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 ... 09/07/2007

This is a series based on a class I offer to real estate agents.  If you have any buyers who have little or zero down payment, this is a way to help.Here are the topics that will be covered in this issue:Benefits of using FHA with DPA programs?Benefits of using VA with DPA programs?Benefits of using Conventional with DPA programs?DPA Sample Contract Language Benefits of using FHA with DPA programs?NOT a credit score driven loan program. Allows 3% in Seller Concessions for closing costs, and/or prepaid expenses. Sales price limit is now $271,200. Payments usually compute out cheaper than  100% options using conventional financing. Eliminated most of the fees that the seller had to pay such as processing and underwriting. Allows appraisal to be done using "AS IS" condition. Benefits of us... 09/04/2007

                                                                                                This mornings East Valley Tribune has an article about how to avoid shady moving companies and what to do if you think you may have fallen prey to unscrupulous movers.  It's a look at one consumer and her unfortunate, but, not so unusual experience with an interstate moving company that tried to hold her furniture for ransom.  The Arizona Department of Weights and Measures operates a program to counter such scams, but many consumers moving to Arizona from other states don't know about it and simply pay the inflated bill to get their furniture back, said Dennis Ehrhart, deputy director of the department. "We only see the tip of the iceberg," he said, adding that such scams are becoming increas... 09/04/2007

 WARNING WHAT YOU ARE ABOUT TO READ WILL BE BIASED BASED UPON THE AUTHORS OWN OPINION OF LIVING IN THE PHOENIX REGION FOR OVER 24 YEARS.  THANK YOU!! Tempe, Arizona "The Best City in the Valley of the Sun" http://www.tempe.gov/ Let me first start by giving you my background.  Like most Zonies (short for Arizona citizens) I was transplanted from another part of the country.  My family decided to move to the Phoenix Market 24 years ago from a suburb of Milwaukee Wisconsin.  Most transplants who can survive 2 summers in a row, are given the honored status of Native, even though you came from another part of the country.  Finding true Natives are as rare as finding a rattlesnake on a hiking trail.  So after 24 summers later and living in 4 cities throughout the valley let me share why I fee... 09/03/2007

For more than three years an odd structure with jutting roof, metal planes and a large building footprint has been getting attention as it was being built. Passer-bys along Rio Salado in Tempe found the construction hard to miss. Now the building is complete and on September 9th, it opens to the public. The building is Tempe Center for the Arts. The building is made up of 4 distinct areas. There is the Theatre which will host musical and theatre performances. There is an areas called the Studio where all loose chair seating will host local dance and small theatre performances. The Gallery has controlled temperature and humidity and will host exhibits. The Gallery also has an outdoor sculpture garden that is a part of this section. The 4th section is Lakeside and can host up to 219 peopl... 09/02/2007

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 pre... 08/30/2007

I have noticed that Sushi places have become the new thing here in the Valley of the Sun.  Everytime I turn around I see more sushi restaurants coming and going.  If anyone knows me, then you know I have a reputation of being a food junkie.  I probably go out for dinner at least 2 to 3 times a week, and I love trying new places.  I guess I am trying to say that I am a good source to be upfront and honest if a restaurant is good or not.  My first encounter with Crazy Fish & 202 was tonight.  I decided to meet up with a friend and have some drinks.  We decided to try this place.We got seated and asked to be sat by the sushi bar.  The waitress was very friendly and made us feel at ease.  The atmosphere was nice, clean and fun.  The perfect combination for a great sushi place.Now I am very ... 08/29/2007

Curb Appeal - more important than ever!by Kaushik Sirkar, Chandler AZ REALTORChandler Arizona Real EstateSay you have two identical homes.  They both have the exact same swimming pools.  Same floorplan.  Same fireplace.  Same tile.  Same carpet.  SAME LIST PRICE.  Etc, etc, etc.  You get the idea.  These homes are the exact flippin' same!!!!  How does one distinguish between the two of them, except for an address of course?Ahhhh....what the home LOOKS LIKE from the street or curb view.  In other words, what is this home's curb appeal?There are a gajillion homes for sale in the Phoenix metro (ok, closer to about 56,000).  Many blocks have multiple homes for sale.  In some instances, they literally are the same floorplan.  How do you get the casual shopper - one who's just driving by - to... 08/19/2007

 If you seen this from the freeway, you know I am talking about the Tempe Center for the Arts.                           The tempe community newsletter announced the Grand Opening of the Tempe Center for the Arts.  Opening Starts Sunday September 9, 2007 from noon to 5:00pm. Families will have the opportunity to see the 88,000.00 square-foot facility and its 600 seat theater, art gallery and more.Complimentary food and drinks will available.Event details are available at www.tempe.gov/tca                             or call (480) 350-2882Located at 700 W. Rio Salado Parkway, South bank of Tempe Town LakeThis should be a great addition to the downtown Tempe life and Tempe Townlake.      08/17/2007

For all of those keeping track, the exciting new development at the corner of 5th Street & College Avenue in downtown Tempe has a new name.  What was previously "Stadium Tower" has now evolved into "Lumina" Tempe.  One of the two towers will be the new Lumina Hotel concept, while the other tower will be the residential condominium tower, but both will share the name "Lumina".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, or the new Lumina development, and help you find your life in the heart of the city! We specialize in downtown Tempe Lofts, Tempe condos, & Temp... 08/15/2007

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... 08/13/2007

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. Current activity for Knoell Gardens as of 8/8/071) There are currently 8 homes for sale ranging in price from $219,900 - $259,9002) There has been 1 home sold in August for $222,000If you would like more information or have questions, please feel free to call or email us. 08/13/2007

Wells Folks its college football season again and if your a fan of the Arizona State Sun Devils, then you have a great season to look forward to.  This year the Sun Devils will be led by new head coach Dennis Erickson. The Sun Devils are looking at rebounding from a change at the head coach position and I think ASU is on the right track for years to come.  Coach Erickson seems to be a no non-nense coach, and this may of been what the Devils needed.   Here is how the schedule look like.  So far all announced games at home will be at night.  This makes it is easy to deal with the heat on the field.  The devils will be playing 12 games this year starting against San Jose State and ending with Arizona at home.September 1:  San Jose State 7:00PM, September 8:  Colorado 7:15PM, September 15: ... 08/12/2007

See the story below for more information on the new Onyx Tower at Tempe Town Lake! Urban Realty & Development, provides full service real estate sales, consulting and brokerage services to those who, like us, are looking for their very own home in the modern world. Whether that "home" is a minimalist sanctuary in the penthouse suite, an industrial style office space with exposed ductwork and concrete floors, or a hip new retail shop on "Main Street", Urban Realty & Development is ready to show you that life is in the heart of the city. Call 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 own fresh start. We specialize in downtown Tempe Lofts, Tempe condos, & Tempe Brownstones. Exc... 08/09/2007

If you are interested in the Tempe Alta Mira neighborhood, then you should check out my review posted at:http://www.rodsellsazhomes.com/blogs/rod_rebello/archive/2007/08/05/review-of-tempe-alta-mira-neighborhood.aspx  08/05/2007

At the crossroads of the Phoenix Metro area lies Tempe, a thriving city that offers the best of urban Arizona, and a number of the state's major attractions. Home to Arizona State University, the nation's fourth largest Research I public university, Sun Devil Stadium, and the very popular Arizona Mills Shopping District, Tempe provides a unique and diverse home for its nearly 170,000 residents. Tempe is also the head office location of US Airways, and also more than 750 high-tech firms, employing thousands from the city's highly-skilled workforce. Tempe's prosperity has generated high demand for local real estate, and a steady supply of new homes. The city offers a wide range of affordable and luxury homes and condos, with prices averaging in the $300,000 range. That kind of affordabili... 07/29/2007

Tempe is my favorite city in the Phoenix metro area. Make sure and visit my website to find out more that is happening in the valley of the sun! www.livingsellingtempe.com  Homes for sale in Tempe: 730 active listings Homes sold in July 2009: 170 Average price per square foot: $117.75 Average price for homes sold:  $207,772 Average asking price for homes sold:  $219,822 % of asking price received 94% Average days on market 1103   Arizona has been hard hit by the current economic crisis and is  among the top states for the number of foreclosures. Tempe, Scottsdale and Paradise Valley have seen the least home value drops throughout the Phoenix metro area. That is not to say that we have not seen home values fall.  It might be time to rethink about our homes not as investments but as homes... 07/16/2007

Tempe Arizona has one of Phoenix Arizona's largest fireworks events each year. 2007 is the 56th annual Fireworks Event. CBS Channel 5 televises the event. US Airways, Safeway and several other merchants and businesses are sponsors. Fireworks are over the lake and are choreographed to patriotic and classical music. The Fireworks last from 9pm - 10pm. There are many other events and activities earlier in the day for families and kids that include rock climbing walls, relay races, and splash areas. For more information about the times of earlier activities, prices, street closures and parking check out the website for Tempe Fireworks.  Advance tickets bought at local Safeway grocery stores are discounted and less than the price to be paid at the event. There will be street closures around ... 07/02/2007

Condos in the Tempe area have generally followed the overall housing trend for the last few years. As with all housing, condos significantly appreciated in value from 2003 - 2005, and leveled off over 2006. There appears to be particularly good demand for condos in the downtown Tempe area, primarily due to the impact of ASU and business development activities. ASU housing demand will continue to put pressure on affordable student housing availabilitiy. Finding quality, reasonably priced student condos are becoming more difficult to find. I think a purchase now will be a good long term investment.We are in a buyers market, so there is some downward pricing pressure. Days on market for condos to sell have extended from an average 38 last year to about 60 this year for condos sold in the $... 06/20/2007

Tempe Arizona Dog Parks If you are a dog owner living in Tempe Arizona you may want to check out one or more of these Tempe Arizona dog parks. (Note - Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult at all Tempe Arizona dog parks. Also remember that it's the law in Tempe Arizona for pet owners to pick up their pet's feces. Dog handlers must repair damage from digging and must remove/dispose of hair from grooming.) Mitchell Park is located at 900 S. Mitchell in Tempe Arizona - (just south of University Road). There are lots of benches and a water hose area. There is a double-gated entry. Only one dog per person is allowed in the enclosure. Mitchell Park also offers drinking fountains for both dogs and their people, tables, poop bags and trash receptacles, shade trees, and lights. The d... 06/09/2007