Tuesday, February 17, 2009

NEW BLOG ADDRESS

For anyone that has stumbled upon this blog, I will no longer be posting to this one. I will now be posting to my wordpress blog @ colincs.wordpress.com

go there to check out the latest news!!

Colin C. Stevens

colin@phoenixpowersearch.com

Tuesday, January 27, 2009

North Phoenix Shopping...The Shops at Norterra!

Colin C. Stevens
North Valley Specialist

Colin@Phoenixpowersearch.com

This week, I have chosen to do a bit about the recently opened Shops at Norterra in my neck of the woods. It is located just east of the I-17 at Happy Valley Road in northern Phoenix, AZ.

Since it has opened, I have visited here several times to watch movies (the Harkins here is cheaper than AMC30), and dine out, but I have never gone there to soak in its essence. So, with camera in hand I parked my car and began the walk.

First thing that came to my mind was, "Wow, this reminds me of an outdoor mall I went to in San Diego last year." The outdoor setup has become increasingly popular in Arizona. The Shops at Norterra is a pleasant mix of traditional malls (one giant parking lot, park & walk 2 miles into the anchors) and a mini downtown city center with streets running through the whole development, and angled parking in front of shops along the "main street."

Second, I couldn't help but notice how vacant the place was! But then it hit me...it's Friday afternoon at 3 pm. Most people aren't out of work or school yet, and those that are have already accomplished their errands for the day, and are most likely picking children up from school or at home preparing for the evening.

Third, I noticed the variety of stores. Many new ones had opened since I last came here! I won't deny I had a little burst of joy when I saw the new Men's Wearhouse. I meandered up and down the main street to find a Victoria's Secret, Apricot Lane, Sauce (restaurant), Sunglass Hut, and many other new additions. I'm eager to see it again once the rest of the stores take place!

My take on this new shopping center: like it. Location: prime since shopping centers are still sparse this far north, thus making shopping more convenient for residents close by and all the way north to Anthem and New River. The feel: obviously relaxing, as it reminds me of an amazing vacation in San Diego. The design: pleasing to my eyes. Between The Shops at Norterra and The Happy Valley Towne Center across the street, one should have no problem finding what they desire.

For a complete list of stores, visit The Shops at Norterra.

For more shopping, see my previous post-- Arrowhead Towne Center (originally posted Dec 11, 2008, re posted earlier this month)

As always, feel free to give me your thoughts!

Colin@PhoenixPowerSearch.com

www.twitter.com/colincs

Blog and website under construction!!!

I just wanted to post this quick blog to let anyone who may stumble across it know that I am in the process of getting this blog up and running, so some of the posts are from my other blogs that I have re-posted on here.

This should explain why my latest post is still speaking about seeing Santa at Arrowhead Mall in late January=]

Colin C. Stevens over and out. Check back soon for links to my personal website and to read up on me.

Colin@phoenixpowersearch.com

and

don't forget me on twitter www.twitter.com/colincs

North Glendale Shopping--Arrowhead Towne Center

Colin C. Stevens
Neighborhood Expert

Colin@phoenixpowersearch.com



Glendale, Arizona: Home to the new Cardinals Stadium, Jobing.com Arena, and shopping galore. Arrowhead Towne Center, or Arrowhead Mall to us locals, is one of the numerous shopping malls placed throughout the Phoenix Metro area. Conveniently located at 75th Ave and Bell Rd, adjacent to even more retail/restaurant establishments, this mall is easily accessible from the 101 freeway for quick and easy shopping.

I made my way here today to reap the benefits of the Mervyn's going out of business sale: 60% off of everything in the store!! As I was meandering through the mall, I was very pleased with the recent improvements. Along with a bit of a face lift, Arrowhead Towne Center recently opened it's 6th anchor store! Dick's Sporting Goods has a vast array of sporting equipment for almost any physical activity you can imagine. With the 5 established anchor stores; Dillard's, Macy's, Sears, JCPenny, Mervyn's, an AMC movie theater, plenty of dining options, and a variety of shops from Lids to Hallmark, one is sure to find whatever their heart desires in this retail establishment.

Other nice touches to the mall include a play area for children, the Wii Experience (open until Dec. 29th), and until December 24 you can get pictures with SANTA!!

For a complete list of stores, dining, events and more, visit

http://www.arrowheadtownecenter.com/home.asp


Colin C. Stevens



Monday, January 26, 2009

This Could be Your Island?

I was browsing through some news articles today, and ran across this one that caught my eye immediately, since it has forever been my dream to own my own island!

Wall Street Journal...My Own Island

Who would not want this sweet setup?



Colin C. Stevens

colin@phoenixpowersearch.com


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www.twitter.com/colincs

Tuesday, January 20, 2009

Here's to 2009

email me @: Colin@PhoenixPowerSearch.com


As I'm sure most everyone is aware, 'tis the season for setting goals and New Year's Resolutions! Just a wild guess, most of your goals or resolutions involve some aspect of getting physically into shape, am I correct? What about other parts of your life? Your personal finances? School? Knowledge?

I would have to say with the current condition of the economy, the best use of your time and money would be to BUY SOMETHING (an appreciating asset) and EDUCATE YOURSELF.

There is one thing the wealthiest individuals of the world know that the average person does not seem to realize, ever. In a down market, buy something, like a home! Although the media is doing everything they can to emphasize the negative, pushing the myth that we are in an abyss of falling home prices, the wealthy always know that the market WILL come back. Ask yourself, "In 2005, did I think home prices would increase forever?" It is the same principle, only on the other end of the spectrum nowadays. The market WILL come back, and there is no predicting exactly when. If you have the opportunity to invest in real estate, take it.

And my second point, education. By educating yourself, you increase your ability to compete in the job market, making you more desirable, and gives you a leveraging point for higher wages when the economy comes back around. Whatever your current job, there is one thing I was taught as a young boy; the SMARTEST investment you can make is an investment in yourself. This is to accompany the countless other sayings about knowledge from epic figures throughout history.

With a new President comes new hope for many. I leave you with a line of encouragement for 2009 and beyond, whether it be for your personal life or your professional life. From President Obama's inaugural address:

"
Today I say to you that the challenges we face are real. They are serious and they are many. They will not be met easily or in a short span of time. But know this, America - they will be met."

To read the full inaugural address, visit:

http://blogs.wsj.com/washwire/2009/01/20/president-obamas-inaugural-address/



ALSO, don't forget to visit my websites for any interest in Real Estate here in Arizona...be sure to mention my name in the comments section when you sign up!

www.ScottsdaleParadise.com

www.PhoenixPowerSearch.com