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.

Bastian Halloween Bash

Our annual Halloween party was one of the best yet thanks to our family, friends and "club members" that joined us. Heck, we even had family and friends come from as far away as Chicago and Colorado this year! The costumes were amazing and the hay rides and haunted house were again a huge hit with the kids. My dad loves riding his tractor any chance he gets. :-) If you weren't able to make it this year, don't worry, I'll send you a reminder again next year!

My boys had a blast. Luke, our three year old, was a fire fighter. He LOVES fire fighter's! We have a couple of dear friends that are fire fighters and he can't wait to go to the station for a tour. Cole and Will, our twin two year old's, got to be a lion and a scarecrow. Probably the cutest things you could ever imagine! :-)

Finding good help..

In the process of buying and selling homes, many people are normally involved. Your Realtor, lender, appraiser, escrow officer, insurance agent, home inspector etc. should all be able to work together to make the process as smooth as possible. Many others can be included such as contractors, repairmen, roofer's etc.
I have mentioned on my web site that I have the opportunity to meet many people during the year. Some are great to work with, some, well.. not so much. We have a link on our web site titled, "Service Providers" that lists some people that I have had a good experience working with. We try keep the list up to date and are always looking for good companies to add. Unfortunately, there are some people that are not always as reliable or as honest as one would hope. We are glad to help point you in the direction of people we have worked with in the past but also encourage you to check them out on your own. For many, the home buying and selling process can be pretty stressful. We are always glad to help make your move as smooth as possible. Remember to "Just Call Nick!"

Many Tempe Residents have a lot to GAIN

This coming Saturday, October 20, 2007, neighborhoods throughout the City of Tempe are being asked to join forces for G.A.I.N. - Getting Arizona Involved in Neighborhoods. G.A.I.N. is designed to heighten crime and drug prevention awareness, generate support and participation in local anti-crime efforts, strengthen community relations, and send a message to criminals letting them know neighborhoods are organized and fighting back.

Lori and I are looking forward to taking the boys to Stroud Park

where our neighborhood is participating by throwing a "Potluck."

Mesa Gateway - New Name - New Games

Soon, Williams Gateway will be no more. The changing of the name is just the beginning for the area. A few months ago, I mentioned that the Gateway Area has some interesting commercial and residential projects planned. In today's paper, there is more news of the plan to create a major international cargo hub. The project is called Arizona Direct and there looks to be great potential to bring more business and revenue to the area. Part of the appeal has to do with a duty-free trade Zone that "will carry the Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) designation (one of only seven in Arizona) which provides significant tax incentives and results in competitive advantages for companies choosing to locate and operate on site."

Near by, DMB's plans for the old proving grounds site should have a large impact on the area as well. DMB is a developer of some really nice projects in AZ, California, Hawaii etc. I doubt they would have purchased such a large parcel of land in this area if they didn't feel the potential for growth wasn't there.
It will be fun to watch this area. The proximity to ASU Polytechnic Campus, freeway access, rail lines etc. make for an interesting part of town.
The area is growing, we will be sure to keep an eye on it. If you want any information about current housing in the area.. "Just Call Nick!"