January 2020

December 2019: The Buyer Stakes Are High Because Inventory Is Low

Keeping Current Matters


The reality of what we're seeing this month is that homes are selling fast. In today's strong seller's market, bidding wars are common and expected with starter or entry-level homes.

In most areas of the country, first-time buyers have been met with fierce competition throughout their homebuying experience. Some have been out-bid multiple times before finally going into contract on a home to call their own.

Right now, inventory is the big challenge. Here's what we know today:

According to the latest Existing Home Sales Report from the National Association of Realtors (NAR), there is currently a 3.9-month supply of homes for sale, which can drive this kind of hefty buyer competition. Remember, anything less than 6 months of inventory is a seller's market.

Even though the month's supply of inventory is not increasing, ironically, the number of homes for sale is. This means homes are coming up for sale, but they're being sold quickly. The graph below shows the year-over-year change in inventory over the last 12 months.


As depicted above, the percentage of available inventory has fallen for four consecutive months when compared to the previous year.

So, what does this mean? If you're a buyer, be sure to get pre-approved for a mortgage and be ready to make a competitive offer, so you can move quickly. Chances are, homes high on your wish list are likely going to go fast.



5 Ways to Save Energy and Money

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties | 
Maria Hill 


Cutting down on energy use is great for the environment. It can also save you big bucks. Alternative energy proponent IGS Energy suggests four green and easy ways to do both:

Minimize 'phantom loads.' The term 'phantom load' refers to the energy that an appliance or electronic device consumes when it is not actually turned on. According to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), some 75 percent of the electricity in an average home is used to power electronics while the products are off. A report from the University of California Berkeley says that phantom loads account for about six percent of all residential electricity consumption. You can eliminate phantom loads by unplugging appliances and electronics when you are not using them or by plugging them into a power strip and turning the strip off when they are not in use.

Upgrade your appliances. When shopping for new appliances, look for the Environmental Protection Agency's Energy Star label. These appliances use less energy and water than their conventional counterparts. They may cost more than appliances without the Energy Star designation, but, in most cases, they will more than make up that additional cost through energy savings.

Change your lightbulbs. One of the least expensive and most effective changes you can make in your home is replacing your light bulbs with compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFL), which cost just a few dollars more and will save about $30 in energy costs over their lifetime. CFL bulbs use 75 percent less energy and last about 10 times longer than incandescent bulbs. Some people are concerned because CFLs contain mercury, but Energy Star says CFLs do not release any mercury when in use, and actually reduce mercury emissions because they lessen the need for electricity from power plants that emit mercury.

Install a programmable thermostat. These thermostats automatically adjust your home's temperature to your schedule, keeping it comfortable only when you need it to be. If you don't already adjust your thermostat throughout the day, a programmable thermostat could save you as much as 15 percent on heating and cooling costs.






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Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction
Westworld Of Scottsdale
16601 N. Pima Rd Scottsdale, Az
January 11, 2020 To January 19, 2020
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Downtown Carefree
101 Easy Street Carefree, Az
January 17, 2020 To January 19, 2020
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$3
(480) 837-5637
 
Goodyear Ballpark
1933 S Ballpark Way Goodyear, Az
January 24, 2020 To January 26, 2020
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8:00 Am
$20 General Admission, Children 12 & Under Are Free
 
Steele Indian School Park
Po Box 712217 Phoenix, Az
January 25, 2020
10:00 Am To 4:00 Pm
Price: Free
(323) 445-5087
 
Scottsdale Tournament Players Club (Tpc Scottsdale)
17020 North Hayden Road Scottsdale, Az
January 31, 2020 To February 3, 2020
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Varies
Monday-Tuesday: Free; Wednesday, Thursday, Sunday: $40; Friday, Saturday: $50
(602) 870-0163
 
Buckeye Airport
3000 S. Palo Verde Rd. Buckeye, Az
Date: February 7, 2020 To February 9, 2020
Recurring Daily
Time: 8:00 Am To 5:00 Pm
Price: Free
Phone: (623) 349-6331
 
Festival Village
12601 East Highway 60 Gold Canyon, Az
Date: February 8, 2020 To March 29, 2020
Recurring Weekly On Sunday, Saturday
Time: 10:00 Am To 6:00 Pm
Price: Discount Tickets Are $26 For Adults, And $16 For Children 5-12 When Purchased At Fry's Food Stores, Children Under 5 Are Always Free. Tickets Purchased At The Festival Are Two Dollars More.
Phone: (520) 463-2600
Susan Gerkin
REALTORĀ®

602.576.2997   |  Susan.Gerkin@BHHSAZ.com  |  SGerkinRealtor.com