Keller Williams Realty, Inc. Ranked in America’s Top 10 Workplaces

AUSTIN, TEXAS (May 16, 2012) - Keller Williams Realty, Inc. announced today it has been recognized as one of America’s Top 10 Workplaces, according to the first annual National Top Workplaces list compiled by Workplace Dynamics.

“Our culture is our strongest asset and the reason that so many people want to be with us," Mary Tennant, COO of Keller Williams Realty shares. “Imagine what it would be like to work in a culture every day with people that you feel love, kindness, caring and humor with. Imagine working in an environment where there is a passion for every single person to succeed at the highest level."

“If this award proves anything, it’s that we only succeed when our associates do," added Mark Willis, CEO. “We are proud to be in business with the best who are lifting us up each day and proud to be fulfilling our mission of building careers worth having, businesses worth owning and lives worth living."

The list of National Top Workplaces is based solely on employee feedback surveyed from 805 companies of more than 1,000 employees, which included over half a million survey responses. According to survey results, Keller Williams’ ranking was based on its overall culture and high levels of organizational health including training, benefits, compensation, and work-life balance. “Put simply, the most successful companies appear to be the ones that employees believe in," said Doug Claffey, CEO at WorkplaceDynamics.

For more information and the full list of the Workplace Dynamics Nation’s Top Workplaces, please visit http://topworkplaces.com/stories/americas-top10-workplaces.php

About Keller Williams Realty, Inc.:

Keller Williams Realty Inc. is the second-largest real estate franchise operation in the United States, with almost 700 offices and more than 75,000 associates in the United States and Canada. The company has grown exponentially since the opening of the first Keller Williams Realty office in 1983, and continues to cultivate its agent-centric culture that emphasizes access to leading-edge education and promotes an economic model that rewards associates as stakeholders. The company also provides specialized agents in luxury homes and commercial real estate properties. For more information, or to search for homes for sale visit Keller Williams Realty online at (www.kw.com). For more information about KW Worldwide, visit (www.kwworldwide.com).

A Look into the Architectural Styles of Arizona Real Estate

Sometimes, finding the right home for the family may not be as easy as many would deem it to be. There are many factors to consider before buying a home: What is the condition of the home – Is it in tip-top shape or are there too many repairs to be done? How is the family responding to the overall appeal to the home? Does the architectural style of the home fit your taste and lifestyle?

Here are some of the popular architectural styles of homes that comprises Scottsdale real estate, Phoenix real estate, Paradise Valley real estate, Chandler real estate, Glendale real estate, Carefree real estate, and Mesa real estate.

Contemporary Style

Contemporary style homes is often associated with modernism. Contemporary architecture stems from a wide variety of influences. However, the ultimate intention of contemporary style homes is to create a feeling of space, putting emphasis in entertaining in the outdoors. These homes are more concerned with energy efficiency and uses sustainable materials. Eco-friendly homes are trending for the past decade, where materials and methods give a zen ambiance.

Mediterranean Style

This architectural style is immensely influenced by homes in the Mediterranean region such as Spain, Italy and Portugal. Mediterranean style homes is characterized by red tile or clay roofing, arches, plastered adobes, terraces or courtyards, stucco finishing, terra-cotta tile flooring and balconies. These features are designed for sunny, warm and dry climates.

Prairie Style

These homes are characterized by strong horizontal lines and wide open floor plans to complement the flat prairie landscape. Another distinct feature of this style is the low pitched hipped roof, grouped windows and secluded entrance. The Prairie architectural style was popularized by the famous architect, Frank Lloyd Wright, where his personal archives are found in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Santa Fe Style

Santa Fe style homes is a variation between a Spanish Colonial and an Indian Pueblo design usually one story that features flat roofing, round-edged walls, stucco finishing, covered porches and exposed ceiling beams. The Santa Fe architectural style is best suited for the desert climate of the Southwest US.

Take your pick into the best of the Valley. Let the Luxury Valley Homes help you in your quest to find that beautiful as well as functional homes that fits the Arizona lifestyle. 

A Taste of Phoenix

The harmonious fusion of the American-Mexican flare of the state of Arizona is due to the close proximity of the state to the country. The Mexican cuisine and good eats has been an American favorite for decades. The tortilla, burrito, tacos, the chimichanga, fajita, chili and the margarita are just some of the loved Mexican cuisine imports.

There's an Arizona take on the Mexican dish that has been causing a buzz – the Sonoran-style or Estilo Sonora Hotdog. Over the past decade, hundreds of stores, food stalls and carts serve this American-Mexican flare in Phoenix, AZ.

The Sonoran Hotdog is not your typical hotdog with ketchup and mustard. It takes the expression “a little bit of everything” and does exactly that. The hotdog is wrapped in bacon, a heap of beans, grilled and fresh onions, tomatoes, mayonnaise, cream sauce, mustard and jalapeno salsa, some radishes, cucumbers, whole chilies and mushrooms, depends on your preference.

Take a bite into this “American take on a Mexican take of an American favorite.” Take a bite into Phoenix, Arizona. 

A Mother's Day Treat at Scottsdale AZ

This Mother's Day, surprise the most loved woman in your life with a new and exciting treat. Living in Scottsdale makes giving a treat easy because extravagant amenities and perks at reasonable prices abound. Other than the typical chocolates and flowers, why not surprise her with a relaxing spa day, a weekend getaway, a superb dining experience with the family or perhaps a whole day treat of shopping – all this in Scottsdale, Arizona.

With the numerous spas in and around Scottsdale AZ, one need not fret at fully booked or over crowded spas. Celebrate her day with rest and relaxation with full body massages, facial treatments, a mani pedi and more at the Spa at Camelback Inn, the Golden Door Spa at the Boulders or at the Eurasia Day Spa. These are just some of the many spas in Scottsdale. For more information on Spas in Scottsdale, visit http://blog.scottsdalecvb.com/category/spas/

Scottsdale is a fashionista's delight with the largest shopping center in Southwest US. It’s right in the heart of the city of Scottsdale AZ, and known as the Scottsdale Fashion Square. Shop-till-you-drop with a wide variety of boutiques, accessory shops, retailers and art galleries. If the Scottsdale Fashion Square is not enough, head to Kierland Commons to satisfy the shopaholic in mom.

Send mom to a much needed day or two for herself with a weekend vacation. Choose from more than 70 hotels and resorts and 200 golf courses. Scottsdale offers many options. With all these first-class services and amenities, mom will surely enjoy the weekend.

If you're in to giving her an all out blow out this Mother's Day, how about a piece of Scottsdale real estate consisting of a beautiful home in Scottsdale. She would definitely love a place of her own, in the gorgeous city setting and the ambiance it provides. Let the Luxury Valley Homes team help you find mom that perfect house she can call home.

She deserves nothing but the best, all these and more in Scottsdale Arizona. 

901 W Kaler Drive, Phoenix, AZ 85021- Home For Sale

It doesn’t seem to make a difference what month it is when you visit greater Phoenix area, there is always lots of activities to see and enjoy. Phoenix, Arizona is blessed with more than 300 days of sunshine so you can almost always count on great weather as you experience the many activities available in the Valley of the Sun. When you’re not looking for Phoenix real estate you can take time out and enjoy all the recreation and adventure activities. Of course there are the tours that can be taken by way of jeep, horseback, or even by boat. Probably the most adventurous way to see the sites is by hot-air balloon where you can glide silently and observe all that’s down below. One of the most popular destinations is golf at one of our 200 plus pristine golf courses. 

If you’re looking for Phoenix real estate we would like to show you one of our favorites.

It’s a gorgeous home in the central Phoenix corridor! Almost a half acre lot, situated in a cul-de-sac with fantastic curb appeal. Extensive remodeling has been done, including an entertainer's backyard dream. This includes a fire pit, pebble tec pool, built in barbeque, travertine pavers and a putting green. Most of the updates were completed in 2011. This home has a split floor plan, including Knotty Alder cabinets, plank wood and travertine floors, plantation shutters throughout and surround sound. The Master Suite has a private, flagstone patio, with a great walk in closet. This is in a fantastic location and close to everything. If you’re looking for a four bedroom, three bedroom home you’ll want to put this one on your list to see. Take a preview of the home now by watching the video below and thanks for stopping by to visit the Luxury Valley Homes Team.

33132 N 72nd PL Scottsdale AZ 85266 - Winfield

Located on the Northeast side of Scottsdale is the Winfield Estates Community that rests at the base of one of the most exquisite cactus and boulder-studded mountains in the southwest. Winfield offers both Scottsdale sophistication and Carefree charm.

Winfield Estates are located in the lush upper Sonoran landscape where the residents enjoy the natural wonders of the area. The boulder outcroppings are distinctive, look closely and you can see a formation that looks like a snowman and you don’t have to experience the cold weather to enjoy it. The natural wildlife is abundant with various species of colorful birds to the Arizona roadrunner that runs like a flash to get from one place to another. You’ll see the occasional coyote and other wildlife that are indigenous to the area. If you don’t see them you might hear them serenading one another at night.

Available now in Winfield is a barely lived in Sunchaser model Town Home. 

This Sunchaser floor plan boasts three full bedrooms, two bathrooms, an eat-in kitchen, breakfast bar and formal dining room. Meticously maintained home with private back yard and very low maintenance landscaping! Enjoy all the amenities that Winfield offers, with a heated community pool and spa, clubhouse with fitness center, Standing Rock cafe, walking trails and 8 lighted tennis courts. Shopping and local restaurants are close by. A video of the community and town home has been made available for your inspection.

For more information of this and other Winfield properties go to http://www.WinfieldRealEstateArizona.com

Animal Health Services for Pets, Scottsdale AZ

Many of us animal lovers and pet enthusiasts love and care for our animal buddies so much that we look out for the welfare of our pets like we would look out for our family and loved ones. With that said, are they not already a part of the family?

Animal health care service centers are dedicated to ensuring the optimum health of every animal companion. Centers for preventative medicine, emergency, urgent care, surgery, diagnostics, reproductive services, oncology, orthopedics, dentistry, grooming, vaccinations, boarding and more exist around the Valley.

When immediate health concerns and emergency care are needed, there are a number of centers in and around Scottsdale that provide services and products for the well being of each pet. You'll be amazed at the top notch services and facilities provided by centers such as Animal Health Services in Cave Creek AZ, Animal Care Hospital in Phoenix AZ and Animal Medical & Surgical Center in north Scottsdale AZ. These are a few of the centers around the Valley of the Sun that are within a stone's throw away from your home.

Animal Health Services also cater to bereavement and grief counseling through their Pet Loss Support Group meetings for children and families that deal with the loss of their beloved pets.

Moving to Scottsdale AZ with the whole family and animal buddies? Visit the Luxury Valley Homes website or call us at 480 595 6412 for more information on animal-friendly subdivisions and properties.

Where to Get an Animal Companion: A New Place to Call Home

Numerous studies over the past 25 years have shown that humans can derive health benefits from their relationships with their animal companions. Animals can reduce human stress, improve cardiovascular health, decrease loneliness and depression, and facilitate social interaction.

With all the genuine loyalty and companionship our pet pals give us, indeed we do everything we can to reciprocate the same kind of love. Let's work hand in hand in putting an end to animal cruelty, inhumane treatment, substandard conditions that most backyard breeders and animal mills (puppy and kitty farms) operate under.

Find a trustworthy licensed kennel and make sure that the US Department of Agriculture routinely inspect the kennels. Better yet, find the nearest Animal Shelter or Animal Rescue Centers near you.

There is an estimated 5,000 community animal shelters in the United States. Shelter intakes are either from those surrendered by their owners or picked up by animal control. Around 6 million companion animals enter animal shelter every year on average with about 3.5 million of them are euthanized.

However, about 62 percent of all households in the United States have a pet and about 20 to 30 percent of cats and dogs are adopted from shelters and rescues (Source: APPA). You'll be surprised how animals can reciprocate the kindness you give by rescuing them.

There are numerous Animal Shelter and Animal Rescue Centers in and around Scottsdale, Arizona such as the Hooves & Paws Animal Rescue, Four Peaks Animal Rescue, Southwest German Shepherd Rescue, andFoothills Animal Rescue. These are no-kill rescue organizations dedicated to rescuing, adopting and attending to the special needs of abandoned, abused and unwanted animals.

There are so many means of taking part and helping out in the effort of raising awareness to humane treatment to animals, proper care and breeding of animals. Be informed and ask your local Animal Rescue Center how you can do your part.

Keep posted on our blogs for more articles on animal health care, grooming and boarding services, and hospice care.

Award Winning Scottsdale Real Estate Team Spotlighted

Luxury Valley Homes Team

GOING THE EXTRA MILE AND BEYOND

When most people are casually skiing the slopes, taking time to catch their breath between runs, you can find Jeff Daley racing down the black diamond slopes, his competitive wife, Jane not far behind. While most enjoy a leisurely hike with friends, you will find these two leading the pack, venturing down undiscovered wilderness trails. When most people go the to the beach to enjoy sunshine and relaxation, this dynamic duo would rather go scuba diving, eagerly taking in the hidden treasures beneath the sea. When most are hitting the showers after their early-morning work-outs, you will find this pair still going strong, pushing themselves to the limit. Meet Jeff and Jane Daley. A happy couple committed to going further than the standard in every aspect of their lives.

Going the Distance

Perhaps it is this shared drive that brought the two together so many years ago. Whatever the case, Jeff and Jane’s spirit of adventure and determination extends from their personal to their professional lives and remains a steady common ground. Not surprisingly, this approach played a role in their mutual success in the corporate world for nearly three decades. Together, Jeff and Jane worked for AT&T, relocating to various cities across the globe when opportunities for career advancement arose. While the fast-paced environment posed numerous challenges and called for radical adjustments, they thoroughly enjoyed the exposure to each new place, and established friendships that endure to this day. It was only natural for these driven professionals to go the distance in pursuit of their career dreams. 

An Active Lifestyle

When they’re not immersing themselves in their work, Jeff and Jane share a passion for the outdoors. Any activity that allows them to push themselves to the limit while simultaneously taking advantage of their beautiful surroundings are favorites. From scuba diving to swimming, mountain biking to boating, water skiing to fishing, it’s definitely rare to find this energetic duo indoors.

Above and Beyond

It’s Jeff and Jane’s inherent determination to go further, to go above and beyond even their own expectations, that is invariably the driving force behind their success as one of the area’s leading real estate teams. With a joint commitment to excellence,, this dynamic team helps clients walk away not merely satisfied with their real estate transaction, but positively ecstatic with the results.

Jeff and Jane’s combined business savvy, negotiating and analytical skills have clients raving about the level of service they provide. But more, they are also committed to providing you with the knowledge necessary to make sound decisions throughout your investment. They go the extra mile to keep you informed, making sure you have constant updates during each stage of your home sale or purchase.

Taking it Further

Jeff and Jane Daley are no strangers to pushing the envelope. When they take a skiing trip to the mountains, they are seeking out challenging runs, testing their skills and endurance. When they’re spending the afternoon hiking with friends, you will undoubtedly find Jeff and Jane (and their dogs, Zeus and Venus of course) leading the pack, exploring undiscovered trails. It’s clear, this dynamic couple truly gives new meaning to Taking It Further.

Fittingly, they apply this same approach, this desire to go above and beyond the standard, to their careers as one of the area’s leading real estate teams. The same energy that drives their personal pursuits, drives their professional endeavors. With the power of two behind you in your move, your have twice the knowledge, experience and expertise working for you. Not to mention the fact that both Jeff and Jane have valuable experience working in the corporate world for nearly three decades. By giving you the one-on-one personal attention you need and deserve, it’s really no surprise most of this unique team’s business comes from the referrals of satisfied clients.

Team Approach

Not long ago, a real estate transaction in Arizona was a relatively simple process. A short contract and straightforward document. Today,real estate transactions are complex with hundreds of details that need to be handled properly. Contracts are multi-page novels filled with legalese that will make the untrained professional’s head spin. A missed detail or step can negate your transaction. That’s why the Luxury Valley Homes team (LVH) is utilizing a new trend in real estate: the multi-person real estate team.

The concept is simple and demonstrated by the following analogy. You wouldn’t want your cardiologist operating on you to monitor your anesthesia, find his own surgical tools, and regulate your heart rate while he/she is performing a delicate surgical procedure. While a real estate transaction is not as life threatening as surgery, there are very real ramifications to your financial well being that could negatively affect you for years to come if something were to go wrong. With the LVH team on your side, you can be sure you’re in good hands.

In business the words team and success are synonymous. That’s why LVH has assembled an elite team of their own to make sure that nothing falls through the cracks; that no detail is missed in your very important transaction. Each member has a specific specialty and is cross trained in other disciplines. They are highly trained and you can be assured that your transaction will flow smoothly.

Education: Jeff Daley, MBA – Jane Daley, BA

Direct Voice:   80-595-6412      

Direct Email: Jeff@LuxuryValleyHomes.com or Jane@LuxuryValleyHomes.com

Military:

Jeff Daley 

US Army – 1963 – 1969

Combat Veteran
Honorable Discharge

MEMBERSHIPS / AFFILIATIONS

 National Association of Realtors

 Arizona Association of Realtors

 Scottsdale Association of Realtors

 Phoenix Association of Realtors

 Scottsdale Chamber of Commerce

 Carefree Chamber of Commerce

 Arizona Regional Multiple Listing Service

 International Internet Marketing Association

 Professional Ski Instructors of America

 Veterans of Foreign Wars

 National Organization of Women

 Licensed Realtor, State of Arizona

 Licensed Realtor, State of Texas

 Certified: Graduate REALTOR® Institute (GRI)

 Certified: The Accredited Buyer Representative (ABR – benchmark of excellence in buyer representation)

 Certified: e-PRO

 Certified: Luxury Home Marketing Specialists & Member of the Million Dollar Guild

 Certified: Home With Diversity®

 Certified: Certified Distressed Property Expert® (CDPE®)

Jeff is also an instructor of real estate classes for REALTORS® seeking to improve their knowledge or giving classes for those taking continuing education classes. (CEU) As an author of articles, Jeff has been published nationally in RISMedia, CNN, Realty Times, Wall Street Journal, and with the National Association of Realtors.

Meet the rest of our team and partners by going to Luxury Valley Homes Team

Roosevelt Dam Gives Arizona Life

Here's a fun fact for everyone. The Theodore Roosevelt Dam, located northeast of Phoenix, Arizona is 357 feet high and impounds the Salt River creating Theodore Roosevelt Lake. It is the first major reclamation project in the West. Before the dam was built, settlers would often leave during a drought season.

Since its completion in 1911, the dam has provided a reservoir of life-preserving water for central and southern Arizona and continues to play an integral role in Arizona's growth. Without it, most of the area would be just an arid desert.

Much of the beauty of Arizona, its dynamic cities and luxury estates is a result of the storage and distribution of water, giving and preserving life in the area. The dam also serves as a source of energy for the area, generating 36 megawatts by way of a hydroelectric generator.

Take a historic tour of the Theodore Roosevelt Dam and explore this magnificent feat that is part of the making of what Central Arizona is now.

Did you know that the Valley of the Sun uses the natural Basin and Range basin-fill aquifers to store water underground that supplies groundwater to most of the population of Arizona? Look for more on this in another Luxury Valley Homes Team article.

Looking to find some gorgeous estates in the Valley? Visit the Luxury Valley Homes for more information or call us at 480 595 6412 with your real estate questions.