Nick’s opinion
July 31, 2008
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The changes in the mortgage industry have been coming at a break neck pace. Unfortunately, some of the people that vote on the bills don’t appear to have time to pay attention. When my friend Gary Miljour wrote to our Congressman Harry Mitchell asking about Down Payment Assistance loans, such as “Ameridream,” did he really say; “Unfortunately, some companies that provide down payment assistance were helping lenders to make predatory […]
March 9, 2008
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There are many factors that will go help in the decision when you purchase your next home. Of course, location plays a major factor in most sound real estate purchases. To help find out how “walkable” a neighborhood is, you can check out this nifty web site that will give your neighborhood a “score” based on the amenities near by.My neighborhood in South Tempe scores a “decent” 66. At 70, […]
March 5, 2008
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We have discussed, at length, the real estate market and the fact that the media has basically been telling people NOT to buy real estate for quite some time. Just as the market had been “over-hyped” into an unhealthy frenzy a couple of years ago, I have felt the same thing has been happening over the past several months, or so.Recently, I have seen a couple of articles that have […]
February 10, 2008
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So, since it has been the big buzz for quite some time to “go green,” I thought I’d start a series of topics related to green living. Green living means different things to different people. I will report on some energy saving tips, green construction techniques etc in hopes that people find it interesting. While I have probably never been called a “bark biter,” I am always looking for ways […]
February 9, 2008
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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 […]
January 31, 2008
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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 […]
January 18, 2008
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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 […]
January 4, 2008
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Last week, I saw at least five different articles mentioning the closure of Re/Max 2000. The blogs on az central have had a bunch of comments and they love that stuff. The fact is, the poor decisions and media nightmare for this guy (Kline) effect a very small percentage of people in real estate. I know that there were (are) many very good agents that work(ed) at Re/Max 2000. Much […]
December 31, 2007
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Many are looking back and reflecting on the year that has just passed, and that is understandable… My biggest complaint for last year is that I am really tired of listening to the doom and gloom of the media and of most people in the real estate business.. Yes, 07′ was different to 06′ and way different to 04′-05′. It drives me crazy to hear people complain about things they […]