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Monday, December 20, 2010

Nappa 2010.m4v

Monday, November 29, 2010

Tiny house movement thrives amid the real estate bust



Tiny house movement thrives amid real estate bust. To simplify their lives and save money in the process many Americans are turning to tiny houses that would fit into many people’s living rooms.  This segment of the market is booming.  According to Jay Schafer co founder of Small House Society, “its very un American in the sense that living small means consuming less.” Living this small requires one to definitely purge down to only what you absolutely need.  Tumbleweed Tiny Houses a home design company design ultra efficient houses where there is virtually no waisted space down to the cubic inch.  These tiny houses pack a lot into the size of many people’s closets and they cost ready made between $40 to $50,000.  If you building them yourself they cost about half as much.  Tumbleweed’s business had grown exponentially since the housing crises began.   The tiny house blog attracts more visitors than ever about 5,000 to 7,000 visitors a day.  The movement is really about saving money and reducing your carbon footprint.

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

Gray Development takes step to takeover of CityNorth project

Gray Development takes step to takeover of CityNorth project Gray recently in July won a $110,000,000 jury verdict against Norteast Phoenix Partners the key developer of CityNorth which is the vision of Thomas Klutznick to create a dynamic urban core for the Desert Ridge area and the North East Valley. The development is home to exceptional restaurants, office space, residents, and office space. It is multi dimensional in scope and has an emphasis on sustainable living.  Northeast Phoenix Partners has pledged CityNorth as collateral instead of a cash bond which is typical when appealing a ruling.   The transfer of ownership is far from certain since there are numerous legal hurdles that still might result in the verdict being over turned.

City North

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

New to market

New to market This is a fantastic 3 bedroom 2 bath home with beautiful back yard with flag stone patio, fountain and pool. This home has been completely updated. Custom multi toned paint, flooring, master bathroom, pool re-plastered, etc. High ceilings bright and open this home is perfect and ready to move in. It is located in a beautiful neighborhood close to freeways. Hurry this one will not be on the market long. This is not a short sale or bank owned and it can close quickly. This home is located close to Peoria sports complex.

Friday, September 24, 2010

20 chef-owned restaurants in the Phoenix area

20 chef-owned restaurants in the Phoenix area If you are searching for something to do and are tired of the usual chain restaurants here are 20 places to try and some are true gems. Also, you do not want to miss the final weekend of Arizona Restaurant Week for fine dining deals. Your stomach will never forgive you.

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Prestigious Grayhawk Short Sale Opprotunity

Prestigious Grayhawk Short Sale Opprotunity  Fantastic 2 bed 2.5 bath gated community home for sale Grayhawk, both guard and gated.  Golf course community, community pool, clubhouse, tennis courts.  This  is a fantastic deal.

Property Virtual Tour

Monday, September 20, 2010

Saturday, September 11, 2010

This Weeks Mortgage Update

This Weeks Mortgage Update "ACTIONS SPEAK LOUDER THAN WORDS." Despite the markets being closed last Monday for Labor Day, there was plenty of market action... and plenty of words from the Fed. So what happened, and what was said? Read on for details.
After the recent 4-month rally in the Bond markets, which has led to some of the best home loan rates in history, money has started shifting over to the Stock market. Why has this happened? Some economic reports have been better than expected in the past few weeks... such as the Jobs Report for August and Consumer Confidence. While that’s great news, it’s important to remember that good economic news - or as has happened recently, better than expected news - often causes investors to move their money out of the safe haven of Bonds to Stocks in the hopes of taking advantage of any gains.
So why does this behavior impact home loan rates? When the economy appears strong or starts to improve, and investors move their money from the safe haven of Bonds to Stocks, a decreased demand for Bonds means that Bond prices move lower. And when Bond prices move lower, it means that Bond yields - and consequently home loan rates - move higher.

Friday, August 27, 2010

Monday, August 16, 2010

Editorial: Stop failing Arizona; Start fixing immigration

Editorial: Stop failing Arizona; Start fixing immigration It is time for us to have real leadership both at home in Arizona and Washington. Politicians need to stop grand standing and fix the problems with real solutions. Solutions that are respectful of the hispanic people who have come here and been quality citizens and sought out a better life like that of many immigrant populations of our heritage.

Arizona to change how it evaluates schools

Arizona to change how it evaluates schools A new standard for measuring school success was signed into law in May and is due out for the end of this school year. The labels of Performing, Highly performing, etc do not effectively evaluate school performance. For the 2009-10 school year nearly 30% of our schools did not meet the adequate progress on national standards according to the Arizona department of education. This move will change the evaluation of schools to similar grading as students. Arizona currently has some of the lowest levels of student percentages that rank at or above the level of "basic." This is a much needed step to increase competition for our schools to strive for excellence.

Sunday, August 15, 2010

Virtual home staging cheaper way to go

Virtual home staging cheaper way to go an interesting alternative to having your home staged. Research shows that staged homes sell faster and for more money than non staged properties.

Wednesday, June 9, 2010

Now is the time to buy in the luxury market


Now is the time to purchase that luxury home for a bargain price. Three years into this housing slump luxury homes are beginning to see steep discounts. Despite the beginnings of an economic recovery buyers are struggling to come up with the money for the large down payments and qualify for big jumbo mortgages. With homes languishing on the market sellers are beginning to capitulate by cutting prices to move their properties.

The million plus market seems to be ripe for falling home prices. Until now the drops in real estate have been primarily the lower end properties. The miss match of supply and demand is highest in the million plus market. The best deals will be on homes that might need a bit of work or are not in the most highly sought after locations.

Many finance experts suggest not waiting and predict that mortgage rates are due to rise form the historic lows that are being offered today. The result is that buyers with access to lots of cash can find some fabulous deals right now on the home of their dreams that might not have been attainable three years ago.

Thursday, May 13, 2010

Phoenix showing signs that construction is turning the corner

Both residential and commercial construction have remained stagnant for the past two years, but Phoenix is finally showing signs of a turnaround. According to Scott Macpherson, principal of Ryder Levett Bucknall construction is gaining ground again. Construction numbers showed strength in the first quarter of this year. This is good news for Arizona real estate. Maricopa, Pinal and Pima counties all showed impressive double digit gains. The Phoenix market appears to be turning the corner with sales up about 2% for the month of April over last years numbers. If you are thinking about purchasing a new home now is most certainly the time to buy. Homes values abound and rates are still near historic lows.

Saturday, April 3, 2010


In years past living large was the trend or at least as large as one could afford. The current trouble in our economy has changed these priorities for many Americans. The average home size is shrinking for many American families, however these families still want to live well.re are 12 trends that reflect the current choices trends and aspirations of families. The number one trend is induction cooking, which is note worthy because it 30% more energy efficient than gas or electric. The number three spot is led by energy sipping not guzzling refrigerators. If you are thinking about replacing you refrigerator buying an energy star appliance may qualify you for a utility rebate, not to mention the energy and money savings. Energy star refrigerators use approximately 20% less energy than not energy star appliances, and if you replace that fridge you bought in the 80s you will most likely save about $100 dollars a year in energy costs by replacing your fridge with an energy star appliance.

Number four trend is stone or composite sinks which blend seamlessly into the counter top for a clean look. The reason for their popularity is they are more durable and easier to clean. Serene color is now the trend and takes up the number five slot for home trends. Ranking number six is home offices. The trend is to maximize smaller spaces and in many instances a home office helps one to do that and take a home office tax deduction.

Number seven is varied wall treatments besides paint. Wallpaper is making a comeback, but wallpaper is not your grandmothers wallpaper any more. There are many different types of textures or even enlarge photos and murals that can be put on walls.

Number eight is do it yourself home projects. The DIY trend is actively growing as many homeowners are looking to upgrade their spaces while saving money by doing it themselves. Many watch popular programs on HGTV and DIY network.

Number nine is a continuing trend in out door living by adding privacy to out door spaces with curtains. Out door curtains can screen out the late afternoon sun saving energy or help screen out nosey neighbors.

The number 10 trend is environmentally friendly and healthy toilets. Todays new toilets can wash and dry you. Many also offer dual flush modes which helps to save water. Some of these toilets even take away smell.

The last two trends are HD TV and creating a home relaxation retreat. Some of these current trends will undoubtedly die with time, but others may become the main stays of the American home.

Sunday, March 21, 2010

Metro Phoenix Home Prices Could Drop Again!

Metro Phoenix has a large number of inventory homes for sale right not on the market and a large shadow inventory. The shadow inventory is the number of distressed property sales that might be added to the market this year in 2010. Most of these homes will be from their foreclosure status. Phoenix home prices began to show signs of recovery in the second half of 2009, but this new potential inventory could threaten the recovery and has economist worried those prices might decline further in Phoenix. The shadow inventory is made up of homes that are still set to foreclose, investor homes that they will try to flip, and the thousands of homes that were unable to obtain a successful loan modification. Additionally, it includes homes that are scheduled to experience a rate adjustment since their rates begin to reset this year, and there are thousands of homes that have simply been abandoned by homeowners. It is estimated that approximately 30 to 50% of homeowners in the metro Phoenix area are underwater on their home equity.

These homeowners are the most feared of the shadow inventory because it is difficult to predict to what it will do to our real estate market. All these things factor in and according to Tom Ruff a Phoenix real estate data analyst this will cause our recovery to take longer and be more difficult, but he does not think that it will cause another crash. Shadow inventory does not necessarily have to further damage our market if Banks, Investors and homeowners work at helping the market rather than hurting it.

Tuesday, March 16, 2010

Increasing Pool Efficiency Pays Dividends

Michelle's Phoenix Blog

Archives

Pool Efficiency Pays Off!
2010-03-12 14:56:56
Here in the Valley of the Sun, Phoenix many of us enjoy our pools, but with todayâ€Â™s tough economic times many are looking for ways to save money. Your pool pump uses more energy than any appliance in your home with the exception of your AC. Making your pool more efficient might save you hundreds of dollars each year. You might want to look at replacing your single stage pool pump with a more efficient variable-speed unit. Manufactures like Pentar or Hayward claim that they can save your energy usage by as much as 90%. Variable speed pumps are more expensive and it takes you an average of two years to recoup the costs of the new unit. Another alternative would be to install a 2-stage pump though not quite as efficient they still will save you. If you are an APS customer they are offering beginning March 15th a $200 rebate on variable pool pumps and $100 on dual speed models. If you go to APS.com you can find a list of participating stores

If you are an APS or SRP client you can sign up for a time of use plan and set your timer to run during off peak hours. IF you do not have a timer get one installed and only run your pump during the off peak hours to save money. Another idea is to switch your pool to LED lighting it is estimated that LED uses 75% less power than incandescent lighting. Clean your trap baskets regularly clogged baskets force your pump to work harder and you to pay more in the long run. All of these tips can help you shave dollars off your electric bill, which in turn puts more in your pocket.

Monday, March 8, 2010

Come Experience Phoenix Down Town Unique Cultural Renascence

The city center areas of Phoenix have been experiencing a unique cultural renascence. The area has become home to many unique art galleries and fun restaurants along with unique boutiques. First Fridays have become a time when the down town area is visited by hundreds of people. It has become a cultural monthly event for many. This week will host the 22ndannual Art Detour on Saturday and Sunday. The Art Detour begins at the Phoenix Art Museum on Central and Mc Dowel where you can pick up a free map. While you are at it if you are up for some fun places to dine there is Copper Star Coffee on 7th ave. If you are in the mood for Mexican food you might want to check out Americas Taco shop, or if you are in the mood for pizza try some of the best pizza around at Cibo which has been ranked as some of the best pizza in the country by bon appe'tit. All in all you should take the time to check out this valley event. It will promise you a great time this weekend, and fun for singles and families alike.

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

The Greatest Show on Grass!


This coming week Feb 22 thru the 28th marks the start of the Phoenix Open. The event is hosted at the TPC in Scottsdale, but is a landmark event for the Phoenix area and was originally called the Arizona Open. Tbe Phoenix Open originally alternated play between the Phoenix Country Club and The Arizona Country Club. In 1975 the event moved to the Phoenix Country Club exclusively till 1987 when it was moved to its current home at the TPC. The Phoenix Open is one of the five oldest events on the PGA tour marking its 75th year in the Phoenix area. It is deeply a part of Phoenix history.

Ever wonder what it would be like to hit a shot at the 16th hole, which is a famous par 3 hole for the TPC commonly called “the shot at glory.” The lucky two will get their chance along with local celebrities, and Hollywood stars like,” e Ray Ramano & Josh Duhamel they will all tee up for a closest to the pin contest all to benefit this years charity the Wounded Warriors Project. Which is a charity that help wounded vets who come home with readjustment challenges and support them when they return home by helping them heal from all they have went through.

Tournament host will give 100k to each charities chosen by each competitor, and if a competitor makes a hole in one then 1 million dollars will be given to the charity of their choice. It is a fantastic event to go see and a great way to spend some time in our beautiful spring weather enjoying the Arizona Sun we are famed for.

Saturday, February 13, 2010

It is Phoenix Historic home tour time again!

It is Historic Home tour time in Phoenix again. This weekend on 2/14 10 am to 4 pm. Launches the home tour season with the Willow Home Tour and Street Fair. The tour is in the areas of Central to 7th Ave and Thomas South to Mc Dowell Rd. These homes are charming and range in diversity from Tudor style, Bungalow, Spanish Revival, to Ranch style homes. These homes were built between the early 1900’s and up to the 1940’s. You can purchase tickets in advance at willowhistoricdistrict.com on the day of the tour 3rd AVE and Holly.

Feb 28th will be the Friends of Mexican Art Tour. This tour will feature three homes, which will feature private art collections that have been collected from their travels around the world. Tickets can be purchased at Fiesta Furnishings for $50 to purchase the day of call 480-275-5746.

Feb 28th will also host the Coronado Home Tour. This tour will feature homes between South of McDowell between 7th and 18th street that were built between 1930 and 1940.

Coming up in March will host the Windsor Square Historic Home and Garden Tour on 3/7. Then in April the valley will feature the April the Modern Phoenix Home Tour on 4/11. The Modern Home Tour will feature a 1960’s subdivision called Paradise Gardens, and will feature homes influenced by the famous Arizona architect Al Beadle.

These tours are a great way to get to know the beautiful city and the influences from years past. One must understand the past to look toward the future. Our city center is in the midst of a Renaissance. Not to mention it is a great way to spend a weekend during our glorious spring weather that cannot be beet in the Valley of the Sun. www.metrophxrealestate.com your Metro Phoenix real estate resource.

Wednesday, February 3, 2010

Metro Phoenix Market Update For January 2010

January marked the 2nd highest sales of 4704 transactions second only to January 2005 with 6589 transactions. In the Phoenix area 46 percent of all the sales in January were lender owned properties, 23.6 percent were short sales and 30.4 percent were regular transactions.

Single family detached homes within the range of price $75k to 125 k appears to be weakening this represents 26.3 percent by unit count which is a significant part of the market. While prices from 150k to 600k appear relatively strong.

Within the month of January there were 6752 notices of foreclosure filed and this represents the lowest monthly total since Nov 2008.

All information was obtained from the Cromford Report and ARMLS