The Arizona Republic has the answer!  Did you see the ARMLS advertorials in the paper this weekend?

Saturday’s Business section had the first article with quotes from John Hall real estate agents; Abe Schwarz, Dru Bloomfield, and Russell Shaw.  Bob Bemis (CEO of ARMLS) was also quoted talking about the median and average price drops.  

The article on Sunday, with the same title, again had quotes from our own; Russell Shaw and Jim Sexton.  Bob Bemis was again quoted, but this time talking about the currently low interest rates.  Darrell Blomberg (Owner/Broker of AzTech Realty) and Gary Swallows (Designated Broker for Swallows & Associates Realty) were also quoted explaining why it might cost more if you wait to buy and how FHA loans are making a come back!  

Thanks to the Republic and ARMLS for the good press!

Look for Mr. Jim Sexton in the Arizona Republic this weekend.   He will be highlighted in the real estate sections’ Broker’s Corner.  Just in case you’re not a newspaper kind of person, here’s the article. 

The Big Game 

When you say “Big Game” in Arizona you can’t help but think of the football game in Glendale, even if you’re not a football fan.  Arizona also hosts other big games like the FBR Open and the Barrett/Jackson car auction; there is literally something for everyone.  Even those who aren’t sports fans can’t help but appreciate the fabulous weather, stunning scenery and warm hospitality.  But, the REAL “Big Game” in Arizona is real estate.  I hope that the “white noise” of a negative national press in the financial sector doesn’t obscure the positive aspects of what is happening in Arizona.  Local real estate gurus in their 2008 forecasts give us high marks in comparison with the rest of the country predicting a population growth of +2.7%, employment at +2%, personal income +5.5% and retail sales at +1.5%.   This is when the knowledgeable players get in the game, to take advantage of interest rates at historic lows and the abundance of housing choices.  Even the rise in foreclosures gives real estate a boost whether you are a buyer occupant or an investor.  When you consider the fact that according to the National Association of REALTORS®, the value of homes nearly doubles every ten years, this would be the perfect time to get off the bench and start playing.

With all the bad news from the economic sector of our economy, you may have missed some of this; Forbes magazine ranks us 3rd in its “Best US Cities for Jobs” list, Business 2.0 magazine rates us a top destination city for relocations and one of America’s hottest job markets.   And, CNN ranked the Phoenix/Tucson area as one of the top 10 “megapolitans” in the U.S.  

You have to ask yourself, how bad is the economy when a 30 second commercial during the Super Bowl costs approximately $2.3 million?  Don’t wait to buy real estate, buy real estate and wait.  Whether you are a Patriots or Giants fan, its time to get off the sidelines and get into the REAL game in Arizona – real estate.