“It’s Tougher To Sell Everything” In Arizona
The East Valley Tribune reports from Arizona. “A house was sold Tuesday for what may be the highest price ever paid for a residential property in Scottsdale. The home was sold for $10 million, said broker Bob Hassett.”
“The 27,000-square-foot Scottsdale home was built in 1994 and cost more to build 12 years ago than it was sold for on Tuesday, Hassett said. ‘The replacement cost in today’s market would be about $30 million,’ he said.”
“The owner originally sought $35 million for the property, but the price had to be reduced to sell, he said. ‘Despite what has happened in the marketplace, it still is the most expensive house ever to sell out here,’ Hassett said.”
“R.L. Brown, a Valley housing-market analyst, said he was not surprised that the seller had to lower the price because the high end of the market has been affected by the same pressures as lesselaborate homes.”
“‘Right now, it’s tougher to sell everything,’ he said. ‘The reason is the expectations of the sellers are often out of whack with the reality of the marketplace.’”
“At the high end of the market, there are not many properties available, but there also are not many buyers, he said.”
The Arizona Republic. “Emily and John Craiger are among more than 100 homeowners Valley-wide who were left with unfinished projects when Sunvek, one of the Valley’s biggest names in residential remodeling and roofing, filed for reorganization Sept. 18 in U.S. Bankruptcy Court.”
“‘We’re furious. Remodeling your home is tough enough without something like this happening,’ John said. Some homeowners had signed contracts with Sunvek and put down deposits but never saw the work start.”
“‘It took everyone by surprise, that is how quickly the decision was made,’ said Lori Ramirez, Sunvek’s controller. ‘But we had to call it what it is.’ Sunvek quickly asked the federal Bankruptcy Court to release it from more than 100 unfulfilled contracts, saying they ‘are of no benefit to the bankruptcy estate.’ Judge Charles Case agreed last month.”
“Homeowners may get something back when the bankruptcy case wraps up, but lawyers consider that unlikely. The homeowners are considered unsecured creditors, who are among the last groups to be paid in bankruptcy cases.”
“Years of poor financial performance, aggravated by an inability to raise prices in a competitive market and topped off by a huge state sales-tax bill, sank longtime Valley roofer and remodeler Sunvek, according to its controller.”
“The company tried to keep going until the end, however. Bankruptcy filings paint a picture of an enterprise that in its final year was slow to pay its bills and an owner who periodically pumped in money to make payments.”
“‘Just because the economy is booming doesn’t mean all businesses are doing well,’ controller Lori Ramirez said.”
“Despite its shaky finances in the past few years, Sunvek couldn’t raise prices because few customers were willing to pay over the going rate for projects, Ramirez said.”
Golly, a 71% price reduction. This seems to validate the Cagan piece someone posted a few days ago showing that the pricy areas in California led the (90’s) downturn there.
A $25M loss on a single house is pretty impressive.
Casey Severin, your new House Fu Master awaits you.
They should have thrown in a Maserati to get the big bucks. :^)
As things start to slide…a solid appraisal will be VERY important. Get some inside info from an honest appraiser in the latest post.
SoCalMtgGuy
http://www.housingbubblecasualty.com
http://www.housingbubblecasualty.com/forum
Oh wait this gets better!
The buyer plans to resell the house and subdivide the 20-acre lot into smaller lots for construction of two more luxury homes, he said.
Another flipper/developer.
Sunvek - this is what happens when people try to “cheap out” and get the lowest price for a job without regard to the company’s financial stability.
The article went on about how everyone thought it was a solid firm. I thought the most interesting part was how quickly the judge let them off the hook.
Ok, I read the rest of the story. It must be a Chapter 11 case since they’re already rejecting executory contracts.
Yep, the claimants are SOL.
This happens to most contractors when they go insolvent. If you’re lucky they have collateral assets that can be liquidated (trucks, machinery) to cover part of their contracts. Bet we’ll see a lot more of these stories in the next year or so.
Oh yeah . . . . believe it or not, I got a call from a headhunter today asking if I’d be interested in working at some big firm in their “Insolvency” section. Had to admit, it’s tempting sometimes.
If you buy for price, you buy twice.
/ true whether you are buying a blender, a car, or anything else
‘The replacement cost in today’s market would be about $30 million,’ he said.”
Uh, what market are you talkin’ ’bout, Willis??
I think the “market” just handed the seller what the “replacement cost” is.
It probably has tons of features that cost a fortune but that at the same time would offend 99.9% of the population’s tastes. MC Hammer’s former mansion comes to mind.
or tyson’s crib.
Donald Trump’s gold triplex
“Sunvek couldn’t raise prices because few customers were willing to pay over the going rate for projects, Ramirez said.”
what? People don’t want to pay more than the market price?
I’m astonished that executives of multi-million dollar businesses can have no concept of economics. As you raise prices, demand falls. Somewhere on that curve is the optimal revenue point. What happens is companies borrow money to excess, pay the executives ENORMOUS bonuses and pay, and then with the debt repayment the cost basis makes a profit impossible and the company goes under. Shareholders, employees and customers are just saps to be milked by the executives, who could care less about their company, only care about getting as much money for themselves as quickly as possible. Capitalism, and the “magic of the marketplace” have led to the destruction of America as a viable nation state. Wait until the debt can no longer be financed and the dollar crashes. Its literally possible that many of us reading this today will have children who starve to death in the future…
Well George, if capitalism does lead to children starving to death it will take quite a few years for its record to compare to communism, no?
Just google “North Korea starvation” and you’ll get a picture of how well non-capitalist systems feed their folks.
Please. Capitalism is no more perfect than anything else in life. That it gets out of hand, due to the freedom provided human beings to act, is sometimes (sadly) a fact. But the alternative is less freedom and the stifling of creativity that goes along with that.
Capitalism ebbs and flows but at least it contains the dynamic ability to adjust to mistakes (unlike communism, socialism or anything else directed by “experts”). It may be painful but “starvation”? Not unless the government confiscates private property and the ability to reasonably freely transact business.
USA hasn’t been captialist since 1913
not even close
“kill a commie for mommy”
nice 50’s saying
“kill a commie for mommy”
LOL
Not unless the government confiscates private property and the ability to reasonably freely transact business.
That’s what socialism is.
The big difference here is that North Korean Communism is something that we tried to stop, but were forced by circumstance to make peace with. American Capitalism, on the other hand, is something we came up with, implemented, and are supposed to be taking care of.
When monopolists were messing things up for everyone we changed the rules. Some recent trends could be examples of the marketplace at work or instead might be examples of the marketplace being distorted by bad regulations and poor or corrupt oversight.
The recent trend toward extreme executive compensations is being countered in part by increased disclosure rules which in turn are prompting shareholders to act. Hopefully no one will assert that giving shareholders more information to make better decisions is an example of North Korean Communism.
Hey I’m a stauch conservative, but just because capitalism is better than other forms of government/marketplace, doesn’t mean we should just sit back and let the robber barons ply their trade, freedom in ripping off the general public, and erosion of the middle class. It is a fact that the rich keep getting richer, and the rest…i.e. those playing by the rules and working for a living are getting stiffed. This is one area where I think we need more govt. regulation. George Campbell (above) is dead on in his comments. CEO and other senior executive compensation is outrageous and comes at the expense of all the poor little saps who have their savings invested in mutual funds and other investment vehicles that these guys manipulate through their stock option manipulation. One of the most amazing things about the compensation of senior executives of companies that are actually losing money, and how once you are a member of the elite, you can actually go BK in a one company you run, then move right over to another million dollar salary position with another company. We have (at least used to) e a GREAT country, but that doesn’t mean we should accept all the bullshit that is going on. I guarantee you if the IRS did audits of people in the top 10% of earners in the county, 90% of them would be breaking the law or at least using close to illegal loopholes to skirt the law to amass their fortunes. Don’t be blind and just compare our system to others and say “because it is better than other systems then it is o.k.”. That’s like standing in a pile of crap, but not doing anything about it because the guys around you are standing in bigger piles. There is so much fraud and corruption in our current system, with a little more effort at busting the perps, we would all enjoy an even better style of Capitalism. Unfortunately, many unethical and immoral people use our civil liberties and freedom of Capitalism as a means of figuring out how to screw the next guy and get away with it. I’ve seen this first hand on many levels (i.e. my former neighbor who was a Personal Injury Attorney & and his good pal who owned and ran Medical & Rehab centers (a business major…not a doctor), wink, wink. Man it all makes me gag.
Capitalism, and the “magic of the marketplace” have led to the destruction of America as a viable nation state.
Oh bullshiat. Which magical economic syatem do you propose? Communism, tried that, excelled at killing a whole bunch of people. Socialism, tried that, controlled a lot of unemployed people and buisnesses and killed a lot of people, started some wars. Marxism? Feudal system? Monarchy?
We don’t live in a fantasy Star Trek world with no money.
We can start printing gold pressed latinum!
Yes, star trek nerd here.
Heard the real estate market on the Klingon homeworld is heating up now. Maybe we put some flippers in a rocket and send them out there.
If Star Trek was real, the Ferengi would have figured out to buy Earth.
“…That really was the heart of Communism: It made it harder for everyone to do what they do.”
Tibor Fischer
Yes, left to their own devices, in groups anything larger than a tribes or clans, capitalism is what people naturally do.
“Capitalism, and the “magic of the marketplace” have led to the destruction of America as a viable nation state.”
If I’m not mistaken, capitalism is what helped create America. And, while the economic future is uncertain, America is still a very viable nation state. Many other economic systems have been tried, and none so far has been as successful as capitalism. Does it have its faults? Sure, because us fallible humans are running it. But that is true of all economic systems.
What economic system do you think is better? You can’t just bash one system unless you’re willing to propose another that you think will be better.
“If I’m not mistaken, capitalism is what helped create America.”
We have morphed beyond Adam Smith capitalism to a Fascist/corporate oligopoly that is feeding on itself and those of us who support it. Uncontrolled ‘capitalism’ has become the playground of a wealthy elitist, manager class that grinds the individual into food for the machine. The ‘right’ cries about welfare for individuals while putting billionaire corporations on the dole. Of course, the “best government money can buy” is a fully owned subsidiary of corporate interests.
Communism didn’t work, and in the course of the next several years we will discover that unfettered corporatism is no better. For a society to function it has to provide some minimal level of comfort for everyone. Not oppulence for a few and the scraps for the rest…
Whew…rant over.
“‘Right now, it’s tougher to sell everything,’
From what imploder keeps reading about Arizona, SELL EVERYTHING!!! seems to be the statewide battle-cry!
Along with “HOLY SH#T!” “MAN THE LIFEBOATS!!!” and “IT’S EVERY MAN FOR HIMSELF!!”
I wish that were the case. I’m waiting, waiting, waiting for a buying opportunity. Seems like a damn eternity!!!!
imploder …lol .
Before Long, real estate agents will be looking for used 1990 Nissan Sentra’s for the drive to the poorhouse. Ejou the RIDE !
imploder happens to have same such vehicle parked in front of disabled “motor home” imploder calls home. Nissan is for sale! (Battery not included.)
PS if stopping by to view, please DO NOT disturb imploder’s MOM IN FRONT HOUSE!, go directly to backyard… imploder’s home “unmistakable”.
http://www.tmz.com/2006/11/16/will-whitney-lose-her-mansion/
The Skankatorium?
I work at and attend grad school at ASU, and I drive by this every day:
http://www.dorseyplacecondos.com/index.html
Pricing was supposed to be available in August: It still isnt up. I emailed them the link to this blog and told them that they are going to have a hard time selling to a bunch of ASU College students, who’s main concern is what rules to use while playing Beerpong. I’m sure the builders of this place dont want it turning into another run down apartment complex full of college kids, like most of the places in Tempe.
Hey truthbetold - I haven’t been in AZ for a while. What’s the update on all those condos they threw up in downtown Tempe next to the “lake?” Did those all sell out?
Are you talking about the north side of the “lake”? I had a friend look at those - they start at about $400,000, but this was prices during the Peak. They had to have come down.
It’s still being built, it’s taking a verrryyyy long time. I havent really seen any activity at all. In the mean time they have an In and Out burger you can enjoy while looking at beautiful views of the 202!
There is another condo project being built, the Hayden Ferry, at the end of Mill Ave. Not sure how that is going either, but the cranes are in full force.
it’s tougher to sell gps tracking- that I know
What is it about Arizona real estate. I know someone who just bought three properties down there one pre-contruction. I’m truly amazed. Bought a 3000 sqft place and has no clue of the heating and cooling bills of such a place in Az. I’m baffled. I indicated it would be a challenge on a fixed income for the utility bills for such a beast and I was met with a blank stare as if they had never thought about it. Crazy.
I have a friend who lives with her husband and mother in a 3,700 square foot house just outside Tucson. Utility bills are several hundred bucks a month.
“‘Right now, it’s tougher to sell everything,’ he said. ‘The reason is the expectations of the sellers are often out of whack with the reality of the marketplace.’”
I keep hearing this as an excuse for slow sales, but this is only part of the problem. Too many houses were built and values are declining. Who want’s to go deeply into debt to buy an asset that’s declining in value? If buyers don’t believe that there will be future appreciation in price it’s going to be tough to sell houses, no matter how reasonable are the expectations of the sellers.
You are right, there’s too much stuff for sale, period. Nevertheless, there iS such a thing as a price that’s reasonable by comparison with nearby rentals. In the several US states I’ve visited recently, I have not seen any such reasonable prices.
Yep, it’s just a dead market . I have been trying to make that point also . Until the masses of buyers think that prices are stable they won’t want to venture in . Also the word is getting around about people in trouble and everybody knows one .
Housing Wizard, I know two people (a couple) in trouble. Trust me, they’re not much fun to be around.
This realtor are too funny. A small sideways movement in the graphs and they start yelling “BUY”…
The Good: Inventory DECLINES! Median price stable. Sales stable.
- I am giving a BUY signal.
http://www.arizonarealestatenotebook.com/
I think it’s time to bring back debtors’ prisons. That is the only way to bring people back to reality. When people see their neighbors being hauled off to prison for a Hummer or Plasma TV, they will think twice before taking out a HELOC
Anyone else remember their old jingle?
“Sunvek, we take care of you!”
I guess they need a mafia hitman to say that now.
I keep seeing the same houses for sale around here in Tucson, most have been on the market a long time. A few say Price Reduced but still not selling.
“Homeowners may get something back when the bankruptcy case wraps up, but lawyers consider that unlikely. The homeowners are considered unsecured creditors, who are among the last groups to be paid in bankruptcy cases.”
This is common knowledge to those who understand bankruptcy law and the concept of who is inline to get paid when bankruptcy occurs. However, I’m sure most home buyers do not understand this idea that they are one of the last people in line when they put a deposit down.
Now with a lot of small and mid sized builders going through some anticipated tough times in now and the coming 24 months, I would guess that few potential buyers will be willing to put a deposit down. Yet, most builders, with high cancellation rates will start requiring higher deposits to help reduce cancellation rates (if you have more to lose you are likely to not abandon the deposit.)
Seems to me we have a very tough situation arising with new home building through this bust. My guess is the builders will win this issue because most people do not understand the bankruptcy concept and their role in it when buying a new home.
As someone who’s lived and worked in North Scottsdale for almost 15 years, I can categorically state that no house here is worth 10 million dollars.
Aware of the property and the surrounding area extremely well, ( a jog from my home), and question the judgement of this buyer. This is not a place for double digit mil homes by any stretch of the imagination. This is compararble to buying Amazon at $280. Major loss in the making.
The best deal in Arizona now is to rent as the market is flooded with very reasonable if not cheap, FOR RENT listings. (That’s what I’m doing now).