Cottonwood Home Team

There is good news in the second quarter results.  The median sales price dropped 4% from the first quarter but the number of sales increased 21%.  That is a good sign but also one of consistency compared to past years.

Since 2005, the second quarter has always closed more homes than the first, third and fourth quarters.  Whether that is due to spring break fever or attempting to get things moved for the summer we never know but it will be interesting to see what happens in the third quarter of this year.

The dramatic increase in the number of sales is also a sign that many feel they have waited long enough to jump into the market.  Interest rates at this time remain stable so depending on the price point owning is cheaper than rent.

January 1st 2010 to June 28 2010 vs. January 1st 2011 to June 28 2011 saw a major jump.  The number of sold homes in the Cottonwood-Clarkdale-Verde Village-Cornville areas jumped from 229 to 263.  That is an increase of 13%!

However, the average sales price in that same time period dropped 17% and the median sales price dropped 19%.  So good news bad news?? Depends on if you are a seller or buyer.

It appears that the "new" real estate values are assiting first time and move up buyers and the lower interest rates are proving that it is cheaper to buy vs. continuing to rent.  Don't be one of those on the side lines, if the interest rate increases 1% the values would have to decrease 10% on average to have the same house payment.

Take advantage of one of the benefits to this "new" economy.

So far June is proving to be a good month.  According to our SVVAR mls system, 24 site built homes in the Cottonwood, Clarkdale, Verde Village and Cornville area have gone pending since June 1st. 

That is a large number and shows a positive sign of strength for the summer.  The hope is we will stay on track for the rest of the summer months. To help give you a gauge, 37 homes sold in the month of May.  We are already at 65% of that and still have 2 full weeks left.

What we do see is the market under $100,000 is almost completely gone and the next break at $125,000 does not have much available.  We will have a more accurate picture once we see the closed sales for June but for now the news is promising.

Wanted to share this with everyone!

Technology Giant Google Touts Real Estate Giant Coldwell Banker!

Coldwell Banker Real Estate, the undisputed leader in real estate innovation, continues to get recognition from the biggest players in business and technology – today, it’s Google once again!

Coldwell Banker is currently one of the first companies to work with Google on a new form of advertising that incorporates video into ads on tablet devices.

A Google press release was distributed this morning about the ads that mention Coldwell Banker – AND – Coldwell Banker was featured, along with current movie blockbuster Thor, in a demo video.

Click HERE to see the video (the Coldwell Banker segment of the video begins around the 30 second mark) and click HERE to read an article about the ads that refers to Coldwell Banker as a "real estate giant."

Things are hopping in the Verde Valley.  We have had lots of people in the office this week, many investors that have finally realized that now is the time!  Rental values remain very strong and the bargain basement days are over.  Days on the market for homes under the $120,000 mark are down to double digits.

Stop by and see us and find out why Cottonwood and the Verde Valley is such a hot ticket item.  Don't be the one wishing you would have made the move....be the one that did!

I ran into an interesting stat today.  18 homes  sold in the Cottonwood-Clarkdale-Verde Valley-Cornville area over $300,000.00 in the past 6 months sold for an average of $135.76 a square foot.  That is an incredible figure.  Most builder would have a tough time building a quality house for that price let alone include the land, well and septic.

Everyone is talking about the first time home buyer deals but right now our move up buyers have a great choice to pick from and at bottom barrel prices.  Now truly could be the time to own that dream house.  These homes just a few years ago seemed out of reach for most buyers.

Tonight is the start of the Sedona Verde Valley Relay for Life.  We will start at Riverfront park at 5:00 PM and continue until tomorrow morning at 9:00 AM.  If you would like to join the us meet at Riverfront park.  If you have already donated thank you!  If you are looking to donate send us an email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it and we will send you the link.

Make it a great weekend and together we can make the future brighter with more birthdays by beating cancer!

Today's blog is very exciting. I just checked the inventory and things are looking really good. 

In Cottonwood-Clarkdale-Cornville-Verde Village area there are currently only 258 site built homes on the market.  252 sold in the last 6 months.  That means we have about a 6 month inventory.  That is the best news we've had in a mighty long time.

Homes available under $150,000.00 only total 66 and with 157 selling in the past 6 months that leaves us with a 2.4 month supply.

If you are waiting for that great deal..well don't wait any longer.  If you are thinking about selling your place you might be in better shape than you thought.

Give us a call with any questions and Happy Mother's Day to all you out there.

Well it's true, your mama told you that and it's never been more true than in real estate.  You only get one chance to woo the buyer.

1. Front door, they say a buyer makes up their mind in a matter of seconds.  Make sure all the plants are alive and well with color if possible.  Have the front door freshly painted and clean and any windows need to sparkle.

2. Entrance, have all the lights on with the brighest possible bulbs.  Open all blinds and drapes. Remember you are inviting the buyer inside.

3. Kitchen, one of the most important rooms of the house.  Make sure all dishes are clean and put away, countertops need to be bare.

4. Master bedroom, all beds need to be made, light is very crucial in this room.

5. Outdoor space, have all the weeds pulled, grass green and rocks racked.  Let the buyer know it is easy to maintain this space.

Best of luck and call us if you have any additional questions

We'll take a break from the real estate chat today and push the Verde Valley Fair, going on now through Sunday.  It's great to see how the community gathers together for an old fashion fair.  Located off of 12th St. and Hwy 89-A, stop by and have a corn dog!  Rodeo both Saturday and Sunday, animal auction on Saturday and huge savings on Sunday noon to 6PM.

I normally do not pass along stuff I have not created but since we do not have access to the Arizona MLS system that covers Phx. I am making an exception. This is very interesting stuff and please note that what effects the valley does in fact effect us. The numbers are telling! I got this information from a Phx. broker that really tracks it so I feel certain it is 100% accurate.

Attorney General Terry Goddard is warning Arizona homeowners to be wary of official-looking advertisements claiming that a homeowner’s property qualifies for a “property tax reduction review.” This solicitation appears to be an attempt to scam homeowners who are looking to reduce their property tax bill.