Just "Google" Nick

Yesterday, I got an email from a friend that tried to find me on-line. He was at work and didn't have my contact info with him. Being a software engineer, he automatically knows to "Google" my name to see if he can find me.. Part of his email is as follows..

Hi Nick,
Wow, you're an easy man to find. Google search 'Nick Bastian' and sure enough.."Just call Nick"! A friendly reminder that you helped me sell my furnished condo in Augusta Ranch a couple of years ago. Hope business is still going well. When you have some time, please give me a call or let me know what time is good for you....

It's good to know that you all can find me when you want.. Web sites, phone, email... Remember to Just Call, Google or Email Nick!

My New Friend - He's Alright..

Most of you know me and know that I love my job and enjoy meeting many new people every year. One of my recent favorites is Ysidro. A couple of months ago, I helped Ysidro and his family sell their home in Chandler and I knew I liked this guy from the minute I met him.. Kind of a "tell it like it is" type of guy. As our transaction progressed and even after closing, I learned a lot about his life and about his family. He is a great dad, very prideful of "his girls" and I really respected that. I also learned that he was once a "crazy paratrooper" amongst other things. About a week after we closed escrow, Ysidro made me a sign that said "NIKLE way." (nee-clay) For some reason, he called me Nikle' and decided to make this for me. When I told him how cool I thought the sign was, he also made (smaller) ones for all 3 of my boys. LUKE lane, COLE cir, WILL way! I now hang my sign in my office and the boys have theirs in their rooms. I am reminded often of this guys personality and generosity and look forward to keeping in touch with him. Just the other day, he called from a tire shop where he was talking to a man that was thinking of buying a home... he immediately gives the guy my number. :-) Of course, I immediately added him to "the club!"
I meet a lot of people in this business.. Some are great.. some, not so great.. but I wouldn't trade my job for anything! Thanks for being a part of it..

The Wood Door? - A Cool Home Improvement!

In this challenging real estate market we are in, it can be helpful to "spruce up" your home before selling. A cool trend in many upscale neighborhoods has been adding wooden garage doors for a new look and feel. These doors can run thousands of dollars and normally require a little more maintenance than other doors. A friend of ours owns a company that can actually come to your home and paint your existing door. The painted garage doors look just like the "real thing" but for (normally) a lot less money! How cool is that?! You can even get front entry doors done. Cheryl has painted many doors here in the valley as well as some cabins up in Northern Arizona. Visit the Wood Door web site for more ideas and information. We also have their link on our web site along with tons of other information that might be helpful. As always, when you are thinking of buying or selling real estate.. "Just Call Nick"

For more Home Maintenance and Home Improvement tips, you can always visit this link on our web site..

Nick's Annual Turkey Drive!

Once again, it's time for our annual turkey drive! On Sunday Nov. 18th , 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.
If you would like to help, I'll be glad to come to your home or office and pick up a frozen turkey to deliver for you! OR, we can do the running around if you would like to make a financial donation. I'll be purchasing frozen turkeys Sunday morning to deliver! (I can provide receipts from the mission if needed) Another option would be for you to donate directly to the mission by clicking here.. Last year, Lori and I were able to deliver nearly 1000 pounds of turkey for needy families!
I would like to wish you and your families a wonderful holiday season!
Sincerely,

Nick

Monti's La Casa Vieja - Times are a changin'

Last night, the latest redevelopment plan for the historic Monti's La Casa Vieja Steakhouse finally got the blessing of Tempe's Historic Preservation Commission . This latest conceptual plan will now go in front of the Development Review Commission and the City Council in the coming weeks. Sounds like Sky Harbor officials (that didn't like the height of the stadium) will also throw in their 2 cents. The location of this place has been called the gateway to Mill Avenue and will serve as kind of a breaking point for the events at Tempe Town Lake and the bustling Mill Avenue District. These two areas are separated by the light rail stop at Third Street and Mill. Once the rail line opens, this area is sure to see even more interest. Several major developments are in the works within a short distance. (I'll be writing about them in the near future)
I am personally glad that the main part of the original building will be left alone as I have enjoyed many trips to Monti's with family, friends etc. It will be interesting to watch and see what the final outcome produces. I'll be sure to let ya know..

Mesa Waveyard - Surf's Up, Dude

City of Mesa voters actually turned out in favor of the $250 Million Waveyard project for the northwest part of their town. Located near the 101 and 202 freeway's, the Waveyard will be easily accessed from all parts of the Valley. The first phase of the project is said to include:

*Resort Hotel and Conference Center (Minimum 400 room, 4 star resort with 30-50,00 sq.ft of conference center)
*Indoor Water Park (80,000 sq. ft)
*Surfing Wave Pool (Outdoors and separate from the Indoor Water Park)
*White Water Course, Paddle Sports Center, and Training Facility
*Scuba Shack and Dive Experience
*Entertainment Retail Village (Minimum 200,000 sq. ft.)

Looking at their web site, they also mention:

"surfing, white water rafting, kayaking, scuba diving, snorkeling, standing wave surfing, wakeboarding, boogie boarding, climbing, canyoneering, zip lines, an action river, board sports training, a massive sand beach, concerts, world class competitions, volleyball, an indoor water park, special events, and much, much more."

Waveyard, won more than 65 percent of the votes cast. This is interesting because Mesa voters have long been the "NIMBY" type. Looks like the "sleepy little town" that is actually one of our largest cities, (of nearly 450,000 people) is starting to plan a few areas of development to change their image. The Falcon Field area is expanding and the Gateway area is showing a lot of potential as well.

This project will be fun to watch and I'll be writing more about it in the future. Please check back and take a look at our web site for more local area information.

Closing soon? Nick has many helpful tips

You probably know that there is a ton of paperwork that goes in to the buying or selling of real estate. You might be surprised at how often "little things" can be over-looked. Once you have bought or sold a home, you may want help remembering a few key things. Here is a small list of a few questions that often come up near the end of a transaction. Of course, Nick can gladly assist you with all aspects of your move.

1. When do we transfer utilities? (Our web site has a list of helpful phone numbers.)

2. What do we do with the keys? / When do we get the keys?

3. Do they/we have to clean the carpets or fix picture holes?

4. When do we get our check? (seller's)

5. Do we need certified funds? (buyer's)

6. When do we sign closing documents?

7. What does closing really mean?

I would be glad to help with all of your buying or selling questions. All you need to do is..

"Just Call Nick!"

Bob the Builder might need a new gig.

I read an interesting article recently about home repair and the amount of women tackling "small fix-it jobs and home-improvement projects."

Fannie Mae, (the largest guarantor of mortgages) predicts that, by 2010, there will be 32 million female homeowners.

Another interesting quote from the article mentions that 3 out of 5 women would prefer advice from Bob Villa, than from Dr. Phil! :-)

I would like to go on record as saying I am not sexist! :-) The following list of 12 items is mentioned as "common tools to aid women in fix-it projects." In my opinion, they are just handy things to have around any home!

1. Hammer - 16-ounce claw hammer

2. Screwdrivers - 1/4 & 1/2 inch flat head and No. 1 and No. 2 Phillips heads.

3. Pliers - Vice grips, needle nose, slip joint and standard pliers.

4. Handsaw - (power tools are more fun)

5. Tape measure -

6. Volt meter - (warning.. electricity can bite!)

7. Pipe wrench - (can also be used as protection from bad guys)

8. Cordless Drill - (my wife is dangerous with these)

9. Circular saw - (warning.. this can cut you!)

10. Jigsaw - (see above warning)

11. Dremel tool - (versatile and kind of fun to use.)

12. Stud finder - I'll refrain from my comments on this one. :-)

Everyone should keep their home in good repair. Routine maintenance items can turn in to large and costly projects. Stay tuned for more maintenance and home repair articles in the future. As always, feel free to contact Nick for any help/advice.

MLS info - Correct information is helpful..

I am constantly surprised at some of the things that are in, or left out of, an mls sheet. In one of the neighborhoods I watch closely, there is a home that, in my opinion, was listed approximately $100k over "market value." This was 5 months ago. Nice home, good area, upgraded tastefully etc but I think the agent either let the seller's dictate the price, or did not know the area. After a couple of months on the market, in the "realtor remarks," the listing agent mentions 2 "comps" to try and justify their price. One "comp" she lists a sales price from well over a year and ago. Since that time, the home has been re-listed at $200k LESS than the price she mentions!! Her other "comp" mentions that a home is "under contract" at over 100k more than her list price and says it "does not come up under the same subdivision." The problem is.. The home doesn't come up in the subdivision because it is NOT part of the subdivision! Different product in a DIFFERENT subdivision and justifiably in a higher price range than her listing. Do agents really think people don't know or won't check on these things? Is this agent really representing her clients best interest?

In our market, we don't need more over priced inventory... Sorry, just wanted to vent a bit. :-)

One of the biggest things I take pride in is the fact that I am honest with buyers and sellers. If you have any real estate related questions, please feel free to contact Nick Bastian at any time!
Or, click this link if you would like to search the mls.