Arizona embracing the Paperless transaction

I found this interesting video talking about the Arizona Association of REALTOR'S embracing the paperless transaction. Stewart's Sureclose transaction management system should be an interesting change. Sounds pretty cool to me but I am sure there will be some challenges getting cooperating brokers, buyer's, seller's, escrow companies, inspection companies, appraisers etc. all on the same "page." Granted, this shouldn't be rocket science and it could be very beneficial to many of us. I just know that change can be difficult for some people. :-) Heck, even when we have changes in our contract, it is sometimes hard for people to keep up.. Arizona will probably be watched closely to see how we react to these changes. So, what do you think? Ready to sign on the dotted line/screen?

inman Connect - NYC 08 - Travis Wright and Craig Sanford

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!