Many are looking back and reflecting on the year that has just passed, and that is understandable...


My biggest complaint for last year is that I am really tired of listening to the doom and gloom of the media and of most people in the real estate business.. Yes, 07' was different to 06' and way different to 04'-05'. It drives me crazy to hear people complain about things they can not change instead of adapting and taking advantage of new opportunities.

Real estate, as a profession, has one of the highest turn over rates of any business. People go out, get a license and think that someone will automatically begin to mail them commission checks. The fact is, to be successful it takes a lot of hard work, knowledge of our contract(s), people skills, determination and a willingness to help others and to represent their interest instead of looking for a quick buck. Long term relationships "pay" much better than short term opportunities. Just like investing in real estate.. The "flippers" went out and made some money for a while but most are now getting their tails kicked. On the other hand, people that invest their time and money in real estate for the long haul can and will continue to prosper. Think about it.. How much did you pay for that house in 2000? In 1995? In 1990?


I recall 04' and 05' when builders and some agents decided not to cooperate with other agents or to offer very small fees on the selling side. Not quite as many agents complained because we could "all" make a living in that over heated market. Fast forward a short time and you see builders and others paying up to 10% commissions (or more) for those buyers! The reason for those fees is competition.. A good real estate agent will make all of this competition work for their client! By doing so, the referrals come, the re-peat sales come and before you know it, a "down" market ranks up there (financially) with the "good" years. I know from experience that, in good markets and bad, there will always be people that buy and sell real estate.


I do feel bad for some of the people that have been hurt because of the correction but, there is a small percentage of these people vs. most Americans that don't (or didn't) use their home as an ATM.


I look forward to 08' knowing that there will be challenges AND opportunities in the market.

I also look forward to helping YOU with YOUR real estate needs.

Happy New Year! Let's make it a great 08'!

Bad MLS photos

In real estate, we all know how important location is. We have also discussed other factors that effect sales like pricing, condition etc.

Recently, I found a really great blog from Athol, a real estate agent in Connecticut where he allows people to post bad photos from property listings. Some of these pictures are hilarious, some are kind of gross. (Like the one shown here) Kind of makes you say.. "What were they thinking!?!"

While I am not a professional photographer, I do try to take decent pictures for our listings. Taking pictures of a bathroom or a small bedroom rarely pays off. Instead, I prefer longer angles and shots across a room. Kitchens should photo well, the home should be clean, clutter should be removed, pets should not be in the photo etc. If the home has a nice lot, show people. If the pool sparkles, let them know it etc..

With most people beginning their home search on the web, it helps to have them like what they see! :-) As a seller, you deserve it. As a buyer, it helps you make good decisions without wasting a bunch of time.

The main thing is.. If you are Buying or Selling Real Estate.. "Just Call Nick!" and I'll be glad to help.

An Arizona Snowman!

Most people think of Arizona as in.. "It's a Dry Heat!" Well, this week in Flagstaff anyway, it was darn right cold! Lori and I took the kids to the "Polar Express" where they got to meet Santa and take a train ride to the North Pole! Luckily, it is close to the cabin and we got to spend some time playing in the snow. Many of you know that I have lived in the Valley for approximately 35 years and prefer the heat over the cold! :-) In fact, I mentioned here before that I wouldn't want to live any place that I "had" to shovel snow. Well, we got hammered by a snow storm and, sure enough, I shoveled the drive way at the cabin in the morning before we came home. We all had a blast playing in the snow and making a snowman. Luke got to go to "The Winter Time" and loved it! Cole and Will thought it was pretty fun too, as long as the snow didn't touch their hands or face. Mom did a great job keeping them bundled up! I hope you like the slide show of a few pics from our trip.

Subprime Explanation

My friend Shailesh found this funny video "A British Explanation for the Subprime Mess." I found it to be "quite amusing!" :-) I hope you will too!

Mill Avenue District is "Growing Up."

The many new developments in Tempe are fun to watch. From Mosaic to Centerpointe to the new Monti's projet that we recently wrote about, the Mill Avenue District is really "growing up." Soon, the Valley's Light Rail system will travel right through the community. If you haven't been down there lately, you will be amazed. If you have, you can't help but notice how "alive" the area is. People of all walks of life enjoy this area. From the Arts Center to small coffee shops to million dollar condos with HOA fees in the $1100.00 per month range! :-) The park, the lake and near by hiking at "The Butte" / "A" Mountain are all things that people love as well. I found this cool video that shows some of the many existing and proposed changes in the area.Take a look!

Holiday for the Devils

Selfishly, I would have liked to see a Fiesta Bowl bid for ASU but the Holiday will be a good test against a good Texas team.

My friend Nathan and I had a blast at the ASU vs. UofA game last night. We met some of his friends (now mine too) before the game. Interesting group.. Some ASU fans, some UofA fans, made for a fun night! Even the Cat fans were nice and they took our jawing in stride while talking a little smack themselves. The thing about the "Territorial Cup" is this.. You NEVER know who is gonna make the big play, get the huge turnover or come out ahead. The record from the season can pretty much be thrown out the window as both teams get up for this game like it is the National Championship. I sent a text message to my buddy Matt (also a season ticket holder) with about 1:45 left in the game simply saying.. " How bout them Devils!" I knew full and well that he was going nuts wanting that clock to run out. Even with a 10 point lead near the end of the game we know that if any crazy thing can happen, this is the game for it. About a half hour later, Matt finally felt relief knowing the win had been secured! :-)

I took this picture from above the student section right after the game as it kind of summed up the feeling of a great win for our Devil's.

It's a Christmas Tree..

I read an article this past week about the dedication of our "Holiday Tree" at the State Capital. Our politically correct Governor was quoted as saying "call it what ever you want."

This subject is laughable. Everyone knows that the big, green, decorated tree is a CHRISTMAS Tree. It is ok if someone doesn't celebrate Christmas. Maybe they have different beliefs etc... But, for anyone to call a Christmas tree a "Holiday Tree" makes no sense to me..

If you believe in Kwanzaa, Hanuka or anything else, that is up to you. I believe there is a "Holiday Season" and we are certainly in it. But the big green tree with decorations on it... It is a Christmas tree. :-)

Happy Holidays EVERYONE!