November 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 Sold to List ratio in November saw the third straight month in declines in this statistic. According to the numbers, home owners are getting around 96.3% of their asking price when selling their home. Although the market is showing signs of home values decreasing this isn't out of the ordinary for the Fall and Winter season. Traditionally, prices and values will drop during this time of year and will start to see increases again once the busy Spring and Summer moving season begins. 

The Sold to List price average is still at it's highest level in the past year which shows a strong and stable real estate market here in Gilbert, Arizona. This is also a good reminder to sellers that although you can list a home for sale at whatever price you feel is fair, the free-market will dictate what the home is worth. Ultimately, a home is only worth what someone is willing to pay for it. There are certainly homes that get offers at the full listing price but on average most home owners are only getting close to the 96.3% ratio shown in this latest graph.

Conversely, this is also a good reminder to buyers that sellers are getting the majority of their asking price so low-ball offers are not only being roundly rejected but are completely unrealistic in today's stable market. The Gilbert housing market has been steady all year so a dramatic drop in the Sold to List ratio would be a surprise as we head further in to the Winter real estate market slow down.  

If you need more information on homes for sale in Arizona or to find out what your current home is worth contact us Today! 

Animals of the MLS

We've got two peering pooches being featured in this weeks Animals of the MLS. These guys got the boot when the real estate agent came to take listing pictures for this property. Being relegated to the backyard likely meant plenty of play time for this duo, however, curiosity is getting the better of them as they try and figure out just who is the stranger among them. Ears and tails are perked as they both contemplate how to get back inside so they can check out this visitor and see if perhaps they wouldn't mind playing a little fetch or tug-o-war after they're done snapping photos. 

This is a common combination of canine companions. We have the larger breed who looks to be a German Shepherd and we have the tiny tail-wagger beside him who no doubt is an energetic, spark plug that is the catalyst for plenty of playtime endeavors. I can only imagine that these two do almost everything together including patrolling the yard for unsuspecting alley cats, digging holes to hide their latest toys, and sounding the alarm when the neighborhood children walk by after school. Their posture in this picture is neutral and non-threatening, however, that doesn't mean they should not be kenneled or completely removed for showings. A lot of potential buyers are uncomfortable with large breeds while others may be distracted by the constant barking in which smaller breeds are famous. 

As for the picture itself there's absolutely no reason in my determination that this photo should have been included at all in this listing. The only items being highlighted are the outdated table from the mid-80's, the brass fan, and the linoleum flooring that all look like they should be in the home of a retiree in Florida.  The picture gives no depth to the space being shown so it's impossible to decipher just how big this dining space is or what it's connected to in regards to positioning in the home. The walls are bland, the room is bland, the space is cramped, and there's two sad dogs staring at you from the sliding glass door. How the agent thought this was a proper photo to assist in the selling of this home is beyond me. 

If you're selling your home in Gilbert, Arizona or the East Valley let the experts at Zion Realty help you. We take professional photos and put together a perfect marketing strategy to sell your property. Contact us at ZionRealtyAZ.com today!

Christmas Coffee Contest Winner!

We have a Winner in this years Christmas Coffee Contest give-away!

I was inspired to give away a free bag of freshly roasted coffee from Dancing Sheep Coffee Company, a wonderful locally owned roaster right here in Gilbert, Arizona. 

All you had to do for your chance at winning was enter the contest by visiting our website and filling out the entry form.

Thank you to all who entered! We had a great response and participation was way more than I expected. I wrote all the names down and put them in a hat in which a winner was drawn.

Now for the moment you've all been waiting for; The winner of the 2015 Christmas Coffee Contest give-away is Kat Palmiotti! 

Congratulations Kat! Your freshly roasted Costa Rican ground coffee is on the way for you to enjoy!  

I hope everyone is having a joyous Christmas season and I look forward to another give-away contest in the near future!

Don't let your Business get Scrooged at Christmas

Adults and children alike are all familiar with the Charles Dickens novel A Christmas Carol. The heartwarming story tells of a bitter, old curmudgeon named Ebenezer Scrooge who is taken on a self-reflective and redemptive journey to discover the true meaning of Christmas. Although this fictional adventure is full of imagination and fabricated characters there's a lot to be said about the hidden business principles buried within this fable. 

Ebenezer Scrooge had a difficult time understanding how the world around him wasted their time and energy on ridiculous holiday festivities when there was work to be done and money to be made. He found it preposterous the notion of shutting down his company all in the name of celebration and merriment. In the end it took a visit from three terrifying ghosts to set him back on the right path. So what can we learn from each ghost in this famous tale to ensure our businesses stay happy, healthy, and prosperous?

The Ghost of Business Past

If you've been in business long enough you've undoubtedly made some costly mistakes and bad decisions. It could have been a client we accidentally neglected. Perhaps it was a financial investment that turned out to be far better on paper than how it played out in reality, or it could have been the mishandling of a transaction which cost you far more than time and money. 

Business blunders happen but it's how we handle them that determines whether or not they come back to haunt us. What do you do when miscalculations occur? Do you take the time to assess what went wrong? Do you learn what could have been done to prevent a misstep or do you keep pressing full steam ahead in hopes that you'll be moving too fast for your past to catch up to you?  

Our past doesn't have to dictate our future if we take accountability for our failures and make a determination not remain a prisoner of poor decisions. Don't let The Ghost of Business Past pay you a midnight visit. He'll ensure your thoughts are taken captive by negativity. The best way to avoid this apparitional encounter is to let go of what we cannot change and move forward with the knowledge we've gained from our mistakes. 

The Ghost of Business Present

Are you in the midst of a record breaking banner year? Does it seem like everything you do turns to gold? Is your business expanding and thriving? Being a small business owner can be a daily grind but when our hard work, dedication, and determination finally start to pay dividends it can make all of those long days and nights seem well worth it. But why does your situation seem so prosperous? How have you been able to go from mediocre to meteoric in sales and profits? 

When deficits begin to turn in to earnings it's easy for an entrepreneur to find themselves caught up in the enjoyment and excitement of a burgeoning business. Be careful not to lose sight of the founding principles that made your company flourish. The Ghost of Business Present will knock you off of your professional pedestal if you forget the essential and fundamental ideas that made your organization prosper. 

The wise saying, "Bad times don't last" can also be said for the good times as well. By all means, stop and smell the roses when they are in bloom, but don't rest too long on your current accomplishments because The Ghost of Business Present can turn those fields of flowers in to meadows of marsh in the blink of an eye. 

The Ghost of Business Future

They say the future is what we make it. So what does your business future look like? Do you set weekly, monthly, or even yearly goals for yourself and your company? If so, how easily attainable are they? Would someone interpret your company's future ambitions to be as fictional as this Dicken's classic? 

I'd argue that any successful organization should have a combination of feasible and also far-fetched objectives. Ships were meant to sail not stay tied to shore! But when stormy seas are spotted it's also best to lay anchor and hold your position. The Ghost of Business Future can play games with those who consider themselves cautious and those that would abandon all reason for a chance at greatness. 

The wonderful aspect of the future is that it's yet to be written. However, The Ghost of Business Future can often convince the hesitant that lofty goals are unattainable, and persuade the overachievers that no mountain is too high to climb. There's a balance to be had and a tight rope to be walked between confidently charging ahead and using prudence to guide our endeavors. We should absolutely look to the future with boldness and courage. After all, nothing great was ever attained by resting on our laurels, but fortunes have been lost by ill-advised and reckless ambitions. 

The Human Element

Now that we've discussed the more chilling and spectral side of this time-honored narrative we can look towards the human elements to show us about who we are as business professionals and entrepreneurs. The differing dynamics between personalities depicted in A Christmas Carol may very well still describe similar traits among current day owners, bosses, and employees. 

Ebenezer Scrooge

Do you have a difficult time understanding why others do what they do? Whether it's how they work, play, or handle themselves in a number of situations? Is it problematic for you to unwind and enjoy moments in time and in life that are precious and fleeting? More-so, do you find fault in others for displaying the ability to cherish occasions that deserve recognition?

Mr. Scrooge simply abhorred the idea of business being halted for any purpose and chastised those around him when they allowed themselves to find amusement in festive
moments. What type of business owner or manager are you? Do you go the extra mile in allowing your representatives and employees to celebrate birthdays, holidays, accomplishments, or achievements? Would you join in the revelry or stay hidden behind an office door? 

There is a line to be walked that allows an owner or boss to still be seen as the authoritative figure they are, all the while permitting a window to be opened up in to their world so that employees can see a more personal side. Employees are the life-blood of any strong company. If you treat them with as much disdain as Ebenezer Scrooge had for his then your business could soon find itself without a heartbeat. 

Bob Cratchit

Bob Cratchit is a loyal, diligent, and resolute employee. Always seeking out the positive perspective in any situation, Mr. Crachit finds himself at the forefront of abuse and snide treatment from his employer. Juggling poor working conditions along with complications within his personal life each day seems to push him almost to the edge of disparity. 

Are you an employee or small business owner whose work has gone unappreciated and unnoticed? Have you made a commitment to your craft but have yet to experience the dividends? Does each day seem to end in discouragement and disappointment. Well, much like Bob Cratchit, your story can also have a happy ending. Mr. Cratchit never gave up. Even in the darkest of hours, he still maintained a positive spirit. 

Did your latest undertaking fall flat before it even began? Have you been consistently engaged in a business venture or plan that never seems to show signs of life? Take a cue from Bob Cratchit and never give up. Don't allow negative circumstances to dictate your attitude or prevent you from displaying a proper work ethic that is sure to bring about eventual success. 

Tiny Tim

Timothy Cratchit, better known as Tiny Tim, has all the cards stacked against him. Physical ailments along with a lowly fiscal and social status paint a picture of an individual who is destined to be downtrodden. A robust spirit encompasses this young boy, however, his lot in life leaves him with little hope of a successful future. 

Some of us can relate to Tiny Tim, if not the bodily affliction, at least in the sense that you didn't come from a prosperous platform in which to launch a career.  Some of us can relate to Tiny Tim, if not the bodily affliction, at least in the sense that you didn't come from a prosperous platform in which to launch a career.  You look at your societal position as one that isn't known as the best path to greatness. But just like Tiny Tim, better days can be ahead of you.

Although, as a child, Tiny Tim was shackled with an inability to earn a wage, he still found ways to contribute to his surroundings. Is your current job, business or employment situation considered by others as lowly or undesirable? Countless individuals have risen up the ranks by simply committing themselves to doing what they can where they're at no matter how dire or dead end the situation presents itself to be. 

Tiny Tim couldn't change but the conditions around him eventually did. If you view your current circumstances as a stumbling block which inhibit you from achieving prominence then keep pressing forward. You could be one more day away from a breakthrough. 

A Christmas Carol is full of anecdotal images that can define our businesses and characterize owners and entrepreneurs. Don't let The Ghosts of Business Past, Present, or Future inhibit your success. Take heed to also learn who you are and who you want to be known as throughout your career and profession. Those that apply these lessons will be far closer to the happy ending at the end of this story than the dreary picture presented at the beginning. 

The Most Expensive Home sold in Arizona last week

The most expensive home that sold in Arizona last week is quite simply a masterpiece in design, style, size, and function. Every last detail of this luxury property was carefully considered. This sprawling hillside estate lacks nothing. Located in the Silverleaf community of DC Ranch in Scottsdale, it took a mere 60 days to sell this $7 Million dollar home. Having more than 10,000 square feet between the main house and guest casita the new owners will have no lack of space to spread out. Add to that the over 7.5 acres of land in which this home is situated and there would seem to be no end to the possibilities this property affords. 

Exposed ceiling beams, modern and elegant chandeliers, floor to ceiling fireplaces, and dark, rich custom built cabinets are throughout the home. A private movie theater room, children's recreation room, and home office are also added features that the new owner will most likely enjoy on a daily basis. But once you step outside of this magnificent mansion you'll begin to understand the real prize that awaits. The scenery and surrounding views from this luxury home are priceless. Every angle and every direction you'll be mesmerized by the desert masterpiece which encompasses this home. Breathtaking beauty will be there at any moment to enjoy either sitting out on one of the many outdoor balconies or drifting away in the crystal clear infinity edge pool and spa. It's hard to believe homes like this exist so it's easy to understand why it was purchased so quickly once put up for sale. Click on the picture below for the full MLS listing:

Location: Scottsdale

Size: 10,600 sqft

Bedrooms: 5

Bathrooms: 5.5

Lot size: 329,106 sqft

If you are in the luxury home market and want a list of luxury homes available in Arizona, contact us Today! We'd love to help you find your dream home!

Homes for sale in Gilbert, Arizona - November 2015 Market Report

The Gilbert, Arizona housing market is entering it's typical Winter slow down. Housing numbers in November show there was a steep decline in homes being listed for sale as well as a drop in closed transactions. There were 1,111 homes actively listed for sale in November which is almost 200 less than November of 2014.  New homes coming on to the market for sale dropped to 375 which is down a total of 200 units from October. Finally, sold listings also took a loss. There were 286 closed transactions in Gilbert, Arizona for the month of November 2015 which is down 69 total closings from the previous month. 

What do all these numbers mean for buyers and sellers? This is the time of year when the focus starts to turn towards the holidays and veers away from the real estate market. Families and individuals are wrapped up in the busy hustle and bustle of Christmas parties, work festivities, and family visits. Unless a specific reason such as a job relocation or other serious life event forces a move, most homeowners and potential home buyers will find themselves on the sidelines until Spring when the housing market begins to take off again. Gilbert, Arizona is still seeing a healthy level of sales activity for homes priced within $250,000-$300,000 which is now the typical first time home buyer price range. However, that doesn't mean there aren't other home still selling.  

It is becoming increasingly more difficult to find properties below the $200,000 mark in Gilbert but armed with a little knowledge and a hard-working real estate agent from Zion Realty selling your home, or snapping up that perfect property before another buyer gets to it should be a little less stressful. Contact us today!