Current Market Rating: 3 1 2 3 4 5 Buyer's Seller's

Current Price Trend: 4 1 2 3 4 5 Falling Rising

GILBERT continues to demonstrate why it is a shining star in the greater Phoenix area!

* 415 single family detached homes were purchased in August 2009 vs. 339 last year (August 2008).

* The average price paid was $223,272 vs. $265,401 last year.

* The median price came in at $200,000 vs. $240,000 last year.

* The ratio of purchase price to list price was 100% vs. 98% last year.

* The average time on the market was 78 days vs. 89 days last year.

* There were 2,107 Active single family listings vs. 2,847 last year.

Gilbert (and the greater Phoenix metro area) is being impacted by bank owned (foreclosed/REO) properties continuing to hit the market in record numbers. As a result, several unique conditions currently exist:

The selection of available homes for sale in Gilbert is good, but is considerably less than it was a few months ago. Regardless of the price point, many of the bank owned (foreclosed/REO) properties are in deplorable condition (trashed/stripped by former owners and/or vandalized after being vacated/abandoned), but perhaps 10-20% of them are in terrific locations, have quality upgrades and a private pool, and are in move-in condition. There are also hundreds of single family homes, townhouses and condos in Gilbert that are on the market by homeowners who want or need to sell their homes, many of which are in outstanding condition and priced quite aggressively.

Prices in Gilbert have fallen to the point where many nearly new homes are actually priced below current comps/appraisals. Some areas have seen prices correct downward by as much as 50%. Home prices are extremely attractive and affordable in virtually every area of Gilbert, including gated communities and waterfront properties, and are arguably at or near rock-bottom levels.

In spite of the sub-prime lending crash that started in 2006, and national banking/liquidity crisis that surfaced in 2008, mortgage loans in Gilbert are still readily available. Credit requirements are more stringent than they were in recent years, but solid loan products and pre-approvals are indeed accessible. Several loan products have made a roaring come-back, including FHA loans requiring only a 3.5% down payment and VA loans requiring no down payment.

Mortgage interest rates continue to hover in an historically low range. Like most everything on this planet, the reasons for such super-low mortgage interest rates are numerous and complex. The obvious benefit is that many buyers are indeed able to finance their home purchases. And given the tremendous choice of homes and almost unbelievable pricing, bargains, deals and steals in Gilbert are happening daily.

The result of the foregoing conditions ~ abundant supply of homes, extraordinarily low prices, availability of mortgage financing and low interest rates ~ is a noticeable, steady increase in buying activity in Gilbert. Properties that are priced aggressively and in above-average condition (bank owned or not) are often drawing multiple offers and selling in just a few days.

Whether your interest is in single family homes, townhomes or condos... and whether you're focused on bank owned (foreclosed/REO) properties, pre-foreclosures, short sales or homes being offered by traditional homeowner-sellers... and whether you're looking for smaller, larger, older, newer, waterfront, gated, private pool, no pool, active adult, horse property, mountain views or any other type of home in Gilbert, we're here to serve you and help you find and purchase just the right home at just the right price.

For FREE access to ALL of the currently available listings in Gilbert (or anywhere in the Valley of the Sun), simply go to http://DreamcatcherRealty.com.

For FREE email delivery of ALL of the currently available listings that meet your exact wants and needs, or FREE access to a customized website where all of the details on all of the homes are displayed and updated daily ~ including photos, virtual tours, property features and even addresses ~ simply email info@DreamcatcherRealty.com. No registration required!

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BUSINESS WEEK: The Best Places to Raise Your Kids 2009 ~ A riparian preserve, skate park, affordability and school performance landed Gilbert as the best place in Arizona to raise kids, according to Business Week magazine. The roundup set the criterion at towns with at least 50,000 residents and a median family income from $40,000 to $100,000. School performance and safety were most heavily weighted, according to the magazine.

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For fast, friendly, professional information and assistance regarding homes in Gilbert, email info@DreamcatcherRealty.com, or call 888-234-3293 or 480-926-8777. We'll respond to you quickly and courteously, by email or phone, whichever you prefer. No pushy salesmen! No pressure! No obligation!

ZIP Codes: 85233, 85234, 85295, 85296, 85297, 85298

Approximate Location Boundaries: Slightly Southeast of Phoenix, AZ

Location Characteristics:

GILBERT, ARIZONA

Why do 1,000 new residents move to Gilbert each and every month? According to the locals, it's primarily because of "small-town" friendliness, great schools, incredible neighborhoods and a thriving business community!

BUSINESS WEEK: The Best Places to Raise Your Kids 2009

Gilbert Ranked #1 in Arizona

CITY OF GROWTH

As one of the nation's top five growth markets, Gilbert, Arizona has long been a community of opportunity. Today, its new freeways, large-scale commercial projects and successful business collaborations have shaped a market where opportunity is not just being touted, it's being realized: Loop 202 (San Tan) Freeway; General Dynamics Advanced Information Systems; Rome Towers; San Tan Village Regional Shopping Center; Mercy Gilbert and Banner Gateway medical centers; and Big League Dreams. For Gilbert businesses, residents and the thousands of area workers and shoppers that Gilbert now attracts each day, these projects reflect decades of innovation, research, partnership and planning that have increased the productivity and competitiveness of Gilbert's economy and positioned it for long term sustainability.

CITY OF OPPORTUNITY

There is an ample supply of upscale, family-oriented neighborhoods and unprecedented economic growth along the San Tan Freeway corridor. Gilbert residents hold one of the highest concentrations of graduate and professional degrees. The labor pool consists of a young, talented population with one of the highest median incomes within the Phoenix metropolitan area. Gilbert is a destination of lifestyles, family, economic growth and endless possibilities.

CITY OF EDUCATION

Gilbert is dedicated to learning at every stage of life, including a top-ranking K-12 system through Gilbert Public Schools and neighboring Chandler and Higley school districts, unique magnet and charter programs, and multiple institutions of higher learning such as Arizona State University-Polytechnic Campus and Chandler-Gilbert Community College. Achievement test scores at the elementary, junior high, and senior high levels exceed both national and state averages. Gilbert has also been recognized as having an outstanding fine arts program and a very comprehensive interscholastic activity program. In fact, the excellent reputation of Gilbert schools is one of the factors contributing to its rapid growth. These accomplishments are the result of outstanding students, a supportive community, and excellent educators and support personnel.

GILBERT by the NUMBERS:

► Population 191,000
► 76 square miles
► Elevation: 1,273 feet
► Annual average rainfall: 7.66 inches
► Annual sunshine days: 310 days
► Average Temperature (High/Low): January 67/45; July 112/85; April 90/62; October 88/60

Special thanks to the Gilbert Chamber of Commerce and the City of Gilbert

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Randy Hooker is the Designated Broker for Dreamcatcher Realty, an independent, cutting edge residential real estate firm in the greater Phoenix area. Randy was born and raised in Texas but has been a resident of Arizona since 1997. He has a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology and a Master's Degree in Education. Randy is a former Licensed Professional Counselor, and has over thirty years of consulting, marketing and management experience ~ in addition to 12 years as a full time residential real estate and relocation specialist in Arizona.

The philosophy and attitude that Randy brings to Dreamcatcher Realty and all of their clients is that real estate agents and brokers should serve as real estate Consultants ~ drastically different from traditional sales people or old school sales agents. A Consultant listens to the needs, desires and dreams of their Clients and then helps them meet their goals and objectives. A Consultant offers information while supporting and encouraging Clients in their own decisions. A Consultant never tries to pressure or 'sell' their Clients. A Consultant is dedicated to the well-being of their Clients ~ not the commissions. A Consultant is in constant pursuit of more knowledge that will enable him/her to better serve their Clients. A Consultant is a friend, advocate and loyal professional with unquestioned integrity.

For fast, friendly, professional information and assistance from a client-centered real estate Consultant, email info@DreamcatcherRealty.com or call 888-234-3293 or 480-926-8777. We'll respond to YOUR needs and requests, quickly and courteously by email or phone, whichever you prefer. No pushy salespeople! No pressure! No obligation!