Phoenix, AZ Trustee Sales becoming a Reality Show "Betting the House"

Phoenix will be the setting for a new reality show about one of the region's most competitive and heart-racing activities - bidding on foreclosure homes.Agents who work at Maricopa County's foreclosure auctions are in negotiations to appear on the show, which is planned to start airing on the Discovery Channel next year.

Filming for "Betting the House" is expected to begin in the next few weeks.New York-based Sharp Entertainment, producer of the show, also created "Punkin Chunkin" for the Discovery Channel, "Man vs. Food" for the Travel Channel and "Extreme Couponing" for TLC.

Now, cameras will be filming outside the county courthouse in downtown Phoenix.
Although the company did not comment on the details of the show it is planning, the daily auction scene is one of colorful characters and sometimes intense bidding on the region's foreclosure homes.

As many as three auctioneers may be taking bids at once, and the agents and buyers who try to land good deals rush from auction to auction, placing offers, talking to their offices by cellphone and trying to make sure they don't miss a deal in the process.

At its heart, the attraction of the auction scene is the promise of a house - to be a home, a rental or just a quick investment - for an amazing deal. Sharp picked three veteran bidders at Phoenix's foreclosure auctions to follow.

Lenders have been selling a record number of Phoenix-area homes at the foreclosure auctions known as trustee sales. In August, 1,500 foreclosure homes sold at auction.Trustee sales at the courthouse used to start at noon, but there are so many houses that lenders are trying to sell that the auctions have been moved up to 11 a.m. or earlier and still often go to 5 p.m.

But the frenzy can't last much longer.

Already, competition has driven bidding prices up too high for some investors. At the same time, foreclosures have been falling this year.Notices-of-trustee sales, or pre-foreclosures, are half of what they were a year ago. The number of pending foreclosures in Maricopa County is down to 19,000, half of what it was two years ago.

"I doubt reality TV will shine a positive light on our housing market, although it should be entertaining," said Tom Ruff, real-estate analyst with Information Market.His firm tracks foreclosures daily. "There are definitely some colorful personalities chasing foreclosure properties. Expect them to further Arizona's image as the Wild West."

Stay tuned.

Pioneer Village saving a place of Arizona History

Phoenix to bid $3.2 million on Thursday

Pioneer Village a living monument to the faith, foresight, and fortitude of Arizona's Pioneers.

Mr. and Mrs. Robert Lockett donated a state land lease to the museum. The Locketts were members of a sheep ranching family that had been established in northern Arizona since the early 1880's.

The history of Arizona is represented in all its diversity, from the time of the Spanish Conquistadores to the achievement of Statehood in 1912.

If you haven't had a chance to visit this wonderful place of history, take a day to take a trip back into time. It is amazing to see how the Pioneers lived in the heat of the summer !
For hours and directions:
http://pioneeraz.org/about.html

Read entire article about the purchase of the Pioneer Village
http://kathleeninarizona.com/archive_details.php?arch=888

Adult Communities seem to be maintaining their value

Age-restricted communities have weathered the housing crash and the down economy better than other developments. Read more:
http://www.kathleeninarizona.com/archive_details.php?arch=861

PebbleCreek in Goodyear is a gated, Active Adult Golf Community offering two championship golf courses, indoor and outdoor pools, whirlpools, saunas, tennis, state of the art fitness centers, bocce and pickleball courts, creative arts center, performance/movie theatre, aerobics, yoga, dance, and social clubs are available to keep residents active and enjoying the beautiful sunny weather here in Phoenix, AZ.

Whether it is a place to call home all year round or a second home to escape the cold winter months, enjoy resort style living at its best! If you are moving from out of state, consider a furnished home, priced under $200k.

More info and photos: http://homeinpebblecreek.com/

RESTORE in Anthem, AZ Opens Saturday 9-1

RESTORE comes to ANTHEM, AZ
Grand Opening Saturday from 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

This will be Habitat for Humanity's fourth RESTORE to open.
Consumers can give their home a new look without breaking the bank. They can purchase things at 40% - 70% off. The merchandise is donated by business clearance and closeouts. Everything from light fixtures to hardware. Valley homebuilders donate from model homes. Other donations are received from Lowes, Home Depot, and Barnes & Nobles, and individuals. Some items may be gently used.
For more info: http://kathleeninarizona.com/habitat-for-humanity-f10464.html

Scottsdale Luxury Lender Owned Home Coming on the Market Soon

Preview this bank owned Scottsdale GEM! Luxury semi-custom home built by TW Lewis on 1.25 acres. Too many upgrades to list. Approx. 4,231 sq. ft., 5 bdrm, 3.5 bath, Separate Guest Casita in backyard, LAP POOL w/waterfall feature, 4 car garage w/surround sound! Entertain family and friends outdoors near pool on the raised patio with built-in BBQ, fireplace, and plenty of seating! Guest rooms share a den w/built-in media niche and full Jack-n-Jill bath.

Call Kathleen to preview this home today 623.776.6217. Best value in the Peakview Trails subdivision.

For more information and photos go to:
http://foreclosuresinscottsdaleaz.com/

Visit my website to view Upcoming Bank Owned Homes

I have exciting news to share with all of my clients, friends, and family. I have joined the Desert Realty Group of Arizona at Platinum Premier Realty, LLC. Tammy Seymour has been an expert in short sales and listing bank owned properties for years. I feel fortunate to be part of her team. I have received my CDPE Designation - Certified Distressed Property Expert. My CDPE membership will alert me of any changes in guidelines to purchasing a bank owned or pre-foreclosure property. Also, keeping me up to date on terms that help to negotiate offers on behave of my clients to acquire these properties for the best possible terms.

Changes to my website will begin soon. You will be able to view homes that are bank owned on my website before they are listed. I would be happy to show you any of these homes.

I look forward to working with the best team in the business for bank owned and pre-foreclosure properties located in Anthem, Scottsdale, Cave Creek, Desert Hills, and throughout the Phoenix, AZ area.

Stay tuned for upcoming changes to my website!