Scottsdale Homes & Lifestyle

Delicious Family Dining near Desert Ridge

Written by Wendy on September 23rd, 2011

Living near Desert Ridge Marketplace provides you with just about everything you could need. This giant shopping, dining and entertainment complex has a range of chain restaurants, stores, and a movie theater (which, by the way, offers $5.00 admission prices on Sundays before noon). The complex also hosts live music and events in the central courtyard of the shopping and dining district.

If you want to try something a little different while supporting local business owners, venture just to the other side of Tatum Blvd. You’ll find back-to-back restaurants, Tryst Café and Humble Pie, as well as Pita Jungle – all great choices for a casual dinner that’s family-friendly. Humble Pie offers unique pizzas, such as potato and roasted garlic, chicken parmesan, and BLT. Their pies are topped with house made mozzarella, and kids eat free on Sundays. Tryst Café serves up breakfast, lunch and dinner with a full take-out menu. Ingredients are locally sourced, organic, hormone/antibiotic free, and the restaurant offers gluten free options. Seared ahi salad, goat-cheese stuffed chicken, a selection of juicy burgers, and live music on the patio. Pita Jungle’s menu focuses on nutrition, with a great kid’s menu, a resident dietician to answer questions and plenty of vegan choices. The menu satisfies with wood fired pizzas, healthy burgers, and hummus, taboule and Mediterranean dishes.

If you’re considering a home in the Desert Ridge area, be sure to venture outside the Marketplace and try these progressive local restaurants. Let us know what you think!

Posted in Desert Ridge, For Buyers | No Responses »

Where in the World is Rio Verde?

Written by Wendy on September 9th, 2011

This gem of a 55+ community is located north of Fountain Hills and east of Scottsdale, in the perfect location to “get away from it all” while experiencing great amenities and an extremely sociable community structure. In terms of natural beauty, Rio Verde can’t be beat. It is quiet and a little bit off the beaten track, surrounded by beautiful Sonoran Desert landscape and spectacular mountain views. The community features two Tom Lehman designed golf courses, and is located adjacent to McDowell Mountain Park.

Originally established in 1960, Rio Verde now consists of 1,000 homes, representing a variety of home styles and real estate prices to suit a wide range of buyer needs. This independent community has its own post office, community church and general market. Amenities available to residents are the Country Club, a tennis center and a community center which is the hub of all kinds of activities. The tennis courts have recently been re-surfaced and the pool area has also been renovated with new travertine tile, pool surface, shade sails and landscaping. Community leadership has planned other initiatives to keep the community vibrant and desirable.

If you enjoy a spot that is enhanced by nature and offers great values in golf course and 55+ community living, Rio Verde is definitely worth looking into.

Posted in For Buyers, Rio Verde Real Estate | No Responses »

Great Community – Fireside at Desert Ridge

Written by Wendy on August 19th, 2011

Sometimes relocating to Arizona can prove to be a challenge, and a big change from what families are accustomed to. Different neighborhoods have different personalities and it’s sometimes hard to assess when you are not familiar with various areas. We’ve worked in Fireside at Desert Ridge numerous times, and each and every time our clients have found it to be an extremely welcoming, neighborly community with so much to offer.

Fireside offers an amazing array of activities that embrace family, fitness and fun. From kids yoga classes to teen fitness classes to an “adult poolside splash bash” featuring music and libations, there are so many opportunities to get to know your neighbors and build friendships at all ages. There are community movie nights, book groups, “wine and design” seminars, men’s poker nights and coffee hours. Our clients tell us that the community vibe carries over to their streets and neighborhoods, and block parties, playground meet-ups and get-togethers are frequent events. For newcomers to the area, this community is the perfect place to feel comfortable and have a sense of belonging from the very beginning.

Some of the amenities Fireside residents enjoy are the community center, which features pool tables, a gourmet exhibition kitchen, fitness facilities, a full range of spa treatments, and an outdoor yoga garden. There are pools and spas, a splash pad for kids, lighted basketball and tennis courts, and picnic ramadas. Seriously, what else could you want? We should also mention that the Del Webb/Pulte homes feature quality upgrades and finishes throughout, as well as family-friendly open floor plans.

Take a look at Fireside and all it has to offer.

Posted in Desert Ridge, For Buyers, Scottsdale Real Estate - Neighborhoods | No Responses »

Real Estate Market Update for July

Written by Wendy on August 17th, 2011

July was somewhat of a letdown after June’s 10 year record high of home sales. April and May sales figures were pretty impressive as well, with May being the highest month since August 2005 until June surpassed May, and April was higher than April a year ago. So overall, while second quarter 2010 was a strong quarter for sales, second quarter 2011 had two record setting months, higher than any sales figures since the 2005 boom!

It is true that prices are not increasing. However, if you’ve read recent press that refers to “tumbling prices”, that really gives the wrong impression. Prices are down from second quarter a year ago, but median and average sales prices in Maricopa County increased in June for the first time in several months. Prices have actually been fairly stable for the past seven months.

Read or download the detailed report for July here.

Posted in Scottsdale Real Estate Updates | No Responses »

Monsoon, Haboob and Stupid Motorist Law – It’s Summer in Scottsdale!

Written by Wendy on August 14th, 2011

According to University of Arizona, the monsoon hits the Phoenix area by the first or second week in July and hangs on until mid-September. Compared to other parts of the world, apparently we get off easy here with our intense heat buildup, thunderstorms and flash flooding. I’m watching the sky darken right now, the wind is picking up and the lightning is like nothing I’ve ever seen elsewhere in my life. Yes, it will rain, and that’s where the Stupid Motorist Law comes in.

One result of monsoon rains is flash flooding. The ground is baked rock hard and just can’t absorb the onslaught of rain. Washes flood, roads flood…and people try to drive across flooded roads despite warning signs and barricades. If firefighters or rescue crews are required on the scene, the stupid motorist will foot the bill, up to $2,000.

The flip side of flooding is the dreaded dust storm or “haboob” (Arabic for “strong wind”). A haboob is essentially a wall of dirt that can travel up to 30 mph, pushed by a thunderstorm cell. There are minor dust storms during monsoon, but according to the National Weather Service, we see an average of 3 haboobs per year from June through September. This one was exceptionally crazy.

The Phoenix Haboob of July 5th, 2011 from Mike Olbinski on Vimeo.

The good news is that although we do put up with some wild summer weather, we never have to shovel snow, scrape our windshields or suffer through the grey gloom of a long winter. Come February I’ll be enjoying my coffee out on the patio under an endless blue sky on yet another impossibly beautiful day. Not a bad trade off!

Posted in Scottsdale Lifestyle | No Responses »

The Charm of Saltillo Tile

Written by Wendy on August 13th, 2011

Saltillo tile has a unique style that appeals to many homeowners, especially in the Southwest. These tiles give your home a warm, handcrafted look with a sense of history and culture. Originally introduced to Mexico by the Spaniards, the tile is named for the Mexican village of Saltillo, where the soil was perfect for producing beautiful tiles baked to perfection.

Saltillo tile is made of natural clay, which also makes this a “green” flooring material. The tiles are either hand cut by artisans or pressed in wooden frames, sun-dried and then baked in a kiln. Depending on the position of the tiles in the kiln, color can range from golden yellow to bold terracotta. The tile can be used as-is, or is more typically glazed and sealed to increase durability. If you are resealing your Saltillo floors, simply choose a no VOC sealant to maintain the tile’s environmentally friendly qualities.

For a Spanish style home, nothing adds to the warmth and charm like Saltillo tile. It provides a rustic yet refined backdrop for wall colors ranging from whitewashed to warm, bright hues and goes beautifully with a wide variety of furnishings.

Posted in For Buyers, Scottsdale Lifestyle | No Responses »

Shea Character Area Plan – What’s in Store for this Vital Part of Scottsdale?

Written by Wendy on August 3rd, 2011

The 2001 Scottsdale General Plan recommends character area planning as a way to define and maintain or enhance a desired “character” for a specific area of Scottsdale. The City of Scottsdale is in the process of creating a Character Area Plan for the Shea area. The Shea area is bordered by 60^th Street to the west, Indian Bend Road to the south, Palisades Blvd. to the east, and Thunderbird Road to the north.

The Shea Character Area represents the most populated section of the City of Scottsdale, home to approximately 40 percent of the City’s total residents. Well-established neighborhoods and commercial developments are found throughout. The area is a major sub-component of Scottsdale’s overall economy with every major sector represented including the hospital industry, financial services, business services, research and development, and health care. Scottsdale’s General Plan economic analysis describes the Shea Character Area as the “economic powerhouse” of the city!

Bottom line, the city supports facilitating revitalization and reinvestment, and building on the opportunities and strengths found in the Shea Character Area. The Area is set apart by its geographic location, superb amenities, and diverse housing stock that make it a desirable place to live, work, and play. The Character Area Planning process will help to ensure that this area will continue to retain its prominent characteristics well into the future.

The planning process has already begun with the Vision established in the Spring of 2011, and the plan to achieve the vision currently being drafted. The plan will be completed and revised in Winter/Spring 2012 and then Implementation will begin in Summer/Fall 2012.

The next meeting is scheduled for August 24, 2011 at 4:00 PM at Grayhawk Elementary School Cafeteria. For a copy of the email describing the Shea Character Area Planning Plan with related links, please contact us and we will forward it to you.

Posted in Scottsdale News, Scottsdale Real Estate - Neighborhoods | 2 Responses »

Hungry? 3 Great Places to Eat in Scottsdale

Written by Wendy on July 30th, 2011

Looking for a place for a memorable meal in Scottsdale this weekend? Skip the chain restaurants, and try one of these Scottsdale favorites for great atmosphere, innovative dishes and something a little different.

For well-priced, down-home food, super-attentive service and some live music, visit 5th & Wine this weekend. This old-town restaurant has nightly specials like an amazing chicken pot-pie, prime rib, or meatloaf and everyday meals like the marinated chicken sandwich (with roasted red peppers, arugula, carmelized onions, and more… I am going from my memory of last Saturday night’s delicious dinner) or burgers, pasta or salmon. The live music adds a fun vibe and the seasoned fries are incredible. Oh, and there’s a great wine selection too!

Rancho Pinot in Lincoln Village is a wonderful, local spot that uses locally grown and seasonal ingredients for their award winning cuisine. Although the standards are high and the food is sophisticated, Rancho Pinot isn’t a stuffy place. The warm, western decor is cozy, the flavors are incredible and the service is great. Even sitting at the bar for a cocktail and appetizer is a great intro to this Scottsdale classic.

You can’t live in Scottsdale without having tried the Stetson chopped salad at Cowboy Ciao in Old Town. It’s the original and best, as far as I’m concerned. How about Dungeness crab enchiladas, or the amazing mushroom pan-fry? The desserts are amazing, and you can sneak next door to Kazimierz World Wine Bar for an after dinner drink…if you know where to find the door!

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Golf Living in Scottsdale/Phoenix

Written by Wendy on July 21st, 2011

One of the most enjoyable benefits of living in Arizona for many residents is the abundance of amazing golf courses. The scenery on Scottsdale area courses is beautiful, and you can find courses to challenge even the most skilled golfers. Golfers in Scottsdale enjoy getting out year-round – even in the heat of summer. Summer actually offers some incredible deals on pricing for avid golfers who want to enjoy a variety of courses. Arizona Golf Association (http://www.azgolf.org/) is a good starting place to get an overview of golf courses in the area, as well as www.golfhub.com/Arizona and http://www.golfarizona.com/.

What you might not know is that the majority of courses in Scottsdale are public – no expensive country club dues required, and you are free to play a different course every day! You can find listings through the Scottsdale Convention and Visitors Bureau here. There is no shortage of information about golf here in Scottsdale.

For the golf enthusiast, what could be better than putting down your roots right on the golf course? This turnkey 3 bedroom/2 bath home in Village Fairways provides golf course views as far as the eye can see, while being centrally located and convenient to shopping, restaurants and other amenities.

Not only does the house back to Stone Creek Golf Club, it has been completely remodeled and updated by the owners. Although your view is of lush green fairways, the yard features a low maintenance desert landscape, which means you can spend more of your time teeing off. At the end of a great day of golfing, come home and relax in this stunning home.

Posted in For Buyers, Scottsdale Lifestyle | No Responses »

“Green” Machine Keeps your Pool Spotless

Written by Wendy on July 12th, 2011

From our friends at locally-owned Solar Pool Technologies – a great way to keep your pool looking gorgeous with little to no effort!

Phoenix AZ inventors, Terry Maaske and Denis Ruzsa were sitting by the pool a few years ago trying to figure out the logistics of a solar powered bottom cleaner when it hit them. Why wait until the debris is on the pool’s floor?

This traditional approach to pool cleaning is inefficient and uses a lot of expensive energy. Next to the air conditioner, the pool pump represents the second largest consumer of electricity for an average household, particularly in the Sunbelt where pools are open year round. Algae can grow in water that isn’t warm enough to swim, so you still need to circulate and sanitize the water during the winter months. Producing the electricity required to clean one average pool for a year consumes three tons of coal and produces six tons of carbon dioxide emissions. These figures are startling, especially when considering approximately 7 million homes in the United States have swimming pools.

Cleaning a pool from the top is a very new concept to the swimming pool industry, but one that logically makes sense. The buoyancy of water keeps leaves and dirt at the pool surface for several hours. It’s much easier to remove the debris at this time than after it sinks. Denis and Terry did the math on how much electricity could be saved by reducing pool pump usage by two thirds. It was obviously going to be worth it so they invented Solar-Breeze, the world’s first and only solar-powered robotic pool skimmer/cleaner.

During the day, Solar-Breeze uses the sun’s energy to run the motors that drive the cleaner across the water. Surplus power is used to charge its battery. Just before dusk, the unit switches to battery power and continues to operate a few hours into the night. Pool owners can let Solar-Breeze operate without supervision because of the unit’s embedded PC technology that detects when the unit is stuck and causes it to back up and turn. This technology also allows Solar-Breeze to randomly reverse direction and gravitate toward areas with more debris, ensuring that the unit will collect any floating items including dust particles.

With debris under control and off the bottom, pool water still needs to be sanitized. Denis and Terry built a chemical dispenser right into the skimmer unit. Solar-Breeze moves around the surface of the pool under power, so it delivers sanitizing chemicals to every part of the pool several times a day. This results in very efficient use of chemicals and sparkling clean water.

Solar Pool Technologies Inc was incorporated in 2008 by Denis Ruzsa and Scottsdale resident, Paul Sim. This local company acquired the IP to the Solar-Breeze robotic pool skimmer. The goal of the company is to introduce the products and technology that will make it possible to remove swimming pools from the electrical grid. Solar-Breeze is distributed through a network of pool and solar dealers and is available on the company website, www.solar-breeze.com Denis and Terry are still working on the solar-powered bottom cleaner and a number of other inventions to meet this objective.

More and more individuals worldwide are taking a proactive approach to making their homes and backyards as eco-friendly as possible. Not only is the solar-powered robotic pool skimmer a part of the green solution, it also makes your pool sparkle.

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