Brentwood- a part of Coronado Neighborhood is located between 16th st and 20th st; South Of McDowell, North of I-10. Its  history goes back to late 1920’s . When city was creating residential subdivisions, scaled down versions of styles seen in wealthier areas were built here. We can see mostly Ranch, Period Revival styles and several Southwest style and Bulgalow Homes. First Arizona Governor lived nearby until 1934, but his mansion was demolished in the 50’s.

This will be the first time ever tour of homes here and  the Historic Brentwood Church will open its door to display recent renovations also for the first time.  What else will be there: Music, local food vendors, vintage cars.

Sunday, 02.28.2010 10am -5pm
Start: Willetta and 18th St.

Though we may need to drive to work if we don’t work in Downtown, or to take kids to school  – lets see how our average weekend may look like?

Within a walking distance we have, for example:

• Peace and tranquility at a cost of $3.00 ( Japanese Friendship Garden on 3rd Ave and Portland)
• Best coffee in town roasted on the spot ( Lola cafe  on Roosevelt and 3rd Ave.)
• One of the most beautiful libraries in the world (Central Ave. South Of McDowell)
• Fantastic pizza at Cibo – on 5th ave and Fillmore
• Modern Asian  and  open air bar with live music – Nine 05 – 3rd street and Roosevelt
• Downtown Public Market and Royal Coffee Bar- food grown, made locally.
• Sushi on Mckinley
• Historic Post office
• British pub
• Best bread in town – Roosevelt and 6th st – at Tammie Coe
• Few yoga places
• Symphony
• Science center
• Children museum
• Arizona Puppet Theater
• Orpheum Theater
• Herberger Theater
• Lightrail
• Arizona Center mall

A popular weekend destination – Home Depot- is not on my list – but we rather would drive there anyway.

February  is one of the most beautiful months in Arizona. This is when you can feel it is a paradise. Flowering Pear (on the photo) with its cascade of snow white flowers  can be seen now- in early spring. We had lots of rain this winter so soon the mountains will be green and covered with wild flowers. Photos will follow.

On the photo: one of Flowering Pear trees in Willo.

One of the most charming and desirable neighborhoods is Central Phoenix is opening doors for you today, February 14th.
It is located between Thomas and McDowell; Central and 7th avenue.
And if you are not familiar with the area instructions how to get there and where to buy tickets are here

It looks like it is going to be a wonderful day!

Here is a full review and account of the Medlock Historic District and homes for sale.

Over at Phoenix Market Trends we put up a lot of market reports, about 6-12 per month from an overview of Greater Phoenix to more specific reports.

The most recent Greater Phoenix housing market report shows sales are strong in Greater Phoenix.  They are down a bit, but for this time of year the numbers are quite nice.

Since this weblog focuses on the urban core we encourage you to read housing reports at Phoenix Market Trends for a wider view of the Phoenix market.

And this is what I thought of: (and I guess this is a perspective of a total control freak) I would do a lot of work on my own before I could make a commitment to work with one person.

1. I would visit the town at least twice before. I would drive around as much as possible looking for “hints”

2. I would read  online whatever possible about the best places to live there. Especially places that would allow me the lifestyle I want to have.

3. I would talk to people: (online friends, people in the town, strangers met randomly, bartenders, waiters…. Realtors too.  : ) because the best place can really mean different things to everyone.
i.e.  Gilbert was chosen once  as one of the 3 best places to live in Metro Phoenix. (Phoenix Magazine)
However: Forbes magazine has chosen the city as one of the most boring in USA.

4. I would check criminal stats and compare them to other places in the town.

5. I would google everything.

6. I think I would rather rent for 3-6 months to get a better feel and in the meantime I would read  the  real estate contract and addenda and ask my agent for explanation of things that are not clear to me. A good agent should be very happy to explain everything in the details and make sure that there is not one thing that you don’t understand.

While interviewing an agent I would  slice him and dice him and watch for red flags like:

“this is a safe area”,  “there is no crime here”, “It is a quiet neighborhood” “trust me..”, ” trust me,  everything will be all right, just sign the dotted line please”  “maybe you want to check out the South part of town, there are many Polish people there” …nnnope…  “this is a perfect time to buy a house” … I have developed an allergic reaction to such cliches; a perfect time to buy a house is when I want to buy a house. Except when I need to participate in a bidding war. As I recall “a perfect time to buy a house” was also in 2005.

7. I would talk to couple Realtors, I would give each of them a chance to impress me. I would look for honesty, modesty;
I could not stand if someone had  a huge ego, (it rather hurts negotiations)

I would look for an ability to handle stressful situation , having things under control, and I would like to have a feeling that I am the most important person for her while she is working with me.

I would like her to LISTEN , really LISTEN to me, because there must be nothing more frustrating than someone trying to shape you according to their vision.

That is just like a hair stylist who will cut your hair according to what they like, not how you want it.

HOWEVER… HOWEVER.. as a Realtor I need to say- it happens to me ALL THE TIME: a new client says: I have to have such and such .. and they purchase a completely different property..

8.  Definitely I would like the Realtor to show me few places before I would make the commitment.
I would like to check if they annoy me or answer all my questions in a satisfactory manner. If the agent opens a home for me,  than walks in front of me “to show me the home” and talks all the time…

I would fire her this very minute.
I think people need to have a little more faith in the others intellectual capabilities: I don’t need anyone to show me:  “…and here is the bathroom and here is the kitchen  and here is the doggie door” ….  believe me: I see it!!!!

Writing this I realized how much trust you must have in someone who represents you…

We need to eliminate the unnecessary stress from our lives.

I hear too often: I don’t like my Realtor.

Ok, than make the decision fast; work with someone whom – on top of all those other  very important things-   you like!

A buyer with an excellent credit score received a letter of denial from an underwriter, because he didn’t know about it.

Well, how would you know?

It is about the mattress money.  The gift. The money that we have been saving.. just not necessarily in  the bank account.

When it comes to home financing, the guidelines are really strict now.When you apply for a loan, and you already have the dream home under contract there must be a certain amount in your bank account- (the amount depends on your future mortgage payment) -and this will be one of the lender’s conditions to underwrite the loan. In most cases it is not the additional money that creates the issue, but WHERE IS CAME FROM AND- what sometimes may be essential-  HOW LONG IT HAS BEEN IN YOUR ACCOUNT.

They simple want to make sure there is no money laundering or another investor involved in your home purchase if this is a program that does not allow it. So in order to avoid any problems during the purchase process  it is important to prepare for it ahead of time, and talk to a good loan officer few months before a home purchase.

If you need to deposit additional money be ready to document the source, and make sure that it is deposited at least 2 months before applying for a loan, so it is SEASONED.

If it is not- the lender can tell you: come back later.

Than the home you already imagined yourself living in- may be gone.

Termite treatment usually costs several hundred dollars, however, if you own a home that is maximum 5 years old,  there is a chance someone else will cover the expense.

If the home was treated before or during the construction, it will still be under a warranty, and you may simply call the general contractor or contact the State of Arizona Office of Pest Management  ( 602-255-3664; 1 800-223-0618 ).  They will look up for you who did the treatment originally so you know whom to call.

More information on the website.