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The tiny home that Alexis Stephens and Christian Parsons live in will be on display at the Maricopa County Home Show at the Arizona State Fairgrounds Jan. 15-17. They’re planning a documentary on the nationwide tiny-house movement.
CATHERINE REAGOR REAL ESTATE
ALEXIS STEPHENS
Demand for new Phoenix homes soars
SERIOUS S DOWNSIZING Tiny house movement on display at Arizona fairgrounds GREMLYN BRADLEY-WADDELL | SPECIAL FOR THE REPUBLIC
She’s recognized now for her passion for and dedication to the tinyhouse movement, but filmmaker and Tiny House Expedition blogger Alexis Stephens is quick to point out that her prior dwellings and lifestyle were pretty traditional. “I was a single mom, living in a modestsize home, working at a marketing and advertising agency,� said Stephens, who was See SERIOUS, Page 3R
Demand for new homes in metro Phoenix is climbing so rapidly that contractors can't get them built fast enough. New home permits were up more than 40 percent in 2015 from 2014. And an early tally for December shows it will be best month for new home sales in several years. But it’s not that homebuilders don’t have the land or models open and ready to show buyers. They don’t have enough construction workers. To keep up with orders for new homes, contractors are offering competitors crews more money. Workers are leaving one new subdivision to work in another one a few blocks away. Contractor groups are running radio ads trying to recruit more workers. And some builders are paying cash bonuses to keep workers. “Homebuilders’ biggest struggle right now is with labor,� Jim Belfiore told me. His firm, Belfiore Real Estate Consulting, held an annual forecast meeting Tuesday for the industry. He said finding enough workers to keep up with demand was the biggest issue among speakers and attendees. Belfiore also said he was recently at a new Valley subdivision when a home builder came out of his trailer and handed a construction worker a $100 bill not to go to work for a competitor. Metro Phoenix lost more than 200,000 construction jobs during the housing crash; most of those workers left the state or changed careers. Valley homebuilding is still at less than one-third the pace during the boom, so all of those jobs haven’t returned. But most of the region’s contractors are hiring. National surveys show framing contractors are most in demand in Arizona and the West. "There are currently backlogs in certain trades due to the labor shortage,� Greg Burger of RL Brown Housing Reports told me. “Framing contractors are undeniably needed, but others trades are feeling the choke points of the strengthening market as well.� Housing analysts say the biggest cost increase for builders this year See REAGOR, Page 3R
NEXT SUNDAY: New Monthly Section! The hottest properties, latest trends and best values each month will be in the Sunday Real Estate section next week. Don’t miss it! QUEEN CREEK | 20364 East Via De Arboles | Open Today 1-4PM
A LUXURY ESTATE IN PECANS. Distinguishing elegance MLS# throughout the masterful plan. Two-story windows showcase the Bedrooms custom waterfall. Caterers dream kitchen with Alder cabinetry, Bath gas cooking, double wall ovens, warming drawers, complete butler Pool pantry and island with prep sink. A magnificent sliding glass door brings the outdoors in. Inspiring fireplaces. King-sized master with Sq. Ft. private exercise room and deep walk-in closet with washer/dryer Parking hook-ups. Downstairs second master just as special. Extras include Lot Size a home office, spiral staircase to the library, loft and grand theater. ZIP Code Incredible resort oasis with swim up pool bar, expansive patio and sport court. RV garage. Notable drive. Captivating courtyard. Online Pics – Joseph Callaway Price
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SCOTTSDALE | 31802 North Black Cross Road | Open Today 1-4PM
HIGH DESERT HIDEAWAY on threeACRES. Magnificent mountain MLS# vistas wrap this incredible home site. Grand gates open to a bridge over Bedrooms culvert and notable pavered motor court. Opulent spaces and finishes. Bath Alder woods, surround sound, multiple fireplaces, spectacular bar Pool and tremendous Travertine. Awe-inspiring granite island kitchen. Professional appliance package and beautiful cabinetry. Impressive Sq. Ft. Cantera stone surround fireplace. Extravagant sitting room master Parking with fireplace and private exercise room. Home office fit for a CEO. Lot Size Negative edge-pool with waterslide and grotto. Outdoor kitchen ZIP Code beneath the dining pavilion with rooftop spa. Stunning guest home. Five car garage. RV garage. RV gate/parking. Horse privileges. A Online Pics Luxury build by the original owner. – Joseph Callaway Price
Brought to you by Those Callaways Luxury Circle International, (480) 596-5751
- 5289840 -4 -5 - Yes - 5,524 - 5-Car Garage - THREE ACRES - 85266 - ThoseCallaways.com - $1,495,000
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