Tempe AZ Mortgage Rates for December 4, 2008 There is a plan kicking around Washington where the government may make moves to have 4.5% be a "target rate" for people who are interested in buying a new home.  Will it pass? We don't know -- but it sure did make a lot of noise.  Look for us on ABC-15 news tonight talking about "the 4.5%" plan and what it means for new homebuyers. 12/04/2008

It was announced in the Arizona Republic today that the judge in the Mortgages Limited bankruptcy case has approved an agreement between the developer, KML Development, of Mosaic Condominiums and their lender, Mortgages Limited.  In the ruling, the judge reduced the principal owed on the amount currently funded by Mortgages Limited by more than half-- from $30.3M to $14.9M.  Of greater importance to all Tempe urbanites was the revelation that plans for the Mosaic development site are now focusing on high-end student housing.  Developing... Read the Full Article Here More Downtown Tempe Living Options 12/03/2008

If the Dunkin’ Donuts slogan is true that “America Runs on Dunkin’”, then it appears “Mill Avenue Runs on Dunkin’” now too!Quietly opening a few weeks ago, Dunkin’ Donuts is a great addition to the Mill Avenue District and the tempe urban scene.  Offering a quick, in and out, self serve option for those on the go, Dunkin’s staples are donuts and coffee.  But, one can also enjoy a small selection of bagels and cream cheese (a good option previously missing on Mill Avenue) as well as muffins, specialty coffees, etc.  The best part of Dunkin’ Donuts is their prices.  Compare “DD” with other coffee shops and prepare to be pleasantly surprised!The “official” grand opening event will be held on December 1st, when Dunkin’ Donuts will pay for all metered parking on Mill Avenue for the entire da... 12/03/2008

Welcome to part III of my series on Luxury Urban Condo Living in Phoenix, AZ . The last 2 days we spoke about the amazing development of the towns around Phoenix. In Particular the development of downtown Scottsdale also know as Old Town Scottsdale as an urban center with a new contemporary lifestyle. I want to take one step away from Scottsdale to Tempe, Arizona. Tempe is the home of Arizona State University (ASU) and the Arizona State Sun Devils. Tempe is a fast growing and thriving city center that is much more than a college town. Tempe offers access to  Grady Gammage Theater, Tempe Beach Park, hundreds of restaurants, boutiques, shops, bars and night-life,  Tempe ASU Karsten Golf Course, Tempe Market Place, ASU Sun Devil Stadium, Tempe Town Lake and the many events and activities a... 12/03/2008

Tempe Mortgage Rates December 2, 2008 As always, we are your local Tempe, Arizona mortgage experts and look forward to helping you find the right mortgage for your situation. 12/02/2008

Centerpoint Condominiums is looking to receive the second and final installment of $2M of the $4.8M it was agreed to be paid in a hearing before the Mortgages Limited bankruptcy judge in December.  The developer is also hopeful that a deal will finally be done allowing for a new lender to take a “first lien” position and provide Centerpoint with the estimated $70M still needed to complete the high profile project.  If this happens, the developer believes that construction could begin again in January 2009 and buyers would be able to begin moving in as early as April 2009.For More:Arizona Republic ArticleEast Valley Tribune Article 11/21/2008

Tempe Arizona Mortgage Rates For November 21, 2008 Tempe Arizona Mortgage News Freddie Mac & Fannie Mae temporarily halted foreclosure sales and evictions. Fannie Mae, issued Lender Letter 04-08 announcing that they are “halting all foreclosure sales on occupied single-family properties that are scheduled to occur from November 26, 2008 through January 9, 2009. This temporary halt also applies to eviction lockouts of occupied single-family properties.” Fannie & Freddie are working with FHFA, to implement their streamlined loan modification program by December 15, 2008. As always, we are your local Tempe Arizona Mortgage experts and look forward to working with you!   11/21/2008

I live in Surprise Arizona and know the West Valley...but, sometimes I get asked about other popular Arizona cities. Last night a good friend told me that she will be going to a concert in Tempe.  Within a few seconds she asked if I had any favorite restaurants near downtown Tempe.  I am writing my response to her via my blog because I frequently get asked this sort of question.  Although I am not a connoisseur of restaurants, I do have a few favorite Tempe spots.  House of Tricks = the best food and best ambiance in the area!114 E 7th StreetTempe, AZ‎ - (480) 968-1114‎ View Larger Map Rúla Búla= Best music, beer selection, hors d'oeuvres and fun in Tempe!401 S Mill AveTempe, AZ‎ - (480) 929-9500‎View Larger Map Montis La Casa Vieja = Steak, Steak, Steak - tender and cooked to perfecti... 11/19/2008

According to the Arizona Republic, the British "Fresh & Easy Market" concept is coming soon near downtown Tempe.  If you've never seen one of these urban style, neighborhood groceries, they are a real treat.  The current plan calls for the market to take over the space that will soon be vacated by Walgreens at Broadway and Mill.  Walgreens recently built a free standing store at the Southwest corner of the same intersection.  If you want to get a sneak peak at what the store may be like, there is another Fresh & Easy already open at 425 W. Baseline Road - Kyrene & Baseline.  (Or check them out online at http://www.freshandeasy.com/) Although we don't think the location is within a realistic walking distance to downtown, it is close enough to be our only real "neighborhood" grocery and ... 11/19/2008

The recent NAR convention reminded me that, it was about a year ago in Las Vegas at the time of the previous convention where I decided to get out and meet some of my peers in the "blogoverse." Active Rain is a great resource in learning new and effective ways to market yourself, your business and your properties. When I first got here, I was a "lurker" for quite some time. Interestingly, one of the first people I "clicked" with was Brad Andersohn. Some of you probably remember when Brad worked for a title company and (as he still does) gave so freely of his knowledge and of his time to this community. I quickly learned that, blogging and social networking was so much more than "pimping" listings. I'm not sure why, but I didn't really expect to find any real value in this "over hyped" ... 11/17/2008

Once again, it's time for our annual turkey drive! On Sunday Nov. 23rd , I will be delivering turkeys to help the Phoenix Rescue Mission feed the homeless on Thanksgiving Day. I believe that many people have a desire to help others this time of year but find it difficult to do so because our lives are so busy. This year, the need is sure to be great! If you would like to help by making a financial donation, we will do all of the work for you! I'll be purchasing frozen turkeys Sunday morning to deliver to the Phoenix Rescue Mission. (I can provide receipts from the mission if needed) Please feel free to contact me with any questions or donations.Last year, with the help of my friend Rob, we were able to deliver over 100 turkey's for needy families! I want to give special thanks to Rob Se... 11/16/2008

Tempe AZ Mortgage Rates for November 10, 2008 Tempe AZ Mortgage News The 2009 conforming mortgage loan limits were released by the government today and for Arizona, nothing changed -- the 2009 limits remained at $417,000. Question of the day: How is it that Salt Lake is on the high-cost-area (meaning they have a higher loan limit) list but Scottsdale is not? As always, we are your local Tempe AZ Mortgage experts and look forward to working with you! 11/10/2008

It's no big secret that I am excited for Metro's Light Rail system to begin service here in the valley. You could say that I have been looking forward to this for a really long time. Having grown up in Arizona, I have seen many changes. While I love this state and all it has to offer, I also enjoy visiting cities like San Francisco, Chicago, Boston, New York and Seattle. To me, places with thriving urban cores are fun to visit. (No, I am not trying to compare Phoenix with these cities.) When I first began reading about the potential for light rail to come to Arizona, I began to think of how it could change the way some of us live, work and play. Since the beginning of this project, things have been slowly moving into place that have sparked the interest of many people. In the past coupl... 11/05/2008

Well, the election is finally over and know all those signs get to come down on every corner of Phoenix. Well, I am not going to talk about the presidental election as that is out of my realm, but I did want to congradulate the citizens of Arizona for pulling the rug out from under the unions by defeating Prop 201 (the so-called Homeowner Bill of Rights). I was pleased to see the Arizonians still stand for values and fairness and don't believe that you should be able to file a lawsuit just because you want too. But the greatest news is that Prop 100 passed which prohibits the state from taxing us once again when we decide to sell our home. Afterall, we pay yearly property taxes already. So congradulations Arizona. There is a long way to go still, but we have set out on the right foot so... 11/05/2008

$200,000 below developer pricing!  Are you kidding?Very aggressively priced... try to find a better bargain at Bridgeview at Hayden Ferry Lakeside... it would be hard to find a better deal available at Bridgeview!Beautiful, new, first class development. With it's 2 Bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, plus laundry room-it has everything a city resident could want... and then some! Too many upgrades to list, but includes stainless steel appliances and storage space in garage. Also includes a 111 sf of balcony space with spectacular views of Tempe Town Lake. Sit back & enjoy the sailboats skim across the lake or walk to Mill Avenue's shops and restaurants, the future light rail, ASU, & enjoy everything Downtown Tempe has to offer! Aggressively priced at $679,000THIS IS THE LOWEST PRICED 2 BEDROOM AT $2... 11/04/2008

Congratulations to the Lofts at Orchidhouse at the Brickyard on Mill, which were recently announced as one of the best places to work by Phoenix Magazine!  Keane Creative, one of the creative live/work tenants at the Orchidhouse were selected as one of the "Best Places to Work" in the "Super Small" category.  See the full article below: PHOENIX MAGAZINE Author: Ginger S. Eiden PRINT Issue: November, 2008, Page 110 SUPER SMALLKeane Creativekeanecreative.comIn an industry that thrives on the concepts of young and hip, Keane Creative is truly leading the pack. The Tempe-based marketing design firm was founded by 25-year-old owner and Arizona State University alumnus Russell Perry (this helps the young vibe quite a bit) and prides itself on a smart use of technology and just the right touch... 11/04/2008

    Are you currently capitalizing on the short sale and foreclosure market? Do you find yourself battling with these objections? THE KNOWLEDGE HURDLE: "I don't list short sales because I don't understand the process and I have heard they don't work." THE DEAL KILLER: "If I GET an offer, it's taking too long to get answers and the buyers are backing out of the contract." THE NEGOTIATION AGGRAVATION: "I can't get through to the bank, and I can't get the bank to accept the offers I DO get." YES, I want to learn how to work short sales Short Sale Success Workshop     Fiesta Inn Resort  2100 S. Priest Dr., Fiesta Ballroom 3  Tempe, AZ 85282    SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 22nd Isn't it time you invested in yourself to learn the following: Video: Workshop Streamlining the short sale process Strategica... 11/03/2008

There are several Tempe events planned through the holidays and into the New Year.  Here’s a run down of the most popular with links to more information: Nov. 11th, Veteran’s Day Parade - begins 10am near ASU Gammage, Mill & Apache Nov. 23rd, Ironman Arizona Nov. 29th, Fantasy of Lights Dec. 5th-7th, Fall Festival of the Arts 40th Anniversary Dec 13th, Fantasy of Lights Boat Parade Dec. 26th & 27th, Light Rail Grand Opening Dec. 31st, Fiesta Bowl Block Party Dec. 31st, Insight Bowl Jan. 18th, Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon 10/28/2008

The Downtown Tempe main transit center and the main stop for the new light rail as well as buses is close to completion.  We believe it will be considered a hot spot for light rail fans.  The modern architecture, set with the backdrop of "A" Mountain is truly dramatic.  Also, the main depot stop is steps away from ASU Stadium.  With the Metro light rail set to open in December of this year, all of the light rail depots are close to completion. 10/22/2008

Marcia, Marcia, Marcia ( Maureen McCormick) is coming to Changing Hands Bookstore in Tempe this Friday, October 24th to promote her new autobiography. The child star just might surprise you with details of a not so perfect life of a "pop culture icon." Now 52 years old, Maureen apparently has had some ups and some downs in her life but the "perfect" image still resonates with fans. Changing Hands is located in a really cool shopping center in Tempe at the South/West corner of McClintock and Guadalupe. My family and I often go to this center to visit other places like, Trader Joes, Baskin Robbins, Wildflower Bread Company and a couple of other great little restaurants/shops. South Tempe has so much to offer, it is good to see places like Changing Hands that enjoy "giving back." To Live, ... 10/22/2008