Each model has three exterior styles and color palettes to choose from and on the interior, you get to choose one of two layout options that you think work best for your family and lifestyle. There are four home plans available and you have the choice of one or two stories. Each floorplan has three to four bedrooms and two full baths in the basic layout. Some models can be purchased with a bonus room or master retreat option that is available as an upgrade. Do you prefer an open concept floor plan with one spacious area for living, dining, and kitchen, or would you rather have a formal dining room with an eat-in kitchen option? Both are available in the Stargazer neighborhood.

Models Available for Tour

http://www.newhomessection.com/arizona-real-estate/?p=1445 Desert Rose is the latest community of high performance homes by Beazer Homes. Located with an easy commute to Sky Harbor airport, schools and shopping, Desert Rose is nestled against the South Mountain. The Legacy Golf Resort, rated the top public course in Phoenix by ESPN, is only one mile away. There you can find country club style dining and complete spa services. Gated privacy, mountain views and centrally located, the entire community is bordered by 50 miles of trails for horseback riding, biking and hiking. With six models to choose from you are certain to find one that is perfect for your needs.

Models range from 2,433 square feet in the Monet floor plan to 4,066 square feet in the Picasso floor plan. Depending on the options selected, most models can have two to four bedrooms and two to three and a half baths. Base prices range from $434,900 to $499,000 with many upgrades to choose from. Several models feature Chef inspired gourmet kitchens for ease and efficiency when creating culinary works of art, or that late night snack. The owner’s suite is separated from the secondary bedrooms for privacy and to reduce noise. Spacious floor plans, energy efficient doors and windows and an amazing view of the mountains make Desert Rose the perfect balance between environmentally friendly homes and metropolitan convenience.

Out of the 7,200 lots that have already been bought throughout the valley, over 40% of those lots have been purchased by home builders that do not expect to hold the lots for long. This could be an indication that home builders in the valley are climbing out of the housing markets recession.

Some market experts expect almost 25% of the current new home developments in the metropolitan Phoenix area to sell out in the next half of year. Mainly due to tax credits and home prices falling 15% in the last year.

November of 2009 saw the second best home sale figures for that month’s sales history. These figures are mostly likely due to the federal tax credit for first time home buyers. With the tax credit now available for existing home buyers, we might see a record number of sales for December.

Foreclosure numbers and pre-foreclosure numbers dropped significantly in the valley during the month of November. This could be in part because of pressure placed on lenders by the federal government to help keep people in their homes through loan modifications. According to information market, foreclosure numbers dropped to 3,808 in the valley during November, which is down 21% from October.

All signs are pointing to an improving housing market in the valley. Numbers for the month of December will definitely be able to tell us more of what we could expect for the beginning of next year.

*     This isn’t like cramming for a test.  Purchasing a home is one of the biggest investments most of us will make and it deserves the appropriate amount of consideration.  You need to check out neighborhoods, schools, floor plans and more.  Do not assume you’ll find the perfect match if you start looking in March.  You might make the deadline for getting a home under contract, but will it be the right home for you and your family?

*     The 2009 tax credit worked.  It brought out lots of buyers in our metro Phoenix market.  That credit was set to expire on November 30, 2009 and buyers were trying like crazy to get something in escrow by mid to end of October in order to close by the deadline.  That rush of buyers caused bidding wars on some homes.  We saw bids more than $8,000 over asking price from people who wanted to take advantage of the $8,000 tax credit!  Tie something up early, avoid the rush!

*     The new tax credit has an additional feature, it allows up to a $6,500 tax credit for people who are NOT FIRST TIME HOME BUYERS.  That means increased competition – more people in the market for the same homes.  You might think that will also increase the supply if those move-up buyers are listing their homes for sale, but the truth is, they don’t have to, they can rent out their existing home, purchase another home and still receive the tax credit.

*     Escrows don’t always close on time.  Lenders and title companies were very concerned about how many closings could be jammed into the last few days of November to make the original deadline.  If too many people are trying to close escrow on the same day, some will not make it.  If the tax credit had not been extended, the closings that roll over to December 1^st would not be eligible for the tax credit – a huge disappointment to buyers counting on that money.  Give yourself buffer time, find a home early and get the closing scheduled for well before the deadline to allow for any potential delays.

 *     Some experts predict that interest rates will begin to increase sometime in the first 6 moths of 2010.  Interest rates are incredibly low now, if rates creep up your buying power decreases, for example a purchase price of $150,000 with an FHA loan for 30 years at 5.25% interest rate equals a principle & interest payment of approximately $828.  But if the interest rate increases even by 1% to 6.25% your P & I payment increases to approximately $923 – almost a $100.00 increase (* Please note, these payments do not include taxes and insurance which should each be quoted on an individual basis – please contact a mortgage broker for exact figures.  If you don’t have one, call me for a recommendation).

*     Be realistic about short sales.   If you are considering purchasing a short sale, you need to be aware that it can take many months to get bank approval.  You are at the mercy of the bank and you could miss the tax credit deadline altogether.  The longer you wait the more you should consider traditional sales or bank owned properties.

If these reasons aren’t enough to motivate you to start looking now, call me.  We can share more of our experiences with you!   The National Association of Home Builders has a great webpage with more details on these programs - Click Here to View and be sure to check out the details of the tax credit and the income limitations.

Anyone who may be interested in home ownership in the next few years should be taking a hard look at this now.  Prices and interest rates are historically low and a dollar for dollar tax credit is the icing on the cake.  This is a “Trifecta” of home buying advantages – don’t miss out.  “He who refuses to embrace a unique opportunity loses the prize as surely as if he had failed.”  – William James.

Call  me anytime – we are always happy to help!

Teresa Dempsey – Associate Broker, Keller Williams Legacy One Realty

480-634-7975 – Direct

While you are considering the “where” part of the equation, you must also consider “how.”  Financing options have changed; it’s wise to work with a lender FIRST to determine what you can afford. 

Once you have decided “where” and “how” you need to think about “what” you want to buy.  Do you want a brand new home or an existing/resale home?  Great opportunities exist for both right now.  Here are some pros and cons for you to consider.

Features:  If you purchase a new home from a builder you will have the choice to make it your own.  And let’s be honest, there’s nothing like being the first cook in a sparkling new kitchen!  You can pick the cabinets, counter tops, flooring and much more.  Most builders have extensive options lists.  This is particularly nice for plumbing and electrical options which will be installed before drywall goes up.  It’s more expensive to go back into an existing home and add plumbing or electrical items.  On the other hand, with most new homes you will need to install back yard landscaping and window coverings after close of escrow, which can be costly.  Most existing homes will have landscaping and window coverings installed saving you time and cash.

Warranties: Arizona new home builders will generally include a one year warranty on most everything in the home (including workmanship) and then a two year warranty on the major systems of the home and structural items.  These time frames are governed by the Arizona Registrar of Contractors.  Some builders include a longer warranty – up to 10 years, but you must ask clear questions about what is covered during that period – specific items could be excluded.  You can purchase warranty protection for an existing home.  Some resale sellers even offer the coverage with the sale of the home.  The warranty coverage for existing homes can vary so be sure to ask what exactly is covered and what is not covered.  Also, find out if upgrades are available to more complete protection.  The cost is usually reasonable and can save you money down the road.

Timing:  If you are anxious to find your next home, close escrow and get moved in quickly, a new build may not be for you.  It can take a new home builder many months to construct a new home and delays are always possible (labor and material shortages are an issue for some builders today).  For some families owning a brand new home is worth the wait, but if you don’t have the luxury of time you should consider an existing home or a “spec” home from a builder.  Spec homes also known as “inventory” homes are often available to close escrow as quickly as a resale; however, since the home is already under construction, you may loose some of the option choices that you would have had with a new build.

Many new home builders are offering incredible prices and incentives right now.  And the large number of REOs and short sales on the market are creating real opportunities for buying an existing home.  Either way, it is a great time to buy a home.

For help in researching schools, check out this website:  GreatSchools.net.  For more information about new home warranty requirements check with: Registrar of Contractors.  And for more information about warranties for resale homes check out: Old Republic.  After considering the options above you should have a good idea what works best for you and your family.  In any event you should consult with a real estate professional to be sure your interests are protected during the transaction.