According to an article in today's Arizona Republic, written by J. Craig Anderson, the sales of existing homes in April was the first year-over-year increase in Valley re-sale home transactions since July 2005.  Anderson's source of info was a report compiled by ASU's Realty Studies at the Morrison School of Management and Agribusiness. 

The monthly report, listed 5,585 sales in April 2008 compared with 4,855 sales in April 2007. 

In our monthly "Downtown Phoenix Neighborhood News" e-mail Newsletter, I recently pointed out that the number of transactions in 7 Downtown Phoenix Zip Codes has been on the rise every month since January of this year. 

A lot of the recent activity has been spurred on by aggressive pricing on "lender owned" and "short sale" properties. 

If you are interested in making a Real Estate purchase in the Central Phoenix area and would like a free list of properties in your price range e-mailed to you, contact Lyle Plocher with Urban Connection Realty at 602 373 3725 or lyle@urbanconnectionrealty.com

This is a One of a kind beautiful quaint California Bungalow with 2 bathrooms.  As soon as you step inside this gorgeous 1128 Sq Ft bungalow, you will feel at home. This house has a full attic and a basement that are not included in the square footage. The house also features a Built-In, original China Cabinet, some original Steelcase windows, a collectible vintage 'SPARK' stove and the original wooden floor. Great deal for this desirable historic district. Lender owned and priced at 299K. 

For more information or to view the home, contact Lyle Plocher with Urban Connection Realty at 602 373 3725 or lyle@urbanconnectionrealty.com

A free Seminar is taking place at Phoenix City Hall on Saturday, May 10th, 2008 from 9 AM to 1 PM. 

Resources Available to Help Homeowners Facing Foreclosure

• Morning panel with Q&A
• Individual Counseling Sessions in Spanish and English
• Informational exhibits and take-away materials

Credit and housing counselors, loan servicers, and lenders will be available for brief individual consultations throughout the day on a first-come, first-served basis. Please bring your loan documents and other financial information with you to the workshop.

Free Event. No charge for admission. Free parking at Third Avenue and Washington Street parking garage. Activities for children.

Register at fhlbsf.com

Registration begins at 8:30 a.m.
Workshop and counseling 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Phoenix City Hall
200 W. Washington St.
Phoenix, AZ 85003

Special Guest, Congressman Ed Pastor

Live in the front of this cute brick bungalow and rent out the back to help make your mortgage payments.  2 bedroom, 1 bath front unit, 1 bedroom, 1 bath rear unit which is currently rented for $500 a month.  Just around the corner from the Bentley Projects Art Gallery and City Bakery, this neighborhood is on the rise and is just a few minutes walk from US Airways Center, Chase Field, the future Light Rail and restaurants on Jackson St. 

For more information, contact Lyle Plocher with Urban Connection Realty at 602 373 3725 or lyle@urbanconnectionrealty.com

With all the creative things happening in Downtown Phoenix, this property represents an exciting opportunity to develop a "unique destination" for a collection of small businesses/ offices/ studios or ?  Located adjacent to the Woodland Historic District and the State Capital.  12,000 + sq ft of space on a half acre lot, zoned R-5.

Asking Price is $1,300,000.

For more information contact Lyle Plocher with Urban Connection Realty at 602 373 3725 or lyle@urbanconnectionrealty.com

With features like high ceilings, exposed ductwork, hardwood floors, stainless steel appliances, secured parking and a great Warehouse District location, you might want to consider checking out the Stadium Lofts.  If you are a D-Backs fan or work downtown, walk to games, future light rail, restaurants, etc all in 5 minutes from home. 

There are currently 3 units available at the Stadium Lofts, ranging in price from $375,000 to $449,800. 

To find out more about the units, view a unit or find out more about any Downtown Phoenix loft, condo, home or commercial property, contact Lyle Plocher with Urban Connection Realty at 602 373 3725 or lyle@urbanconnectionrealty.com

The renovation on the 1931 Professional Building, former home of Valley National Bank in Downtown Phoenix must be moving along at breakneck speed as the Hotel Manager, Todd Iacono told Arizona Republic reporter Jahna Berry that the Hotel would be open in October. 

A $100 million renovation will restore the vintage lobby and will create 150 hotel rooms in the former office tower, Iacono said. A local celebrity chef is crafting the menu for a hotel restaurant, a 1930s-themed diner and a pastry shop that will go on the first floor.

This week, construction crews were cutting into the basement bank vault, which will become a wine bar. A nightclub is going on the roof, Iacono said.

Read the entire article at azcentral.com

Brand new Studio Condos that live like one bedrooms.  Open floor plan, very high ceilings, large windows, bamboo flooring, stainless steel appliances, granite kitchen countertops, travertine tiled bath, all make for a very fashionable pad at an afforable price point.  Some of the other features of this new building include secured parking, video intercom guest entry, BBQ areas, fitness center & more. Walk to everything downtown from this location and if you're an ASU Downtown Student, roll out of bed and walk to class in minutes.

Only 3 available like this. priced from $189,000 to $199,000.

For more information about Condos in this property or to arrange a viewing, contact Lyle Plocher with Urban Connection Realty at 602 373 3725 or lyle@urbanconnectionrealty.com

Attention Artists, Architects, Tax Preparers or other Creative users!  This funky little property near the Downtown Phoenix Grand Ave Art Scene is looking for a new owner.  Someone who might want to live in the house and walk next door to their office or use the whole property as an office or studio or ?  Commercial zoning, 948 sq ft under roof on a 6250 sq ft lot. 3 structures on the property.

Asking $179,000

For more information, contact Lyle Plocher with Urban Connection Realty at 602 373 3725 or lyle@urbanconnectionrealty.com