Nick Bastian's Blog

Last week, there was a bunch of talk about Google Fiber possibly coming to Tempe. You might be wondering, "what the heck is Google Fiber?" Well, from the Google site, we find they are doing a national "contest" to bring high speed data to people at a "competitive" cost.

"Google is planning to launch an experiment that we hope will make Internet access better and faster for everyone. We plan to test ultra-high speed broadband networks in one or more trial locations across the country. Our networks will deliver Internet speeds more than 100 times faster than what most Americans have access to today, over 1 gigabit per second, fiber-to-the-home connections"

The idea really sounds cool and the City of Tempe has set up a web page specifically talking about Google Fiber in Tempe complete with information on how residents can get involved, help with the contest and even to submit photos and videos telling people how they think Google Fiber will benefit them or the city. Prizes are even being offered for people that submit videos or pictures. There is a Google Fiber Flickr page where you can submit photos. Follow the Downtown Tempe Twitter page for details as well! If you are on Twitter, follow the #GTempe hash tag for the latest and greatest updates.

If you live in Tempe or have kids that go to ASU, please look at the links above for more information. We are looking for as much help as we can get!  The huge student population, the large amount of tech jobs, the fact that ASU is doing some really great research in Tempe are all things that make Tempe a great fit for Google fiber.

So, who says the “big guys” don’t listen to bloggers? In the past, I have been asked by several people why Google Transit is not currently available in the Phoenix market. I have written about the subject and a few months ago, I wrote about our friends at Walk Score hopefully being able to add transit data to the Walk Score database in our market. That’s cool stuff!

Yesterday, I was sent the following information from Valley Metro RPTA to post on my blog so that we could tell people about the progress being made to actually bring all of the necessary data together to make it work!

This really is no small feat. As most people know, the Valley is spread out like crazy. To get all of the cities and agencies on the same page and to get them all to follow through with providing the necessary data feeds has taken some time. If you are on Twitter, please tell Valley Metro thanks for bringing us this information! http://twitter.com/valleymetrorpta

Feel free to view and comment on this same post about Google Transit on the Rail Life blog as we would love to get feedback from people to share with Metro. Sure, you can leave a comment here but I am not sure they are on Active Rain. :-)

Do you have Google Transit in your city? Have you seen property values do well for homes near light rail or bus line? We want to know!

Here is the information sent to me yesterday…

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Have you heard of Google Transit, a feature of Google Maps that began in October of 2007 and now covers 445 cities worldwide? Google Transit helps you get around town using the “Get Directions” feature of Google Maps and the option to use public transit. Valley Metro has been working with the 14 member cities of the Regional Public Transit Association (RPTA) to bring this feature to Valley residents. We’ve covered a lot of ground in the testing phase, but it’s a big Valley with a lot of transit routes to verify so we’re not yet ready to introduce it for use. Here’s a little more about what Google Transit will do once it’s online (using a test account set up for us by Google): Like any trip using Google Maps, I input my origin and destination. In this case I want to leave the Valley Metro offices to go to the Phoenix Zoo. I’ve expanded the options section to tell Google I want to leave the office at 10:00 am, and I want to use public transit.

When I click on “Get Directions” the map shows me public transit options, and I can click on the bus icon to get more information on the route selected.

The text on the left side of the Google Transit webpage gives me the specifics of the trip, and shows multiple transit options if they are available. Note that all Valley Metro Transit Book information is uploaded to Google Transit – the transit feature knows that a Route 3 bus is scheduled to depart Central station at 10:14, and should arrive at the Phoenix Zoo at 10:47 am.

More complex trips for Google Transit may involve taking an Express Bus or RAPID to downtown, connecting to METRO Light Rail, and then walking to your final destination. Add to that the comprehensive time schedules involved with each transit route, and you can see we’ve got our hands full. It takes careful coordination to get all of the correct information in the right format to Google so that residents can use an accurate online transit service. Once the service is online, our Share The Ride users can see their Google Transit options with just one click. Their origin and destination information is already saved to their profile, along with their commuting schedule. A “Show Transit” button will change their commute map into a Google Transit map, as shown below in a demonstration account.

ShareTheRide users can then find carpool, vanpool and transit options for their commute all in one place, using one account. When can you see, test and travel around the Valley using Google Transit? We hope to have it ready by the end of April, and we’re working closely with transit agencies around the Valley to make that happen. We know Google Transit will help both residents and tourists visit all the great destinations the Valley has to offer.

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Big thanks to Valley Metro for sending this information to Rail Life! We are REALLY looking forward to Google Transit being available in the Phoenix area!

The Willo Historic District is a truly magnificent historic neighborhood.  As one of Phoenix's most beautiful historic neighborhoods, Willo is located just west of Central Avenue between Thomas and McDowell Roads from 1st to 7th Avenues. The fact that there are three light rail stops near Willow add another unique benefit to this great location. Having stations at McDowell, Encanto and at Thomas/Central Avenue allow Willo residents to easily take advantage of all of the great restaurants, shops, arts districts, sporting activities, employment centers, etc along the light rail line. This truly is old world charm meets modern conveniences.

Willo is an amazing community. From our friend, Christoph Schweiger we hear that homes in Willo: “do not have garages, walk-in closets, or entertainment centers. They were built in the 1920’s and ’30’s before people thought lots of storage space was essential in a home. But for every modern convenience they may seem to lack, the historic homes of Willo more than make up for them in charm and grace.”

The uniqueness of the homes, the beautiful tree-lined streets, the basements, guest homes, and overall flair of Willo have made the area very desirable for a very long time. With the addition of the 20 mile long light rail system running along the entire East side of the Willo Historic District, residents now enjoy even more things about their spectacular community. In Phoenix, there are eight different historic districts near light rail, each with a unique story. Feel free to look around. We have enclosed a list of homes for sale in and around Willo. You can also click this link of homes for sale in Willo from our mls system. Please feel free to contact Nick Bastian for a tour of these amazing Phoenix homes.

Once a year, residents of PHOENIX's Willo Historic District put out the "welcome mat" and open their homes to Valley residents and visitors. A variety of homes from Tudor to Spanish Revival from Bungalow to Ranch style homes dating from the 1920s through the 1940s will be on tour. Stroll Willo's tree lined streets from house to house, or jump on a trolley to carry you throughout the neighborhood.

One of Phoenix's most beautiful, historic neighborhoods, Willo is just west of Central Avenue between Thomas and McDowell Roads from 1st to 7th Avenues. Don't miss this fun-filled opportunity to visit architecturally significant, finely decorated homes while supporting Phoenix's largest historic district.

The Willo Historic Home Tour web site has all of the scoop.

Event: 22nd Annual Willo Historic Home Tour & Street Festival
"Welcome to Willo!"
Start Time: Sunday, February 14 at 10:00am
End Time: Sunday, February 14 at 4:00pm
Where: Willo Historic District

Willo is an amazing community. Our friend, Christoph Schweiger tells us that: “The homes do not have garages, walk-in closets, or entertainment centers. They were built in the 1920’s and ’30’s before people thought lots of storage space was essential in a home. But for every modern convenience they may seem to lack, the historic homes of Willo more than make up for them in charm and grace.”

The homes in Willo do have many great features not found in many of the “cookie cutter” neighborhoods you see around the valley. Basements, separate guest homes, beautiful tree lined streets and unique styles can be found in Willo and help to make up the charm that residents love.

The photos above are from properties within the Willo Historic District. For a sample of homes for sale in Willo <—click there.

Living this close to the light rail line makes a lot of sense for many Willo residents. This is your chance to sample the Rail Life! :-)

The Tempe Block Party is typically one of the biggest parties of the year. Not just “Tempe big” but, nationally known as a GREAT place to ring in the new year. Tens of thousands of people descend upon the Mill Avenue District to eat, drink and be merry. The music plays at Town Lake and there is fun for all types of people. This year, the Doobie Brothers are headlining the show and will play at midnight. I took the following picture of last years band. Brownie points if you can name them.

Earlier in the day, the 2009 Insight Bowl will be played near by at Sun Devil Stadium. This means that locals and out of town guests from Minnesota and Iowa State will be hanging out together after the big game. Parking can be a challenge so, plan ahead…

The Mill Avenue District has many choices when it comes to housing as well. If you are heading to the game or to the block party, check out the area. If you decide you like it, let us know. :-)

I am including a sample of homes in Tempe that are near by. Who knows, one of them just might be exactly what you have been looking for…

Recently, the National Association of Home Builders announced the Nation’s First ‘Emerald’ Green Remodeling Project Certified in Phoenix. Interestingly enough, the home is located near the Phoenix Light Rail line which is proving to be a great place for “green-minded” people to hang their hats. 

According to the NAHB, “The 1,600-square-foot, 70-year-old ranch house is in the Pierson Place Historic District near the new light rail line.” If you are not familiar with the Pierson Place Historic District, it is located near the light rail station at Central/Camelback.

Having a “green” home near light rail makes sense for a lot of people. Living in a more walk able community is something owners and investors look for when choosing a home that fits their needs.

The National Green Building Standard can apply to many homes near the light rail line ( or in other areas, I’m sure). According to their recent announcement: “All new and remodeled homes certified to the standard must meet benchmarks in energy, water and resource efficiency and indoor environmental quality and provide operations and maintenance information for their home owners.” So, the fact that the first home was in Pierson Place and the fact that we have a LOT of really cool historic districts located near the light rail line, does not mean that only historic homes are being re-done to be more sustainable.

Typically, when we talk about homes “near” the light rail line, we are talking about homes within a 1/2 mile radius from any given station. So far, this has been the “sweet spot” for our market but that radius has been growing. A quick search of single family homes near the line tells us that we currently have over 120 single family properties for sale within 1/2 mile of the light rail line, ranging in price from under $50k to well over $500k.

Slowly but surely, it appears these Phoenix streets are turning green.

Once again, it's time for our (7th) annual turkey drive! On Sunday Nov. 22nd, I will be delivering turkeys to Phoenix Rescue Mission as they prepare to feed the homeless on Thanksgiving Day.

I believe that many people have a desire to help others this time of year but find it difficult to do so because our lives are so busy. This year, the shelters need a LOT of help. If you would like to help by making a financial donation, we will do all of the work for you! I'll be purchasing frozen turkeys Sunday morning to deliver to the Phoenix Rescue Mission. (I can provide receipts from the mission if needed.) Please feel free to contact me with any questions or donations.

If you are able to donate one dollar or a hundred ( or more), I am able to purchase frozen turkeys all at once for delivery to the mission on Sunday morning. Over the years, we have found this the easiest way to help the most people. I can give you my address or I can pick up donations up until Saturday the 21st. You can always email me at nick (at) nickbastian (dot) com or call me for more info! I am out and about a LOT, so it makes picking up your donation pretty easy! :-)

Last year, with the help of my friend Rob, we were able to deliver over 875 pounds of turkey for needy families! Big thanks to Rob Sell at Sell Home Inspections for all he does. Thankfully, Rob has really stepped in to be a huge help to me in hauling all of these birds. We both have a BLAST delivering them and want to thank everyone for your donations to such a great cause.

Please help. Every single penny is GREATLY appreciated. We want to make it easy for everyone to help others this Thanksgiving. I would also like to wish you and your families a wonderful holiday season!

If you are an agent that sells homes near transit lines or that feels like living near a light rail system could be a benefit to home owners or investors, I would ask that you contact your local transit authority to get your area added to the Walk Score system.

Walk Score is a great tool we have used for quite some time to allow people to “score” a home based on it’s “walk-ability.” While I believe it is a great tool, I hadn’t really been quite as excited as one might think, mostly because their algorithm hadn’t included public transportation, mainly, light rail.

Recently, that excitement has changed slightly as I have seen several blog posts about new transportation data being used in evaluating a Walk Score. The reason I say slightly is because the Phoenix Metro area does not yet have the super cool transit functionality built into the search. ( Flagstaff has it!?!)

Getting the data necessary to add transportation to the Walk Score system is easy. There is a form we can all fill out to request our transit agency to submit a transit feed to make it happen. If you are interested in transportation or are interested in living near the light rail line, please fill out that form and let them know.

Please feel free to leave a comment here and add to the discussion BUT, please also head over to the blog post I wrote about this topic on the Rail Life blog and leave a comment there as well. I would like to get some reactions from some of the "transit geeks" that read the Rail Life blog and it would be great to have them see what some of the people from Active Rain have to say about the Walk Score information. If you are not familiar with Walk Score, you might want to check them out. It is a fun way to tell people how "walk able" their neighborhood.

Ok, who is using Google Wave? As you can see form the following blog post written by my friend Bill Risser, we are going to meet on Monday to try and dive a little deeper into some of it's features.

You are welcome to join us in person or online. If you have a Google Wave account, please feel free to connect with me so that we can chat on Monday at 10am ( AZ time) I am nickbastian@googlewave <dot>com

I have heard good things and not so good things about Google Wave which is understandable for a new product. I have nt used it much yet but see some interesting possibilities. Please feel free to join us!

Not long ago, I came up with the term RailGating. Basically, it is a new way for people to enjoy the football games at Sun Devil Stadium while avoiding traffic and parking nightmares. Now that we have light rail available to drop people off right in front of Sun Devil Stadium, many people are using it to get to the games and a new term has been introduced to light rail riding Sun Devils. RailGating is here… Soon, it will be an art form. There is no right or wrong way to railgate, just have fun. There will be people that join existing tailgaters, people will use one of the FREE park and Ride lots and then stop at restaurants and bars near Sun Devil Stadium, downtown Phoenix students can take light rail to the game and meet up with friends, etc.

This weekend, we are gearing up for for some serious RailGating action and a Homecoming showdown with the Cal Bears on Halloween.

In fact, everyone is invited to come hang out with the cool AT&T SparkyCentral camera man before, during (if you don’t have tickets") and after the game. While there, you will have a chance to enter the “Grand Puba” contest to win a bunch of cool stuff. If you can’t make it or are not going to enter the contest, please make sure to VOTE FOR ME. <—yes, click that link and vote so that I win…

According to the AT&T Sparky Central site, these are some of the things up for grabs…

1. Free passes to home games.
2. Sideline seating.
3. FREE AT&T Sparky Central merchandise.
4. Exclusive V.I.P. Tailgating Railgating events.
5. More cool stuff that you can find on their site or ask em’ Saturday!

The Homecoming game against California has been picked up by ABC for a 12:30 PM kickoff. We will be there by 10:30am to hang out with friends before the game. (SparkyCentral will be there by 11:00am) The early afternoon kickoff time leaves plenty of time for RailGater’s to enjoy trick-or-treating and other Halloween festivities that evening. Be there, be loud and in gold to carry on the home field advantage for the Devil’s.

ASU has a bunch of great stuff planned for Homecoming. Make sure you check it out and make sure you stop by and say “Hi!”

To come hang out with me and SparkyCentral, take the light rail to the station at 5th and College and head South on Forest to 6th street. At 6th street head west to where the street ends, we will be in the lot on the South side of the road at 101 E 6th Street. Here is a Google map for “RailGating” with us.

For people that are enjoying the games in Tempe, we have set up a new RailGating group on Flickr to share the experiences with friends and with the community. I'll be adding more pics from this weekend so come back and check it out. Finding ways to have fun in Tempe is what it is all about!

See you Saturday… Go Devil’s!

Foreclosures are a huge part of the real estate market in Arizona. For some, foreclosures are an opportunity, for others, they are a nightmare. Over the past several months, I have had many conversations with people about what happens to a tenant when an owner loses the home. We have all heard the horror stories of people coming home to an eviction notice and the terrible situation it can put them through. The National Association of Realtors "supports programs to reduce the impact of foreclosure on communities." In fact, they have talked about tenants rights quite a bit this year. From a NAR article we learn:

 Under the new law, which went into effect on May 20th, tenants will have to receive 90-days notice prior to being evicted, when their rental home is foreclosed upon. In addition, tenants must be allowed to stay in the property through the end of their lease, with two exceptions: * The new owner wants to occupy the property as a personal residence, and * There is no lease (month to month), or there is a lease but state law allows the lease to be terminated at any time upon notice.

Unfortunately, not all people are aware of their rights. The fact is, most people would prefer to be notified prior to a notice being served.

After my friend Jeff called recently to ask me to look into a potential foreclosure situation for a friend of his, I called my friend, Bill Risser and also decided to meet with the guys at LemonLandlord.com to learn more about their service. Take a look at this video. If you have any questions... " Just Call Nick!"

You can also follow Bill on Twitter and follow along with Lemon Landlord there, as well.