We have seen the Canadian dollar and US dollar exchange rate teeter back and forth around par for the past few months. Recent news from the Euro Zone on the French and Greek Elections has seen the US dollar gain momentum on the Canadian dollar this week. However any positive news or market movement can easily see this paring head in the other direction.

If you are considering purchasing a home in Arizona I would highly suggest you plan your currency transaction in advance. By working with a foreign exchange firm you can put in market orders to exchange your money when it hits a certain target. You can take advantage of any momentary fluctuation in the rate in this way. If you would like a referral to a currency exchange firm just let me know. I have used the same Edmonton exchange firm for several years on dozens of transactions.

Please visit our website to search all Scottsdale homes for sale.

Carmen Brodeur
Realtor | Attorney
The Brodeur Luxury Group | Realty Executives
21040 N. Pima Road | Scottsdale, AZ 85255
Cell (602) 791-0536
Direct (800) 300-0263

The Canadian dollar gained about a 1.5 cents on the US dollar overnight. This morning  it is trading around 1 cent better than par today. Take advantage of any rates close to Par. I remember growing up in Alberta when the Loonie was worth 65 cents US for years. When you combine the rock bottom prices of Scottsdale homes for sale with the strength of the Canadian dollar, it is an amazing opportunity for Canadians.

Call me to schedule a tour of any homes in Scottsdale or Phoenix. We specialize in Scottsdale golf homes for sale.

Carmen Brodeur
Scottsdale Realtor | Attorney
The Brodeur Luxury Group
Realty Executives
21040 N. Pima Rd Suite 200
Scottsdale, AZ 85255
www.ThePhoenixExperts.com

Many reports have come out that indicate the Phoenix housing market is very much on its way to recovery. The official stats for 2011 have been released by ARMLS and it really was an incredible year for the Phoenix and Scottsdale Real Estate market.

2011 came in second for total number of property sales, just behind 2005 which is classified as the height of the real estate bubble. There were 101,436 sales in 2011 and 104,725 in 2005. As you can see these numbers are very close. Buyers are coming to the Phoenix area to buy properties. It is getting fairly competitive.

The total number of new listings in 2011 was 121,041. Mid 2002 to 2004 are classified as the last normal markets in the Phoenix area. In 2002 there were 125,738 new listings on the market. We are currently below the normal market which is a very good thing considering that there is still some correction needed from the high 173,363 new listings in 2006.

Overall things are looking up in the Phoenix housing market. Now is definitely a great time to buy before the prices start to slide into a sellers market. In many of the high demand areas we are already seeing slight price increases so don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to buy at very low prices.

If you have any questions about Phoenix or Scottsdale homes for sale feel free to call me at (800) 300-0263. I would be happy to help you find the home you want at the best price possible.

Carmen Brodeur BA, LLB
Arizona Realtor / Former Alberta Lawyer
(800) 300-0263
Carmen@ThePhoenixExperts.com
www.ThePhoenixExperts.com

Your Phoenix and Scottsdale Real Estate specialists would like to wish you and your families a very Happy New Year! We are very thankful for our wonderful clients this last year and are looking forward to another amazing year.

Carmen Brodeur BA, LLB
Arizona Realtor / Former Alberta Lawyer
(800) 300-0263
Carmen@ThePhoenixExperts.com
www.ThePhoenixExperts.com

The Phoenix Business Journal has reported that the number of Phoenix Foreclosures is now below the national average. In September of this year the Phoenix Metro area was at a 3.41% foreclosure rate and the national average was 3.48%. It might not be significantly better than the national average but it is definitely a great start towards recovery.

This is great news for homeowners and shows that the Phoenix and Scottsdale Real Estate markets are coming up. Now is the right time for buyers to make that purchase before the prices start to increase.

Feel free to call me at (800) 300-0263 with any questions that you might have about purchasing Phoenix, Arizona properties.

Carmen Brodeur BA, LLB
Arizona Realtor / Former Alberta Lawyer
(800) 300-0263
Carmen@ThePhoenixExperts.com
www.ThePhoenixExperts.com

We work with many out of state and out of country buyers who often ask what the difference is between owning a Scottsdale home or a Scottsdale condo. There are many pros and cons to each and ultimately it comes down to personal preference and lifestyle. Right now is a great time to buy either a home or condo since prices are still much lower than they were just a few years ago.

When considering the purchase price, a condo is typically less expensive than a home. However, the association fees in condo communities are typically much higher than in single family home communities. You have to weigh out the differences in cost. With a home all of the maintenance and landscaping is up to you but with a condo, the landscaping, roof, etc is maintained by the association. You have to consider how often you or your guests will visit the home and how much maintenance you would like to be responsible for. Also, when you visit your property, do you want the privacy of your own home or the social surroundings that many condo communities bring?

If you are interested in Phoenix or Scottsdale Real Estate feel free to contact me at (800) 300-0263 or Carmen@ThePhoenixExperts.com. I would be happy to assist you in finding the right property to fit your lifestyle.

Carmen Brodeur BA, LLB
Arizona Realtor / Former Alberta Lawyer
(800) 300-0263
Carmen@ThePhoenixExperts.com
www.ThePhoenixExperts.com

Phoenix Real Estate is a great option when considering where to purchase your next vacation home or condo. We have great weather nine months out of the year, an endless number of restaurants, shopping centers and golf courses. Here are a few tips that will help you when searching for a home in the Phoenix and Scottsdale, Arizona area.

I would recommend starting off by speaking with your spouse or family members about the specific criteria that is important to you when purchasing your vacation home. From there you can visit our website to see what Phoenix Homes are available and if your specific criteria fits into your ideal price range.

Once you have narrowed down the area of the city, your price range, the home or condo amenities that are important to you, etc. then I can set you up on a custom property search that will allow access to the most accurate and up to date properties that are on the market.

When you are ready to look at some properties in person, I will schedule showings at your favorites. You should expect to see up to about seven homes per day. I do not recommend seeing more than seven in a single day just because they start to become a blur and details of each home are more difficult for you to sort through. You will have a much clearer image of each home if you limit the number viewed each day.

If you find particular properties that you especially like it is always a good idea to take pictures so that you will have them for later. Also, jot down notes about which homes you do and do not like. We always provide a print out of each home you are viewing for the day just for this reason. It is our way of helping you stay as organized as possible while selecting an ideal home for your lifestyle.

Once you have carefully considered each home and have reached a point where you are ready to present an offer to the seller, make sure you are ready with the documentation necessary to submit the offer. In Arizona, you are required to provide proof of funds or a Pre-Qualification form from a lender.

I strive to be the most professional Realtor you will ever encounter. Please feel free to call me at (800) 600-6110 about Phoenix and Scottsdale Homes for Sale.

Carmen Brodeur BA, LLB
Arizona Realtor / Former Alberta Lawyer

Realty Executives
www.ThePhoenixExperts.com
1-800-600-6110

Many people purchase a home in Arizona as a group with family members or friends.  Pulling funds together can help you buy the best possible property.

Sharing such a large responsibility with someone else can be a little scary but if you consider the following points in advance, the arrangement may be ideal:

• Figure out your personal financial abilities and what you are comfortable spending first, before you even consult your friends and family. Always avoid “buying up”.
• Think carefully about the people you wish to enter into this arrangement with. You must be 100% comfortable with their financial stability and their commitment to the property. Ideally you should know them very well.
• After choosing the person that you would like to purchase your home in Arizona with, discuss your exact visions and goals for the property. How often will each member of the group be allowed to use the property? Will you each get specific weeks?  It is usually best to rotate amongst the members of the group for major holidays. If you get the home for Christmas one year, another person gets it for the following Christmas.  What kind of rules will you set? Are group members allowed to loan out the house to their friends and family if they are not able to use their allotted weeks?
• Once you are on the same page about how you intend to use the home it is time to discuss the legal structures of ownership. This includes things such as how you will take title and how to split the cost of the home. It is advisable for each member to contribute enough to pay cash for the home. Don’t count on being able to finance a group purchase. This is extremely rare.
• It is best to create a reserve fund for future carrying costs. One group from Alberta that worked with me to find a great Scottsdale home, each contributed enough into a reserve fund to carry all maintenance of the property for 5 years. They also made sure they purchased a Home Warranty to cover the cost of any repairs of the home.
• Consider whether the group also wants to purchase a vehicle for the home. This is best done up front at the same time as the purchase of the home. You can’t count on other members to agree or have the money for this later.
• It is very important to also discuss how you will handle ownership if someone needs out of the arrangement. What happens upon death or divorce of a member of the group? Will they be able to sell their share to a 3rd party?  Make sure that you have planned for this situation and do not wait until after the issue arises to deal with it.
• I would highly recommend a Property Concierge service for all group owners. Such a service will go into the home after each person leaves, make sure the home is cleaned and ready for the next person, oversee the landscaper and pool maintenance, check on the property regularly and maintain the home to your standards. Having a Property Concierge will eliminate the vast majority of problems or issues for group owned homes.

Do you have any specific questions about group purchases? I have helped several groups purchase in the Scottsdale area and would be happy to help answer any questions. Feel free to contact me directly at 1-800-300-0263.

Carmen Brodeur BA, LLB
Arizona Realtor / Former Alberta Lawyer
www.ThePhoenixExperts.com
1-800-300-0263

Buying a Phoenix New Build Home from a developer is an exciting process for many Canadian home buyers. However, you need to protect yourself with your own representation. The first thing to remember when buying a new build is that the sales person works for the builder and not you. No matter how friendly they are, they only have one product to sell and may not have your best interest in mind.

If you go to a sales office and they ask you to fill out a registration card. Do not do it. You are not required to fill out a registration card to see the model homes. If you register without your Realtor, your Realtor will not be allowed to represent you in the transaction process. In any Arizona Real Estate transaction it is good to have your own representation. New home builders typically don’t belong to the National Association of Realtors and don’t work under the same ethics and guidelines. Contracts written for a new build are often written to protect the builder where as the Arizona Association of Realtors contracts are written to protect the buyer.

There are some advantages to buying a new build in Arizona. Many developers are hurting in this market so you can get some great deals and some builders have excellent warranties available. In addition to this, it is simply nice to live in a brand new home.

We specialize in Phoenix and Scottsdale Real Estate for Canadians and would be happy to answer your questions. Email me at Carmen@ThePhoenixExperts.com or call me at (800) 300-0263.

I was a real estate lawyer in Alberta before moving to Arizona to become a Realtor. I understand all of the differences between Canadian and Arizona real estate transactions. I explain those differences to my clients and can take you through the process of buying Arizona real estate step by step. Why use a less experienced Realtor?

Carmen Brodeur BA, LLB
Arizona Realtor / Former Alberta Lawyer
www.ThePhoenixExperts.com
1-800-300-0263

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Updated Phoenix Foreclosure statistics have been released by the Arizona Regional Multiple Listing Service (ARMLS) for April 2010. As you can see below the number of foreclosures being sold in the Phoenix, AZ area are decreasing. This is the trend across the entire city, not just in one area. It looks like the number of available Bank Owned Homes will continue to get smaller and smaller.

Carmen Brodeur BA, LLB
Arizona Realtor / Former Alberta Lawyer
www.ThePhoenixExperts.com
1-800-300-0263

View all available Scottsdale Foreclosures