This massive 2,566 square foot, 3br/3ba property in north central Phoenix is now only $375,000!

This third of an acre lot is located in the secluded Tonka Vista neighborhood. This neighborhood is best known because for its large mid-century homes that back up to the Arizona Canal, easy access to Piestewa Peak, with walking access to Granada Park.

Be certain to have a look at the MLS link by touching on the photos below and let me know if you’d like a private tour.

The weather is stunning and the houses are open. Please join us at either one of these great properties on Sunday from 1pm to 5pm!

Please see this PDF file (OH_Tour-2010_1114-LETTER) for a list of all 44 homes that are on the Group Open House tour tomorrow, Sunday, November 14th.

This Group Open House covers North Central Phoenix. Please have a look and visit a few homes! This is a buyer’s market, so this is the time to look!

Please note this generous price reduction on 1520 W Berridge Lane, from $260,000 to $249,000.

This is a mid-century home that has been completely updated and upgraded. The owners brought together a team of architects and designers from Los Angeles who preserved the authentic 1950s brick beauty of the home, but added incredible value to the home, from the designer features all the way down to the plumbing and electrical.

The sellers believe in preserving a mid-century home, and adding features respectful of the original design while completely modernizing the inside to give confidence to the new owners that this home will last. This is a New Century Modern home!

See the virtual tour here, and see a list of features below.

Property Features
Property: 1520 W. Berridge Lane, Phoenix, 85015
Home: 1771 square feet
Lot: 8,905 sq. ft.

Features:
4 bedrooms Living Room
3 bathrooms Family Room
Kitchen Dining Room
6’ Peninsula Laundry Room

Kitchen
Customized Contemporary Cabinetry
Gorgeous 6’ Peninsula/Island
Sleek Contemporary Hardware, that seamlessly disappears
Designer Italian 24” Tile
Silestone Quartz Countertops
Designer Stainless Steel Sink w/Commercial Chef Style Faucet
All New Stainless Steel Contemporary Appliances
Separate Gas Cook-top and European Style Electric Oven
Stainless Microwave & Hood Vent
Stainless Steel Multi-function Dishwasher
Garbage Disposal
Retro 50’s Pendant Lights over Island and Recessed Lighting
Throughout.

Living Room
Flanked by a Custom Contemporary Room Divider
Dual-Paned Contemporary Front Door w/
Contemporary Stainless Steel Pull Handles & Dual Deadbolts
Designer Italian 24” Tile
Brushed Stainless Steel Retro 50’s Light Fixture
Fully Restored Mid-Century Steel Casement Windows

Family Room
Flanked by a Custom Contemporary Room Divider
Dual-Paned Contemporary French Doors w/
Contemporary Stainless Steel Push/Pull Handles & Deadbolt
Designer Italian 24” Tile
Brushed Stainless Steel Retro 50’s Light Fixture
Spacious and connects with the Kitchen and 6’ Peninsula

4 Bedrooms
Contemporary Designer Lighting
New Doors w/ Brushed Stainless Steel Hardware & Handles
Ecru Carpet & Padding
Fully Restored Mid-Century Steel Casement Windows
Spacious New Closets
Master Bedroom w/private bathroom,
Master Bedroom, Front Exterior is Framed in Brazilian Ipe
Master Bedroom flanked by Contemporary Drapes and Hardware
Natural Light Abounds in every Room
Views of the Exterior Scape frame every Bedroom

Bathroom #1
Customized Contemporary Vanity
Sleek Contemporary Hardware
Silestone Quartz Countertop (Green Feature)
Dual Flush Toilet (Green Feature)
Designer Italian 12” x 24” Grey Dual-Glazed Tile
Sleek Contemporary Square Shaped Vessel Sink
Sleek Contemporary Vessel Sink Lavatory Faucet
Kohler Shower Fixtures
Contemporary Designer Light Fixture

Bathroom #2
Customized Contemporary Vanity
Sleek Contemporary Hardware
Silestone Quartz Countertop (Green Feature)
Dual Flush Toilet (Green Feature)
Designer Italian 12’ x 24” Ecru Dual-Glazed Tile
Sleek Contemporary Undermount Sink
Sleek Contemporary Lavatory Faucet
Glass enclosed Walk-in Shower
Contemporary Designer Light Fixture

Bathroom #3
Customized Contemporary Vanity
Sleek Contemporary Hardware
Silestone Quartz Countertop (Green Feature)
Dual Flush Toilet (Green Feature)
Designer Italian 12’ x 24” Ecru Dual-Glazed Tile
Sleek Contemporary Undermount Sink
Sleek Contemporary Lavatory Faucet
Glass enclosed Walk-in Shower
Contemporary Designer Light Fixture

Dining Room
Modern Black & White Drum Shade Chandelier, setting a modern mood!
Designer Italian 24” Tile
Fully Restored Mid-Century Steel Casement Windows
Amazing View of the Professionally Landscaped Rear Yard

Laundry Room
Spacious laundry room
Can also be accessed as a “Pantry Storage” area
Dryer hook-ups for both gas or electric
Designer Italian 24” Tile
Gorgeous Louvered Door w/Stainless Steel Handles

Front Exterior Foyer
Custom Designed Contemporary, Brazilian Ipe Exterior Foyer, a nod to both
Ralph Haver and Al Beadle, it sits atop a Smooth Stucco Wall.
Designated by Sleek, Contemporary, Stainless Steel Address Numbers.
Progressive Exterior Light Fixture
Framed by a Contemporary Walkway and landscaping w/Exterior Scape Lighting.

Rear Covered Patio
Custom Designed Contemporary Rear Covered Patio, inspired by Al Beadle.
Custom Designed Sunbrella Framed Screens set atop a decidedly Contemporary
Patio Structure, that exudes both form & function!
A Wall of Brazilian Ipe frames the Rear Contemporary French Doors that are
accessorized w/Stainless Steel Pull Handles.

Landscaping
Professionally Landscaped with Modern Xeriscape that is flocked with Bobsod, to
merge seamlessly within the irrigated neighborhood scape. (Green Feature)
Custom Designed Contemporary Basket Weave Redwood Fence that frames the
Zen like Exterior Scape.
Rear 12 Foot Gated Entrance with parking of approx. 55 linear ft..
Professionally designed Front & Rear sprinklers controlled by a Rain Dial Timer.
Exterior Lighting w/ timer.
Front Custom Walk-way designed w/6’ wide steps and well lighting, accented by
grey rock.
This expansive lot allows for the architecture to be surrounded by a beautifully
landscaped exterior, inviting the exterior into the interior, with lots of interior
window views!
Capturing the essence of a “Modern Phoenix Lifestyle!”

New Systems and Features
Day & Night HVAC –4 ton Unit, 13 Seer
New HVAC Ducting throughout
New Roof 2010
Electrical Wiring, Circuitry and Panel
Hardwired Smoke Detector System
Plumbing, Drains & Sewer Line (connects @ rear of the yard)
New 3/4” Water Meter and New 1” Main Line
Interior Gas Lines from the Meter
New Insulation throughout (Green feature)
Drywall, Texture and Paint
Cat 5-Wire for Internet & Phone
All New Contemporary Light Fixtures & Recessed Lights
Customized Contemporary Cabinetry (Green Feature)
Dual Flush Toilets (Green Feature)
Sleek Contemporary Hardware
Interior & Exterior Doors
Brushed Stainless Hinges & Door Handles
Custom Mirrors thru-out
Front & Rear Sprinklers & Timer
Exterior Contemporary Lighting & Timer
Custom, Contemporary, Redwood, Basket Weave Fencing w/ 12’ Gate
New Padding & Carpet thru-out all bedrooms
Closets, Doors and their Interior finishes
Glass Shower Enclosures
Custom Contemporary Room Divider
Fully Restored 50’s Steel Casement Windows (completely functional)
Custom Contemporary Architectural Elements designed in Brazilian Ipe
Planning & Design
Architectural Plans – by L.A. Architect: Dada Design
Land Survey—by: Starlink Surveying
Professionally Designed & Landscaped by Urban Oasis Design
Professionally Designed Interior by Dada Design
New Water Meter 3/4” & 1” Mainline—permitted by City of Phoenix

Remember a couple weeks ago how I said that markets are driven by consumer confidence and that after a couple weeks of better news people will start spending part of that pent-up savings?

Perhaps this is one of those indicators. A stock market news and commentary website is suggesting that Phoenix real estate is a good investment, citing that our economy always bounces back.

Other news sources are reporting initial upswings in new home construction.

I reject all of the double-dip recession talk. In fact, the recent increase in the stock market seems to have thrown that in to serious doubt. I certainly rejected the talk of a wave of new foreclosed properties flooding the market.

Maybe going in to the holidays we will start having some good news. That would be a nice synergy: holiday spending mixed with higher consumer confidence and really, really low home prices.

Quick update!

Please see this PDF file for a list of all 32 homes that are on the Group Open House tour tomorrow, Sunday, October 3rd.

This Group Open House covers the whole valley. Please have a look and visit a few homes! This is a buyer’s market, so this is the time to look!

Leif Swanson and I are hosting three great open houses this weekend and I’d love for you to come by or please share this post with your friends.

1) 1821 East Rose Lane, Phoenix 85016. Saturday from from 1pm to 4pm.

There is a neighborhood hidden east of SR-51, walking distance to Granada Park, the Biltmore, with views of Piestewa Peak. I drive past these stately homes on the way to running the Arizona Canal in the morning. The way the streets are configured it is difficult to get back there unless you are meant to be there. As such, the homes are protected from harassing cut-through traffic and other distractions. This is a wonderful and sprawling 2,566 square foot home in the heart of this neighborhood, on Rose Lane. At $398,000, this home is priced aggressively for the neighborhood.

My fellow agent, Leif Swanson, will be in attendance at this house. If you have questions before you go, please call him at (602) 686-3852.

Check out the MLS listing here. Check out the map here.

2) 311 W Glenrosa Ave., Phoenix 85013. Sunday from 1pm to 4pm.

This expertly updated ranch in CenPho is walking distance from Light Rail and convenient to all the CenPho attractions. You can walk to Lux, Pane Bianco, Copper Star and all the shopping on 7th. That’s heaven! You should see the upgrades: triple-pane Pella windows in the living room, a block addition to the master bedroom, with bath and a lush back yard. This 2br/2ba home is a great first home at only $155,000, its roomy and move-in ready.

Check out the MLS listing here. Check out the map here.

3) 1520 West Berridge Ln, Phoenix 85015. Sunday 1pm to 4pm

This mid-Century red brick home morphs into a New Century Masterpiece. Completely upgraded, this home is a collaboration between architects and designers, proving that the best of historic and modern can be brought together to create something truly special in Phoenix.  It is like living in a historic home without all of the hassles of an old home.  The custom designed modern exterior foyer and rear covered patio wall are finished in Brazilian Ipe, a design nod to Ralph Haver and Al Beadle.

Check out the MLS listing here. Check out the map here.

Also see the the virtual tour here.

If you can’t make these times and you would like to get a private showing,  give me a call at 602-456-9388.

Over the last couple years I’ve seen a thousand renovations; aka “reno”, aka “fix n’ flip”.

99% of them are homes that somebody got at a foreclosure auction or directly from the bank. They throw mocha colored paint on the walls, white trim on the doors and baseboards, granite on the counters and some appliances in the kitchen.

These certainly have their purpose, for sure. But I am most inspired by renovations that either “green it up” through efficiency improvements or just have a great sense of style.

Check out this new listing. I’m very excited about it because the owners really took the time to get it right.

Imagine that you are given one mid-century home, a team of architects, designers and contractors. Your job is to modernize the home. Make a statement. Go.

My clients Robin and Russell did just that. They are leading the way in this established neighborhood in Central Phoenix by creating something truly special.

Follow this link to look at the listing. Click here for an extensive list of  renovation details, including architects and designers.

But I want to point out some things to think about if you are thinking of renovating, or if you are in the market and look at renovated homes. This home is a great example because they did such a good job with it.

1) Take your time. The owners got architects and designers out of L.A. to really think through how to turn this traditional red brick home in to something that stands out.

Lesson: Don’t just run in with a can of paint and some cheap marble counter tops. Real estate agents, in particular, notice (and they assume you are hiding something).

2) Add features that add to the home’s presence. The custom designed modern exterior foyer and rear covered patio wall are finished in Brazilian Ipe, a design nod to Ralph Haver and Al Beadle. They found a way to make the home stand out, but that was respectful of the architectural period of the home and the neighborhood.

Lesson: You may not be able to go to such great lengths. But if you are going to renovate, think “how can I complement this home’s history, but add something new.”

3) Think about Space. The architects and designers opened up the flow of the home with a great room and created a nice flow between the kitchen and the living room. This is not easy to do, but it is worth it.

Lesson: With too many older homes, the small rooms make you feel cut off from the rest of the home.

4) Detail, Detail, Detail. People notice when you cut corners. Robin and Russell did customized cabinetry, 24” designer Italian tile and Silestone Quartz Countertops.

Lesson: People are looking to see that you replaced old hardware, fixtures and really thought through what you wanted to do before you started.

5) Don’t forget to Permit. Robin and Russell got every permit needed, from electrical to structural, which means the buyer of this home can feel safe in the work that was done right.

Lesson: So many people do extensive work without getting the city permits required. That can be dangerous and could cause problems for the buyer later on when it is their turn to sell. It can also slow down the purchase.

If you’d like to see this house or talk about your home purchase, call me at 602-456-9388. I’m happy to share.

This Sunday agents for 62 homes are coordinating for massive day of open houses.

Leif Swanson and I are representing a home on the tour 1821 E. Rose Lane (3br/3ba at $398,000). See more about them here. The home will show from 1-5pm.

Please come out and make a day of it.

Below is the map for all of the homes on the tour. And check out this PDF file, Sunday 19th Open Houses, for a list of all 62 homes.

Please spread the word!

<begin crowing>

I love when the Wall Street Journal backs me up.

Over the last 9 months there as been a lot of talk about a flood of foreclosed homes that is going to drive prices down.

My position has been that this is not likely because (1) banks are doing marginally better at preventing foreclosures, but more than that, (2) the banks know that they would undercut their own prices if they just flooded the market with homes.

So, they are not in a hurry. They will sell the houses at a pace that does not undermine the prices they can get for the homes.

That is not great for neighborhoods where houses sit empty, but it is good for the market.

And it means that there is not likely to be a second tidal wave of foreclosures.

<end crowing, back to your regularly scheduled program>

I’m hosting two great open houses this weekend and I’d love for you to come by or please share this post with your friends.

The days are cooling off ever so slightly and this is a great way to get an in-person feel for these two lovely homes.

1) 1821 East Rose Lane, Phoenix 85016. Saturday from from 1pm to 3pm.

There is a neighborhood hidden east of SR-51, walking distance to Granada Park, the Biltmore, with views of Piestewa Peak. I drive past these stately homes on the way to running the Arizona Canal in the morning. The way the streets are configured it is difficult to get back there unless you are meant to be there. As such, the homes are protected from harassing cut-through traffic and other distractions. This is a wonderful and sprawling 2,566 square foot home in the heart of this neighborhood, on Rose Lane. At $398,000, this home is priced aggressively for the neighborhood.

Check out the MLS listing here. Check out the map here.

2) 311 W Glenrosa Ave., Phoenix 85013. Sunday from 11am to 1pm.

This expertly updated ranch in CenPho is walking distance from Light Rail and convenient to all the CenPho attractions. You can walk to Lux, Pane Bianco, Copper Star and all the shopping on 7th. That’s heaven! You should see the upgrades: triple-pane Pella windows in the living room, a block addition to the master bedroom, with bath and a lush back yard. This 2br/2ba home is a great first home at only $155,000, its roomy and move-in ready.

Check out the MLS listing here. Check out the map here.

If you can’t make these times and you would like to get a private showing,  give me a call at 602-456-9388.