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Phoenix Real Estate Market for September 2011, here are some brief statistics for you. There were 7832 sales in September, which are down 11% from August, but up 17% from September of 2010. Total active listings in September are at 19,327 which are up .6% from August, but down 50% from the same time last year. Pending sales were down 5.8% from August, but up 12.4% last year.

We can see that the Phoenix Real Estate Market is faring much better than a year ago, though not as good as it was in August.  Though, it is normal for activity to decline during this time of year.  One big trend we are seeing is a significant drop in foreclosures. Investors looking to scoop up bargain foreclosure properties are finding it difficult right now, with REO losing market share rapidly. Only 1280 homes went to sale in September of 201l, this is the lowest number since 2007, and 61% lower than September of 2010.

It is interesting though, you do not hear much of this positive news on the 6 o’clock news. I guess bad news gets viewers to tune in more than the good news does.  You may have seen headlines in the local papers in September commenting on the drastic rise in foreclosures “Phoenix Real Estate Market is doomed”. This was entirely due to August having 23 trustee sale days compared to July’s 20.

You are probably wondering now….where are we at on pricing? The median sale price in September for the Phoenix Metro was $114,950, which is 7.4 higher than the median sale price in August ($107,000). We continue to see a trend of weakness in pricing at the upper end of the market, canceling out the gains at the lower end of the market.  Scottsdale saw a 7.8% median price decrease over the past year, though Rio Verde has seen a 12.5% median price increase over the same time.

The Phoenix Real Estate Market Update is a broad overview of the market here in Maricopa County. If you are interested in a particular area or price range, I would be happy to provide you with the local statistics. Contact Jen Wehner at 480-748-6925 today!

If you are considering buying or selling Scottsdale Homes or Phoenix Homes please contact Award Winning Scottsdale Arizona Real Estate Broker Jennifer Wehner right now at 480-748-6925 OR email Jennifer@JenniferWehner.com.

Cave Creek Wicked (Sat. Oct. 29)

Adults can dress up for the costume contest pub crawl, which starts at 6:30 p.m.  and shuttles participants to six bars and restaurants around Cave Creek. Each  stop will award prizes and offer specials. Pub crawl shuttle and admission is  free. Menu prices vary by restaurant. Downtown Cave Creek, Cave Creek and  Schoolhouse roads, Cave Creek. Free. 602-400-3330. cavecreekwicked.com.

Ghost Ball (Sat. Oct. 29) 8pm-2am

This is one of the  Valley’s most anticipated and talked about Halloween bashes. The Ghost Ball  takes up the plaza between Axis/Radius and Suede Lounge, drawing thousands of  costumed partiers dancing in the streets. Bars will be scattered throughout the  plaza and a big main stage will be set up, and guests will have access to both  clubs. This year’s event will feature performances by 51Fifty, a DJ/drummer duo  that plays hip-hop and rock mash-ups, and Hot Chelle Rae, a Nashville-based  pop-rock band. Go all out with your costume because this contest offers a hefty  cash prize. Axis/Radius, 7340 E. Indian Plaza, Scottsdale. $24. 480-970-1112. eveningentertainmentgroup.com.

Halloween Masquerade Ball (Sat. Oct. 29) 8pm

Dance to tunes from  the five-piece band Nineball and DJ Kilo. Dress in costume for a midnight  contest in which cash and prizes are awarded. Two full bars offer drink specials  such as $6 cocktails and wine and $100 bottles of Veuve Clicquiot Champagne.  Table reservations and special room rates are available. Complimentary valet  parking is offered. Must be 21 to attend. Presented by Raven Events. Talking  Stick Resort, 9800 E. Indian Bend Road, Salt River Reservation. $400 table  reservation, $129 room rate, $25, $20 pre-sale. 480-664-0228 or 480-850-7734. ravenevents.com/monthlyevents/10292011.

Nightmare on Princess Drive Haunted Halloween Ball (Sat. Oct. 29) 9pm-2am

This ghastly bash lets partygoers enter through a murky fog on a  black carpet and into the upscale lounge decorated with webs, candelabras, a  ghostly pianist, black roses and dramatic fabrics. A DJ plays music, and drinks  like the pumpkin patch, whiskey smash and spooky sparkling cider punch are  available. A midnight costume contest offers such prizes as resort vacations,  dinners, golf and Stone Rose gift cards. “R.I.P.” reserved tables and bottle  service are available. Presented by the Gerber Group. Stone Rose Lounge,  Fairmont Scottsdale Princess 7575 E. Princess Drive, Scottsdale. Free admission,  $10 valet, $5 self-parking. 480-585-4848. facebook.com/fairmontscottsdale.

Cave Creek Wicked (Sat. Oct. 29)

Haunted maze, children and pet costume parades, horse costume contest, inflatables, live entertainment, Thiller dances, chili cook-off and more. 11am-4pm. FREE!  Throughout downtown Cave Creek. Call 602-400-3330 or cavecreekwicked.com

Halloween in the Hills (Sat. Oct. 29)

Costume contest for dressed pets and pet owners, trick-or-treating, games, inflatables, haunted houses, Spider Village and more. 4-8pm. $5/per pet costume contest. Avenue of the Fountains, Fountain Hills. 480-837-8168 or azpetsnpeople.com

Pumpkin Festival (Oct. 1-31)

Hay ride to the pumpkin patch, petting zoo, pony rides and games. 9am-6pm. $8 per person, ages 1 and under free. MacDonald’s Ranch 26540 N Scottsdale Rd, Scottsdale. 480-585-0239 or macdonaldsranch.com.

Gainey Ranch homes in Scottsdale

Have you heard about Gainey Ranch homes and the area in Scottsdale?  The Gainey Ranch is a resort in Scottsdale built about the phenomenal Gainey Ranch Golf Club.  This 27-hole golf resort has its own community, with gated entrances and guards that patrol the area 24 hours a day.  It is one of the safest locations anywhere in the country!  It’s such a popular spot that many visitors see fit to live here permanently, and will buy patio homes, townhomes and condos.

Exploring Central Attractions in Gainey Ranch

Golf courses of interest here include the long Arroyo course (“dry river”) which has a natural desert wash going through the course, as well as Dunes, a dense desert course, and the Lakes course, which has a variety of challenging water-based obstacles.  In addition to golf, the Gainey Ranch also has amenities like a fitness center, several sports courts, a club for dining and socializing, a lap pool and a pro shop.  Within a short distance is the Village Health Club, which can see to all spa needs.

Outside of the golf center, the Gainey Ranch homes and area in Scottsdale features exterior plazas and buildings which all share a rustic style.  It is a part of the city that is upscale and yet very friendly and “green”, with miles of beautiful desert scenery.  There are also upscale shopping locations, restaurants and tourist attractions. While golfing is the central attraction, the ambiance alone is worth coming for; just imagine walking amid a backdrop of colorful mesas, cacti and rich green putting areas.

Living in Gainey Ranch homes and the area in Scottsdale around them is a great joy, and all 19 neighborhoods (totaling over 1,000 homes) provide a splendid view of the Gainey Ranch Golf Club.  New homeowners can choose from condos, Vaquero estates, townhomes, villas, or single family homes.  Popular communities include the Pavillions, The Greens, and Golf Cottages.  The homes themselves can cost just under $500,000 to well over $1 million.

The Gainey Ranch—Past and Present

Interestingly, this ranch, now associated with affluence and prosperity, was once an Arabian horse ranch.  The ranch was named after the original owner, a Mister Daniel Gainey. For three years, he owned the ranch, before selling it off for residential development.  Nevertheless, the Gainey family kept 80 acres of the property and then developed that site.  However, after much progress made in the way of golfing courses, new real estate, and excellent amenities, the area has indeed helped Scottsdale to claim the title of “the Desert South Beach.”

The Gainey family were actually known for entertaining guests, including movie stars, politicians and other VIPs of the day, and mostly because of their horses.  This trend has continued, and Scottsdale continues to be a city of celebrity sightings and five-star accommodations.  Are you thinking of moving into this golfing paradise?  Why not contact a real estate agent who knows Arizona property like the back of his/her hand?  This is the type of place  you never want to leave—the type of vacation spot that becomes home!

If you are considering buying or selling Scottsdale Homes or Phoenix Homes please contact Award Winning Scottsdale Arizona Real Estate Agent Jennifer Wehner right now at 480-748-6925 OR email Jennifer@JenniferWehner.com.