London's RUN and RIDE will be on January 31, at Schnepf Farms. London's RUN begins at 8 AM. London's RIDE (an equestrian trail ride) begins at 12 PM. From 8-11, there will be a silent auction, raffle, mechanical bull riding, blood drive, bounce houses, kids activities, breakfast, BBQ lunch, and more! Proceeds benefit QC youth currently battling cancer, and Phoenix Childrens Hospital. For more information, visit www.londonsrun.org or www.londonsride.org. 01/08/2009

It's a promo for my community website, here are the Details:Giving away 2 tickets to the Fiesta Bowl Block party on 12/31/08.Must be a message board member of my webiste: www.SanTanEvents.comHow to get the tickets:1. Reply to this post http://santanevents.com/chat/index.php?topic=4218.0 with "I wanna go to the block party" by 10am on 12/31/08.2. Each Screen Name that replies will have their name put into a "fiesta" bowl.3. The owner of Rural Skate Shop will draw 2 winners out of the "fiesta" bowl at 10:45am. You can be present, but not necessary to win. Each winner will receive 2 tickets. The winners will be announced on SanTanEvents.com/chat so check back to that post.4. Pick up your tickets by 6:30pm at Rural Skate Shop on 12/31/08.5. Have a Rockin' New Years!!!!Rural Skate Shop Locat... 12/30/2008

There were a total of 221 closed sales from June 1st to November 30th in 2008 compared to 67 in June 1st of 2007 to November 30th of 2007. The average selling price for that period was $126,029 compared to an average selling price of $202,425 for the same period in 2007, a percentage drop of 37.5%. The average sales price per square foot was $61.52 compared to $98.62 for the same period in 2007. The average number of days a house was on the market was 82, compared to 153 days for the same period in 2007. Currently there is a 2.85 month supply of inventory with 105 houses on the market for sale as of 12/05/2008.  With prices down so low and interest rates very favorable it is a great time to buy if you know where to look.  As real estate experts in San Tan Heights, we're here to help you... 12/16/2008

There were a total of 140 closed sales from June 1st to November 30th in 2008 compared to 65 in June 1st of 2007 to November 30th of 2007. The average selling price for that period was $148,340 compared to an average selling price of $215,899 for the same period in 2007, a percentage drop of 31%. The average sales price per square foot was $71.48 compared to $99.06 for the same period in 2007. The average number of days a house was on the market was 59, compared to 88 days for the same period in 2007. Currently there is a 5 month supply of inventory with 140 houses on the market for sale as of 12/05/2008.  With prices down so low and interest rates very favorable it is a great time to buy if you know where to look.  As real estate experts in Pecan Creek, we're here to help you find a gr... 12/16/2008

There were a total of 104 closed sales from June 1st to November 30th in 2008 compared to 35 in June 1st of 2007 to November 30th of 2007. The average selling price for that period was $139,000 compared to an average selling price of $204,085 for the same period in 2007, a percentage drop of 32%. The average sales price per square foot was $69.45 compared to $102.14 for the same period in 2007. The average number of days a house was on the market was 104, compared to 35 days for the same period in 2007. Currently there is a 4.6 month supply of inventory with 80 houses on the market for sale as of 12/05/2008.  With prices down so low and interest rates very favorable it is a great time to buy if you know where to look.  As real estate experts in Circle Cross Ranch, we're here to help you... 12/16/2008

There were a total of 75 closed sales from June 1st to November 30th in 2008 compared to 23 in June 1st of 2007 to November 30th of 2007. The average selling price for that period was $256,410 compared to an average selling price of $371,272 for the same period in 2007, a percentage drop of 31%. The average sales price per square foot was $93.54 compared to $134.37 for the same period in 2007. The average number of days a house was on the market was 104, compared to 128 days for the same period in 2007. Currently there is a 3 month supply of inventory with 38 houses on the market for sale as of 12/05/2008.  With prices down so low and interest rates very favorable it is a great time to buy if you know where to look.  As real estate experts in Cortina, we're here to help you find a great... 12/16/2008

I just wanted to stop and share a quick note. A post I wrote some months back about Queen Creek was found by a Washington Realtor! He referred me a listing which I just took tonight and will be sharing here. Another localism post written by me about Mesa was found by someone who wants to list her home after the first of the year. Yet another seller found me per my Active Rain Mesa Localism posts - that home has since sold. Another listing referral I took was given me by someone here on the Rain. It didn't sell, but was leased out instead. I am working with a buyer from Michigan. Guess where she found me? Yep, on a localism blog post! I have to admit that my year has not been "stellar" in terms of the dollars....but posting and keeping in touch on Active Rain has been of great benefit to... 12/15/2008

More than 60,000 residents now live in the community of Queen Creek, Arizona in Pinal county. The actual City of Queen Creek is bordered on the west by Power Road and is located in Maricopa County, and the community of Queen Creek, or County area, continues east to Florence - or thereabouts. Several options have been discussed as to where the freeway would be routed. Two out of the three would have gone over existing homes and created complete disharmony among the homeowners. Today's East Valley Tribune posted a detailed article, and I've included the link and a map below. The freeway will be in close proximity to the Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport and connect to the 202 in Queen Creek, and the 60 at Florence. Queen Creek is an area that will continue to grow with new homes. Many new home... 12/01/2008

The Valley Solutions Team is finishing up our new website just for Queen Creek and Queen Creek real estate information.  The website will also feature a map based Queen Creek home search, a Queen Creek foreclosure search, a Queen Creek bank owned homes search as well as a real time update page showing all recent price changes on Queen Creek lender owned homes.  The website may be visited by clicking http://www.eQueenCreek.com. There are many more future enhancements to this website planned.  For now though, we hope you find it a valuable resource for you Queen Creek home search needs.  The Valley Solutions team has agents who both live and work in the Queen Creek area.  If you find the information useful, we hope you will contact us for additional assistance. Our main site may be viewed... 11/30/2008

The economy may be suffering, but foreclosure properties that are not overpriced and not beat to hell are flying off the market here in AZ.  It simply is not all doom and gloom here.  It is my job to educate my buyers and sellers and help them understand how the real estate market is truly working here.  It is also my job to help my buyer's negotiate the best deal and still be a successful bidder....and find a home that meets their personal and financial needs. I have been told that the trend is that 100% of the bank owned properties that are priced right receive at least 4 (multiple) offers within the first 7 days.  Yes, 100%!  Here in Arizona, it is not the buyer's market that you may think that it is when it comes to foreclosure/REO properties. Sometimes it helps to remove yourself f... 11/22/2008

Q. Why did the home-buyer cross the road? A. To get a better loan. ****** Lately I’ve been working with a larger number of people who are crossing the border of Gilbert and Mesa into the town of Queen Creek. It’s amazing what happens when you cross the road: Homes cost less – and there’s a rural housing loan that covers closing costs. Also, people often qualify for a larger loan amount. Here's a recent example: The borrower qualifies for $110k in Maricopa County with an FHA loan that allows for seller concessions and a 1% down payment. Crossing the border into Pinal County, the borrower qualifies for $123k with very little down. In Maricopa County we’re looking at foreclosed properties to be purchased “as is”. In Pinal County we’re looking new four bedroom/two bath homes with a full war... 11/09/2008

Do you want to get in a full day of Christmas shopping without your children? On Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving, Suzy's Fitness Zone will be providing a drop-in daycare starting at 5 am. We will have outdoor/indoor activities in the gym, crafts, games, movie time, quiet/nap time and snacks. The cost is $3.00/hr. per child and $2.00/hr. for each additional sibling. All ages welcome. Contact Suzy or Sean at 480-988-2288, suzyirwin@hotmail.com, www.SuzysSwimAndFitnessZone.com 11/07/2008

Join us the 1st Friday of every month for Open Mic Night. This Friday, November 7th from 8-10pm - come join the fun! PA provided, bring amp and instrument and family and friends! Snacks and beverages available. Family atmosphere. 18911 East San Tan Blvd., Queen Creek 480-677-4159 www.blackbirdcenter.com 11/07/2008

  San Tan Area Holiday Swap Meet   The economy is rough and money is tight.  The Celebrate Recovery Team from LifePoint Church is organizing a Holiday Swap Meet.  It’s time to clean out your offices, garages, attics etc…this is a great chance to sell your unwanted items for some extra holiday cash.   We are currently looking for vendors: Residents looking to sell their items. Crafters looking to sell their wares. Businesses looking to sell their products or services. Food Vendors Etc…   We will have booth space available in 10x10 sections.  Be advised, this is space only. No power, shade or other amenities will be provided.  If you have a lot of stuff or are a business that requires more space you can reserve 2 or more 10x10 sections.   The swap meet will take place on Saturday, Decembe... 11/07/2008

Buy a Home With Little or No Cash Down   If you think a downpayment is keeping you from buying a home and take advantage of today's home prices, think again. Not every bank or mortgage broker offers these programs, Here are three programs you may not know about: 100% Down Payment Assistance program - How does it work? Seller contributes 10% towards the deal-3% goes toward down payment-1% goes toward non-profit agency fee-6% covers interest expense and closing costs-Buyer usually comes out of pocket about 1% (Earnest Money Deposit)  *Note - many think that this program went completely away with ameridream or nehemiah, but there are other options out there. Rural HousingFinance 102% of Value, no Cost. This means buyer can finance closing costs. -2% USDA Funding Fee is charged-Queen Creek,... 11/07/2008

Sossaman Estates Market Stats:  There were a total of 35 closed sales from May 1st to October 31st in 2008 compared to 8 in May 1st of 2007 to October 31st of 2007. The average selling price for that period was $312,316 compared to an average selling price of $377,812 for the same period in 2007, a percentage drop of 17.5%. The average sales price per square foot was $95.21 compared to $140.32 for the same period in 2007. The average number of days a house was on the market was 159, compared to 159 days for the same period in 2007. Currently there is a 5 month supply of inventory with 29 houses on the market for sale as of 11/04/2008. As real estate experts in Sossaman Estates, we're here to help you find a great property at a great price, please contact us today for a complete up to da... 11/04/2008

About Circle Cross Ranch:  Located in Pinal County, Circle Cross Ranch was originally developed by DR Horton and is a master planned community with in the Florence unified school district. The sub division features a themed rustic water feature entry from the entrance off of Gantzel Rd South of Combs Rd. Homes vary in size from around 1200 square feet single level homes up to almost 4000 square feet two story homes with three car garages. With in the community there is the Circle Cross Ranch K-8 elementary school which opened its doors in 2008. Grocery shopping can be found only a couple of miles down the road at the Ironwood and Combs Frys Marketplace. Currently under construction with in a mile of Circle Cross Ranch is the new Banner Ironwood Medical Center which is well underway. The... 11/03/2008

Coming to the Queen Creek Arizona Performing Arts Center on November 8th is a zany show about blended families that is sure to be entertaining. The show titled, "My Mother's Italian, My Father's Jewish and I'm in Therapy". The Queen Creek Performing Arts Theater is a said to be "one of the best kept secrets" in the Phoenix area for quality entertainment at regional prices. The theater has a full season of events where everyone can find something they will enjoy. For more details about ticket prices, times, and specifics about the performances visit the theater's website or call 480-987-7469. If you are planning to relocate to Arizona, Queen Creek has some of the best home values around. Give Bob and Carolin a call at 480-201-3001. 11/01/2008

San Tan Heights Market Stats:  There were a total of 202 closed sales from April 1st to September 30th in 2008 compared to 63 from April 1st of 2007 to September 30th of 2007. The average selling price for that period was $132,997 compared to an average selling price of $215,632 for the same period in 2007, a percentage drop of 38.5%. The average sales price per square foot was $64.26 compared to $103.07 for the same period in 2007. The average number of days a house was on the market was 93, compared to 123 days for the same period in 2007. Currently there is a 3.2 month supply of inventory with 108 houses on the market for sale as of 10/27/2008. As real estate experts in San Tan Heights, we're here to help you find a great property at a great price, please contact us today for a compl... 10/30/2008

About Sossaman Estates:  Sossaman Estates is located in Queen Creek, Maricopa County. If you stand at the beautiful waterfall entrance to this upscale community you can literally throw a stone over Power Road and land it in Gilbert (Be careful not to hit any Trillogy golfers if you do try). The major cross streets for Sossaman Estates are Power Rd running North/South and Queen Creek Rd running East/West. This is where you will find the local shopping with Albertsons on the West side of Power Rd and Safeway on the East along with a Blockbuster, McDonnalds, Panda Express, Bank of America, Chase, Wells Fargo and US Bank plus a UPS store to name but a few. Sossaman Estates is split by the Queen Creek wash which runs East/West through the top half of the sub-division. The town of Queen Creek... 10/30/2008