I like to keep my readers in the Phoenix and Mesa, Arizona Valley apprised of what is going on and when and where. The P. F. Chang's Rock 'n' Roll Arizona Marathon and 1/2 Marathon returns to Phoenix on Sunday, January 18! Several streets will be closed, so here are the details for those either planning to participate or planning to be anywhere near these events: The two races will be run on separate courses, both of which will start at the State Capitol on 17th Avenue and Washington and Jefferson streets and run through central and east Phoenix to Tempe. The streets surrounding the routes will be closed between 5:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., so plan ahead and expect delays. Visit the marathon's link for great information, including how much fun it will be. Hopefully those of you participatin... 01/05/2009

  Okay, I realize I am a few days late to send this wish, however I have been BUSY!  That is a great sign!  Since New Years Day I have had 3 showings on one property, multiple showings on my other listings, an accepted contract on one house and two short sale approvals!  Not too shabby. I am not saying this to brag, I am truly most happy for those most affected, my SELLERS!  During the dog days of November and December I kept stating that I felt first quarter of 2009 would bring “change” to the real estate market.  I am not saying everything will be smelling like roses in right away, but I do think we will be approaching a bona fide “bottom” and I believe there are a slew of buyers waiting to purchase - and why wouldn’t there be! Lets recap, mortgage rates are at 5 year lows, homes pric... 01/03/2009

Last year the City of Phoenix as a enticement to the developers gave a $100 million tax giveaway in the development known as City North. This has been challenged by many parties including the Goldwater Institute,  the tax giveaway has been ruled unconstitutional. This is a good thing, many times the large developers play one city against another to see what they will get, it is never a good thing for the individual taxpayer, why should i have to help subsidize the developer, is a true capitalist society I should not have to, they get the gains take the risks. City North main website http://www.bizjournals.com/phoenix/stories/2008/11/03/daily18.html?brthrs=1   http://www.azcentral.com/news/articles/2008/12/24/20081224citynorth1224.html     Andrew Monaghan The Monaghan Group 602-308-4660 ... 01/03/2009

Light rail is up and running, one day old, from what i was told it was somewhat of a madhouse all day yesterday and so far today with many people trying it out for the first time. I for one am very excited, it will be great to have another modern and reliable way to get around town.   For those of you in Phoenix it is Free until December 31st and very affordable after that.There is grand opening parties up and down the entire line.   12/28/2008

Hello Everyone, My brother who is a broker in Mesa AZ has been at the Grand Opening of the Phoenix Metro Line today. He says it is very big. He also sent Pics. So here we go. Enjoy all.These Pictures are courtesy of Steve Fowler, Broker of S.J. Fowler/GMAC Real Estate Located in Phoenix, Mesa and Tempe..  From What I understand this was One HUGE EVENT Prices 1.25 for one ride or ride all day for 2.50 Wow what a deal Congradulations to the Phoenix area. 12/27/2008

The long awaited light rail is finally going live this weekend and to celebrate the oocasion you can ride free through December 31st.   Metro light rail plans weekend grand opening events, free rides through Dec. 31: More than 200,000 people will likely take free rides on the Metro light rail during opening weekend, which will feature celebrations, ribbon cuttings and live music from one end of town to another, Metro executives said. After more than three years of construction, light rail cars will start carrying passengers Dec. 27. Everyone will ride free through Dec. 31. Celebrations, live events and music will be featured in downtown Phoenix, Mesa and Tempe, while smaller events and activities will be offered at stations along the 20-mile line. Large festivities will be held in downt... 12/20/2008

  The Valley Freeways Closures & Restrictions Map & Information is also available in a printable PDF version. Weekend closures and restrictions allow more work to be done at once, so projects are completed in less time and on budget. That gives you more time to drive on a modern, well-maintained freeway system. For the latest weekend work schedule, sign up for ADOT email updates.   1 Northbound Loop 101 (Pima Freeway) narrowed to three lanes between McKellips and Chaparral roads for construction work. 5 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday(December 21)       2 Southbound Loop 101 (Pima Freeway) narrowed to one lane overnight between Hayden Road and Frank Lloyd Wright Boulevard for paving. 11 p.m. Sunday to 5 a.m. Monday(December 22) 12/20/2008

While i was looking for some information for a client purchasing a home in Phoenix, I came across this great site where you can get all sorts of crime stats or you can give to your clients so that they can do their own investigation. This one is for the city of Phoenix but many other cities may have similar resources. http://phoenix.gov/haht-bin/hsrun/payf/CRIMGRIDP/CrimeGrid.htx;start=HS_selectAnalysis   12/18/2008

Dios Mio and Holy Guacamole!  The Scottsdale Foreclosure Value of the Week ... is in ... well ... Phoenix.  So I am violating the rules of my own construct, sue me.  When I tell you about this week's obscene value in the Valley of the Sun, you'll understand why I am willing to commute.   I spent the better part of the day yesterday looking at property in the South Mountain area for a specific buyer.  Odds are that we are going to move on one in a gated community in which properties were selling in the $1-1.5 million range just a couple of years ago.  When I say the South Mountain area, I mean it.  The backyards of some of these properties are the preserve.  The homes are beautiful, but it is the lots which are irreplaceable. Between 3000-4100 square feet, these homes had lot premiums in... 12/17/2008

Forbes.com discovered which cities in the U.S. were the best for SINGLES in 2008. It was based on the following categories -- Coolness, Cost of Living, Culture, Job Growth, Online Dating, Nightlife and Singles (ratio).                                                    (source) If you happen to be in one of these twenty five cities, then you should consider doing some "tribal marketing" to this group.  It does not mean you need to limit selling real estate to just this group, but rather develop a strategic marketing approach that meets the particular needs of this group, while also marketing to other groups. We try to do that at MovingHelp.com. I believe one of the biggest mistakes we make in marketing is taking a "Shotgun" approach --- blasting out marketing materials hoping "One Size ... 12/16/2008

Rocky Point Mexico Mexico living Retiring in Mexico       - we have great news The coastal highway is complete and California has 5.9 months inventory - the 7 hour drive is now down to 5 ½   2 Bedroom beach front condos Starting under $200,000.00 / 10 - 20% down with 5 to 6% interest   Check out our new website www.realestaterockypoint.net   35% Referral for buyers agent         Sandy Beach / Old Port / View from Puerta Privada - www.puertaprivada.info   Below is an outstanding video on retiring in Mexico   http://www.foxnews.com/video-search/m/21534341/south_of_the_border.htm?q=RETIREES   Also below you will find some great opportunities your clients deserve to know about   TEAM REMAX  Casa Blanca 402 C REDUCED, REDUCED, REDUCED- Listed for $229k lowest priced 2BR/2BT, like new, views ... 12/16/2008

I really enjoy breaking down statistics and trying to truly analyze the data so I can help buyers make smart buying decisions and help sellers move their properties.  Here is some real estate data for Aviano at Desert Ridge.  This is for the single family homes only. Currently there are 47 active listings in Aviano at Desert Ridge.  Here is how those 47 active break down: 26 Listings are Normal Sellers Average price per sq. foot is $208.92 Average Days on Market is 137 with a high of 420 4 Listings are Bank Owned Properties Average price per sq. foot is $146.65 Average Days on Market is 84 with a high of199 17 Listings are Short Sales Average price per sq. foot is $157.10 Average Days on Market is 175 with a high of 668 From this information it is clear that the bank owned properties ar... 12/15/2008

I have been spending  large chunks of  time  preparing  for the  onslaught of  interested buyers.   My  flyer holders  are full,  Colored of course,   I have loaded up the  Bulletin boards  at  JJ's  and  The  Drunken Donut.     Just tapping  my toes  waiting for a sincere buyer.    There have been  huge price reductions  here in Rocky Point.    Water front properties  are a fraction of the  previous  asking prices. Previously priced  multi million  dollar properties   can be purchased  for  about  half  that price  in todays market. and I can  sell you a new intown  home  for about  $50k.    Please call me  for  information on these steals.   In Real Estate  the  old  mantra  was  Location, Location.     What  better place to be  than  sea side?   Not  a cold  ocean temperature  like t... 12/14/2008

PHOENIX HOME SALES UPDATE - NOV. 2008 A total 1095 homes was sold in Phoenix last November, an increase of 58% from November last year.  This makes five consecutive months of positive sales growth for Phoenix residential real estate market.  Phoenix home sales declined 49% last February from a year ago. Since then, Phoenix home sales trend has been showing continuous improvements. July '08 was the first month Phoenix home sales turn from negative to positive growth.   The number of lender owned (REO) home sales in Phoenix also increased consistently during 2008.  REO home sales in November accounted for 52% of total sales. Total 573 REO listings were sold last month with median price of $80,500 and combined agent days on the market (CDOM) was 68 days. November's cheapest REO home in Pho... 12/11/2008

An overview of the process and what to expect as a buyer By Dan Mullarkey, Associate Broker with West USA Realty So, you're in the market for a home and you've heard the buzz about the tremendous deals available on REOs.  First off, you're asking yourself what is the heck is an REO? This is a term that you will hear often when discussing foreclosures and the next section will explain what this term means. REO is an acronym meaning "Real Estate Owned", a shorthand term for a foreclosed property.  This is a property that was previously mortgaged and has reverted back to the bank after an unsuccessful foreclosure auction.  REO is not a term that banks want to see on their books because after all, they are in the business of lending money for homes, not managing them. Many of these properti... 12/10/2008

Estate Planning | Meet & Greet   Buy wholesale properties for less than the cost of a CAR! 6:30pm Wednesday, December 10th 2008 9237 E. Via De Ventura Scottsdale, AZ 85258 (State Mortgage Training Room) 101 South/ North.Take the VIA DE VENTURA exitTurn RIGHT onto E VIA DE VENTURA.First LEFT at the gas stationTake that road around until you see the building on the right that says 9237/ State Mortgage. We are directly west of the Cold Stone building.    7:00 Learn from Stephan H. Brewer  President of Legacy Financial   specializing in tax,financial and estate planning.  7:30 Are there really properties in the U.S. that cost less then a car? Learn from Millionare Brett Young How he is making $6,800 positive cash flow a month.  Turn Key proven system on buying Cash Flow Properties!! RSVP TO... 12/10/2008

If your looking for a luxury high-rise in the Biltmore, look no further than 2211. This exquisite building offers a full service of amenities for home owners. Tucked nicely behind Ruth Chris and the adjoining office buildings, 2211 offers many unique floors plans with varying views and light exposure. The roof top pool and lounge area offer a beautiful oasis in the middle of the Biltmore. If you would like to preview, please let me know or view: http://www.phoenixurbanliving.com/biltmorelofts.html. M. 12/08/2008

I was showing a client some options in the Biltmore a couple weeks ago and we spent some time viewing the The Fairway Lodge at the Biltmore. These luxury apartment condos are the first part of a two phase development (the other phase is Biltmore Estates). This three story luxury flat condo offers views of the mountains, the Biltmore and golf course. This project is perfect for the retired, second home owner who wants to take advantage of the hotels amenities, local shopping and a lock and leave lifetyle. Carol Gant who is an old friend does a wonderful job of presenting this product and project. For more info: http://www.phoenixurbanliving.com/biltmorelofts.html. M. 12/08/2008

The holiday season will be ushered in at the annual APS Electric Light Parade on Saturday (tomorrow) the 6th of December. This will be the 22nd annual parade featuring illiminated floats, marching bands and helium balloons. The parade will begin on Central Avenue north of Montebello Avenue at 7:00 p.m., move south on Central to Camelback Road, turn east to Seventh Street and then south to Indian School Road. This event is produced by the Parks and Recreation Department and sponsored by APS, ABC 15 and 99.9 KEZ. For more information, call: 602.534-3378 or 602.261-8069. OR you can click on the link above for lots of great information.   Mesa, Arizona Real Estate. Call me at: 480.216-3334 for information on purchasing or selling a home in Mesa, Arizona or surrounding towns. OR email me: Te... 12/05/2008

Enjoy the Holidays! Tempe Festival of the Arts  Dec 5-7The renowned festival celebrates its 40th anniversary. Top artists, music and street performers.  More than 400 booths line Mill Ave from 10 am till dusk everyday.  FREEZoolightsThe Phoenix offers it traditional holiday Zoolights event Dec-Jan 11thOne of the largest holiday light displays in the southwest, great fun for all the family and those out of town guest.  6-10 pm 7-20$ admission kids under 2 are free.Holidays at the Heard Dec 5-Jan 4.  Traditional Southwestern and American Indian culture with artist demonstrations and music.  Dance performances and hands on activities. Fry bread, cocoa and apple cider.  Another great venue for family and holiday guests.  2301 N Central Ave 11 am-4 pmCarefree Christmas Festival  Dec 12-143 d... 12/03/2008