Just a few yards from the back of the Phoenix Zoo, is a wonderful little park called Evelyn Hallman Park - formerly known as Tempe Canal Park.  Most of the park is designed with marked trails, but for those of you who love to fish, purchase your Urban Fishing license and plan on spending a day. Coined as one of the "best Urban fishing habitats" this is a definite place of enjoyment for avid fishermen. Located near McDowell and College Ave, in Tempe, AZ - if you can muster through a bit of construction, this is a great place to get some exercise and enjoy these beautiful Arizona mornings.  Just in case you need some proof - check out these great shots taken just last week:                                                                    P.S.  If you watch very carefully, you'll even be... 10/06/2007

I am not one to brag, but when you live in Arizona and have been an Arizona Cardinals fan as long as me, you start believing in miracles.  My team is (2-2) in week 4 of the NFL Season. Wow! Go Cards! I know most of you are laughing right now because I can agree a (2-2) record is very pathetic, but let me share all the franchise records this team has beaten with this (2-2) start. LOL :)  NOTES FROM CARDINALS 21-14 WIN VS. PITTSBURGH KEN WHISENHUNT became the first Cardinals head coach to win his first two home games since Charley Winner in 1966. Winner's Cardinals won the first three home games before tying their fourth and finished 5-1-1 at home in '66. The Cardinals were able to beat a Pittsburgh team that looked nearly unstoppable in the first three weeks of the season. The Steelers w... 10/04/2007

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 ... 10/04/2007

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... 10/04/2007

My College Team is Ranked?Huh, Its funny that just a couple of weeks ago, I was ready to throw in the towel as a fan and give up on ASU after watching how they played against Colorado earlier in this years season, but now I feel if ASU can keep it together for another 2 or 3 games going into the hardest part of their football schedule, they have a real run at taking the PAC 10 Conference.  This weekend ASU is playing Washington State and have not played anyone to tough yet, but from where they started, its amazing they are at this point in their season.  GO DEVILS!! 10/04/2007

Reality is sometimes hard to deal with.  I recently got back from vacation, and coming back to work has been really hard.  Its hard to comeback after spending a week visiting places I may never see again.  But I realized I cannot live on a cruise ship for the rest of my life, and that I had people I needed to help when I get back.  So now I am back and wanted to get busy right away.  What's funny about being gone, is how quickly life zooms right by you.  Halloween is approaching and then follows the rest of the family holidays, and I am not prepared.  I feel most of us today are really not prepared for things to come.  Lately,In my own business of mortgage lending, I have noticed that some of my own clients are not prepared.  They are not prepared to deal with the reality that their Adj... 09/27/2007

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... 09/27/2007

Join the experts of WeKnowUrban.com, Saturday, October 13th for a two hour bus tour of "urban living" in and around Tempe Lake and the Mill Avenue District. We'll give you insider information of what's hot and what's not in Tempe high rises and lofts. Featured properties will include Sotello Condominiums, Hayden Ferry High Rise, Onyx High Rise, Northshore, Lumina High Rise, Brownstones of Tempe, Centerpoint and others. For additional information or to reserve your spot on the tour call (602) 476-1881 or visit www.WeKnowUrban.com and click the "Urban Tour" tab at the top of the page. 09/25/2007

The area south of Tempe Town Lake and west of Mill Ave is blossoming with some really cool urban villages and loft projects.Millstone by Barton Communities was one of the first to break ground in early 2006 and they are starting to deliver to the owners. The project offers three story lofts with two car attached garages a beautiful community. Walking distance to Mill Ave and the FLASH route made this project, and the others to follow, attractive to parents of students of ASU as well as the business professionals coming to new jobs in the area. The project is technically sold out but there is a possibility that 3-4 homes may be coming back to the builder. I also know a man who may be putting his on the market due to a job transfer. More on that later.  The Brownstones at Tempe is coming ... 09/20/2007

We're getting closer to seeing something vertical at the corner of Rural and Apache in Tempe, 100 units at approximately 350+ per square foot with starting prices in the high $200k's.  This "mid-rise" loft condo project will be called Campus Edge.  It was offered for sale by Jarson and Jarson but the developer recently took it back to do the marketing directly.  This concerns me a bit.  I have met the gentleman overseeing the marketing for the developer and although he is professional, intelligent, and very nice, he is not experienced in marketing loft style condos, especially in Tempe.  Right now more than ever high rise condo developers need to have the very best agents represent their projects now that the days of high rise condo mania in Phoenix and Tempe are gone.  Contact us for m... 09/15/2007

Hayden Ferry (Edgewater, Bridgeview, etc...) just raised their HOA to about 55 cents per square foot. I don't understand this. Crystal Point, with only 63 units has fees of approximately 38 cents per square foot. Why does a larger community (currently about 60 but soon to have another 100 and ultimately a total of almost 400) with fewer amenities than Crystal Point, that also has the added benefit of sharing a portion of their common area with surrounding commercial buildings, need to charge so much? I represented several buyers at Hayden Ferry last year and at the time I was very confident that management would be able to keep the HOA down under 40 cents a foot. Ideas??? 09/14/2007

Even in the desert there are water opportunities. Tempe Town Lake is one of these wonderful urban water locations adjacent to downtown Tempe Arizona, just south of Loop 202. It's a fun place for Fourth of July celebrations, having a picnic with the family or friends, or renting a boat to row. Every year more than 2 million people visit this attraction. About 65% of the land surrounding the lake is dedicated to park space. Walking paths, picnic tables, a fun place to enjoy the atmosphere. For information about park regulations you can visit their website. Thinking of relocating to the Phoenix Arizona area? Tempe may be an area to check out. Call Bob and Carolin Benjamin at 480-201-3001. We'd love to be able to assist yo in finding the perfect Arizona home. 09/14/2007

My wife and I dropped by the "Grand Opening" event for Mosaic last week.  It was a nice enough event with all the usual stuff; valet parking, great little catered appetizers, live string instrumentals etc.  But the event as a whole sure didn't make sense to me.  After all, they're supposedly selling a project going up in the heart of Tempe and yet the event was held at 1st Street and McKinley, just north of DOWNTOWN PHOENIX.  What gives?  I question the comittment of developers who "launch" from sales centers located fifteen miles from the site.  Smells like they might be doing the ground work with the hope that they can flip the project for a quick profit.  I'm not saying that there's anything wrong with that, I'm just trying to figure the whole thing out.What I do know is that they're... 09/14/2007

Arizona State University will be having their annual Sun Devil Homecoming Weekend.  The fesitvals start Friday October 26 with the Homecoming Gala at 6:30PM; at The Buttes Resort, 2000 Westcourt Way, in Tempe.  This is a black tie optional and costs $175.00 per person.  For information, call the Tempe Chamber of Commerce at (480) 736-4283.On Saturday, Ocotober 27, the Homecoming Parade starts at 3:00pm on University Drive, between College and McAllister avenues.  100 floats will be featured.  This is then followed by a 4:00PM Block Party on the lawn of Old Main. Old MainThe day is topped off by the 7:00PM football game featuring the Sun Devils against California Berkely.  Tickets can be purchased by calling (480) 727-0000.   This information was provided by Tempe Today, City of Tempe Ne... 09/14/2007

This will be my last post for at least the next 10 days.I am heading out, my plane leaves tomorrow morning, and the Wife and I are heading to Miami, to set sail on a 7 day Carribean Cruise. I will bring back pictures to share.     Attached is the picture of the ship I will be on the Carnival Valor.  Don't be too jealous.  Have fun and hope too catch up when I get back.    09/14/2007

The developers of Mosaic Loft Condominiums near Mill Avenue in Tempe are holding what I call a reintroduction party tomorrow night.  It will be held in the brand new Tempe Center for the Arts right on top of Tempe Lake.  I'm anxious to see what if anything new the developers have to show us.  After all the last intro party was just earlier this year and I was very critical of the lack of information and the total lack of service on the part of the greeters (aka sales reps) representing the condo project.  Hopefully they'll make a better show of it Friday as I'd really like to see these loft condos get built. 09/13/2007

Tempe continues to dominate the Arizona marketplace as the place to be!  I know the new "Waveyard" development is actually in "Mesa", but the proximity to Downtown Tempe makes it very accessible to all Tempe citizens!Here is a rendering of what is planned for this development.  It is interesting to note that the development may include residential as well.   Want to live or work in Downtown Tempe?  Call an Urban Real Estate Broker who actually lives & works in Downtown Tempe! Feel free to contact us at our live/work loft in downtown Tempe. Urban Realty would love an opportunity to share with you what we know about urban living and help you find your life in the heart of the city! We specialize in downtown Tempe Lofts, Tempe condos, & Tempe Brownstones. Exciting properties like the Orchi... 09/11/2007

Knoell Gardens is an older neighborhood of smaller homes conveniently located at Baseline/I10. This is a great neighborhood for those who work in the metro Phoenix area as well as ASU students. Investors like this little pocket of homes because they are typically easy to rent out due to close proximaty to ASU. Give us a call at 480-899-2884 or visit us at http://www.azhomestore.com/ for more information on this sought after subdivision.Comparative Market Analysis   Property Type:   Residential       Status:   Active SubjectProperty        #ML#StatusAddressBuiltFe CodeSqFtList PriceLP/ SFADOMCDOM1 2804169 act 2119 W RIVIERA DR Tempe 1975 32R1C 980 $215,000 $219 54 54 2 2811269 act 2702 W Carter DR Tempe 1977 31.75FRXO2G 1361 $219,900 $162 43 42 3 2776026 act 2300 W VINEYARD RD Tempe 1974... 09/11/2007

Knoell Gardens is an older neighborhood of smaller homes conveniently located at Baseline/I10. This is a great neighborhood for those who work in the metro Phoenix area as well as ASU students. Investors like this little pocket of homes because they are typically easy to rent out due to close proximaty to ASU. Give us a call at 480-899-2884 or visit us at http://www.azhomestore.com/ for more information on this sought after subdivision. 09/11/2007

Flexcar makes way to Tempe campusFrom the ASU State Press: "ASU Parking and Transit Services (PTS) has announced its partnership with Flexcar, the largest car-sharing company in the United States.PTS, which is committed to providing sustainable, viable transportation options for the campus community, is bringing Flexcar’s service to the university. The Tempe campus also marks the first site in the state of Arizona where Flexcar will have a presence"..."Flexcar is a company that provides low-emission, fuel-efficient vehicles for rent. Ten Flexcar vehicles, including Scions, hybrids, trucks and a MINI Cooper, are parked in various locations on the Tempe campus. As of Aug. 28, ASU students, faculty and staff can sign up to become members of Flexcar. The first year’s membership is free for ... 09/10/2007