• What are the terms of the lease?
• What are the total monthly costs for the Solar System?
• Does the lease payment increase throughout the life of the lease, or is it fixed? Is there an annual escalation or a monthly escalation in the payment?
• What is the remaining time left on the lease?
• How does the Solar Lease assumption process work?
• What are the requirements for transferring the lease? What are the assumption requirements?
• Will you pull my credit?
• What are the transfer fees?
• Are there any other fees involved?
• What happens at the end of the lease? What are the termination options and potential costs?
• Will I ever own the Solar System? If not, can I purchase the Solar System after the lease is satisfied?
• Are there any output and production guarantees? What happens if the system does not perform?
• How old is the Solar System?
• Does the Solar Company ever update the Solar System?
• Who is responsible for system maintenance?
• Is there a roof warranty?
• What happens if I need to replace the roof? Will the Solar Company remove, store, and reinstall the Solar Panels? Is there a cost for this?
• If the Solar System is removed at the end of the lease, who pays to repair the roof?
• Is there a minimum amount of insurance coverage on the house required?
• Do I have to add the Lessor as an additional insured party to my insurance?
• How much did the previous owner pay each month to the electric company in addition to the lease payment?
• How well has the Solar System been maintained?
• Any maintenance receipts or records?

The Solar Company can answer all of the questions except the seller's electric bill history.  The seller should provide that to you with the other solar documents after you are under contract.   However, sometimes your REALTOR can get that information to you sooner if it is available.  

If you have any further questions, fill out the form below, and I will get back to you ASAP.  I am not a solar expert, but I can get you in touch with someone who can answer your questions if needed.  It is best to seek legal advice from a lawyer if you have any concerns about assuming the Solar Lease.

🏡 How Much Do You Really Need for a Down Payment?

Hint: It’s probably less than you think!

✅ Down Payment Options for Homebuyers

Windmill Village, Buckeye, AZ

January 2022 Market Stats

Should You Rent Instead of Buy a Home?

What's Phoenix Metro, including the Goodyear area, real estate market like?  Today we are taking a look at the annual changes from January 7, 2021 to January 7th, 2022 (the date the stats were released from Cromford Associates). 

2021 was a strong year for housing prices, the Median Sales Price increased a whopping 28%!  Check out the infographic below for the market stats.  If this market continues at this pace, it will, unfortunately, be harder and harder for first-time buyers to be able to afford to buy a home in the Phoenix Metro area. Some buyers are wondering if it would be better to rent than buy a new home?  I have included some commentary from Cromford Associates addressing renting vs. buying in 2022 down below the infographic.

Homeowners are sitting pretty as the Greater Phoenix area, including Goodyear, move farther into a seller's market.  Although it appears that the income levels in the area can not sustain another year of 28% annual appreciation, there doesn't appear to be relief in sight for the low housing inventory levels, leading most to believe prices will continue to increase.  This is good news for Goodyear area homeowners as their equity continues to grow! (Are you a homeowner?  Read below to sign up for a FREE tool that helps homeowners keep track of the equity in their home.)

Decreasing inventory, huge annual median sales price increase, and only .6 months worth of inventory.  And interest rates so far remain low.  With these market conditions, it doesn't appear that prices are going to drop drastically any time soon, however, the rate the sales prices are increasing has slowed down.  

Let's take a look at the numbers in the infographic above.  As you can see, the number of Active listings decreased by 2.5% from January 7, 2021 (which was already historically low).  The number of homes under contract decreased 7.6% from last year.  In one year the median sales price increased by 28.4%.

We are seeing fewer homes hit the market.  There are not enough homes for sale to meet the buyer demand so prices should continue to at the very least hold steady, but most likely will continue to increase.  This low inventory is causing the Goodyear area housing market to move farther into a seller's market. 

FREE TOOL FOR HOMEOWNERS:  HOMEBOT

Build more wealth with your home.  Find out what your home is worth and keep track of your equity so you can grow your net worth.  It's like having your own personal financial dashboard for your home.  I love using Homebot, it's fun and easy to use.  Click on the link below to sign up for your FREE no-obligation Homebot account:

Homebot--FREE Financial Tool for Homeowners

Is it better to rent or buy in 2022? 

January commentary from Cromford Associates:  

"As the cost of purchasing a home increases in Greater Phoenix, the question of whether to rent or buy becomes harder to answer for some buyers.  The overall median cost of a home is currently $425,000, and for a typical 1,500-2,000 square foot home, the median cost is $420,000.  The estimated payment, assuming 10% down and including principal, interest, taxes and insurance, is $2,123.  The median monthly rental rate for the same size range, recorded through the Arizona Regional MLS, was $2,195 in the 4th quarter of 2021; just $72 per month more.
 
Some buyers might question the advantage of purchasing a home in order to save $72 per month. However, the financial advantage of owning vs. renting is typically realized for those who own their home for at least 3-5 years.

Let’s assume, hypothetically, that a buyer purchased a home today for $420,000 with a $42,000 down payment (10%).  Over the next 5 years, their home’s value fluctuates up and down and in the end doesn’t appreciate. That may sound horrifying, however during this time the loan principle has been paid down to $336,000. The homeowner’s equity has doubled from $42,000 to $84,000 without their home appreciating a dime, and with 20% equity they no longer have to pay private mortgage insurance. Their payment declines $200.  Still a win.

Now let’s assume, hypothetically again, that while our homeowner is paying down their loan, the home value fluctuates up, down and sideways, but still averages a 6% appreciation rate over 5 years (close to the current rate of inflation).  The home would then be worth $562,000, an increase of $142,000. 

After 5 years, this hypothetical homeowner went from $42,000 to $226,000 in equity, and their monthly cost was nearly the same as what they would have paid in rent anyway. For this reason, even when the monthly payment required to buy is close to that to rent, buying still wins in the long game."

If you have questions about buying or selling a home in today's market, give me a call at 623-252-9350.  Even if you are months away from making a move, it's never too early to contact me.  I'm here to help you get a game plan together. I look forward to connecting!  ---Cinda Rose, eXp Realty

Phoenix Area Golf Membership Communities and Homes For Sale

Arizona's beautiful weather attracts golfers from all over the US.  Numerous golf courses in the Phoenix area offer memberships ranging from affordable to super-pricey.  Here's a list of some of the Phoenix-area golf courses along with links to more information about their memberships as well as what homes are currently on the market for sale.  

Arizona Traditions in Surprise

Arizona Traditions Golf Course Membership Information

Arizona Traditions Homes For Sale

Arizona Traditions Golf Course Homes For Sale

Union Hills Country Club in Sun City

Union Hills Country Club Membership Information

Union Hills Homes For Sale

Union Hills Golf Course Homes For Sale

Hillcrest Golf Club in Sun City West

Hillcrest Golf Club Membership Information

Hillcrest Homes For Sale

Hillcrest Golf Course Homes For Sale

Palmbrook Country Club in Sun City

Palmbrook Country Club Membership Information

Palmbrook Homes For Sale

Palmbrook Golf Course Homes For Sale

Sundance Golf Course in Buckeye

Sundance Golf Club Membership Information

Sundance Homes For Sale

Golf Course Homes For Sale

Sun Lakes Country Club

Sun Lakes Country Club Membership Information

Sun Lakes Homes For Sale

Sun Lakes Golf Course Homes For Sale

Seville Golf and Country Club in Gilbert

Seville Golf and Country Club Membership Information

Seville Homes For Sale

Seville Golf Course Homes For Sale

Las Colinas Golf Club in Queen Creek

Las Colinas Golf Club Membership Information

Las Colinas Homes For Sale

Las Colinas Golf Course Homes For Sale

Queen Valley Golf Course

Queen Valley Golf Course Membership Information

Queen Valley Homes For Sale--LINK COMING SOON

Queen Valley Golf Course Homes For Sale--LINK COMING SOONB

Corte Bella Golf Club in Sun City

Corte Bella Golf Club Membership Information

Corte Bella Homes For Sale

Corte Bella Golf Course Homes For Sale

The Lakes Course at Westbrook Village Golf Club in Peoria

The Lakes Course at Westbrook Village Golf Club Membership Information

The Lakes Course at Westbrook Village Homes For Sale

The Lakes Course at Westbrook Village Golf Course Homes For Sale

If you'd like to learn more about Phoenix-area golf course communities and memberships and golf course homes for sale I am here to help! You can call or text me at 623-252-9350 or send me an email at cinda@cindarose.com.  I look forward to connecting!

Trilogy at Vistancia 55+ Resort Community

Located in Peoria, this award wining resort-style active adult community offers numerous amenities for its residents including two resort clubs, an aerobics studio, an indoor Olympic-style pool, an outdoor resort pool, a golf course, the Alvea Sap as well as athletic clubs.

The community's featured builder is Shea Homes.  They offer a selection of fifteen different floorplans of energy-efficient two- to four-bedroom homes ranging from about 1400 sq ft to 2700 sq ft. 

Trilogy at Vistancia is home to a championship desert golf course, two spacious clubhouses, a demonstration kitchen, tennis and fitness facilities, an indoor swimming pool, an outdoor resort-style swimming pool, an artisan studio, and a full-service spa. What more could you ask for!

Trilogy Homes For Sale on the MLS

There are also new construction homes being built by various builders in Estrella.  If you would like to be represented during the process at no extra cost to you, make sure to take your Realtor with you on your first visit to the model homes and/or sales center.  You can contact me directly at 623-252-9350 or fill out the contact form below to schedule an Exploratory Tour of your desired neighborhood.

New Construction Homes at Trilogy

I look forward to hearing from you! 

Victory at Verrado Active Adult 55+ Community

Nestled up against the White Tank Mountains in Buckeye, Victory at Verrado offers something a little different, a variety of homes from multiple builders.  Both new construction and resale homes are available.  The community of Victory offers many amenities for an active adult community lifestyle.  As their website states, "Whether you’re in search of a challenging summit hike, or a casual neighborhood stroll, around here all 21 miles of paths and trails lead to Victory. From the generous green fairways of The Victory Course to the hillside farm table of the Vineyard, Victory is just the place to spend your celebration years."

Victory residents enjoy golfing, hiking, walking, and mountain biking.  The Victory Club offers a state-of-the-art workout facility with a movement studio, yoga lawn, racquet. sports pavilion and an outdoor lap swimming pool.  Residents also enjoy massages at The Spa at Victory as well as relaxing by three resort-style pools.  Also located at The Club is the Vic Bar + Kitchen, the perfect spot for some fabulous food with panoramic views of the mountains and the Phoenix skyline.

Here is a 3D Tour of The Club at Victory:  https://www.verrado.com/victory/victory-club/

Search for homes for sale in Victory at Verrado:

Victory at Verrado Homes For Sale

Interested in New Construction Homes?  If you'd like me to represent you during the process then I need to accompany you on your first visit to the model home village.  Contact me at 623-252-9350 or fill out the form below to set up a time or just to learn more.

New Construction Homes in Victory

I look forward to connecting!

PebbleCreek Active Adult Resort Community

Located in sunny Goodyear, Arizona, PebbleCreek Active Adult Resort Community offers an active lifestyle with luxurious amenities for seniors in a beautiful golf course community with amazing landscaping including lakes and water features.  In fact, PebbleCreek made Forbes Magazine's top ten list of Ritzy Retirement Communities in the country.  It has also been voted one of the top 100 master-planned communities in the United States by Where to Retire magazine and listed as a Top Pick.

PebbleCreek Community

This 2,300-acre gated community is nestled between the White Tank Mountains and the Estrella Mountain Park in Phoenix's West Valley.  PebbleCreek is close to the I-10 Freeway for easy access to downtown Phoenix.  The Loop 101 and the Loop 303 also provide easy access to the entire valley.  Several Spring Training Facilities are only minutes away.  In addition, PebbleCreek is close to the Cardinal's Stadium, shopping, entertainment, restaurants, hiking, and more.  PebbleCreek has more than 100 miles of bike paths and 40 miles of hiking trails.

At PebbleCreek the guard-gated entrance creates a safe, secure environment for its residents.  PebbleCreek features two championship golf clubs, the Eagle's Nest and Tuscany Falls, lit tennis courts, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a performing arts center, a stadium-seating theater, restaurants, community-run clubs, and organizations, classes, social activities, and more.

The 40,000 square-foot Eagle's Nest amenity complex offers a grand ballroom, library, state-of-the-art fitness center, pool, and restaurant.  The Tuscany Country Club features a resort-style outdoor pool and spa, indoor lap pool, grandchildren's pool, aerobics, and dance studio, and fitness center.  In addition, the Tuscany clubhouse has a cafe, gourmet hot dog stand, restaurant and bar, billiards, activity rooms, library, and a stadium-seating theater.

PebbleCreek Homes

PebbleCreek is a community in progress with construction beginning by Robson Builders, one of the Top 100 Builders in the US, in 1994.  Robson uses block and stucco construction instead of wood frame which helps keep the homes cooler during the hot AZ summer.  PebbleCreek will have around 6,200 homes when complete.    PebbleCreek homes for sale come in a number of different styles and floor plans and range in price from the high $300,000s to the high $800,000s.   Currently there are attractive resale and new construction homes available.

Whether you are looking for a dream vacation home or a dream retirement home, you can choose a wide variety of homes in PebbleCreek:

• PebbleCreek golf course homes
• PebbleCreek homes with pools
• PebbleCreek homes with mountain views
• PebbleCreek homes with 3 bedrooms
• All PebbleCreek homes for sale

Looking for a new construction home?  If you'd like representation throughout the process with no extra cost to you, make sure to have a Realtor accompany you on your first visit to the model homes and/or sales center.  I'd be happy to assist you, please call me at 623-252-9350 or fill out the form below.  

New Construction Homes at PebbleCreek

I look forward to connecting!

CantaMia Active Retirement Living in Style

Retire in style and enjoy the active life amenities at CantaMia, a master-planned 55+ community located in Estrella in Goodyear.  The community features open floor plans and resort-style amenities, perfect for an active retirement lifestyle.  Taylor Morrison presents numerous models with active living in mind.

The Community of Estrella is located south of the I-10 on Estrella Parkway.  As you make your way up the hill along Estrella Parkway you are transported into a beautiful desert oasis surrounded by the Sierra Estrella Mountains.  Estrella offers 2 lakes, two clubhouses (Starpointe Residents Club and Presidio Club) with pools, miles of trails and paths, a golf course, schools, and shopping.   The Starpointe Residents Club offers tons of activities for adults and kids, including dive-in movies, holiday celebrations, a farmer's market, and more.  You can even rent a canoe and go out on the lake.  The Presidio Residents Club has a beautiful pool, state-of-the-art workout room, and a chef's demonstration kitchen.

Located in Estrella, CantaMia is designed for an active adult and baby boomer lifestyle.  CantaMia has its own gated entry, lakes, beautiful common areas, and waterways along with a Village Center.  The 29,000 square foot Village Center includes a state-of-the-art fitness center, indoor lap pool, locker rooms, cafe, library, billiard room, card rooms, and classrooms for computers and crafts.  The center also includes a beach-entry resort-style pool and conversations fire pits.  There's always something to do in Canta Mia! 

The City of Goodyear

The City of Goodyear is the largest city in the West Valley.  Goodyear offers shopping, restaurants, hotels, entertainment, spring training, golf, hiking, swimming, walking paths, and parks.  Goodyear Park has a splash pad and playground for the younger kids as well as baseball fields, tennis courts, and a skate park.  Recently Goodyear opened up the new Goodyear Recreation Campus with an Aquatics Center.

Estrella

Learn more about Estrella

Homes for sale:

View homes for sale in CantaMia

View homes for sale in Estrella

View homes for sale in Goodyear

New Construction Homes by Taylor Morrison

There are also new construction homes being built by various builders in Estrella.  If you would like to be represented during the process at no extra cost to you, make sure to take your Realtor with you on your first visit to the model homes and/or sales center.  You can contact me directly at 623-252-9350 or fill out the contact form below to schedule an Exploratory Tour of your desired neighborhood.

New Construction Homes in CantaMia

I look forward to hearing from you! 

Sun City Festival in Buckeye

Located in the northwest valley of Phoenix is Del Webb's resort-style active adult community of Sun City Festival.  Sun City Festival is nestled at the base of the White Tanks Mountains but on the west side of the mountains instead of the east side like the Phoenix Metro area providing beautiful expansive views. It's about 10 miles from the City of Surprise.

The community has an expansive recreation center, clubs, various classes, the Indigo Grille, and the Copper Canyon Golf Club which has a 27-hole golf course.  Currently, Pulte Homes is still building new homes at Sun City Festival.  Homes range from the low $300's to the high $500's.  The flexible floorplans were designed with 55+ buyers in mind.  Virtual tours of the model homes are available.  Right now they inventory homes ready to purchase so you don't have to wait as long to move into your new home.

If you'd like to learn more about life in Sun City Festival give me a call at 623-252-9350.  We can schedule an Exploratory Tour where we will tour the community, the model homes as well as the resale homes currently on the market.  When you are ready to actively start looking for homes and putting in offers, you will be ready to go and it will make the process easier.  

View PebbleCreek Homes For Sale

If you'd like me to represent you during the purchase of a new construction home I must accompany you on your first visit.  Call me at 623-252-9350 to schedule an Exploratory Tour.  Or fill out the form below.