2009 - Home Builder Related (Good/Bad?) (Phoenix, Glendale: condo, get credit, home builders)

[rebelcork]

So I have seen and read some threads from the past about home builders and success and horror stories, but with some time passing I thought I should ask for your updated help. My wife and I have been hoping and praying to be able to move to Phoenix (hopefully this year if the green card ever happens). We have visited many areas to narrow down choices and also plan to go back in February for another look. We visited many areas (Gilbert, Glendale, Chandler, Scottsdale, Goodyear, Litchfield Park, Surprise, Peoria...) and narrowed down to a few areas that we are very interested in as well as a couple of builders that (for our price range) seem to be a good fit.

The problem is, that was last summer and it seems that a lot has happened in the market and with builders since then. Hence, my post here. I am wondering if you very helpful people could chime in and let me know your thoughts on different builders (who you consider good, bad, perhaps going under (and what problems that may cause), and also certain areas. We were thinking that a good area may be anything near the upper loop (Peoria across to Scottdale - of course Scottdale would only be if we decided on a condo) of the freeway. Also we wer interested in Surprise, Goodyear, and Litchfield Park.

A few of our favorite areas were Vistancia, Marley Park and Estrella Mountain Ranch. Our two favorite builders were Ashton Woods and Shea Homes.

Recently we heard a few negatives about Estrella (scorpion problem?), Marley Park (many builders going under) and possible Ashton Woods problems. So hopefully you can help us out. Sorry for the long email.

We are hoping to end up in a nice home (where we wont have to worry about the builder not being around to fix any later problems) in an area that is somewhat secure.

Thanks in advance for all your help.

[altus2006]

Here is a link to home builders either in financial trouble or bankrupt. Ashton Woods is one in trouble.

http://www.azre.gov/PUBLIC_INFO/Docu...In_Trouble.pdf

altus2006

[rebelcork]

Thanks for the link. From it, I'm not sure what it means specifically (are they in big trouble, behind in some areas, ...). Anyway, thanks again, I will have to save that. Anyone else want to chime in? Thanks.

[altus2006]

Originally Posted by rebelcork

Thanks for the link. From it, I'm not sure what it means specifically (are they in big trouble, behind in some areas, ...). Anyway, thanks again, I will have to save that. Anyone else want to chime in? Thanks.

Mechanic liens on their properties means that they are not paying their contractors. Frequently this means they are going out of business soon as they will not be able to get credit to build houses.

As far as I know, Shea is doing OK. They haven't appeared on the linked list.

altus2006

[rebelcork]

Thanks a lot for the explanation.

Anyone else want to chime in on this or on the areas specifically? Thanks.