PHOENIX-Investors in search of higher returns are pressuring Phoenix's "for sale" list for long-term leased properties. If the leases fall short of the profile, the asset easily can linger on the market for six months or more.

DALLAS-Don Ostroff and Will Balthrope close three sales for 646 units in a North Texas town and Houston. The former Grubb & Ellis duo, now leaders of C&W's Multi-Housing Group, close the trio in a week and bring in about $21.4 million for the sellers.

ISSAQUAH, WA-Talus, a planned community billed as the gateway to the Issaquah Alps, welcomes the first owners of the Jefferson at Talus, a 247-unit luxury apartment community and the first neighborhood to finish residential construction. Building also has begun in two other neighborhoods.

SURPRISE, AZ-The 14,000-sf center is being touted as the foundation for a cooperative effort between the City of Surprise and its school district. The project will be used year-round for a plethora of programs.