Arizona Real Estate Specialists

It was 79 years ago today.

Black Tuesday.

The Stock Market crash.

The end of the roaring twenties.

The market had surged for so long... and the correction was grueling.

We've had our own stock market surge.

You can't read the financial papers without seeing people compare our current situation to the crash.

How did the market celebrate the birthday of the great crash?

By rising 900 points in the second biggest single day gain ever.

Who wants cake?

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Photo Credit: "Birthday Cake" by Ariel da Silva Parreira

In 2006 Mesa, Arizona was named by Money Magazine as one of the best places in America to Retire. Among the positive elements behind the choice was financial.

As Mesa approaches a half million residents, it offers something no other of American city of it's size can- No Property Tax.

For the past sixty years Mesa residents have not had to pay taxes on their property. Two years ago the residents went to the polls. It was proposed that a property tax be allowed to help pay for the many services that the fast-growing city was finding trouble funding. Residents rejected a property tax by a three to two margin.

Mesa voters will head to the polls next week to decide once again whether they want to tax their property to pay for some of the items the city wants.

This time the decision will be wrapped in two measures, both of them bonds. One for public safety projects and the other for street repair.

To read further about these issues, or to follow election results go here: AZ Central Election Coverage.

Photo Credit "Tax" by Matt Aiello

The Suns have made their reputation on a run-and-gun style of offense that is usually exciting and sometimes frustrating. They've won a lot of games over the last four seasons.

Only one team has a better record in the past four: San Antonio.

And that's been the problem.

When the two teams meet on Wednesday night it will be a new-look-Suns. Instead of hoisting it up within seven seconds, they'll be playing a half court offense. They'll also be playing defense.

Count this Suns fan among those who will be seeing how well this works out.

Game: Wednesday, October 30, 5:00 p.m.

Vs. San Antonio Spurs

Check out the Entire Season: Suns Schedule

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"Eclipse" - Photo By SeanJ - Creative Commons Licenses

It lingers with me- the sickening feeling.

I was on the way home from Jr. High. I had finished basketball practice- so I took the late bus that would deposit me at the edge of my neighborhood as the first hint of night approached.

This left little time for me to dress up for Halloween. I'd procrastinated. I was still trying to adjust to life as a Jr. High student and hadn't given Trick or Treat much head space.

What would I wear? How should I haul the candy? A lunch bag? A pillowcase?

Then I realized something- I was too old for Halloween.

Sure. I could go but I couldn't think of a single reason why I kid my age and sprouting height deserved a treat. Surely there would be the admonishing adult who would ask me, "Aren't you a little old to be trick-or-treating?"

So I did the next best thing.

I devised a scheme to scare all the kids who would be coming to my house. They'd get their treat all right. (Is this how all villains start out?)

I fashioned a ghost out of a sheet and a basketball. I wrapped my belt-robe to create a neck. I used a coat hanger to hold the head upright... the hook portion would come in handy. I tied a line from the front yard tree to the TV antenna on the roof. I put a speaker in the bush and ran a long wire up to the roof- from this high perch I stood- holding onto my ghost that had a very long leash. As kids approached I'd send the ghost down to the sidewalk... then I'd yank on the rope to stop the ghost in front of the approaching victims kids. The haunting was heightened by my ghoulish taunts- relayed from microphone to bush.

I was pretty proud of this do-it-yourself fright fest until I made a little trick-or-treater cry.

Ashamed, I dismantled the haunting kit and tracked down the little lady bug and apologized.

I offered a full size Snickers as a guilt payment. To this day I'm conflicted. If there's a place in hell for a over-the-top Halloween revelers, surely I was earning a place on the seating chart. But- no more. I've since dedicated myself to the treat portion of the festivities.

So... even though I've given up the spook-game it doesn't mean I won't help the rest of you hone your skills.

Wired Magazine has created a wiki. That's a collaborative website for people to share ideas. The theme of this one appears to be the ultimate guide to Halloween mastery.

For starters, they'll help you:

• Make Fake Blood
• Make Fake Smoke
• Build a Giant Spider Web
• Download Some Freaky Sounds

Is that too pedestrian? Add your own! Here's the place to get started:

Wired Halloween Wiki

But a simple plea: Be kind to the Lady Bugs.

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Photo Credit: "Ladybug Raingear" by Kyle Flood

Some have asked me for an update regarding Stephanie and Christian Nielson. They are the young Arizona couple who captivated the world through their humble blog that she created to document the simple pleasures of motherhood: http://www.nieniedialogues.blogspot.com/

On August 16, 2008, Stephanie and Christian were involved in a plane crash. Their flight instructor, Doug Kinneard passed away and Christian & Stephanie remain in critical condition at Maricopa Burn Center. Christian has sustained burns on over 30% of his body; Stephanie’s condition is even more severe, as she su

ffered burned over 80%.

The outpouring of concern and support from the blogosphere has been significant- as they have received many donations from around the world to help assist in their recovery.

Along with these donations, many other members of the community and world at large have contributed time, products and services in order to offer their assistance.

This evening at 7 (Saturday, October 25, 2008), Mindy Gledhill, Stephanie's favorite singer will be performing. The cost is $15 and all proceeds will go to Stephanie & Christian Nielson and the family of Doug Kinneard

Location: Mountain View High School Auditorium

Address: 2700 E Brown Rd Mesa, AZ 85213

Tickets available now at at Pioneer Book in Mesa 2820 E University Dr # 102 Mesa, AZ 85213 (480) 832-8433.

For the latest news about how their recovery and upcoming visits visit this location: Nie Recovery

Mea Culpa- Latin phrase that translates into English as "my fault", or "my own fault". - wikipedia

I've heard that the three hardest words to say, for most people, are these: "I love you."

In light of my constant delving into the worlds of big business and finance I'd like to add another couple rare phrases to the ranks.

When was the last time you heard a CEO or politician say "I was wrong" or "I am sorry."

When did these phrases lose favor?

The markets are reeling.

Where did it go wrong?

Turn on the news and you'll hear who is culpable.

Each political party blames the other.

Bankers blame the agents.

Agents blame the bankers.

The rich blame the poor who over-extended themselves.

The poor blame the rich who over-extended their companies.

As each CEO takes center stage and explains the position of their firm it's doubtful that any one of them will admit blame. Each will target market forces outside of their control or pressures too large for any one organization to withstand... we're unlikely to find any willing to accept a measure of responsibility.

Could it be? ... the Mea Culpa no longer exits?

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What has happened to us? Are we incapable of culpability?

I asked myself this when I spotted a handy note-card from my car insurance company. It was titled, "What to do in case of an accident." One of the first pieces of advice was "do not accept responsibility."

Perhaps I'm reading too much into that phrase. But it makes me wonder if this is the new credo.

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The movie "Love Story" has one of the more quotable lines, "Love is never having to say you're sorry."

Forgive my candor, but that's ridiculous.

Love, in my view, includes not only saying you're sorry, but also accepting responsibility and exhibiting an earnest desire to be open, honest and willing to improve.

Why am I yammering on about this?

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Refreshing proof to the contrary:

Alan Greenspan, former Chairman of the Fed, spoke to lawmakers today. He explained his views on the market's turmoil. A firm believer in free markets, he fought against regulating the market for credit default swaps. This is not a scandalous view. Many capitalists eschew government's involvement in regulating industry.

Yet, he made a candid statement. He said, “I made a mistake in presuming that the self-interests of organizations, specifically banks and others, were such as that they were best capable of protecting their own shareholders and their equity in the firms,” Referring to his free-market ideology, Mr. Greenspan added: “I have found a flaw. I don’t know how significant or permanent it is. But I have been very distressed by that fact.” [full New York Times story here.]

OK... there's a bit of the "you-a culpa" in there... but still... this works for me.

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Am I alone in thinking that we're better off when those in charge speak candidly?

I realize that the CEOs have a duty... that being, protecting shareholder wealth.

When CEOs speak with candor they are putting their livelihood on the line.

In March of 2007 Don Tomnitz, CEO of DR Horton- the nation's largest home builder said this, “I don’t want to be too sophisticated here, but 2007 is going to suck, all 12 months of the calendar year.” Predictably the company stock fell. More than a few shareholders felt he should be fired.

However, he was right... inelegantly stated- but factually correct.

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Unless I'm mistaken, none of us have the ability to accurately predict the future.

We do the best we can with the "facts" before us. We are much better at hindsight. Even the dimmest bulb could explain, with some degree of confidence, his or her own mistakes. Problem is, we're much better at finding the fault of others.

It's just my opinion, but I feel we'd be better off concentrating on fixing our own foibles before spending great deal of time on fixing everyone else's.

So, with great hesitancy I'm going to do the hypocritical thing. I'm going to suggest a way to get through the current crisis facing the nation.

It's not a "to do" list... it's simply a request for the tenor of disposition that should be considered before making any further decisions.

Here it is:

I urge all people in high places to do one thing. It's simple- accept blame. Shun the temptation to spin and point fingers. I realize my request flies in the face of prudence. Anyone who chooses to heed this advice will certainly catch heat for so doing. However, I feel this is a very good first step.

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When not riding his high horse, Chuck Willman can be found working in Phoenix area real estate.

Chuck Willman- www.AZvest.com - 480.292.0600

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Photo Credit: "Sad Boy With Coins" by the talented photographer Kriss Szkurlatowski

All it takes is one.

One person who could tell stories in a way that could take you on a journey.

I'm fortunate to have met some very good story tellers. They've enhanced my life in ways that I could never convey. Storytelling is a gift and an art.... some might say a lost art.

If you'd like to hear some of the nation's best story tellers, you're in for a treat. Now in it's sixth year, Mesa's Storytelling Festival has officially begun.

It started today (Thursday October 22) and runs until Saturday. Concert tickets are $11 but Saturday's daytime events are free.

Details here: Mesa Arts Center Storytelling Festival

Featured Storytellers:

• Sheila Kay Adams
  
• Charlotte Blake-Alston
  
• Donald Davis
  
• Olga Loya
  
• Sandy Oglesby
  
• Antonio Sacre
  
• Willy Claflin
  
• Kala Jojo

For much of my early life I grew up on or near an Air Force Base. For the bulk of my father's career he was involved in the branch known as the Air Training Command. As one might suspect, such bases are home to more take-offs and landings than an ordinary runway.

I remember my seventh grade teacher asking me, "How do you put up with the noise?"

"What noise?" I replied. She countered, "the noise from all of the low flying airplanes?"

I told her that there weren't many airplanes at this particular base.

Then, in an instance, I felt like an idiot. Any one would know this to be not true.

Over time I'd somehow managed to filter out the sound of rumbling aircraft.

In a similar way, I've also managed to be blissfully ignorant of the smell of dairy farms.

We tend to create blind spots. When we're accustomed to certain environmental factors we may fail to see that others may not be. For this reason, home buyers and sellers should be aware of issues that can either add to or detract from the value of a property.

In real estate, such factors are called "encumbrances". In many cases, they are issues of location.

Among the proximity issues that can devalue a home are these:

• Loud transportation: Planes, Trains, Automobiles

• Heavy industrial activity

• Crime enhancing enterprise

The proximity to transportation may have positive as well as negative effects. People tend to want to be close enough to the airport or the freeway but they may not want to be under the flight path or near the ramps. There's a reason that home prices in such areas tend to be lower than the homes a few blocks away. Before purchasing a home, be sure to check for the presence of any above-average noise potential.

Heavy industrial activity tends to occur in areas that are zoned accordingly. However, in larger cities there is a population issue... people need a place to live and sometimes noisy industry and population must co-exist. A good real estate agent will be able offer an education regarding zoning issues and their relationship to market values.

Crime... it exists everywhere. However, some areas tend to attract more of it. There are many websites that will assist you in looking for crime statistics. Here is one for Arizona: Crime Statistics ... but I'm sure there are others suitable for your area that could provide a good snapshot.

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Now that I've expressed potential areas of concern, one may ask, "How much does this matter?"

After all, crime can occur anywhere and all of us will be exposed to noise. In other words, these issues are relative... it comes down to finding a comfort zone. Most everyone has his or her own tolerance level... a good real estate agent will help you find a place that meets your needs.

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Chuck Willman is a real estate agent based in the Phoenix metro area.

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Photo Credit: "Plane Landing" by Maciek Sliwinski

Outside of Melbourne, Australia there's a 2,000 acre potato farm and sheep ranch.

This was home to Cliff Young and his mother.

Without a horse or vehicle, Cliff was presented with a dilemma. Whenever a major storm appeared to be on the horizon, Cliff would head out and round up the sheep on foot.

This was a process that could take hours and, on occasion, days.

So, when it was announced that there would be an ultra-marathon race from Sydney to Melbourne, Cliff decided to enter it. For those unfamiliar with geography, this is a distance of 875 kilometers ... that's right- 543 miles.

This event was also called the six day race. Many of the finishers required seven.

Imagine the opening day- young runners arrived decked out in racing gear. Cliff showed up in overalls and gumboots. Cliff, 61 years old, took his place among the 150 competitors.

If there ever was a fleshed out version of the tortoise-and-hare race, this was it.

With the sound of a starter pistol they were off. The competition clearly out classed him. They strode with the confidence of the highly trained distance runner.

Cliff ambled with an odd shuffle step; by the end of the first day he was far behind the pack.

Those who watched the 1983 live telecast were consumed with mixed emotions. Some hoped that the organizers would pull this toothless old man from the race before he killed himself. Others, inspired, couldn't help but track him- and pull for him. I suppose we all have that empathetic desire- the wish to see someone finish. Sometimes that's enough... victory can be earned by simply finishing what we start.

As night fell the runners ate, rested and then slept. Cliff kept going. During their slumber he made up ground. This was his tactic: Run without rest. Never stopping, he imagined he was saving his sheep by outrunning a storm. And run he did. By the fourth day he was approaching the leaders. By the fifth day he surpassed them.

Cliff managed to do the unthinkable.

He outdistanced them all- smashing the record by 9 hours, Cliff had finished the race in fewer than six days.

When he was awarded the prize money of $10,000 he was taken aback. He hadn't entered the race for money- instead he donated it to those who had yet to finish. Each of the five shared $2,000 each.

This is how heroes are born; we find an inpiring quality in those who remain humble while doing great things.

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Are there times when you feel the race is too large? Do you wonder if it's possible to keep up the pace?

I think of Cliff quite a bit. I tell myself that there is no official pace to life. I try to find my own cadence- the rhythm that allows me to make it to the finish line in spite of the normal demands of life. Yes- it's a challenge... but there's a bit of Cliff Young in all of us. Slipping on the gumboots, we shuffle out there.

May your slow-and-steady win the race.

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There are many Cliff Young websites out there. Though I've not used any one of them in particular- here are a few resources that will give you a larger perspective regarding this truly inspiring person:

Cliff Young a farmer who inspires a nation

Cliff Young - Wikipedia

Cliff Young Australian Six Day Race