Great Staycation Resorts for Locals

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Montelucia Resort Spa photoWhen summer hits, the rush to hit the road and go for a nice vacation trip begins. Before you know it, what was meant to be a nice time to relax might begin with a big headache with all the stressful traveling plans you have to make and the hassles of airport transportation, airline tickets, booking a rental car, and time wasted at congested airports. So instead of hitting the road the next time you want to go on vacation why not have an awesome time right in your own backyard.

The Valley is home to several vacation wonders that will simply blow you away. With their luxurious spas and pools, secluded romantic gardens, exclusive golf courses and exquisite dining, all you need for a wonderful vacation is right here at home. Here are some of the best deals you can go for:

  1. The Boulders Resort and Spa: beautifully perched at the foot of the black mountain the boulder promises a peaceful vacation at very low summer rates. From luxurious casita accommodations to the legendary 33,000-square-foot Waldorf Astoria Spa, four swimming pools, a world-class golf course and scintillating dishes at the newly designed restaurants. This peaceful paradise offers summer amenities and programs specially designed to give you a blissful getaway.
  1. Sheraton Grand: a truly traditional resort proudly showcasing the culture, art, and legends of the Pima and Maricopa Tribes. This award-winning holiday getaway at Wild Horse Pass is located on the Gila River Indian Community near Chandler, Arizona. The guest rooms all have a cultural theme. It also has two golf courses at Whirlwind Golf Club, and you can get a well-deserved relaxation and transformation at the Aji Spa. The wild horses, for which the location is named after, can be seen from the patio at the Kai Restaurant while enjoying an amazing dining experience here.
  1. The Hermosa Inn: A trip to the Hermosa Inn is literarily a visit to Paradise. This luxury, the hotel is located in a residential area in one of Phoenix most exclusive neighborhoods, Paradise Valley.  The resort boasts of enchanting new deluxe casitas and newly-renovated guest casitas. With a true Southwest experience provided by an Arizona-themed decoration, garden settings, and private patios. The Inn Is also popular for its superior cuisine and excellent wine list
  1. Tempe Mission Palms: talk about finding the right spot, this hotel is located at just the right place with more than 100 restaurants, bars, and shops within a fairly walkable distance from it. Located in the Mill Avenue District Downtown Tempe, the hotel also has a metro train station in its vicinity, allowing you to quickly take a trip by train to explore neighboring towns if you so desire.
  1. Royal Palms Resort and Spa: located in Phoenix Arizona, make your staycation a romantic gateway at the Royal Palms. Situated on a nine-acres plot at the base of Camelback Mountain, the resort is built on the original Spanish Revival villa of Delos and Florence Cooke, and is home to a very large collection of Mediterranean art and exotic flora giving it a unique romantic feel. It is well-suited for honeymooners and longtime loves looking for a truly romantic holiday get-away.
  1. Arizona Biltmore: located in central Phoenix, “the jewel of the desert” as it is fondly called provides for your holiday enjoyment luxurious gardens, dining, and accommodations, Tennis and golf course, and everything else you need to pamper yourself on your vacation. It has a three in one paradise pool, and a 92-foot waterslide, providing unlimited poolside amusement. the pool also has a spacious and comfortable indoor sitting area with HDTV and full bath, a private patio area with chaise lounges and table and chairs, and offers special food and beverage service.

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

Why Now could Be The Best Time To Sell your Home

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Scottsdale home photoYou’ve probably heard that spring or fall is the best time to list your home for sale. But with the recent changes in tax legislation and potentially rising income rates, many buyers are looking for homes to buy.

While several homeowner tax breaks still exist under newly enacted laws, there are worries that housing prices might decline over the next few months as a result. This is particularly a worry in geographic areas where prices are inflated.

Another negative thing about the new tax laws for homeowner is the state and local tax deduction. Previously, homeowners in areas with higher property taxes could deduct those bills in full. Under new tax law though, the deduction is maxed out at only $10,000, meaning that homes with higher property taxes might not be as appealing to buyers.

Many individuals looking to buy a home won’t fully grasp the consequences of some of these new tax laws. But additionally, if you previously got a huge tax break — such as a $20,000 property tax deduction — those will no longer be available under the new reformed laws. This law is specifically focused around high-property value cities like New York City and Los Angeles, but can still influence perception of the overall market.

Finance experts recommend keeping your home costs to less than 30 percent of your take home pay. If the new tax laws are making your home costs jump, consider selling while interest rates are still low for buyers.

Speaking of interest rates – industry forecasters are concerned that the national average of interest rates could rise to over 5 percent in 2018. Currently, the average mortgage rate is around 4.5 percent, which is the highest it’s been in 4 years. Mortgage rates have not peaked over 5 percent since 2011.

Another great reason to sell your home is the fact that home prices are likely at their peak. One study estimates that over the last year, home prices raised 6 percent in much of the country. This makes it a great time to potentially cash out on all that equity or refinance for a lower interest rate.

No matter your situation, several signs are pointing to this spring being a great time to sell your home. Contact the Sibbach Group for a confidential consultation If you are thinking of listing your home in this sellers-market.

Click here to read February Phoenix and Scottsdale Real Estate market Update

Noteworthy Happy Hour Places in Scottsdale

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happy hour photoNorth Scottsdale is a place for having good leisure time. It is widely known to have some of the finest golf courses which attract numerous people across the planet. However, beyond the golf courses and the beautiful landscape and real estate scene, North Scottsdale also has a long list of wonderful locations where you can visit together with your friends and co-workers. These locations, called happy hour places, offer drinks, meals, and other shopping and leisure activities at very good prices within a stipulated period of time. To help you grab seats with ease, we have compiled the best happy hour places in North Scottsdale. Check them out and visit when you can.

  1. Market Street Kitchen

Located in the DC Ranch area, Market Street Kitchen offers happy hour every day for a period between 4-6pm. Here, their happy hour specialties include grilled fish tacos, summer melon salad dressed in a sweet tea, grilled chile pork stew, and more. The regular prices for these meals could range from $8 to $14. However, during happy hour, these prices are slashed by half. They also have drinks which range from Three Olives flavors to craft beers at $5.

  1. Sapporo Scottsdale

Sapporo Scottsdale is located in Southern Kierland, with happy hour offerings running from 3pm to 7pm on weekdays. On Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, happy hour is slated for 10pm-close. More interestingly, Sapporo Scottsdale offers happy hour specials throughout the summer – every day during the summer. Beverages could start from $5 while wines have a price range of $5-$12 including pineapple martini, ginger bourbon lemonade, and more. The available specials are beef sliders, hoisin bbq ribs, tuna lettuce wrap, et cetera.

  1. Armitage Bistro

Armitage Bistro can be found at DC Ranch. At Armitage Bistro, they offer happy hour every day of the week starting from 4pm to 7pm. The offers include spirits, martinis, wine, and food such as Armitage fries, Margherita flatbread, grilled artichoke, and toasted ravioli. They take $1 off drinks and beers, and the wine offering ranges from $5-$14.

  1. North Italian Farmhouse

The North Italian Farmhouse is also located in Kierland. Unlike most happy hour locations, North Italian Farmhouse run their happy hour specials every hour of the day on Sundays. On Mondays to Fridays, happy hour specials are available between the hours of 3pm-6pm. The eats include chef’s board, salads, Zucca chips, chef’s pizza of the day, and spiced nuts. Drinks include sangria, beer and well drinks which could cost from $2-$5.

  1. Twisted Rose Winery

Located off Northsight, Twisted Rose Winery has similar happy hour schedule as North Italian Farmhouse, but it is more organized and entertaining. Happy hour specials are available at Twisted Rose Winery from 3pm-6pm Mondays to Fridays. The Twisted Rose Winery menus combine handcrafted wines, martinis, and beers with twisted up dishes that give a wine focus. They have daily offerings from Mondays to Fridays which implies that specific specials are available on specific days. For instance, on Wineastic Wednesday, all bottles of wine become available at half the original the price; TGIF Friday is entertainment-focused with wine-tins of $7 and lots more.

  1. Brio Tuscan Grille

Brio Tuscan Grille is located around Scottsdale Quarter with happy hour offers that last Monday to Friday between 3pm-6:30pm. Brio Tuscan Grille is more flexible than other locations in its happy hour specials as it also becomes available in the bar on Mondays to Thursdays by 9pm-close. For a tasty treat, you will have to start with $3.95 for eats such as Brio burger, Tuscan tasters, and Pepperoni Flatbread.  Drink specials for sangria, cosmos, mojitos, and more start at $5.

 

Conclusion

North Scottsdale is a place where you can easily find top restaurants serving really delicious meals at good prices. During their happy hours though, you just won’t want to miss out because of the varieties of meals and drinks plus the discounts and unbelievable low prices they come with. The next time you are thinking of a good happy hour location in North Scottsdale, just scroll through this article, visit anyone of your choice, and let us know what you think.

Click here to learn about Scottsdale neighborhoods by map.

 

Phoenix/Scottsdale Real Estate Market February Update – January 2018 Stats

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Here is the Phoenix/Scottsdale area Monthly Real Estate Market Report for February 2018, which shows 6,198 homes sold in the month of January compared to 6,013 homes in January 2017. This is a 3.0% increase for the number homes sold year over year. And the average sale price is up 10.3% year over year, while the amount of listed homes is down by 13.7% to 17,441 from 20,200 in January 2017! Inventory of listed homes is still well below last year at this time, and demand continues to remain strong going into the winter/spring. The average days on market is down 12.5% from January 2017 to just 70 days. (Click on the link below or the image to view the full Market Report)

Click here to see the full January 2018 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 winter/spring, as the strong market 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.

Best Golf Courses in Scottdale 

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golf photo

With more than three hundred and thirty days of sunshine each year, Scottsdale certainly provides the best weather for a fun recreational golf game. If you are a golf lover already living in Scottdale, you are probably familiar with some, or all of the golf courses. While playing golf, one thing all of us want is to have as much fun as possible, even professional players can attest to this simple truth.  But, you cannot have a fun game on a bad course – that will only frustrate you.  Also, how can you enjoy a good golf game on a course where you have to spend more than half of the time of play looking for your balls or your opponent’s? That will rub off all the fun from the game. These golf courses listed here gives you enough room to hit your ball and find it easily off the tee. This makes the game more interesting and fun. Remember the aim is to have as much fun as possible!

The following courses are some of the more popular golf courses in Scottdale but that’s just our opinion, we’ll like to hear yours especially if you’ve ever played in a golf course in Scottdale.

1. Troon North ($189-$249)
Troon North is one of the courses in Scottdale. This public course is made up of two courses – Pinnacle Peak course and Monument course. The Pinnacle Peak course is set at the base of a Pinnacle while the Monument course which is considered the better of the two is named after the Monument under the third hole. The Troon North golf course has 36 holes, all designed in desert style by Tom Weiskopf and Jay Morris. Both courses provide spectacular views and with tees placed high above fairways. The course also have a few carries and good vistas from the tees making it easier for balls to be found. The Troon North also provides extensive practice facilities, so if you will like a little warm-up before the actual game, you can do so with ease.

2. TPC Scottdale ($108-$299)
The newly renovated TPC’s Champion Stadium and Stadium Course at TPC Scottdale is a course everyone should at least visit once in a while. With great Clubhouses, golf instructions, PGA tour level golf and lots of practice equipment, TPC Scottdale is more than just a golf course, it’s a whole new experience. What’s even more exciting about this course is the finishing stretch which includes two risk-reward holes – one over water (the par-5 15th) and the other drivable (par-4 17th), making every game as dramatic as possible.

3. Camelback Golf Club ($100-$200)

The Camelback golf course features two courses – the Padre course and Ambiente course both of which were recently renovated by Jack Snyder, Hurdzan Fry Environmental Golf Course Design. The renovation have made the courses more Eco-friendly, which is one of the major aim of the renovation in addition to improving the course layout, making it easier for players to keep up with their games. The course features rolling terrains, undulating fairways and cutting drop in elevation. There are no forced carried in any of the courses making it friendly almost every golfers especially beginners.

4. Grayhawk Golf Club 

Grayhawk Golf Club features two great desert courses – the Raptor Course and Grayhawk’s Talon Course. The Raptor course seen as the better of the two courses was designed by Tom Fazio and has been used to host major PGA tour events. The Grayhawk’s Talon Course was designed by David Graham and Gary Panks and features the par-3 17th and the drivable par-4 13th.

Scottsdale provides you with the best clear whether any golfer will ever hope for to play in. So, if you’re planning on visiting Scottsdale or even already in town, don’t miss this opportunity to play in some of the best golf courses in the country.

Click here to learn about Scottsdale’s Neighborhoods by map.

Desert Living: Why Arizona is the “It” Place

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If you’re thinking about relocating to Arizona, you’re in for a treat. There are a lot of incredible reasons to love Arizona, so whether you’re a new resident or a local who’s lived here your whole life, you’re sure to find something you’ll enjoy about this great state. Though the long-time residents of Arizona have always known how wonderful it can really be, it’s beginning to be more and more popular with people looking to move somewhere with a great climate and plenty to see, do, and get involved in, too. Check out the list we’ve put together below to see what might draw you to Arizona, too.

desert back yard photoThe Desert Scenery

You can’t beat the kind of scenery going on in Arizona. This state is full of incredible vistas and amazing mountain ranges, desert colors and flora and fauna you’ll have to see to believe. Depending on where you live, you might even have a great view of the desert right outside your own window.

Plenty of Outdoor Experiences

Do you love getting out and exploring the great outdoors? How about biking, hiking, horseback riding, or playing outdoor sports all year round? With the great weather in Arizona, you can do all that and a lot more. Plus, there are so many incredible outdoor locations to explore that you’ll never run out of options.

Wine Country

Arizona has a great wine country, especially in the Sedona Valley region. There are tons of great wine tours you can join just about anywhere in the state, and most vineyards will gladly offer a tour as well.

Golf, Golf, Golf

Arizona is where it’s at when it comes to golfing. There are dozens of golf courses in any given part of Arizona, so no matter what you’re looking for, you’re sure to find it. And if you live in a gated community you may even end up with a golf course as part of your home’s amenities, too!

Great Local Cuisine

Foodies are falling in love with Arizona because of the unique cultural dining experiences to be found throughout the state. Don’t be afraid to try all the variations of cactus you can find, including jelly, honey, and even margaritas made with cactus ingredients.

Get to the Grand Canyon

Last but not least, the Grand Canyon is in Arizona, and you can get there pretty easily from anywhere in the state. Visiting this site is a unique experience every time, so it’s worth it to get out and explore—especially if you’ve never gotten to before.

Property Taxes: What to Expect

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laptops photoAre you a first-time homebuyer or someone who hasn’t purchased a home in a long time? Do you find yourself wondering what to expect when it comes to property taxes? This is a common question that tends to come up pretty quickly when the topic of buying a home is addressed. Many first-time homebuyers are cautioned to keep their property taxes in mind when budgeting for their new home, and with good reason. Depending on where you live, your property taxes could be significant, and they could make a big difference in the overall price of your home and your monthly mortgage payment as well. Below, we’ve outlined some important information to help you learn what you can about what to expect and how to prepare for your property taxes.

How is property tax calculated?

Property taxes were created as a way to pay government employees of your town or county (such as police officers, firefighters and others) for their work. Therefore, it’s up to your local government to determine your property taxes. In order to do this, your home and the property it sits on are both assessed based on the market value of other houses that have sold recently in your area. You can also figure out an estimated property tax price by multiplying the tax rate you pay in your area by the value of your home in its assessment. You can do this yourself, and you can also ask your realtor to help you determine the property taxes on any home you’re looking into purchasing. You should have at least some idea of property taxes before you make an offer on your home.

When are property taxes paid?

When you purchase your home, you will need to pay property taxes as part of your closing costs. Depending on how you are buying your home, the way in which you make this payment may differ. For example, in some instances, you’ll need to pay these through a cashier’s check or another similar method. In other instances, you can group the payment into the same check you use to pay the rest of your closing costs. The time of year in which you close on your home will affect how much you need to pay in property taxes at the time, too; the rate will be prorated so that you only pay for the months in which you will own the home in the given year. When the next year begins, your taxes will go up to their normal annual amount.

Are you considering pre-qualifying for a mortgage loan?  Contact us or call  480.754.9477 or 480.754.9077.

Exploring Scottsdale’s Art Scene

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Indian Art photoAre you new to the Scottsdale area, or are you a resident looking for something exciting to check out that you might not have seen before? Did you know Scottsdale has an exciting and vibrant art scene just waiting for you to discover it? There’s a lot to do in Scottsdale when you’re interested in art, and most of it is focused in and around the Main Street Galleries in downtown Scottsdale. Check out the recommendations below and see for yourself what makes this such an incredible place to tour, learn, and enjoy art.

The Bonner David Galleries

Visit the Bonner David Galleries to enjoy both contemporary and traditional artwork that strays a little bit outside the norm when it comes to the topics and presentation alike found in these unique and stunning pieces. This is a favorite stop on the downtown Art Walk, but you can stop by any time the gallery is open and take time to peruse the collection at your leisure. You’ll enjoy a little bit of everything, from the abstract to portraits and more.

The Legacy Gallery

For nearly three decades, The Legacy Gallery has been a well-known and beloved part of the world of western art. With two other locations in the United States, the Scottsdale version cycles through it gallery displays regularly, so it pays to visit more than once. The focus of the art in this gallery is all western, but you may find some beautiful wildlife and landscape work in amongst the other pieces on display too.

Mainview Gallery

When you want to see a little bit of everything in your art gallery experience, the Mainview Gallery is sure to please. Take a look at the different exhibits put together by this gallery to enjoy a little bit of western artwork as well as still life, landscapes, portraits and more. This is a calming gallery with soothing pieces that will inspire you and encourage you to come back to check it out again and again.

Scottsdale Art Auction

In the middle of the Main Street Galleries, you’ll find the Scottsdale Art Auction, the Southwest’s largest auction dealing in western and wildlife artwork. This is an exciting place to visit when you’re looking to purchase new art for your home. Stroll through the massive showroom and don’t forget to check the calendar for the dates when the auction will be live, too.

click here to learn about Scottsdale real estate and surrounding areas.

Phoenix/Scottsdale Real Estate Market January Update – December 2017 Stats

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Here is the Phoenix/Scottsdale area Monthly Real Estate Market Report for January 2018, which shows 7,204 homes sold in the month of December compared to 7,164 homes in December 2016. This is a 0.6% increase for the number homes sold year over year. And the average sale price is up 8.6% year over year. The amount of listed homes is down by 13.1% to 17,128 from 19,692 in December 2016. Inventory of listed homes is still well below last year at this time. And demand continues to remain strong going into the Winter. The average days on market is down 15.7% from December 2016 to 64 days. (Click on the link below or the image to view the full Market Report)

Click here to see the full December 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 winter, as the strong market 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.

Why Snowbirds Love Scottsdale in the Winter

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Kierland christmas tree photoHave you ever thought about living somewhere that doesn’t get cold and snowy during the winter? Or have you ever considered spending the long, cold winter months lounging around by the pool or playing a few rounds of golf in the sunshine? When it comes to life in Scottsdale, winter is when this area really shines. There are many great reasons to live in Scottsdale during the wintertime, and below, we’ve outlined some of the most important points that keep year-round residents and snowbirds alike happy all winter long.

Enjoy the Warm Weather

Winter can be a tough time to live just about anywhere, but when you own a home in Scottsdale during the colder months, you won’t have to worry about all the hassles of cold weather wear and tear on your property. It will be mild and warm all winter long, and you’ll love the great weather that attracts so many people during this season.

Lower Property Taxes

Many people choose to live in California to enjoy weather similar to the nice winter temperatures and climate that are available in Arizona. However, in California, property taxes are much higher and much more likely to make it difficult to afford living there. Living in Scottsdale during the winter means you can get all the great benefits of the climate with none of the pricing concerns, and you won’t have to worry nearly as much about the cost of property taxes.

No Snow

Want to live somewhere that never sees snow? Looking forward to a winter without having to dig yourself out of your driveway just to get to work? If so, Scottsdale is the place for you!

You Can Enjoy the Hustle and Bustle of Scottsdale in the Winter

Just because you don’t live in a place that gets a lot of cold weather and snow doesn’t mean you won’t get caught up in the holiday season when you live in Scottsdale. With so many snowbirds visiting the area during the winter and so many residents getting out and about while the weather is nice, you’re sure to find plenty to do surrounded by your fellow Scottsdale residents.

You can Check out the Golf Scene

Last but not least, the golf is great in and around Scottsdale during the winter. The weather is nice, and when you want to unwind after a tough day of house shopping, this is definitely the way to do it!

We can help you find the right home to meet your needs and lifestyle.  Click here to learn about northeast valley homes and neighborhoods and view homes for sale.