Recently, Gila River Tribal public information officer, Alia Maisonet responded to questions from AZ Republic reporters about the freeway planning process. While the tribe is keeping an open mind to the possibility of the freeway being built on their land, they are “sounding out community members”.  She also pointed out while they plan on submitting a request to AZ Dept of Transportation for a proposal for the freeway on tribal land, it should not be interpreted as consenting to on reservation alignment.

The Tribal approval process would be multi-tiered.   1^st the Transportation Technical Team would review the plan. Then it would go through the community’s committee process and finally the Gila River Indian Community Council would have to approve it. Possibly because of the sensitivity surrounding the issue they might put it up for a referendum vote of the people.  Doesn’t sound like any time soon to me.

No matter whether you are talking about Tribal leaders or the leaders involved with the Ahwatukee/Pecos alignment, leaders have to strike a balance between their constituents they answer to and “their duty to make the best possible decision for the community as a whole”,  Alia Maisonet indicated.

Also there have been some that have raised the issue about the how there is no money to make it attractive and to build the freeway “below grade” to minimize the noise factor. I don’t know about you, but I can’t think of too many freeways that are attractive. Grade is important for the noise.

Chandler & Gilbert with San Tan Mountains at Sunset

You have to see it to appreciate Chandler’s creativity, planning and resourcefulness in developing a new park right on top of an old garbage landfill!  I recently took a quick trip to Chandler’s newest city park, Paseo Vista Recreational Area.  The park is situated on a 40 foot bluff and provides a panoramic view of South Mountain (Ahwatukee area), the Superstition Mountains, Four Peaks and San Tan Mountains.  I had the pleasure of visiting it near sunset.  It is located just north of Ocotillo on McQueen.

This 64-acre park was built on an old Chandler garbage refuse that was closed in 2005.  City planners had a vision of creating an eyesore into a wonderful community asset that could be enjoyed by generations to come.  Engineers, developers and other experts carried out that vision and now we can enjoy the fruits of their work. 

Bulls Eye Marks the Archery Area

 The only evidence that it was once land for “something else” is a few buildings near the entrance that seemingly look out of place.  I am also guessing the very large 25 foot tall, 4” inch pipe that looks like an arrow in the ground, marking the Archery area is a methane venting pipe.

Disk Golf Course Hole 6

As I walked the park with my chocolate lab, I was amazed that underneath all the park amenities is 2.2 million tons of garbage decomposing and settling.  One won’t find any permanent hard surfaces on the park’s grounds because of this continuous settling underground.  This is a unique city park, as it features an archery range (at the north end), a “bark park” for dogs, and a playground area for children (at the south end), a disc golf course and various walking/jogging /running paths.  In addition, there is a pathway connected to the path along Paseo Trail, which connects to the canal trail that runs north through Chandler, Gilbert and Mesa.  One can train for any running race using this route.

Bella at the Park

My chocolate lab loved the dog park.  She has visited many dog parks, and one of the uninviting things about the other parks is how beaten up the grass gets from all the usage.  Many of them end up being dusty and dirty as dogs romp and play.  This dog park has two distinct areas and every week one is accessible while the other is closed for recuperation, alternating back and forth.  For those of you who are dog owners…you will appreciate this amenity, and so will your pooch!

Archers Taking Aim

The archery area brought back fond memories of my childhood.  When I was a child, I remember my dad making his own bows.  The archers I observed today used very different looking bows made of fancy graphite with special pulleys and sites.  My dad’s bows looked more like the long bows of Robin Hood! How times have changed!

Sunset Over South Mountain/Ahwatukee Area

Whether one ventures to Chandler’s new Paseo Vista Recreational Area to take their dog for a run, watch their children at play, practice archery, or take in the sunset, they will find many reasons to return.

Preparing to own your own home for the first time can be both exciting and scary, so I’ve compiled the top mistakes made my first time home buyers. No matter whether you  are looking at foreclosures, short sales or traditional seller homes, by knowing the mistakes made by first time buyers ahead of time, you can have the knowledge to avoid these mistakes yourself. It doesn’t matter where you are looking for a home (Ahwatukee, Chandler, Gilbert, Mesa, Tempe or other parts of Phoenix), these tips will apply.

1. Going shopping before knowing how much house you can afford. First time home buyers often spend extensive time researching homes, and fantasizing about their dream home. Don’t start shopping without knowing how much you can afford for your home! However, the bank may not lend you all you can afford. So be sure to talk to a qualified lender. You need to be preapproved for a mortgage before you begin house shopping. I suggest several lenders to my buyer clients that are familiar with the Arizona lending regulations. Give me a call if you’d like names & numbers to 2 very season experts.  

1. Forgetting to budget for the additional costs of owning a home. Many first time home buyers neglect to factor in the additional fees and closing costs needed to purchase a home.  Once you are a home owner you will be responsible for property taxes, and home insurance.  Your new home may have home owner’s association (HOA) fees. As an owner, you also become responsible for repair and maintenance of your new home. Annually set aside approximately 1% of the homes purchase price for maintenance. I can help with estimates on many of these additional costs.

1. Not hiring a good buyer’s agent. A good buyer’s agent will have the expertise to find, negotiate and close the best possible home choice for you. They should help you get your financing in order and land a mortgage. Never attend an open house without having an agent.  The seller’s agent should act in the best interest of both seller and buyer, but you can see how the buyer could lose out. Ask friends and family for referrals to agents, and be sure to ask each agent about their experience (particularly if they’ve worked with first time home buyers before). Proven agents should have taken additional classroom training and designations to be current with changes in the market place.

1. Being swept away by your emotions (and showing them!). Sellers often use inexpensive tricks such as staging or minor upgrades to play on your emotions. The goal is to elicit a positive emotional response from the potential buyer (you) and use it to sell at a higher price. Even if you do fall in love with a house, don’t show your emotions to the seller or their agent as this could give them an advantage during negotiations.

1. Getting your heart set on your first offer. While today’s market is a buyer’s market, competition over homes can still ensue. You may not be able to walk into a home, make an offer, and get the home. Also, don’t assume being in escrow automatically means the house is yours. An inspection needs to be performed so you can know the physical condition of the house and avoid unforeseen repairs. The house also needs to appraise for at least the price you are offering.

1. Having a lack of vision. Don’t reject a home because of slight physical imperfections. If the home is the perfect size, in a great neighborhood don’t let the ugly paint color in the bedroom turn you away. Remember it is often cheaper to do small changes yourself than have to pay an increased home sales price because the seller did them for you. Many of the foreclosures and vacant short sales will need cosmetic work and possibly much more. That is one reason they are offered for a lower price than a maintained home.

1. Compromising on important things. Go ahead and put everything you could want on your dream home list. While you don’t want to be too picky and reject a home because it doesn’t have everything you also don’t want to accept a home that doesn’t have your necessities. If three bedrooms are necessary for your growing family it won’t be worth it to settle for two bedrooms. Prioritize your desires in your home to make a good decision on your first home purchase. It boils down to, what are your absolute “needs” vs. like to have “wants”?

As a real estate professional, it is my job to coach, guide and serve your best interests. If you need help or advice feel free to post a comment below or contact me directly.

Updated 12/2/09- With all of the Thanksgiving activities I hadn’t had a chance to give an update on the South Mountain 202 Freeway saga. The AZ Republic reported on 11/27/09 “Three of South Mountain’s most prestine and remote ridgelines would be leveled” under the current Pecos alignment as the freeway extends from the Ahwatukee side around the south westerly edge of the S Mtn perserve. ADOTs plans to “demolish 32 acres”.  This area is currently so remote nobody can get to them.  There aren’t even any trails.

Stay tuned…the sage continues. 

Posted 11/22/09- Arizona transportation officials will be meeting with Gila River Indian Community and the Bureau of Indian Affairs and with US Congressmen Harry Mitchell and Ed Pastor to discuss the possibility of the 202 being routed through tribal land instead of the current Pecos alignment. This portion of the 202 would continue west of the Chandler portion of the 202 & I-10. It would easy the traffic flow from south and west Chandler or Gilbert destined towards west Phoenix and further west.

Officials indicated the tribal route would be $500 million more to the already $1.9 billion price tag. ADOT  is still moving forward with their environment impact study, which is a requirement for any federal funded roadway.

My previous blog http://foreclosedhomeschandleraz.com/when-will-the-202-loop-be-finished/  reviewed the on-going talks. The Gila River Indian Council has rejected the possibility of routing it on tribal land twice previously.

On Oct 30, 2009 the tribe opened the new Wild Horse Pass Hotel and Casino with 242 rooms, 71 gaming tables and 1000 slot machines. They intend to draw Las Vegas style entertainment to its 1400 seat showroom.  There also is a 500 room Sheraton hotel a short distance away complete with a championship golf course, spa and other amenities.  They also have a casino near the 51^st Ave on the west side.

Can you connect the dots?  Casinos on both ends, one with a brand new hotel and you have a very vocal community along the Pecos alignment that has strongly opposed the route for years. Keep in mind if the tribal council votes no, ADOT cannot exercise eminent domain rights because the Gila River Indian Community is a sovereign nation.

If you want to express your view point, the next public discussion will be ADOT’s South MTN Citizens Advisory Committee at S Mtn. Community College Student Union, 7050 S 24^th St, Phoenix on Jan 28, 2010 at 6:00 PM. To view freeway plans go to http://www.mag.maricopa.gov/detail.cms?item=10445