From 1996 to 2006, Gilbert, Arizona issued more than 3,000 home permits every year but one, according to U.S. Census Bureau statistics. In 2004, that number peaked at 5,071.  Several years of declines in the Phoenix housing market, Gilbert, AZ saw positive growth in 2009 in the new-home permits since the record breaking peak of 2004.  A great sign that Gilbert is recovering and growing again!

Permits issued in 2008 were a mild 1,109 and the amount for 2009 rose to 1,275 last year! Not a significant difference but it is a difference and it’s up, not down! 

Pulte Homes in October acquired 107 lots in Stratland Estates, which will be Pulte’s first foray into the Gilbert market. Pulte Homes spokeswoman Jacque Petroulakis said the company has high hopes for the Gilbert area.  Gilbert has several perks for homebuyers, including freeway access, local shopping, good schools and plentiful parks, Petroulakis said.  I can’t agree with her more!

Some of the neighborhoods that have seen recent increases in activity include Freeman Farms, Higley Park, Lyons Gate and Morrison Ranch.

If you are seeking a new home, be sure to take a license professional real estate agent with you, they will represent you! If you have a desire to search all the re-sale properties in the Gilbert area, be sure to check out all the most current homes available on my Home Search page here.

See the original article here.

Anthem at Merrill Ranch – Florence Real Estate Homes

Anthem at Merrill Ranch, just north of Historic Florence in the Southeast Valley of Phoenix, offers all that you’d expect from a Del Webb community. Rock climbing, a skate park, championship golf, indoor basketball and a bustling community center are just a few amenities that will be conveniently located virtually in your backyard. From the masterful entry to renowned amenities, mostly including an 18-hole championship golf course, you’ll find a place tailored to fit how today’s families live, work and play. This 3,200 acre master planned community includes 9,100 homes and 39 home plans from the low $100s. Beyond the beautiful homes and vibrant neighborhoods of Anthem at Merrill… [Read more...]

13 of 13 new properties |  View all these results now |

$139,500 – 2370 N Monticello Drive Florence, AZ 85132 4 Beds, 3 baths Size: 2,706 Sq Ft Lot Size: 12,500 Sq Ft Listed With Ashby Realty Group, LLC Community: Parkside Tract: Anthem at Merrill Ranch

$179,000 – 6315 W Heritage Way Florence, AZ 85132 2 Beds, 2 baths Size: 1,494 Sq Ft Lot Size: 7,500 Sq Ft Listed With US Preferred Realty Community: Sun City Merrill Ranch Tract: Anthem at Merrill Ranch

$149,000 – 6453 W Heritage Way Florence, AZ 85132 2 Beds, 2 baths Size: 1,380 Sq Ft Lot Size: 7,500 Sq Ft Listed With US Preferred Realty Community: Sun City Merrill Ranch Tract: Anthem at Merrill Ranch

$199,900 – 6609 W Victory Way Florence, AZ 85132 3 Beds, 2 baths Size: 2,144 Sq Ft Lot Size: 10,000 Sq Ft Listed With Tee 2 Green Real Estate Community: Anthem at Merrill Ranch Tract: Anthem at Merrill Ranch

$139,900 – 7561 W Millerton Way Florence, AZ 85132 4 Beds, 3 baths Size: 2,706 Sq Ft Lot Size: 7,500 Sq Ft Listed With Realty Executives Community: ANTHEM MERRILL RANCH Tract: ANTHEM AT MERRILL RANCH

$159,000 – 6326 W Heritage Way Florence, AZ 85132 2 Beds, 2 baths Size: 1,380 Sq Ft Lot Size: 7,500 Sq Ft Listed With US Preferred Realty Community: Sun City Merrill Ranch Tract: Anthem at Merrill Ranch

$169,900 – 6099 W Yorktown Way Florence, AZ 85132 6 Beds, 4 baths Size: 3,218 Sq Ft Lot Size: 10,000 Sq Ft Listed With S & S Southwestern Properties Community: Anthem at Merrill Ranch Tract: Anthem at Merrill Ranch

$189,000 – 6289 W Admiral Way Florence, AZ 85132 5 Beds, 4 baths Size: 4,110 Sq Ft Lot Size: 10,000 Sq Ft Listed With TRG Realty Tract: Anthem at Merrill Ranch

$245,000 – 6963 W Patriot Way Florence, AZ 85132 2 Beds, 2 baths Size: 1,612 Sq Ft Lot Size: 7,500 Sq Ft Listed With US Preferred Realty Community: Sun City Merrill Ranch Tract: Anthem at Merrill Ranch

$95,000 – 7264 W Millerton Way Florence, AZ 85132 3 Beds, 2 baths Size: 1,605 Sq Ft Lot Size: 7,500 Sq Ft Listed With America’s Luxury Realty Community: ANTHEM AT MERRILL RANCH Tract: ANTHEM AT MERRILL RANCH

$345,000 – 6420 W Saratoga Way Florence, AZ 85132 2 Beds, 2 baths Size: 2,323 Sq Ft Lot Size: 10,000 Sq Ft Listed With US Preferred Realty Community: Sun City Merrill Ranch Tract: Anthem at Merrill Ranch

$229,000 – 3575 N Colonial Court, Unit 3000 Florence, AZ 85232 2 Beds, 2 baths Size: 1,816 Sq Ft Lot Size: 18,000 Sq Ft Listed With Independence Realty Professionals, Inc. Tract: Anthem at Merrill Ranch

$220,000 – 6086 W Montebello Way Florence, AZ 85132 6 Beds, 5 baths Size: 4,232 Sq Ft Lot Size: 10,000 Sq Ft Listed With US Preferred Realty Community: Anthem at Merrill Ranch Tract: Anthem at Merrill Ranch

Each listing indicates that the information for that listing was obtained through an Internet Display Exchange agreement and, as such, may not be owned by the agent or broker represented on this website.  Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Data last updated 1/17/10 10:46 AM PST.

It’s a sad day when you have to listen to the loss of a child and have her big sister fighting for her life! It often amazes me when I hear of such tragedy for a family and my heart goes out to them!

As a mother of three grown children, the worse nightmare would be to bury a child before I leave this earth! I pray that is not something I will ever have to do!

Could it have been avoided?

This story touched me, there is no question! The biggest heartache is the one lingering question of, “could it have been avoided?”  I’m not sure of the entire circumstances and the story is still unfolding but from the reports and news, the smoke detector was in the closet! Why on earth would anyone gamble with some ones life, these children’s lives! It truly breaks my heart!

Are the detectors in the right places?

As a home owner, or perhaps a landlord I would think you would do whatever you can within your power to make sure your smoke detectors are operating and routinely checked. If your home is perhaps not to current building code, find the options to protect those you love or those you might be legally responsible for!

Take a few minutes to fire proof your homes, isn’t a child’s life worth it? Isn’t your life worth it?
I hope and pray this family can recover from their pain and suffering and somehow overcome their losses! In the meantime, may we all learn from such sadness and protect ourselves and those we love. Especially during the holiday season when we string our homes up with lights and decorations!

Hire a professional to inspect your home

Ben Schern, an AZ Home Inspector with Target Building Inspections LLC in Gilbert, AZ says, “There are three basic types of residential smoke detectors, all with different means for detecting smoke and fire, different types of fires they detect best, and different replacement reasons & needs.”

A great post shared by Ben Schern, an Arizona Licensed Home Inspector shares ways we can protect our homes from fire and gives us great tips to protect our homes and family.

May you and yours be safe and blessed through this holiday season!

*original article:   4-year-old killed, 10-year-old badly hurt in Phoenix house fire

Did you know…

We celebrate Memorial Day as a day of remembrance for those who have died in our nation’s service. In contrast, Veterans Day honors all who have served. 1.1 million Americans have died in all the nation’s wars.

At Arlington National Cemetery, three unknown servicemen are buried at the Tomb of the Unknowns. Memorial Day is observed with the laying of a wreath at the Tomb, which is guarded by the U.S. Army 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

The National Moment of Remembrance encourages all Americans to pause wherever they are at 3 p.m. local time on Memorial Day for a minute of silence to remember and honor those who have died in service to the nation.

May you remember those that have served lost their lives for our freedoms! May we also remember those that are serving now on our behalf!

Take the time this holiday to honor the men and women of the U.S. Military who have made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our country!

Reporting resale single family residences and condos as well as new homes

* % Change is from the same period last year

There were some changes to the USDA “Rural” Housing Program which still allows 100% financing.  The maximum income limit used to start at $50k/year but that limit has now been raised to $73,600 per year ($97,150 for a family of 5 or more).

If you are looking to live in parts of Pinal County, you can still buy a home with “no money down” if you qualify for a program called the USDA rural home loan program.

The USDA rural home loan program is designed to help people buy homes that are “designated” as rural areas with as little money out-of-pocket as possible. The average out of pocket expense for a borrower who was financing their home with a USDA loan was less than $200 for 2008.

Some of the cities in Arizona that have access to this program are Buckeye, Queen Creek, Florence, Maricopa (the city), Payson, Prescott Valley,  Kingman and parts of and Anthem to name a few.

The greater Phoenix and Tucson areas are excluded as is Flagstaff.  The property must be a primary residence and qualification for the loan includes the typical income, asset and 620 credit score.

Only those counties with ineligible areas are listed below. All other counties are completely eligible. Please select a county from the map or from the Quick list to view ineligible area.

Quick list of Counties containing ineligible areas Cochise Coconino Maricopa Mohave Pima Pinal Yavapai Yuma