As I sit here once again calling expired listings day after day I genuinely feel sorry for the sellers who did not sell and could have sold had they just done a few simple things different.  Most of these suggestions should be done in any market.  However, in our current market it is imperative to do the right things the first time.  I have literally seen home prices drop $30,000- 100,000 or more in the last two years. I just wish simple suggestions would be taken more serious.  Sometimes the simplest thing can end up costing thousands of $$$.      I have come to the conclusion that most people list their home for sale based on emotion and not on the facts.  That is hard for me as an analytical person, especially when I have seen the amount of $$$$ lost stack up for some people.  As ... 10/15/2007

If you live in Kingswood Parke have you noticed the fresh paint being applied to the community walls? This project is nearing completion in the front section of the community with a lighter color paint than was original used. The HOA is utilizing association dues to clean, fix and maintain the beauty of this community. Also, new green wrought iron fence graces the top of several walls and there will be more new fence on additional walls in  the weeks ahead. Even if you haven't noticed, the ducks have and they appreciate the brighter fresh look! 10/12/2007

All over the country we here that it is a "buyers" market. However, as I was pondering the market conditions  and those words I asked myself, self, "if it is a buyers market and no one, or very few are buying, is it a buyers market?"  Last week in the Phoenix market we had over 57,000 homes for sale and yes, there were sales of over 3.000 so people are buying. But the ratio is very small.I just find the words we use interesting at times and if we stop to think about them they can make us smile. OK, well they make me smile. I'm sure if you asked the majority of the people whose homes have been listed for six months or more they would "dispute"the buyers market term I hear them say, "if it is a buyers market, where are the buyers." That is where our professional expertise and knowledge co... 10/12/2007

I'm sure all of you have been there but I just have to laugh and wonder what people are thinking in today's market. An HOA property manager referred a potential client to me to either sell her house or to lease it for her. I contacted Mrs. Jones (name changed to protect the guilty) and offered my services. She lives in Florida but has a home in Surprise, Arizona. We discussed the market and I told her I would do some comparables for her on both leasing and selling, which I did, and then called back the next day to give her the information. She had told me she had a friend that had put a for sale sign and for lease sign in the yard for them. I drove by to see the home and sure enough the two signs were in the yard. I gave Mrs. Jones the price I know the home should be listed for; $245,00... 10/11/2007

The community of Kingswood Park in Surprise, Arizona is home to a local weather station. Weather information is gathered at a home using the powerful LaCrosse 2310TWC which is mounted in the home owners backyard and is updated every 5 minutes to www.weathersurprise.com. This is a fun and informational site that will keep you posted on current conditions for your outdoor activities. Check it out and have fun! 10/11/2007

The City of Surprise, Arizona has completed a new public tennis facility at 14469 W. Paradise Lane. This complex is 15 acres of state-of-the-art racquet facilities featuring 25 tennis courts, 17 of which are lighted for night use, and a center court with a potential seating capacity of 10,000 spectators.There is a spacious 9,200 square foot clubhouse with two indoor racquetball courts, a table tennis area, meeting rooms, a retail pro-shop and snack bar.Classes are offered for every skill level or if you just want to find out what tennis is all about. Hours for this gorgeous new facility are Monday - Sunday 7:30 AM - 9 PM September through May. For more information you can contact the facility at 623-222-2400. 10/10/2007

  The city of Surprise has decided to raise water rates for the Countryside Homeowners association.  They have converted the account from residential to commercial which will result in a huge increase in Countryside HOA fees.  This also would mean that the Countryside HOA would owe the city $68,653.00 in back billing.  That in turn would mean a raise in the HOA fees for the residents of Countryside along with the possibility of a special assessment from each Countryside Homeowner.    The Countryside HOA has found out that he majority of water companies charge associations a lower or residential rate.  The City of Surprise is not backing down.  There is a City Council meeting on Thursday October 11th, 2007 at 6:00pm at the Surprise City Hall Council Chambers, 12425 W Bell Rd, Suite D100.... 10/10/2007

Kingswood Park is a gorgeous community in the Northwest part of Phoenix. The many water features are home to ducks and other fowl. Please, when you go by the water watch out for the ducks! When you get to the stop sign the ducks have the right of way! Seriously, if you haven't been to this quiet community it is a treat with all the beautiful common area, play ground equipment, walking and bike trails. For a treat visit Kingswood Park and enjoy nature at it's finest. 10/09/2007

The new security pool fence at Ashton Ranch pool number 2 is in the final stages of completion. This approved 8 foot high security fence will help to keep the pool area from unwanted damaged caused by vandals. Damage to the three pools in the Ashton Ranch Community has been extensive in the past two years and now with the increased police patrols and design changes that trend has been reversed. Ashton Ranch is one of the ONLY communities to have three pools with three hot tubs for the residents pleasure. Please make certain that when you enjoy the amenities that you follow the rules and keep the facilities nice for your neighbors. 10/09/2007

On another post for Surprise, Arizona we learn that 1 in 18 houses were sold last month. What does that mean to you if you want to sell your home? It means that the Realtor you choose is extremely important. Anyone can list a home, all it takes is filling out the paperwork and most every agent can put it on the Arizona Multi List Service (MLS).80% of home buyers start their search on the Internet according to the National Association of Realtors. So, what exposure are you getting from your prospective agent? Do they have web pages, blogs, feature listings on Realtor.com, Voicepad, and will your property be listed on every major search engine there is available to find a home to showcase your property? Exposure alone won't help an overpriced home and so the listing price should be as acc... 10/08/2007

Hello again,   I hope all is going well.  Just wanted to bring everyone up to date on current market conditions in our lovely city of Surprise.  Well, we had 133 homes sell last month while 213 expired.  Currently we have 2394 Active listings with 153 currently pending.  Basically that means 1 in 18 homes sold.  Which is the average overall valley wide.  If you would like to have personalized market information sent directly to you please visit: www.theoasisteam.com         10/08/2007

Does your community sponsor a "free" movie night on a huge screen? The City of Surprise, Arizona has 3 or 4 of these nights a year. It is a great family outing at the Surprise Stadium, spring training home of the Texas Rangers and Kansas City Royals. They open the field and anyone can come, throw a blanket on the ground and watch a family film shown on the huge outfield screen. The gates open at 6 PM and the movies starts around 6:30 PM. They open the concession stands if you want to purchase food or you can bring your own and picnic on the stadium floor. The next movie night is October 18, which is a Thursday evening. It is fun for the whole family with food and a movie in the fresh air in the beautiful Arizona weather. Can you guess what the next movie is in Surprise? 10/07/2007

Surprise is now home of The Heard Museum West. In partnership with the City of Surprise, the museum renowned permanent collection and incredible programming is now in the West Valley.Heard Museum West offers an exhibition gallery showcasing more than 400 works of art from the Heard's permanent collection The museum has a changing exhibition space as well. The location also provides classroom spaces for lectures, films and discussions.The hours for this wonderful exhibit are 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM Tuesday through Sunday. It is closed all day Monday. School or group tours are available by calling 602-251-0213. Surprise is lucky to have such a world renowned museum in our community so take advantage of the wonderful art and exhibits throughout the year.  10/04/2007

Recycling is a good idea for everyone and the City of Surprise makes it easy to do so. Following are a list of locations:*Paper, cardboard:  Paradise Education Center at 15533 W. Paradise Lane*Paper, telephone books:  Surprise City Hall at 12425 W. Bell Road*Paper, Aluminum, cardboard:  Surprise Regional Library at 16089 N. Bullard Avenue*Aluminum:  Fry's Food Store at Reems and Bell RoadsLocations that accept GlassClear, green and brown bottles and jars with no lids only; labels OK - Behind Freed's Furniture, 107th and Peoria AvenuesWe can all do our part to keep the City of Surprise the best in the Valley of the Sun.If you are thinking of listing your home or buying a new one contact me for surprise information: www.sellingedge-azre.com or http://gaylen.typepad.com. 10/03/2007

Did you know that Surprise has made an agreement with the Northwest Valley Chamber of Commerce to create the "new" Surprise Chamber of Commerce?The City Council's vote to approve this action means that the City will be able to better serve the business's in Surprise. Did you know, there are over 500 home-based business in Surprise, population just over 100,000 and growing.The new Chamber wants to launch new initiatives that would provide local business with a voice in the region to help preserve Luke A.F.B. and establish legislative affairs connection.  This partnership with the Northwest Valley will allow Surprise to take advantage and expand on te good work started by that Chamber. 10/03/2007

After the purchase of the old Daimler-Chrysler Automotive Proving Grounds around Dove Valley Road and 211 Avenue, a General Plan was put before the Surprise City Council concerning the use and zoning. In December of 2005 the Surprise City Council approved the General Plan for this area which changed the land use designation from airport preservation, rural residential and proving grounds to a mixture of employment, commercial, high-density residential, medium/high-density residential, medium-density residential, lower-density residential and suburban residential classification. This is a wonderful change because it shows a responsible plan to manage growth while respecting the desert and lifestyle. It does reflect a change in he coming housing market in Surprise. Not to worry though, as... 10/03/2007

Did you know that Surprise is home to one of the teams in the Arizona Fall Baseball League? If you are a baseball fan and can't get enough then the Arizona Fall League is for you. The league is comprised of six teams: the Scottsdale Scorpions, Mesa Solar Sox, Peoria Saguaros, Phoenix Desert Dogs, Peoria Javelinas and Grand Canyon Rafters. These club names were picked by Major League Baseball as reflective of the Southwestern desert traditions in the state. The games are played in the beautiful Spring Training stadiums used by the Giants, Mariners, Padres, Cubs, A's, Royals and Rangers. As the regular season winds down and all eyes are on the post-season, the Fall League is getting ready to begin. The two-month experience sharpens skills and gets players ready to participate in the big l... 10/02/2007

Hello again,    I just wanted to give an update as to what is happening in the market.  Last month 3426 homes sold in the Phoenix area.  138 of those were in Surprise.    There are currently 57,209 homes active in the Phoenix area.  2356 of those are in Surprise.  We also have 153 homes that are currently pending in Surprise.    So, what does all of this mean.  Nothing if you are not selling.  However, if you are selling it means price your home right the first time.  Don't get overly excited because a Realtor tells you they can get you $20,000 more than another Realtor told you.  They are either lying, have been hibernating (and don't have a clue) or are buying your listing (lying).  It is never fun to price a home correct in a declining market, but then again neither is loosing tens o... 10/01/2007

For those of you who do not know there is a new skatepark being put in at the community center, right next to dreamcatcher park.  This is a much needed recreation facility for the kids.Right now the city is deciding  on what  to do about the fight between skaters and bmx'ers.  They are thinking about rotating days for each group.  Other cities are dealing with the same issue and Surprise is trying to resolve this before it is built.  Do you have an opinion?  Will rotating days work?  Is there a better way?  let's hear about it.  No solid plans yet for the new park in Surprise Farms, I will keep you posted.  Have a great weekend. DD 09/26/2007

Of course I am talking about prices.  In particular the prices of homes in Surprise.  I hate to be Mr. doom and gloom and I hope I am wrong but we may very well see prices back to where they were before our boom.    My family sold our home and we bought another earlier this year.  Just a few years back we had refinanced our home for around $154,000, (we paid $119,000 6 1/2 years ago.)  Then the boom hit and the price of our home went up as high as $250,000 or so.  Prices began to drop and we sold at the right time for us.  Just looked at MLS and found our former home pending for $14,000 less then we sold for.  Thats a $5,000 a month drop on that particular home.  $35,000 away from when we refinanced.     I remember last year working with several of my listings in Surprise and I could ha... 09/25/2007