Phoenix Real Estate - Record Setting December 2009?

Phoenix Real Estate Market- Record Setting December, 2009?

Yes, it's true. We had 7,670 residential sales in the Phoenix real estate market last month, though it wasn't quite the all-time high. December 2004 was the only month in this last decade that had higher sales, and that was by less than 200 homes. Is that an amazing feat for the Phoenix real estate market? Definitely, considering that December is historically one of the lower sales months in the entire year as people turn towards holiday shopping and parties. It's also an impressive feat considering all of that doom and gloom reporting on the national economy.

Take a look at these numbers from the Arizona Regional MLS.

MONTH - SALES
2009 - 7,670
2008 - 5,630
2007 - 3,347
2006 - 5,311
2005 - 6,527
2004 - 7,829
2003 - 6,311
2002 - 5,954
2001 - 4,531
2000 - 3,907

Additionally, 2009 recorded the third highest residential sales in the last decade. 2004 and 2005 (boom years) were the only two years with higher residential sales in the Phoenix real estate market.

33,014 more homes were sold in 2009 than in 2008, or a 55.7% increase!

YEAR - SALES
2009 - 92,292
2008 - 59,278
2007 - 54,231
2006 - 74,106
2005 - 104,133
2004 - 98,294
2002 - 68,411
2001 - 62,523
2000 - 55,400

There are currently 33,278 homes for sale in Metro Phoenix. Real estate sales are off to a pretty good start in January 2010 after a great December 2009.

Phoenix real estate blog

Phoenix homes and foreclosures

Phoenix Real Estate Listings January 2010

Phoenix real estate listings - 7 months of stability - January 2010 The number of listings on the Phoenix real estate market has remained relatively stable over the last 7months. The chart indicates 33,278 active listings on the Phoenix real estate market to begin January 2010, just 319 less than during the beginning of December 2009. Active listings reached their peak near the middle / end of 2008. The decline began in early 2009, reaching a low point in September with 30,995 active listings on the Phoenix real estate market. The period of relative stability began in July, and the 7 month average since July has equaled approximately 32,000 active listings. The decrease in listings was due primarily to 2 factors: the moratorium on foreclosures and the number of "normal" sellers that canceled their listings or chose not to put their home on the market. Here is a snapshot of active listings in some of the more popular cities around the Phoenix real estate market.

City	Active Listings	% of Total
Phoenix	5,485	16.5
Scottsdale	2,473	7.4
Mesa	2,275	6.8
Gilbert	1,323	4.0
Chandler	1,149	3.5
Glendale	1,046	3.1
Queen Creek	733	2.2
Maricopa	585	1.8
Tempe	571	1.7
Ahwatukee	427	1.3

These 10 cities are some of the more popular and well known within the Phoenix real estate market.

Tempe, Scottsdale, Mesa, Glendale, Chandler, Gilbert

Phoenix real estate housing market, tracker

Phoenix Real Estate Market | 7,586 sales November 2009

Phoenix real estate market closes 7,586 sales in November 2009

The 7,586 residential sales recorded in November 2009 are 559 sales less than those recorded in October 2009. This reduction in sales is considered both normal and cyclical in the Phoenix real estate market. Sales peaked in June 2009 when 9,358 home sales were recorded.

The chart indicates a steady increase in home sales beginning in February and lasting until the peak in June. The steady decrease began in July and continues to date. Although not indicated on the chart, the year over year (YOY) sales in the Phoenix real estate market have now increased for two consecutive years. Sales in October 2007 were 3, 421 and sales in October 2008 were 5,267.

The Town of Maricopa was the only municipality in the Phoenix real estate market that was contrary to the decline in home sales. The Town of Maricopa experienced a slight increase in sales from 224 home sales in October to 235 homes sales and November 2009, a 5% increase.

Around the Phoenix real estate market, Scottsdale was the only other city with home sales consistent with October 2009. Scottsdale experienced a decrease of just under 2%.

I've been on other projects and slow to update these reports. Merry Christmas to all!

More about the Phoenix real estate market

Arizona Relocation

Phoenix Real Estate Prices Increase -- December 2009

Phoenix real estate prices continue to rise - December 2009

Yes, believe it or not Phoenix real estate prices have continued on an eight month increase. The chart you are looking at below indicates the appreciation (and depreciation) rates for Phoenix real estate over the two year period from November 2007 through November 2009.

The chart assumes a baseline price per square foot in November 2007, then shows how the price per square foot has declined for Phoenix real estate until a bottom was hit in March 2009. Prices for Phoenix real estate have continued to increase over the last eight months since the bottom in March of 2009.

This Phoenix real estate chart was obtained courtesy of the Cromford Report. They are experts in the Phoenix real estate market and devote a considerable amount of time to producing accurate reports. Their reports on the Phoenix real estate market are every bit as accurate as the Case-Schiller index, but much more timely.

The data I personally keep from my own research on the Phoenix real estate market coincides with this data. My data shows that Phoenix real estate appears to have bottomed out in March 2009 at a price per square foot of $66.00 for residential resale homes. The current price per square foot for Phoenix real estate is $84.00 per square foot according to my statistics.

My statistics for Phoenix real estate are based on single-family residences, townhomes, and patio homes that are over 1,000 square feet and sell for less than one million dollars. I believe this helps to "level out" the data by removing the "extremely low" and "extremely high" prices for Phoenix real estate.

There have been pessimistic reports about a dreaded "double dip" of depreciation for Phoenix real estate. In other words, the current price of Phoenix real estate may go downwards again. The operators of the Cromford report had not found any signs the indicate that a double dip is imminent.

Surrounding Phoenix market conditions

Phoenix Real Estate Market -- December 2009

Residential listings increased for the third consecutive month in the Phoenix Real Estate Market to begin December 2009. That translates into more homes for sale.

The increase in homes for sale began in October 1st, 2009 and has continued for the last three months (in pink).  The 3-month total increase in the number of homes for sale is 1,482 -- or 4.8% from October 1, 2009 -- from when the Phoenix real estate market was at two-year low in the number of residential homes for sale.

The demand for homes in the Phoenix real estate market has been particularly strong in 2009. The demand is due in part to the low prices of foreclosure homes for sale, low interest rates, and the home buyer tax credit. According to CromfordReport.com (who does extensive reporting on the Phoenix real estate market and homes for sale):

The big news in our pending home sales situation is the dramatic contrast with the national picture. The NAR today released the news that pending listings for home sales were 19.8% higher than a year ago. For Greater Phoenix real estate the equivalent increase is currently 102%. In fact a few days ago on October 30 we set an all time record of 107%. Demand is clearly at an exceptional level for real estate.

The increase in the number of homes for sale is a normal seasonal pattern in the Phoenix real estate market and does not indicate a significant change. If normal annual trends continue, the active listing count will peak in November and then decline toward the end of the year. I will post about November real estate sales in the next few days.

Phoenix real estate

Phoenix housing market

2009 to be 3rd best year in last decade for Phoenix homes for sale

2009 is in position to be the 3rd best year in last decade for Phoenix homes for sale. The housing market forecast in the Phoenix area is looking very promising going into 2010. As of November 12, over 79,500 residential home sales have been completed in the metropolitan Phoenix area. Homes sales should easily reach 90,000 by the end of December. The only years that were better were the boom years of 2004 and 2005.

Housing sales in 2007 and 2008 averaged 56,754 residential homes. 2009 home sales will be an estimated 58% higher than in the two previous years. We can clearly signal the end of the buyer's market in the Phoenix area.

There were plenty of doomsayers to begin this year. The Phoenix housing market forecast was uncertain and many home buyers debated what to do. Continuing lower prices and the first-time home buyers tax credit helped people to a decision. It was also very helpful that mortgage interest rates stayed very low.

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Phoenix Area Home Sales Increase Slightly in October 2009

Phoenix Area Home Sales Increase Slightly in October 2009

The increase was slight, but October 2009 home sales in Phoenix surpassed those of September by about 200 sales. These numbers continue to be evidence of confidence from buyers looking for homes in the Phoenix area.
The confidence can be attributed lower housing prices and the first-time home buyers credit. It also helps that the number of active listings in Phoenix has remained stable thereby keeping the balance between a "buyers" and "sellers" market in check.

This is great news for the housing market in Phoenix. Increased sales always stimulates the overall economy. People who have "gotten off the fence" and contributed to Phoenix home sales are making this the 3rd best sales year in the last decade.

As seen in the charts, 8,145 homes sold in October of 2009. Only four months had higher sales in the Phoenix area. It is also important to note that in the previous two years home sales were already tapering off by October. However, Phoenix area sales over the last three months have been stable.

if you are comfortable with housing prices, president Obama's policies, and interest rates -- this may be your time to consider homes for sale in the Phoenix area.

$8000 / $6500 Home Buyer Tax Credit is alive and well

The $8000 / $6500 Home Buyer Tax Credit is alive and well. As anticipated, President Obama signed the $8,000 first-time home buyer tax credit extension into law on Friday. You can now collect the credit if your home purchase is under contract by April 30, 2010 and is complete by June 30, 2010. The good news for current owners: The extension also offers a tax credit for people who are purchasing a new residence, but aren't first-time homeowners.

Tax Credit is Refundable

A refundable credit means that if the amount of income taxes you owe is less than the credit amount you qualify for, the government will send you a check for the difference.

For example:

• A first-time home buyer who qualifies for the full $8,000 credit who owes $4,000 in federal income taxes would pay nothing to the IRS and receive a $4,000 payment from the government
• A first-time home buyer who was to receive a $3,000 refund would receive $11,000 ($3,000 plus the $8,000 first-time homebuyer tax credit)
• A repeat buyer who owes $4,000 would pay nothing to the IRS and receive $2,500 back from the government
• A repeat buyer who was due to get a $2,000 refund would get $8,500 ($2,000 plus the $6,500 repeat buyer tax credit)

All qualified homebuyers can take the tax credit on their 2009 or 2010 income tax return.

Payback Provisions

The tax credit is a true credit. It does not have to be repaid unless the home owner sells or stops using the home as their principal residence within three years after the purchase.

Summary Details of TAX CREDIT:

• Under contract by April 30, 2010
• Close escrow by June 30, 2010
• $8,000 for 1st time buyers
• $6,500 for current homeowners who have lived in their house 5 of the past 8 years
• $125,000 individual income limit
• $225,000 joint income limit

History of the $8,000 tax credit
Detailed Tax Credit Explanation
IRS Rules about the $8,000
Calculating the Tax Credit
Put the $8,000 tax credit on line 69 of this form

Frequently asked questions about the home buyers tax credit

Selecting the Best Arizona Mortgage Company

Selecting the Best Arizona Mortgage Company

How to do it right:

Use these questions to determine the expertise of Arizona Mortgage Lenders. The largest financial transaction of your life is too important to risk with someone or a company who is not capable of advising you properly on the best options for your specific mortgage loan situation. But how can you tell?

Here are four simple questions your Arizona Mortgage Company absolutely must be able to answer correctly. If they do not know the answers, run -- don't walk -- to a lender who does.

1. What are interest rates based on?
   
   The only correct answer is Mortgage Backed Securities or Mortgage Bonds, NOT the 10-year Treasury Note. The 10-year Treasury Note sometimes trends in the same direction as Mortgage Bonds. It can also move in completely opposite directions. DO NOT work with Arizona lenders who have their eyes on the wrong indicators.
2. What is the next Economic Report or event that could cause interest rate movement?
   
   Professional lenders will have this information at their fingertips. Ask about a current calendar of weekly economic reports and events that may cause rates to fluctuate.
3. When Bernacke (formerly Greenspan) and the Fed “change rates”, what does this mean...
   
   ...and what impact does this have on home loan interest rates? The answer may surprise you. When the Fed makes a move, they are changing a rate called the “Fed Funds Rate”. This is a very short-term rate that impacts credit cards, credit lines, auto loans and the like.  Interest rates most often will actually move in the opposite direction as the Fed change, due to the dynamics within the financial markets. For more information and an explanation on how this affects your lending situation, just give us a call.
4. What is happening in the market today and what do you see in the near future?
   
   If a lender cannot explain how Mortgage Bonds and interest rates are moving at the present time, as well as
   
   what is coming up in the near future, you are likely NOT talking to a professional lender or lending company. Be smart... ask questions… get answers!

This is one of the largest and most important financial transactions you will ever make. You may take this voyage only two - five times your entire life. Professional mortgage lenders cruise these waters every single day. It’s your home and your future in Arizona. Place them in the hands of a professional loan officer and Arizona Mortgage Company.

Thanks to my good friend and trusted lender, Craig Bohall, for helping to put these words onto virtual paper.

Understanding the Mortgage Loan Process

Help with Phoenix Homes for Sale and the Mortgage Lending Processs

Phoenix foreclosures snapshot to begin November 2009

Phoenix Foreclosures Snapshot - November 2009

Phoenix foreclosures comprise 30.8% of all real estate listings in the metropolitan area. Foreclosure listings are comprised of REO property (bank owned) and short sales. REO property used to be the majority of active listings in the foreclosure arena. However, bank owned properties have been on a decline for most of 2009. They are being replaced by short sales because more distressed homeowners are seeing short sales as a better alternative to foreclosure.

The chart indicates 12,539 foreclosure listings in the Phoenix real estate market to begin November 2009. Since there are 32,351 total listings in the Phoenix market (seen in my last post), foreclosure listings make up almost 39% of all listings in the area. Of that 39%, 35.2% (4,417) are REO listings and 64.8% (8,122) are short sales. There are several reasons for the decline in REO property listings over the last year:

• the federally mandated foreclosure moratorium
• banks for selling more properties in bulk to large-scale investors
  
• banks are taking chunks of foreclosure properties and turning them into rentals
• more properties are being sold at public-type auctions

Homeowners are increasingly seeing short sales as a viable alternative to foreclosure. Although the short sale process can take between three and five months to complete, buyers in the Phoenix area real estate market are paying much more attention to short sales. The percentage of completed short sale transactions continues to grow each month in the Phoenix area.

Days on Market for Phoenix Foreclosures

Foreclosure listings have been on the market for an average of 80 days less than their counterparts -- "normal" listings -- during 2009. The second chart indicates that current foreclosure-type listings have been on the market for 105 days, while normal listings have been on the market for 182 days. The obvious reason is the difference in price between two categories of listings. REO property and short sales are always priced much lower than normal sales making them much more attractive to home buyers.

It can also be seen by the chart that overall days on the market has been steadily trending downwards for Phoenix area foreclosures. However, if we were to isolate REO properties we would find that the average sold home would be on the market for less than 60 days. The longer selling cycle for short sales is what keeps the foreclosure "days on the market" higher.

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