New Mediterean Community Coming to Surprise

New Master Planned Community Coming to Northwest Valley

Looks like Surprise is going to get a shot at a new construction mediteraean village from Chicago based Terrapin Properties. Bellazano is set to break ground in early 2008 and will offer 444 condos on 28 acres of property near Grand Ave and Parkview Place . That puts it squarely between three golf courses by the way!
What makes Bellazano different from other Surprise communities will be the lush open spaces in and around the community. Dog parks, walking paths and colorful landscaping, along with ramadas, barbeques and fire pits will create a great a beautiful environment that will invite residents outdoors for walks, swimming or socializing. Amenities will include a 6000 sq ft clubhouse with kitchen, billiards, library, and theatre room. The floor plans (there are nine) will range from 1140-1916 sq ft. Living spaces will all be on one level and some will come with enclosed 2 car garages.
Surprise is still an outlying area so prices are always good, but retail development is on the rise with restaurants and shops moving in. Bellazano homes start in the $190’s.

Reservations are currently being taken at Bellazano and the deposits are a steal for pre-construction. Contact WeKnowUrban directly for more information on this, or other urban projects.

One Guy’s Opinion

A lot of negative things are being said and written about the light rail in general and all the urban development that has been planned or built over the last four years but I gotta say that I really like the direction that this city is going. Have mistakes been made? Absolutely. Are we still a long way off from achieving pedestrian friendly dense neighborhoods? Yep. But, take a drive along the rail route (do it on the weekend or else you’ll lose your mind waiting in traffic) and check out great developments like Century Plaza and Portland Place. Slow down and admire the architecture of Chateaux on Central. Swing by Summit at Copper Square. These are all fantastic projects and really add to the city.

I’m not saying that we don’t have a lot of problems on the horizon. After all, it’s clear that there are not enough buyers for the units being built. We have excess inventory that will most likely take five or more years to absorb. But, if it hadn’t been for the crazy market of 2003-2005 we may never have seen buildings like those mentioned above. The positive fundamentals of our city will eventually solve all the current problems and we will have a better city for it.

Change of Mind On 44 Monroe

OK, I absolutely HATE to admit it but I really do like the style of 44 Monroe.
I don’t know why I have had such a negative opinion of the project (maybe it’s the way the developer sold it one way and then switched directions under the initial buyers, maybe it’s the peculiar and potentially risky way they financed it, or maybe it’s because I stuck my foot in my mouth in the past and predicted that it would never be built…..oops). Anyway, what a sexy looking building. I love the color of the glass, I love the fact that it’s not a box but instead has a lot of angles and curves, and I like what it’s added to the Phoenix sky line.

Downtown Chandler development moving forward

I stopped into Downtown Chandler today to check the progress on the redevelopment of the city center. Here are some photos of the progress at 123 Washington. 123 Washington is wrapping up construction and they expect all the homes to be ready for move in by Sept-Oct of 2007. There are currently 12 two story and 10 three story townhomes available.

No developer wants completed homes sitting around waiting to sell so they are showing a willingness to make deals on the final close out. Prices range from the $280’s to the $330’s but incentives are being offered to the tune of $5,000 off. Each home comes with a 2 car direct access garage and a minimum of 2 bedroom and 2 baths. Not a bad deal considering this is the first project in a rapidly changing area of Chandler. Shops and dining are in walking distance as well as the Chandler Center for the Arts.

Across Arizona Ave. from 123 Washington, construction has picked up pace at San Marcos Commons . These townhomes expect to start delivering early in 2008 and sales are pretty good considering the current market. Prices are a little higher, starting in the $290’s and topping out in the $420’s.

All the redevelopment is part of a master plan to turn Downtown Chandler into a true city center. Projects will run from Chandler Blvd all the way down to the new 202 San Tan Freeway.
Feel free to contact WeKnowUrban directly for additional information on this area and these projects.

Most Developers Motivated to Deal

Recently I have found some flexibility among local developers with regard to deposits, upgrades, and sometimes even base pricing. Everyone knows that the advantage is currently to the buyer and developers are starting to respond to the current market Sluggish sales, rising construction costs and the sheer number of new developments have put some pressure on sales offices to make purchasing in their communities more appealing.

I have personally assisted clients in negotiating with developers on design center allowances, friendlier deposits and even occasionally on base pricing. The best deals almost always are found in spec homes that will usually offer a lot of included upgrades and quicker closings.

One client of mine contracted in April to purchase at Santana Ridge Condominiums in Gilbert. The new construction project at Gilbert Rd south of the 202 San Tan Freeway is under the development of Weinstein Company. During construction we noticed that the sales office had reduced prices to draw in more buyers. Most developers would not pass on the reduction to clients already contracted to purchase a higher price. However in Santana Ridge the decision was made to do the right thing and my clients purchase price was reduced by $6000.

These movements by developers are not common, however they reflect the market of today. Having good representation and some negotiation skills working on your behalf can make a big difference in your overall purchase. Buyers agents like myself who specialize in the urban condo and loft market find our reputation usually carries additional weight with developers as well.

For more information on market conditions, communities or expert buyer representation, contact weknowurban directly.

Citro Update

Earlier this week I took an out of state client on a tour of the Old Town Scottsdale area. We visited some of the interesting projects in and around the area of Scottsdale Rd between Osborn and Camelback.

It’s definitely a cool area to look at condos and lofts with a variety of unique communities, both large and small, all with something different to offer from their neighbors.

Most prices are competitive for the area in both the development and resale market, but this client was really looking for something different and special.

We had been to several popular projects but I was having a hard time finding exactly what he was looking for. That’s when we went to visit Citro, and that was our last stop.

Citro is a planned development that will be constructed at Camelback and 78th St.

The existing Cortesian property will be cleared to make way for an exciting new urban village, just 1/2 mile from the center of Old Town Scottsdale. 276 total urban homes are planned, most are multi level with roof top terraces with a select number of single level flats.

Flats range from 1300-1500 sq ft in size and each comes with a 1 car garage. Multi level town homes go from 1496 to over 2700 sq ft. Each urban town home comes with a 2 car garage, rooftop terrace with gas grill and optional spa, outdoor fridge and sink, and (get this) private elevator with stops on all levels including the garage and rooftop. Flats come with 1 car garage, outdoor terrace on second level units and rooftop terraces on third level.

My client found exactly what he was looking for at Cirto. A cool urban property unlike any other, with great access to Old Town Scottsdale.

Reservations are being taken and the choices are narrowing at a very fast pace considering the current market. Because of the nature of these homes, the competitive prices, the amenities and location I suspect availability will disappear quickly.

Contact WeKnowUrban for more information on this exciting urban village in the heart of Old Town Scottsdale.