Get Your PHX » First Time Home Buyer

Market News and Contradictions

kenclarkforaz — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 17:01:29 +0000

I have been inundated over the last week with conflicting market news.

The Wall Street Journal saw the Case-Schiller Index and feared a possible double-dip. The best quote from that article tells the story of why people are waiting to buy: they are nervous from hearing bad news, feeding a self-fulfilling prophesy. “You’ve got a whole [...]

Mortgage Lenders Regulated

kenclarkforaz — Fri, 13 Aug 2010 05:30:28 +0000

One of the things that I like about being a real estate agent is the tough code of ethics.

It is true that some agents play fast and loose with this. I’ve had one particular agent here in town (who was later profiled on “3 on Your Side”), whose repair contractors painted over termite damage and [...]

Two Witnesses, One Crash

kenclarkforaz — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 17:30:00 +0000

Earlier this week, I posted a quick note about how the Arizona Republic took a national report and drew some sweeping conclusions about the Arizona market. Their headline sent many people to their phone, computers or social networking spaces to comment in fear that the Phoenix market was about to tumble all over again.

See how [...]

Great Deals in the ‘Hood

kenclarkforaz — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 21:59:56 +0000

Here is this week’s updated list of the best deals in the ‘hood.

1) This expertly updated ranch in CenPho is walking distance from Light Rail and convenient to all the CenPho attractions. You can walk to Lux, Pane Bianco, Copper Star and all the shopping on 7th. That’s heaven!

You should see the [...]

A Big Ol’ Grain of Salt

kenclarkforaz — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 18:33:47 +0000

The Arizona Republic reported this morning that housing prices are due to drop again by 10%; such that they could be cheaper next summer than they are today.

Now, I can’t read tea leaves any more than Lady GaGa would be seen wearing a polyester polo shirt from WalMart.

But there [...]

Speaking of Short Sales

kenclarkforaz — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 15:30:44 +0000

There has been a lot of talk recently about how short sales are getting closed with greater success. The data is mixed on that.

On the whole: if you are buying a home on and considering making an offer on a short sale, talk with me first. The speed of your closing depends on who is [...]

A Note on the Tax Credit and Foreclosures

kenclarkforaz — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 16:54:40 +0000

You may have heard in the news about an extension of the tax credit for first time home buyers. I’ve not really covered this because it really only applies to people who are in escrow.

I don’t think the media was clear enough about this: the only thing they were extending was the time you have [...]

Several Bits of Good News

kenclarkforaz — Wed, 26 May 2010 15:56:58 +0000

They are coming in fast and furious now, so I want to share them with you. This might be why I’m getting more calls now from folks wanting to get out and find a house.

1) From a May 25th AZ Central Article

Foreclosures did not dominate sales of existing homes in the Valley for the [...]

Believe Me, No Kidding

kenclarkforaz — Fri, 21 May 2010 17:13:27 +0000

My friend in the real estate industry was commenting to me on Tuesday that it is difficult these days to be taken at our word.

He said, “People I talk to expect me to say that now is the best time to buy, so they discount what I’m saying. But, really rates have not been this [...]

Home Prices Up!

kenclarkforaz — Mon, 17 May 2010 12:00:22 +0000

Average prices are going up again.

I’ve been saying it for a while, but it is official when ASU says it. Check out this article about how home prices have gone up 5.5% since January of this year.

It reminds me of when I sold my home in Woodlea/Melrose in 2006. I just waited until I [...]