Peoria AZ Foreclosures. Peoria Foreclosure market

Peoria AZ Foreclosures

Peoria bolsters fight against foreclosures

Peoria has stepped up its efforts to identify vacant foreclosed homes before they become blight on a neighborhood.

The city's utility staff and trash haulers are now taking note if they suspect an abandoned home, such as trash cans not placed at the curb. Police are then made aware of the vacant homes and keep an extra set of eyes on them.

"The county is plagued by foreclosures due to the financial crisis," City Manager Terry Ellis said. "It's a problem in our neighborhoods."
Staff last week gave the City Council an update on a newly formed foreclosure task force, charged with coming up with solutions to reduce the impact of abandoned homes in neighborhoods. Representatives from a number of city departments, including city attorney, police and community development, serve on the committee.

One in 33 homes on average are in foreclosure nationwide, said Glen Van Nimwegen, Peoria's director of community development. In Arizona, one in 18 homes are in some state of foreclosure and as of May, Peoria showed 1,397 homes in the process of being taken back by lenders, Van Nimwegen said.

Arizona and Florida showed the highest foreclosure numbers in the country - the two states were the fastest-growing, which prompted home values to peak and encouraged bad loans, he said.

Peoria currently employs a number of tactics to deal with foreclosed homes that are neglected and overgrown with weeds, becoming neighborhood eyesores.

The city can issue citations to homeowners and with the city manager's approval do immediate abatement at homes with imminent hazards, such as green pools and broken windows, said Van Nimwegen.

The city also uses volunteer groups to clean up an abandoned property after securing permission from the lender to access the site, Van Nimwegen said. He said lending institutions are starting to become more responsive to the problem.

Councilwoman Vicki Hunt at the end of last week's council meeting issued a plea to civic groups for such volunteers.

"We will get the permission for you if your group steps forward," she said.

The city also can go onto a property, do the necessary cleanup and then slap a lien on the home to recoup the costs, but only through the abatement process, Van Nimwegen said. That process requires a notice and appeals by the property owner, he added.

Councilman Ron Aames asked why, if a homeowner can't be located for permission to access the property, can't the city declare the site an immediate danger and abate it because overgrown weeds can become a fire hazard.

"My biggest concern is the front yard," Aames said. "You have just one of those homes and it brings down the entire neighborhood."

City Attorney Steve Kemp said the city has to show significant conditions with a property to take that route.

"Property owners have the right to control access to their property," Kemp said.

Also, he said, placing a lien on a property has limited success.

Oftentimes, the value of the loan far exceeds the value of the property and sometimes there are two and even three loans taken out on a property, meaning the city rarely collects the lien.

When a homeowner is in foreclosure, other bills are not paid and bankruptcy is pursued, discharging the homeowner's debt, including the lien, Kemp said.

"The city fronts all the abatement costs," he said. "The city doesn't recover a significant amount from the abatement of a property."

Kemp said it cost the city anywhere from a few thousand dollars to $30,000 in one extreme case for abatement.

Van Nimwegen suggested the city work within its current ordinances and advised expanding the Neighborhood Pride program and creating a central point of contact for other departments to report vacant homes.
Source: Cecilia Chan - The Arizona Republic

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West Valley Home Resales Rise As Prices Are Slashed

West Valley Home Resales Rise As Prices Are Slashed

Home sellers in the West Valley have slashed their asking prices up to 30 percent since February, and the price cuts are spurring sales in Surprise, El Mirage and Goodyear, according to a report from Arizona State University.

Though home resale activity has dropped in Glendale, Peoria and Avondale, it is only because fewer homes are for sale in those communities, since they have more established economies and infrastructures and less housing turnover, said Jay Butler, director of realty studies at ASU's Morrison School of Management and Agribusiness.

The ASU report measured the Valley's home resale activity from February to March. The school is expected to release April sales figures later this month.

In the West Valley, resale figures show that home values in the newest West Valley communities are still correcting, where as values in the more established municipalities closer to metro Phoenix have become more stable, Butler said.

"You really got two sets of communities: Glendale and Peoria are older, more mature communities. And then, there are the new ones under development like Surprise, El Mirage to some degree, and Goodyear . . . those are the ones that really got hit hard (by the housing slowdown)," he said.

The steep price drops in those newer communities have revived buyer interest, however.

Butler said that investors are once again purchasing homes in those areas, as are new snowbirds.

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The funds are back for the Maricopa Bond program. Rate is 5.99% with a 5% down payment.. There is 2.8 million dollars in funds and they will go FAST!!!!!! This is a great time to buy!!

Julie Piccione with Wells Fargo Home Mortgage

Home in Five Mortgage Assistance for First-Time Homebuyers
Dream Homes With Affordable Payments

The Industrial Development Authorities of the City of Phoenix and Maricopa County, AZ have joined together to offer to help first-time homebuyers obtain FHA, VA or other eligible loan or conventional financing to purchase a home anywhere in Maricopa County. Individuals or families who qualify would be able to obtain 30-year fixed loan at a competitive rate, along with five-percent assistance for down payment and closing costs.

Financing for these fully assumable loans is available on new or existing homes, condominiums, townhouses or manufactured homes on a first-come, first-served basis.

Qualified Veterans are exempt from the first-time homebuyer requirement. Please contact a participating lender or the City of Phoenix IDA for additional information.

How To Qualify

Your annual income must fall within the income limits for eligible borrowers. Our definition of a first-time homebuyer is someone who has not owned a home for at least the last three years. All homebuyers must meet credit requirements.

If you purchase in a designated "Targeted Areas", you do not have to be a first-time homebuyer.
Remember, for first-time homebuyers, the home can be anywhere in Maricopa County.

Income Limits for Eligible Borrowers
Family of Non-targeted Area Targeted Area
Two or fewer $64,524 $74,203
Three or more $74,203 $77,542

Homes must be located within Maricopa County, Arizona.

The following home purchase price limitations apply for eligible residences:
Purchase Price Limits
Non-target Area Target Area
Maximum $311,625 $380,875
Sales Price

Down Payment Assistance

All qualified homebuyers will receive 5% of the original loan amount to be used for down payment and closing costs assistance.

Amount Down Payment/Asssistance Amount
$75,000 $3,750
$90,000 $4,500
$125,000 $6,250
$165,000 $8,250

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Relocating to the Phoenix, Scottsdale, Glendale, Peoria or Wickenburg, AZ area?

Relocating to the Phoenix, Scottsdale, Glendale, Peoria or Wickenburg, AZ area?

Welcome to the Valley of the Sun.

What a fantastic time of the year to be in Arizona! With average temperatures in the 70's, it is the perfect place to escape winter & play in celebration of spring! Looking for something fun to do? Spring training is an excellent activity for the month of March. In Peoria, AZ, we have a fantastic facility.

WELCOME TO THE PEORIA SPORTS COMPLEX in sunny Peoria, AZ...

The Peoria Sports Complex is the Spring Training and player development home of the San Diego Padres and Seattle Mariners. The first two-team facility built in the country, this complex is still thought of by many as the premier baseball facility in the country. Sitting on 145 acres, each team has 6 and 1/2 major league sized practice fields, an over 40,000 square foot clubhouse and indoor/outdoor batting tunnels and cages. The shared main stadium seats over 11,000 fans. You can also sit in the grass.

Why Spring Training in Sunny Arizona?
A family environment: Spring Training offers a baseball environment like no other. Big league stars, up close and personal in the small confines of Peoria Stadium create an experience that is not to be missed. Baseball fans young and old develop and rekindle a passion for baseball at Spring Training every year.

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Benefits of Home Ownership

Benefits of Home Ownership

Why buy a home from RE/MAX Desert Showcase in the Phoenix Metro area & North West Valley in Arizona?

~Over the past 30 years, home values have risen more than 6 percent annually.

~On average, the value of a home nearly doubles every 10 years.

~60 percent of the average homeowner’s wealth comes from their home’s equity.

~The average homeowner’s net is $171,000-that’s nearly 46 times that of a renter’s, who has an average net worth of $4,800.

~Homeowners benefit from the power of leverage. At an annual appreciation rate of 5 percent, a 10 percent down payment on a home will return a 94 percent after 3 years. After 5 years the rate of return increases to 225 percent and after 10 years, 623 percent.

RE/MAX Desert Showcase will sell you that next excellent home! Call us today at 623-979-8888.

9920 Defines What A Community Should Be in the West Valley

9920 Defines What A Community Should Be in the West Valley

261 condos in the new West Valley Area of Westgate. The community offers Spectacular desert setting on the cusp of Phoenix designed specifically for you to enjoy life to its fullest. Stroll along scenic trails, Meet up with friends at the coffee shop & Gorgeous Clubhouse for social gatherings.

Some of the features of the community hop into a game of sand volleyball, check your e-mail with poolside wireless connections, barbeque outdoors by the pool, business center in the clubhouse, tailgate before heading over to Cardinals stadium in Glendale, AZ. Restaurants, nightclubs, bars, concerts are just minutes away. Get back to nature & Thunderbird Mountain Park is right there. Dinner and a movie at Westgate Center, Large garages for storage, Live outdoors and watch sunsets & sunrises on your oversized patio. Live near the Stadium with easy access to the 101. Pick up your dry cleaning on site. Work out at the state of the art Fitness and Wellness Center or go to the dog park. Take your pooch to the dog park. Enjoy true desert living with urban style lofts.

9920 Features:
All units are wired for high-speed internet access, cable and satellite.
Gated access entry to the 9920 property for added security
Lofty 10-foot ceilings
Huge, oversized garages for additional storage
Elevators for your convenience
Built-in computer desks
Expansive garden patios and terraces that can double as outdoor living rooms
Full Whirlpool appliance packages.
Tiled entry ways
Large windows with coverings to protect from the sun
Artistic design with small nooks
Spa sized bathrooms with extra storage
Take a night time dip in the lighted pool and spa, heated for year round enjoyment
Enjoy parks, picnic areas, barbecues and ramadas for outdoor fun
Meet some friendly competition at the beach volleyball court
Take Sparky for a stroll and socialize at the dog park
Hang out with neighbors or entertain friends at the Clubhouse
Check your e-mail or finish up some last-minute work with Wireless internet connections, multiple docking stations
Computer workstations, a photocopier, and a fax machine in the full service business center
Work your body at the state of the art Fitness Center
Browse upscale shops, stock your fridge at the neighborhood grocer or meet a friend for coffee at the corner coffee shop, all part of the planned on-site retail experience.

If you would like to visit this fantastic community, please call RE/MAX Desert Showcase at 623-979-8888.

New Home Community in Glendale, AZ-Reserve at Eagle Heights

Last major project in Arrowhead area in Glendale, AZ-44-acre area designed for residential

Development of a 44-acre residential community in Arrowhead will cap two decades of housing construction in north Glendale's prestigious neighborhood.

The Reserve at Eagle Heights, on the northwestern corner of 75th Avenue and Rose Garden Lane, will fill the last significant chunk of residential land in Arrowhead's constellation of high-end communities.

These communities, in Arrowhead Ranch and Arrowhead Lakes, have helped bolster the West Valley's image as a prime location for upscale homes and luxury living.

The new Arrowhead Ranch neighborhood, developed by Scottsdale-based Western Pacific Properties, will feature 84 single-story homes with open floor plans and Spanish architecture.

Homes will range from 2,700 to 3,700 square feet with architectural styles that include Spanish Colonial, Spanish Mission and Spanish Hacienda.

The Reserve at Eagle Heights will offer four floor plans with three elevations, providing prospective residents with a dozen layout options.

"We're very excited for this community to come on board," said Sage Lentz, president of Western Pacific Properties. He said the floor plans will give owners and visitors a strong sense of arrival, with entryway dome features and wall niches in which to display art. "These things will really set the house off," Lentz said.

Homeowners also can choose such special options as home theaters, putting greens and negative-edge pools.

Western Pacific Properties sought the Arrowhead lot because the development would blend in with the surrounding high-end communities.

Then there is the proximity to Glendale's new sports and entertainment district, centered on Glendale Arena and Cardinals Stadium.

"The location is exceptional," Lentz said. "You're close to the 101, you've got tremendous amenities in the area and very good school districts. Those are the things we look for when doing infill projects."

Arrowhead, named for the citrus ranch that once dominated the 7-square-mile area, has emerged as one of the Valley's most affluent communities. In fact, a 2001 survey indicated that the area's 85308 ZIP code had more millionaires (1,011) than any other in the Valley.

Although housing activity in Arrowhead began in the mid- 1980s, it wasn't until the early to mid-1990s that the area became known as a hot spot with high-dollar homes, said Jon Froke, Glendale planning manager.

"Since Arrowhead put Glendale on the map about 15 years ago, it has made a significant impact on the landscape," he said. "Indirectly, I think it even led to our ability to land Glendale Arena and Cardinals Stadium."

Because of the area's success, Froke considers development on the last substantial parcel an important milestone.
Maura J. Halpern, Arizona Business Gazette, Jun. 8, 2006 12:00 AM

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New Year's Eve at Westgate In Glendale, AZ

Voodoo Daddy to rock Westgate on New Year's Eve in Glendale, AZ

There'll be a swingin' time on New Year's Eve at Westgate City Center in Glendale, AZ. Organizers expect 10,000 people to pack the shopping and entertainment center for Westgate Rocks New Years Eve.

"More people know we are out here now," says Jeff Hecht, marketing director for Ellman Co., who manages the outdoor entertainment center. "Westgate is a household name now. Last year, we had only been open for a month and a half when we held the block party."

WaterDance Plaza will be transformed into a giant dance floor and Big Bad Voodoo Daddy will serve up hot swing hits like Go Daddy Go. You can even enjoy a chilly martini courtesy of a 23-foot martini luge.

Also appearing will be Times Square personality the Naked Cowboy.

"He's an icon, appearing in music videos and commercials. He runs around Times Square in boxers and a cowboy hat singing songs. We're really excited to have him because we like to think of this as 'Times Square in the Desert,' " says Hecht.

The 21-and-over event runs from 5 p.m. through 2 a.m., and tickets, at $20, are available at www.westgateaz.com.

For the ultra-hip, there are three VIP lounges as well, with prices ranging from $125 to $200.

And even if you are under 21, you can still have fun - all of the restaurants and shops in Westgate will still be open.
Michael Senft The Arizona Republic Dec. 12, 2007

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Bidwill Business Park near Westgate in Glendale, AZ

Bidwill business park near Westgate in Glendale could generate big numbers

The Bidwill family's planned business park just south of University of Phoenix Stadium would generate $2.6 billion a year and create nearly 23,000 direct and indirect jobs after completion, according to an economic impact report by Valley economist Elliott Pollack.

cbd101, the NFL family's $1.2 billion office, retail and residential district, also would produce a total of $2.1 billion and nearly 20,000 direct and indirect jobs over the course of its decade-long build out along Loop 101 at Bethany Home Road in Glendale.

Glendale leaders' efforts to lure the Arizona Cardinals stadium, concert and hockey arena and the expanding Westgate City Center have helped the city net the 4.6 million-square-foot office project, said Pollack.

"This represents the continuation of really what is happening in Glendale, AZ through conscious choices they have made," said Pollack, "They have changed the face of Glendale, and that will mean more upscale development but also more (employment) choices for citizens on the west side and more tax revenue to meet their needs."

Construction alone will dump $16.8 million in sales-tax revenue into Glendale coffers, with the city getting another $10.1 million each year after completion.

Blueprints for cbd101, which stands for "central business district," call for 2.6 million square feet of office space with as many as a dozen large corporate buildings along Loop 101; a 36-story tower with residential, office and hotel space; shops, restaurants and a farmers market; three stand-alone hotels; more than 900 residential units; and an organic farm.

Tim Bidwill said he was struck by the fact that the economic impact of February's Super Bowl, estimated at more than $400 million, pales in comparison to the $2.6 billion annual output of the project.

According to recent estimates by the Maricopa Association of Governments, the office jobs-to-population in Glendale was one-fifth of the countywide average. cbd101 and other nearby office projects would change that, creating jobs and reducing commutes for West Valley residents, said project consultant Michael Rushman.

"The project draws from a huge West Valley labor force, which disporportionately drives enormous distances to get to their jobs," he said. "If employers locate 25 miles closer to workers' homes, they will snag them."

Residents from the Pendergast Estates county island, which abuts cbd101, have voiced concerns that the 77-acre project would bring more congestion to their streets.

But Rushman said the development team has abandoned plans to connect Pendergast streets to major arterial roads, preserving neighborhood cul-de-sacs.

The city's Planning Commission is expected to review the project on Jan. 3, with the City Council taking it up on Jan. 22.
Scott Wong ,The Arizona Republic ,Dec. 14, 2007 03:18 PM

If you are interested in buying, selling or investing in the Westgate Area in Glendale, AZ, please contact RE/MAX Desert Showcase at 623-979-8888

Canadians snap up Arizona homes

Canadians snap up Arizona homes

CHANDLER, Ariz. (AP) - Two hours after his flight landed in Phoenix, Calgary resident Doug Farley already was cruising the city's vast stuccoed suburbs in search of the one attraction Canadians can't seem to get enough of these days, cheap homes.

There are thousands of them here: almost new, unoccupied and dropping in value. The mortgage meltdown, combined with a surging Canadian currency, has Farley - and many of his countrymen - dreaming of winter golf on grass that's always green.

"My dollar's the same as your dollar, finally," Farley said, grinning as he peered through a pool fence at a sparsely populated condominium complex in Chandler, a Phoenix suburb.

For moderate-income Canadians like Farley, the race is on to take advantage of the "loonie," which in September reached parity with the U.S. dollar for the first time since 1976. Many are combing the Internet for anxious American home sellers and looking with an investor's eye at the condos they rented while on vacation in sunbelt states.

"Now it's more than just the snowbird coming down and staying in a condo. It's people looking for business opportunity," said Frank Nero, president of the Beacon Council, Miami-Dade County's economic development arm in south Florida.

Canadian condo-builder Solterra Group of Companies also is riding the surge in the Canadian economy as it plans to snatch large chunks of land in Las Vegas. Michael Bosa, the company's vice president for development and acquisition, said the loonie has bolstered his company's bids.

Now's the time to buy, he said. Alberta, a three-and-a-half-hour flight from Phoenix, is experiencing a modern-day gold rush from booming work in its vast oil sands.

"Fifteen of my friends are on buying trips down here, and we're all cheap," Sirockman said. He brought his family to Scottsdale this month while he submitted a lowball all-cash offer for a three-bedroom home.

"I don't want to take advantage of a guy who's having trouble in the market and is losing his shorts," Sirockman said. "But I have no problem with a guy from California who bought on spec and has five houses in Arizona and never lived in them."

Single family homes and condos in the Phoenix metro area now sit an average of 99 days before getting sold. That's three times the wait for homes and four times the wait for condos compared with two years ago, according to the Arizona Regional Multiple Listing Service.

The market has shifted totally in the buyer's favor, especially those offering cash, said Jeff Russell of Alberta. Last month, Russell snapped up a patio home next to a golf course in Scottsdale with a $299,000 check. It was listed at $463,000.

"I was actually going to come down here and buy a seven-series BMW because cars are ridiculously cheap here," he said. "But I discovered that, forget cars, houses are on deep discount. I could never get anything on a golf course as nice in Canada for this type of money."

Real estate agents in Phoenix, especially those with Canadian ties, are hustling to reach potential buyers up north while the American housing market and the U.S. dollar continue to slump.

"When I take them to a brand new subdivision, and for $210,000 can get them four bedrooms, 2,000 square feet, all appliances, brand new, that's something they haven't been able to buy in Canada for 10 or 15 years. In my opinion, everyone should be buying now."

"When (the Canadian dollar) hit a dollar ten, it really created a real buzz for Canadians, not only those looking to buy second homes but we're also seeing it from buying purely from an investment standpoint," Dziedzic said.

As he searched for his new winter home, Farley kept an eye out for condos near a pool. When it got cold in Calgary, that's where his family would be.

"I just want the ability to go outside, you know, the ability to go for a walk," Farley said. He left for Calgary with a few strong choices, but he didn't bid on anything.

Sirockman also returned to Canada without a house after the owner of the Scottsdale home turned down his offer. No worries. Sirockman told the seller there were a thousand other homes like his on the market, and someone was going to deal.

As he was about to get on the flight back to Edmonton, Sirockman called his friends, and they told him it's 28 below zero back home.

"That's what I'm flying into," he said with a sigh. "I brought a big down-filled jacket with me. I'm looking like an idiot getting onto the plane."
The Associated Press Dec. 14, 2007 12:00 PM

This is an excellent time to purchase a second home or investment property in the Phoenix, Glendale, Peoria area in Arizona! Just call 623-979-8888 and ask to speak to an outstanding agent today!

Wickenburg AZ. Horsing around in Wickenburg

Horsing around in Wickenburg AZ

WICKENBURG - Jeanie Tazioli and Lew Sowards' home is like a museum of collectibles. Hummel figurines dating from the 1920s and 1930s decorate an antique cabinet. Western gear, from 100-year-old riatas to an antique Remington rifle, hangs on the walls. A menagerie of life-size metal animal statues grabs attention in the yard. See pictures of this cool Wickenburg horse property

The couple dubbed their 6,000-square-foot home, which sits on 18 acres at the edge of town, the L.J. Ranch. But its nickname is "Horse of a Different Color," after their collection of five distinctly colored horses that roam the adjacent pasture.

The home is one of five on today's Wickenburg Tour of Homes. The event, which benefits the Desert Caballeros Western Museum, also offers a holiday market with craft booths and sales of cookbooks, baked goods, jewelry and more.

Tazioli, who had a mineral and rock collection as a child, isn't exclusive in her collecting. All types of things interest her. She's found some items at art fairs and others at antiques shops and estate sales. Still others came from friends.

"I like to look at my stuff," she said.

She has stories about every item. Like the hornet's nest, sans the stinging insects, that rests on a pot shelf in the great room.

"Who would take the time to take it out of a tree and paint it?" she said. Nevertheless, she did. "I've had it for at least 40 years."

It joins other natural items that include a grouping of 8-inch-tall rustic chairs made of twigs hung on the wall and dried vegetation.

Divided into several seating areas, the great room also houses collections of African spears that Tazioli got from a friend, Native American handicrafts (including a painted elk skin) and Western artwork.

Her favorite item is a painting of a horse that she bought at an Illinois art fair. She took one look at it and bought it on the spot.

"The artist said, 'I've never sold anything that fast. What was the attraction?' I said, 'The horse has five legs.' He said, 'I need to buy that back,' " she said.

The painting hangs on the great-room wall, surrounded by other paintings of horses.

If there is one theme, it is horses. The decor includes a rawhide horse statue, wrapped wire horse sculptures and a bronze horse statue. Outside, life-size weathered metal sculptures of horses join other yard art, including a circus elephant and giraffes. And, of course, there are the real horses: the Argentine Thoroughbred, Arabian mustang and others sharing the pasture and the 10-stall barn.

Tazioli enjoys spending time with the horses, all rescues and some with health problems, such as cancer.

She also likes her laid-back lifestyle.

"This is very peaceful, no stress," she said.

When she and Sowards, who used to live in the Valley, decided to move to Wickenburg and build a home, they opted for livable, comfortable styling and an open floor plan. Having had separate formal living areas and family rooms before, they chose the great room because it was more conducive to family gatherings and entertaining.

"This is a used house," Tazioli said. "We entertain a lot. We have parties every five or six weeks for 30 people or more." And they get lots of guests.

"We are booked until March. Our company (even) brings company."

The kitchen, which contains an island, custom-designed alder cabinets, wall ovens and a custom vent hood that has a rock facade, is a perfect gathering space. It opens to the entryway, which contains a built-in hutch that showcases Tazioli's collection of glassware.

The adjacent formal dining area features an ornate Italian chandelier and antique furniture, including a serving cart that is topped by a collection of old Nippon porcelain. Artwork by Jon Reich, who is deceased and had been a friend of Tazioli's, lends color and interest to the walls.

The master bedroom, done in blues and yellows, features a closet anyone would love to have.

"It's 26 feet long," Tazioli said. "I'm a clotheshorse. When we were building the house, the carpenters called this room 'the alley.' They couldn't figure out what it was."

In the next several years, she and Sowards hope to add 1,000 square feet to the house and turn the three-car garage into a game room.

The Wickenburg tour features four other homes, including a mountainside home that sits on 11 acres.
Source: Az Republic

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Working With Your RE/MAX Real Estate Agent

Working With Your Phoenix RE/MAX Real Estate Agent

Selecting the right real estate agent to help you buy or sell your home is essential to a smooth transaction. For the best possible experience, you should consider a professional's background, personality and responsiveness.

Here are some tips to help you choose and work with your real estate agent.

How to choose a real estate agent

1. When it comes to choosing a real estate agent, consumers who do their homework can save thousands of dollars and experience a smooth financial and physical transition. So don't waste time and resources - decide what's most important to you, and then find a professional who specializes in that area. Are you buying or selling a loft? A condo? A rural property? Raw land? An investment property? Perhaps cost is your main concern. Or timing. Whatever you decide, a RE/MAX Associate can help you.
2. Ask friends and family members for referrals. Someone you know and trust may have a RE/MAX agent in mind to help you meet your real estate goals.
3. If you've already determined where you'd like to live, drive through neighborhoods in the area and survey them for Realtor yard signs. Seeing the same name pop up on signs time after time may indicate that the agent is a specialist in the area. If you're thinking about selling, monitor the signs in your own neighborhood.
4. Moving far away? Right here on remax.com, you can begin to meet and greet RE/MAX agents from all around the world who can offer the same great expertise and service. Consider services they offer, additional certifications, any specialties, languages they speak. You'll find the right professional to meet your real estate needs no matter where your home search takes you.
5. Pay attention to credentials. This will help you determine areas of expertise. You may be interested in these designations: ABR (Accredited Buyer Representative), CLHMS (Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist), CRP (Certified Relocation Professional), CRS (Certified Residential Specialist) and SRES (Seniors Real Estate Specialist). There are dozens of designations pursued for continuing education, so identify one or more that fit your needs.

What to ask in the interview

1. If selling, ask the real estate agent how he or she would establish a price. Request a Comparative Market Analysis, also called a CMA, which shows the market value of similar homes in the area that are for sale or have recently sold.
2. If selling, ask the real estate agent how he or she would market your property. Understand that some agents may prefer to first tour your property and then put together a comprehensive customized marketing plan to present at a later meeting. But if he or she can't suggest a single strategy when asked, you might consider interviewing other candidates..
3. Ask the real estate agent how often you should expect to hear from him or her. Know how and when you will communicate to avoid unrealistic expectations. Pay attention to office hours and whether you'll be invited to stay in touch via a cell phone or e-mail.
4. Ask how long the real estate agent has been licensed and how many buyers and sellers he or she has helped. While time is not the most important factor, it may demonstrate experience.
5. Ask about designations. Interest in continuing education is a strong indicator of motivation and professionalism.
6. Pay attention to the agent's listening skills. Does he or she cut you off before you've finished a sentence? There's nothing worse than looking at houses you have no interest in because the real estate agent has not listened carefully to your needs, or having your home on the market too long because it's priced incorrectly and the wrong buyers are being targeted.
7. Ask the real estate agent what his or her fee structure is. Does he or she require a percentage of the sales price or work for a flat fee? Will the agent be paid another way?
8. If you are unsatisfied with a prospect's plans or personality, thank him or her for taking the time to meet with you and repeat the process with another real estate agent. It can be time-consuming, but it's worthwhile.
   
   Once you've found the right real estate agent to represent you, hold up your end of the relationship. There are simple things you can do to help your real estate agent get you the best deal.

How to work with your real estate agent

1. If you are selling, create an information sheet that lists your home's features and best qualities, especially those you know best that others might overlook. Give this to your real estate agent, who may be able to use the information in marketing materials or when talking with potential buyers.
2. When selling, talk to the real estate agent about cosmetic improvements. Your home may need fresh paint or new carpet. (Make sure you choose neutral colors.)
3. If selling, keep it clean. Eliminate cobwebs and dust. Keep the bathroom counters and mirrors wiped down. Vacuum and sweep daily during the selling process.
4. If buying, be clear about what you want. Make a list of your priorities numbered 1 through 10 and give it to your real estate agent. You can always revise the list, but give your real estate agent something concrete so that he or she can research available listings more efficiently.

Food for thought

1. Office environment can say a lot about a businessperson. Is it clean and organized? Do the office hours make it easily accessible? Are staff members pleasant and helpful?
2. Your real estate agent is an authority you hire to help you make the right decisions, but you have the final word.
3. Hiring a Realtor will give you the best advantage. Although many practitioners work part time, RE/MAX Associates are industry professionals who can provide their complete attention and expertise. This gives you an enormous advantage.
4. Your residence is likely to be the biggest single investment you'll ever make. Buy and sell wisely.
5. Remember that home values fluctuate with the economy.

Speak To A Professional RE/MAX Phoenix Realtor NOW....Call : 623-979-8888

As Your RE/MAX Phoenix AZ Real Estate Agents, We Will:

• Assure that you see all the properties in the area that meet your criteria.

• Guide you through the entire home buying process, from finding homes to look at, to getting the best financing.

• Make sure you don't pay too much for your new home and help you avoid costly mistakes.

• Answer all of your questions about the local market area, including schools, neighborhoods, the local economy, and more.

• The Powerful RE/MAX Brand Name

• Robust Online Marketing

• Global Referral Network

• Specialty Markets

• Mortgage Services

• Home Warranty Protection

• Home Inspection Services

• Title/Escrow Services

• Professional Moving Services

The RE/MAX Desert Showcase Team. Covering all of metro Phoenix

Networking Fund Raiser for Breast Cancer

Mixer to Raise Funds for RE/MAX Broker’s Wife with Cancer

Peoria, Arizona – RE/MAX Desert Showcase will host a Fund Raising Mixer for its Designated Broker’s wife on Thursday, December 6, 2007. Judy Lyles, wife of Ed Lyles, recently underwent surgery for breast cancer. In an effort to help defray the medical expenses, local residents and business people are encouraged to attend the mixer.

The event will be held at El Toro Bravo from 5-8 pm. El Toro Bravo is located near the Peoria Sports Complex, directly across from the Harkins Theaters. Organizers are asking for a minimum $10 donation. The restaurant is donating free appetizers and offering drink specials.

”All proceeds from this mixer will go toward Judy Lyles’ medical bills and future recovery costs,” Mike Foulds from RE/MAX Desert Showcase said. “Judy had surgery on November 13th and the doctors are concerned, but hopeful that chemotherapy will get rid of the cancer currently risking Judy’s health.”

“RE/MAX is a major supporter of the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation,” Foulds continues. “Breast cancer is an insidious disease. I’m sure we all know someone who has been affected by cancer. We hope our friends in the community will step up and help a family in need.”

For more information on this important fund raising event please call the RE/MAX Desert Showcase office at 623-979-8888 or Mike Foulds directly at (602) 316-9220.

Arizona's first Margaritaville opens in Glendale

Arizona's first Margaritaville opens in Glendale, AZ

Jimmy Buffett's first Margaritaville Café in Arizona is officially open in true Parrothead fashion, with Pink Cadillac Margaritas, Volcano Nachos, clowns on stilts and colorfully dressed employees dancing to It's Five O'clock Somewhere.

Developers, local dignitaries and members of the media gathered to welcome the latest addition to Westgate City Center, the Glendale entertainment and dining district at Loop 101 and Glendale Avenue.

The two-story 20,000-square-foot restaurant features three bars, an airplane hanging from the ceiling, fishing boat booths and a gift shop. It sells everything from shirts and sandals to mini surf boards.

Perhaps the coolest feature is the sprawling ceiling. On it, an artist has painted a pirate's map of the West Coast with one minor variation: Glendale, AZ is a coastal city just off the New Arizona Reef.
The usually laidback Parrotheads wasted no time making their way to the restaurant.

"The creativity of everything they're doing is amazing," said Debbie Zinn, who was planning to order the Volcano Nachos and Buffett's signature Land Shark "loaded" with a drop of tequila. "It's a nice escape, the food is wonderful and the service is great."

For her husband, Matt, Glendale represents the fourth Margaritaville he's visited. And while the Las Vegas location boasts a faux waterfall and volcano, the restaurant chain has been improving with each new site.

"As they get more and more experienced, they add to their (tropical-island) theme," he said.

The restaurant is spread out over two floors, with patio and balcony seating overlooking Westgate's Jobing.com Arena and water fountain. At 5 p.m. each day, the $6 million WaterDance fountain shoots water synched to a set of Buffett mainstays such as It's Five O'clock Somewhere and Margaritaville, for which the restaurant chain is named.

For some West Valley residents, the opening of Margaritaville means a piece of paradise is now just a short drive away.

Margaritaville Café is located at 6751 N. Sunset Blvd., Suite E109, Glendale. For information, call (623) 772-0066 or visit www.margaritaville.com.
Scott Wong, The Arizona Republic

To buy or lease a condo or home near Westgate in sunny Glendale, AZ, please contact RE/MAX Desert Showcase at 623-979-8888.

New Home Builders are going “Green” in the Phoenix, Glendale, Peoria & other AZ Areas

New Home Builders are going “Green” in the Phoenix, Glendale, Peoria and other AZ Areas

APS Performance Built Homes®
Ashton Woods Homes, Shea Homes, & Columbia Communities qualify for the APS Performance Built Homes Program in AZ.

Arizona Public Service (APS) has established a regional energy efficient program that works with builders, sales agents and consumers to encourage the construction and purchase of energy efficient homes. The cost to heat and cool an APS Performance Built home is guaranteed by the builder or a third party or company such as Environments for Living® not to exceed a guaranteed annual amount. If the heating and cooling costs do go over the guaranteed amount, the guarantor will refund 100% of the exceeded costs. Properly installed insulation, low-e windows, and more efficient mechanical systems are characteristics of an APS Performance Built Homes®. Additionally, APS sponsors training programs for builders and sales agents. A new home buyer who buys an APS Performance Built Homes® may qualify for energy efficiency financing. Homes are randomly inspected to ensure they meet the high energy efficiency standards of the APS Performance Built program.

Energy Star for Homes Program™ Elite Communities, Beazer Homes, Centex Homes, Pulte Homes, Hacienda Builder, D. R. Horton, Trend Homes, Weinstein Communities, Classic Communities, KB Home, Keystone Homes, Concordia Homes in the outlying areas of Phoenix & Maricopa County, AZ.

Energy Star® is an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) program developed to help businesses and individuals protect the environment through superior energy efficiency. Energy Star® homes must be at least 30% more energy efficient than homes built to the 1993 national Model Energy Code or 15% more efficient than state energy code, whichever is more rigorous. The EPA Energy Star for Homes Program™ is part of a family of Energy Star® programs designed to prevent pollution while saving consumers money and offering businesses a significant competitive advantage. For new home buyers, the most significant advantage is reduced heating and cooling costs. Additionally, the purchase of a home that carries the Energy Star® label may mean the buyer will qualify for energy efficient financing options.

Energy Star® Certified Homes must pass four tests for energy efficiency. In some case all of the homes are tested, and in other situations a predefined percentage of each plan built is physically tested. The first is a design test to determine the energy efficiency of the planned design of the house. The other three are physical tests to determine if the house, as it is built, meets the design specifications that relate to energy efficiency. The first of these three phase tests is called the Duct Blaster Test. Once the heating and Air Conditioning (HVAC) duct work has been installed, it is pressurized and checked for leaks by a third party verification service. The second test is to verify that the wall insulation is installed in a manner to ensure its planned performance. The final test is a House Envelope Test which measures the air leakage of the completed house.

All of these tests are performed by an independent third party tester who is certified by the EPA. For the Energy Star® logo to be displayed on builder advertising, the home with which it is associated must meet all Energy Star® certification requirements. Because of the requirements, you can be assured that an Energy Star® certified house will be an energy-efficient home.

Another segment of the Energy Star® family is Building America which teams up the knowledge and expertise of architects, engineers, builders, equipment manufacturers, materials suppliers, community planners, mortgage lenders and contractor trades and conducts systems engineering research that leads to the construction of more energy efficient homes. Sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy, Building America is a private/public partnership that conducts research to find energy-efficient solutions for new and existing housing which can be implemented on a production basis. Homes are produced on a community scale that reduce energy usage by 40% to 70%, while improving builder productivity and reducing construction time and waste. Building America has established a certification for building green homes.

Environments for Living®
Builders that participate include Beazer Homes, Pulte Homes, Del Web Corporation, Talas Homes, Ashton Woods Homes, Homes by Towne, Shea Homes in Arizona.

An Environments for Living® home has an even more comprehensive approach to energy efficiency than does Energy Star™. All Environments for Living® homes must meet the Energy Star for Homes™ standards. Participating builders in the Environments for Living® program are given additional assistance in acquiring Energy Star® qualification and labeling. From design to construction and all the way through a third party inspection, these homes must meet specific construction standards for durability and safety. As with many of the other programs, new home buyers may be able to qualify for Energy Efficiency Mortgages that are offered by many lenders and include advantages to buyers such as lower interest rates, higher qualifying ratios and cash back at closing.

Scottsdale, AZ Green Building Program
Builders that participate in the Scottsdale Green Building Program are Starpointe Properties, Monterey Homes & Camelot Homes.
This program is a whole-systems program from design through final certification inspection that goes beyond the mechanical systems standards of the other programs. The program incorporates site use, regionally-derived building products, recycled content of building materials, water and waste systems. Builders who participate in the Scottsdale Green Building Program are provided educational opportunities and at least two tiers of certification. The advantages to home buyers are similar to the other programs: reduced energy usage, attractive financing options and a more comfortable living environment.

SRP-Certified Homes
SRP-Certified Homes in the Phoenix, Glendale, Peoria & outlying areas are Beazer Homes, Classic Communities, K Hovnanian Homes, Magee Homes, New Sun Homes, Courtland Homes, Woodside Homes of AZ, Randall Martin Home, Farnsworth Development, Earlie Homes, Allegiance Homes, Orleans Homes, Blandford Homes.

SRP offers an energy efficient home program called SRP-Certified Homes. The program focuses on lowering homeowner energy bills through the use of home construction materials and appliances that reduce energy consumption on a kilowatt-hour per square foot basis. Builders have the flexibility to substitute one energy-efficient feature for another if the overall design complies with the SRP-Certified Home requirements. Prospective buyers can review estimated energy costs prepared by SRP for the specific floor plan they choose before buying the house. These estimates are very useful to home buyers since the figures are based on current SRP price plans and local weather and groundwater temperature data, as opposed to national averages.

If you are considering purchasing a new home or would like more information, please contact RE/MAX Desert Showcase at 623-979-8888. Don’t go unrepresented for the single purchase you will make in your life—the builder pays the commission and it will NOT impact your sales price.

Glendale Az Glitters Spectacular Holiday Light Show

Glendale Az Glitters Spectacular Holiday Light Show

Glendale Glitters Spectacular Weekend

Grand Opening November 23-24, 2007 5-10 p.m.

Historic Downtown Glendale will be aglow with 1.5 million sparkling lights, and Murphy Park will be filled with entertainment, arts and crafts, delicious food and horse-drawn carriage rides.

Hometown Idol Kicks Off Glendale Tradition!

Glendale’s own Jordin Sparks will appear at Glendale Glitters Spectacular on Friday, Nov. 23, to help flip the switch to illuminate downtown Glendale with more than 1.5 million lights!

In special recognition of Jordin’s accomplishments, Glendale Postmaster Billy Garrett will also be offering a special collectible postmark honoring Jordin. Attendees to the event that evening will be able to receive a free postcard and have their holiday cards postmarked with the stamp. Those unable to make the event will have 30 days to bring their mail to a Glendale post office and upon request also receive the commemorative mark.

Jordin will also carry out the Glendale Glitters tradition of reading ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas.

An exciting new element to the lighting program will be a performance by the Arizona Broadway Theatre. The award-winning theatre produces major musical productions, encompassing a wide spectrum of Broadway favorites. In addition to being part of the countdown show, the theatre will perform in the park for the opening weekend and offer performances during the city’s December holiday weekend events.

Performers appearing in the half-hour program leading up to the kick-off of GLENDALE GLITTERS include:

Kurtis W. Overby and Jessica Costa, currently starring in Arizona Broadway Theatre's production of Crazy for You.

Kurtis also appeared in the national tour of Crazy for You. He has worked at regional theatres across the country, and his credits include the part of Jesus in Godspell, Daddy’s Assistant in Sweet Charity, L.M. in Pump Boys and Dinettes, Man 1 in The World Goes ’Round, Bud Frump in How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying (for which he received an ariZoni Theatre Award nomination), Hortensio in Kiss Me, Kate, and Chantal in La Cage aux Folles.

Jessica has appeared at Arizona Broadway Theatre in their productions of The World Goes ’Round (Woman Three), A Funny Thing…Forum (Philia), and Anything Goes (Virtue). She was the choreographer for ABT's production of Brigadoon. A graduate of The University Of Hartford’s Hartt School with a BFA in Musical Theatre, Jessica has appeared as Millie in Thoroughly Modern Millie, Bianca/Lois Lane in Kiss Me Kate, Val in A Chorus Line, Roxie in Chicago (C-R Productions), Kathy Seldon in Singin’ In The Rain, Gertrude McFuzz in Seussical The Musical, Sandy in Grease, and Sarah Brown in Guys and Dolls (The Round Barn Theatre).

FREE Admission and FREE Parking
Glendale Glitters Spectacular Weekend will rekindle your holiday spirit on Nov. 23-24, from 5-10 p.m., both Friday and Saturday. Free admission and free parking mean you can bring the whole family and not break the bank! City officials encourage attendees to use the free shuttle service to the downtown area. The shuttles will run from the Glendale Community College parking lot, at 59th and Olive avenues, between 4 and 10:30 p.m.

Murphy Park and Historic Downtown Glendale will be abuzz both evenings with multiple stages of entertainment, food, hand-crafted holiday gifts, a children’s winter wonderland, horse-drawn carriage rides, shopping and, of course, visits with Jolly Ol’ St. Nick. Friday evening kicks off with the city’s official lighting program on the Sanderson Ford Main Stage at 5:30 p.m. A special celebrity guest will join Glendale’s Mayor and City Council in flipping the switch to illuminate the entire downtown area with more than 1.5 million lights.

The unique shops and one-of-a-kind boutiques in Historic Downtown Glendale AZ will also offer extended hours for the opening weekend. The holiday fun continues with additional events in downtown Glendale, each Friday and Saturday on select weekends in December, from 6-10 p.m. each evening. Each weekend will offer a different holiday theme.

The dates and themes are:

Dec. 7-8: Gingerbread Nights

Dec. 14-15: Jingle Bell Rockin’ Nights

Dec. 21-22: The Spirit of Giving

Dec. 28-29: Winter Wonderland

Glendale Glitters Spectacular is sponsored by The Arizona Republic, Bass Ale, Sanderson Ford, Starbucks, KTVK Channel 3, 7-UP, Qwest, Southwest Airlines, Arizona Broadway Theatre, KOOL-FM, KMLE Country 108 and 101.5 JAMZ. For more information on Glendale Glitters, call the Special Event Hotline at 623-930-2299.

Source: Glendale AZ

If you are interested in real estate in the Glendale, Westgate, Peoria Arizona Area, Visit your area real estate experts: RE/MAX Desert Showcase

Super Bowl XLII Glendale AZ Questions and Answers

Super Bowl XLII Glendale AZ Questions and Answers

WHEN, WHERE AND WHAT TIME IS SUPER BOWL XLII?
Site: University of Phoenix Stadium - Glendale, Arizona
Date: February 3, 2008
Kick-off: 4:18 p.m. (6:18 p.m. EST)

HOW CAN I GET TICKETS FOR SUPER BOWL XLII?
Every person attending Super Bowl XLII at University of Phoenix Stadium is required to have a ticket, regardless of age.

The demand for tickets to Super Bowl XLII greatly exceeds the ability to accommodate the majority of fans interested in attending. Most tickets are made available through the two teams competing in the game, and to a lesser extent through each of the other NFL teams. Remaining tickets for the general public are made available through a random drawing. There is no other means for the general public to purchase tickets. The NFL does not sell tickets to travel or ticket agents.

Entries for the random drawing are accepted between Feb. 1 and June 1 of the year preceding the game in question. All entries must include name, address, phone number and email address, and must be sent via certified or registered mail. Requests for tickets to Super Bowl XLII, to be played Feb. 3, 2008 in Glendale, Ariz., will be accepted beginning Feb. 1, 2007. You will be notified by mail in October or November if you are eligible to purchase Super Bowl XLII tickets.

Requests should be sent to:
Super Bowl Random Drawing
P.O. Box 49140
Strongsville, OH 44149-0140

Please note: Only one request per address is accepted. Duplicate requests will be ineligible.

WHAT ARE THE SCREENING PROCEDURES FOR THOSE ATTENDING SUPER BOWL XLII?
Security at University of Phoenix Stadium will be significantly heightened for the Super Bowl. Many items usually permitted into NFL venues are not allowed into the Super Bowl. The National Football League and Arizona law enforcement strongly recommend that game attendees minimize the number and size of all items carried into the Stadium. If you are in doubt about the appropriateness of an item, it is best to leave it behind on Game Day.

All items carried by game attendees will be carefully inspected and may potentially not be allowed into the Stadium. Game attendees are urged to bring nothing larger than a very small purse or bag. Nothing larger than 8 ½ x 11 inches is allowed. The NFL, University of Phoenix Stadium and law enforcement cannot hold prohibited or excluded items for game attendees.

WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE PRE-GAME AND HALFTIME SHOW?
The Pre-Game and Halftime show are developed by the NFL.

CAN WE TAILGATE?
Tailgating is not permitted in parking lots or other areas controlled by the NFL during the Super Bowl. The NFL does offer a variety of hospitality packages including the NFL Experience that are open to guests with game tickets on the day of the game. You can get additional information on the various NFL activities by visiting https://www.nfl.info/nflol/index.html. As it gets closer to game time, you may also want to check the Arizona Super Bowl Host Committee web site at www.azsuperbowl.com to get additional activity information.

WHERE ARE THE LOCATIONS OF FUTURE SUPER BOWLS?

Super Bowl XLII - February 3, 2008
Glendale, Arizona
http://www.glendalesgotgame.com/

Super Bowl XLIII - February 1, 2009
Tampa, Florida
Super Bowl XLIV - 2010
South Florida

SUPER BOWL SPECS

WHAT IS THE EXPECTED ECONOMIC IMPACT OF A SUPER BOWL TO THE LOCAL ECONOMY?

Based on 1996 ASU Study and South Florida’s Super Bowl XLI study, the AZ Super Bowl Host Committee estimates Super Bowl XLII’s economic impact will be more than $400 million.

As a tourist destination, Arizona, like Florida, attracts higher spending levels and longer stays.

South Florida found last year’s Super Bowl visitors had higher household incomes ($222,000 vs. $40-$80,000) and spent more than the average visitors ($668.00 daily vs. $146-245.)

HOW MANY VISITORS WILL COME TO ARIZONA FOR SUPER BOWL XLII?
During Super Bowl XLII, University of Phoenix Stadium is projected to seat 73,000 people. Past host cities and the NFL estimate that an additional 50,000 non-game ticket holders visit Super Bowl cities each year to be a part of the festivities.

WHO IS THE TYPICAL SUPER BOWL ATTENDEE AND WHAT IS THE TYPICAL LENGTH OF STAY?

The average Super Bowl attendee spends four nights in a hotel. Of the attendees, 85% are from another state, 70-90% arrives by plane and the average fan spends $1,500 - $2,000 during his/her stay. Of these visitors:

60% classify their occupation as managerial or professional.
53% earn at least $75,000 per year.
38% earn more than $100,000 per year.
65% are key decision-makers in their company.
60% of the above key decision-makers work at companies who host meetings outside of their corporate headquarters.
70% of these decision-makers would consider holding a meeting in the host city after visiting because of their positive Super Bowl experience.
20% would consider expanding their present operations in the host city area.
29% would consider establishing business operations in the host city area.

HOW DO I BECOME A VENDOR FOR SUPER BOWL XLII?
Please check the AZ Super Bowl Host Committee Web site: www.azsuperbowl.com under the Business Directory link for more information on how to become a vendor for Super Bowl XLII. The Small and Emerging Business Program will offer local vendors the opportunity to attend workshops, obtain certification and may qualify to become a vendor during Super Bowl XLII.

HOW CAN I VOLUNTEER FOR SUPER BOWL XLII?
The Arizona Super Bowl XLII Host Committee will be recruiting and training 10,000 volunteers from the community to serve in various Super Bowl related capacities including hospitality, transportation, special events and more. Please check for updates on http://www.azsuperbowl.com/ for volunteer opportunities.

CAN I VOLUNTEER TO WORK INSIDE THE STADIUM DURING SUPER BOWL XLII?
There are no volunteers placed by the NFL on game day inside University of Phoenix Stadium.

IS THERE INFORMATION AVAILABLE IN SPANISH REGARDING THE SUPER BOWL?
Yes, just visit http://www.azsuperbowl.com/sp/new_stadium.aspx for information in Spanish.

WHAT ARE THE SUPER BOWL XLII COMMUNITY OUTREACH EFFORTS?
Super Bowl XLII may last just a few hours, but its legacy will last forever in Arizona. Both the Arizona Super Bowl Host Committee and the NFL are committed to serving Arizona communities through a variety of programs and events. Visit http://www.azsuperbowl.com/community_outreach.aspx for more information

THE STADIUM

UNIVERSITY OF PHOENIX STADIUM FACTS & FIGURES
The University of Phoenix Stadium, with its retractable roof & field, is unlike any other stadium in North America and is a marvel of design, engineering, and technology. The stadium opened in August of 2006. University of Phoenix Stadium is home to the NFL's Arizona Cardinals, as well as the annual Tostitos Fiesta Bowl, the newly created BCS National Championship game, concerts, trade/consumer shows, corporate events and special occasions of all kinds.

Amenities

Approximately 63,400 permanent seats, expandable to 73,000 seats
88 luxury suites, approximately 7,400 Club Seats, Two (2) 39,000 square foot Club Lounges
160,000 square feet of contiguous exhibit space, 20,000 square feet of meeting room space
Two (2) high resolution video scoreboards
77 Public Restrooms (30 Men’s, 35 Women’s and 12 Family)
47 Concession stands operated by Centerplate
Design

University of Phoenix Stadium was designed to be a truly multi-purpose facility with the ability to host football, basketball, soccer, concerts, consumer shows, motorsports, rodeos and corporate events.

Designed by world-renowned architect Peter Eisenman, in conjunction with HOK Sport, Hunt Construction Group and Urban Earth Design.
The exterior skin represents a barrel cactus.
The building features alternating sections of shimmering metal panels intended to reflect the shifting desert light alongside magnificent vertical glass slots allowing patrons a spectacular view of the horizon from any level of the exterior. There are 21 vertical slots on the exterior wall of the stadium.

Operational Advantages & Features

The stadium encompasses 1.7 million square feet of space.
The stadium features the first fully retractable natural grass playing field in North America.
Slab on grade with utility floor boxes spaced on 30 x 60 increments throughout stadium floor.
Direct stadium floor access for consumer and trade show event patrons.
Restroom and attendee amenities on floor and exhibit hall level.
Fully air conditioned.
14,000 on-site parking spaces, 12,000 adjacent spaces.
Conveniently located of the 101 loop-only fifteen minutes from downtown Phoenix

Funding & Economic Impact

The overall cost of the stadium was approximately $455 million.
The construction phase added 3,500 jobs and $400 million in economic benefits to area.
The Tostitos Fiesta Bowl contributes approximately $115.8 million each year in economic impact. The new BCS formula which adds a second game every four years will have an additional economic impact of $171.5 million every four years.
Super Bowl XXX in Tempe in 1996 was seen by 900 million people around the globe. This number will increase for Super Bowl XLII in Glendale, Arizona.
On game days there will be over 3,000 employees on site, ranging from event, team, facility, catering and concessions, security, and housekeeping operations and services.

Fun Facts

The stadium seats, if set in a straight line, would stretch for approximately eighteen (18) miles or the equivalent of one hundred and eleven (111) football fields.
The amount of concrete used on the stadium is equal to 900 miles of sidewalk, the distance between Phoenix and San Francisco.
The stadium air-conditioning system will generate 8,000 tons of cooling capacity, enough to cool 2,300 residential homes in the Phoenix area.
Five layers of Arizona-themed murals will usher fans through the stadium escalators.
Two massive "thermometers" at the south end zone gauge crowd noise. The north end zone bridge displays photos of past players.
There are six levels in the stadium: the field (or service) level; the main concourse, the club level, the suite level; the upper concourse and the mechanical level.
The stadium features a mural on each level. Each mural is designed to represent Arizona's environmental attractions. The 400 level, the highest in the stadium, replicates the night sky and has the names of state observatories on it. The rest spotlight state rivers, canyons, deserts and mountain ranges.
The stadium includes 88 luxury lofts featuring preferred parking, an exclusive entrance, private restrooms, multiple televisions, in-suite catering and a bold, modern interior design unlike any other suites in the industry.
The luxurious Club Level features wider seats, preferred parking, private entrances, and climate controlled club lounges with multiple two-story spaces, comfortable seating, plentiful TV monitors, upgraded food and beverage offerings and dedicated restrooms.

The Field

The grass field rolls out of the stadium on a 18.9 million pound tray, residing outside of the stadium except for football and soccer events, is the first of its kind in North America.
The grass field remains outside the stadium in the sun until game day getting the maximum amount of sunshine and nourishment, eliminating humidity problems inside the stadium and providing unrestricted access to the stadium floor for events and staging.
The site has the stadium situated along a slight northwest to southeast axis for maximum sun exposure for field in the outboard position.
Having the rollout field saves $50 million in costs since it is more economical to move the field than having the entire roof retract to allow the necessary sunshine to reach the grass.
The roll out playing field weighs 18.9 million pounds and will travel at a speed of 11.5 feet/minute (1/8 mph); it will take approx. 75 minutes to travel approximately 741 feet.
The field is 234 feet wide x 403 feet long and 39 inches tall.
Field tray rests on 13 rail tracks and moves in and out of the stadium on 546 steel wheel assemblies (42 rows).
76 of the wheel sets are powered by a 1- horsepower motor (total = 76 hp).
The field will support approximately 94,000 square feet (over 2 acres) of natural grass.
The grass is Tifway-419, a Bermuda hybrid. It was planted by using stolons, or plugs, that provide the best long-term field conditions.
The tray has a fairly sophisticated irrigation system that works on timers and can be customized. The water will drain through a 1-inch-deep mat and several pipes that lead to a main drainpipe underneath the field tray.
A few inches of water will remain in the tray while the field is in play to keep the grass moist.

The Roof

The translucent “Bird-Air” fabric roof will allow the stadium to have an open, airy feel even when the roof is closed. The roof has two large retractable panels that will uncover the entire playing field while providing maximum shading for fans. The roof can be closed and the facility air conditioned in the hot months, while the roof can be opened to take advantage of the Valley’s world-famous climate in cooler months.
The roof is supported by two 700-foot long trusses.
Each truss is 87 feet high at its tallest point and weighs about 1,800 tons.
The top of the roof is 206 feet above grade.
Each roof panel weighs 550 tons.
Surrounding the Facility

The stadium occupies more than 25 acres.
Included in the parking lot is an eight acre landscaped area located on the Southwest side of the facility called Sportsman’s Park.
The Glendale Youth Sports Complex is also featured on the property.
The property features approximately 1,100 trees spread throughout the plaza, parking lot, pedestrian walkways and Sportsman’s Park. Featured trees include: Arizona Cyprus, Arizona Sycamore, Mondell Pine, Bradford and Evergreen Pear, Cork and Live Oak, Chinese Pistache and Tipu Trees. The species were chosen specifically with shade, color, and time of bloom in mind. For instance, the Chinese Pistache was chosen due to its bright red leaves, to reflect “cardinal red”, and heat resistance.
The stadium is located adjacent to and south of Jobing.com Arena, home to the NHL Phoenix Coyotes, and Westgate City Center, a master-planned, mixed-use retail, entertainment and commercial development.

ARE THERE TOURS OF THE STADIUM?
Public tours will not be available 3 weeks prior to one week after Super Bowl XLII. Tour information for dates other than this 4 week period, see below:

Tour Overview
Guests become part of the action, as they are led through the stadium by an expert guide! The hour and a half long experience will entertain and educate everyone from those who can’t tell a first down from a touchdown to the die-hard football fanatic! Do not forget your camera to capture the scenes from our awe-inspiring viewpoints.

Please note: Tours will include approximately one mile of walking. Please wear comfortable shoes. They will utilize ramps and elevators (no stairs). Tours are 100% wheelchair accessible.

Public Tours
Tours will last approximately 75 minutes. Tours leave from Gate #2.

Schedule
Please note that tours will be ongoing throughout the year, but the stadium only releases the dates and times a month or two in advance. Visit www.azcardinalsstadium.com for ticket and tour information.

TRANSPORTATION ~ GROUND AND AIR

HOW CAN I GET AROUND GREATER PHOENIX?
Upon arriving in Greater Phoenix, you’ll find that getting around is a breeze. Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is a mere 20 minutes from Glendale. Car rental companies and shuttle services situated in and around Sky Harbor Airport provide hassle-free service. Greater Phoenix offers the efficient Valley Metro bus system, which extends to all areas of the city, and the free Copper Square DASH (Downtown Area Shuttle), which transports passengers night and day to places like US Airways Center, Chase Field, the State Capitol building, museums, and other downtown Phoenix facilities. In addition to bus services, taxis and private cars can be hired. The Glendale Visitor Shuttle will transport visitors from Westgate City Center/Zanjero to Historic Downtown Glendale (shuttle is not available on game day.)

SuperShuttle Transportation Systems
4610 S. 35th St.; Phoenix, AZ 85040
(602) 244-9000 Reservations
http://www.supershuttle.com/

Valley Metro Bus System – http://www.valleymetro.org/

Rental Car Information - https://visitphoenix.com/listings/index.cfm?action=showSub&catID=13&subCatID=143

WHAT ALTERNATIVE TRANSPORTATION IS AVAILABLE?
Game and event attendees can take bus route 70, a Valley Metro bus service offered every 30 minutes. The route runs along Glendale Avenue from 24th Street to Litchfield Road. Visitors may also want to check out www.valleymetro.org for the transportation service’s online trip planner, which can help you plan a route to and from various locations throughout the Valley. Limousine and taxi services will also be operating.

WHAT AIRPORTS ARE IN PHOENIX AND GLENDALE?

Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport
Sky Harbor International Airport is served by more than 20 carriers that provide nonstop flights to more than 100 cities in the United States and around the world. Sky Harbor is also the only airport in the country that’s a hub for two major low-fare airlines—US Airways and Southwest Airlines.

Sky Harbor has a well-deserved reputation as America’s Friendliest Airport™. Its innovative travel services include free wireless Internet access in all terminals, a shaded pet park for four-legged fliers, and an audio-visual paging system that allows travelers (including those with disabilities) to call for assistance with the push of a button. Sky Harbor houses one of the largest airport art programs in the U.S. Its collection contains more than 350 works, including temporary exhibitions and the Phoenix Aviation Archive of regional memorabilia. For more information, visit http://phoenix.gov/aviation/

Glendale Municipal Airport
Let the friendly skies fly you into Glendale Municipal Airport, the best run airport in the Valley of the Sun. The Glendale Municipal Airport provides excellent customer service by combining the amenities of a big city airport with small town, personalized service.

Phone: (623) 930-2188
Fax: (623) 872-1278
Mailing Address: Glendale Municipal Airport, 6801 N. Glen Harbor Blvd.,
Suite 201, Glendale, AZ 85307
Office Hours: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday

HOW CAN I GET UPDATED, REAL-TIME TRAFFIC INFORMATION?
Call 511 on game day to get the latest information on road conditions and traffic updates.

WILL THERE BE OFFSITE SHUTTLE LOTS?
No, an offsite park-and-ride lot is not planned at this time. Check back with http://www.glendalesgotgame.com/ for updated information.

HOW CAN I AVOID EVENT TRAFFIC IF I LIVE IN THE AREA OR AM NOT ATTENDING THE GAME OR EVENTS?
For the latest information on event times and road updates, visit www.glendalesgotgame.com or call 511. As a rule, however, it is advised that those not attending the Super Bowl or game-related events occurring at the stadium and surrounding area avoid the major routes into the Sports and Entertainment District area. These routes include:

Loop 101 near the stadium
I-10 approaching the Loop 101 exit
91st Avenue
99th Avenue
Bethany Home Road
Glendale Avenue
Northern Avenue

PARKING & ROUTES

WHAT INFORMATION DO I NEED TO KNOW ABOUT PARKING AT THE STADIUM?

Parking Spaces
The NFL is working to identify and secure parking lots. The stadium will lose approximately 10,000 spaces to the weeklong NFL Experience.

Coach Buses/Limousines
There are typically 6 to 10 buses at a Cardinals game. 1,000 buses are estimated for the Super Bowl.
There are typically 5 limos at a Cardinals game. There will be an estimated 1,600 limos, or vehicles for hire (at the Super Bowl) not including taxis.

For updated parking information and maps, visit http://www.glendalesgotgame.com/.

HOW DO I GET A PARKING PASS FOR THE SUPER BOWL? DO I NEED A PARKING PASS FOR THE NFL EXPERIENCE?
Parking passes will be available to pre-purchase for day of game and pre-week activities. For information on parking passes, visit www.clickandpark.com.

HOW IS THE CITY OF GLENDALE TRANSPORTATION DEPARTMENT PLANNING FOR GAME DAY TRAFFIC?
Traffic is the first thing you see and the last thing you remember, so this is why the coordination and planning is so important. We are dedicated to making this event safe and positive for the fans coming to and from our city, as well as the residents in our community.

In order to make this happen, the city of Glendale Transportation Department is partnering with the NFL and various local agencies for the big game. Off the field, the game plan is to move 18,000 cars, 1,600 limos and 1,000 buses to and from the stadium. The city has been preparing for Super Bowl for several years by improving the streets and adding additional roadways. In addition, the Glendale Transportation Department is working with state-of-the art technology to monitor the traffic and make potential changes to the traffic in real time.

HOW DO I GET TO THE STADIUM?
The stadium is located along Loop 101 between Bethany Home Road and Glendale Avenue. The following directions will get you to the general stadium area.

From the Northeast Valley: Head west on Loop 101 to the West Valley and exit Glendale Avenue.
From the Southeast Valley: Take Loop 202 or U.S. 60 west to I-10. Take I-10 west to the West Valley’s Loop 101. Exit north and take Loop 101 to Bethany Home Road.
From the Southwest Valley: Take I-10 or arterial streets to Loop 101 and head north to Bethany Home Road.
From the Northwest Valley: Take Grand Avenue/U.S. 60 to Loop 101 and enter southbound. Exit at Glendale Avenue.
From the far North Valley: Take I-17 south to Loop 101. Take Loop 101 west to Glendale Avenue.
It is important to note that on game day and throughout the week leading up to the Super Bowl, there may be some surface street closures to ensure pedestrian safety and smooth traffic flows. Message boards will be used to direct traffic for events and guests are encouraged to follow these directions. Game goers should note that specific directions for their designated parking area are located on the back of their parking pass. For updated information, visit www.glendalesgotgame.com.

WILL THERE BE DESIGNATED HANDICAPPED (DISABILITY) PARKING AREAS FOR THE SUPER BOWL? IF SO, WHERE WILL THEY BE LOCATED?
The NFL will designate certain parking lots and areas for handicapped accessibility. These designations will occur closer to game time so it is important that you visit www.glendalesgotgame.com for the latest information before heading out to the game. The site includes links to NFL information and maps of designated parking areas.

CAN I PARK ON THE STREET, IN AN OPEN FIELD OR IN A RETAIL PARKING LOT?
No. You may not park in areas that have not been designated for event parking. Only park in areas that are labeled for parking (please note: non-sanctioned parking lots will need to have a temporary use permit to provide parking spaces).

CAN I CAMP OUT OVERNIGHT AT THE STADIUM OR NEARBY PARK?
No, Glendale City Code 25-90 prohibits camping upon public or private property without an authorized permit.

WHERE CAN I FIND A LIST OF RV PARKS?
Visit www.azrvparks.com for a listing of RV Parks and Campgrounds owned and operated by the members of the Arizona Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds. Also visit www.go-arizona.com for information on more than 700 RV parks and campgrounds in Arizona.

NFL EXPERIENCE

WHAT IS THE NFL EXPERIENCE AND WHAT ARE THE DATES OF THE NFL EXPERIENCE?
This interactive football themed park located outside of the University of Phoenix Stadium offers games, displays and entertainment.

*Tentative Dates and Hours

Saturday, January 26 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Sunday, January 27 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Wednesday, January 30 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. (Kid’s Day only, not open to public)
Thursday, January 31 3 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Friday, February 1 3 p.m. to 12 a.m.
Saturday, February 2 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Sunday, February 11 a.m. (Open to game ticket holders only)
Cost: $17.50 adults, $12.50 kids 12 and younger.
Visit www.azsuperbowl.com for additional information.

Source: Glendalesgotgame

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