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.