The Temperatures Are Not the Only Thing Sizzling in Arizona!
We trust that your summer is going as well as can be expected with all that is going on around us. For those of you in cooler climates, be thankful! We have had several days this month with 116 in the forecast, and reached it on July 12th. We even set a new daily record temperature that day! Couple that with the humidity this time of year and we understand why some of you are snowbirds! The good news is that in approximately six weeks, we will see the weather turn.
The temperatures are not the only thing sizzling in Arizona - Our real estate market is on fire! We see the number of home sales range from 682 in 2019 to 713 in 2016, and we have been consistently somewhere between those numbers in recent years. Many think real estate stopped with the pandemic, but 342 sales this year (through June 30th) shows otherwise. We are on track and feel that there will be a great pent up demand this fall. With little to no inventory and serious buyers looking, we are seeing homes snatched up quickly, often with multiple offers. For example, we recently listed the home of a friend in Gilbert’s Finley Farms, which was priced in the sweet spot of $310,000 - we had 9 offers on day one! Some buyers are frustrated that they are writing several offers on homes before they are able to lock one in, and we are seeing the same in Sun Lakes.
Some of our Canadian friends tell us they are unsure about returning in 2020. Border restrictions and the lack of a novel coronavirus vaccine are creating a bit of concern, leading some homeowners to consider renting out their property in 2020 and waiting for more guidance as we move into 2021. We are hearing that rentals on VRBO are almost non-existent. If you are contemplating renting your home or know someone who may be interested, reach out to us. We may be able to help.
While we all long for the “good old days”, we must stay safe. Let’s follow the CDC guidelines regarding the pandemic, and do what we can to help others stay safe as well. We are here working and ready to help you with any real estate needs. Likewise, if you know of someone who could use our help, please let us know. We are happy to pick up some groceries or a prescription for those in our community who can’t or shouldn’t be out. We are in real estate, but relationships are our first priority.
Monsoon Season is Here
No doubt for those of you still here, the humidity is quite evident. This is the time of year that we start to watch the monsoon meter on our weather reports. With the arrival of the thunder, lighting, and rain we long for, we will also typically have one or more dust storms called haboobs. Driving can be treacherous if you are out and one suddenly forms. See our tips for handling dust storms
If you grew up in Arizona, part of your grade school curriculum included learning about “The Five Cs”: copper, cattle, cotton, citrus, and climate. In the early 20th century when the Grand Canyon state was founded, these resources played a vital role. Countless opportunities, including the potential to generate a great deal of wealth, were tied to them.
One such example is Colonel William Boyce Thompson, who became a millionaire many times over after finding success in copper mining. A businessman and lover of Arizona’s rugged beauty, he enlisted the help of Franklin J. Crider of the University of Arizona to establish the Boyce Thompson Arboretum (BTA). Founded in 1924, this new Pinal County destination was the state’s first such attraction and is still to this day the most expansive of its type.
The beautiful desert oasis is a pleasant surprise to any visitors expecting boring endless roadways with occasional scenic overlooks. Located just a few miles west of Superior in the foothills of Picketpost Mountain, BTA boasts features you cannot find during an ordinary state park visit.
AZWonders.com hosts a very informative webpage about Boyce Thompson Arboretum and shares the following incredible descriptions and know-before-you-go details.
Although plants are the stars of the arboretum, the place is literally crawling with critters, too. Geckos, lizards, and snakes seek shelter in the shadows. Colorful birds (including hummingbirds) flutter from trees to flowers to berries, seemingly oblivious to the stream of humans flowing through their homes. If you time your visit well, you might even see the resident Bighorn Sheep or Mule Deer surveying the landscape from atop the rocky cliffs.
- Arizona’s oldest and largest botanical garden offers over 323 acres to explore
- 3 miles of well-maintained trails wind through a spectacular desert landscape with the towering Picketpost Mountain as a backdrop
- Interspersed with tall shade trees, unique rock formations, water features, and historic buildings
- Home to more than 300 species of mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians including mule deer, javelina, fox, raccoon, skunk, squirrel and rabbits
- Much of the arboretum is wheelchair accessible
An hour drive from Sun Lakes will bring you to this beautiful escape. It is currently operating with summer hours, and we recommend planning ahead a bit and putting this on your bucket list for cooler months. For more information, visit their website: https://www.btarboretum.org/
See What Our Clients Are Saying!
“They showed us many homes, always happy and cheerful, allowing us time to consider our options.”
Harry and Linda
- Washington
We Are Committed to Helping End Polio Now!
We will donate $100 in your name to end polio around the world, when you list your home for sale with us!
You may also donate directly here
Would You Like a Free Buyer Guide or a Seller Guide?
How is the Real Estate Market?
As stated in our opening paragraph, it’s hotter than a habanero pepper! We closed 9 homes in June, and we will close 9 in July - Great sales for summer months! We’ve had calls asking if it is safe to list a home right now, and yes, it definitely is. We have implemented strategies for showings to keep both buyers and sellers safe. If you are thinking about selling, NOW is the time to capitalize on the hot market.
We’ve put together a comparison of homes sold and price appreciation for the first half of 2020 compared to the same time last year. We think you will appreciate the appreciation!
Did you know?
IronOaks has a YouTube channel where you can watch our GM John Reyhons give updates or participate in a fitness class, or even watch Karen make a specialized “drink of the day”! Check it out and stay informed about what’s going on in Ironwood and Oakwood.
Real Estate Update
Wondering about your Neighbor’s Home Sales Price? Find out here to see what sold last month. The report is broken down by HOA, address, and floor plan (if the agent listed the model in MLS).
