I've been wondering, why don't you hear about regular old haunted houses in the Phoenix metro area? Is it because the area is too new? Perhaps ghosts don't like the heat? Or maybe the banks have repossessed their homes?
There are some hotels that claim to have some spirit guests, but you just don't hear about haunted houses. Maybe Arizona is where ghosts go to vacation, but they just don't want to live here?
In the Midwest, every town had it's share of so-called haunted houses. Ok, don't think I'm weird...but I may actually have lived in one in Kenosha, WI. I'm not into mysticism, but there were definitely some spooky occurrences that took place in my 60 year old house where I lived alone with my little dog, Merffy.
Like the night Merffy acted like he was watching a fly buzz around his head. Then he jumped off the couch, ran to the foot of the stairs and sat there looking up the stairs to the darkened second floor. I was mildly interested watching his escapades. After about 30 seconds his tennis ball came bouncing down the stairs on it's own. He picked it up, tail wagging while waiting expectantly looking up the stairway. I sat frozen in place, heart racing for several minutes before I got up the courage to go upstairs. Stomping loudly up the stairs (thinking i would scare the ghost?) turning on all the lights and, heart still pounding, looking under the beds. Nothing ever explained it, so I gave my ghost a name, Henry.
How 'bout the time I was sitting at the dining room table eating a bowl of cereal and I heard something fall in the kitchen. Henry had apparently sent me a gift from beyond as a coin came rolling across the wood floor and stopped at my feet. It was a silver quarter dated 1959, the year I was born (no snide age comments here ~ thank you very much). And no, I've never done drugs.
The haunted house stories still intrigue me. Stories of unrequited love and death that came too soon, but then I've always leaned a little towards the creepy side. Like, I really love old cemeteries. The older the better. They're quiet, nicely landscaped and a great place to meditate on a sunny spring day. But, I digress...
People do die in Arizona, but I guess their ghosts have better places to go. Maybe we need to start importing some ghosts. I think a friendly ghost would be a nice selling feature for some of these vacant homes. Something unique that nobody else has.
I read a story about a company selling Ghosts in a Bottle. No kidding. I guess you can buy a bottle filled with a ghost that has been captured from a haunted place by a "Ghost Hunter". The bottles are sealed for your own protection of course, but who just wants a bottle of ghost. Of course you HAVE to open it.
The website does not recommend opening the bottle however, and says if you do you may experience one or more of the following:
Wait a minute...maybe we do have haunted houses in Arizona. We call them short sales.
It's pretty well-known that Maricopa has been hit hard by the housing crisis. Many of the homes in Maricopa were built at the peak of the sub-prime loan and housing price bubble which created the perfect storm for crash of the real estate market in this community located about 20 miles south of Phoenix. Queen Creek holds the #2 spot for distressed sales made up of REO's (Lender owned) and short sales.
On the other end of the spectrum, Sun Lakes which is an active adult community is the least affected at #10, with Paradise Valley holding the #9 spot.
Here are the most recent numbers showing how each community in the East and Southeast part of the Valley are being affected by Foreclosures and Short Sale Market based on homes currently active in the Arizona Regional MLS.
| #1 Maricopa ~ 70% of all homes for sale are distressed | ||
| Short Sales | 54% | |
| REO | 16% | |
| #2 Queen Creek ~ 60% of all homes for sale are distressed | ||
| Short Sales | 44% | |
| REO | 16% | |
| #3 Gilbert Homes for Sale ~ 48% of all homes for sale are distressed | ||
| Short Sales | 37% | |
| REO | 11% | |
| #4 Mesa ~ 46% of all homes sale are distressed | ||
| Short Sales | 29% | |
| REO | 17% | |
| #5 Chandler ~ 43% of all homes for sale are distressed | ||
| Short Sales | 30% | |
| REO | 13% | |
| #6 Ahwatukee ~ 33% of all homes for sale are distressed | ||
| Short Sales | 25% | |
| REO | 8% | |
| #7 Tempe ~ 30% of all homes for sale are distressed | ||
| Short Sales | 22% | |
| REO | 8% | |
| #8 Scottsdale ~ 21% of all homes for sale are distressed | ||
| Short Sales | 14% | |
| REO | 7% | |
| #9 Paradise Valley ~ 11% of all homes for sale are distressed | ||
| Short Sales | 8% | |
| REO | 3% | |
| #10 Sun Lakes ~ 8% of all homes for sale are distressed | ||
| Short Sales | 5% | |
| REO | 3% |
*statistic obtained 9/15/2009.
I've represented several Canadians looking for a second home in Arizona. What Canadians, as well as most vacation home buyers, are looking for is more than a home, it's a lifestyle.
Many vacation home buyers don't realize this up front, but through a series of discussions and touring various communities, it becomes crystal clear. Yes, they're coming here for the sunshine, but most want want more than a roof, four walls and a pool. Most want one or more of the following:
Once we've visited Sun Lakes along with several of the other communities in the area, almost always, buyers pick Sun Lakes. Most of the area active adult communities offer the lifestyle, but one word says it al about Sun Lakesl...Location, location, location. Ok, that was 3.
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My first visit to Joe's Farm Grill in Gilbert was a pleasant surprise. It was Grandma and Grandpa day on Saturday, movies and a trip to Joe's topped the list for me, papa TJ & the grandsons.
Joe's Farm Grill is situated in the midst of Agritopia, a community that reminds me of my Midwest roots and after reflecting about missing the Midwest seasons in my post a couple days ago, this was just the ticket.
What I liked most about Joe's wasn't the food, though it was a great hot dog. It was the picnic tables set
amidst the shade of the towering fruit trees. It was a little warm (about 102...but it's a dry heat), but if I didn't think about it, I could almost imagine I was sitting in a park back home.
Joe's is a "walk up to the window and order" type of restaurant and you'll get a buzzer that lets you know when your order is ready. Now you really can't think about fat content when you're eating at Joes because I think beef hot dogs are the specialty.
In fact, there's a special each day during the "dog days of summer" consisting of 2 creative options. During our visit the hot dog special of the day was either the Buffalo Dog or the Cordon Bleu Dog (We really wanted to try the Trailer Park Dog that comes with potato chips on top, but that wasn't on the menu on Saturday).
So, TJ tried the Buffalo Dog, Ethan and I opted for a regular dog (after he informed me he no longer orders off the kid menu) and Brennan had the Kid's Corn Dog Bites. The food was yummy but the best part was watching Brennan climb trees and throw grapefruit at inanimate objects. Good times during the dog days of summer in the desert.
Monday Market Update for Sun Lakes, Arizona
There are currently 211 homes for sale in Sun Lakes.
List prices range from $75,000 for a 1296sf 2 bedroom, 2 bath manufactured home in Sun Lakes #1 to $850,000 for a 2-story home with a pool on a golf course lot in Oakwood.
There are 5 Lender-Owned homes for sale and 8 homes listed as Short Sales.
There are 41 homes that are under "pending" and of those 1 is Lender-Owned and 9 are Short Sales.
22 homes sold during the month of August , 2 were Lender-Owned and 1 was a Short Sale.
There is currently about an 9.5 month's supply of homes for sale in Sun Lakes.
Amy Jones is a Realtor and Sun Lakes Resident. Representing buyers and sellers in the Sun Lakes area. Visit www.AmySellsAZ.com or www.SunLakesBlog.com for more information.
Realtor, ABR, CNE, EPro, CDPE ~ Specializing in Chandler, Sun Lakes, Gilbert, Tempe & surrounding East Valley. "It's like working with your best friend." www.AmySellsAZ.com
I have been a full time Realtor, specializing in the Chandler, Gilbert, Tempe and Sun Lakes areas since 2001.
I was ranked the #3 RE/Max Agent in the Southwest Region of Arizona, Nevada & New Mexico in May of 2008. Despite 2008 being one of the worst years for real estate sales in decades, I earned the Platinum Award for Sales Excellence in 2008 which was presented to only 4% of RE/Max Agents worldwide in 2008. I was recently named one of the top 50 Real Estate Agents by the Phoenix Business Journal (July 2009).
You don't win awards by being substandard, however, all the awards aside, what's most important to me is exceeding my clients' expectations, which is why so many of my customers are referred to me by past clients.
A comment from just one of my happy sellers:
"Amy did in 6 weeks what another agent couldn't do in 6 months. She sold our home! On top of it all, she made it an enjoyable experience, something I can't say about the other agent. We will definitely be referring her to anyone who is thinking about selling their home!" Kelvin & Wendy Shasteen
Comments like that mean more to me than any award and it's the reason I do what I do.
I specialize in residential, vacation homes, Active Adult communities, retirement and relocation, representing buyers and sellers in the Phoenix East Valley.
"Working with Amy is like working with your best friend. She always watches out for your best interests and loves to laugh, which makes the whole transaction a fun experience. We were actually a little sad when we closed on our dream home and knew we wouldn't be spending those times together anymore. Why would anyone want to work with any other Realtor?" Derek & Denise Gorder
What is my real secret to success? Simple. God, good friends and the love of my family.
My mission is to consistently provide the highest quality, most innovative, and exceptional real estate service available anywhere in the Phoenix area while specializing in the Maricopa East Valley Communities of Chandler, Gilbert, Mesa, Scottsdale, Sun Lakes, Tempe, and Ahwatukee; and the Northern Pinal communities in Queen Creek and Maricopa. If you're looking for a moutain retreat, now also serving the White Mountain area including Show Low & Pinetop!
My clients' needs always come first. I will strive to always provide value far in excess of my clients' expectations. My constant goal is mutual respect, and long term relationships that are beneficial to all parties.
I will be positive, helpful, and enthusiastic at all times - always focusing on solutions, not challenges. I will take care of business first and foremost, but we will have fun as a "team" and enjoy ourselves in the process.
I will run a clean, organized, and efficient operation, and always adhere to the highest standards of integrity and ethical business practices.
I will never rest on my accomplishments. I will constantly strive to create, develop, and implement new ideas, strategies, and services that will benefit my clients. I will continue to seek continuing education in all aspects of my business to increase the level of service I offer my clients. I will maintain an up-to-date knowledge base on current trends and real estate activities in and the entire Maricopa East Valley as well as Northern Pinal County and the White Mountain areas of Show Low & Pinetop.
Core Values
Achievements & Awards
July 2009 ~ Named one of the Top 50 Real Estate Agents (Number 37 to be exact!) by Phoenix Business Journal.
April 2009 ~ Multi-Million Dollar Producer Award by the Southeast Valley Regional Association of Realtors (SEVRAR) for her production in 2008. Out of over 9500 Members of SEVRAR, only 66 Realtors received this award.
February 2009 ~ RE/Max Platinum Award for Sales Excellence in 2008. This is the second highest level of recogniation awarded by the RE/Max International Organization and was presented to only 4% of RE/Max Agents worldwide in 2008.
May 2008 ~ RE/Max Achievement Award as the #3 Agent in the Southwest Region which includes Arizona, Nevada & New Mexico.
A is for awesome. A is for amazing, and A is for Amy Jones, the best Realtor in Arizona! I was so lucky to have found Amy 2 years ago to help with the purchase of my condo. She made the transaction seamless. When I decided to buy a different house a few months ago, it was only natural to call on Amy. Within a few days my condo was listed, and within a couple of weeks we had a sale - a full price offer! Amy knew exactly how to price my property in keeping with today's competitive market. Amy also assisted me with the purchase of my new house, for which I will forever be grateful. In all of the buying and selling negotiations, Amy acted as my spokesperson, my advocate and my advisor. She took the time to know what I was looking for, and truly represented me during the entire process. I would recommend Amy to anyone who is looking for a friendly, honest and professional real estate agent. Trust me - she will be your real estate agent for life! ~ Mira Radovich, Tempe
"What can I say about Amy that hasn't already been said? She made my first home-buying experience an absolute pleasure! I was moving to the Arizona area from out of state, and by holding my hand through every step of the progression, Amy eliminated any of the normal stress and concern over such a life-changing purpose. She even succeeded in making it enjoyable! Amy cheerfully and patiently answered every question I had as a first-time buyer, explaining in a simple and understandable way the paperwork and the process. As a teacher myself, I really appreciated that. Furthermore, she went "above and beyond" by helping me look at neighborhoods that were normally outside of her typical areas of familiarity. That extra effort paid off, as we found a beautiful home in Queen Creek that I show off with pride. Thanks Amy!" ~Joe Fortunato, Queen Creek
"Amy was extremely helpful and understood that we were "just looking" with little interest in actually buying. She spent time with us over the phone, in email, at her office and was helpful and gracious at every moment. She was especially helpful when we found the home of our dreams and she helped streamline the occasionally excruciating process of the home purchase. As I was referred to her, I would refer her to everyone in need of an excellent Realtor!" ~ Aaron, Carrie and Jordan Schmidt, Chandler
"We decided to relocate to Arizona as our daughter was an ASU graduate and decided this is where she and her husband would live, work and raise their family. We would visit them and always comment "what are we doing living in the snow and cold?". So, after many years we narrowed down to the Chandler area to be near family. A very good friend highly recommended Amy Jones, as she had helped her with her homes. We started the process of elimination through e-mail, after months of looking at properties we decided to build. Amy represented us and knew so many of the building codes and legalities for this area. Amy tirelessly spent many hours trying to help us make decisions and was kind enough to drive us all over to pick out tiles, granites, window treatments, etc., so very helpful, especially when you are not familiar with the area. We love our home and Amy's professional but very warm and caring personality is a true testimonial as to her love of her profession. We are also so proud to call Amy our "Friend". ~ Doug & Joy Roetzel, Chandler
"Amy was very eager to help us find our home, she listened and found us our perfect home! We would have never found it, but she suggested that we look at a home that was so new on the MLS, that it did not even show a photo. Usually we did not even look at a home if you couldn't see a picture first, but she thought it would be one we would like. It was and one month later it was ours! When it was time to move on a couple years later, she sold our home before it was even on the market and for $8,000 more than we were asking, this was 1 year before the big real estate boom. I would highly recommend Amy to everybody I now, she is the best!" ~ Chad Ruffin, Chandler
"Amy did a great job. Best agent I've ever worked with! I've referred her to several friends and family members who have been just as happy with her services!" ~ Eric Katz, Chandler
"From the beginning, Amy Jones made our experience a pleasant one. Her in-depth knowledge of real estate in the South Tempe area helped to speed up the process of finding the house to meet our needs. Amy was always available to answer our questions in a timely manner throughout the time we worked with her. We have referred her to several of our friends and will continue to refer her to anyone who's looking for a Realtor!" ~ Eric & Kim Henes, Tempe
"We had the pleasure of working with Amy Jones on the purchase of our home in Warner Ranch. During our initial meeting, Amy listened very carefully to our needs. Her integrity and willingness to follow through with all the details far exceeded our expectations. We would feel very comfortable referring anyone to Amy!" ~ Gene & Laurie Johnson, Tempe
"It was a very pleasant experience working with Amy primarily because we worked together as a team. She listened to what I wanted in a home and wasted no time tracking them down and showing them to me. Not to mention this was the first time I had bought a house by myself! Amy helped take the fear out of that just by listening, researching, and explaining the home buying process to me. I have got to admit, it was one of the smoothest purchases I have ever made...and we're talking about a house here! Wow! Amy has what it takes to work in this market and environment. She LISTENS, and values CUSTOMER SERVICE! These are two very critical areas that will make or break a person or business. It is definite I will come back to Amy and will definitely refer her to my friends who are in need of a real estate agent who makes you feel important and like you're working with a friend!" ~ Donna Ploudre, Chandler
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