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

I have been an Arizona State Sun Devil Fan for years.  In that time I have seen the University go through 4-5 new head football coaches.  Some of these coaches have taken us to some big bowl games, and others were a complete let down.  None have ever turned this team into a big time college football program.  Late last year, Arizona State University under the direction of Lisa Love (Athletic Director) decided to part ways and fire Dirk Koetter.Alumni and Fans were happy with this decision based on where Mr. Koetter was taking the program.Lisa was able to finally recruite Dennis Erickson to come take over the job as the football coach for Arizona State University.  The University hopes to see Erickson turn the Sun Devils into a big time program with hopes of big bowl opportunities and a ... 09/08/2007

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... 09/07/2007

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 ... 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