The year end holidays are a busy time for Tempe.  There are several major events hosted by the city.  First is the Fantasy of Lights Parade on November 24th followed by the Fantasy of Boats Parade on Tempe Town Lake on December 8th.  On November 20th, the 38th Tempe Festival of the Arts takes over the downtown area featuring many artists in a wide array of disciplines.  In addition, live entertainment including street performers are featured.  A portion of the proceeds benefits local charities.  A new addition to the Festival of the Arts is the Arizona Wine Festival.  Wrapping up the year is the Insight Fiesta Bowl Block Party held on December 31st featuring 40 local bands on 11 stages.  A great place to bring in the new year! 11/24/2007

I was fortunate enough to be invited on a construction tour of the new residential tower in Hayden Ferry Lakeside- The Bridgeview Condominiums.  The building is magnificent and is really a nice "step up" from the first tower, the Edgewater Condominiums.  As you will see by some of the pictures below, the hallways are wider, and more dramatic with lighted door monikers and artistic wood panels near the elevators.  I was impressed and surprised to see how complete some of the interiors of the homes were.  It appeared as though some of these homes were ready for move in now, but the amenities and public spaces are not quite ready.  I would bet that completion and move in of these homes could begin within 3 to 4 months!Bridgeview at Tempe Town Lake is just one of the many reasons to make do... 11/16/2007

For those who already call downtown Tempe home, Tempe Town Lake on the Rio Salado is an amazing place to gather for special events, bike, jog, boat or just sit and enjoy the park and it's amazing views of the lake.  Now, the City of Tempe has put together a fantastic brochure on Tempe Town Lake, chalk full of history, current and future development information, and much more.  To download or view the pdf file of the brochure click here: VIEW TEMPE TOWN LAKE BROCHURETempe Town Lake is just one of the many reasons to make downtown Tempe the place you Live/Work or Play!  Would you like more information on this amazing area? Call an Urban Real Estate Broker who actually lives & works in Downtown Tempe!Contact us at our live/work loft in downtown Tempe. Urban Realty would love an opportunity... 11/16/2007

I returned from the NAR Conference in Vegas today. The conference as a whole was as expected, a lot of affiliates trying to sell you anything and everything. But the bright point to the conference was the classes that I took towards my CIPS(Certified International Property Specialists) Certification. I have 4 more classes to take over the next year. The overall objective of this course is to introduce real estate professionals to the basic skills and knowledge necessary to facilitate international real estate transactions. In particular, the course is designed to create an awareness of:* Diversity and inclusive real estate practices* Fair Housing Act and its effect on marketing and selling practices* Globalization of economics* International capital flow * Effects of currency exchange o... 11/15/2007

November 05, 2007Apache Blvd. grows from seedy to chic-East Valley TribuneApache Boulevard had long been overlooked by anybody who had money - unless they had a few bucks for drugs or a hooker. Now, the rundown buildings and weed-filled lots along Apache are some of Tempe's hottest real estate.Developers have bought some of the bleakest places for new condos, apartments and shops. The area is seeing its biggest boom in decades as builders construct housing and shops that are far nicer than many could have imagined just a few years ago.Nearly 20 developments are planned or under way on a 2.5-mile stretch of Apache, ranging from eight-story condo buildings to single-family homes. The area's rebirth is largely the result of the same thing that made it boom decades ago and then fall into de... 11/15/2007

Have you ever had the fun experience of getting your mortgage payment in the mail, having a question on your bill and dreading the call to the mortgage company?  No, Please do not answer, I already know the response.Mortgage Servicing has hit an all time low and based on Mortgage Lenders going under, you will see these servicing departments getting worse.  It is not uncommon for clients of mine to call and complain about the loan servicing.  Its usually the same type of issues:  Client calls mortgage servicer, client waits long hold time, client talks with person who has been on the job for less then 6 months, client gets frustrated and calls loan officer.  What most consumers do not understand, is that these big banks make huge profits off of the servicing of that loan.  Yes there I sa... 11/15/2007

The Arizona State Sun Devil Football program found another way to win on Saturday beating a tough opponent against the UCLA Bruins.  ASU now has a record of (9-1) for the season, 2nd in the PAC 10 and is ranked 8th in the country.  With only 2 games to go, and USC being the next opponent, is ASU making a run at the Rose Bowl?  I do not want to jinx my team, but if ASU beats USC at home, and beats their arch enemy UofA 10 days later, ASU will be heading to a big bowl game.  Here is how things are coming together.  If Oregon can win the rest of their games and Kansas loses 1 game, Oregon should be playing in the BCS championship game.  This will then allow ASU to have a chance at the Rose Bowl.  If Oregon Loses 1 game and ASU wins their last 2, then we are then in 1st place in the PAC 10 ... 11/13/2007

The Tempe Historic Preservation Committee approved a new plan submitted by Michael Monti for his proposed multi-tower commercial and residential condo high rise project.  An earlier plan had been rejected because the committee felt that it needlessly infringed on the historic integrity of the site.  The artist renderings of the new design are wonderful.  Hopefully, the project ultimately resembles what's being proposed right now.  We'd love to see Tempe Mill Avenue continue to grow denser and taller. 11/10/2007

The City of Tempe will be hosting a Veterans Day Parade along Mill Avenue this Monday beginning at 10 AM. The parade begins at the Gammage Auditorium, continues North to Tempe Beach Park. Members of our Fire and Police departments, scout troops and the Tempe High Band will all be participating. My wife and I will be taking the boys down to the parade and hope to see a large turn out for our veterans.There will be a ceremony at Tempe Beach Park to honor our veteran's after the parade. One of the many things I love about Tempe is the community aspect. There really is a great mix of people from many walks of life. All of us should remember to honor those who serve and who have served our great country. May God bless America AND our troops!If you would like to learn more about our great Cit... 11/10/2007

Wednesday night, the latest redevelopment plan for the historic Monti's La Casa Vieja Steakhouse finally got the blessing of Tempe's Historic Preservation Commission . This latest conceptual plan will now go in front of the Development Review Commission and the City Council in the coming weeks. Sounds like Sky Harbor officials (that didn't like the height of the stadium) will also throw in their 2 cents. The location of this place has been called the gateway to Mill Avenue and will serve as kind of a breaking point for the events at Tempe Town Lake and the bustling Mill Avenue District. These two areas are separated by the light rail stop at Third Street and Mill. Once the rail line opens, this area is sure to see even more interest. Several major developments are in the works within a ... 11/10/2007

 This news just in!  The Monti's La Casa Vieja site has been revised to move the two planned towers (25 story hotel & condos) "next to" instead of "on top of" the historic La Casa Vieja.  This was a compromise reached between the developer and historic preservationists.  By looking at the picture of the new development, it's easy to see how the historic structure will remain on the corner of Mill Avenue and Rio Salado Parkway while the towers will rise beside and behind it.This is just one of the many exciting new developments coming to downtown Tempe.  Would you like to live or work in this amazing area? Call an Urban Real Estate Broker who actually lives & works in Downtown Tempe!Contact us at our live/work loft in downtown Tempe. Urban Realty would love an opportunity to share with y... 11/09/2007

One needs only to see the construction cranes on the horizon to know that the city of Tempe is serious about going vertical.  Downtown Tempe and the Tempe Town Lake areas have surpassed downtown Phoenix and the Biltmore area as the urban hotspot in the Valley.Now the City of Tempe is putting it's attention on the redevelopement of Apache Boulevard.  For decades this stretch has been the bane of Tempe with blighted apartment buildings and trailer parks and a lot of crime.  Over the last ten years or so, Tempe has been slowly buying up land with the effort of taking back the area.  Now, by applying the same forthought the city exhibited when encouraging the developement along Tempe Town Lake and the Mill Avenue District, they are working with developers to begin rebuilding the area.Expect... 11/07/2007

The owner of Monti's La Casa Vieja Restaurant in Tempe has revised his plans to build two high rise mixed use buildings adjacent to and over his business.Michael Monti had recently been criticized for proposing that one of the two towers (tenty five stories and 300 feet tall) actually straddle the historic restaurant (originally built in 1871).  Critics felt it would demean the historic value of the restaurant and possibly jeopardize the historic status of the building.  To his credit Monti is not fighting the issue and has instead elected to redesign the plan.  He will present his new plan to the Tempe Historic Commission this Thursday. 11/06/2007

I am still amazed that I get offers in my mail box from mortgage companies that list out all the products they currently carry.  As if someone is going to hire them because they named off a product that sparks their interest.  I got an offer the other day that read something like this.Here at XYZ Mortgage we have all types of loan products:  Full Doc, Low Doc, Lite Doc, No Doc, Stated Income, Self Employed, Bank statement loans.Conventional, FHA, VA, Government, Alt A, Sub-prime, Community ProgramsFirst Time Home-buyers, 100% financing, Little Down, Down Payment AssistancePrimary home, Investment, 2nd homes, Vacation properties, Commercial, Condos, Town-homes.No Cost, Some Cost, All Cost,  Blah, Blah, Blah, Blah, Blah, My thoughts that come to mind is how can average Joe Home-buyer unde... 11/05/2007

Well Sun Devil Fans, today Arizona State kicked off their basketball season playing an exhibition game against in town Grand Canyon University.  I was at the game, and the Devils won the game 80-53.  The top scorer was Freshman guard James Harden.  With a great recruiting class from 2nd year head coach Herb Sendek, we should expect a better season then last.  Season tickets are still available and there really is not a bad seat in the house.  So I hope to see you at a game in the future.GO DEVILS!! 11/03/2007

This morning, I attended an "Open House" showcasing the new residential project called Newberry Terrace which is located just South of Apache and East of Rural in Tempe. The future Dorsey / Apache stop for Metro's light rail project is just a short distance away.. Homes range in size from 1376 to nearly 2400 square feet and current pricing begins near $280k and goes up to the $400's. Their B and D plans consist of single family homes from 2-4 bedrooms while the E and F plans consist of loft/town-home style units with attached, common walls. This is a nice in-fill project with a couple of "common areas" that are well landscaped and look pretty good. The two main streets for entering/exiting the community are wide enough to accommodate parking and drive through traffic which is nice for t... 11/02/2007

Are you looking to buy an investment property, but do not understand the lending process?  Well look no further, you have come to the right person to help you.  I have over 14 years experience in the Real Estate and Mortgage Services Industry.  Mortgage planning requires highly specialized financial expertise.  It demands hands-on experience throughout the enitre investment process.  I understand the time, labor, and cost involved in completing investment projects.  Whether it is the short term endeavor, equity/appreciation opportunity, or long term cash flow property, I have solutions for you.  I offer discounted services based on volume purchases, and is dedicated to relationships that make sense.I am the Trusted Advisor that you can rely on for education and guidance.   I believe it ... 11/01/2007

Are you a small business owner who is trying to grow your business?  Is extra capital hard to come by?  Well look no further, you have come to the right person to help you.  I have over 14 years experience in the Real Estate and Mortgage Services Industry.  Locating untapped resources within your organization can be the cornerstone toward obtaining life's financial and retirement goals.  I help uncover these hidden resources,  By restructuring mortgage loans and equity, I can help you fund additional projects and expand your business.  I also assist in freeing up funds for long term investments and retirement goals.  I am the Trusted Advisor that you can rely on for education and guidance.   I believe it is of the up-most importance to keep my clients informed throughout the entire tran... 11/01/2007

So you went to your mortgage lender and spent the quality time upfront to be pre-approved.  You shopped till you dropped and finally found the right home for you.Now comes the fun part.  Getting the transaction closed. Once your under contract, there are things that need to be finished.  Below is a list of helpful tips and advice so your mortgage transaction will close on time.   Get all required paperwork to the lender in a timely manner.  Most of the time any documentation your lender asks from you needs to be reviewed and signed off by the underwriter.  If this is not done, then they will not be able to move forward with getting closing documents to your title company.Do not change your employment status.  I really cannot emphasize this enough.  Basically, your lender qualified you b... 11/01/2007

Are you looking to buy your first home, but do not understand the process?  Are you needing funds for down payment assistance?  Were you turned down by other lenders who do NOT specialize in these types of loan programs?  Well look no further, you have come to the right person to help you.  I have over 14 years experience in the Real Estate and Mortgage Services Industry.  The purchase of your first home will be one of the largest investments you will ever make.  You will need a plan and guidance along the course of that long term investment.  I am the Trusted Advisor that you can rely on for education and guidance. Specializing with first time homebuyers, I have an expansive knowledge of programs such as FHA, VA, government bond programs and little or zero down payments loans.  I prese... 10/30/2007