Phoenix Urban Real Estate and Events Blog

Are these super low interest rates good for the overall economy?

I know these rates are good for home buyer's and homeowner's that want to refinance, but how are they helpful to the overall economy?  Rates on the 15-year fixed mortgage, which is popular among those looking to refinance, fell to 2.97%  It all feels good, but it will be interesting to see where we are next year.  CNN Money has the full report.

Metro Phoenix home prices continue to rise.

Home values in Metro Phoenix have been slowly going up and are continuing to do so.  ASU's real estate report for April says home values in Metro Phoenix have gone up 25% from April of 2011.  That's great news for Seller's.  Finally, after a long recession, it appears we are really slowly climbing out of the hole we've been in.  See whole story by Catherine Reagor of the AZ Republic.

Tempe Splash Park Open for the Season

The triple digit heat may have rolled into the Mill Avenue District, but Tempe Town Lake has provided a fun and educational way for kids to stay cool this summer.  The Tempe Splash Park season has commenced once again, and will be open from April through September, weather permitting.  

 The splash park is located at the southern bank of Tempe Town Lake, nearest to the Mill Avenue entrance and is open from 10:00am to 7:00pm daily- admission is free.

The Green at Hayden Flour Mill Opens to the Public

The fencing around Mill Avenue District's famed Hayden Flour Mill is officially down for the first time since 1999.  The new and improved venue comes equipped with a new lawn and stage which is now known as The Green at Hayden Flour Mill.  Starting September 20, 2012, The Green will serve as a community gathering place for special events, concerts and more.  

 The new renovations also offer a chance to learn about the historical importance of The Hayden Flour Mill.  Walk along the front of the Mill and you'll find photo panels describing the history of the Mill's beginnings.  You can also peer into the windows of the building and find actual tools and machinery that were used in the late 1800's.

 For more information about using The Green at Hayden Flour Mill as a venue, contact us at TheMill@downtowntempe.com.

Phoenix is one of the top 10 turnaround cities in the US.

With unemployment going down in Metro Phoenix and homes selling 27% faster then 2010, Phoenix is one of the top 10 turnaround cities according to CNNMoney.  RooPho Realty has certainly seen the turn around with more buyer's and seller's.  We made an offer for a client last week and the seller's agent told me they had recieved 90+ offers.  I've been hearing other stories like that too.  Let's all hope this continues.

Enchantment of Van Gogh: The Performance

This week is the First Friday Art Walk and the AZ Science Center is having a Van Gogh performance.  Great way to spend part of First Friday inside.  Get more information here and enjoy the show.

Sales of New Homes are up 3.3% month over month in April.

Even though new home sales are still down from the height of the market, they are slowly going up and I'm sure new home construction company's are pleased.  This market hit everyone hard but home builders can't build a new home for the price of resale homes in many markets.  They have had to sell at a loss in some area's just to keep their company's alive.  This economy has killed many small builders.  It's nice to see some relief.

A great story about a happy Urbanite.

Check out this story on AZCentral.com.  Tabitha Myers moved back to AZ and decided to live the urban life in Uptown Phoenix.  With a little work and downsizing, this could be you too.

AZCentral Story

The number of Foreclosures in AZ is on the decline.

Many people have been talking about the real estate market's recovery for a while.  This article from West Valley View Newspaper gives a great overview of where we've been and where we are in the AZ real estate market.  From my vantage point I agree, we are coming out of the downfall although a bit slower then we'd like.  It does seem we are headed in the right direction.

West Valley View Newspaper

Guide to throwing a cool pool party to get out of the hot sun this summer.

Are you having a pool party this summer.  Check this guide for good ideas to help.

AZCentral.com