Dog Friendly Hiking Trails

/in , /by

pinnacle-peak-cactus photoIf your best friend is of the canine variety, you likely are a fan of dog-friendly destinations.  Here in the Valley of the Sun, Fido can join you on a hike through the gorgeous Sonoran Desert only in those areas where dogs are permitted.  To that end, here are a few hikes where you can enjoy the companionship of your pooch . . .

Starting at the southern end of the valley, South Mountain Park and Preserve features 51 miles of trails for hiking, biking and horseback riding.  There is absolutely a hike for every skill level.

Widely considered to be one of the most difficult hikes in the Valley of the Sun, Camelback Mountain, with its Cholla and Echo Mountain summit hikes should definitely be reserved for those possessing high fitness levels and hiking abilities.  But if you and Fido are determined to try it, the views at the top of the 2,704-foot peak are absolutely worth the exertion.

While the Circumference Trail is 5.73 miles, there are other shorter hikes at Deem Hills.  This beautiful spot located at 51st Avenue and Deem Hills Parkway is open from sunrise to sunset, with the parking lot opening at 5:30 a.m.

Shaw Butte/North Mountain are in North Mountain Park and are landmark peaks in Phoenix, both offering popular day hikes.  There are five different mapped trails of varying lengths and difficulty, so be sure to consult the park map before heading out with your pet to see which is the best fit for both of your fitness levels.

Check out Lookout Mountain Preserve which is home to Lookout Mountain and Shadow Mountain, and is located just north of North Mountain Park.  These peaks are at a lower elevation and are fun for children and those who are looking for a more leisurely hike.

Papago Park is adjacent to the popular Phoenix Zoo and Desert Botanical Garden.  The hiking trails in Papago Park are relatively smooth and easy, and offer another great option for family hikes.

As always, remember to keep your pet safe by avoiding hikes during the hottest part of the day, and always carry plenty of water for both of you.  Laws require that your pet’s waste must be picked up immediately, placed in a secure plastic bag, and disposed of in a solid waste container. Phoenix leash laws apply on all trails, and pets must be leashed at all times.

Learn about Scottsdale Homes and Neighborhoods

Farmers’ Markets in North Phoenix and Scottsdale

/in /by

carefree-shoppingWith summer drawing to a close, and the air presumably growing cooler as we inch our way into fall, it’s also time for more outdoor activities, such as farmers’ markets which are opening back up in September.  Scooping up local produce and confections at farmers’ markets is a fun and economical way to spend your day as well as fill your belly, so consider checking out some of these options around the Valley of the Sun.

  1. Old Town Farmers’ Market in Scottsdale is open on Saturday morning and features both local growers as well as specialty food makers.  Products include flowers, natural proteins (pork, beef, fish) plus local cheeses and free range eggs.
  2. Anthem Farmer’s Market in Anthem is located in Anthem Community Park and is another Saturday morning market.  With many vendors offering fresh breads, jams and jellies, pickles, organic and seasonal fruits and vegetables, and grass-fed beef, lamb, and pork, plus local eggs, butter and cheeses, there is something for everyone!
  3. Roadrunner Park features a very popular Saturday morning market from 7 am to 11 am during the summer.  This farmers’ market showcases a wide range of products from local vendors including fruit and vegetables, baked goods, natural proteins (beef, pork and fish), jams, jellies and honey, as well as booths with hand-crafted wares.
  4. Singh Farms is a long-running farmer’s market in Scottsdale, on Thomas Road just west of the 101 Freeway.  Open on Saturdays from 8 am to 1 pm and located on an actual working farm, this market is also a destination, thanks to the tree-shaded market, beautiful gardens and walking paths.
  5. Phoenix Public Market in downtown Phoenix (Central Avenue & McKinley) is open Saturday mornings from 8 am to noon.  This open air market features a variety of vendors from ranchers to farmers showcasing local produce, meats and local products.  Food trucks are nearby in case you want to stop for a meal.

Browse our interactive map to learn about Scottsdale neighborhoods.

Dog-Friendly Restaurants in Scottsdale

/in , /by

It’s fair to say that people generally can be grouped into dog lovers and those who aren’t as fond as dogs.  For the former group, many people love to be able to bring their furry family members out to eat with them, to enjoy these social outings much as their owners do.  To that end, here are a few canine-friendly restaurants to check out in Scottsdale.

ice cream shopFirst, Cold Beers & Cheeseburgers (with locations in Grayhawk and Old Town Scottsdale) features outdoor patios perfect for Rover.   They have an extensive beer menu, naturally, and have many specials from happy hours to days when kids-eat-free, all updated on their website.

Another dog-friendly restaurant is AZ88, located in Old Town Scottsdale in their outdoor Civic Center park area.  People will enjoy the view from the patio, overlooking the green areas of the outdoor mall, and if there’s a jazz concert, even better!  Your canine companion will receive a fresh bowl of water, and plenty of attention from the wait staff.

For always healthy lunch and dinner options, dog lovers can also check out Flower Child, located near McCormick Ranch.  With its covered patios, complete with misters, and attentive wait staff who will bring Lassie a fresh bowl of water, and its consistently delicious food, Flower Child will keep everyone happy.

This restaurant OHSO Eatery & Distillery, has three locations in the Valley of the Sun.  With their outdoor patio, this eatery is one of the most pooch-friendly restaurants in Scottsdale.  Tables are outfitted with carabiner hooks for leashes, and wait staff will bring a bowl of fresh water and a bag of treats to your table, for Fido to enjoy.

In North Scottsdale, an interesting breakfast/brunch restaurant to check out is the Pinnacle Peak General Store with its soda fountain interior and generous outdoor dog-friendly patio complete with fountain and pretty views.  It’s also a one-stop shop thanks to its onsite post office, gift store and gas station.

Sports Leagues for Kids

/in /by

School is starting up again, and the dog days of summer are wrapping up.  With the eventual decline in high temperatures also comes the beginning of many sports seasons for kids.  Here in the Valley of the Sun, children have many different sports leagues from which to choose.  One such option is your city’s parks and recreation department.  For example, Phoenix Parks and Recreation department offers a multitude of sports leagues for children, including basketball, soccer and swimming.

Scottsdale sports complex photoAnother option to consider is checking out any of the local Boys and Girls clubs in the Valley.  With dozens of locations, there’s sure to be a club near you.  The Boys and Girls Club which serves Scottsdale and north Phoenix hosts several different leagues including girls’ volleyball, flag football, soccer and basketball.  These leagues require a reasonably-priced annual membership to the Boys and Girls club, but said membership entitles your child to play in any of the associated leagues.

There are a multitude of privately-owned sports leagues throughout the Valley of the Sun.  Two of the more popular options are HUB Sports and i9 Sports.  HUB Sports, formerly Simply Sports, features many different programs from swimming lessons and swim teams, multi-sports activity camps and soccer leagues (from age 2 and up).  Another privately-owned sports program is i9 Sports.  This company features a multitude of locations as well as sports, including soccer, baseball, basketball and flag football.

Finally, your child’s school will offer various sports programs, giving them the opportunity to try out different sports at a lower-price point.  Oftentimes these programs are hosted directly by the school district itself, and other times a private company is brought in, along with their coaches and equipment, to conduct a mini-sports league program for various ages and grades.

Dine-In Movie Theatres

/in , /by

Scottsdale Phoenix statueOne of the best parts of going to the movies often is the ability to enjoy snacks while you watch the latest thriller on the big screen.  But gone are the days of stale popcorn from the concession stand, thanks to the advent of dine-in movie theatres.  Here in the Valley of the Sun, moviegoers can enjoy a few fantastic theatres that combine movies and meals, in luxurious settings.

iPic Scottsdale, located in the Scottsdale Quarter outdoor shopping mall, is one of the more upscale dine-in movie theatres.  With the ability to reserve specific seats ahead of time, iPic also gives moviegoers the options of choosing between two different types of seats: Premium (oversized leather seats) or Premium Plus (oversized leather recliners with blanket and pillow).   The former seat owners have the option of purchasing snacks beforehand from the iPic Express stand, to eat on the attached tables.  The Premium Plus moviegoers can order food from the onsite restaurant to be delivered during the movie itself.

Another nearby option in Scottsdale is the Studio Movie Grill, which features a full-size bar in its lobby, so patrons can enjoy alcoholic beverages before and during the movie.  This theatre also gives you the option of reserving specific seats online ahead of time, or just before the movie using a self-service kiosk in the lobby.  All patrons may order food from menus and wait staff before and during the movie, with the help of a service call button, and can enjoy the food on tables affixed to the studios’ chairs.

A third option is the AMC Dine-in Theatres Esplanade 14, located in on Camelback Road in Phoenix.  This megaplex movie theatre has several different dining options, one for adults only and a few more family-friendly options.  This theatre also permits reserving specific seats online beforehand, and service in the theatre itself is also summoned via a self-service button.  A full concession stand, café and bar are also onsite at this location.

Finally, you can still watch a movie the old-fashioned way, in your car!  The West Wind Drive-In in Glendale, Arizona, features digital projection, using state-of-the-art technology, on multiple screens with double features each evening.

Grout Cleaning Tips

/in , /by

tiled kitchen photoOne of the biggest turn-offs to potential buyers is seeing dirty grout on tile floors.  Dirty grout sends a message to buyers that the floor isn’t clean, and if the floor isn’t clean then the rest of the home may not be clean either, and unclean homes typically mean deferred maintenance.  See what happens there?  However, in most cases, grout isn’t dirty, it’s stained from years of product build up, mildew, and being walked on.  The bottom line, however, is that part of getting your home ready to list means making it sparkle from the top to the bottom, and the bottom means getting your tile floors in pristine condition.

My first suggestion is to try various non-toxic cleaning products, many of which can already be found in your pantry, and with a little elbow grease, you can diminish those unsightly grout stains.  First, try using the powerful combination of baking soda and vinegar. Just mix baking soda with vinegar into a paste.  (Some people also recommend mixing baking soda and hydrogen peroxide into a paste).  Then, apply the paste to the grout lines with an old toothbrush (either manual or electric—the latter will help loosen dirt much more effectively).  Then, wipe off excess paste after letting it sit for 20-30 minutes.  If the grout isn’t as clean as you’d like, try applying lemon juice directly to the stained areas, let sit for a few minutes and then wipe clean.

Alternative cleaners to try include whitening toothpaste, again using an old toothbrush (electric is even better).  You can also try covering the grout with shaving cream, letting it rest for a few minutes, and then scrub it off.  Pencil erasers can also work, believe it or not.  Another cleaner that is non-toxic and free of fumes is oxygen bleach.  This common cleaner can be found in the grocery and drug store, and is often found in powder form (ie, OxiClean) which can easily be made into a paste.

Commercial cleaning services are also options for those who don’t wish to expend the elbow grease necessary to deep-clean grout.  While they are much more expensive than the remedies above, they certainly may be worth it for many homeowners.  However, you choose to get that grout clean, be sure to take the time to have it sealed.  Manufacturers recommend that tile be sealed at least twice a year, but annually at minimum is your best bet.  These steps will be sure to increase the value of your tile floors!

Do you know the value of your home?  Get your free, no-obligation estimate here.

Swimming Lessons

/in , /by

pool with view

We are in the dog days of summer, and keeping cool is objective #1!  Learning to swim is a rite of passage for kids in the Valley of the Sun.  To that end, here are a few places to look if you’re interested in helping your kids learn this all-important summer skill:

  1. Phoenix Parks and Recreation is one of the largest operators of swim lessons here in the Valley of the Sun.  With 30 public pools and two week sessions from Monday-Thursday available to both residents and non-residents of all ages, you’re sure to find a location and date that works for your schedule.  Pricing is the most reasonable through Parks and Rec programs at $15 for two-week group lessons (about 6 children per instructor in the beginning level courses) up to $45 for semi-private sessions (about 3 children per instructor).
  2. Scottsdale Parks and Recreation also operates swimming lessons, for kids and adults.  Lessons are 30 minutes long and are also offered in two-week sessions, Mondays through Thursdays.  Price is $24 for Scottsdale residents and $36 for non-residents.
  3. Options for private swim lessons abound here in Arizona.  One popular option you may want to explore is Hubbard Swim School.   This school offers several different types of programs, for all age levels.  Drop-in lessons are $15 for a group class, and $20 for a semi-private class.  Hubbard also hosts a free baby splash class for children 2-5 months old.  For regular classes, the cost averages $81-$122 per month for weekly classes.
  4. Aqua Tots is another private swim school, with 10 locations around the Valley of the Sun.  Both private and semi-private classes are available, and rates vary by location, but average $79-$207 for 1-3 days per week for the first child.
  5. With locations in both Scottsdale and Gilbert, Aqua Safe is a private swim school featuring classes every half hour at both locations at least 4 days a week.  They offer a program for first-time swimmers which includes two classes per week for eight weeks, for $150 per month.

Browse Homes By Map

Where Are the Good Contractors?

/in , /by

hands photoGood contractors . . . when you find one, you’ve got to hold on and never let go.  Whether you’d like to update your existing home, or you are considering listing your home for sale, and making much needed updates to maximize your ROI (return on investment), you’re probably going to be enlisting the services of a contractor.  Finding a good, reputable contractor out of the thousands out there may seem like a daunting task.  However here are some suggestions on how to find the best person to help you update your home:

First, ask your coworkers, friends and family if they’ve used a contractor in the past. A second source of recommendations to consider is your neighbors.  An easy way to crowd-source your neighbors’ recommendations is through the website www.nextdoor.com.  This free website is a great resource for anything neighborhood-related, and members are very willing to share their experiences with contractors, good and bad.  A third source of recommendations to consider is your local tile store, flooring store and hardware store.  Chatting with the store manager or employees will often yield several names of reputable contractors in your area.

Checking these individuals out, once you’ve got a list of 3-4 names, is critical, to ensure they are reputable and legitimate.   In Arizona, the Registrar of Contractors maintains a list of all registered, licensed contractors in a handy database available to the public: http://www.azroc.gov/forms/contractorsearch.html.  This database contains an up-to-date record of the status of the contractor’s license, any complaints that have been filed against the contractor, the amount of bond they maintain, as well as how long they’ve maintained a license in this state.

The next step will be to contact the contractor and to interview them (by phone or email).  Some questions to ask include:  Do they take on projects of your size?
Can they give you a list of previous clients?  How many other projects would they have going at the same time?  How long have they worked with their subcontractors?  Would they be personally supervising the project?   The next step would be a face to face meeting, in which they can see the project you’ve got in mind, and so you can ascertain their personality and see if it’s a good fit.  Follow up this in person meeting with phone calls to 2 or 3 of their references.  Ask how their remodels went, and ask if you can see photos of the final product.

The final step is to collect bids (always ask for itemized bids in writing) as well as payment schedules.  Typically, with larger remodeling projects, contractors require 10% at the time of signing the contract, with 3 payments of 25% evenly spaced throughout, and then the final 15% once the remodel has been completed.   Then, it’s off to the races with a remodel that’s sure to increase the value of your home, or of your continued enjoyment of your home.

As always, we’d be happy to share with you who we have had success working with on home remodels, as well as to conduct a walk-through of your home to discuss what we recommend updating when getting your home ready for sale, or alternatively, where to spend your money in your new home, to increase ROI for selling your home in the future.

Contact us for referrals

Staying Cool in Water Parks in the Valley of the Sun This July

/in , /by

Triple-digit temperatures don’t mean you can’t enjoy the summers here in the Valley of the Sun. Here are a few water parks to consider exploring, to help you beat the heat:North Scottsdale residents of McDowell Mountain Ranch already enjoy the fabulous amenities within their McDowell Mountain Ranch Aquatic Center.  The good news is that non-residents can enjoy fun features such as the 8-lane lap pool, three diving boards, a lazy river, a large tube water slide, a zero-depth entry play pool, and water play features plus splash pad.  There are also multiple areas of shade and seating.

McDowell Mountain Ranch Park and Aquatic Center photo

  1. Located in the North Valley, Wet N Wild is a sprawling oasis of slides, wave pools, lazy rivers and splash pads.  With over 13 attractions, every member of the family is sure to find a fun way to stay cool.
  2. Big Surf in Mesa is known for its 2.5 million gallon wave pool.  Big Surf also has an area for smaller tots, as well as seven different sets of slides for the thrill seekers in your group.
  3. Located within the Arizona Grand Resort, Oasis Waterpark is a 7-acre waterpark featuring an 8-story tower with three water slides, a large wave pool, a lazy river and a kids’ splash area.  Day passes can be purchased through the hotel for just the waterpark.
  4. Finally, Golfland-Sunsplash in Mesa, is a combination water park and amusement park, with several water attractions such as slides, a wave pool, lazy river and splash zones.  Visitors can also enjoy a giant video game arcade, bumper boats, laser tag and little Indy cars.

Coupons and deals for the above attractions can often be found at www.groupon.com and www.livingsocial.com.

Congratulations!  You’ve Received a BINSR!  

/in , /by

You’ve negotiated a price with a buyer for your home, and you’ve entered a contract to sell your home to this buyer.  This is great news!  What happens next?  Typically, the buyer will set up and pay for an inspection of your home, and based on the inspection report, will send you a BINSR.  This is a Buyer Inspection Notice and Seller Response, and is the document the buyer uses to notify you, the seller, about the issues that exist with the home and the property.  Here’s the important part:  the buyer typically has ten days after the inspection to deliver this BINSR to you.
S Scottsdale listingWith regard to the BINSR, there are three ways the buyer can go after the inspection.  First, the buyer can indicate that they accept the premises completely, which means no further work needs to be done.  The second option is the buyer can reject the premises, which means the real estate transaction is cancelled and they will not be purchasing the home.  The third option, which is the most common scenario, is the buyer “elects to provide the seller an opportunity to correct” whichever items from the inspection the buyer wants corrected before they take possession of the property.

This third option is where the buyer wants the seller to either replace, repair or change something based on the inspection report.  You, as the seller, will then have 5 days in which to respond to the BINSR.  As the seller, you then have three responses available.  The first response is that you agree to correct all inspection issues.  Your second available response is that you agree to no repairs.  (The buyer then will have the option to accept the property as-is, or to cancel the transaction altogether).  The final response is that you can itemize which items you are willing to repair, replace or change.  For example, you may agree to fix 80% of the items on the inspection report, but not the other items because you disagree with the inspector’s conclusions.  This scenario is common, for example, when the inspector can’t find a switch to turn something on, or the lightbulbs just need to be replaced.

At this point, the buyer can then choose to either accept or cancel based on the seller’s response to the BINSR.  While this is a very simplified explanation of the BINSR process, this is generally how this often-complicated portion of the real estate transaction proceeds.  We look forward to answering any specific follow-up questions you may have about any real estate related matters.

Contact Us