Finding the Right Homes for Sale in Scottsdale

When you are out looking for homes for sale in Scottsdale AZ, it might be a challenge if you’re new to the real estate market. You can make it easier if you have a good idea of what the criteria is that you want in your home. 

When you consider buying a new home, keep in mind that interest rates and home prices tend to move in opposite directions. Some people mistakenly believe buying a home is a bad idea when prices are up or when interest rates are high. In fact, either of those situations can create good buying opportunities. However today’s economy could hardly provide a better climate for the purchase of a home. Market prices for homes are at an historical low and interest rates are the lowest they have been in decades. Prices have actually had upward movement over the past few months. The housing market is bouncing back.

DO'S AND DON'TS FOR HOME BUYERS
Buying a home is not as simple as buying a new sweater, or even a new car. There are a lot of things you should know. Here are a few basics:

Do
• Ask a qualified REALTOR® to be your buyer's agent. The seller pays their fee but their fiduciary responsibility is to their client buyer by agreement.
• Project your future needs, as children multiply, or get older and move out.
• Review last year's tax and utility bills.
• Consider privacy for you and your spouse.
• Walk the property boundaries.
• Review the homeowner disclosure documents thoroughly.
• Purchase a home warranty for unforeseen breakdowns the first year.
• Keep meticulous records of home repairs once you move in for capital basis calculation once you sell.

• Get pre-qualified for a loan before you head out to find that house that meets your needs. This is a critical step to the home buying process.

Don't
• Accept as absolute truth statements by the seller. Document everything.
• Make verbal agreements.
• Look for a home without financing pre-approval.
• Make your moving schedule too tight.
• Buy the biggest home in a neighborhood -- it's usually the hardest to sell.
• Purchase without a quality home inspection.

When shopping for homes for sale Scottsdale AZ and you’re working be sure and ask yourself what your commute tolerance is and tell your real estate agent. If it’s 20 minutes your real estate agent needs to know so they can make that part of the search algorithm. Are schools important, easy access to shopping, medical, and recreation are all important factors to consider.

Consider the home itself as an important part of your criteria. When looking for homes for sale Scottsdale AZ, or anywhere else, consider the absolute “must haves” that have to be part of the home, that is, number of bedrooms, baths, fireplace, garage, etc.; consider the “should haves” that is it should have a center island kitchen but if it doesn’t and everything else is good so it’s not a deal breaker; “nice to haves” that is if the house comes with something you like but it’s not on your must or should have list, it’s nice to have but you it probably does not deserve a monetary value when negotiating the sale price.

Most importantly when you're looking for homes for sale Scottsdale AZ, lean on your REALTOR®, they can turn your home quest from something daunting to an experience worth having.

For more information or questions call or email us. You can also visit http://www.RealEstateInScottsdaleAZ.com our website for Scottsdale real estate.

Desert Highlands Real Estate North Scottsdale, Arizona

Desert Highlands offers a unique design to southwestern lifestyle and sets the standard for luxury living for its residents. Desert Highlands is a private, residential golf community that features exceptional amenities, landscaping that spreads throughout 850 acres of rich Sonoran Desert with more than 560 home sites with 500 custom homes. 

Desert Highlands in North Scottsdale, Arizona is nestled against Pinnacle Peak and boasts stunning views of the valley and boulder outcroppings. It is no surprise that Desert Highlands receives countless awards of excellence in architecture and design, as well as for its Golf Courses, Tennis Facilities and Country Club standards. Desert Highlands is an internationally regarded private residential neighborhood.

Homeowners of Desert Highlands can delight in the peaceful seclusion of private southwestern living but still within close proximity to everyday conveniences of grocery stores and upscale shopping, restaurants, salons, a night out on the town, Scottsdale libraries, respected schools and medical facilities, including the world renowned Mayo Clinic and Hospital. Desert Highlands homeowners enjoy full residential services such as landscape and maintenance, pool and spa care, and home management services.

What sets this intimate community apart from other luxury communities is its thoughtful design and regard for its homeowners. Here, neighbors meet to relax and enjoy with various events and activities promoting friendly competitions. Desert Highlands homeowners can create memories that last a lifetime with family, friends, and neighbors – all this with the warm backdrop of the Sonoran sunset.

Desert Highlands gives definition to the southwestern luxury lifestyle where one can truly enjoy all that a good life and living has to offer.

For inquiries on Desert Highlands’ real estate in Scottsdale, Arizona, just Email or call us at 480-595-6412.

To view current listings go to Desert Highlands real estate listing

Maricopa County Arizona Market Update - December 31, 2011

Here is the Market Report for the end of December, 2011.  The market continues to shift and 2012 promises to be a very competitive year in Real Estate.  Prices are on the rise and Inventory is declining.
 
Closed Sales Report Analysis:

Sellers:
As inventory continues to decrease, the number of closed sales continues to grow. The month of December saw a 9.2% INCREASE in the number of closed units that follows a 5% DECREASE in November.  For sellers, this means that buyers are still very, very active in today’s market.  New home builders continue to ramp up their inventory to provide options to buyers so sellers need to continue to monitor market activity.

Buyers:
Buyers need to pay very close attention to this statistic.  The increase in the number of closed sales is definitely related to the shrinking inventory – buyers are anxious to buy in a market that brings much competition. We continue to see multiple offers on high-demand properties, and in some cases, buyers need to pay more than list price in order to be the successful bidder.  Buyers MUST carefully work with their real estate professional to understand the market AND to understand how they can compete with the market demand and other buyers who may be in a financial position that is more appealing to the seller.

Distressed Sales Analysis:

December statistics saw bank owned/foreclosure sales DECREASE by 2.3%, short sales increase by 2.5%, and traditional sales remain the same when compared to the month of November.

This statistic means that the competition from foreclosure properties decreased while traditional sales from sellers with equity increased. Sellers and buyers need to monitor this trend to see how the market continues to respond to the current inventory.
 

Average Sales Price Analysis

Sellers:
With the decrease in inventory, it should come as no surprise that home prices are now on the rise.  December saw an increase of 1.5% in price over the prior month.
The average increased from $165,881 to $168,365.  Although this is very good news for sellers, sellers need to remain cautious as they see the impact that appraisals and final loan underwriting have in validating these increases.
.
Buyers:
For buyers, it is important to be careful about this shift in the price of homes.
This increase means that buyers have 1.5% less buying power than they did in the prior month.  Although we have no idea what will happen in future months, the shrinking inventory could provide even more competition for homes on the market, which could result in even higher home prices.  More than ever, you need to work with your real estate professional to make sure you have the best possible information regarding the market value of homes and to carefully monitor this trend to see how it will impact the availability, pricing, and terms associated with purchasing a home. 
 

New Listings Analysis

Sellers:
All of the stars are lining up for an even more competitive real estate market in the Phoenix metro area.  November saw an 11.6% drop in the number of new listings entering the market; December saw a 14.6% drop over the month of November.  Only 6,485 homes entered the market last month, by far the lowest number in the 36-month reporting period. At a time when buyers are competing to find a home, this number means they will have even fewer choices than in the prior months.  However, sellers should monitor this new inventory to see how it might impact the sale of their home.  In this great market, it is even more important that sellers need to make sure they remain as the top choice for active buyers in the marketplace.  If your home is not selling in this aggressive market, it is more than likely a pricing issue – buyers are still looking for the best value possible.

Buyers:
Buyers pay attention! November & December saw a dramatic drop in the number of new inventory entering the market.  This is more than likely due to the drop in foreclosed homes becoming available. More than ever, it is essential that you spend time with and listen to your real estate professional to develop your strategy for succeeding in a market that is constantly changing.

Be prepared:  a continued decrease in new listings entering the market could present challenges for finding your next home.

The numbers above represent the entire Phoenix MLS.

Would you like to know what is
happening in your neighborhood?
 

• Would you like to know the value of your home?
• Do you need help deciding whether to sell or not or would you like to know if now is the right time to buy?

We would be happy to get you that information.  Just call or email us with your request.

Winfield Real Estate Scottsdale Arizona

Nestled at the base of one of the most exquisite cacti and boulder-studded mountains in the Southwest, rests five-hundred and eleven (511) home sites that make up Winfield luxury Scottsdale real estate that is a gated community. The approximate living areas of these homes ranges from approximately 1,434 to 5,300 square feet at homes priced to sell from $279,000 to $3M+ million. As of October 20, 2011 over 99% of these homes have found families. Only a few of the custom lots remain.

This Scottsdale real estate home division of Pulte Homes is a world-class community called Winfield. Named for the founder of Scottsdale, Winfield Scott, this 300 acre guard gated community offers the best of both North Scottsdale and Carefree, Arizona living.

Winfield luxury real estate in Scottsdale Arizona has been specially designed with vast open space to allow homeowners the opportunity to enjoy the beauty of the High Sonoran Desert and to preserve the natural environment of arroyos, desert trees, majestic saguaro cacti and other desert vegetation. It’s a beautiful example of what Scottsdale real estate can be and sets that standard for others to follow.

For those that are active outdoor enthusiasts you don’t have far to go for golf, hiking, biking, horse back riding, fishing and boating. It’s just a little bit of paradise where Winfield Estates are integrated into the area to appreciate the outdoor and amenities of the area. It’s a great place to live.

Reserved exclusively for Winfield luxury real estate homeowners is a 75-acre mountain that is a unique landmark and just one of the community’s first-class amenities. At its base, the Club at Winfield gracefully hugs the boulders in a contemporary style that accentuates both views and dramatic land forms.

Winfield Estates has over eight miles of trails that wind throughout the community allowing owners and guest to fully enjoy the splendor of this beautiful land.

With a backdrop of soaring glass windows and a reflecting pool is the clubs spacious lobby. This is your portal to the other amenities of the Club at Winfield. It’s the ultimate gathering area with a casual atmosphere and extraordinary views. Intimate gathering areas cluster around indoor and outdoor fireplaces.  Open-air dining patios and terraces capture cool desert breezes, breathtaking sunsets, and the sparkle of distant city lights.

The private Winfield Estates Clubhouse is approximately 13,500 square feet and was designed for people with an active-lifestyle or for those that just want a place to go and relax. In addition to the Clubhouse is another building used as an activity and tennis center.

The Winfield Estates Clubhouse offers the following amenities:

State of the art Fitness Center
Standing Rock Cafe
Sauna and steam room
Aerobic programs
Tennis pro
Private meeting rooms
Men’s and women’s locker rooms
Social programs
Heated Olympic-size pool with beach entry
8 lighted tennis courts featuring two clay courts
Media lounge & billiard room
Massage rooms
Whirlpool spa

Transportation:
Sky Harbor International Airport is about 35 minutes away.  Scottsdale airport is about 15 minutes

Shopping:
Carefree Town Center, Target at the Summit, and Terravita Marketplace are close by for all your shopping needs. Desert Ridge is a regional shopping mall a short 10 miles down Scottsdale Road.

Medical Facilities:
Desert Foothills Medical Center, Mayo Hospital and Scottsdale Memorial North are located near this community. 

Recreation:
Tonto National Forest allows for hiking, boating, horse back riding and mountain biking. Lakes Pleasant & Bartlett offer water recreation and fishing.

Winfield Estates Real Estate Web Sites:

Winfield Real Estate Current Listings: Find all current listings in Winfield

Winfield Real Estate:  Website for Winfield Scottsdale, Arizona 85266

Winfield Estates real estate website is owned by RJ Daley & Daley, PLLC in partnership with Luxury Valley Homes – Keller Williams Arizona Realty. This is a real estate company with a team of agents specializing in Winfield real estate for sale. Our REALTORS® provide relocation counseling, personal attention, and market expertise. On our site you can customize your search for Winfield real estate, find neighborhood information, and read the latest Winfield Arizona real estate news.

Desert Ridge Real Estate is located in the northeast valley of Phoenix, Arizona, in the Desert Ridge Master-Planned Community nestled in the dynamic desert environment. One of Arizona's largest master-planned communities, Desert Ridge comprises 5,700 acres of lush landscape with long-term value and a high standard of living for Desert Ridge residents. Desert Ridge will ultimately be home to 50,000 residents for residential, commercial, recreational opportunities and more. 

It is the premier location for residential living in the Valley of the Sun. From single-family, to golf and custom homes, Desert Ridge features a wide variety of homes, offering quality living opportunities for all ages. Sagewood at Desert Ridge puts the “gold” in golden years as it takes a refreshing new way in senior living with on-site health care services, therapy, and assisted living.

Desert Ridge is part of the Paradise Valley Unified School District, one of the Valley's leading school districts with an above average educational climate index in Arizona. The community promotes educational and vocational success to the students.

This award-winning community caters to every kind of lifestyle. For the outdoor enthusiasts, community hiking trails with rich Sonoran Desert landscape meander throughout the community and with a vibrant combination of shopping, dining, recreational activities, employment opportunities and top-of-the-line healthcare facilities. Some of Desert Ridge's celebrated destinations are CityNorth, Desert Ridge Marketplace, JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort & Spa, and Mayo Clinic Hospital - the first and largest integrated, non-profit group practice in the world, Mayo Clinic.

Be it for business or pleasure, Desert Ridge is the perfect retreat. JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort & Spa offers superb therapeutic spa services, dining and golf. Desert Ridge will also soon house 3 new hotels – Residence Inn by Marriott, a 4-star business hotel and a 5-star luxury hotel at CityNorth. From small cafes to large retail centers abound The Shops at Shade and in Desert Ridge Marketplace, with CityNorth being the urban core of the community. There's so many things to see, do and look forward at Desert Ridge.

For inquiries on Desert Ridge real estate in Phoenix, Arizona, just Email or call us at 480-595-6412.

To view current listings go to Desert Ridge real estate listing

Arizona Maricopa County Homeowners Rebate In Jeopardy

CAUTION! The Arizona Maricopa County homeowner can increase their property tax by simply not signing their affidavit and mailing it back to the County Assessor.  The Arizona Association of Realtors (AAR) is fighting this on behalf of the homeowners of Maricopa County but this has a good chance of passing and if you do not pay attention and follow the rules, your taxes will increase by default. The details follow and it's worth your time to read the status of this legislation.

Last year the Arizona legislature HB 2001, more commonly referred to as the “Jobs Bill” or the “Commerce Authority Bill”. The promoted intent of this bill was to create a more business-friendly state to attract all types of businesses both large and small, create jobs, and provide tax relief to businesses. The legislation focused on several key areas: corporate income, businesses property tax cuts, job training, the Arizona Competes Fund, and the newly formed Arizona Commerce Authority.

Currently many homeowners are unaware that their residential property taxes are lowered by a payment made from the State General Fund directly to the county in which the property is located. This payment is paid for Residential Properties in Class Three of the property tax code, which generally includes owner occupied primary residences. This e payment is commonly called the “homeowners rebate”.

Under the new law, the process of receiving the rebate is complicated by requiring the homeowner to go through a cumbersome process of signing an affidavit beginning in 2012 and subsequent even-numbered years, under penalty of perjury, that they live in the home or that the home is being utilized by a relative.

As outlined in the law, the affidavit is to be mailed along with the annual Notice of Full Cash Value to owners of Class Three Property. The forms are to be completed and returned to the County Assessor within 60 days or the Residential Property will be reclassified as Class Four and the property taxes increased by as much as $600 annually depending on the home's value.

Legislation's Impact:

Amongst many problems with the affidavit is that it presumes that a homeowner is guilty until proven innocent. Many unsuspecting homeowners, unaware of the requirement or the consequences that the affidavit will be mailed along with the Notice of Full Cash Value, will miss the deadline to return the affidavit, resulting in their properties automatic reclassification to Class 4 property and the corresponding increase in property tax. The legislation creates a paperwork bureaucracy impacting approximately 1.8 plus million residential properties and increases costs to county governments in our state.

Action Points for Meetings:

• Repeal the affidavit requirement impacting homeowners, counties and tax dollars!
• Replace the affidavit with requirement that county assessors target those properties that have a high probability of not being someone's primary residence such as out-of-state owners, multiple properties in the same county or those owned in the name of a business entity. Target the problem and not impact every homeowner in Arizona.
• Restore the previous penalty for those that receive the homeowners rebate illegally. The previous penalty was 2 times the amount of the property taxes. The penalty was reduced to 2 times the amount of the rebate. The reduction in the penalty for those properties in the wrong class sends the wrong message. If you want property classified by class correctly, why lower the penalty?

Desert Mountain in Scottsdale, Arizona is a multi-gated community with guarded gates that assures impeccable security for its members. This 8,000-acre luxury community is located in far North Scottsdale on the border of Carefree and the Tonto National Forest and nestled at the base of Apache Peak. With elevation ranging from 2,400 to 4,500 feet above sea level, Desert Mountain enjoys clean crisp air and immaculate lands. 

Desert Mountain real estate features a brilliant mixture of homes, from the attached cottage to the ultimate in custom homes. 

Desert Mountain is one of the world's premier private, residential communities in luxury real estate with outstanding recreational amenities. The community of Desert Mountain is dubbed as one of the "World's Best Golf Communities" in 2000 by the Robb Report. For 20 years and counting, Desert Mountain has garnered more than 80 awards of excellence in the field of golf, commercial and residential design.

Desert Mountain offers 6 Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Courses and Clubhouses, world-class, swim and fitness centers, award-winning golf-pro shops, the Sonoran Fitness Center & Spa, tennis facilities that includes hard compression, grass & clay courts, plus fine dining facilities and more. They offer 2375 Equity Golf Memberships, which translates to less than 396 such memberships per course across all six courses. The Equity Golf Membership to the Desert Mountain Club is currently $140,000. Many of the homes sold in this community will include this membership with the sale of the home.

Desert Mountain members have the most extensive golf practice facilities in Arizona. There are multiple pitching, chipping, putting and bunker areas, and four separate practice ranges with target greens. Desert Mountain's PGA-trained professionals are available to help members at any skill level.

Its Member Services presents the finest concierge services that equals to five-star hotels worldwide. This award-winning community clearly defines casual southwestern luxury living.

The children have not been forgotten as Desert Mountain is family-friendly, with a full calendar of children’s activities. If you like to hike there is over 9 miles of hiking trails within the community.

For inquiries on Desert Mountain real estate in Scottsdale, Arizona, just Email or call us at 480-595-6412.

To view current listings go to Desert Mountain real estate listing

Desert Ridge Real Estate AZ

This award-winning community caters to every kind of lifestyle. For the outdoor enthusiasts, community hiking trails with rich Sonoran Desert landscape meander throughout the community and with a vibrant combination of shopping, dining, recreational activities, employment opportunities and top-of-the-line healthcare facilities. Some of Desert Ridge's celebrated destinations are CityNorth, Desert Ridge Marketplace, JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort & Spa, and Mayo Clinic Hospital - the first and largest integrated, non-profit group practice in the world, Mayo Clinic.

For more information go to Desert Ridge real estate at  http://www.desertridgephoenixhomes.com/

Carefree – Cave Creek Balloon Festival

The 3rd Annual Carefree-Cave Creek Hot Air Balloon Festival, hosted by the Carefree Resort and Conference Center, will please young and old alike.  Our “gentle giants” attract thousands to Carefree and Cave Creek each year. This year’s unique environment, at one of the premier resorts in the country, promises an upscale evening of family entertainment.

The 2012 Balloon Festival will be showcasing balloons of all shapes and sizes, Live Music, Arizona Skyhawk’s Parachute Team, vendor market, fireworks, indoor and outdoor food and beverage, adult refreshments, Sanderson Lincoln test drives and of course the ever popular Kids Zone!"

General admission is $8.00, Children 3-12 is $5.00 and 2 and under is free.  VIP tickets are available with advance purchase only for $55.00. VIP tickets gives provides an area with seating and fire pits, buffet dinner, bar, and restrooms. Twenty dollars of every VIP ticket goes directly to the Tim and Willy Kid’s FUN-Dation. The Carefree-Cave Creek Balloon Festival will be a fun filled event for all and it’s located at the Carefree Resort and Conference Center on January 21, 2012, from 4 PM to 10 PM.

This event is just another reason why Carefree real estate is so popular and families want their own Carefree estate that they can call their own. If your interested in knowing more about Carefree real estate just go to http://www.CarefreeEstates.com.

The Boulders in Carefree and Scottsdale, Arizona

Named after its most noticeable feature of spectacular 12-million-year-old granite boulder formations, the community of  Boulders is a beautiful community that is split between Carefree and Scottsdale, Arizona. It is located on the north side of Scttsdale and continues into Carefree, Arizona. The Boulders community accentuates a variety of homes ranging from patio homes to custom luxury homes. 

The Boulders community is home to the famous Boulders Resort and Green Door Spa with two world-class golf-courses: Boulders North and Boulders South. These resorts feature a unique combination of resort courses.

Boulders community homeowners enjoy intimate living complemented with the easy access to schools, dining experiences, medical facilities, and shopping both in Carefree and Scottsdale, Arizona.

The Golden Door Spa at The Boulders offers a Zen-like ambiance with the therapeutic serenity and energy of the desert. The resort also features a fitness facility that includes a yoga studio, large movement studio, cardiovascular workout and weight training equipments, various treatment rooms, Men's and Women's steam, dry sauna, Japanese inspired relaxation baths, and a Tea Room.

The Golden Door Spa at The Boulders brings a unique meditation labyrinth and tranquil pool and whirlpool that is beautifully nestled in the shadows of the boulders. Then top off the experience off with a visit to the full-service salon, and the Spa Boutique.

The Boulders community in Carefree, Arizona epitomizes the beauty of the Southwestern living.

For inquiries on Boulders real estate in Carefree, Arizona, just Email or call us at 480-595-6412.

To view current listings go to Boulders real estate listing