by JONATHAN BODEEN | Jun 1, 2015 | North Scottdale Zip Code Information, North Scottsdale News, Real Estate News
85254 – Zip Line Report
North Scottsdale zip code 85254, known as “The Magical Zip Code,” is showing that listings have increased compared to last summer but modestly. Pending Sales are up 33% over 2014 and likewise over 2013. Home sales have increased 17% and the median sales price increased 9% compared to 2014.
2015 2014 2013
Active Listings: 308 281 186
Pending Listings: 60 45 44
Sales Per Month: 77 66 104
Sales Per Year: 752 719 966
Median Price: $413k $378k $391k
85255 – Zip Line Report
One of the strongest and most popular North Scottsdale zip codes is 85255 and the recent numbers for these communities suggest it’s remaining so. For example North Scottsdale 85255 currently has 72 pending sales compared to 57 last year, an increase of 26%. Sales have likewise increased. The 2015 median sales price increase over last year is among the strongest in Scottsdale at 26%.
2015 2014 2013
Active Listings: 629 509 371
Pending Listings: 72 57 73
Sales Per Month: 86 74 91
Sales Per Year: 901 896 1045
Median Price: $765k $633k $685k
85258 – Zip Line Report
The Ranches and Lakes of Scottsdale which include McCormick Ranch, Scottsdale and Gainey Ranches, Lake Serena, Mountainviewlake, and the Bay Club is one of Scottsdale’s most attractive communities, especially if you like the colors of green and blue. Like North Scottsdale’s 85255 zip communities 2015 is having a strong sales year as well. With Pending home sales up 25% over last year and a sales increase of close to 10%, these special communities have soared in their median price – now at $601,000 compared with $520,000 in 2014 – an increase of 16%.
2015 2014 2013
Active Listings: 175 146 111
Pending Listings: 24 18 23
Sales Per Month: 42 38 36
Sales Per Year: 367 379 413
Median Price: $601K $520k $480k
85259 – Zip Line Report
Though you won’t hear it called this, the 85259 zip code is really “East” Scottsdale as it
2015 2014 2013
Active Listings: 258 230 157
Pending Listings: 36 33 39
Sales Per Month: 53 38 43
Sales Per Year: 426 425 501
Median Price: 663k $595k $530k
85260 – Zip Line Report
Perhaps North Scottsdale’s most central and (next to 85254) it’s most affordable zip code. The median price is pretty much mirroring August of last year, while sales were exactly the same from last year at 48 for the month.
2015 2014 2013
Active Listings: 222 215 145
Pending Listings: 32 33 37
Sales Per Month: 52 48 48
Sales Per Year: 524 481 579
Median Price: $447k $423k $430k
85262 – Zip Line Report
North Scottsdale’s most expensive and one of its nicest community’s, the median price is up slightly from last year. Pending listings are down slightly.
2015 2014 2013
Active Listings: 522 352 308
Pending Listings: 42 35 40
Sales Per Month: 40 32 42
Sales Per Year: 398 420 467
Median Price: $697k $740k $735k
85266 – Zip Line Report
These very popular and upscale communities which are the North of North Scottsdale, and which is home to the newest zip code being added to Scottsdale, has seen appreciation of almost 20% from one year ago. Pending sales and August sales are down slightly from one year ago.
2015 2014 2013
Active Listings: 274 150 121
Pending Listings: 32 18 20
Sales Per Month: 40 21 25
Sales Per Year: 279 268 374
Median Price: $650k $735k $620k
85253 (Paradise Valley) – Zip Line Report
The Valley’s most upscale, prestigious, and expensive town currently has 274 homes for sales compared to 150 one year ago. That’s interesting because usually when you get that much of an inventory increase, prices tend to go down. Not so in this case. Pending sales are way up (32 vs 18).
The median sales price is currently $1,450,000 – up a whopping 17% from one year ago.
2015 2014 2013
Active Listings: 423 301 258
Pending Listings: 38 19 24
Sales Per Month: 37 22 30
Sales Per Year: 338 352 386
Median Price: $1,450k $1.235k $1.270k
85268 (Fountain Hills) – Zip Line Report
Scottsdale’s most immediate eastern neighbor is accurately named for its mountain slopes and town fountain. For those wanting a small town feel, it doesn’t get much better than here.
2015 2014 2013
Active Listings: 175 236 193
Pending Listings: 24 21 27
Sales Per Month: 42 32 43
Sales Per Year: 367 450 531
Median Price: $601k $369k $375k
85331 (Town of Cave Creek) – Zip Line Report
Cave Creek has done a great job of standing strong in value. The median sales price of $424,000 for August is up 13% from 2013 and pending sales are about the same as last year too.
2015 2014 2013
Active Listings: 366 292 243
Pending Listings: 55 58 59
Sales Per Month: 75 56 61
Sales Per Year: 664 609 697
Median Price: $420k $424k $375k
85377 (Carefree) – Zip Line Report
The delightful and small town of Carefree is almost too small to accurately compare year to year stats. Having stated that, sales are slightly up from August 2014 at 60 – this compared to 115 one year ago. The median sales price brings one word to mind: BARGAIN!
2015 2014 2013
Active Listings: 122 114 92
Pending Listings: 18 6 12
Sales Per Month: 12 6 14
Sales Per Year: 77 87 104
Median Price: $689k $642k $773k
85086 (Anthem – North Phoenix) – Zip Line Report
Welcome to newer homes with beautiful mountain views in an unspoiled north Phoenix environment. These communities are the bargains of the north valley. Prices are affordable and only a 30 minute drive time to Sky Harbor Airport. Inventory is down from last year, pending sales are up dramatically (61%) from one year ago and the median sales price has increased by 8%.
2015 2014 2013
Active Listings: 307 376 281
Pending Listings: 106 66 101
Sales Per Month: 98 96 122
Sales Per Year: 948 936 1273
Median Price: $297k $275k $275k
*With thanks to Michael Orr and the Cromford Report for the Statistics used.
by MICHAEL BODEEN | Apr 20, 2015 | Bodeen Team Blog, Buying a Home, Real Estate News, Selling a Home
Although not great news for Phoenician buyers, sellers and prospective sellers of single family homes across the Valley can start their happy dance. For the monthly period ending April 15th, the Valley’s prices have moved up 2.1(% since March 15th. The new average sales price per SqFt is 133.49 averaged for all areas and types of housing across the MLS database, which is what we refer to as “the Valley.” Last month it measured $130.70. This is on top of a 1% increase from mid-February to mid-March.
Other indicators are also falling into line to bolster the continued strengthening of what might soon be a very active Seller’s market:
Current Listings: 22,574 One Month Ago: 22,934 (1% Drop)
Pending Listings: 8375 “ 8,048 (4% Increase)
Sales Per Month: 8368 “ 6655 (26% Increase)
Avg Market Time: 88 Days “ 95 Days (7% Drop)
Pending Sales PSF: $138* “ $134 (3% Increase)
Months of Supply: 3.3 “ 4.2 (21% Drop)
*PSF = Price Per SqFt
Based on a number of stats, including the Pending Sales price per SqFt, we can, with relative certainty see that the May report will have another bounce in values. Aside from the obvious negative buyer ramifications of rising values, further property increases will continue to release more homeowners to be able to sell who have still been underwater (home value less than mortgage debt).
by MICHAEL BODEEN | Apr 13, 2015 | Bodeen Team Blog, Buying a Home, Real Estate News, Relocation, Selling a Home
Besides some recent evidence that Millennial buyers are moving off the buying sidelines onto the real estate playing field, another block of mostly idled buyers, known as MUBs, (Move-Up-Buyers) may now be suiting up to play as well. If so, our market will continue to heat up – even more.
MUBs will be a large number of new buyers that will fill in the buying blanks of higher price ranges above those of the millennials who would typically be buying in the more affordable lower price ranges.
MUBs have been mostly inactive due to a foreclosure or short sale or not having enough equity in their home to close the sale without having to write a check. A rising market and improved credit are enabling this new freedom. As mentioned in past blogs these previous homeowners get released from the “penalty box” starting this year and will continue for an additional 2-3 years following 2015.
Importantly also is the current willingness of sellers to accept offers from buyers “contingent” on the sale of their existing home. You can thank a healthy and normalized market for that.
How do we know this is happening? Take a look at Michael Orr’s (ASU) recent Cromford Report chart comparing normal non-distressed sales under contract today (April 13th) compared with the same date last year in 2014. We can see where demand is highest:
| Price Range |
Under Contract |
Annual Growth |
| Under $100K |
587 |
-6% |
| $100K-$150K |
1771 |
+5% |
| $150K-$200K |
2440 |
+33% |
| $200K-$300K |
2940 |
+29% |
| $300K-$400K |
1389 |
+41% |
| $400K-$500K |
660 |
+35% |
| $500K-$600K |
329 |
+44% |
| $500K-$800K |
287 |
+14% |
| $800K-$1M |
118 |
+10% |
| $1M-$1.5M |
122 |
+7% |
| $1.5M-$2M |
60 |
+7% |
| $2M-$3M |
33 |
-23% |
| Over $3M |
32 |
+115% |
|
Interesting enough the lower ranges are down, but this is due to lack of inventory. Under contract homes from $150,000 to $600,000 pricing have enormously increased. The $300,000 to $600,000 (move up range) and even the $600,000 to $1,000,000 range all are experiencing double digit increases. And the market with the largest increase? Amazingly it’s over $3 Million.
For sellers, the good news continues. For buyers, the prices you see today, will be soon changing upwards. And if that happens, you’ll have the MUB’s to thank – or curse.
by MICHAEL BODEEN | Apr 6, 2015 | Bodeen Team Blog, Buying a Home, Real Estate News, Selling a Home
Son and business partner, Jonathan got his first live taste on the state of the buyer’s market out there making an offer on he and Sarah’s first home. He is one of those millennials that will practice what we’ve been preaching which is to get off the sidelines and start looking. You’ll have to tune in later to find the outcome, but suffice to say, the house they made an offer on within two days had two other offers on it. He’s learning first-hand about multiple offers and buying strategy. Oh yea, and home buying emotions.
…regular home buyers are leading the surge rather than investors. This may yet change, but currently it’s a stronger and safer market.
Considering what’s happening in the market-place, it’s no surprise. As we’ve been suggesting for several months and likewise advocating for buyers longer than that, buyer’s need to take action if they want in on the current bottom of the market, for it is moving forward and upward.
Consider These Market Stats:
- Active Listings: 19,835 versus 23,096 last year – down 14.1% – and down 6.0% from 21,103 last month
- Under Contract Listings: 10,039 versus 8,173 last year – up 22.8% – and up 16.4% from 8,628 last month
- Monthly Sales: 7,174 versus 5,825 last year – up 23.2% – and up 38.8% from 5,170 last month
- Monthly Average Sales Price per Sq. Ft.: $134.78 versus $135.18 last year – down 0.3% – but up 0.6% from $134.04 last month (Prospective Buyers, memorize this number)
- Monthly Median Sales Price: $207,000 versus $198,050 last year – up 4.5% – and up 2.0% from $203,000 last month (Prospective Buyers, memorize this number). (Thanks to Michael Orr of ASU and the Cromford Report for these timely numbers)
You’ll note our highlighted instruction above for buyers to memorize the Monthly Average Sales Price per square foot and Monthly Median Sales Price. I think these numbers will be a new price appreciation benchmark, as they will begin to rise considerably shortly due to increasing sales, (demand) and further supply decrease. Another Caveat Emptor (Buyer Beware).
What’s so healthy about this market versus our frenetic market in 2005, is that right now, regular home buyers are leading the surge rather than investors. This may yet change, but currently it’s a stronger and safer market. Amen to that!
Oh and by the way buyers, the standard 30 year fixed rate mortgage, has just dropped to a two year low at 3.71%.
by MICHAEL BODEEN | Mar 30, 2015 | Bodeen Team Blog, Buying a Home, Real Estate News, Realtors
You’ve done your home selling research. You’ve got a fairly good idea about what your home is worth. You’ve even found a neighborhood you’d love to live in, and the numbers work. But, how do you get from here to there? Your Realtor has told you that not all sellers are willing to take a sales contingency – and by the way, your Realtor is right! So where does that leave you? Homeless? Quickly buying a home that you might not be happy with? Renting between your sale and purchase and having to move twice? Or finding the perfect home and closing within your allotted escrow period, needing only one move.
Here are some tips to help put this puzzle together, as you begin down the Sell/Buy road. Our assumption is that you can’t buy the next home until you sell the current one. And remember the goal should be finding the home you want.
Tip #1: Determine your worst case sell/buy scenario and decide if you can live with that. That worst case scenario may be that you close escrow on your home but you haven’t found the right home to buy so you will need to live in rental/apartment/family for a few months, or longer. That’s a double move, but believe it or not it has strong advantages. If you can swallow the worst case, then list your home and get ready for the ride.
Tip #2: When you’re negotiating your current home sale, try for a longer close. If the buyer wants 30-45 days to close, ask for 60. This can provide you a solid month or thereabouts to find the right home. And get yourself pre-approved with a good lender. This will go a long way in your new home negotiations.
Real World: The chances are way stacked against you that you will find a willing seller who will allow a contingency sale without you having your home in escrow. Even then, they will want to know how well seasoned the escrow is, like have the buyer and seller already negotiated inspection repair requests? Has the home been appraised? Other contingencies? (By the way, the caveat to the willing home seller is family, friends, or some new home builders)
Tip #3: Once your current home is in escrow, and you’re through the inspection process, now you can make an offer contingent on the close of escrow of your home. Most sellers will consider this type of contingency. Your Realtor and lender must be ready to make a strong documented case of your ability to close the next home. In other words, they need to “sell” the seller and seller’s agent.
Tip #4: Be willing to rent or move in with family. Renting, although a pain to have to move twice can put you in a strong negotiation position of not having a contingency. If you can find a month to month or short term lease, or a family member to temporarily live with after you close your current home, this will greatly enhance your chances of getting the right house at the right price. If possible avoid a long term lease.
Real World Example: We just closed on this very situation. A family of four had outgrown their home and were looking for a new one in 85254. When we sat down to go over their options, they mentioned that they were prepared to live with relatives nearby if need be. Well we quickly got their home under contract and through the inspection period. Then, an unbelievable home came on the market for a smoking price and they jumped for it. Because they were ready and gave a strong offer to the seller, the deal went together. They did need to move twice, but because the new home needed carpet and paint they had the luxury of being able to wait a few weeks to move in while it is being done. They couldn’t be happier.
And at the end of the day, getting the right home is the final piece of the puzzle.
by MICHAEL BODEEN | Mar 23, 2015 | Bodeen Team Blog, Buying a Home, Real Estate News
If you’re reading current local real estate news reports regarding home sales and price increases of those sales, you’ll see it being lackluster at best. As we’ve been reporting recently however, sales are trending upwards based on Pending Sales, which are the most accurate current sales evaluation we can work with. Appraisers only use closed sales for their evaluations. Some Realtors who are using Cromford Report-like data such as we’re using, have the flexibility of real time analysis.
If we compare pending homes in the Greater Phoenix Metro area, (excluding distressed properties) we’re finding significant sales increases compared to the same period of time last year.
With just a few exceptions, most price ranges are showing strong year to date sales increases with the largest percentage increase being in the Luxury Market $3,000,000 plus category.
When homes are trending well for sellers, they’re trending downward for buyers. Sales prices are starting to rise again. Buyers will be getting less house for the money and that seems to be across the price spectrum.
Interestingly enough, two of the lowest sales price ranges are under $125,000. The reason for that is that these price ranges have much fewer homes for sale this year versus last. (See the Cromford generated chart below)
The highest priced sale this year in the Phoenix Metro area is $8,000,000. There are currently 31 homes listed for sale above this amount, the highest being priced at $32,000,000.
So what’s our takeaway? Same-ole that we’ve been saying for quite a while now. When homes are trending well for sellers, they’re trending downward for buyers. Sales prices are starting to rise again. Buyers will be getting less house for the money and that seems to be across the price spectrum. It looks like buyers are catching on and that’s a good thing!
Check out the Chart below to get a good idea as to our changing market:
| Rank |
Price Range |
Under Contract 3/18/14 |
Under Contract 3/18/15 |
% Change |
| 1 |
$3M and over |
11 |
25 |
127% |
| 2 |
$350K to $400K |
392 |
593 |
51% |
| 3 |
$225K to $250K |
594 |
869 |
46% |
| 4 |
$250K to $275K |
441 |
613 |
39% |
| 5 |
$175K to $200K |
822 |
1,137 |
38% |
| 6 |
$300K to $350K |
537 |
717 |
34% |
| 7 |
$200K to $225K |
594 |
793 |
34% |
| 8 |
$150K to $175K |
890 |
1,184 |
33% |
| 9 |
$275K to $300K |
450 |
589 |
31% |
| 10 |
$600K to $800K |
220 |
285 |
30% |
| 11 |
$400K to $500K |
465 |
601 |
29% |
| 12 |
$500K to $600K |
225 |
283 |
26% |
| 13 |
$125K to $150K |
927 |
1.148 |
24% |
| 14 |
$1M to $1.5M |
109 |
125 |
15% |
| 15 |
Up to $100K |
602 |
620 |
3% |
| 16 |
$100K to $125K |
559 |
567 |
1% |
| 17 |
$2M to $3M |
38 |
38 |
0% |
| 18 |
$1.5M to $2M |
54 |
53 |
-2% |
| 19 |
$800K to $1M |
124 |
115 |
-7% |
Thanks again to Michael Orr (Cromford Report) of the ASU School of Business and Real Estate for permission to provide you, our clients, with this excellent information found nowhere else in such clarity and detail.
