PHOENIX is one of the most popular cities in the entire United States!

* 2,164 single family detached homes were purchased in July 2009 vs. 1,120 last year (July 2008).

* The average price paid was $134,082 vs. $226,429 last year.

* The median price came in at $86,900 vs. $180,000 last year.

* The ratio of purchase price to list price was 103% vs. 97% last year.

* The average time on the market was 74 days vs. 86 days last year.

* There were 8,871 Active single family listings vs. 14,170 last year.



Phoenix (and the greater metropolitan area) is being impacted by bank owned (foreclosed/REO) properties continuing to hit the market in record numbers. As a result, several unique conditions currently exist:

The selection of available homes for sale in Phoenix is good, but significantly less than just a few months ago. Regardless of the price point, many of the bank owned (foreclosed/REO) properties are in deplorable condition (trashed/stripped by former owners and/or vandalized after being vacated/abandoned), but perhaps 10-20% of them are in terrific locations, have quality upgrades and a private pool, and are in move-in condition. There are also hundreds of single family homes, townhouses and condos in Phoenix that are on the market by homeowners who want or need to sell their homes, many of which are in outstanding condition and priced quite aggressively.

Prices in Phoenix have fallen to the point where many nearly new homes are actually priced below current comps/appraisals. Some areas have seen prices correct downward by as much as 50%. Home prices are extremely attractive and affordable in virtually every area of Phoenix, including gated communities and waterfront properties, and are arguably at or near rock-bottom levels.

In spite of the sub-prime lending crash that started in 2006, and national banking/liquidity crisis that surfaced in 2008, mortgage loans in Phoenix are still readily available. Credit requirements are more stringent than they were in recent years, but solid loan products and pre-approvals are indeed accessible. Several loan products have made a roaring come-back, including FHA loans requiring only a 3.5% down payment and VA loans requiring no down payment.

Mortgage interest rates continue to hover in an historically low range. Like most everything on this planet, the reasons for such super-low mortgage interest rates are numerous and complex. The obvious benefit is that many buyers are indeed able to finance their home purchases. And given the tremendous choice of homes and almost unbelievable pricing, bargains, deals and steals in Phoenix are happening daily.

The result of the foregoing conditions ~ abundant supply of homes, extraordinarily low prices, availability of mortgage financing and low interest rates ~ is a noticeable, steady increase in buying activity in Phoenix. Properties that are priced aggressively and in above-average condition (bank owned or not) are often drawing multiple offers and selling in just a few days.

Whether your interest is in single family homes, town homes or condos... and whether you're focused on bank owned (foreclosed/REO) properties, pre-foreclosures, short sales or homes being offered by traditional homeowner-sellers... and whether you're looking for smaller, larger, older, newer, waterfront, gated, private pool, no pool, active adult, horse property, mountain views or any other type of home in Phoenix, we're here to serve you and help you find and purchase just the right home at just the right price.

For FREE access to ALL of the currently available listings in Phoenix (or anywhere in the Valley of the Sun), simply go to AZPrideproperty.com

For FREE email delivery of ALL of the currently available listings that meet your exact wants and needs, or FREE access to a customized website where all of the details on all of the homes are displayed and updated daily ~ including photos, virtual tours, property features and even addresses ~ simply email AZhomes4u@gmail.com No registration required!



For fast, friendly, professional information and assistance regarding homes in Phoenix, email AZhomes4u@gmail.com, or call 602-391-8246. We'll respond to you quickly and courteously, by email or phone, whichever you prefer. No pushy salesmen! No pressure! No obligation! We take pride in your investment.

Bringing the Dream of Homeownership Within Reach

For information on the $8,000 TAX CREDIT call Linda 602-391-8246

As part of its plan to stimulate the U.S. housing market and address the economic challenges facing our nation, Congress has passed legislation that grants a tax credit of up to $8,000 to first-time home buyers.

Here is more information about how the 2009 First-Time Home Buyer Tax Credit can help prospective home buyers become part of the American dream.

Breaking news: Tax Credit Can Be Used on Closing Costs.

Who Qualifies?
First-time home buyers who purchase homes between January 1, 2009 and December 1, 2009.

To qualify as a “first-time home buyer” the purchaser or his/her spouse may not have owned a residence during the three years prior to the purchase.

Which Properties Are Eligible?
The 2009 First-Time Home Buyer Tax Credit may be applied to primary residences, including: single-family homes, condos, townhomes, and co-ops.

How Much Will the Credit Be?
The maximum allowable credit for home buyers is $8,000. Each home buyer’s tax credit is determined by two factors:

The price of the home—the credit is equal to 10% of the purchase price of the home, up to $8,000.

The buyer's income—single buyers with incomes up to $75,000 and married couples with incomes up to $150,000—may receive the maximum tax credit.

If the Buyer(s)’ Income Exceeds These Limits, Can He/She Still Get a Credit?
Yes, some buyers may still be eligible for the credit.


The credit decreases for buyers who earn between $75,000 and $95,000 for single buyers and between $150,000 and $170,000 for home buyers filing jointly. The amount of the tax credit decreases as his/her income approaches the maximum limit. Home buyers earning more than the maximum qualifying income—over $95,000 for singles and over $170,000 for couples are not eligible for the credit.

Will the Tax Credit Need to Be Repaid?
No. The buyer does not need to repay the tax credit, if he/she occupies the home for three years or more. However, if the property is sold during the three-year period, the credit will be recouped on the sale.

Sweden 5th European country to allow gay marriage

STOCKHOLM (AP) -- Sweden has become the fifth European country to allow gay marriage.

Parliament on Wednesday adopted a new law that gives same-sex couples the same marriage rights as heterosexuals.

The Parliament's Web site says the new law will take effect on May 1.

The Netherlands, Norway, Belgium and Spain also allow gay marriages.

Sweden has recognized civil unions between homosexual couples since 1994. However, the old law stopped short of calling them marriages, which gay rights activists said was discriminatory.

It will still be up to individual churches to decide if they want to wed gay couples.

Swedish news agency TT says the 349-seat legislature passed the measure in 261-22 vote, with 66 lawmakers abstaining or absent.