Took this picture on top of Black Mountain this morning.  Storm rolling in fast. Good to see the rain.  Even with regular watering, so much of the vegetation around the Valley is dry right now.  The only real negative that comes with rain like this is that if your roof was suspect for repair, you probably know now that you need to have it taken care of .

Particularly after the long drawn out heat that we have been experiencing, if a roof had any kind of a vulnerability, it certainly got more dried out and it’s likely the ‘hole’ got bigger.  Which is why it might have been raining in your living room this morning.  Hope not.

Changing gears… Want to give a quick salute to my ol’ truck “Goldy.” After 11 long years of service the ol’ boy has been put out to pasture.  When I bought Goldy used, he had 70,000 miles.  In fact, I found him on ebay in Texas.  It was such a good deal, figured it was worth chasing down. So my new girlfriend at the time (who became my wife and mother to our children) flew out to Houston, picked him up and drove him back to Phoenix.   Ended up putting on another 115,000 miles and almost never had a problem.

This spring though, Goldy started having some trouble and it became cost prohibitive to put the money toward him that was need to get him going again. Time to move on.  But still, there is nothing better than an old, reliable, truck.  RIP Goldy, Best truck ever!

In my last post I discussed the pros/cons of the heat and cold.  Mentioned I had heat stroke a few years back. To follow that up, I went out and spend a long day in the heat without enough water, “because I just wanted to finish what I was doing!” Will just re-iterate, ‘If it don’t kill ya, it will make tougher.’ Did feel like I was dying that night though.

The heat can also be pretty cool. It’s amazing to see how fast cacti, flowers and such can grow in the desert because of the heat.  I salvaged a couple rose bushes from a client this spring and planted them in my front yard. Initially they started to bloom, but then the heavy heat hit and so far it has been too much for them.  Realized they need a pretty consistent flow of water this time of year to avoid drying out. (The neighbors must think I am watering dead plants.)  They are not dead.  I keep cutting them back and finding a healthy plant in there.

Will admit though, it has been a bit of a learning curve to understand how to care for them and what adjustments to make as the weather changes.  Nonetheless, I’m confident I will soon have some gorgeous roses shining in my front yard.  It’s like sticking with someone as they go through a hard time.  You help them out any way you can. Sometimes that means just checking on them to see if they need anything, giving them some encouragement.  It’s always good to see someone/something get back on their feet and get going again. Glad I can help. Go roses go!

“If learning is living, then the truth is a state-of-mind.” – Son Volt

Love that line.  Comes from the song ‘Tear Stained Eye,’ from Son Volt’s debut album Trace. Seems to speak to the idea that reality is made up based on our own experiences. What can I say?, this is where my mind is at. Summer in the desert will have an effect on a man.

Along those lines, while I’m feeling wily.  Having grown up in Minnesota, I am no stranger to harsh weather.  I’ll never forget sitting in the freezing cold waiting for my Pop’s old Ford Fiesta to warm up and saying, ‘Why do we live here?’ Kind of made a pact with-myself that when I could move, I would, and I did.  Arrived in the desert almost 15 years ago.

Having done a fair amount of work outside during the hot desert months, have come to believe that the heat is more stifling than the cold.  Really, can see why so many of the cowboy types are hardened; the heat will make a man out of anyone.

In the cold you can generally warm-up and be productive, even while still outside. And I’ll always tip my hat to the ingenuity of my fellow ‘Sotans  and their long standing ability to  make ice cream out of ice. Have long thought they are such a productive people because if they aren’t prepared for winter, they will die.  Tends to be motivating.

The heat is different. If you are in it, you are in it.  We don’t have magical suits that we can put on that will cool our bodies down (though I may start working on one. Think air-conditioned snow-mobile suits, eh?) No, in the desert you just have to suck it up. Do what you got to do and get cool.  Because the thing is, the old Ford Fiesta did heat up and as much as that moment of shivering is burned in my mind, I don’t remember 5 minutes later because I had become comfortable.

On the other hand, I do remember getting heat stroke a couple years back and hurting for the next week or so because my body was having a hard time recovering.

With that, to all of you that are here for the summer, my hat’s off to you. You get a badge of toughness in my book.  As for the rest of you that have to get to cooler weather, I got just one thing to say: Make sure you call me to check on your property while your gone.

Stay cool everyone!

Does this look like a lot of nails and screws? Can anyone guess how many there are? I do know, I had my 6, 5 and 4 year old count for me.  According to their tally there are, “83, or 84, maybe 89.” Close enough.

Believe it or not all these screws, nails and hooks came out of the walls at my rental property I was cleaning out.  Back when the tenant moved in, she had asked if she could hang some pictures. How did I respond? “Yeah, you can hang some pictures.” Hey, I’ve owned rental properties for 14 years. Also, I used to do paint and drywall work, so a couple holes aren’t a big deal.  Will admit though, seems if there is a loophole to be exploited, renters find them.

In this case the ‘loophole’ was to the tune of 80 some-odd holes.  Many of them quite large because the tenant opted to use anchors and over sized nails. Basically every square inch of wall space had been covered. It took me a full day to patch and paint.

That said, she rented the property for 4 years and was a really good tenant. What made her so good? A good tenant is one who pays (she never missed a month). I say this because in assisting clients with renting their properties many will say, “I want a good tenant?” Ok, I say, “What does that mean?” They respond with; “I want someone who is self-sufficient in dealing with property issues and it would be good if they take good care of the house too.” I look at them, “What about paying rent?” And they smile and say, “Of course they will pay the rent, right?”

If you are using me to list your property for lease, yes. Through the application process we will vet potential tenants. Financial history does not lie. However, as far as personal habits? It’s a little more a roll of the dice.

When it’s all said and done, yes, it would be better to not have 83, 84, or 89 holes in the walls, but if the rent has been paid it’s all a little easier to swallow; cost of doing business.  And yes, a ‘great tenant’ is one who pays, isn’t needy and takes care of the property.  We’ll call that the golden goose eh?

And lastly, in my next rental agreement, I will make sure to have language that addresses excessive holes. Lesson learned.

Roads on the brain. The 032 wasn’t the only community implementing a road improvement plan this past year. Just to the north of the 032, in the 331 (Cave Creek), there has also been some repaving and relining.

Both communities completed road projects this past year that included making more room for bike lanes and bicyclists.  North Phoenix completed a 5 mile stretch of 32nd St from Bell south to Cactus. The road was repaved, relined and had some signage put in place. Wasn’t the end all, but a step in the right direction. The area has a dense commercial and residential tax base in-place and was once the hub of commerce for the North Valley.  Don’t call it a comeback, been here for years.

Cave Creek also completed an extensive repaving that included all of Cave Creek Rd from Carefree Hwy north to Pima (about 8 miles).  Also included was the 3 mile stretch of Tom Darlington from Carefree Hwy north to Cave Creek Rd.

Along the way, medians were ripped out, plants in the medians were relocated and the medians were rebuilt smaller.  All this to accommodate the bike lanes on the outside of the street. Boom, Boom, Done.  Impressive how they knocked this project out. There were already quite a few bicyclists using these roads, but almost instantly the number seemed to multiply.

Small issue. There are bicyclists and then there are bikers. One is peddle power, the other is an iron horse with a loud motor. The only similarity is they both have two wheels.  The ladder group is part of a contingency in town who is very unhappy about this change in cultural philosophy; out with the bikers bars and burgers, in with wine bars and sushi. Not surprisingly there’s not much crossover between the two groups.

If one has been unfortunate enough to read the local rag (rhymes with zonoran hews) of late, the war of words is on full display.  Last week I read one bicyclist responding to an article in which the author had said, ‘I will run you bicyclists off the road if you don’t move over’ (I’m paraphrasing). To which a bicyclist responded in a letter, ‘I will sue you for every penny if you even come close to me.’ Lovely.

Cave Creek is a cowboy town that has always been friendly/welcoming to bikers.  You can’t have a Hideaway or Harold’s without them.  But there is also a huge contingent of seasonal residents who prefer more of the fine-dining environment. The business owners in both Cave Creek and Carefree have tried to accommodate this desire and there are some excellent dining opportunities. But seasonal venues have it rough, you really have to do some volume in 3-5 months to survive 7-9 months of pretty scarce business.  The bike lanes are a way for the community to continue to attract as many people year-round as possible. Snowbird, biker, cowboy, bicyclist, Cave Creek is a destination for everyone, anytime of year! (spoken like a true Realtor). Hope they don’t kill each other.

In finishing this thought, one thing comes to mind. The common trait between Cave Creek and North Phoenix is that both are havens for ‘Mom and Pop’ type venues. No question I love me some Chili’s (they are a chain that does a good job). But there is no question, I am over corporate chains and bad gimmicks.  I want good food. I want people who work hard and care about what they do.  The only way to get this:  Find businesses run by the people who own them. Maybe that’s why communities are spending so much time on roads, so people can find them?

It’s a beautiful Monday morning.  I hope everyone had a great weekend.  Have a few thoughts running through my head, which is more than usual.

First off, a quick shout out to my friends Mike and Tassie Phifer formerly of the 254. About a month ago Mike and Tassie and their five kids, “the Phifer 7, ” packed their bags hand headed to Belize for a year-long mission trip. Quite a calling. Am hoping and praying they are doing well. Also want them to know how much they are missed and what a void their absence creates.   Click link below for an update on them.

http://www.genesis-church.com/#!phifer-belize-mission/z0rph

Also want to give a shout out to my friends Josh and Grant in the 032 and the group they led this past weekend out to the San Carlos Indian Reservation.  They are working with “Arizona Reservation Ministries” to help build houses for families in San Carlos.  Lot of hard work.  If you are interested in finding out more about “ARM” click link below. Great job guys, Rocknroll!

http://azrez.org/

Lastly, my own shameless plug.  Have begun advertising on “The Ray Adams Show” on NBC Sports 1060 am.  His show airs Saturday mornings from 6-7 and Monday nights from 6-7.  Tonight I will be on with Ray at about 6:45 talking a little bit about my business.  Tune in if you can!

Have a great week everyone.

When I began this blog, much of my thinking was to market my services to the “Millennial” group chasing up my back-side. Not a new idea.  Who isn’t trying to capture that market? They are vast; the Millennial (whom we define as between ages 18 to 34 in 2015) are projected to number 75 -80 million, surpassing the projected 74.9 million Boomers (ages 51 to 69). They are smart and they are entering into their earning prime.

Talking about my generation, the “Gen Xer’s,” (ages 35 to 50 in 2015) we sit at about 50 – 60 million. Seems no one is talking about capturing us as a market.  “What, just because we are a small, not-so successful generation that isn’t as tech savvy like the up and comers?

Googling “Genration X” may provide some explanation. The headlines read like a bastard step-child that needs to go away. “Gen X is the Most Screwed Generation when it comes to Real Estate”, “Millennial are better at saving than Generation X”, “Gen X and the big self-help lie: In furious middle age, a ‘Life Reimagined’ feels impossibly out of reach.” And my favorite “Generation X: Americas neglected ‘middle child'”

I’m listing all this without providing any context to what they mean, but overall the indication is that things haven’t turned out so great for the Gen Xers. But moreover, the prospects of turning things around are not looking so good. There is a reality to it all.  For myself coming out of the housing collapse in 08, it hit me square between the eyes one day, “I’m going to have to work the rest of my life !?!”  Better to accept it for what it is and roll-on. The silver lining for me is that I am securely self-employed and enjoy what I do.

This seems to be the favorite saying of the termite guys.  Let’s just say the desert and wood are a really bad combo.  So you go ahead and get your property treated complete with warranty.  Or you buy an existing home and you have it inspected and are given a clean bill of health. In either case you think you are good to go.  Keep your eyes pealed folks, sorry to say, termites seem to pop up any time any place.

Case in point, last summer had a through inspection done on an investment property I acquired.  Guy say’s, “Place is good, no termites.” Awesome.  6-7 months later, I’ve got a buyer.  Their inspector comes in and say’s, “The place is infested.” “What?!?” I call my guy who did the previous inspection and ask, “Can it happen that fast? Or did you miss something?”  He stands by his inspection, and says, “Yes, it can happen that fast.”

Seems fishy, but I’m no expert and really, we are all at the mercy of what the professionals say.   So CYA. If one company say’s you don’t have them, possibly it is in you and your properties best interest to get a second opinion. If that seems redundant, then make sure you keep up with annual inspections. There are also companies that will provide monthly critter treatment which do not necessarily protect against termites, but at least you will have eye’s on the place and if they see’em, they will let you know.

Anyone know what this is?  I know, it looks a little bit like a hairless bear wearing a t-shirt holding a hammer (actually it’s my Pops). Was helping him the other day in his garage and asked him to hand me a hammer and this is what he gives me. “Whoa!?!  What the heck  is this?” “I don’t know?” he says.  “It was my Grandfathers.” (Notice on the right side, there is a moveable razorblade attached). I looked at him, “What did he use it for? It must have had a specific purpose?” He thought maybe to cut the twine on hay bails. Makes sense. Maybe just a handy utility tool for around the farm.  Looks like you had to be a tough ol’ boy to wield hammer like that.

Speaking of tough ol’ boys, the hairless bear turned 76 this weekend.  Happy Birthday Pop. Keep rollin!

BTW; took the picture because I was sure I would be able to match one on google images and find out more about it.  No luck.  If anyone does know something, be much obliged if you gave me a shout.

Switching gears. It’s getting to be late March and many of our seasonal residents will be flying north for the summer.  Those that are leaving a vacant home for any duration of time; just a reminder how important it is to have someone to check on the place every week or two.  Part of my residential service business is managing seasonal residents homes.  Have heard more than once, “Just make sure there are no wild animals roaming inside.” Kind of a naïve statement.

In the eight or so years I’ve been doing this, seems if it can go wrong, it will.  Have walked into; flooded homes where a pipe has burst, leaky roofs,  pools being neglected, termite activity, irrigation systems flooding the yard and yes a critter or two. The landscaper will fix that broken irrigation valve, but he may not be scheduled to be back for 3 weeks.  And pool guys, god bless em, hard to find a good one, but they are pretty aware the resident has left for the season when all the cushions outside have been put away. Seems that weekly service turns into every other week.  Just sayin, got to have a guy to make sure the other guys are keeping up.   Like I tell my friend Josh in the 032, “Just helping one homeowner at a time.”

Are you looking for a desk to rent or a boardroom to host a meeting? No, my barn is not available.  However, according to Hayley Ringle over at the Phoenix Business Journal, Desk Hub is opening a 10,000 square foot office space at City North. For $300 a month one can use a desk space up to 12 times a month.  $400 will allow for unlimited use.  There is also a kitchen and coffee area available as well.

The executive suite idea is not new.  But something of this scale is fairly unique.  City North has had a heck of a time making a go of it.  Allowing Desk Hub to turn 10,000 square feet into rentable office space seems to be a short term solution for cash flow.  And with the amount of infrastructure and development happening around City North, it seems pretty evident the corridor will eventually have its hey day.  When that happens, the commercial space will likely revert back to high end retail. But for now this is a good solution.  Love solutions.

What really caught my eye was a quote from Desk Hub founder and CEO Jay Chernikoff, I’m paraphrasing here, “the North Phoenix hub is a bit a haven for people doing entrepreneurial stuff.” I haven’t heard that but it makes sense. Entrepreneurs are going to follow development. Just hope they aren’t all Realtors 🙂 And as a guy who used to use a coffee shop as my office, it’s good to see there are some other options.  For me though, I have landed in barn heaven. I can write a blog or build a mail-box all in the same space.

Here’s a link to the article if you are interested in reading more…

http://www.bizjournals.com/phoenix/blog/business/2016/03/exclusive-scottsdale-co-working-space-to-open.html