That’s Who We R® is a new marketing campaign from the National Association of REALTORS®.

Personally, I am glad to see more talk about what it means to be a REALTOR®.

As an industry, I feel like real estate agents have done a poor job conveying the value of working with a professional. I also believe that representation and guidance is of utmost importance for consumers to get from their REALTOR®.

For me, the symbol is a way to reflect on why so many of us do what we do. As I get older, I find myself wanting to give more back to an industry that has been so good to me in so many ways. I also want to help people to choose their real estate partners wisely. Knowledge and experience can make all of the difference in the world.

I appreciate the fact that NAR is starting this campaign to talk about home ownership as being an important part of the American dream.

That’s Who We R® – We’re REALTORS®

In a world where people are told that they can instantly buy homes with the click of a button and do everything faster, easier and with “no hassle”, I hope they are working with experienced professionals who will walk them through the pros and cons of multiple situations.

The fact is, quick and easy is awesome for booking a hotel room, but for buying a home it can leave room for costly mistakes and oversights. True value comes from knowing areas, knowing recent sales of comparable homes, contract negotiations, the escrow process, financing options, contract negotiaions, property condition, agency relationships, local and regional real estate laws and so much more.

A computer algorithm doesn’t live in your neighborhood, it doesn’t see the true condition of “comparable sales” and it isn’t there to negotiate on your behalf. – Nick Bastian, REALTOR®

While the purchase or sale of a home can run rather smoothly, many real estate transactions have a LOT of moving parts to them. Having an advocate on your side to help you negotiate the transaction can be very valuable. Especially if and when things go wrong.

Heck, if you don’t know what you are doing, there’s a very good chance you will make a mistake that could cost tens of thousands of dollars, and you may never even realize it was made. Or, even worse is making that mistake and finding out it could have been avoided if you would have had a knowledgeable REALTOR® on your side.

That’s Who We R® and that’s what we do.

Look, we all want an easy button and we all benefit from phone apps, websites, computer algorithms and the vast amount of data that is available to us. My true belief is that the vast majority of people who are buying and selling real estate can and do benefit from working with a REALTOR® they can trust to guide them through the process.

We R® The Nick Bastian Team and – That’s Who We R® and what we do…

The Nick Bastian Team

“Real estate texting” is a VERY popular way for people to communicate. In fact, texting about real estate might just be more common than you think.

I want to share a few of the most common acronyms people use to talk about their home purchase or sale via text message:

• NP: Not Pre-Approved
• SMH: Sell My House!
• WTF: Want The Fridge?
• BRB: Bonus Room, Baby!
• IDC: Immaculate Downtown Condominium
• IMHO: I Might Hit the Open
• DTF: Down To Flip
• WYD: Where’s Your Disclosure?
• OMG: Offer More, Girl!
• LMAO: Let’s Make An Offer!

Real Estate Texting – Break It Down:

NP – Not Pre-Approved – Not good. If financing a home, one of the very first things you should do is contact a trusted mortgage advisor. If you are ready to begin searching for a home, we are happy to help point you in the right direction!

SMH – Sell My House! We are happy to help! Have you outgrown your current home? We can certainly help find something that is a better fit. Maybe your current home is too large? It could be time to sell your house and “rightsize” your situation!

WTF – Want The fridge? Typically, the built-in appliances like a stove and dishwasher convey with the home. If you want the fridge, we’ll need to be sure to add it to your offer!

BRB – Bonus Room, Baby! – A den or extra bedroom can be cool. But, a man cave, she shed, home theater? Now we’re talking about a serious bonus room, baby!

IDC – Immaculate Downtown Condominium – People love homes that are in immaculate condition. We have seen all kinds of people from baby boomers to millennials look to the convenience of condos in downtown areas.

IMHO – I Might Hit the Open. OK, window shopping can be great. Put on a baseball hat and some shades and prepare to use a fake name when the open house agent asks you to sign in. Just make sure to grab a cookie and some punch while looking.

DTF – Down To Flip – Some people just want a nice place to live. Others like to buy a home that needs some work. If you are down to flip, let us know. We can help!

WYD – Where’s Your Disclosure? This one is so true. Don’t let some smooth talking “flipper” try to tell you that he or she has no information about the home they are selling. This one is serious, folks. Disclosure is a law…

OMG – Offer More, Girl. This one cn certainly apply to guys or girls. It at first you don’t succeed, you just might have to offer more!

LMAO – Let’s Make An Offer!  Seriously! What are you waiting for? If you are renting, if you are in a home that you have outgrown, if you are in a home that is more than what you currently want or need, just give us a call. OR a text! We are always happy to help!

Real Estate Texting – Are Your Kids Doing It?

I know that your little ones are glued to their phones for countless hours of the day, and I know they are texting their friends about anything under the sun. As a really good parent, I am certain that you are watching what they say to their friends. Right!?!?

Please know that if you see any of these messages on their phone, they might be trying to tell you something. If it is clearly time for you move, just call / text the Nick Bastian Team at 602-803-6425 and LMAO!

As always, we are here to help with all of your real estate needs!

Marcello’s Pasta Grill has been at the southwest corner of McClintock and Warner for many years. It’s in a really great area in South Tempe where people feel like we are in need of more good restaurant choices.

**Update! As of 10/18/16 it sounds like The Oink Cafe will be moving in to this space! I’m super happy to hear this as it looks like a really great place for breakfast and lunch.

So, please join us in welcoming The Oink Cafe to South Tempe!

For quite some time, we’ve heard “rumors” that Marcello’s would be closing their doors. Quietly, the business has been for sale for months and months. Some would tell you that they were going to stay and they would cite recent renovations and internal changes that indicated they would be around for many more years. Others would say that the changes indicated that the end was near. On May 17th, Marcello’s announced via their Facebook page that they would close their doors for good on Saturday, May 21st.

It is with such a heavy heart that I must announce, after serving Tempe for over two decades, Marcello’s Pasta Grill will be closing their doors for the very last time on Saturday, May 21st. It has truly been an honor to have served all of you for all of these years.

On Sunday, the 22nd, I noticed the large For Sale sign on the building and began hearing a lot of people talking about what is next for the space. People who live nearby are interested in having a quality restaurant fill the space.

What’s Next For Marcello’s Space?

So, I’m curious to hear ideas of what is a good fit for the space. Do you prefer a “high-end” restaurant? Maybe a fast-casual space? There’s several places to eat nearby, but it seems like we need something nice. A cool spot to enjoy a night out. Since we have RigaTony’s on the northeast corner, maybe another Italian restaurant isn’t a huge need?

South Tempe has a style all its own. I’m really curious as to what you think would be a good fit for our ‘hood.