Many HOA fees for low to mid-priced condo developments are approximately $150 to $200 per month, not a bad deal considering it usually includes water, sewer, garbage, outside building maintenance, pool maintenance and landscaping. If you lived in a home, your insurance, garbage and water can easily reach that amount.
However, you’ll find that HOA fees quickly get up there when a condo is in a gated community. Read the rest of this entry »
Developers make it very easy for you (in most cases) to walk into a sales office of a new development. And usually, once you enter a sales office without a real estate agent, you cannot have an agent represent you (at least not one that will get compensated by the builder). The agent in the sales office works for the builder and does not represent you. But what does that really mean? Read the rest of this entry »
Granite had a long run as the favorite kitchen countertop, and prices have decreased to the point where if you replace countertops in a condo, at the very least, put in granite slabs. But if you’re looking for the next trend and like the contemporary look, consider Quartz. Read the rest of this entry »
According to the Arizona Republic’s Real Estate Report, Scottsdale condo sales have enjoyed a 5.2% rise in 2006 compared to the year before, based on median sales price. Is the condo market healthy according to these statistics, or are we being manipulated by an outdated set of meaningless statistical compilations? Read the rest of this entry »
After a short rest (?), traffic cameras on highway 101 in Scottsdale will be turned on in mid-February. Unfortunately, the cameras are great for catching unsuspecting tourists, visitors and newcomers to Scottsdale, while the rest of the veteran commuters have learned to slow down near the cameras. I’ve had a few out-of-state clients get those nasty tickets in the mail, so in case I forget to mention it to you, here is my alternate warning: Keep your speeds under 70 on the northeast portion of 101 between Scottsdale and Shea.
Arizona is growing faster than any other state in 2006, even beating the growth rate of Nevada, who previously held the top spot.  The population here grew by 3.6% in the period between 6/1/2005 and 6/1/2006, for a total of 213,000 more people. The statistics were compiled by the U.S. census bureau, and includes children and accounts for deaths.
That’s 583 new residents each day.
Now tell me that the housing sector will stay depressed.
If you haven’t had $700,000 or more to plunk down on a downtown Scottsdale Condo, here’s another choice for you. The Indian Terrace condominiums (not old apartments) were bought by a developer that totally re-vamped each and every unit, as well as the grounds. What results is a totally classy development of 46 units, with granite slab countertops, hardwood flooring, and new appliances. One bedroom units run around $239,990 with everything included. Two bedroom units at $281,900. These are selling fast because there’s little competition for a quality remodel like this in the downtown area. Perhaps other developers will take note and make more affordable living available to downtown Scottsdale lovers.
Whether you have a $40,000 Audi or a $10,000 used Honda, having your biggest tool of freedom in a carport seems like, well, so “apartment-y”. But having a garage in a Scottsdale condo or townhome will cost you. The extra footprint uses up space that could have been reserved for half a condo, so builders priced that square footage into the home. Also, a condo or townhome with a garage in some older communities are hard to come by. Which means that most townhomes with garages were built after 1980. The bottom line is that condo buyers should expect to pay at least $230,000 for a 2 bedroom townhome with a garage in Scottsdale, and most likely the price tag will be starting at $250,000. Expect to pay more for a better view.
One of the nicer complexes with a few reasonably priced units is The Fountains, in the Scottsdale Ranch area. Contact Me for the best priced, nicest unit in the community.
The Landmark at Kierland will be celebrating the opening of its second building soon, with luxury condominium units all the way up to over $3 million. Want a deal? You can get a one bedroom in the newer but already completed Landmark building for $429,900, a full $370,000 off of the next highest priced unit (the price is “cheap” but the views are not). Read the rest of this entry »
Those condo conversion projects (developers converting apartments to condos) have done one interesting service to mankind: They’ve given us a desire for the best, even in our less expensive condos. You can’t help but want what they have in their models: stainless steel appliances, wood floors (or lots of tile) and granite countertops. If you’re interested in selling your condo, consider updating your unit with one or more of these additions to help your unit stand out from the rest. If you are a buyer, you have two choices: buy a unit with these upgrades, or plan to put them in yourself after you move in for an easier resale later.