Urban Life

La Hacienda Historic District in Central Phoenix Arizona

Welcome as we explore another of the 35 historic districts in Phoenix, AZ. Today we look at La Hacienda Historic District.

La Hacienda Historic District, northeast of Thomas and 3^rd St. is a special mix of predominantly revival and ranch style homes. The district is comprised of two 1920’s subdivisions, La Hacienda and Mayfair, roughly bounded by 3^rd & 7^th streets and Verde Ln. & Catalina Dr.

Las Hacienda subdivision was the creation of Maurice and Ruth Obear and established in July of 1926. Their goal, according to historic records, was to create a neighborhood that would complement the nearby Phoenix Country Club and attract well heeled home owners.

The Obear’s contracted renowned architect Herbert Green to design some of the initial homes. Green, also the architect of record for nearly half the Phoenix County Club homes, was noted for his passion for the Spanish and Monterey revival style. Green’s influence is clearly evident throughout Las Hacienda.

Mayfair is the second subdivision that comprises Las Hacienda historic district. It begins at 3^rd street and ends at 5^th street.

John and Dorothy Bonds plated this neighborhood in 1928 creating 48 home lots. The lots were smaller than La Hacienda’s and sold for a fair amount less. Records state you could buy a lot in Mayfair for $840-$1140 in 1928, whereas Las Hacienda lots sold for $1500-$1750 during the same period.

Homeowners in the area describe the neighborhood as warm and friendly. Many use the light rail and biking to downtown restaurants and activities is common. The hardest thing is finding one of these home for sale, especially in the original La Hacienda subdivision. That, in itself, speaks volumes for the neighborhood.

Architectural styles represented in La Hacienda historic district include:

• Spanish Colonial Revival
• Monterey Revival
• Mediterranean Revival
• Pueblo Revival
• Cap Cod Revival
• Transitional and Modified Ranch
• Mid-Century

If you would like to see a virtual tour of La Hacienda Historic District, visit our primatry web site's La Hacienda page. We also have information on the homes currently on the market in La Hacienda.

Best to you,

Gene Urban
The Urban Team at Realty Executives
602-234-5777

Top 50 New Years Parties in Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tempe, Glendale AZ

As we leave 2009 and welcome in 2010 thoughts of celebration and parties come to mind. In case you wonder where you can bring in the New Year, NYE, we’ve compiled a list of 50 places in Phoenix, Tempe, Scottsdale, Glendale and Mesa you can join the fun.

Enjoy and we hope you have an incredible 2010.

Gene Urban and Ron Urban
The Urban Team

_______________________________________

 

1. Club Dwntwn, 702 N. Central, Phoenix -- 602-258-8343 
2. Alice Cooperstown, Downtown Phoenix, AZ. Think Alice with be there?
3. Angels & Outlaws - 6990 E. Shea Blvd. – Scottsdale – This is a Raven Events Sponsored Party
4. Axis/Radius Nightclub, Downtown Scottsdale. The 2010 Space Odyssey Party
5. BAR smith, Downtown Phoenix AZ. Fuse Friday event.
6. Bobby C’s, Downtown Phoenix. On a light rail stop and jammin with Jazz
7. Boulders Resort, Carefree, AZ. party will be at Latilla. The Boulders is a Wistoria Resort property.
8. Carefree Station Grill, Carefree, AZ
9. Cave Creek Coffee Company & Wine Bar, Cave Creek, AZ. One of the stops in the Big Cave Creek NYE party.
10. Cherry Lounge & Pit, Tempe, AZ… dance in the NY.
11. Children’s Museum Phoenix, Downtown Phoenix. A family NYE event. Play in the NY.
12. Club Red, Tempe, AZ. Blunt Club Hip Hop event.
13. Compound Grill, Phoenix AZ. Featuring the music of Tea Leaf Green.
14. Cream Stereo Lounge, Scottsdale, AZ. Circus Acts and more at this NYE party.
15. D'Arcy McGee's - Tempe Marketplace – Tempe. Bring in the NY Irish Style. Live music and dancing.
16. Estate House, Scottsdale, AZ. Nick Heward & The Elements of Style are on the stage this NY’s.
17. Fat Tuesdays Tempe, AZ. Be part of the Fiesta Bowl week of Parties.
18. Fiesta Bowl Block Party, Tempe, AZ.  The PARTY of NYE parties in Arizona featuring the Doobie Brothers. 
19. Franciscan Renewal Center, Paradise Valley, AZ.  They’re hosting a 3-day retreat to bring in the NY. Starts Wednesday.
20. George and Dragon - 4240 N. Central Ave. – Phoenix. They’re celebrating NYE twice.
21. Hard Rock Cafe,  Downtown, Phoenix. There is always a party at the Hard Rock…
22. Hurricane Bay - NW– Phoenix
23. Hyatt Regency Phoenix, Downtown Phoenix. Party with the Groove Merchants resort style.
24. JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort, Desert Ridge, Phoenix. Two restaurants to choose from and the Robert Street Band.
25. Lon’s at the Hermosa Inn, Paradise Valley, AZ. Gourmet dining and the Chris Putrino Band. They played at our wedding.
26. Majerle's, Downtown Phoenix. Lots of action at the original downtown sports bar.
27. Margaritaville, Glendale, AZ. Party at Margaritaville and go on to the Westgate Rocks parrty
28. Martini Ranch, Scottsdale AZ. Special Guests Halo Machine.
29. Matadors’ Ultra Lounge, Phoenix
30. McFadden's Glendale, Glendale AZ. Party at Westgate.
31. Mondrian Scottsdale Hotel – Old town, Scottsdale. Lingerie and Cupcakes are on the bill in this ultra Urban setting.
32. Myst Nightclub, Old Town Scottsdale, 2010, a party for the Gods with DJ MCB
33. Phoenix Symphony Hall, downtown Phoenix. Ring in the New Year with the symphony.
34. Saddle Ranch, Scottsdale, AZ.  Not sure what they are doing this year…
35. Sangria Luxe Lounge, Glendale, AZ. Get dressed in White and come to the White Castle wonderland.
36. Sassi, North Scottsdale, AZ. Fine Italian food and music by the Frank Smith Quartet.
37. Sky Lounge, Downtown Phoenix. Lots happening here for the downtown dweller.
38. SKYE, Peoria, AZ. Enjoy Motown in Raymond’s or Terry & Anne Davies in the Platinum room.
39. Stars Ballroom, Mesa, AZ. Take your baby out dancing ballroom style.
40. Stone Rose Lounge - Fairmont Scottsdale. Five Diamond Resort Fun
41. Suede – Scottsdale, AZ
42. Sugar Daddy's, Scottsdale, AZ… it’s closed so I don’t think the party will be happening here.
43. Tempe Center for the Arts, Tempe, AZ. Dinner and jazz with off-Broadway star Joe Bousard & Laurie Fagen
44. Tempe Improv, Tempe, AZ.  Laugh in the new year with Charlie Murphy and friends.
45. The National Comedy Theatre, Mesa AZ. Call for details on the show.
46. The Rhythm Room, Phoenix, AZ. Get rid of the 2009 blues with the Fremonts.
47. Venue of Scottsdale, Old Town Scottsdale, AZ. Celebrate new years and help the Leukemia Society.
48. Westgate City Center, Glendale, AZ. A lot of options at Westgate for all ages including Westgate Rocks.
49. Wildfish Restaurant, Scottsdale, AZ. You know the food is good… let us know how the party was.
50. Wrigley Mansion, Phoenix, AZ. The dinner is already sold out, but there will be music in the bar.

If you party to much to drive, local cabs, Execucars and light rail will keep you and others safe.

Have a great night and even better new year.

FQ Story Historic District a look at revival homes in Phoenix, AZ

We just completed an article about the FQ Story Historic District in downtown Phoenix, Arizona. You'll find the complete text on our main web site, UrbanTeamAZ.com.

FQ Story is one of the sweetest historic districts in all of Phoenix and well worth taking a walking tour through. I like to catch a bite at the Original Hamburger Works and park at the 7th Ave and Lynwood entrance. Water in hand you'll be on your way to a wonder walking adventure. Afterwards, you may want to pop by SideBar for a cool refreshment... its a great locals hangout.

Rather than re-post the article on our main web site, just follow the link... UrbanTeamAZ.com. We have a bit of neighborhood history, a virtual tour and a look at the various homes currently looking for a new owner.

Enjoy,

Gene Urban
The Urban Team at Realty Executives
602-234-5777

How Are Condos Doing in Downtown Phoenix

Anyone who owns a home or condo in downtown Phoenix knows the condo market has been a bit dreadful this past year. High end developments like 44 Monroe found their buyer pool vanished, Summit at Copper Square has made the news with judgments, liens and foreclosure problems, and Orpheum Lofts saw values plummet like a rock off a high cliff.

The good news is condo prices have fallen to a point of true attractiveness for many buyers. Recent sales, October 2009 to December 15th, demonstrate buyers are willing, perhaps even delighted to buy the now low priced units.

The key to purchasing condos appears to be cash. Of the 61 units sold since October 1st 2009, 38 were cash buyers, 17 conventional loans and only 6 with FHA financing.

Financing of units is a real problem. The Federal Housing Administration put forth lending guidelines that limit a person's ability to obtain FHA and, in many cases, conventional loan financing. Loans for higher end properties, AKA jumbo loans, have had trouble finding investors to buy the paper making luxury units difficult to sell to non-cash buyers.

HOA issues are a concern as well. Many are underfunded and have a fair amount of debt on the books. It's not uncommon for homeowners to put their HOA dues at the bottom of the bills pile.

Based on ARMLS sales data, it appears that Brink Commons, Downtown Phoenix Lofts and Regency House had sales in the past 2.5 months involving FHA financing. Tapestry, Portland 38, Mezzo and Stella all show conventional loan financed sales.

The big sales winners, according to ARMLS,  for the last part of 2009 are:

• Brick Commons -- 6 units
• Landmark on Central -- 5 units
• Cambridge Manor -- 5 units
• Hawthorn Condominiums -- 5 units
• Tapestry on Central -- 4 units
• Windsor Place -- 4 units
• Portland 38 -- 3 units
• Mezzo -- 2 units (they tell me they only have one of these Will Bruder design homes left.)

Conclusions:

We are still a bit worried about the future of condo prices. Some have come so low that even a 10-15 percent drop won't cut too deep into a homeowners pocket. However, in developments that do not qualify for conventional or FHA funding the buyer pool (demand) is limited and low demand usually indicates a fall in values.

We also advise taking a detailed look at the heath of the HOA. Are there issues that may invoke a special assessment? Read the minutes of the HOA meetings to see what has been discussed. Find out how many homeowners are behind on their payments. Take a look at their reserve funds to make sure they have the money to keep the complex in good repair. The bottom line is CYA when it comes to HOA's.

If you buy right in a well managed property, you may find yourself a very happy camper a few years down the line when downtown Phoenix is booming.

Gene Urban
The Urban Team at Realty Executives
602-234-5777

Packing Tips When You Are Planning Your Next Move

Whether you are moving to downtown Phoenix, Scottsdale or anywhere across the country, packing right is important. The good people at 123Movers.com have graciously allowed us to repost some of their articles on moving tips. The first is on packing tips. If you are planning a move, the 123Movers.com web site has links to companies in many cities including Phoenix, customer reviews and a form to get a moving estimate. Pretty nifty. You can all them at 888-551-8039 or use the link to their web site for more information.

PACKING TIPS FOR YOUR NEXT MOVE

Although the decision of moving your home can be exciting, packing is something most of us dread. By using our guide, you will feel more secure in knowing that your possessions will get to your new address in one piece. Once you're there, you'll be able to find everything when the time comes to unpack and get settled.

Get Things in Order
Your move will be easier and smoother if you do a good job of pre-planning. Here are several handy tips to help you get started.
1. Always create a thorough and complete inventory of what you will be moving to your new address.
2. Don't forget to photograph or videotape any unique or valuable belongings.
3. It's also wise to make a note of the serial numbers on your electronic equipment.

What You'll Need
Before you can start packing, you'll need to have the following materials:

• Strong Boxes.
• Wardrobe Boxes with Hanger Bars.
• Packing Tape.
• Bubble Wrap, Newspaper, Wrapping Paper, and Tissue Paper.
• Ziploc Bags.
• Magic Markers.

Notes for Wrapping

• Wrap all your breakable items in bubble wrap, wrapping paper, or tissue paper.
• Because newspaper may leave ink smudges on your items, it should only be used to cushion items that are already protected.
• You can use old linens, blankets, and towels to wrap and cushion fragile items.
• Ziploc bags can be used for small odds and ends that usually clutter your drawers.

Get Packing

• It always makes good sense to begin packing well ahead of the move.
• We strongly recommend that you use good quality, strong moving boxes, and always be certain that the bottoms are fully secured. (The Urban Team has found the boxes from Ulta cosmetic stores are perfect… clean and strong.)
• Don't get overwhelmed. Try to concentrate on one room at a time. Be sure that every box is clearly labeled by room and item.
• Once your moving boxes are filled, they should be placed in an area close to your front door.

These hints will help you pack like a pro:

• Any items that you don't need for your daily living routine should be packed first.
• Important items (such as photographs, wills, jewelry, home videos, and any other important documents) should be packed separately so that you can personally carry them with you on moving day. Another alternative you might want to consider is placing these belongings in a safety deposit box until after the move.
• Fragile items should be packed loosely with plenty of wrapping. The boxes must be clearly labeled "FRAGILE", and finally you will want to stack them towards the top of your piles.
• Non-breakable items should be packed snugly in smaller boxes. You will want to make sure that they are not too heavy, and that they are at a weight you feel comfortable carrying. Don't forget to pack your books flat, alternating the bindings so they will stack evenly.
• When possible, small appliances and electronic equipment should be packed in the boxes they came in, and then taped securely.
• In order to avoid unnecessary ironing later on, make sure you have enough wardrobe boxes.

Bulky Things

• When disassembling your bed, use tape or rope to bind the frames together.
• Your drawers should be filled with wrapped items or clothes. Entire drawers should be covered with a blanket or old linens. You shouldn't tape the drawers shut - the finish on your drawers may be damaged.
• Cover your tables with a blanket or old linen. When possible, remove the legs. Always wrap the nuts and bolts in a plastic bag and secure them to a leg.
• Check your owner's manual for any special moving instructions of appliances and other electronic equipment.
• In order to keep the tub of your washing machine from moving around during the move, fill it with stuffed toys, blankets, towels, and old linens.
• Make sure that all loose parts in your refrigerator (including ice containers and drawers) are secure. Any exposed coils should be padded to protect them during the move as well.

Tricky Things

• Bicycle handlebars should be loosened and turned sideways. Don't forget to keep the chains and pedals covered, otherwise grease and oil might rub off on other items.
• Small mirrors should be carefully wrapped and packed in boxes. Cardboard should be used to cover large paintings, artwork, or wall mirrors. When possible, these items will be kept safe in wardrobe boxes.
• Because your outdoor furniture may be too bulky or heavy to move in one piece, you may need to disassemble it. If so, be sure to place the nuts and bolts in a plastic bag and attach it to the furniture.
• Carpets and rugs should be rolled up and carefully secured with tape or rope.
• Wrapping sharp edges on any tools or attachments will help prevent injury. Power tools should be packed with plenty of cushioning. Be sure to tie or tape your tool chests securely closed.
• A very important reminder is to carefully dispose of the gasoline and oil from your lawnmower and other machinery, as well as any flammable or poisonous household products. Remember not to pack rags that are soiled with fuel. They should be properly disposed of to avoid spontaneous combustion.

Thanks again to the 123.Movers.com for this information and we hope it has been helpful.

Gene Urban
The Urban Team at Realty Executives
602-234-5777

New Downtown Phoenix Home and Real Estate Search

A couple days ago we launched a new blog site dedicated to searching for homes, condos, lofts, and land throughout the Phoenix region. One of the features of the site is pre-built searches.

Today we added a niche search for the downtown Phoenix area... just for our friends who, like us, who love the downtown region. Not only can you look at properties for sale, you can search for rentals.

Hope you like the new search site. If you have feedback, let us know so we can continue to make it the the best place to find a great place to live in Phoenix.

Here is a link to the new page:  http://www.searchforhomesinphoenix.com/downtown-phoenix-search.html

Gene Urban
The Urban Team at Realty Executives
602-234-5777

Things to Do in Downtown Phoenix December 7 2009

The good folks at DowntownPHX.org asked us to re-post some "fun things to do downtown this week." If your calendar is open, you may want to pencil in...

Here are some ideas for the week ahead:

• Black Pearl Poetry Slam at Fair Trade Café (Friday 7:30 - 10 pm) Preview this open mic poetry and spoken word event held on the AE England building courtyard
• A Winnie the Pooh Christmas Tail: (Ongoing shows at 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.)  Review through your eyes or the eyes of a youngster. Shows at the Valley Youth Theater. 
• All Breed and HHP Cat Show at Phoenix Convention Center (Sat and Sun 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.) I suspect there are some great stories associated with this cat-lovers' event
  
• Community Yoga Project at Civic Space Park (Saturday 10-11 a.m.) Write a first-hand account of this free yoga clinic at the park.
• Motown Funk Band at District American Kitchen (Saturday 8 - 12 p.m.) Motown has appeal that transcends generations so a music lover's take on this concert would be great

Enjoy your holiday week.

How to Avoid Loan Modification and Foreclosure Scams

It is kind of sad I have to write this article. It doesn't say much for humanity when there are people out there scamming people who are facing foreclosure. However, they are out there and if this post saves just one family I will be happy. It it puts a few of the scammers behind bars I'll be overjoyed.

That said, let's look at the problem, a few of the red flags. some common foreclosure scams and a few ways you can protect yourself. Most of the information I am passing on is from the Arizona Attorney General's office... a great team trying hard to protect the public.

THE PROBLEM:

Scam artists are preying on the frustration and fear people facing foreclosure feel. They make big claims of help... for a fee of course.

 They act professional and often appear to have a good plan. They collect an upfront fee and vanish like Houdini.

RED FLAGS:

• They guarantee to stop the foreclosure process no matter what your circumstances are.
• Instruct you not to contact your lender, attorney or credit counselor.
• Collect their fee prior to provide services.
• Accept payment by cashier check or wire transfer only.
• Instruct you to transfer your property deed or title to them or one of their agencies.
• Offer to fill out all the paperwork for you.
• Offer to buy your home for cash at a fixed price that is not set by the housing market at the time.
• Tells you to make your mortgage payment to them rather than you lender.

COMMON SCAMS:

The Phony Counseling Service:
They tell the borrower they will negotiate with their lender if the borrower pays an upfront fee. Then they provide little if any service.

The Lease or Buy-Back Scam:
Homeowners are conned into signing over the deed to their home to the con artist and they can stay in the home until such time they can afford to buy it back. Often, the terms of the buy-back are so extreme the homeowner can not afford to buy the home back and are eventually evicted from the property.

Bait & Switch Scam:
Homeowners believe they are signing documents for a new loan to make the mortgage current but they are actually signing over the deed and left holding the mortgage for the home they no longer own.

Refinance Fraud:
Same as the bait and switch. Usually the con artist poses as a mortgage broker or lender.

HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF FROM SCAMS:

DO NOT pay money to people who promise to work with your lender to modify your loan. There are exceptions to this rule, generally we advise clients to use reputable, well known attorneys or firms. The Attorney General's office or Maricopa Bar Association can help you.

DO call your lender yourself. Many are being much more agreeable these days and have staff in place to help you.

JUST because they seem nice and helpful doesn't mean they are. Scam artists are actors.

DO NOT sign over or transfer your deed as a part of the foreclosure avoidance transaction. You should only sign over a deed when selling your home for a fair price. We advise talking with a reputable real estate attorney if you have any questions.

DO NOT pay your mortgage payment to anyone other than your lender, even if the person promises to pass on the pay on your behalf.

DO have an attorney review any documents before signing. Many homeowners think they are signing new loan documents when in fact they are transferring ownership to the scam artist.

If it sounds to good to be true, it probably is. Report suspicious schemes to the Arizona Attorney General's office to help others, as well as yourself.  They can be contacted at 602-542-5763.

WHERE CAN YOU GET HELP?

The Arizona Foreclosure Prevention Help-Line is a good place to start. You can call them tool free at 1-877-448-1211.

We hope this post is of help. Please pass this information on to anyone you know who is facing foreclosure. Together we can keep each other safe from the bad guys.

Gene Urban
The Urban Team at Realty Executives
602-234-5777

If you are considering a short sale and would like more information, our Short Sale Web Site has lots of answers. www.Short-Sale-Phoenix.com

The Urban Team Lauches New Phoenix Home Search Site

We are pretty darn excited about our newest site, SearchForHomesInPhoenix.com. As the name suggests, it's a site for searching for homes, condos, townhouses, lofts, land and other property in the Greater Phoenix market.

The site uses the Diverse Solutions search engine, considered the best property search tool available. In addition to the primary search tool, we've pre-built numerous custom searches designed to help you find the right home since finding the place you love is usually the goal.

The specialty searches include:

• Find properties By Zip Code (we are adding more zip codes each week)
• Search By Subdivision (dozens of in place and more will follow)
• Find Bank Owned or Foreclosure properties
• Search for Short Sale properties

Check the new site out and let us know if you have any feed back, suggestions and such. Just go to http://www.SearchforHomesinPhoenix.com and take a ride on the best home search tool available.

Best to you,

Gene Urban
The Urban Team at Realty Executives
602-234-5777