The Dealmaker: 7/24/2018

New to Market: 6 projects you need to know. Details and images for “mixed-use, multifamily, medical, senior living and industrial,” in Mesa, Phoenix, Gilbert, Chandler and Avondale, as featured in the latest issue of AZREmagazine. http://bit.ly/2uJMpTU

Existing home sales fall for third month despite increasing inventories. “[D]espite the modest year-over-year rise in inventory, the current level is far from what’s needed,” says NAR chief economist Lawrence Yun, who describes the situation as a “severe housing shortage that is not releasing its grip.” Meanwhile, out West, sales are “5.0 percent below a year ago.” The full breakdown in Mortgage News Daily. http://bit.ly/2OdyDkg

Will ‘baby boomer sell-off’ ignite housing crisis? “Downsizing baby boomers who are leaving homeownership behind may send shock waves throughout the real estate market, two new studies warn.” However, NAR’s Lawrence Yun isn’t so “doom and gloom” over the prospects of such “generational unloading.” A WaPo report via REALTORMag. http://bit.ly/2OcLl2N

Hermosa Inn dips toe into new fit of Paradise Valley footprint. “Having amended its special use permit several times since being issued in 1976, resort representatives are returning to the Paradise Valley Planning Commission, [seeking] approval for some slight adjustments to the property’s footprint.” PV Independenthas a rundown of the reconfiguration request. http://bit.ly/2uJSxeQ

Historic Castle Hot Springs resort will open with modern amenities. “After a lengthy multimillion-dollar renovation, the luxury resort will host guests for the first time in 42 years.” View the changes in the 64-image SLIDESHOW at AZCentral. http://bit.ly/2LC2vbA

JLL: E-commerce dominating Phoenix industrial activity. —> And “particularly in the Southwest Valley,” according to JLL’s Phoenix Industrial Insight – Q2 2018. Highlights and link to the full report at AZRE. http://bit.ly/2v0o8Ih

Drone technology provides valuable data to construction crews. With drone technology “progressing at a rapid rate,”AzBigMedia takes a look at how “builders are taking full advantage” — utilizing various drone types “to gather a wide array of information, including site topography, project progress and quality control.” http://bit.ly/2LC2MeC

Endangered Species Act proposals cut red tape to concentrate on species, not paperwork. “NAHB is welcoming proposed changes to the Endangered Species Act announced July 19 as a way to streamline a cumbersome and bureaucratic permitting process…” NAHBNow spotlights two changes that should be of interest to builders and developers. http://bit.ly/2uOu1Jf

On eve of possible decision, Johnson Utilities says ACC can’t appoint manager. “The towns of Queen Creek and Florence have filed to become the interim manager.” HOWEVER: “Johnson Utilities has filed an exception disputing administrative law judge Sarah Harping’s proposed order for the Arizona Corporation Commission to appoint an interim manager.” What would JU prefer instead? Find out in Casa Grande Dispatch. http://bit.ly/2NJZLXk

Queen Creek district approves purchase of land for seventh elementary school. The “15-acre site” is SE of Ray and Ellsworth “in Cadence at Gateway phases 2-3 in Mesa…” KEY Queen Creek QUOTE (try saying that really fast!): “The [Queen Creek Unified School District] is paying nothing for the land for the proposed elementary school.” Nothing?? What a deal! Queen Creek Independent. http://bit.ly/2A7W8Z9

[GUEST COLUMN] I am Peoria: Howard Openlander — discovering city’s rich history. Explore a bit of Peoria’s past in this piece by Mayor Cathy Carlat — and featuring plenty of input from “local historian and former Peoria Quality of Life Committee member Howard Openlander,” a man who “has spent countless hours studying Peoria’s history.” Peoria Times. http://bit.ly/2LLQbmb

Cameron’s $5M + deals of the day – http://bit.ly/2JQ9ngH

Don’t miss anything… follow multiple winner of the Arizona Republic’s tweet of the week contest, and Senior Partner at Rose Law Group and Director of RLG Renewable Energy Department, Court Rich. http://bit.ly/Court_RichTwitter