The Mom Song! Happy Mothers Day to all Moms!!

Today is a perfect day to share this video with every mom you might know. Along with the video, I want to send out a big, I LOVE YOU to my mom, and to my beautiful wife.  There are many special moms in all of our lives so feel free to forward this to family and friends, it is sure to bring a smile to their face!

Pre-Paying H.O.A transfer fees? Another effect of the market..

For the last several months, we have been warning sellers that their association "may" ask to be paid BEFORE they will release their disclosure package and escrow statements to the title company. Traditionally, these fees have always been paid at closing. Some companies now want a partial payment, some more. When the title company attempts to order the escrow statement and disclosure package for the buyer, they are being told that either the entire amounts for disclosure and/or transfer fees or a portion thereof must be paid up front. The seller may either pay by credit card or e-check. This has the potential to delay the forwarding of the disclosure packages to the perspective buyers. In addition, in the case of a short sale or bank owned property, the title companies are having difficulties getting the seller to pay upfront. In some rare cases of bank owned or short sales, the banks will not allow the payment at all.  So, seller's need to know that this could happen so that it will not be such a shock when we receive that dreaded call from the title company to request the payment up front.

This is just another effect of changing times in the market place. These poor associations must feel it isn't fair for them to have to provide this information if there is a chance they won't collect their ever rising fees. Doesn't seem too long ago that normal transfer fees were about $50.00. With charges of $300-$400.00 ( and more) for providing this information, one would think this is a pretty darn good source of revenue for them.

I'm Nick Bastian. I sell real estate in Tempe and the east valley. If you have any questions about our communities or would like housing information, contract help or a market evaluation, please feel free to visit our web site at http://www.nickbastian.com/ or feel free to call me at 602-803-6425.

The "wine train" is coming to AZ..

This December, when the light rail trains begin to connect Phoenix to Tempe and Mesa, riders will have all kinds of new entertainment options. Several of these options will have to do with grapes, as in wine bars! Although the Mill Avenue District hasn't ever been considered a wine lover's paradise, I can think of four wine bars that will be a short distance from the light rail stop at third and Mill. Of these four spots, only one is currently pouring wine but they do it really well. Cafe Boa is a long time Mill Avenue favorite and has recently won the 2007 "Award of Excellence" from The Wine Spectator for their "complete and well rounded wine list." If you haven't been there, you really are missing out! Later this year, PurVine will open in the new and exciting Centerpoint project that is in the heart of the district. I recently toured Centerpoint with the developer and was quite impressed with the entire project! (much more on their project later) PurVine will be an amazing place for wine lovers! In fact, I read that they will be a "fully functioning winery, minus the vineyard. The $1 million facility is split into thirds, with an intimate tasting room in front, a cooler stocked with barrels of aging wine in the center and a warehouse of 20 large metal tanks in the back." These same developers are also the ones that will develop the famous Hayden Flour Mill located just a few blocks away. Guess what, I've heard that it will also have a wine bar! Just a block North of there is the amazing community of Hayden Ferry Lakeside. SunCor development has done a remarkable job with this project that consists of top-notch residential and prime commercial space. In fact, there have been people give up the posh 24th St / Camelback address to move their operations to Hayden Ferry for it's amazing views and wonderful freeway and airport access. Last but not least, of my four Tempe examples will be located at Hayden Ferry within the existing "Romancing the Bean" space. From what I understand, they will add a wine bar for residents and business people to enjoy after a hard day at the office. I spoke with the owner and it sounds like the plans are in the works, it just might take a little bit of time. I'll have to drag myself back over there for lunch again soon to see if I can get an update.

Now, don't think Tempe is the only ones with grapes galore.. Phoenix will have a wine bar inside of the posh new "Hotel Monroe" called The Vault. Opening soon, I understand this chic and newly renovated boutique hotel will be a transformation of an old 1930's bank building and the old vault from the basement has been saved to be part of the bar. Another hot spot is Portland's Restaurant and Wine Bar which is located near the Central / Roosevelt light rail stop. I tried to meet a friend at Portland's for lunch yesterday at 12:30. Apparently, we were not the only ones in the area as we were told it would be a 45 minute wait! (Some kind of special event that particular day) I'll have to try it again another time.

So.. There you have a bunch of new places to try. Once light rail is in, it will be a pretty convenient way to get from downtown Phoenix to downtown Tempe. Be safe, have fun and get ready to enjoy the new lifestyle that is coming to our downtown.. Cheers!

btw.. If you are interested in the housing options near any of these places, I have a list of some of them on our "Light Rail" site. You can also find more information on the Rail Life blog where I am a contributing writer. Take a look!

To Live, work and play, our great city is hard to beat! Tempe is very centrally located with easy access to our freeway systems and to the airport. Here, you will find some amazing housing opportunities, a great arts community, wonderful restaurants, great schools, lot's of different jobs, enthusiastic sports fans and a wonderful lifestyle in an amazingly convenient location that is close to many of the things our great state has to offer.

If you have any questions about the community of Tempe Arizona, please feel free to visit our web site at http://www.nickbastian.com/ or feel free to call us at 602-803-6425.

ASU Select a seat this Saturday!

I am loving this time of year! The Diamondback's are off to a good start, the Sun's are beginning their playoff games and we get an early look at the Devil's this weekend! If you are an ASU football fan, come check out the annual "Spring Game" beginning at approximately 12:30.  (Gates open at 11:30) This is also an opportunity for fans to select their seats for the upcoming season. You are a Sun Devil fan, right?

Villas at Alta Mesa - Gorgeous Gated Community

Nick Bastian | Homesource Preferred Properties | 602-803-6425 5216 East Ivyglen Street, Mesa, AZ Gorgeous Alta Mesa - Gated Community 3 Bdrm Single Family House offered at $250,000 Year Built 2002 Sq Footage 1,806 Bedrooms 3 Bathrooms 2 full, 0 partial Floors 1 Parking 2 Car garage Lot Size 7,788 sqft HOA/Maint $106 per month DESCRIPTION Excellent location, for this wonderful gated community of single story residences. This gorgeous home sits on a large corner lot facing a greenbelt which is next to the community pool! Enjoy all that the beautiful Alta Mesa area has to offer. Some of the many great features of the home include; tons of ceramic tile, vaulted ceilings, large - island kitchen, tons of cabinet space, separate living and family rooms, recently replaced a/c unit (summer 07'), gas stub for BBQ grill in backyard etc.- Easy access to the 202 and 60 freeways, convenient to several golf courses including the beautiful Alta Mesa Country Club, excellent floor plan, great home for full or part time residence! Priced right, great features, great location. Please call us today for a private tour of this gorgeous home and neighborhood! see additional photos below PROPERTY FEATURES Central A/C High/Vaulted ceiling Walk-in closet Tile floor Family room Living room Dining room Breakfast nook Dishwasher Stove/Oven Laundry area - inside Yard COMMUNITY FEATURES Swimming pool(s) ADDITIONAL PHOTOS Seller contact info: Nick Bastian Homesource Preferred Properties 602-803-6425 For sale by agent/broker Equal Opportunity Housing Posted: Apr 17, 2008, 4:09pm PDT

Diamondback fans get a "Suite" View of new big screen!

Chase field has always been a great place to watch a ball game. This years addition of a HUGE "video monitor" that is the widest in the major leagues, measuring 136 feet wide by 46 feet high, or about eight times the size of the "old" screen makes it even better. Throw in a luxury suite, right behind home plate stashed with all kinds of great food and refreshments and you have yourself a pretty decent day. If you want to add to the fun, turn on the plasma tv by one of the big cushy chairs and watch a golf tournament at the same time! Not just any tournament but the one played in Augusta Georgia. You may have heard of it? Yep, it's called The Masters. Guys, it is hard to beat a Sunday like this! :-)

If you get a chance, you need to go to the ball park and see this HUGE screen. Heck, even from the "cheap seats" you will be amazed. :-) 

Gorgeous Home in Prestigious Alta Mesa

Nick Bastian | Homesource Preferred Properties | 602-803-6425 1637 N Sundial, Mesa, AZ Gorgeous Home in Prestigious Alta Mesa 4 Bdrm Single Family House offered at $289,900 Year Built 1989 Sq Footage 2,247 Bedrooms 4 Bathrooms 2 full, 1 partial Floors 2 Parking 3 Car garage Lot Size 8,560 sqft HOA/Maint $18 per month DESCRIPTION You are going to LOVE this home! With it's wonderful split floor plan it has been remodeled from top to bottom and is tucked in to the beautiful Alta Mesa community. Near by, you will find schools, parks, a private golf course as well as several other great courses, shopping, reataurants and easy access to the 202. In the kitchen you'll find new granite counters & full back splash, new stainless steel appliances, a double oven and smooth top range. The Crown molding, 4' baseboards new custom tile, upgraded carpet, double pane windows, recent exterior paint and the wood blinds make this one truly spectacularl! Enjoy a cozy fireplace in the family room, the wonderful loft with custom wrought iron railing and the beautiful over-sized backyard boasting 9 PRODUCING fruit trees and recently added professional landscaping! ( front & rear ) This is an amazing opportunity to have a gourgeous home in a wonderful community. You will LOVE Alta Mesa! see additional photos below PROPERTY FEATURES Central A/C Fireplace Walk-in closet Granite countertop ADDITIONAL PHOTOS Seller contact info: Nick Bastian Homesource Preferred Properties 602-803-6425 For sale by agent/broker Equal Opportunity Housing Posted: Apr 9, 2008, 4:53pm PDT

What is your "Walk Score?"

There are many factors that will go help in the decision when you purchase your next home. Of course, location plays a major factor in most sound real estate purchases. To help find out how "walkable" a neighborhood is, you can check out this nifty web site that will give your neighborhood a "score" based on the amenities near by.
My neighborhood in South Tempe scores a "decent" 66. At 70, a neighborhood is considered "very walkable" according to the guys at WalkScore.com Here is their break down..

90 - 100 = Walkers' Paradise: Most errands can be accomplished on foot and many people get by without owning a car. 70 - 90 = Very Walkable: It's possible to get by without owning a car. 50 - 70 = Some Walkable Locations: Some stores and amenities are within walking distance, but many everyday trips still require a bike, public transportation, or car.
25 - 50 = Not Walkable: Only a few destinations are within easy walking range. For most errands, driving or public transportation is a must.
0 - 25 = Driving Only: Virtually no neighborhood destinations within walking range. You can walk from your house to your car!

Most of our valley is pretty spread out and the thought of walking to conveniences isn't even a consideration. Take a look at this site, it is kind of fun.. In fact, give your house a try and let us know YOUR score! :-)

Thanks to my buddy Brad Andersohn at TechKnowBabble for the find!
I'm Nick Bastian. I sell real estate in Tempe and the east valley. If you have any questions about our communities or would like housing information, please feel free to visit our web site at http://www.nickbastian.com/ or feel free to call me at 602-803-6425.

Light Rail Testing coming to Tempe

Soon", as in, the next month, or so, we will begin to see light rail cars being tested in Tempe. So far, the only testing of the cars has been at the METRO operations and Maintenance facility and along Washington street in Phoenix. The next phase of testing should be a little more interesting because of the dynamics of more traffic and pedestrians in the area. The following information was sent from the Tempe Chamber of Commerce. I have also talked to some friends at METRO but have not yet been given a firm date on the Tempe tests. Phoenix testing took place as recently as last week.

METRO LIGHT RAIL TESTING TO BEGIN

METRO will soon begin testing light rail vehicles in Tempe. This spring you will begin to see vehicles on the Tempe Town Lake bridge and on the tracks near Third St. in the Mill Avenue District. By summer testing is expected to move west into downtown Phoenix and east into Mesa.

Each vehicle in the METRO fleet must be checked to ensure it meets safety and performance specifications. The rail, signals, power system and all other components are also tested to ensure quality performance.

Light rail is an extremely quiet mode of transport that is brand new to the Valley. Please be aware of the safety precautions required on and around the region’s newest transit system:

• With light rail being so quiet, listen for bells and look for flashing train headlights.
• Pedestrians must use the crosswalk and obey all signals.
• Don’t stop your car or bike on the tracks.
• Obey the traffic signals; turn left only with a green arrow.
• No biking, walking or skateboarding in the track way.

For more information visit MetroLightRail.org/Safety on the Web.

I took this picture recently on Apache Blvd. It appears they are doing some "last minute" work on the overhead lines. Light Rail is sure to change the heartbeat of several neighborhoods along it's route. We will be following closely to bring you information on some of the great real estate opportunities that will be created by this project.

If you have any questions about the community of Tempe Arizona, please feel free to visit our web site at http://www.nickbastian.com/ or feel free to call us at 602-803-6425 or toll free at 1-888-343-6425.

Toby Keith coming to Mesa Riverview

It has recently been announced that Toby Keith's "I Love This Barr & Grill" will be opening this fall at Mesa Riverview. The Riverview project seems to be gaining some ground and attracting several types of businesses, restaurants etc. Of course, the biggest anchor for the project has been Bass Pro Shops. The proximity to the upcoming Mesa Waveyard project that we have discussed, probably doesn't hurt any of them.

Keith's two-level restaurant will seat 850 people and occupy 16,400 square feet on the first level with an 8000 square foot mezzanine which will have "virtual bowling" and an 80-foot guitar bar! This place might just be an upscale, redneck heaven. :-) The following picture is from the Oklahoma restaurant. There is also one in Las Vegas where, I must admit that Lori and I stopped in for some chicken fried steak one night. :-)

The location of the upcoming restaurant is accessable from most of the valley with easy access off of the 101 and 202 freeways. The project sits near the Tempe, Mesa and Scottsdale borders and is a short drive to Sky Harbor airport. There has been a lot written about the proximity to and competition with Tempe Marketplace. While they are close together and basically just separated by the 101 freeway, each project has some great qualities. We continue to watch real estate in Tempe and real estate in Mesa very closely as several large projects are under way in both cities. We will keep you updated on many of them in the future.

It will be interesting to see the finished product. Maybe we can meet there for lunch in the fall. Think they have karaoke? I hope not.. :-)