The Most Expensive Home sold in Arizona last week

You will not believe the size and over-the-top amenities of the most expensive home that sold in Arizona last week! You simply have to see it to believe it. But what else would you expect when a former Major League Baseball star sells his home. There are a large number of current and retired athletes that live all over Arizona. Some choose to live the simple life and others build lavish compounds that you only read about or see up on the big screen in the movies. This would be an example of the latter! 

There was absolutely no expense spared to build this custom gated estate. The home itself is massive at over 14,000 square feet of living space but that is just the beginning. An imposing and impressive wrought iron arched double door entry lets you know right away you are entering in to a special property. How would you like your own indoor batting cage? What about a fully equipped workout facility, resort style pool with mosaic tile water slide, synthetic turf whiffle ball field, basketball court, putting green, and air conditioned 6-car garage?...read more. 

Purchase available Short Sale homes in Gilbert, AZ - August 2015

Before the economic recession most people weren't even aware of a Short Sale option to sell a property. Due to the negative tax ramifications, those that did know what a Short Sale was were hesitant to explore that option. Short sale properties are few and far between now that the real estate market has mostly stabilized here in Arizona. However, there are still some homeowners who are upside down on their mortgages enough to warrant a Short Sale. 

For those individuals who still aren't fully aware of what a Short Sale is, it simply means the homeowner or their professional representation contacts the bank who currently holds the mortgage on the property and attempts to negotiate a bank approved sales price which is below what is currently owed on the home. Because there are still many areas around the Country that have not recovered enough to see home values increase to pre-recession levels, there are still many homeowners underwater in their mortgage obligations...read more. 

July 2015 Market Report - How much is my Gilbert, AZ Home worth?

Every home owner wants to know how much their property is worth. Prices have long since stabilized for the most part here in Arizona and the dramatic shifts in upward and downward pricing have largely ceased. Bidding wars are few and far between and are only reserved for those most sought after locations around the Valley where properties rarely come available. But what can a home owner expect to get from their Gilbert, Arizona home? The current Sold to List ratio for July 2015 shows that home owners are getting 97% of their asking price. This is a moderate decrease from June when home owners were getting 97.3% of their asking price. Other than the small drop from February to March of 2015 this Sold to List ratio had been seeing a steady gain since the beginning of the year until now...read more. 

What I learned in Real Estate this week - 8/16/15

It's been hot this week in Arizona. I mean REALLY hot! We've set record breaking temperatures multiple times over the course of the past seven days. While other areas of the Country are looking forward to Fall being just around the corner, the Phoenix area has been sweltering under 114, 115. and 117 degree days. I am not looking forward to my utility bill at the end of this month to say the least. I'm pretty sure my air conditioning has kicked off for all of about 13 seconds the past week. 

On the other hand, do you know what hasn't been hot lately? Me. I'm on a bit of a losing streak when it comes to listing appointments. My monthly mailers that I send out have had the usual percentage of responses but I've struck out on the chance to assist the last three potential sellers I had the privilege of sitting down with to discuss how I could help them...read more. 

Animals of the MLS

Have you ever gotten the feeling you were being watched? That nagging impulse that you were not alone? Perhaps there are signs of hidden camera surveillance or it's just a gut instinct you have. This week's Animals of the MLS reveals a stalker in the making. They are clearly not happy about a stranger in the home taking pictures. Usually cats will choose a hiding place somewhere dark and closed off such as under a couch or a bed, behind some curtains, in a closet, or any place they feel surrounded and secure. But on top of the kitchen cabinets? It's easy to laugh at this coiled up kitty in the picture but how in the world is an agent supposed to coax them down from there to get a good shot of the room?...read more.

New Marketing Strategy? - House For Sale by Owner

There are a few different reason why homeowners would choose to go the route of selling their own home without hiring a real estate professional.

Coming up with a marketing strategy is not everyone's strong suit.

This homeowner in Texas is using a highly experimental advertising campaign that could pay dividends:

I think we should all pay attention to how this new approach to selling real estate works out. Imagine all the possibilities this could potentially open up!

I'm going to call my sign maker and kick around some new ideas to have on deck if this takes off!