Jerry Murphy

Hi Heather,

My family and I moved down here from San Francisco almost 4 years ago. We live in a beautiful community called Anthem. Now, it is a bit suburban, but if you have young children, they and you woul love it. It is like nothing I have ever seen. Right now home prices in Anthem are again affordable. I am in the process of helping one couple purchase a 4 bed 2 bath, 2,300 sq.ft. home for only $217k.

I have a blog dedicated to Anthem, http://www.AllAboutAnthem.com. I encourage you to visit. I think you will be very impressed by just the little amount of information about Anthem I can provide on that blog. - Wed Jun 11 2008, 09:34

Hi Chris,

Anthem is a wonderful community which offers a lot of the ammenities and lifestyle options you are looking for. Right now you could find a very nice home on a large lot in your price range. Plus it's only an hours drive from Sedona and Prescott, a 20 min drive to Lake Pleasant, and about 45 mins to dowtown Phoenix or Scottsdale. You can get more info about Anthem on our website, http://www.ArizonaPremiereLiving.com - Sat May 31 2008, 17:34

It's good that you're asking people who are on the front lines of the real estate market. The news media would have you believe things are bleak everywhere. Here in Phoenix we have seen a significant uptick in activity over the last several months. Inventory is starting to decline, currently at about 12-14 months supply compared to about 20-22 months supply a year ago. Prices have declined to a point where first time home buyers and investors are coming back into the market. Don't wait until you hear on the news that it's safe to jump back in the water. By that time it will be too late, all the good deals will be gone.

And to answer the question of where to go on the internet to find the best deals out there, there's not one best site. You have to establish a relationship with a good realtor who will do the research for you. What may be a great deal in one area is not a great deal in another. And no one has the time and resources to comb every area and analyze each and every home to determine which are the best deals. - Sat May 31 2008, 09:53