For anyone looking to live downtown knows, safe and affordable housing is a commodity. As downtown Phoenix experiences a renewed interest and cultural growth, we as a community need to think about ways to pursue reasonably priced housing options for the increasingly diverse population. Native American Connections has come up with a great housing option, that maybe you didn’t even know existed.

For over 40 years, Native American Connections has built community for our growing, city-dwelling Native American populations. In January, they will be opening mixed-use, mixed-income apartments, Devine Legacy, just across from the Campbell & Central light rail station.

For those of you who don’t know, mixed-income and mixed-use housing is pretty common place across major US cities, but is a fairly recent development in Phoenix.  So what does it mean? Mixed income housing is the idea that increasing diversity of the residents will improve the overall standard of living for the community. In Phoenix, we’re probably more familiar with mixed-use housing which is simply property which is used for both commercial and residential use. Commercial uses can help subsidize projects to allow for affordable or low-income housing.

One of the biggest problems facing mixed-use projects, both nationally and locally, is they require significant public subsidies. Through an IRS program and Arizona Department of Housing allocations, Devine Legacy has been funded through a unique low income tax credit system which allows support from the public as well as the government. This is only one of many projects Native American Connections is pursuing in Phoenix.

Devine Legacy, in addition to it 12000 square foot commercial space, will feature 65 units, ranging from studio apartments to town homes and lofts.   The Apartment includes  artist elements from local artists Randy Kemp and David Montour, high end appliances, ground floor parking, and a public court yard fully equipped with a sound system for community events, not to mention convenient access to the light rail.  The complex is also a part of the LEED Platinum community, which means Devine Legacy homes are  beautiful and safe at an affordable price.

If you’re interested in learning more about the project or units available you can visit their website. Applications are now being accepted for January and February move-ins.

Its that time of year again! The Local First Fall Festival is on!

(Added extra: this year it actually feels like fall!)

Did you know that Arizona is home to more than one hundred local and organic food providers, over one hundred advertising and marketing agencies, more than two hundred art suppliers and venues, and other great local businesses?

I would not blame you if you didn’t know that. It’s not like you hear about it on our local news. (But that’s a different post.)

Local First Arizona is an organization that supports local businesses around the state. The local first philosophy is driven by the benefits the local business have on the economy and community culture. This weekend LFA will be hosting their seventh annual fall festival. The festival boasts a ton of food from independent eateries and 66 local vendors.

Last year over 6,000 participants joined local businesses for family friendly fair. Musicians and bands and bands from across the state will provide entertainment. There will be local wineries and breweries on site for the adults as well as activities, like rock climbing, for the kids.

But why support local businesses? The simplest answer is it’s socially responsible. As our economy comes back, we need to support our local communities first. By patronizing our local businesses, we are directly supporting our own communities by keeping tax dollars in the state.

Join your fellow locavores this Saturday at The Duck and Decanter, 1651 E Camelback, from 10-4 pm. You can read more about Local First Arizona on their website

Everybody asked me, “Hey, I’m upside down in my loan, but I’ve never missed a payment. Why can’t I refinance and take advantage of the lower rates?”

This is a good question and the answer has a lot to do with making our economy better. Basically, rather than allowing a ton of properties to foreclose, the government could take a smaller loss by just allowing you to refinance at a lower rate, even if your house is worth less than the market. This puts actual dollars in the economy!

That is what the Obama Administration is doing now. Here’s the take away message: call the lender who gave you your loan and ask them if you can do this.

As you may recall, The Federal Housing Finance Agency and the Department of the Treasury introduced HARP in early 2009 as part of the Obama Administration’s Making Home Affordable program. HARP is only one of several refinancing options available to homeowners. This plan in unique in that  it is the only refinance program that enables borrowers who owe more than their home is worth to take advantage of low interest rates and other refinancing benefits.  Since April 2009 when HARP has helped approximately nine million families refinance.

To qualify you must meet the general criteria. Only mortgages sold to Fannie and Freddie on or before May 31, 2009, are eligible for refinance under HARP.  To learn if your mortgage is owned or guaranteed by Freddie Mac or Fannie Mae, you can visit their websites. Borrowers must be current on their loans and have no late payments in the last six months. Your current loan-to-value (LTV) ratio must be greater than 80%.  Mortgages that have borrower-paid mortgage insurance may refinance, but borrowers must keep the same level of mortgage insurance they had on the previous loan. And homeowners who have already refinanced through HARP are ineligible to refinance again.

So, why these changes now? When it was launched in March 2009, the program failed to meet regulators’ expectations. With mortgage interest rates at historic lows, now is a great time for eligible borrowers to refinance.  Importantly, such refinances bring benefits to borrowers, to housing markets, and to the Enterprises and taxpayers.

The proposed these enhancements become available November 15^th. If you have questions you can contact mortgage consultant Jeannie Bolger 602-385-4812. We are not certain what all of the rules will say on November 15th, but Nova Home Loans should be able to help you, regardless of where your original loan came from.

For those of you who were at last month’s Get Your PHX event, you saw the beauty of the Audubon Center first hand. This Friday the Audubon Center will be holding River Nights, a fundraiser party featuring music from Sergio Mendoza y la Orkestra, Four Peaks Beer, and delicious street tacos from Taqueria Guadalajar, to benefit their education and conservation program.

The customarily free-admission Audubon Center offers interactive exhibits, an interpretive loop trail, connections to the Rio Salado Habitat’s sixteen miles of hiking and riding trails, which draw in local students year round as well as veteran members. The center hopes to bring in a young professional crowd for future support with this Fridays chic, lounge-themed evening.  Valerie Ramos, who is coordinating the event, wants to engage and education the “next generation of leaders” through events and activities at the center.

The Arizona Audubon Center believes exposing urban young people to the beauty and complexity of the natural world is existential, in hopes that they are inclined to protect it as adults. The center believes there is ample habitat for birds and other wildlife, even amongst our urban sprawl. They work daily to promote interaction and appreciation of the natural environment and   educate and motivate local youth to become the conservation leaders of tomorrow.

River Night will be this Friday, November 4 from 5:30-9:30 pm at the Nina Mason Pulliam Rio Salado Audubon Center at 3131 S Central Ave. Admission will be $25 advanced admission or $30 at the door. For more information, visit www.riosalado.audubon.org or call 602-468-6470.

You probably know about our up-coming second annual open air holiday market, the Phoestivus market.  You know about it, especially if you are a vendor or own a food truck.

Well, this year, it wil be expanded to 2 nights: December 14th and December 21st.

Here is the information for vendors from our planning committee vendor point person, Monika Woolsey.

WHO:  Local creators of arts, crafts, and foods!

 WHAT: Second Annual Phoestivus (New this year!  Pheats of Strength, Airing of Grievances, and a Phoestivus Pole!)

 WHERE:  Downtown Phoenix Public Market

 WHEN:  December 14 and 21, 4 to 8 pm

 WHY:  Because we’re all just super cool and want to celebrate that. 🙂

HOW:  Please visit this link to apply to be a vendor.  If you are not a regular vendor, the annual fee does not apply.http://foodconnect.org/phxmarket/?page_id=7212  Please note, if you are on this email list you’re getting first dibs at available spaces.  Please, if this event is important to you, submit your application ASAP.  I’m sending a general call for vendors this coming weekend.

We’re encouraging all vendors to be phoestive with their booths as well as having wares to sell.  Decorations of all kinds are encouraged!

A special note:  The Clarendon Hotel will be offering a special Phoestivus room rate for all of December.  We hope for those vendors coming in from a distance, this might be a nice evening for you to stay in town and kick back, instead of hurrying home.  More details later!

You will eventually be connecting with myself and Troy Benjamin as the vendor coordinators but until we receive word from the Downtown Market that you’re on the official list, we are officially out of the loop.  So be sure to get  your application in!

Monika Woolsey

Phoestivus Committee

You’ve probably noticed by now that I am a huge fan of reuse and re-purposing in Phoenix. With all the available space downtown, why not?

The Cathedral Town homes are a great example of adaptive reuse. This building, which used to be owned by the church across the street as rental property, has transformed in to elegant and (actually spacious) urban condos.

The developer, Metro West Development,  took an historic 1913 building and converted it into four modern townhouse-style condo’s ranging in size from 1,674 to 1,886 square feet. Located about 200 feet away from the Arts District light rail stop, the condos are just a short walk from dozens of local restaurants, markets, large entertainment venues, as well as Hance and the Downtown Civic Space Parks.  And though the neighborhood surrounding is great, it’s what’s inside that really gets me excited.

Metro West Development has a history of great work in downtown renovations. The Cathedral Townhomes have been stripped to the bone and rebuilt.  While these homes have been updated, the developer has gone the extra mile to maintaining a historical feel. Homes come with new Kohler fixtures, quartz kitchen countertops, double hung windows (many original that have been restored), and historically accurate high baseboards.

Through the years, I’ve seen many renovations and I’m genuinely impressed by this one. Three of the units are still available. The condos are currently priced in the $200s with a 140/mo HOA fee.

I don’t represent these homes, but I’m happy to show you. Please contact me at 602-456-9388

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As you may have realized from the festive pink everything and Komen walk earlier this month, that October is breast cancer awareness month. One group, Don’t be a Chump! Check for a Lump! stays active all year round.

Next Friday November 4th from 5:30 to 8:30 Don’t Be a Chump will be holding their second annual Fall Fling Shopping Extravaganza. The event will support local artists and vendors while reminding men and women to examine themselves for lumps monthly and schedule their next mammogram.

I went to this event last year. It was amazing. Lots of very cool stuff. For instance, if you are a fan of Amy Love’s Love Buttons, then you need to be there.

In addition to their nearly monthly events, Don’t Be a Chump sends out monthly reminders through e-mail to anyone who signs up on their website. The goal of organizations like this, as well as Breast Cancer awareness month, is to increase awareness of the disease and to raise funds for research into its cause, prevention, diagnosis, treatment and cure. If you haven’t done your monthly exam and scheduled your next mammogram make sure you do it today!

The Fall Fling Shopping extravaganza will be held at 528 W. Lynwood, Phoenix, AZ 85003. More info can be found on the Don’t Be a Chump’s Website 

For more information on Breast Cancer Awareness Month visit their website and to find a certified mammography provider visit the National Cancer Institute.

Well, its market analysis time again. That’s right, gear up because I’m going to throw some wonky charts at you. Don’t be too intimidated. I promise to be gentle.
It’s short and sweet, really. The number of pending foreclosures continues to go down. The entire pie is shrinking, leaving an increasing percentage of the pie as short sale homes. So let’s get down to business and see what I’m really talking about.

“REO” you’re probably wondering what does that mean? Simply just a fancy term for a foreclosed property.
“AWC” simply means Active with Contingencies. In other words it is simply a short sale home. The buyer has already agreed upon the price yet, their waiting on the bank for the final decision.Have you noticed a trend yet? All of the categories are shrinking therefore the inventory of homes, are going down.
What’s going to happen next you ask? The prices start to go up because scarcity creates demand.

The numbers of pending foreclosures are taking a dive and it doesn’t look pretty.
Have you heard about the new wave foreclosures based on nation-wide estimates of how many people are slacking on their house payment? This is completely misleading for three reasons:

1.   Nation-wide averages are not Arizona.
2. It is easy to double count those people who are late, but not in foreclosures and those who are late and in foreclosures.
3. Finally, the banks will not sell more properties than the market will bear. Hello everyone.  They want the prices to go up, not down.

Heck, if the banks are sitting on a bunch of homes. Please let them out! My clients who are on their 6^th offer after being beat out by cash buyers would love to see some more homes in their horizon!
What does all of this mean for you? It means that the market is becoming more competitive and the days of low-balling on prices are long gone.

If you have more questions about the market, please contact me at  (602) 456-9388

I gotta say. I’m really shocked that this $29,900, 2br/1.75ba, 1,100sqft condo is still on the market.

I don’t represent this property. But I do live at this condo complex and I think anybody should beg, borrow or steal to live here –especially if you are looking for something very inexpensive. I’ve been inside. It looks almost like nobody lived there.

Click here for the listing information. Call me if you have questions: 602-456-9388.

October is a great month to live in Phoenix. Not only is the weather beautiful, excluding this week of course, but there are great things going on all month long in every corner of town.

October 15^th

• Oktoberfest is upon us. Pull on your Lederhosen or Dirndls and head down to Margaret T. Hance Park. Of course there’s more than just beer and sing-a-longs. There will be mouthwatering sausages, authentic strudel, and German products to boot. You can find out more about tickets and times on their website.
• The Makers Faire is a One day DIY festival celebrating all things art, food, science, music and more. The festival will be held downtown between 3^rd and 5^th on Roosevelt Row from 11am to 7pm. http://www.makerfairephoenix.com/
• Tour de Fat is an annual bike ride held at various time of year across the country.  Tomorrow at 10 am is the official Tour de Fat parade where bike and Fat tire beer enthusiasts will mount wild bikes and ride Tempe beach park followed by a beer pour from 11-4 all in the name of fun and local cycling nonprofits.  

Other things happening this weekend. How about the Arizona State Fair, the Arizona taco festival, or the  The TASTE Chandler Culinary Festival. It might seem like a very foodie weekend, but what wrong with that?

Oct 20^th is our next Get Your PHX Event from 5:30pm – 8:30pm at the Nina Mason Pulliam Rio Salado Audubon Center. Come by and have a beer while you learn about their efforts in habitat restoration and education.

Oct 22^nd

• For those of you who want to feel a little more artists and a little less bloated,there is the  The Humanities Festival. The Humanities festival is a day of cultural, educational, and artistic activities from internationally known groups, authors and artists. The festival runs from 10am to 6pm at the new Civic Space Park Downtown next Saturday.
• The Grand Avenue  Festival is a celebration of Phoenix’s drive to revitalize and renew its downtown.  Come Celebrate Downtown’s vibrant culture, art, history and adaptive re-use of the Lower Grand Avenue arts and small business district and adjoining neighborhoods The 3rd Grand Avenue Festival will be October 22nd from 3 – 11 pm.
• The Food Truck Festival is rolling into town thanks in part to the Roosevelt Row CDC and Phoenix Street food Coalition. A ticket gets you inside to sample from each of the food trucks at your leisure. More than two dozen food trucks and carts are expected to be on hand for the event, providing hungry patrons an opportunity to taste the latest food trend popping up all over the nation.

What else is coming up that weekend, Chandler’s Day of Play, The Arab American Festival, The TBAG Zombie Bike Ride, and more!

And that’s just the next two weeks! With all the events going on this month, there’s something for everyone. Get out there and be a part of Phoenix’s growing community.