The Scott's Sell Scottsdale

head_left_image

January in the Desert!

The January average temperature is 65.9 degrees with an average rainfall of 0.67 inches, making the Valley of the Sun a desirable place for locals and winter visitors alike. The mild temperatures and sunny days lend themselves to a multitude of outdoor activities and adventures. There is something for everyone.
 
Discover the Sonoran Desert. Don’t Miss Out on these January events in the Valley of the Sun, Arizona. Here are some of the scheduled January 2009 events:
 
January 5   
The Annual Fiesta Bowl (this year’s match up is Ohio St. vs. Texas).
University of Phoenix stadium in Glendale.
January 13-20   
The Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction - featuring 1,000+ collector and special-interest automobiles.
Westworld in Scottsdale
January 16-20  
The Russo and Steele Collector Automobile Auction—featuring American muscle cars, European sports cars, hot rods and customs..
Scottsdale Road south of the 101 freeway loop
January 18 
The P.F. Chang’s “Rock n’ Roll” marathon and half marathon – with local and national bands performing along the race route.
Event route begins at Wesley Bolin Memorial Plaza in downtown Phoenix eventually ending in Tempe
Jan 25—Jan 31
The Arizona Sun Circuit Quarter Horse Show – featuring 1,500 of the countries best quarter-houses.
Westworld in Scottsdale
Jan 28 – Feb 3
The FBR Open – this event is one of the most attended golf tournaments on the PGA Tour..
TPC Princess in Scottsdale
 
Januray Events in Scottsdale

Of course, there are always plenty of unscheduled events to participate in as well. Hiking, jeep tours, hot air balloon flights, horse back riding, tennis and, of course, world renowned golf offer the sports enthusiast plenty of opportunities to enjoy the Arizona sunshine.
For those who prefer a more relaxed from of entertainment, there are more than 25 resorts and day spas offering pampering sure to please, from upscale boutiques to larger high end malls Scottsdale is a shopping excursion mecca, there are restaurants, art galleries, museums and plenty of entertainment venues to select from as well. 
 
If you are considering relocation to Scottsdale or simply want a ‘winter home’ to escape to, feel free to contact us for all of your Arizona real estate needs.
Gary Scott, Realtor, GRI – Claudia Scott, Realtor, GRI, e-Pro
Search the Scottsdale MLS
Toll free 866-464-2140
AZ-Real-Estate-Sales.com
0 comments • Gary and Claudia Scott - Scottsdale, AZ Real Estate • December 19 2008 04:49PM

A Cloudy day in Phoenix Arizona!

Winter has finally arrived.  At least the Arizona attempt at winter. The skies were gray and we actually had some light rain showers.  This type of inclement weather is a treat for those of us who dwell here in the Sonoran Desert year round.  Ok, to all of you who choose to live in areas with four seasons, you might think we are getting excited about nothing.  But, with more than 300 bright sunny generally warm days a year here in the Valley of the Sun, we ‘desert rats' enjoy a gloomy day once in a while. This allows us to justify donning our winter clothes and lighting a fire in the fireplace. Of course, if it remains cloudy and overcast more than a couple of days in a row we will all be complaining about the unusual extended gray cold weather spell!! After all, one of the primary reasons we live here is the warm and sunny weather. We are definitely spoiled. . .  enjoy it now for tomorrow may be bright and sunny again :-)    HAPPY WINTER!

Scottsdale Winter

For those wanting to partake of our normally sun shiny days,
contact us regarding Scottsdale and Phoenix real estate!
Gary Scott, Realtor, GRI  -  Claudia Scott, Realtor, GRI, e-PRO
Toll free     866-464-2140    
Garyandclaudia@cox.net
www.az-real-estate-sales.com

0 comments • Gary and Claudia Scott - Scottsdale, AZ Real Estate • December 15 2008 08:17PM

There must be a silver lining. . .

The news media continues to print negative reports about the current real estate situation. There has to be a ‘silver lining' somewhere. Yes, the inventory is higher than normal, there are many foreclosures and short sales affecting the value of homes in just about all communities and the overall economy is weak. But, there are some positives as well. The interest rates remain extremely low with a potential to be reduced to 4.5%, there are some excellent opportunities for first time home buyers with FHA loans, many potential home buyers can now actually qualify and afford to purchase a property and there is a sizable inventory from which to select from . Real estate is still a good investment as over the long term home prices will increase.

 

Dec 8, 2008 Inventory Charts:  (courtesy fo Maggie Clark - Equity Title)
 
 Phoenix MLS Invenroy Dec 8, 2008
 Scottsdale AZ MLS inventory Dec 8, 2008
This is a ‘buyers market' - potential home buyers should be motivate get off the fence and take advantage of the current real estate opportunities.
For additional information regarding Arizona Real Estate Sales
Contact us for all your AZ Real Estate Sales needs:
please send direct e-mail request to
Or
 call our Toll Free Number       866-464-2110            
 
 
0 comments • Gary and Claudia Scott - Scottsdale, AZ Real Estate • December 11 2008 02:25PM

Happy Holdays from Arizona

Sending our best wishes for a blessed Christmas and
                          a Happy Healthy New Year!

 Arizona Holiday Greetings

I wonder what would happen if we all gave thanks for everything we have,
instead of worrying about what we don't have.
Appreciate every single thing you have, especially your family and friends!

'Life is too short and friends are too few.'

Sincerely, Gary and Claudia Scott

       AZ-Real-Estate-Sales

0 comments • Gary and Claudia Scott - Scottsdale, AZ Real Estate • December 09 2008 03:57PM

Don't Miss Out - AZ Real Estate Network meeting Dec 18

The next AZREBN Meetup on December 18th, 2008 in Scottsdale at SAAR . . . DON"T Miss Out!!!

SAAR and AZREBN are joining forces to make this a great meetup for all local professionals to take advantage of a FREE workshop with Emily Leach and SEO expert from New Mexico.

Emily comes well qualified and will be a delight to learn from and I hope that we can all take some time to shout about it on Twitter, Facebook, post about it on your blog and share our Meetup.com group with others.

With 12 years of experience in the field of Search Engine Optimization, Website Development, Internet Marketing and Information Systems you can rest assured she will deliver new techniques that will entice all real estate professionals that are looking to strengthen their online presences. Here is the outline for the AZREBN MeetUp!!

 

AZ Real Estate Blogging Network       AZ Real Estate Blogging Network

 

 

1 comment • Gary and Claudia Scott - Scottsdale, AZ Real Estate • December 09 2008 12:12PM

Tips for first-time home buyers

Buying a home for the first time can be overwhelming, but as with anything else in life, the right preparation brings about good results. Remember, the right home for you is one you want and can afford.
The First Time Home Buyer
Step 1: Ask yourself if you're ready.
  • You need to decide whether you're financially ready to buy a home
  • Do you have a steady job and income?
  • Do you plan on remaining in the same area for a few years?
  • Do you have enough money set aside for your down payment and closing costs?
  • Do you have an emergency fund?
  • Do you live within your means, avoiding credit card debt?
You will have to get used to budgeting a little differently in terms of having a reserve when things go wrong. Whether it's a new home or an old one, things will go wrong. Experienced homeowners know this, but first-time buyers often don't."
 
Step 2: Find out what you can afford.
When you're sure you have the right mind set to be a homeowner, it's time to determine how much house you can afford. The best way to do that is to get pre-qualified for a loan. There are for pre-qualifying: go to a lender with whom you have already established rapport or find a real estate agent you trust and follow the agent's recommendations for a lender
Your total monthly mortgage payment -- principal, interest, taxes and insurance (or PITI) -- should not exceed 32 percent of your monthly gross income. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) suggests that figure should be 29 percent. So this is not an exact science. According to Bank of America's Consumer Real Estate Group, you should find a lender that offers "first-time buyer options and financing ideas that take into consideration your personal situation. For example, many first-time buyer mortgage programs require only a low down payment or even no money down. If a down payment is required, you may be allowed to use 'gift' money from family members and other sources. Some first-time home buyer programs feature no closing costs. There may also be down-payment assistance programs available in your community.".
Step 3: Find out what's available
Once you know how much you are qualified to spend, it's time to decide where you want to live and research what types of housing are available -- one-story single family, condos, town homes, etc. In searching for an agent, find one who makes you feel comfortable and, more importantly, one who listens to you.
Step 4: Choose a neighborhood.
Once you know the housing stock in your price range, you can look at specific neighborhoods with homes meeting your needs. Cruise by at night time to see whether you get a "vibe" that it's a safe neighborhood. If you have children, you'll want to check out the quality of the schools. You ideally would like to be convenient to shopping, work and schools.
For additional information regarding Arizona Real Estate Sales
Contact us for all your AZ Real Estate Sales needs:
please send direct e-mail request to GaryandClaudia@cox.net
or call our Toll Free Number 866-464-2110
0 comments • Gary and Claudia Scott - Scottsdale, AZ Real Estate • December 04 2008 08:12PM