Pet Travel Tips

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Do you take a lot of trips? Do you live bringing along the furry members of your family? Have you ever tried to travel with more exotic or unique types of pets? There’s a lot to keep in mind when you’re planning a trip with the pets in your household, and it’s always a good idea to be completely aware of the safety and travel tips that can help you make the most of the experience. Below, we’ve put together a list of our top four favorite tips to help make traveling with your pet safer and more comfortable for everybody involved.

Practice First

If you’re driving, practice taking your pet on car trips ahead of time to get everyone used to the experience. Start with short trips around town and work your way up to an hour or more in the car to make sure your pet will be able to handle a longer trip.

Bring Everything

Make sure you pack everything you think you might need for your pet during your trip. Bring extra food, towels, bedding, a leash and collar, ID tags, vet records, treats, and favorite toys. It’s better to be too prepared than not prepared enough!

Pick the Right Crate

Whether you’re flying or driving, make sure your pet is secured in a safe, sturdy, well-ventilated crate. For flying, you’ll need a crate approved by the USDA for animal shipping. Freeze some water and put it in the crate before boarding the plane or loading up the car. This way, the water won’t get spilled before the trip begins and it will melt slowly, providing your pet with a drinking source through the whole experience.

Different Needs for Different Pets

If you’re not traveling with a cat or dog, but instead with a different type of animal, remember that there are other considerations you’ll need to keep in mind. For example, if you have a pet snake, you can transport your snake in a cloth pillowcase inside a ventilated plastic container. Birds can often be kept in ventilated cat carriers, but not always, so research your specific bird for more information. Fish should be removed from their tanks and placed in individual baggies or cups before travel.

With the right tips and tricks, you’ll be able to have an enjoyable trip with your favorite furry family member without worry. There’s a lot more to learn about traveling safely and effectively with your pets, however, so don’t forget to read up on information about the specific type of animal you’ll be traveling with when the time comes.

Are you looking to buy or sell a home? Contact us!  We are local area expert in Scottsdale, AZ and surrounding areas.

Tatum Highlands Open House Sunday 10/1/17 from 11am-4pm

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We will be holding an Open House this weekend on Sunday 10/1/17 from 11am-4pm in the Desert Ridge/Cave Creek area Tatum Highlands neighborhood at 4016 E Prickly Pear Trail, Phoenix, AZ 85050. Call us at 480-754-9477 or 480-754-9077 if you would like more information. This immaculate, updated home has just been listed, and has 2 master suites and a pool. We hope to see you there.

If you would like to see homes in other Scottsdale neighborhoods such as Grayhawk, McDowell Mountain Ranch, DC Ranch, Gainey Ranch, McCormick Ranch, Desert Mountain, Troon, Sonoran Hills, Desert Ridge, Terravita, etc, let us know. We will send you listings for homes in your area of interest, and schedule showings for access to any homes that you would like to see.

Where To Stay When Visiting Scottsdale

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Hyatt hotel photoIf you’re planning an upcoming visit to Scottsdale, you probably want to know where to stay while you’re there. While there are plenty of incredible options for you to choose from, some of these stand out from the crowd considerably more than others. Below, we’ll walk you through four of the most popular resorts in the Scottsdale area so you never again have to wonder about where to stay or what to do while you’re in town.

Talking Stick Resort & Casino

Located in south Scottsdale, Talking Stick Resort includes a spa, casino, entertainment every night and so much more. You’ll love the views of the desert and city surrounding this luxury resort, and you can relax at the on-site Talking Stick Golf Club when you feel like truly enjoying everything Scottsdale has to offer.

Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain

Camelback Mountain is one of the most important claims to fame of the Scottsdale area, so why not get up close and personal with it and stay awhile on the mountain itself? This resort provides some truly spectacular views of the surrounding desert from beautifully-appointed upscale rooms. You’ll enjoy the on-site bar and restaurant as well as the short driving distance to many of the area’s most popular attractions.

Westin Kierland Resort and Spa

Everything you could ever want and more is available on-site at the Westin Kierland Resort and Spa. Take a stroll around the area and check out the spa itself before you visit the championship golf course located on the premises, too. Visit the Scotch Bar or stop by the beautiful family-friendly pool area, featuring plenty of poolside games and activities to keep the kids happy all day long.

Omni Scottsdale Resort

Inspired by European getaways, the Omni Scottsdale Resort in the Paradise Valley area includes a luxurious spa and an elegant on-site restaurant that perfectly complement the mountain and city views you can enjoy from your lavish room in this excellent resort. You’ll love the quick and easy access to some of the area’s best shopping, nightlife, golf and outdoor activities all from the comfort of this beautiful accommodation.

There are plenty of other excellent resorts to pick from, too, so don’t forget to check out the variety of accommodations and upscale lodging available when you visit Scottsdale. You’re sure to find the perfect place to stay to give you everything you’re looking for and so much more!

Click here to learn about Scottsdale’s neighborhoods and surrounding areas.

Tatum Highlands Open Houses Saturday & Sunday 9/23/17 & 9/24/17 from 1-4 pm both days

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We will be holding Open Houses this weekend on Saturday 9/23/17 & Sunday 9/24/17 from 1-4 pm both days in the Desert Ridge/Cave Creek area Tatum Highlands neighborhood at 4016 E Prickly Pear Trail, Phoenix, AZ 85050. Call us at 480-754-9477 or 480-754-9077 if you would like more information. This immaculate, updated home has just been listed, and has 2 master suites and a pool. We hope to see you there.

If you would like to see homes in other Scottsdale neighborhoods such as Grayhawk, McDowell Mountain Ranch, DC Ranch, Gainey Ranch, McCormick Ranch, Desert Mountain, Troon, Sonoran Hills, Desert Ridge, Terravita, etc, let us know. We will send you listings for homes in your area of interest, and schedule showings for access to any homes that you would like to see.

How to Keep Your Home Safe When Traveling

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North Scottsdale homeWhen you go on vacation, you’re probably caught up in a whirlwind of information you need to keep track of. You want to be sure someone is taking care of your pets, that you have your travel itinerary all under control, that you’ve packed everything you’ll need and that you get to the airport on time if you’re flying. With all these thoughts to worry about, you may find yourself neglecting the house you’ll be leaving behind. Of course, if you’re only going to be gone for a couple of days, there’s not a lot you’ll need to do to take care of your home before travel. However, longer trips mean you’ll need to do some prep work at home before you ever leave.

Leave on Some Lights

It’s always a good idea to leave on a few lights in and around your home while you’ll be gone. Not only will this give the appearance of someone being at home in case any intruders take notice, but also it will make the area outside your home brighter at night too. This will make it more obvious if anyone is trying to sneak inside. If you have motion lights or lights on a timer, be sure to use them while you’re gone, too.

Let the Neighbors Know

Even if you aren’t very close to your neighbors, it’s a good idea to let someone know you’ll be out of town. This way, if your neighbor notices something odd—like a strange car parked in front of your house—they can check in with you and call the proper authorities if it’s necessary, too. You might also want to leave a key with the same neighbor just in case someone needs to be able to get into your house.

Keep the Lawn and Shrubs Trimmed

Make sure your lawn and shrubs are trimmed before you go. If you’ll be gone a long time, schedule someone to come and take care of either or both of these areas while you’re away too. This will make it look like someone is still at home, and it will also make it more difficult for potential intruders to hide behind any unruly shrubs that might have become overgrown while you’re away.

Don’t Post on Social Media

It’s tempting to let everybody know when you’ll be leaving, but remember that anyone can see the posts you make on social media. This includes those you might not want to know you’re away from your home. You can always save your vacation pictures to show off when you get back—and this might make a big difference toward ensuring your home’s safety while you’re gone.

Keep these tips in mind and you’ll be well on your way to a safer experience for your home the next time you travel. Although they’re not a requirement for shorter visits, you can always put them into practice during any trip, regardless of the amount of time you’ll be away.

We are local real estate experts helping home buyer and seller in Scottsdale, Arizona and surrounding areas.  Contact us if you are looking to sell or buy a home.

Fun Things to Do In Scottsdale

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Scottsdale Phoenix statueIn the Scottsdale area, there are plenty of incredible events and activities you might not even know are going on. In the month of September, you can check out lots of excitement and take part in the culture and life of the Scottsdale area. Well within driving distance of anyone living in and around Scottsdale, these activities are sure to keep you and your family entertained and happy throughout the month of September. Check out our list and see which ones you’re most interested in visiting so you can make a plan for how to spend your time this month!

Phoenix Cooks!

Food loves in the Scottsdale area, get ready! This is an exciting opportunity for you to join your fellow foodies and participate in a food tasting and sampling event that incorporates dishes and drinks from a wide variety of local restaurants. During this event, you can also participate in a cooking class if you choose, and you can learn a lot about how to create the perfect tasty bites to enjoy at home on your own time, too. This event is $85 per person and takes place at the Westin Kierland Resort in Scottsdale.

Children’s Learning and Play Festival

If you’ve got little ones in your family, don’t forget to check out the Children’s Learning and Play Festival at WestWorld of Scottsdale. On September 9, this event will provide children with lots of fun activities to participate in while adults can enjoy checking out vendors, lectures, information and much more from the world of childcare and parenting. Take your time exploring this fun event with your kids and you might find out about some local organizations or stores you didn’t even know existed!

Junk in the Trunk Vintage Market

At WestWorld in Scottsdale, antique lovers and thrifters alike can come together to shop for vintage items and clothing at the Junk in the Trunk Vintage Market. This event takes place from September 15 to 17 costs $65 per person for the whole weekend or $25 per person for Saturday only. If you’re searching for that perfect vintage find, don’t hesitate to check out this incredible collection of vendors selling odds and ends all weekend long at this exciting event!

As you can see, there’s a lot to do in Scottsdale! There are plenty of other great events going on this month in the area, so don’t forget to check them out via local community calendars. There could be something thrilling going on right around the corner—so why not check it out?

Tatum Highlands Open Houses Saturday & Sunday 9/16/17 & 9/17/17 from 1-4 pm both days

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We will be holding Open Houses this weekend on Saturday 9/16/17 & Sunday 9/17/17 from 1-4 pm both days in the Desert Ridge/Cave Creek area Tatum Highlands neighborhood at 4016 E Prickly Pear Trail, Phoenix, AZ 85050. Call us at 480-754-9477 or 480-754-9077 if you would like more information. This immaculate, updated home has just been listed, and has 2 master suites and a pool. We hope to see you there.

If you would like to see homes in other Scottsdale neighborhoods such as Grayhawk, McDowell Mountain Ranch, DC Ranch, Gainey Ranch, McCormick Ranch, Desert Mountain, Troon, Sonoran Hills, Desert Ridge, Terravita, etc, let us know. We will send you listings for homes in your area of interest, and schedule showings for access to any homes that you would like to see.

Phoenix/Scottsdale Real Estate Market September Update- August 2017 Stats

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Here is the Phoenix/Scottsdale area Monthly Real Estate Market Report for August 2017, which shows 8,221 homes sold in the month of August compared to 7,968 homes in August 2016. This is a 3.1% increase for the number homes sold year over year. And the average sale price is up 8.0% year over year and 1.3% from last month! And the amount of listed homes is down by 11.6% to 17,654 from 19,741 in August 2016. Demand has continued to remain strong even during the slower Summer months, and the supply of listed homes continues to fall, with the average days on market down 17.2% from August 2016 to just 63 days. (Click on the link below or the image to view the full Market Report)

Click here to see the full August 2017 Market Report & Statistics

Give us a call or text us at 480-754-9477 or 480-754-9077 if you’re thinking about buying or selling a home this fall, as the strong market now continues to be good for both buyers and sellers, or if you have questions about this information. And don’t forget to explore our website AzDreamHomesScottsdale.com to see Scottsdale area homes and helpful articles.