ClaudiaScott

Even thought the temperature remain hot, the Fountain Hills Real Estate market has 'cooled' from July 5th to August 5th 2010. Residential closed sales have dropped from 520 to 473 (16%) and the properties currently in escrow (pending sale) were reduced from 413 to 348 (12%). The overall number of active listings has also been reduced from 2,914 to 2,896. The slower summer month activity should increase with the approaching fall and winter months just around the corner.  There are some... Read Full Story

Thanks to Parenting Magazine for recently ranking Scottsdale, Arizona as number 8 of the top 50 “ Cities for Families 2010 ”!   We have lived here since 1981 and raised our two children here. I agree with the Parenting Magazine assessment and even think we could rank higher!   Our kids thrived in both the Scottsdale public and private school systems.  They have now graduated from college and are married. Scottsdale is a great place to raise happy healthy kids. To compile the information for... Read Full Story

Fountain Hills, Arizona is located approximately 30 miles northeast of Phoenix.  It is a unique master planned community situated on 12,600 acres of rolling foothills terrain, surrounded by magnificent panoramic mountain views. The community was developed to to blend in with the natural splendor of the high Sonoran Desert.  The town grew up around the world-famous fountain located on in a 30-acre park right in town.  So, How Fair is FOUNTAIN HILLS??? State Route 87 often referred to as the... Read Full Story

Are you Aware? Are you ever too old to improve your skills? The Scottsdale Community College - Business Institute offers new on-line and one-campus classes starting EVERY week! Short term classes and low tuition - only $71 per credit! The college offers effective and flexible accelerated Adult Learning.  The Business Institute offers Accelerated Credit Programs as well as Non-credit programs & workshops.  The accelerated, accredited classes are available from two to eight weeks in... Read Full Story

The Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art  is hosting the Annual "I Spy Artwork" Summer Family Fun Night on Thursday July 22nd.  The event will be from 5:15 to 7:30 pm and tickets for a family of 4 are $20.00.  Additional tickets are $4.00 each. If you live in the valley of the Sun and plan to be here  or   if you are actually visiting the are in the 'warmth' of our Arizona summer, this  will be a fun celebration for the family.  You must preregister by July 15th to attend.  RSVP to 480.874... Read Full Story

The Short Sale opportunity is here to stay for the foreseeable future. As qualified sellers and banks are jumping on board to sell these homes before they go into foreclosure, the 'system' for this type of sale is being perfected.  Overall these can be complicated sales, but for those buyers willing to take the plunge, you can purchase a wonderful property at a great price! And, for qualified sellers, the Short Sale is typically a better option than the foreclosure for eventually purchasing... Read Full Story

Home prices in the greater Phoenix metro area continue to be influenced by foreclosure-related activity. However, the foreclosure share of the recorded in May 2010 has decreased from 40% to the 33% recorded in March 2010.We are heading in the right direction. Again, foreclosure activity varies across the valley (40% in El Mirage while only 22% in Tempe). Median foreclosure sales prices widely vary across the valley as well. Even in a single city the median prices can differ. For instance... Read Full Story

Fountain Hills Parks and Recreation provides a variety of programs for people of all ages and ability levels. Another words, there is something for everyone ! For Toddlers: try SoccerTots is offered at Four Peaks Park. Arizona is a nationally recognized soccer program. For Youth: For a fun filled day of art, register for the Fine Art's Workshops. Want to play like Tiger some day, how about taking Jr Golf Lessons. There are clinics for children and teens designed to teach basic golfing... Read Full Story

Renovation Lending is a option for purchasing a property sold 'as is'.  This type of loan will include the purchase price and repair money. Wow, the buyer can purchase the house and have the cash to pay for   professional contractors to fix it up after closing! No need for ‘out of pocket money’ or a second loan to make the repairs to the property. The borrower can get just one mortgage loan, at a long-term fixed (or adjustable) rate, to finance both the acquisition and the rehabilitation of... Read Full Story

The excessive rain this winter brought more vegetation which in turn allowed for a larger than normal wild rabbit population to survive here in the beautiful Sonoran Desert.  We have lived on our acre ranch style home here in Scottsdale since 1986.  We typically have a wild rabbit population devouring our landscaping like a smorgasbord. Due to the excess rabbit population this season, they roam the yards and are seen more frequently than they normally would be.  This provides great... Read Full Story