No Surprise Here

As anyone who has gone looking at model homes recently - or purchased a home! - knows, the price of housing in Gilbert has been steadily increasing. This is both beneficial and not so great at the same time, of course. We who have already purchased homes in Morrison Ranch have watched our home values rise each year, far above the rate of inflation. But it makes it tough for our friends and family, especially those who are just getting started in the home market, to join us. The homes for sale in Higley Estates are absolutely gorgeous, but out of reach for some of my younger friends. When we were dreaming about the qualities of Morrison Ranch way back in the day, this is one of the issues that came up: we wanted it to be affordable and have a variety of income strata. We can't predict the economy, and while we are pleased at the demand for Morrison Ranch homes, we are concerned about those wanting to live here and finding it impossible. One thing I'm looking forward to is Highland Groves, at Elliot and Recker, which is under construction now (when the ground is dry enough to work), and will have smaller lots and smaller houses, and hopefully be more affordable.

If you want to be encouraged about your house value going up, read about this report by the Arizona Real Estate Center; if you're looking to buy a house in Morrison Ranch (or anywhere in Gilbert), skip it.