Future of Maricopa

[mjd2k]

Originally Posted by S. Chris Webb

If you're the same SnowDesert who posts regularly in other online real estate forums, I must ask you again - why are you not asking these questions of your Buyer's Agent? Or are you relying on the information (and misinformation) found in online real estate forums instead of having professional representation? I do hope this is just a secondary source of info for you, as a good Buyer's Agent will be a priceless source of info for an investor such as yourself.

imho this is a smart move to get perspectives from CD. Personally, I trust the integrity of most real estate agents. (my mom and dad were agents and many are good friends!). However, they don't know it all. Especially in in an area as large as Phoenix and its burroughs

My Phoenix agent was a great lady, not shady by any means. However, she seemed to feel she had to present an informed opinion on each area but she was actually unfamiliar with them. I did my dilegence which included CD.

I'm keeping options open for investments etc so I slink around CD. Its been invaluable for me.

[azdr0710]

Originally Posted by mjd2k

My Phoenix agent was a great lady, not shady by any means. However, she seemed to feel she had to present an informed opinion on each area but she was actually unfamiliar with them.

be careful how much a realtor gives opinions....it's unethical and practically illegal for them to talk bad about an area (though much appreciated at times!)

[mjd2k]

Originally Posted by azdr0710

be careful how much a realtor gives opinions....it's unethical and practically illegal for them to talk bad about an area (though much appreciated at times!)

Me thinks you misunderstood the gist of my post

[unit731]

Originally Posted by 61scout80

The Banner facility is a Primary Care Facility, NOT a hospital. There is a lot of confusion with that project.

The Holiday Inn has been on the radar for a couple years now, there are some issues with ADOT that are holding up construction.

You didn't mention the expansion of Ak Chin's casino and entertainment development. They have a huge theater, bowling alley and more going in there.

I personally think it's a great value right now, but as always for the right person. Not everyone is willing to make that commute.

We recently had to list our home for sale, my wife's new job is in Scottsdale. After nearly 2 years of that commute we are ready to move closer to cut about an hour a day of windshield time off her commute. If we were both still working in Chandler we would still love Maricopa.





I've been Maricopa's biggest cheerleader on this board for a LONG time, but I've noticed a decline in the quality of character around town as of late. Many homes have sold, and most of them are rented out now for cheap. That brings in all sorts of people, from families getting a nice newer house to people that need a cheap place to live...

I've seen many incarnations of Maricopa over my 5 years there.

At first it was people who were convinced it was "the next Scottsdale" and that "home prices are going to be just like California and keep climbing". People were bragging about their 3000 sq. ft. house they got for $300k. Driveways were packed with H2's, Cadillacs, BMWs and other high line autos.

Then the first wave of foreclosures came through.

After the pseudo affluent crowd got the boot much of the city was vacant. I lived on a street with 50 houses on it, 40 of them were empty foreclosures. it stayed that way for about 6-8 months. The next crowd was middle class folks. People were bragging about getting their 3000 sq. ft. house for $150k, driveways were full of minivans and small sedans.

That lasted a couple years. Then I started hearing all the same stories from my neighbors. "I (or my spouse) lost my job, now I'm working in (insert long distance commute)". Then the short sale signs popped up in front yards, some sold, some foreclosed. the driveways became vacant.

Recently most of those homes have been bought up, many of them now have "for rent" signs out front. And the next stage of the cycle has begun.

I have given up on trying to figure out what will happen in this city next, it's been too much of a roller coaster so far...

Excellent summation. Applies not to just Maricopa but many other outlining areas.

My mixed age development (not in Maricopa) began in 2004 and ended construction in 2007. About 800 homes. The first wave purchased full retail. All homes have owners. Sign and own. Most of those folks are gone. 2nd wave as prices began to go down. Some still sign and own. About half of the 2nd wave of owners are gone as prices tumbled. 3rd wave of owners are rental speculators and the others are retirees. This mixed age community initially was 2/3rd younger with families and about 1/3rd retirees. Now about 2/3rd retiree and 1/3rd families. The developer still has 400 lots in Phase 4 or whatever phase it is and that does have dirt street with utilities but zero construction. Stopped. And probably stopped for about at least 10 years as a guess. If not longer.