The Official Website of the Arizona Department of Real Estate has placed on its website a list of builders experiencing financial difficulties. I've provided a link of the pdf file provided by the Department of Real Estate for those purchasing new homes and for their Realtors! - Builders Experiencing Financial Difficulties. As Realtors, it's our duty to be "informed."  This list would be useful for your buyers, or to place on your website or personal blog. Checking the website of the Arizona Department of Real Estate regularly will help us stay aware of what is going on in our State. This is not just happening in Maricopa County, but throughout our state. Yet another good reason for buyers to use the services of a Realtor instead of going out on their own.             Mesa, Arizona Real... 08/18/2008

Libraries seem to be more on the minds of those living in Mesa, Arizona these days. I think that many people are getting back to a simpler/less expensive life. As a child and as an adult, there are few places that I love more - than a library. There are so many interesting things to learn, so many really cool books. When I was very young, my mom would take us to the library to check out books. I LOVED that experience. I would check out the maximum number of books to read. Being the oldest of eight children, in order to get off by myself so I could read and "escape," I'd climb up on my bunk and nestle in on the inside of the bunk next to the wall to be out of view. I would then read for hours and hours. Did I tell you? I LOVE BOOKS!!! I have shelves of books, many of them, and acquire th... 08/17/2008

Search Augusta Ranch Homes Augusta Ranch is a master planned community in Southeast Mesa. The community is located at the southeast corner of Baseline and Ellsworth Roads. Augusta Ranch features an 18-hole golf course, clubhouse, parks, walking-paths, and over 1,400 single family homes. Adjacent to the community is a shopping complex known as the Village at Augusta Ranch. It is anchored by an Albertson’s/Osco with additional shops including: Ranch Dental Clinic, Supercuts, The UPS Store, American Family Insurance, Subway and Blockbuster. 08/15/2008

I have spoken with far too many people that have not only had problems paying their mortgage, but have waited too long to do anything about it. There are many reasons that people can start to struggle with their finances, and it doesn't mean that are bad people.  Your bank is not the evil landlord who is looking to foreclose on your home either, but they do want to hear from you when you are having trouble.  Many times they can work out a repayment plan with you BUT you need to talk to them BEFORE they contact you.  By then, they may feel that you have just neglected your responsibilities. Life HappensPeople lose jobs, people get sick, people lose investments, people have tenants that don't pay thier rent, and the list goes on. Sometimes the answer is selling your home, sometimes it is ... 08/14/2008

Since January, I have been noticing more transactions closing and wanted to come up with some numbers to share so we can see and compare what is happening in our Mesa, Arizona and the Phoenix Valley.  I had bookmarked and today finally reviewed the video explaining just how to do a graph presented by none other than Jeff Turner. It's located in Google Docs, and after quite some time, I was able to turn out a finished product. I "tried" to figure out how to change colors for each month, but couldn't. I don't think I have enough columns since I was only focused on closed sales. I'm glad I spent the time figuring it out....it is a great tool. Since the graph only shows in round numbers, I've given you the exact numbers of closings which are as follows: January 2008 - 2869 February 2008 - 3... 08/12/2008

I've been doing a series on day trips from Mesa, Arizona. All of the day trips have been within a 3-4 hour drive from East Mesa, Arizona. I've been primarily sharing the north areas, but promise to share more of the south communities when it cools off. I kinda sorta feel like "Arizona Highways" sharing some of my favorite hot spots for those living or moving to Mesa, or even the Phoenix Valley. There are sooooo many places to visit, to see, and to enjoy. My next "day trip" is of photos and information on our recent hike on the Mogollon Rim Interpretive Trail located just inside Lakeside, Arizona in the White Mountains. A dramatic 200 mile long uplift split Arizona into two greatly different regions, after the seas withdrew. At the Mogollon Rim, you are on the edge of the Colorado Platea... 08/09/2008

Taking a day trip of just three hours north and east of East Mesa, Arizona, you can enjoy a beautiful edifice, situated on top of a hill overlooking the entire city of Snowflake, Arizona, the valley, and a beautiful 27-hole golf course built by the church in 2002. This building/edifice is the Snowflake Temple, built by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The temple is literally surrounded by spectacular homes, trees, flowers, and awesome golf greens. I was able to capture a photo of the temple from the golf course and wanted to share it and the history behind this temple with my readers. Wikipedia provides some insight about Snowflake and its history. Elevation just under 5,000, it is sitting on a mesa with clear skies, and uncluttered streets. It is certainly a worthwhile ... 08/09/2008

For those of you who love to play golf, as my husband and I do, AND you live in the Phoenix Valley.... well, it's sorta hot to play in the summer. SO, take a day trip. Only three hours north and east to the Snowflake Golf Course. It's sitting at the top of a mesa, and has spectacular views.YET another good reason to settle in Mesa, Arizona or the Phoenix southeast valley. I took these photos yesterday while purportedly playing "at" golf. I think the pictures did better than my golf game. It clouded up, thundered, lightening, and started to get us a bit wet on the 8th hole..... but we perservered since the lightening wasn't that close. Actually, "I" should have quit then. ;-) Know what I mean?                                         Especially noticeable, was the thick, plush green of th... 08/08/2008

If you are a buyer looking for a home in East Mesa, one of my favorite family communities is Crismon Creek. Crismon Creek is located on the eastern edge of Mesa just one mile east of the 202 and south of the 60, nine miles from Gold Canyon and hiking trails galore, 20 minutes from Canyon Lake and Saguaro Lake for boating, skiing and fishing; one mile from a new hospital - Mountain Vista Medical Center; Superstition Springs Mall; restaurants; and the new Supersition Gateway Center at Signal Butte and Baseline.This location is just 140 miles from Show Low, (where today, it is 75) 100 miles from the Salt River Canyon, about 1.5 hours from Oak Creek Canyon, just north of Sedona. Now that the 202 loop is completed, heading on up to Flagstaff is a piece of cake. Homes in East Mesa and in Cris... 08/07/2008

Just about one and a half hours north and of east Mesa, you enter the beautiful Salt River Canyon. High cliffs, red dirt, and from the top to the bottom - about 4.5 miles where you come to a close up view of the river and the historical Salt River Canyon bridge. Along the way down or up are pull outs, and at the bottom, a beautiful bridge, red water running through the Salt River, white clouds, and amazing views. As a child - here I am reminiscing again - we drove through the Salt River Canyon to reach the White Mountains for our family summer vacations. The roads are MUCH nicer than they were in the 50's - and there are passing lanes as this is a main artery and many trucks are seen traveling through the Canyon. I've provided a Slide Show below of some of the remaining photos, but have... 08/06/2008

  There are days when I just love visiting deviantart.com.  My husbands good friend is an exceptional photographer, please visit his site and enjoy photo's of Arizona.  This beautiful picture is of Red Mountain in Mesa, Arizona.  Red Mountain is known for it's beauty and exceptional sunsets.   When looking to buy and/or sell, or know of anyone that is, please Let Our Family Help Yours .  If you would to visit our website please visit us at www.LetOurFamilyHelpYours.com where we have a wealth of information and tools to help you find the home of your dreams. Cheron Lange  Invite us to LinkedIn:  Michael & Cheron Lange   08/05/2008

I've been meaning to share photos, and so I decided to share some of my daughter and her three youngest (out of six). During the summer, our daughter comes over from California to "vacation". She has six children from 21 down to 8, and brings the three youngest along with her. I rarely do too much "personal" stuff on Active Rain, but thought I'd be a proud mom and grandmother and share some of the photos of our trip to Slide Rock and Jerome, right outside of Sedona. It's only a couple of hours from Mesa, but we decided to stay a couple of days so we could show them around that part of Arizona. Here is the link for Slide Rock Park for those of you hoping to make a trip there. Be sure and check the water situation before you go up.   As a kid, my family would go camping for two weeks in O... 08/03/2008

I found a really good website that will provide you with the information you need to recycle just about anything. You simply plug in your zip code, what you want to recycle, and voila, Earth911.com will provide the answer. This website also provides a plethora of other great information. Since I live and work in Phoenix and Mesa, Arizona, I've provided battery disposal information for those who live in my area!     Check out this cool website....it has lots of very cool information to help us stay green!!! Mesa, Arizona Real Estate. Call me at: 480.216-3334 for information on purchasing or selling a home in Mesa, Arizona or surrounding towns. OR email me: Teri@TeriEllis.com. Feel free to visit one of my websites: HomesAzRE.com, MoveToMesaAz.com or MoveToSunnyAz.com. Or stop by my blogs ... 08/02/2008

I wasn't even aware of this "move over" law until I heard today about a tow truck driver changing a tire for someone on the freeway was struck and killed along with the driver of the disabled car. I had no idea it was a law until today. I've always moved over for emergency vehicles and police cars out of a sense of being courteous or cautious. Now I know that it's the law. Do YOU have a law in your state like this? Check it out on this link.  I plan to post this on my website and other blogs as well. It just MIGHT save a life. Now there is a push to move over for tow truck drivers as well....Personally I think that if someone is pulled over on the side of the road - we need to move over a lane. Thinking about relocating to Mesa, Arizona or the Phoenix Valley? Call me at: 480.216-3334 fo... 08/01/2008

For those planning to attend the three day conference being sponsored by "Rich Now, Rich for Life" I've been invited to be a guest for speaker tomorrow night's event: Here is the confirmed order of service for this weekend. Thursday July 31 6:30-6:45 Opening and conference overview 6:45-8:00 John Hrimnak "Prospering in a tough economy" 8:00-8:20 Break 8:20-9:25 Shane Robinson "Wholesaling" Friday Aug 1 6:35-8:00 Scot Anderson 8:00-8:20 Break 8:20-9:25 Chuck Willman "Real Estate" Saturday Aug 2 9:00-10:00 Jeff Manson "Stocks" 10:15-11:30 Gary and Melody "Changing your Paradigms" 11:00-12:45 Lunch 12:45-1:45 Del Letournea "Market Conditions" 1:45-2:45 Derek/Christina Jordan "Marketing" Location: US Bank Building, Downtown Mesa 1 MacDonald Center- Mesa AZ 85201 Located in the lower level D... 07/31/2008

It's that time of year! School will be back in session before we know it!!! WHERE did our summer go? For those of you living in Mesa, or the southeast Valley of Phoenix, free back-to-school immunizations are being offered on Saturday, August 2! Where? and When? 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Chandler High School, 350 North Arizona Avenue Avenue, Chandler, Arizona 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Mesa Immunization Clinic, 423 North Country Club Drive, Mesa, Arizona Immunization records are required. For more information, call: 602.506-6767 or, log on to: www.wearpublichealth.org. Thinking about relocating to Mesa, Arizona or the Phoenix Valley? Call me at: 480.216-3334 for information on purchasing or selling a home in Mesa, Arizona or surrounding towns. OR email me: Teri@TeriEllis.com. OR visit one of my... 07/30/2008

Mesa is following the valley's trend of a buyer's market. Current inventory has continued to see a slight decrease month over month and the current inventory is now at over 4,100 active listings. Median prices are down slightly from $243,500 to $235,000 while the average sold price for June was $215,000 for 1,797 square feet. The large number of foreclosed homes continues to drive prices downward. However the flip side is that opportunities abound. The number of pending sales is also continue to show a slight increased and is currently at 626 with another 146 currently under contract.  Closes sales finished in June with 486 homes sold.  An interest twist to this are the number of Expireds and Cancelled listings.  This number has dropped for the second consecutive month, these numbers ar... 07/23/2008

I was reading an article this morning regarding the down payment assistance offered to many FHA borrowers in Arizona.  It seems there is some debate as to doing away with or keeping the AmeriDream and/or Nehemiah program. Typically first time home buyers use the FHA program because only 3% is required as a downpayment, and many are simply unable to come up with that amount of cash. Thus, they ask the seller to contribute through the above-mentioned assistance programs as a "gift." I've included a link to the article for further enlightenment - as well as the comments thereto by readers of the article. On the other hand, in our present market with over 52,000 active listings in the Arizona MLS, many sellers are willing to contribute 3-6% toward buyer's closing costs and prepaids just so ... 07/10/2008

Search Red Mountain Ranch Homes Should you be interested in buying or selling a home in Red Mountain Ranch, please contact me at 480-247-7244 and I'd be glad to consult you on the current real estate market. Located in Mesa's upscale northeast foothills, Red Mountain Ranch is a master planned community of over 800 acres. It is situated just north of Power and Thomas Roads, near the Red Mountain Freeway (northern loop of the 202). Using the freeway, it is just a 23 mile drive to Sky Harbor International Airport. The community features an exclusive Country Club with an 18 hole championship golf course that was design by Pete Dye. Red Mountain Ranch also has a lap-pool, tennis courts, fitness center and a recreation facility that has a dining room and social gathering room. 07/07/2008

If you live in the East Phoenix Valley you have been eagerly awaiting the opening of the rest of the 202 Freeway. Well now the wait is coming to end as the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) plans to host an event they are calling "Roundin’ Out the Red Mountain". This event planned for July 15th between 5pm and 8pm with the opening ceremony happing at 6pm. This event will mark the freeway opening and completion of Loop 202 (Red Mountain Freeway). This final segment between Power Road and University Drive in Mesa represents a much needed addition to help commuters get to East Valley places faster and save gas and commuting time. 07/07/2008