Boulevard of brokers' dreams

I just watched an msnbc video talking about the "fallout" from the real estate market and mentioning that "an entire army of Realtors are struggling to get by." They went on to say that a Fla real estate school's enrollment is down by 50% and that many agents are "shell shocked."
The video also featured an agent that has traded real estate for roses by turning her office into a flower shop to gain "steady" income. This lady mentions that she had stars in her eyes and wanted to make big money. I missed the part where she mentioned that she actually wanted to help people or be a source they can count on to give professional advice. I love the angle on these stories that show and talk about how many people flocked to real estate when the market was "good" so they could "make some money."
Guess what folks... Much of our nation was under the mis-guided analysis that real estate was the equivalent of a .com stock. Any agent that is in the business just to make a bunch of money is probably NOT looking out for their clients best interest, but looking to their bottom line. My grandpa had an old saying that went, "hogs get peanuts." - This has never been more true. Those that simply looked for an easy way to make a quick buck are leaving the industry and that is probably not a bad idea.. Maybe they are now asking... "You want fries with that?"

Tempe's Parks and Trails - Western Canal Project

I'm thankful to live in a city that has a lot of cool stuff to do. Today, I read some more about the upcoming "Western Canal Project" in Tempe. I recall hearing about this last year and thinking, "how cool, that's right by our park!" (We often take the kids to near by Stroud Park where my "mad hoop skilz" are coming back in a big way!)
According to the City's web site, "The project will extend for six miles connecting parks, schools, and other destinations in Tempe. The project includes a path with lighting, landscaping and public art." A link to the map is here...
From the 101 Freeway, the path will link to Kiwanis Park, Stroud Park, Redden Park, Ken McDonald Golf Course, the YMCA and end near Arizona Mills Mall and the I-10 Freeway.
Basically, they are going to spruce up the canal banks and make it more pedestrian and bike friendly. I often see people on these canals now so, for ten million, I guess it better be pretty nice. :-)
Truthfully, I like the idea of the improvements and it is nice for South Tempe to get some love instead of the constant attention given to the areas surrounding the campus. Hey, I LOVE downtown Tempe but I choose to live in South Tempe. I/we feel this is a great place to raise our family and it is a rockin' location for my business as I can get to most parts of town pretty easily. :-)
One reason I like this project is because I think it will benefit our community. Another reason is that I could probably use some more exercise and this might help get me off of my rear end to take the kids on some bike rides etc. :-)

Arizona's Priciest Properties

While I sometimes disagree with Catherine Reagor of the AZ Republic, I found this video of the valley's most expensive homes to be very interesting and well done.

There was also an interesting piece tracking the sales of million dollar + homes since 1998.
The growth of these sales is pretty impressive. I can recall a time where million dollar sales were a really big deal in Arizona.. Happens all the time these days..

Want to know the recent values of homes in YOUR neighborhood? Would you like me to send list of multi-million dollar home to you via email? It's easy.. "Just Call Nick!"

DMB coming to Mesa Gateway Area

Because so many of you live in the east valley, I thought you might like some more information about the changes occurring at the "proving grounds" and the surrounding "Gateway" area.
A recent article gives us a glimpse of some more information concerning DMB's plans for their new community in the Gateway area of Mesa. The mention of 2 new golf courses, 3000-4000 new hotel rooms, a large park system and mixed use developments of commercial and residential sounds like quite a change to the landscape. If you take a look around and notice the proximity to two freeway systems, an airport, an ASU campus and a rail system you begin to have one of those "ah-ha" moments that DMB has already figured out. This project appears to fit in very well with the master plan for the economic engine that is the Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport . As far as developers go, the guys (and gals) at DMB are kind of like rock stars of real estate development. They have built some very high quality communities here locally and elsewhere. According to DMB's web site, the proving grounds project is "Located adjacent to Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport and ASU Polytechnic campus, the 3,200-acre Mesa Proving Grounds is the largest remaining parcel of contiguous land within the Mesa planning area and is of tremendous importance to the future of Mesa and the entire region."
In the past, I have written about some of the changes coming to the Gateway Area and have been telling people about some of these projects for quite some time. Of course, we will continue to watch this and many other parts of the valley that I believe have good growth potential in the future.
The housing options in the surrounding area of the Proving Grounds and the Gateway Area are many. From condos, to large homes, modest homes and horse property, you can find em' all.. Should you be interested in taking a look around, or know of anyone that might be interested, please feel free to "Just Call Nick!" or visit our web site at NickBastian.com.
Thanks again for your continued support!

Autism Speaks

My cousin sent this email to me today and it really made me think.. I am so fortunate to have healthy children.. So, as she asked me to do in the email, I am passing this along to my friends and family.. Please take a look..

The band, Five for Fighting, is generously donating $0.40 to Autism
Speaks for *each time* the video is viewed the funding goes toward research studies to help find a cure. When you have a moment, please visit the link below to watch the video and pass it along to your friends and family.
Click Here for the What Kind of World video.

Nick's Annual Cancer Climb

Once again, I have sponsored a team for the annual "Climb to Conquer Cancer" that is held at South Mountain. I hope that you can join me and participate in this very fun event that will be held on Saturday, February 23rd. The "climb" is actually a walk up the mountain and is a great way to raise money and awareness for the American Cancer Society. The cost to participate is $35.00 and includes registration, t-shirt, food, drinks and lot's of fun. I will be glad to register you and pick up/deliver your t-shirt so that all you have to do is show up the day of the event and have fun! If I register or donate for you, you don't get on any more mailing lists. :-)

Another option is to join "Georges Team" which is a team our family sponsors in memory of my father in law who lost a very courageous battle with Cancer last February. To join or to donate online, click here.

I am sure that all of us have been effected by cancer, either by a friend, family member or co-worker. Together, we can help! If you are not able to participate but would like to make a donation, please let me know and I'll be glad to help with that! Please feel free to contact me for any information. I have registration forms, information packets etc, that I can deliver or email to you. If you have any questions, just give me a call or leave a comment here on the blog..

Thanks so much!
Nick

Maricopa County Home & Garden Show

Since we have a Home Improvements and Helpful Hints link on our web site, I thought it would be a good idea to add some information about the Maricopa County Home & Garden Shows that occur a few times a year at the Fairgrounds and at the U of P Stadium. According to their web site, this years schedule is as follows.

January 11, 12, 13, 2008 - Arizona State Fairgrounds
April 25, 26, 27, 2008 - Arizona State Fairgrounds
August 1, 2, 3, 2008 - University of Phoenix Stadium
September 26, 27, 28, 2008 - Arizona State Fairgrounds

You can always get a lot of good information and ideas at these shows. Home Improvements and re-modeling are big business as many people are deciding to invest in their properties in many different ways. It might be a park-like back yard, a gourmet kitchen or anything else.
You can talk to all kinds of industry experts for your home improvement ideas and should also be able to come away with some very helpful hints.
Of course, you can always stay tuned to my blog and to the web site as we promise to add a lot more info in the future.

Sensationalism,The Media and McDonalds

Last week, I saw at least five different articles mentioning the closure of Re/Max 2000. The blogs on az central have had a bunch of comments and they love that stuff. The fact is, the poor decisions and media nightmare for this guy (Kline) effect a very small percentage of people in real estate. I know that there were (are) many very good agents that work(ed) at Re/Max 2000. Much of the public doesn't realize that each of these offices are independently owned and that, Re/Max as a whole is NOT closing down. Yesterday, I met with some clients to go over some things pertaining to our transaction. It just so happens that the buyer's agent works for Re/Max so "mrs. seller" asks if "we" should be concerned. Once I explained that (most) agents are independent contractors and that many offices are franchised, they got a better picture of the situation. Funny thing, she compared him to a McDonalds employee! :-)
I personally know brokers and agents from the company and have a lot of respect for some of them. You see, agents have a license and unless they choose to be a broker, their license must be "under" a broker to practice real estate.
If this is all clear as mud and you want to know anything about the real estate industry or about the market in your area.. "Just Call Nick!" - I'd be glad to help..

Home Maintenance - A couple more ideas

Home ownership, in my opinion, is a great idea. With the responsibility of owning a home, or just about any other asset, there are things you can do to protect your investment. We will add to the list often so be sure to follow along. :-)
A couple of important and routine things you can do are:

1. Replace your batteries (do it today!) in your smoke detectors. This should be done at least once a year. Yes, I know that most of them have the little annoying "chirp" when the batteries are low but, it is better to be safe than sorry.

2. Replace the filter in your heat pump / air conditioner. This should be done monthly but many people in AZ forget it in the winter time. Saves wear and tear on the unit, helps the system to work more efficiently.

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