When trouble comes it can bring out the best and the worst in people. In our little town we've seen how tragedy binds us together as a community.  Last year there were 2 letters in The Times from residents thanking the whole community for their support through some tragic circumstances.   This kind of caring & togetherness is part of what makes our small town of Fountain Hills such a special place in which to live. But in the worst of times there are those unsavory individuals who take advantage of people who are struggling.  Foreclosure rescue scams are aimed at people about to lose their homes. These criminals trick the home owners into signing the title of their house away. They promise to pay off  the homeowners' debt and let the homeowners continue to live in the house.     When pe... 01/07/2009

The dictionary says the word process means "A series of actions, changes, or functions bringing about a result". Thus the reason I refer to the "Short Sale" being a circus instead of a process. Here is how I see it at least in the deals we are working on in Fountain Hills, AZ. In the left ring we have the Sellers, in the far right ring we have the Buyers and in the center ring we have the Ringmaster. . oops the Lender. Let the show begin. In the first act the buyers have already performed, they just want to buy a home and in good faith have submitted their offer along with their pre-approval letter. In the second act we have the Sellers, they have accepted the buyers offer and only want to get the deal done and avoid a foreclosure. In the center ring we have the lender and this is where... 01/04/2009

The real estate developer, MCO Properties and MCO Realty, has designed 3 luxury home communities in Fountain Hills, AZ offering a variety of real estate and homes for sale. Eagles Nest - a gated community with unrivaled mountain vistas of Four Peaks, Superstitions Mountains, and the Goldfields stretching out before you, Eagles Nest offers 244 home sites, 40 miles of walking, hiking and horse trails, all only minutes from Scottsdale, Fountain Hills and Phoenix. SunRidge Canyon - is a golf community in Fountain Hills, AZ with 541 production homes, 286 custom home sites, an 18-hole championship golf course designed by Keith Foster, neighborhood parks connected by bike paths, and open tracts of undisturbed, natural open space. FireRock - just minutes away in Fountain Hills and the nearby co... 12/24/2008

If you are thinking of buy a home in Fountain Hills, golf enthusiasts rest assure that this Phoenix ‘Malibu' has 3 beautiful public golf courses and one private course. Desert Canyon golf Club The Golf Club at Eagle Mountain SunRidge Canyon Golf Course FireRock Golf and Country Club Fountain Hills, AZ gets its name from its world-famous fountain. Centered in Fountain Hills Park, it shoots nearly 600 feet in the air every hour making it the highest fountain in the world.  Surrounding the Fountain Hills ‘Fountain' is a 30-acre park with areas of picnics , "disc-golf" and large  playground for kids (and adults The real estate developer, MCO Properties and MCO Realty, has designed 3 luxury home communities in Fountain Hills, AZ offering a variety of real estate and homes for sale. 12/24/2008

Fountain Hills, AZ gets its name from its world-famous fountain. Centered in Fountain Hills Park, it shoots nearly 600 feet in the air every hour making it the highest fountain in the world.  Surrounding the Fountain Hills ‘Fountain' is a 30-acre park with areas of picnics , "disc-golf" and large  playground for kids (and adults The real estate developer, MCO Properties and MCO Realty, has designed 3 luxury home communities in Fountain Hills, AZ offering a variety of real estate and homes for sale. Eagles Nest - a gated community with unrivaled mountain vistas of Four Peaks, Superstitions Mountains, and the Goldfields stretching out before you, Eagles Nest offers 244 home sites, 40 miles of walking, hiking and horse trails, all only minutes from Scottsdale, Fountain Hills and Phoenix. S... 12/09/2008

Fountain Hills, AZ gets its name from its world-famous fountain. Centered in Fountain Hills Park, it shoots nearly 600 feet in the air every hour making it the highest fountain in the world.  Surrounding the Fountain Hills ‘Fountain' is a 30-acre park with areas of picnics , "disc-golf" and large  playground for kids (and adults The real estate developer, MCO Properties and MCO Realty, has designed 3 luxury home communities in Fountain Hills, AZ offering a variety of real estate and homes for sale. Eagles Nest - a gated community with unrivaled mountain vistas of Four Peaks, Superstitions Mountains, and the Goldfields stretching out before you, Eagles Nest offers 244 home sites, 40 miles of walking, hiking and horse trails, all only minutes from Scottsdale, Fountain Hills and Phoenix. S... 11/29/2008

There are a lot of choices to buy luxury real estate in Phoenix, AZ, Scottsdale, Paradise Valley and the surrounding towns of Fountain Hills, Carefree, Mesa, Chandler, Gilbert and Peoria. After deciding to buy real estate between Scottsdale , Paradise Valley, Carefree , Fountain Hills or any of the wonderful towns with great homes in Mesa, Gilbert, Chandler, Glendale and Peoria, you have to choose community. Scottsdale luxury golf communities include Silverleaf, DC Ranch, Grayhawk, Troon Country Club and Troon North. Peoria luxury resort and golf communities include Sonoran Mountain Ranch and Vistancia. Fountain Hills is the home to luxury golf community Firerock golf and Country club. One of the most desirable communities with  unparalleled city lights and majestic  mountain views that... 11/24/2008

Fountain Hills, AZ is a small desert town on the outskirts of Phoenix, Mesa and Scottsdale. Developed by MCO Properties and MCO Realty,  Fountain hills is a hidden oasis high in the Sonoran Desert offering some of the best real estate (in quality and great deals) and custom homes in greater Phoenix with unparalleled mountain views, desert landscaping and city lights of Fountain Hills, AZ and Scottsdale. Fountain Hills, AZ is a desert community offering some of the best real estate opportunities in greater Phoenix including single family homes, townhomes, condominiums and apartments. All of these homes for sale and unsurpassed Arizona desert lifestyle are supported by commercial and retail business, 3 major community parks, a public library, nine schools, a variety of civic groups, churc... 11/19/2008

FOUNTAIN HILLS Where is the largest fountain in the world located? While some might answer that it is Le Jet d'Eau in Geneva, Switzerland many would be surprised to hear that it is actually in Fountain Hills, Arizona. At 560' high it is 100' higher than its rival in Switzerland as noted in the Guinness Book of World Records. The beauty of Fountain Hills is unrivaled with its pristine lake and fountain surrounded by mountain views both near and far. The hills are alive with natural vegetation and of course the signature saguaros stand tall. Fountain Hills, while blessed with much beauty is a fantastic place to live - so much so that it was voted the #1 place to live in the greater metropolitan Phoenix area in 2006. Residents and visitors enjoy the many community events throughout the yea... 10/16/2008

With as many as 25%-30% of the real estate market consisting of short sales, I have found that realtors consistently make 3 mistakes when handling them.  Here are the 3 scenarios:  Scenario # 1.  A second offer comes in 1-2 days after the first one for more money.  Some realtors submit both offers to the lender...DON'T DO THAT !  Instead, if the first offer is signed by the seller, then submit that one.  If the first offer has not been signed by the seller, then pick one and submit that one.  By presenting 2 offers to the lender of lenders if there is a second, will only "muddy" the water and thus make the time for approval longer.  Scenario #2.  A seller receives a 2nd offer, for $10,000 more, about a week after you submit the first signed contract to the lenders.  The seller now wants... 10/07/2008

There has never been a better time to buy real estate in Arizona! There is an unbelievable selection and prices are back to about 2003-2004! There are many reasons to buy real estate in the United States. If you're Canadian, parity of the two currencies (USD and CD) could be one of them. While I'm not going to make a recommendation on the wisdom of purchasing real estate in Arizona, I would like to inform you of what you might expect when financing a home as a foreign national. If you are considering a second (vacation) home in the United States the terms are a bit more favorable for you. The following is a list of requirements you can expect when obtaining financing: 1. Copies of passport and visa.2. Last two pay stubs.3. Last two bank statements.4. Last two years tax returns. If self ... 10/06/2008

  As of September 25, 2008 there are 476 single family detached homes for sale in Fountain Hills.  They range in price from $159,000 to $7,750,000.  The home at the top end features an indoor pool area! There are 22 Patio homes for sale ranging in price from $250,000 to $1,525,000. 140 townhomes are currently for sale.  They range in price from $87,000 to $946,000 for a 4,572' residence. There are 152 condos for sale ranging in price from $102,900 - $700,000. If you have been thinking of buying a home in Fountain Hills now may be the time!   09/25/2008

Fountain Hills Arizona has a new sweet spot -- a new shop for gelatos and sorbetti. La Scala Creamery located at 12645 N Saguaro Blvd in Fountain Hills is home of more than 80 flavors of all natural, preservative-free gelatos and sorbetti. The owner has developed her recipes around promoting natural ingredients and making her own kerfir. In addition to their amazing flavors they are also planning to host some events such as classes in practical nutrition, and friendship nights. Call them at 480-836-4444 for more information. Or you can check out their website. 09/15/2008

Last Friday morning,at our weekly RMS Realtor meeting, we had a panel of local mortgage brokers and real estate brokers discussing and taking questions on the new H.R. 3221.  It was obvious to me that most people don't seem to know a whole lot about it!  So, I've done a little research and bill give you some of the key points to know.  Then, I would love to hear from you with any questions you may have.  This ought to force me to get to know it pretty well! First-time Homebuyer Tax Credit - 10% of cost of home not to exceed $7500. Purchase on or after April 9th, 2008. Any single-family, principal residence (including condo's) are eligible. Reduces income tax liability for the year purchased. Income limit of $75,000 single and $150,000 on a joint return. Purchaser (and spouse) may not ha... 08/17/2008

Buying and Selling Fountain Hills Real Estate. See ALL Fountain Hills Real Estate and FORECLOSURES for sale NOW. Golf homes, Condos, Patio homes, and Fountain Hills FORECLOSURES for sale. Fountain Hills is an amazingly quaint community that is what we are missing these days......quiet serenity and beauty. Mountain views are everywhere you look. The famous "Fountain" can be seen from far away as it shoots high in the air through the city.   Fountain Hills Properties For Sale Right Now Under 200K Fountain Hills Homes Fore Sale 200-300K Fountain Hills Real Estate For Sale 300-400K Fountain hills homes for sale 400-500K     RES RES 1 Active   $169,000 Fountain Hills  Lender/Corp Approval Required,Lender Owned Property Foreclosure **NEW LOW PRICE**LOWEST PRICED SINGLE FAMILY IN FTN HILLS*LEN... 07/28/2008

Fountain Hills is a wonderful community, with some of the most majestic views and landscape in all of Arizona. The town of Fountain Hills,  known for its peaceful, resort lifestyle has seen some of the best home value growth in the last 5 years. One of the main results of its quiet, and less over-developed character is that home prices have remained quite stable during this downturn. However, I am concerned that this may be changing. Developer, Ellman Companies, has planned 1,450 home lots on land purchased from the State. Considering the fact that there there are roughly only 22,000 residents in Fountain Hills, ... no matter how you cut it, this is a lot of homes. First of all, I love growth. I love development. It creates jobs, supports communities, builds business and creates wealth.... 07/18/2008

  According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food Price Outlook for 2008 for all food is projected to increase 4.5 to 5.5 percent, as retailers continue to pass on higher commodity prices, for beef, poultry, eggs, dairy, fruit, vegetables and wheat, and energy costs to consumers. Cathryn Creno of the Arizona Republic wrote an excellent article on AZ grocery stores and how manufacturers are scaling back the sizes not reducing prices so consumers do not feel as much of a pinch in the wallet. Here are a few examples Ms. Creno cites. Cheerios shrank by 1.5 ounces Scott toilet paper is down 0.3 inch per square Breyers reduced the size of ice cream cartons from 1.75 quarts to 1.5 quarts Wrigley announced they will offer gum in 15 stick packages instead of 17 sticks This type of "downsi... 07/14/2008

  From everything I have seen and experienced lately, location, location, location is no longer what it is all about.  Buyers are willing to fore-go on "one of a kind views" and "views to die for" if the seller is not playing by todays rules.  What are todays rules?  From what I can see the rules are as follows:The buyer is holding 3 of the 4 Aces, and they no itThe seller can no longer count on great mountain views to sell their home, if the price is not in lineIf the seller is going to hold out for "their price" because their home is special, their home will probably be on the market a year from now.Short sales are not always a super great deal and they are a lot of workSellers who want to sell their home need a Realtor to help them take some of the emotion out of the pricing stage.  ... 04/02/2008

Below you will see the housing stats for the last 4 months.  Pleas take notice of the 4 following items:The number of homes on the market has increased for the 3rd straight month.The number of new listings increased again last month.The number of price reductions has increased for 4 months in a row.The number of homes sold fell for the 3rd consecutive month, not by much but it fell all the same.What these four things tell me is that if you want to sell you home you need to price it aggressively.  The competition is fierce in all price ranges.Please call me if you would like to take a closer look at these numbers or simply review what is happening generally in the Real Estate market locally.  04/01/2008

My wife read me an article from a magazine she was reading this morning about how much water a bathroom faucet is allow to put out per minute.  I say allowed because the government is involved and has regulations regarding the amount of water a faucet can use, and a toilet for that matter.  I personally feel that this is good we are watching our water consumption, but I have a question.  If our government can regulate the home building/remodeling industry to the point of ensuring manufactures of faucets control their water output, why can't they get a grip on the automobile industry so we can have vehicles that get better mileage then they did when my brother went off to Vietnam?  That was 40 years ago and yet we still only have a few Hybrid vehicles and still find ourselves dependant o... 03/22/2008