Falls Fulton Ranch, CROWN POINT, CYPRESS POINT, Eden Estates, Embarcadero at Ocotillo, Enclave @ Ocotillo Lakes, Estates at Ocotillo, Estates at Vintage Villas, FOX CROSSING, Fulton Ranch, Fulton Ranch Gallery, Germann Country Estates, Gila Butte Estates, HARBOUR CLUB AT OCOTILLO, HOMESTEAD PARK, Ironwood Vistas, LAGUNA COVE, Legend At Ocotillo, MONTEFINO VILLAGE, Monterey At The Vineyards, Monterey Bay, Monterey Bay at Ocotillo, Oakwood Hills, OAKWOOD LAKES, Ocotillo, Ocotillo East, Ocotillo Lakes, Pecos Ranch, Pecos Ranch Estates, PECOS VISTAS, Peninsula, Ryan Estates, San Martin at the Vineyards, Santorini Shores, Serenity Shores, Shoreline at Fulton Ranch, SIENNA HEIGHTS, SILVERLAKE, SOMERCREST AT THE VINEYARDS, SPYGLASS BAY, STILLWATER COVE, Stonefield, Stonefield Colony, Stonefield Enclave, Talante, The Peninsula, TRISTAN, VILLAGE AT DOBSON CROSSING, VILLAS AT OCOTILLO, WATERMARK AT OCOTILLO, WILDROSE VILLAS and Windward.
South Chandler, Ocotillo Area Actives, Pending and Closed Properties
Currently, there are 89 Active, 146 Pending (includes short sales most of which are noted as AWC) and 204 Closed (since January 30, 2012) properties in this South Chandler or Ocotillo area, located from the 202 to Chandler Heights Boulevard and Price Road to Arizona Avenue. These numbers, including the information on the spreadsheet I put together are significantly different that a few months ago. If you’re a buyer who is of the mindset that you can low ball offers or get closing cost credits, hopefully you’re working with an agent that has advised you that strategy is not going to get your offer accepted. Many if not most properties right now are getting multiple offers within a day or two.
If you’re thinking of making a move, make it a “Weiss” one!
Stephanie Weiss 480.273.7472 Stephanie Weiss Moves
Portello (Village at Dobson Crossing), Chandler AZ
Here’s a look at a new home community in the very popular Ocotillo area of south Chandler known as PORTELLO. Formerly Village at Dobson Crossing, PORTELLO has a total of 162 lots comprised of 87 1-story and 75 2-story homes, built between 2006-2010. This community was started by Randall Martin who then lost the remaining vacant 86 lots to a trustee sale which were purchased by Blanford Homes in April 2009 who then completed the project.
PORTELLO is located just south of Queen Creek road and west of Arizona avenue and is a lovely community located close to Intel, Hancock, Elementary School, Hamilton High School and several public golf courses including Bear Creek, Loan Tree Golf Club, Ironwood, Oakwood and Ocotillo Golf Course as well as all the restaurants and shopping that Chandler has to offer. A brand new Target is almost completed and is located a mile south of this community.
There is only 1 active listing in PORTELLO which is 2,929 square feet, a 4 bedroom, 2.5 bath and listed at $229,990 or $78 psf and a short sale. Properties of this same size in 2006 were closing at $142 psf or approximately $434,000. That’s 53% of the value from 2006!
There are 2 pending transactions at $237,900/$82 psf (2,910sf) and $259,900/$79 psf (3,273sf) both of which are lender owned properties.
There have only been 2 closings since January 1, 2011. One was an 1,800 square foot property which sold for $194,900, the other a 2,746 square foot property which sold for $229,900. These 2 closing fetched 97% and 100% of list price.
In case you hadn’t noticed, our inventory is shrinking and with interest rates still historically low, this is a great time to buy!
If you’re thinking of making a move whether buying or selling in the southeast valley, why not check out PORTELLO or the many communities that I have put together for your review at Stephanie Weiss Moves and then give me a call.
Stephanie Weiss, REALTOR® 480.273.7472 Stephanie Weiss Moves
Ironwood Vistas, Chandler, AZ
If you’re looking for a gated property in south Chandler, Ironwood Vistas is a gorgeous little community located off of Arizona Avenue and Wood Drive, (just south of Chandler Heights Blvd). Built by Maracay Homes from 2000-2002, this very well maintained community has only 199 lots with 131 1-story and 68 2-story homes that includes a community pool however 59 of the homes do have private pools. Ironwood Vistas is located close to Intel, Hamilton High School and several public golf courses including Bear Creek, Ironwood, Oakwood and Ocotillo as well as all the restaurants and shopping that Chandler has to offer. Zip code 85248 consistently has the highest price per square foot, highest average sales price and highest median price compared to all other Chandler zip codes.
There are only 5 active listings in Ironwood Vistas with pricing ranging from $155,000 to $222,000 ($79-104 per square foot) and square footage from 1,603 to 2,540. There are currently 6 pending transactions of which 3 are short sales. Those are priced from $114,000 to $275,000 ($79-101 psf) with square footages of 1,131 to 3,237. Within the past 5 months there were 3 closings ranging from $145,900 to $218,000 ($79-$94 psf) and square footage of 1,603 to 2,678. The closed properties are averaging 99% of list price. In case you hadn’t noticed, our inventory is shrinking and with interest rates still historically low, this is a great time to buy!
If you’re thinking of making a move whether buying or selling, why not check out Ironwood Vistas and then give me a call.
Stephanie Weiss, REALTOR® 480.273.7472
Stephanie Weiss Moves
Cottonwood Sun Lakes, AZ, Howard Drive Property For Sale
2 Bedroom, 2 Bath, 2 Car Garage, 1,545 square feet, Built in 1981. Not a Short Sale or REO property. Charming Shawnee model with great room, wet bar, eat-in kitchen, lovely back yard and secured entry way. Great adult community with golf, clubhouse, pool, spa, tennis courts and close to shopping, stores & restaurants! Listed at $155,900
Seville Golf and Country Club, Gilbert, AZ
If you’re looking for a top of the line premier golf course and country club community in Gilbert, check out the Seville Golf & Country Club located between Chandler Heights Blvd and Riggs Road on the north and south and Higley and Power roads on the east and west.
This gorgeous master planned community built by Shea Homes from 2001 to current, has a Tuscan style architecture throughout the entire community with lots of water features, orange groves and views of the San Tan mountains. Seville has something for everyone, from starter to custom luxury homes! The amenities at Seville Golf
& Country Club, owned by ClubCorp, the largest owner of private clubs in the world include golf, tennis, swimming at the gorgeous olympic size pool, dining, a fitness center and spa.
Seville Golf & Country Club has 3 types of non-equity, private club memberships, two of which include unlimited golf and use of the practice facility/driving range. There are no assessments or food and beverage minimums. Contact Ryan Barmore, Membership Director at (480) 279.3040 Seville Golf & Country Club for more detailed information about memberships.
There are 47 active listings ranging in pricing from $100,000 to $750,000 and square footage of 1,628 to 4,590. There are currently 61 pending transactions of which 18 are short sales. Within the past 3 months there were 52 closings ranging from $97,000 to $1,300,000 and square footage of 1,421 to 7,486. The closings breakdown to 40% cash transactions, 40% loans with conventional financing and 20% with FHA financing. These closings averaged 99% of list price and $93 per square foot.
If you’re thinking of making a move whether buying or selling, why not check out Seville Golf & Country Club and then give me a call.
Stephanie Weiss, REALTOR®
480.273.7472 Stephanie Weiss Moves
Lyons Gate, Gilbert, Arizona
Lyons Gate is a newer Gilbert community located on both sides of Higley Road, just south of the 202 between Ray and Williamsfield Roads. A lot of the community has that small town main street feel with the garages in the back with little if any yard maintenance. There’s a large community pool, spa, basketball court, volleyball court and several children’s play areas. Lyons Gate was built by several builders including primarily William Lyon Homes, Hacienda, Pulte, Orleans, Ashton Woods and Meritage from 2005 to current. I love the frosted garages on the new ones!! They are beautiful! Not only is Lyons Gate a great location due to access to major freeways but it’s close to my favorite Gilbert mall, San Tan Village! The Williamsfield High School is just south of the community and within walking distance and the Higley Elementary School is just south of that.
Lyons Gate currently has approximately 38 active listings that range in price from $97,000 to $333,000 and 1,077 square feet to 4,420 square feet. There are 31 pending transactions, 11 of which are short sales and 20 are regular transactions. In the past 3 months, 53 properties have closed in Lyons Gate with pricing ranges from $90,000 to $400,000. 25% of those were cash transaction, 40% were Conventional loans and 35% were FHA/VA loans. 25% of these closings were short sales. If you’re looking in Gilbert, check out my photos on YouTube so you can get a sense of the look and feel of this lovely community. If you’re thinking of making a move, whether buying or selling, please give me a call. Stephanie Weiss (480) 273.7472 Stephanie Weiss Moves
Chandler Luxury Properties
Chandler has much to offer in luxury properties! With a total inventory of 97 less 30 pending properties, there are currently 67 active properties in Chandler that range from $500,000-$7M with an average list price of $708,000 for 54 properties under $1M properties and $2.3M for 13 properties over $1M. These properties are also on average 5 bedroom, 4 bath with 5,000 square feet, built 2001 or newer and on the market 185 days. Out of the 67, only 3 of these active luxury listings are short sales! Within the past 3 months, 35 of these properties have closed with an average sales price of $604,000, 4,454 sq ft, $137 per square foot and 96% of list price and on the market 94 days. 21 closed with conventional loans, 11 cash deals, 1 seller carryback, 1 FHA and 1 VA loan. On the Statistical Market Analysis which compare same time periods, in this price range, the average sales price is down 3% from last year even though sold volume is up 2%. If you’re thinking of making a move and are looking to buy or sell your home, please give me a call. 480.273.7472 http://StephanieWeissMoves.com
Last Year = 11/15/2009 to 2/15/2010
This Year = 11/15/2010 to 2/15/2011
Chandler Single Family-Detached, $500K or more
Number Sold: This Year 35, Last Year 33
Sold Volume: This Year $21,134,300, Last Year $20,590,351
Average Sales Price: This Year $603,837, Last Year $623,950
Percent of List: This Year 96, Last Year 94
Days to Close: This Year 78, Last Year 133
FSBOs Vanish, Sellers Turn to Real Estate Pros
For-sale-by-owners are rare nowadays. In fact, the number of FSBOs dropped to record lows over the past year.
Unrepresented sellers make up just 11 percent of the market, down from 13 percent in 2009, according to the 2010 National Association of REALTORS® Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers.
With today’s more complex transactions–such as with short sales and foreclosures and frequent changes in mortgage lending–more sellers are finding comfort in the help of real estate professionals to guide them through the process.
FSBOs once were lured to try to sell themselves because they thought they could save on commission fees, but now sellers are realizing that if they don’t use an agent, it’ll likely cost them more in the long run, experts say.
“Selling by owner does not guarantee the seller will put 5 [percent] to 6 percent more in his or her pocket in trade for doing all the work and taking on potentially costly liabilities,” Margaret Woda, associate broker with Long & Foster in Crofton, Md., told The Washington Times. “On the contrary, prospective FSBO buyers have their eyes on that 5 percent to 6 percent as well. It’s more likely the buyer will win this negotiation in a buyer’s market with a huge price reduction–probably even larger than the saved commission.”
Some FSBO sellers also often make the mistake of listing their home at a higher price than the market warrants. But even if they do find a buyer for that price, unless it’s a cash purchase, the home has to be appraised and many deals can then fall apart.
Source: “Fewer Sellers Going Do-it-Yourself Route,” The Washington Times (Feb. 11, 2011)
Sunland Village East, Mesa, AZ
Sunland Village East is a great Age-Restricted Golf Course community located in Mesa on Baseline Road between Sossaman and the 202. This is a terrific community with many amenities including billiards, bowling, cards & games, dancing, golf, exercise & health, arts & crafts, sports & outdoor activities, tennis, bingo and many others. There are approximately 2,435 1 story single family, garden and golf condos in this community which were built from 1984 to 2001. The average size home in Sunland Village East is approximately 1,564 square feet. Sunland Village East is located close to the 60 and 202 freeways which provide excellent access as well as being located close to major shopping areas and restaurants. Currently there are 45 active listings, 8 pending listings, 1 pending short sale and 20 that have closed in the past 3 months. The active, pending and closed listings are on the following link: Sunland Village East Jan 2011 market analysis. Previous years closings show that pricing is down 25% from 2006 so now is a great time to buy! Here’s a preview to some active listings: Sunland Village East Active Listings. If you’re thinking of making a move to Mesa, give me a call. Stephanie Weiss 480.273.7472 http://StephanieWeissMoves.com
Tables Turn in 2011 on Rent vs. Own
Rents have surged as home prices have dropped, which have prompted some to ponder whether homeownership is really worth it. Moody’s Analytics data has suggested that it makes more financial sense to rent than buy in many U.S. cities, but Moody’s chief economist Mark Zandi now says that is about to change.
“By mid 2011 and certainly by end of 2011, buying will be superior to renting in most parts of the country,” Zandi says.
Home prices are expected to fall further, making more homes affordable, whereas rent prices are expected to continue to rise this year.
The following are a few of the top cities where it makes more sense to buy than rent, according to Moody data. (Experts often recommend buying when the price-rent ratio is below 15 and rent when it’s above 20.)
▪ Cleveland: 11.43
▪ Pittsburgh, Pa.: 11.71
▪ Detroit: 12.32
▪ Phoenix: 12.35
▪ Atlanta: 12.82
▪ Tampa, Fla.: 13.08
▪ Orlando, Fla.: 13.1
▪ Cincinnati: 13.74
▪ Las Vegas: 13.89
Source: http://www.realtor.org/RMODaily.nsf/pages/News2011010601?OpenDocument&WT.cg_n=RMO&WT.cg_s=RSSDaily&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+DailyRealEstateNews+%28Daily+Real+Estate+News%29
“Rent vs. Own Ratio to Flip in 2011?” Fortune (Jan. 4, 2011)

