This was one for the books…in the middle of the desert surrounding the Phoenix Metro Area, a horse (named Colorado) was stranded on a sandbar because our desert is flooded. Yes…really! We have had A LOT of rain so far this year…but that is another story.

I was going to write a recap of the story ..but our local news channels have done such a great job covering this story that I will just ask you to go here Horse Rescued  and take a look at the video.

I am not more fond of this news organization than others…but they have a lot of great content about this unique rescue.

I am proud of the “anonymous” donor who paid for the rescue of Colorado. Who ever you are…YOU ROCK! I do not have horses…but I would do whatever was within my power to save my dogs. People love their animals. And I think we as a community had a unique experience watching the awesome rescue of this well loved horse. It also renews our faith in humanity that a stranger (I am assuming it was a stranger) would step up and help in this situation. People are basically GOOD. I believe that.

If outdoor fun and activities is what you’re looking for in our great state, I can let you in on a little secret!  Right in the center of the state is a wonderful ski, snowboard and tubing paradise.  Open 9:30 to 4:30 daily, the Elk Ridge Ski and Outdoor Recreation park is the place to visit. Come and experience the child and adult-size professional tubes – it’s truly amazing!  Nestled near the southwestern entrance to the Grand Canyon and minutes away from historic Williams, this pristine area offers spectacular views, sweet slopes, and guaranteed fun!  The resort also boasts a ski lodge complete with a snack-bar, kitchen and dining facilities.  The latest ski-gear is available to rent in their well-stocked equipment rental shop.  For more information, go to www.elkridgeski.com

Clients…my recent ones have been as great as I have ever had…and I have had many great ones! Dogs…one of my clients, here from out of town, fosters Dalmatians. I have a Dalmatian mix that is part of the family…so that was fun to talk about. (here is a picture of Andy sleeping with my niece!)  Lockboxes…why do some agents make it so hard to get into show their listings???

I have been out with a few different clients showing homes over the last several days. It has almost become comical. I have had REALLY BAD lockbox mojo.

Well…really it is not bad mojo. Sometimes, it is noted in MLS that there is indeed a  lockbox on the home…and there is none at all. Or there is a “contractor’s box” which requires a combination to gain access. Why is this an issue?? I NEED A CODE! I see the “agent notes” to text or e-mail for the code. I do. Mostly I get a reply…but often I do not. Or they call me hours or even days later. So I can not show the home. I have found this scenario is typically only specific to lender owned , or REO, listings.

OK. I understand that it has become an issue for some agents because their fellow agents just give their clients the code so they can look at the house without the agent being there. I know… this is wrong. Wrong in a number of ways. So…what is the solution? I propose our “industry standard”. Electronic lockboxes.

I do not normally list REO properties. So I am not familiar with all of  the contracts the listing agents agree to with their clients, the banks. Maybe the banks are insisting that they install the combo boxes rather than our more secure SUPRA lockboxes. I do not know why they would do that…but maybe.

I just had a situation with an REO agent that went like this. The agent showing instructions indicted the home had a combination lockbox available and provided the access code. When I met my client at the property there was no lockbox. I called the listing agent and was informed that the lockbox had been replaced a number of times as “agents keep stealing them”. Well, I had to suggest that they install an electronic box as it seemed like such an obvious solution to me! I was told that they have over 100 listings and that would be expensive. It seems to me that it would be a business expense that would be well worth it. (plus…if they have 100+ listings they should be able to afford the more secure lockboxes one would think)

I guess what I am saying is that when I am taking my clients time…and mine…to show homes…it would be nice to easily gain access.

Anyway…I have been lucky to have clients that are understanding. I am blessed! 

As a safety measure to the Buyer and really all parties of a real estate transaction, a pest inspection is required by a lending institution.  A Wood-Destroying Insect Inspection Report is a document prepared only by a licensed pest control business that informs the lending institution and buyer about termite damage or presence. This report will pinpoint any areas of concern of visible damage relating to infestation.  It will also include areas that were inaccessible for the inspection.  Also it will point out potential problem areas.

Obviously if you are buying a home and paying cash, it is your decision on what inspections you need or want to invest in.   I always feel that the small amount of money spent on inspections is money well spent, unless you are an expert in identifying problems with a property.  It is like a small insurance policy and it helps ease any concerns that you may have about a property that you are not familiar with.  It is also wise, as a homeowner to obtain these inspections periodically just to keep up with the maintenance of probably one of the largest investments of your lifetime.

Unfortunately a common question these days in this housing crisis is if a lender who forecloses on a loan secured by a deed of trust or a lien on an Arizona home can sue the home owner for a deficiency?  The answer to this question is yes or no.  The problem is the facts and circumstances for each loan are different.  If you have been given advice from someone other than an experienced Arizona  real estate attorney, I would not be too comfortable.  According to Jeana Morrissey, an Arizona Real Estate lawyer, “If you are facing a possible loan default and foreclosure or if you have already defaulted and a foreclosure has started, you should consult with an experienced Arizona real estate attorney who can review your specific situation and tell you if you will be liable for a deficiency or if Arizona’s anti-deficiency laws protect you from being sued for a deficiency.  You should consult with an experienced real estate attorney sooner, rather than later, because your options will be reduced and then eliminated the closer you get to the foreclosure date.”

There are so many different situations and questions to consider, and the result could have a huge effect on your future.  It is wise to invest in consulting with an experienced professional in this matter.

According to news from the Phoenix Business Journal, construction crews are headed to 24th Street and Camelback Road to demolish two buildings at Biltmore Fashion Park.

“Karen Litton, senior property manager for the center, said that its two eastern-most buildings will be torn down this summer.

During the height of the real estate boom, Westcor had proposed condominium towers on that portion of the center’s grounds. While nothing will be built at this point, demolition will get started this summer. For now, crews will create a larger parking area for customers.

“We are priming the area for future use. We are encouraged that when the market returns, we will be well-positioned for the future,” Litton said.”

They are preparing for the demolition, starting in May, with the actual time set for sometime in June.  It is a time for rethinking our investments and the way that the market is heading.  I think it is wise that people are taking these opportunities to look to the future for their next positive step.

As many know, Scottsdale has some of the best shopping around.  One of the newest places to shop is called The Scottsdale Quarter.  This beautiful knew shopping area is across from the well known Kierland Commons, also a lovely shopping experience.

The Scottsdale Quarter opened approximately a year ago and it is located on 28 acres in the heart of North Scottsdale, at the corner of  Scottsdale Road and the Greenway-Hayden Loop.  With stores like Williams Sonoma, H&M, the Apple Store, west elm and many others slated to open soon, it is definitely a destination spot.

The Nike Store has announced that they will be opening a two story, 18,000 square foot store in the Fall of 2010.  This is one of only 3 or four of these type of stores that they will be opening this year.  The store will have their apparel, footwear and a full line of their golf and running items.

I recently attended the Waste Management Phoenix Open.  This is a PGA golf tournament that is held annually at the TPC Golf Course in Scottsdale, AZ.  This was the first year that Waste Management was the title sponsor and while I was out there I actually saw their CEO, Larry O’Donnell, or if you remember, he went by “Randy” in the reality show about CEO’s joining their company’s work force to get inside scoop about their company.  The Phoenix Open is hosted by a local philanthropy group called The Thunderbirds.  The Thunderbirds have been hosting this event in town for 75 years.  The Thunderbirds have built this tournament into one of the top sporting events in Arizona and by far the largest attended golf tournament in the world.  For the past several years, The Thunderbirds have consistently walked 500,000 patrons through the entry gates!  As you can imagine, the Phoenix Open generates millions of dollars for The Thunderbirds which they in turn give right back to the community.  I know that they are huge contributors to the Special Olympics, Boys and Girls Club and the United Way.  On average, the past several years I have read the Thunderbirds have given $4-$6 Million back to these charities on an annual basis.  Attending the Phoenix Open is definitely on my calendar every year to attend and hats off to the Thunderbirds for a job well done!!

How many people reading this blog have considered retirement in the not-too-distant future?  Let me give you a little insight into a “place to die for”!  And it’s right in the middle of the State of Arizona. I’m sure when you start looking for a place to hang your hat when your working days are done, you will want pretty scenery, recreational opportunities, and, of course, a sunny day once in awhile, right?  Occasionally you’ll find a retirement community that stands out in one category or another, but rarely will you run across a town that stands out across the board.  BUT, Sedona is one of those places.  Its incomparable scenic wonders rank it among a half-dozen retirement destinations that soar above the norm.  A first view of Sedona is guaranteed to take your breath away, and you’ll never lose that wonder!

On your first visit to this “Jewel in the Crown”, you may get a feeling of déjà vu – many do, you know.  And why, you wonder, would that be?  You’ve probably all seen Sedona’s famous red-rock scenery in innumerable shoot-em-up Western movies!  Come see for yourself, if you don’t believe me ….