You would have to be deaf, dumb, blind & locked up somewhere to not know that our country is going through and has been going through a "housing crisis" in large part due to the large amount of "lousy mortgage programs" that proliferated during our country's real estate "run up". 

In the midst of all the craziness, a "recovery" has begun, led by "first-time homebuyers" obtaining 30 year fixed rate loans at very low interest rates.  Just as we were gaining some momentum, Congress and our President, recently passed some legislation that will discontinue what we call DPA or Down Payment Assistance programs.  Programs like Ameridream, allowed first-time buyers who have to meet all normal underwriting guidelines but who did not have "down payment" money set-aside, to obtain FHA loans.  These programs are scheduled to end on October 1st because of the recent legislation that was passed.

Having realized that they may have been wrong, a new bill called H.R. 6694, the FHA Gift Downpayment Reform and Risk-Based Pricing Authorization Act of 2008 has been introduced by Congressman Al Green, (Texas).

You can help the Housing Recovery by contacting your Congressman and Senator and letting them know that you are in favor of H.R. 6694 and in continuing the Down Payment Assistance programs and that you would like to see them pass H.R. 6694 on or before September 26th, 2008.

If H.R. 6694 is not passed prior to September 26th, as many as 25,000 FHA qualified homebuyers monthly, including many first time homebuyers, minorities and women, will lose access to homeownership opportunities,

Find out more about the urgency to act

If you are a first-time homebuyer and are seeking more information about buying a home with zero down, contact Lyle Plocher with Urban Connection Realty at 602 373 3725 or lyle@urbanconnectionrealty.com

A hard to find, 3 bedroom, 2 full bath home in a Downtown Phoenix Historic neighborhood.  This charming Brick Bungalow on a nice street in Coronado, was professionally remodeled earlier this year adding a dining room, family room and master bedroom suite with stained concrete floors.  The original part of the home, features hardwood floors, living room with fireplace, interior french doors, baseboards and crown molding. There are ceiling fans and cable hook-ups throughout the home.  Exterior features include historic double-hung windows and shade trees in both front and back yards.  All the major items in the home have been updated either in 2008 or in 1998.

Asking price is $269,900.

For more information or to arrange a viewing of this home, contact Lyle Plocher with Urban Connection Realty at 602 373 3725 or lyle@urbanconnectionrealty.com

See additional photos of this home on our website's Properties Page

The recently passed Housing & Economic Recovery Act of 2008, provides a tax credit of up to $7500 for first-time homebuyers.  A first-time homebuyer is defined as someone who has not owned a home in the last 3 years.  The Tax Credit applies to those who purchase a home between April 9th, 2008 and July 1st, 2009.

For more info about the newly passed legistlation visit www.federalhousingtaxcredit.com

If you are a first-time homebuyer and you would like to investigate home purchase opportunities in Central Phoenix, contact Lyle Plocher with Urban Connection Realty at 602 373 3725 or lyle@urbanconnectionrealty.com

Tired of the traditional office environment?  Looking for a space or building where you can be inspired and can inspire others?  We have lots of cool builidings and spaces in SoDo Phoenix, the Warehouse District, etc. 

Contact me to find out more about available spaces. 

Lyle Plocher

Urban Connection Realty

602 373 3725 or lyle@urbanconnectionrealty.com

Just asking!  This amazing home is even in one of our Historic Neighborhoods, walking distance to quaint hangouts like Cibo's, Palatte, Chez Nous and others.

This home features 4600+ sq ft of living space (all original) on three levels including the finished basement with family room & fireplace.  Open spacious living and dining rooms with great windows, corner stone fireplace, stained polished concrete floors, large gourmet kitchen with walk-in pantry, new cabinets, counters and appliances.  Three bedrooms, three baths on the main floor and five bedrooms, three baths upstairs.  Exterior features include covered patio and large swimming pool with slide.

Asking only $748,500.

For more information or to arrange a personal viewing of this home, contact Lyle Plocher with Urban Connection Realty at 602 373 3725 or lyle@urbanconnectionrealty.com

Listing is courtesy of Realty Executives

President Bush signed the Housing & Economic Recovery Act of 2008 yesterday which has as one of it's components, the doing away with Down Payment Assistance Programs such as Ameridream which allowed a Seller to contribute money to a real estate transaction to pay for the Buyer's Down Payment and Closing Costs.  The new Bill will take effect on October 1st of this year.

If you have good credit but don't have money saved for a Down Payment and closing costs, you still have a short time to take advantage of programs like Ameridream, but you need to do it soon.

There are some great buying opportunities right now. 

For more information, contact Lyle Plocher with Urban Connection Realty at 602 373 3725 or lyle@urbanconnectionrealty.com

The 26 story, sleek new Office Tower at Central & Van Buren is taking shape.  The 800,000 sq ft building encompasses an elegant composition of articulated glass and steel, the office tower offers a combination of Class A office space, retail areas and on-site parking. Building orientation maximizes views in all directions, featuring offices with nine-foot floor-to-ceiling glass to provide stunning and dramatic panoramas of the city and mountain ranges.

Designed and engineered to withstand the intense southwestern climate, high-performance glazing and exterior sun shading devices promote maximum vision and daylight. The use of regional and renewable materials combined with native landscaping, the tower is designed to meet LEED standards. State-of-the-art building systems create a superior indoor environment focused on health and well-being.

One Central Park East was designed by the SmithGroup, more information

Leasing is being handled by CB Richard Ellis Leasing Information

Construction Photo is courtesy of Lyle Plocher

Renderings of the building are courtesy of the SmithGroup 

Tour Mezzo, listen to architect Will Bruder, see haus modern living and touch Knoll furnishings this July 31 from 6 to 9pm.

The Mezzo open haus, with sangria and tapas by Lola, will introduce this urban community to the public. Those on hand will be treated to a night of modern living talk, along with an opportunity to experience the versatility and convenience offered by urban living. Will Bruder will be speaking at 7pm and 8pm.

Mezzo a new 10 unit urban home development, designed by Will Bruder, is located at 1145 E Whitton, Phoenix 85014. 

To get more info about Mezzo in advance of the Open House, contact Lyle Plocher with Urban Connection Realty at 602 373 3725 or lyle@urbanconnectionrealty.com

Listing is courtesy of Keller Williams.

One of Phoenix based, renowned Architect Will Bruder's latest creations has risen in Central Phoenix, just north of the Phoenix Country Club.  A 10 unit Urban Home development complete with secured entrance, 2 car carports and a Community Garden is completed and ready for occupancy. 

Mezzo's exterior features include 3 story masonry construction with bold exterior colors, steel shrouded balconies and interesting architectural angles.  5 of the homes have semi-private front yards.

The interior features include exposed masonry walls, wall to wall windows, real wood or stone flooring, stainless steel appliances & European style, cherry cabinetry. The floor plans provide for 2 bedrooms plus a study and 2 1/2 bathrooms.

To help promote and maintain the sense of community, the parking was designed for carports and not garages and of course the Community Garden will encourage interaction and collaboration.

Priced from $395,000 to $420,000, special 96% financing is being offered.

To find out more about Mezzo or arrange a personal viewing, contact Lyle Plocher with Urban Connection Realty at 602 373 3725 or lyle@urbanconnectionrealty.com

Listing is Courtesy of Keller Williams