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

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

MESA continues with its long-standing reputation of being one of the most desirable communities in the greater Phoenix area!

* 485 single family detached homes were purchased in December 2009 vs. 408 last year (December 2008).

* The average price paid was $165,636 vs. $178,227 last year.

* The median price came in at $135,000 vs. $145,300 last year.

* The average ratio of purchase price to list price was 99% vs. 96% last year.

* The average time on the market was 74 days vs. 71 days last year.

* There were 3,071 Active single family listings vs. 4,309 last year.

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

The selection of available homes for sale in Mesa is good, but has dropped significantly in the last few months. 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 Mesa 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 Mesa 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%, but average purchase prices have seen a slight increase in the past few months. Home prices are extremely attractive and affordable in virtually every area of Mesa, 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 2007-2008, mortgage loans in Mesa 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 up to $346,250 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 Mesa are happening daily.

The result of the foregoing conditions ~ over-supply of homes, extraordinarily low prices, availability of mortgage financing and low interest rates ~ is a noticeable, steady increase in buying activity in Mesa. 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, mountain views, horse property or any other type of home in Mesa, 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 Mesa (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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For fast, friendly, professional information and assistance regarding homes in Mesa, 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!

Note: The above market statistics were derived from the Arizona Regional MLS and are deemed accurate but not guaranteed.

ZIP Codes: 85201, 85202, 85203, 85204, 85205, 85206, 85207, 85208, 85209, 85210, 85212, 85213, 85215

Approximate Location Boundaries: Just East of Phoenix, AZ

Location Characteristics:

WELCOME to MESA

Mesa, Arizona is unique among cities in the greater Phoenix metropolitan area. Mesa is thriving and dynamic, and has all the comforts of a big city. But because it is located next to the Tonto National Forest, Mesa is close to outdoor adventures and offers residents the feel of a small community. Mesa's near perfect weather (325 days of sunshine each year, and the average temperature in winter is 74.4 degrees) makes it possible to enjoy the outdoors year-round, and be a part of adventures that will last a lifetime. Mesa has some of the most renowned and diverse golf courses in the West, and more than 40 courses are located within minutes from downtown.

LIGHT RAIL& MESA LINK

December, 2008, marked the Grand Opening of the brand new Metro Light Rail system. It runs from Phoenix, thru Tempe, to Mesa, providing 20 miles of economical and eco-friendly transportation. At the same time, Mesa built and introduced a new state-of-the-art eco-friendly rapid transit (BRT) bus service that lets customers enjoy rail-like comfort, speed and reliability for another 13 miles.Go to http://www.raillife.com/Map/Light-Rail-Map.aspx for a map of the Light Rail network, and to http://www.valleymetro.org/link/maps_and_schedules/maps/ for a map of the Mesa LINK.

CITY of GROWTH

Mesa, located in Maricopa County, is one of the nation's fastest-growing cities, with a population that grew by 58% percent from 1990 to 2006. There are solid reasons for Mesa's growth: low costs of doing business, reasonable tax structure, skilled and well-educated workforce, low crime rate, superior schools, affordable housing and an excellent quality of life.

MONEY MAGAZINE

Mesa ranked 3rd in the United States in Money Magazine's 2006 survey of the Best Big Cities, surpassed only by Colorado Springs, CO and Austin, TX. The survey researched several areas from quality of life to health, where Mesa scored above average in most categories, including education. Mesa was the only big city in Arizona to receive the honors.

ACTIVE LIFESTYLE

Activities in Mesa include golf, tennis, biking, hiking, outdoor adventures, desert tours, river tubing/rafting, lake cruises, hot air balloon rides and helicopter tours. There are 60 hotel/motel properties with nearly 5,000 rooms in Mesa.

EDUCATION

Mesa is home to an impressive array of top-rated educational institutions, including the following: Arizona State University; Polytechnic; Arizona School of Health Sciences; Chandler-Gilbert Community College; DeVry Institute of Technology; East Valley Institute of Technology; Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University; Keller Graduate School of Management; Mesa Community College; Ottawa University; the University of Phoenix; and A.T. Still University of Health Sciences, a new medical school that opened their doors in July 2007. The award-winning K-12 education system in Mesa includes public as well as private and parochial school systems. Charter schools, magnet schools, international baccalaureate programs, numerous parochial, Montessori, and other options typify Mesa's commitment to education.

MESA by the NUMBERS:

► Founded: 1878
► Incorporated: 1883
► Elevation: 1,241 feet
► Land Area: 170.7 square miles
► Population: 460,000
► Area: 131.2 Square Miles

Special thanks to the Mesa Chamber of Commerce

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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!