How long will it take to sell my Gilbert, AZ home? - February 2016

The amount of time it's taking to sell a home in Gilbert, Arizona unexpectedly increased in February after leveling off the previous month. On average in the month of February 2016 a home in Gilbert took 79.3 days on the market before finding a buyer. This was almost a 10 day increase from January of 2016 when it was only taking an average of 70.8 days to sell a home in Gilbert. However, going back a year to February 2015 the average home in Gilbert sold after 87 days on the market so we have certainly seen an improvement year over year. There are still some homes in price ranges around $200,000 which are selling almost as fast as they are being placed up for sale, and yet some other homes in higher price ranges are taking longer than the average to sell. 

The most competitive price range in Gilbert, Arizona currently is that of the first time home buyer between $200,000 and $250,000. Homes in that price range are being bought up the quickest and some are receiving multiple offers within the first few weeks of being listed for sale.

As we rapidly approach the busy Spring and Summer selling season, historically it will begin taking less time to sell a property as there are more buyers during that time of year. We may have started 2016 on a bit of a low note but year-over-year numbers show that we are still in a healthy market. If you're a buyer, you want to see the Days on Market increase because for you that means you have more time to think about a home before needing to make an offer. If you're a seller you want to list your house sooner rather than later before the Spring time real estate market brings more listings and more homes competing against yours for the eyes and dollars of buyers. Armed with a little knowledge and a hard-working real estate agent from Zion Realty buying or selling a home will be a little less stressful! 

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

I wish I had a rabbit to feature in this Easter weekend addition of Animals of the MLS but I've got a disinterested doggy instead. There is definitely something on the other side of that wall that has captured his full attention and pulled him away from investigating the stranger snapping photos in their own backyard. If I was a betting gal I'd venture to guess that there is a rival just beyond that brick barrier who receives daily announcements about the dominance of our featured four-legged friend. I can only imagine the hours spent each day exchanging barks as each pet contends for neighborhood supremacy. 

As a homeowner myself who is surrounded on all sides by dog owners I've spent many a day and night listening to those extremely important canine conversations that begin as soon as one instigator decides it's time to rile up the rest of the gang. Once the chorus of barks and snarls begins there's no telling just how long each exchange will last. It usually ends when their owners bring them back inside or perhaps when something of more importance catches their attention such as a stray cat on the wall or when a passing pedestrian strolls by prompting a momentary shift of thought. Either way, this mangy mutt couldn't care less about the agent taking photos and instead is singularly focused on a very important task in his world. 

As for the picture itself it's a barren wasteland of dirt, weeds, and broken down children's playground equipment. If you're not from Arizona, you would think that this is a very unkept and uncared for backyard. In reality, more yards look like this than you'd expect. It takes a lot of water to grow grass and other vegetation in the desert and some homeowners simply don't want to add the expense to their monthly budget so the backyards remain desolate. That certainly doesn't mean a yard like this should have been highlighted as a part of the online marketing for this property. It also doesn't mean the homeowners couldn't have removed the unsightly and disheveled slide and swing set. Also, as if the picture wasn't bad enough, the agent neglected to turn off the camera's date stamp giving this photo even that much more of a sophomoric and unprofessional feel.  

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 Today!

Infill lots & Raw Land for Sale in Gilbert, AZ - Update Feb '16

Purchasing land can seem like a monumental task to those who have never ventured down that road. There are many different laws and regulations that accompany land transactions that you never have to deal with or even think about when buying a traditional home. A few questions that you need to first consider are whether or not you want to buy a plot of land in an already subdivided location or would you rather purchase your parcel far away from the city limits? 

What is the difference between an infill lot and raw land? An infill lot is a parcel of land that is located in an already developed subdivision. The surveys have been done, the land has been leveled and graded, and the parcel sizes have been marked and divided. In most cases utilities have already been run to the lots and roads and sidewalks have been paved. Also most infill lots are located in developed neighborhoods that have an established Home Owners Association which will have it's own rules and guidelines you must follow if you wish to be a homeowner in that subdivision. Your HOA dues will also go towards maintaining the common areas of the neighborhood and the cost of street repairs and other community fixes that will need to be done. Due to the fact that infill lots are ready to be built upon and are usually located closer in to a major city a buyer will pay a much higher cost to purchase a lot of this sort. 

Raw land is just that. It's a piece of land that is still in it's natural, undeveloped state. The owner of the lot should have a copy of a survey showing boundary markers and perhaps has already had utilities run to the property but it isn't a guarantee. If you purchase a piece of raw land, most likely you will incur the cost of leveling and grading the land, obtaining a new survey if needed, and paying for utilities to be run to the property. Because of these extra expenses and due to the fact that raw land is generally a great distance away from a largely populated area, it is not as expensive as buying an infill lot. Raw land is almost never located in an area with a Home Owners Association meaning you usually will not have amenities such as sidewalks, street lights, or paved roads leading to your property. Raw land almost never has access to city water and sewer services so septic tanks and wells must be dug and installed at your expense. 

Gilbert, Arizona has seen steady increases in land and property values since 2012. Those families and individuals wanting to escape the confines of traditional new build or resale homes are branching out to have their own custom home made to their exact specifications.  

Sales information for Gilbert, Arizona Land Lots February 2016:

Total Land Lots Sold: 0

Average List price: N/A

Average Sold price: N/A

Approximate Total Acreage: N/A

Average Days on Market: N/A

Click Here for a list of current Land Lots for sale in Gilbert, Arizona.

There is quite a wide range of lots and locations available in Gilbert. Purchasing land does not have to be a scary proposition. Let the Gilbert, Arizona real estate experts at Zion Realty help you through the process of determining whether purchasing land is right for you. Contact us Today! 

Fincher Creek Homes for Sale in Gilbert, AZ 85295 - Update Feb '16

When it comes to location, outdoor neighborhood amenities, and lifestyle, Fincher Creek is a popular and desirable place to call home. Consistent residential and business growth has pushed new home builders further away from the center of Town, however, Fincher Creek is perfectly positioned to take advantage of a bustling and vibrant area. Located between Val Vista Rd and San Tan Village Parkway to the East and West, and Ray Rd and Williams Field Rd to the North and South, residents of this wonderful neighborhood have just enough room to stretch out yet are still conveniently within minutes of shopping, freeway access, and Nationally acclaimed restaurants. 

As soon as you pull in to this privately gated subdivision you'll notice the uniqueness and exclusivity of this community. This is a small and close-knit neighborhood consisting of only 135 homes that center around a lush green belt area. This park is the hub of the community. Tall mature trees provide plenty of shade while the open areas are big enough for families to relax or play the day away. A children's playground is also on sight to provide tiny tikes with endless adventures. On hot Summer days homeowners have access to the crystal clear community pool located just off of the park. 

Does your job require a long distance commute each day? Residents of Fincher Creek have easy access to the 202 Red Mountain Freeway. Do you have children who range in age from toddler to college student? If you call Fincher Creek your home you'll be minutes away from Ashland Ranch Elementary School, South Valley Junior High School, Campo Verde High School, ASU Polytechnic Campus, and the East Valley Institute of Technology(EVIT). 

Need to catch a flight? Fincher Creek is just a short distance from Phoenix/Mesa Gateway Airport. Hungry for entertainment, shopping, and restaurants that have been featured on national television? If you reside in Fincher Creek you'll have an endless amount of options to choose from since the San Tan Village Mall, Top Golf, and Joe's Farm Grill are all just minutes away. 

Looking for low maintenance living? All common areas including the community pool, green belt, children's playground equipment, and neighborhood landscaping throughout the entire subdivision are all taken care of by the Home Owner's Association. Your only chore will be the up-keep of your own fenced in and private side yard. 

Neighborhood Sales information for Fincher Creek February 2016:

Total Sold Homes: 2

Average List price: $192,900

Average Sold price: $193,309

Approximate Square Footage of Sold homes: 1,480

Average Sold Price per Square Foot: $130.61

Average Days on Market: 25

Click Here for a current list of homes for sale in Fincher Creek. 

If you or someone you know are interested in purchasing or selling a property in Fincher Creek or in other areas of Gilbert, Arizona then contact us Today! We are a locally owned real estate brokerage right here in Gilbert and can educate you on the benefits of each community. 

Good Friday and Easter Services at Redemption Church in Gilbert, AZ

There are a multitude of congregations and churches around Gilbert, Arizona that will undoubtedly be holding Good Friday and Easter services. If you are in the Gilbert area and looking to attend a Good Friday or Easter service come to Redemption Church in Gilbert, Arizona. Not only is this my home church where we attend every Sunday but they hold a very special outdoor service for Good Friday on their huge campus lawn and a wonderful service Indoors for Easter Sunday.

Located just Northwest of Mcqueen Rd and Elliot Road in Gilbert, Redemption church is preparing for the close to 3,000 people who regularly attend their Good Friday and Easter services each year. All seating will be provided and it is highly recommended that you arrive as early as you can since seats will fill up quickly. If you don't have a home church or are simply searching for a Good Friday or Easter service to attend in the Gilbert area, come to Redemption Church. You'll be glad that you did!

Location: 1820 W. Elliot Rd Gilbert, AZ 85233

Dates and Times:

Good Friday - March 25, 2016

Services are at *7:00pm and 8:30pm

*child care ages birth - 5years is provided at the 7:00pm service only

Easter Sunday - March 27, 2016

Services are at 6:00am, *7:15am, *8:30am, **9:45am, *11:00am

*child care ages birth - 5years is provided at these times

**special needs child care is provide at this time

The Most Expensive Home sold in Arizona last week - 3/22/16

The Most Expensive Home sold in Arizona last week takes us back to the ever popular DC Ranch and in to the subdivision of Silverleaf. A true Spanish style luxury property, this exquisite home displays a genuine desert beauty.  Backing to the McDowell Mountain Preserve the new owner will never tire of the majestic views surrounding them as if they are the only residents in the area. The exterior landscaping has also been expertly designed to combine the natural desert vegetation with stone walking paths, gardens, and covered patio areas to provide shade from the hot summer days.  A simple yet inviting pool was precisely placed to take advantage of the scenery and a children's splash pad was also created to allow for endless hours of entertainment. 

The Spanish style theme is carried directly in to and through the interior of this lavish home as well. Smooth plastered walls, curved arches, soaring ceilings, rustic iron light fixtures, and exposed beams all combine for this signature look. However, don't be fooled in to thinking you're back in the Old World. This home provides every modern convenience a multi-million dollar property should have. A gourmet chef's kitchen gives the cook of the house the ability to create fine dining experiences and the deep soaking tub and walk-in shower located in the master bathroom will allow the owners the ability to relax and unwind after each day. The game room and enormous wine room are perfect for inviting guests over for parties or hosting special events. Click on the picture below for the full MLS listing:

Location: Scottsdale

Size: 6,842 sqft

Bedrooms: 5

Bathrooms: 8

Lot size: 84,539 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!