As we live in this wonderful destination resort community we live in whether if it’sScottsdale, Phoenix, Fountain Hills, orParadise Valley. It is truly the winter destination for those trying to get away from the snow and the cold.

Yes, you are away from the snow, but not totally. On occasion, snow may fall once or twice a year in “the valley”, and you can actually see snow in the distance. Where? Snow exists and will only stick in higher elevations.  You will never face any type of slippery hazard on roadways here in the Phoenix Valley Metro area.  The winters in the valley can fall in the 30’s and 40’s overnight in some evenings. Otherwise, you will experience the comfortable temperatures in the high 50’s to the mid 70’s, and the sun is still out most of the time! Not a bad feeling at all, is it? Sometimes, our temperatures may reach 80 degrees, a perfect time to get into the pool in as early as February.

Where does snow really exist in Arizona? The higher elevations are the areas where snow exists. You can travel to up to Flagstaff, or Show Low for the wintry elements. What’s great about the climate in Arizona? Here in the “valley of the sun”, it feels like the middle of a Midwestern fall or spring, but in those high country areas, you will experience wintery conditions.

If you are in the mountains and there is snow, you know what that means? Arizona does have destinations for you to go skiing and snowboarding! Yes, no kidding. There 5 resorts for you to go here in the Grand Canyon State this winter!

Arizona Snowbowl:

Arizona Snowbowl is Arizona’s most popular ski resort. It’s located on the San Francisco Peaks in the Conconino National Forest near Flagstaff. The resort is near the highest peaks in the state! The resort has 32 trails with a vertical drop of 2,300 feet. It’s located approximately 2 ½ hours from Downtown Phoenix.

Sunrise Park Resort:

Sunrise Park Resort is a premiere family ski resort. It’s a great place for beginners, located in the White Mountains near Show Low. They have 65 trails that spread over three mountains with a vertical drop of 1,800 feet.  40% of the resort contains beginner friendly trails. It’s located nearly 4 ½ hours from Downtown Phoenix.

Elk Ridge:

Elk Ridge is a family oriented resort and is a popular destination for snowboarders.  The resort has snowboard and tubing recreation areas with a vertical drop of 600 feet. It’s located near Williams and is nearly 3 hours, heading north past Flagstaff from Downtown Phoenix.

Flagstaff Nordic Center:

For those who are not into downhill skiing, Flagstaff Nordic Center is the place for you.  They have 15 trails to choose from with over 25 miles of cross country skiing.

Mt. Lemmon Ski Valley:

Mt. Lemmon Ski Valley is another resort that has some downhill runs. Though, not as steep as the other resorts, its steepest vertical drop is 900 feet. This is a destination resort for the folks in Tuscon and is approximately 3 hours from Downtown Phoenix.

The Appeal Factor of  Arizona:

Many of the reasons the Phoenix, Scottsdale and Valley Metro Areas are so appealing for those looking to relocate is of course, the sunny weather, and the mild winter temperatures, but it’s great for those who love the winter recreation nearby! You do not have to deal with living in the harsh winter elements and enjoy the scenic views of mountains here! If you are looking to buy real estate of your dreams in nearby mountain areas in Scottsdale, Fountain Hills, and Paradise Valley, here are a few homes currently on the market you may consider buying.  Best of all, I have the keys to every home!

Desert Mountain – Scottsdale Real Estate:

Showing properties 1 – 5 of 77. See more Desert Mountain community real estate.
(all data current as of 12/12/2011)

1. $585,000 : 10592 E Horizon Drive, Unit 11, Scottsdale
   
   3 beds, 3.50 baths

   Home size: 2,544 sq ft

   Lot size: 7,648 sq ft

   

2. $899,000 : 10373 E Filaree Lane, Scottsdale
   
   4 beds, 4.00 baths

   Home size: 3,907 sq ft

   Lot size: 24,435 sq ft

   

3. $899,000 : 38255 N 95th Way, Scottsdale
   
   3 beds, 3.50 baths

   Home size: 3,813 sq ft

   Lot size: 38,557 sq ft

   

4. $3,495,000 : 42397 N 100th Way, Scottsdale
   
   5 beds, 6.50 baths

   Home size: 8,150 sq ft

   Lot size: 1.06 ac

   

5. $2,700,000 : 11152 E Distant Hills Drive, Scottsdale
   
   5 beds, 6.50 baths

   Home size: 6,642 sq ft

   Lot size: 1.05 ac

   

Listing information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Read full disclaimer.

McDowell Mountain – Scottsdale Real Estate:

Showing properties 1 – 5 of 25. See more Mcdowell Mountain Ranch community real estate.
(all data current as of 12/12/2011)

1. $395,000 : 10735 E Caribbean Lane, Scottsdale
   
   3 beds, 2.50 baths

   Home size: 2,623 sq ft

   Lot size: 7,835 sq ft

   

2. $2,345,000 : 16229 N 115th Place, Scottsdale
   
   4 beds, 4.50 baths

   Home size: 6,149 sq ft

   Lot size: 2.33 ac

   

3. $490,000 : 16581 N 108th Street, Scottsdale
   
   4 beds, 3.50 baths

   Home size: 3,404 sq ft

   Lot size: 9,382 sq ft

   

4. $699,900 : 10730 E Ludlow Drive, Scottsdale
   
   4 beds, 4.00 baths

   Home size: 3,658 sq ft

   Lot size: 1.14 ac

   

5. $262,000 : 15849 N 102nd Place, Scottsdale
   
   3 beds, 2.00 baths

   Home size: 1,347 sq ft

   Lot size: 5,069 sq ft

   

Listing information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Read full disclaimer.

Silverleaf – Scottsdale Real Estate:

Showing properties 1 – 3 of 5. See more Silverleaf At Dc Ranch community real estate.
(all data current as of 12/12/2011)

1. $13,500,000 : 19550 N 107 Street, Scottsdale
   
   8 beds, 10.00 baths

   Home size: 13,865 sq ft

   Lot size: 2.75 ac

   

2. $1,250,000 : 19512 N 101st Street, Scottsdale
   
   5 beds, 5.50 baths

   Home size: 4,533 sq ft

   Lot size: 12,706 sq ft

   

3. $3,999,000 : 10974 E Mountain Spring Road, Scottsdale
   
   5 beds, 8.00 baths

   Home size: 9,384 sq ft

   Lot size: 1.79 ac

   

Listing information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Read full disclaimer.

Eagle Mountain – Fountain Hills Real Estate:

Showing properties 1 – 3 of 10. See more Eagle Mountain community real estate.
(all data current as of 12/12/2011)

1. $2,000,000 : 9711 N Jagged Circle, Fountain Hills
   
   5 beds, 6.00 baths

   Home size: 7,320 sq ft

   Lot size: 1.48 ac

   

2. $479,900 : 9227 N Crown Ridge Road, Fountain Hills
   
   4 beds, 2.50 baths

   Home size: 2,680 sq ft

   Lot size: 7,122 sq ft

   

3. $564,900 : 14808 E Miramonte Way, Fountain Hills
   
   3 beds, 3.50 baths

   Home size: 2,900 sq ft

   Lot size: 12,500 sq ft

   

Listing information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Read full disclaimer.

Paradise Valley Real Estate:

Showing properties 1 – 5 of 301. See more city of Paradise Valley real estate.
(all data current as of 12/12/2011)

1. $6,900,000 : 5959 E Hummingbird Lane, Paradise Valley
   
   5 beds, 7.00 baths

   Home size: 16,400 sq ft

   Lot size: 2.59 ac

   

2. $1,798,000 : 5506 E Morrison Lane, Paradise Valley
   
   6 beds, 5.00 baths

   Home size: 7,850 sq ft

   Lot size: 1.01 ac

   

3. $850,000 : 5005 E Butler Drive, Paradise Valley
   
   4 beds, 3.00 baths

   Home size: 2,822 sq ft

   Lot size: 1.36 ac

   

4. $600,000 : 6206 N Mockingbird Lane, Paradise Valley
   
   4 beds, 3.00 baths

   Home size: 2,983 sq ft

   Lot size: 43,560 sq ft

   

5. $9,995,000 : 5630 N Cameldale Way, Paradise Valley
   
   7 beds, 11.00 baths

   Home size: 20,000 sq ft

   Lot size: 3.87 ac

   

Listing information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Read full disclaimer

1. Wonderful Weather
People in colder climates take the shoveling of snow from driveways and sidewalks in stride. But sooner or later thoughts of living in a warmer climate, sans the pesky white stuff, come to mind. Phoenix has an arid, subtropical climate, meaning warm winters and even hotter summers. Exchange your parka and snow shovel for T-shirts and sandals. Most Phoenix apartments have air conditioning and swimming pools to help beat the heat. If you find yourself missing the cold head on out to see the National Hockey League’s Phoenix Coyotes take to the ice. Don’t forget the sweater; you’ll need it once inside.

2. Outdoor Fun
The city and surrounding areas are home to a number of water-parks, including Wet’N’ Wild in Phoenix and Big Surf in nearby Tempe. On the northern end of Phoenix is Castles N’Coasters, one of the city’s amusement parks. The other, Enchanted Island, is in Encanto Park. The Desert Botanical Garden, part of Papago Park in the eastern end of Phoenix, hosts plants from deserts around the globe. A number of apartments in Phoenix are within walking distance of the park.

3. Business Opportunity
Well-known firms such as Intel, Best Western, Mesa Air Group and PetSmart have their home offices in the Phoenix area. This opens up opportunity for employment in several fields. Luke Air Force Base is also on the outskirts of the western end of the city. Arizona State University is a leading research and educational facility. Another plus is that Phoenix apartments are abundant and competitively priced, allowing you a higher standard of living.

4. Wide Open Spaces
Even though Phoenix is the fifth largest population center in the United States, it is so spread out that no matter where you live in the city it is only a short drive to the true desert and those wide open spaces. Take a Sunday drive and see how many of the stately Saguaro cacti you can count on your way to the Tonto National Forest or the Sonoran Desert National Monument. Closer to town are the Estrella Mountain and White Tank Mountain Regional Parks. Many apartments in Phoenix offer views of these two natural wonders.

5. Family Friendly
Family friendly Phoenix offers several opportunities to spend time with your kids. The Cerreta Candy Company and the Stuffington Bear Factory both offer free tours, and in the case of the candy maker, sweet treats. Younger kids might enjoy story time at the library, while the pre-teens and teens might want to take to one of the city’s skate parks. The Phoenix Zoo, located in Papago Park, is another option, as are the various community swimming pools. Dinosaur lovers might want to check out the Arizona Museum of Natural History.

6. Delectable Dining
Dine out at one of Phoenix’s eclectic restaurants. Christopher’s, named for its premier chef owner Christopher Gross, offers authentic Mediterranean fare along with wood fired pizzas and creative burgers. Mexican restaurants range from hole-in-the wall surprises to the more upscale Barrio Café in Central Phoenix, specializing in dishes from Mexico’s interior. La Fontanella offers Italian fare with a Sicilian and/or Tuscan twist. Japanese, Thai, Chinese and other world-wide cuisines are also well- represented.

7. Shoppers Delight
Shoppers can take their pick of the quaint shops in Old Town, filled with Native American artworks and handmade jewelry. For a more contemporary shopping experience, try the sizable Arizona Mills Shopping Mall, or the outdoor Desert Ridge Marketplace. The latter also has an 18-screen movie theatre, a rock-climbing wall and a bowling alley. Many houses and apartments are within walking distance of shops and entertainment venues.

8. Golf
If golf is your pleasure, moving to Phoenix is an excellent choice. There are over 200 courses within the valley, some municipal and others world class facilities that are challenging even to the best players. Papago Golf Course is widely recognized as the best 18-hold municipal course in town. Gold Canyon Golf Club and the Grayhawk Country Club are well-known for their stunning mountain views.

9. World Class Resorts
It didn’t take long for some of the world’s most famed hoteliers to find a home in Phoenix. One of the most elaborate resorts is the Phoenician, sporting not only rooms and suites with eye-popping views, but its own golf course and spa. The Arizona Biltmore, which bills itself as the “Jewel of the Desert” takes pampering to a new level. With an architectural style favoring the great Frank Lloyd Wright and a retro look, the resort emulates the glory days of Hollywood.

10. Laid Back Lifestyle
The best reason to move to Phoenix is the chance to live life your way. Grab your backpack and immerse yourself in the ethereal beauty of the Sonoran desert and then come back and relax at a local bistro. Socialize at a trendy pub or take a quiet walk with your significant other. Romance, relaxation, exploration and choice are all part of the Phoenix equation.

As always… if you are looking for a GREAT agent to help with your real estate needs please e-mail me at Adele@GreaterPhoenixHomes.com or give me a call (or text) at 602-504-3898 or 888-897-7821 x 114. Plus, I have a GREAT search tool on my web site that gives you the ability to search the entire MLS…just like agents do. Very COOL!  Go to Phoenix, AZ Homes For Sale and check it out! YOU can create and save as many searches as you would like…and it is THE SAME SEARCH I DO AS AN AGENT! You will LOVE it!

THIS IS THE BEST MOST ACCURATE SEARCH OF OUR LOCAL MLS

ATTENTION AGENTS…Is your Real Estate Career or Company taking you where you want to go?
Need MORE business?  Need MORE leads?  What has your company done for you lately?
Ask Me Why… I joined eXp Realty.

1. The Heard Museum – One of the best museums in Arizona is located in Central Phoenix. The beautiful aesthetics of the Heard museum combine perfectly with a relaxing environment and make for one fantastic experience. On display in the museum are over 32,000 pieces of fine art, so every visit is a genuinely unique experience.

· What’s more: the Heard Museum has free guided tours every day of the week!

2. First Friday – Whether you’re the artistic type or prefer to casually observe, downtown Phoenix has a special treat in store for you.

On the first Friday of every month, the multitude of shops and restaurants in downtown Phoenix set themselves up as art galleries from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. The monthly event began in 1998, when there were only 13 venues available to display art. Today, there are more than 100 spaces open as galleries and that number only continues to grow.

First Friday is completely free to the public, but is entirely too vast to walk in one night, although free Shuttle-Link services are available. Plan to visit every month to take in everything this event has to offer; there’s always something new to see!

3. Sporting Events – Chase Field, home of the Arizona Diamondbacks has one of the first stadiums in the world with a retractable roof. It can be opened or closed in less than 5 minutes and the stadium also offers natural turf and air conditioning. Chase Field became the hub for numerous sport-related events and otherwise. In fact, it’s even become home to trade shows and concerts! You can regularly catch the Diamondbacks tearing into their unsuspecting foes in this state-of-the-art facility and there are a ton of restaurants in and outside of the stadium for post-game eats. Chase Field is conveniently located near a light rail station in downtown Phoenix.

Depending on what time of year it is, Phoenix also has professional football, hockey and basketball teams, you may be able to catch your favorite team playing while in Phoenix. University of Phoenix Stadium, home of the Arizona Cardinals also was host to Super Bowl XLII. There are many affordable apartments near all of the sporting venues.

4. The Summer Libation Club – One hour north of Phoenix is Cave Creek, home of Cartwright’s Sonoran Ranch House. Cartwright’s will be hosting the Summer Libation Club, or tasting events, until the 29th of September. Through August 25th, they’ll have the Beers of the World experience.

Every Thursday evening, Anthony Mueller, who is the beverage expert/manager at Cartwright’s, will teach guests all about ales, lagers, microbrews, fruit beers, and Lambic beers. Admission is $15 at the door. If you’re hoppy for hops, you’ll certainly enjoy yourself.

5. Music and More – For those interested in the theater scene, Phoenix is home to an array of venues. The Comerica and Orpheum theaters are two of the most popular, and always have something great going on. For instance, in the next few months, you can catch Ron White at the Orpheum, as well as Josh Groban, Def Leppard, and Ke$ha at Comerica, not to mention all of the other venues around the city. All major concerts, Broadway productions, and even Cirque du Soleil performances make their way through Phoenix.

6. The Desert Botanical Gardens – The desert, not often recognized for its abundant flora, surprisingly has plant life that is severely underappreciated. Did you know that some cactus’ bloom? Yes, they have flowers at the top of their arms.

One of the most impressive botanical collections in Arizona is collected at the Desert Botanical Gardens, located in Papago Park in Central Phoenix. Fifty acres of stunning outdoor exhibits are home to more than 130 rare varieties of plant life.

7. The Phoenix Zoo – The local zoo in Phoenix, voted as one of the top five zoos for kids, is a privately-owned, not-for-profit company, supported entirely by donations and private organizations. Even as one of the youngest zoos in the US, it maintains its voice in the fight for wildlife conservation.

Try to visit the zoo on a cool day, as the animals will often hide in the shade during these scorching hot summer afternoons. On some evenings, you might even catch the zoo hosting concerts! It truly is a great Phoenix must-see.

8. The Glorious Outdoors – Admittedly, it’s more than uncomfortable to venture out into the midday desert sun for recreation, but on the cooler days, Phoenix is the ultimate outdoor experience. The night sky is absolutely fantastic, and there’s plenty to explore.

Even in the city, there are so many outdoor activities for one to dive into, not just water-related fun. You can ride on one of the hundreds of bike trails, have a picnic at a park, go on a hike through the desert, or relax at one of the many outdoor festivals.

9. Way out West Oktoberfest – From October 7th to the 9th, Germany takes over Tempe, Arizona, a close-by suburb of Phoenix.

German culture, beer, and brats will impress at this wild festival tribute to the German Oktoberfest. Enjoy 22 different kinds of German beer and all kinds of entertainment: from live concerts to a footrace.

10. Exciting and Quirky Community Events – The dead will rise from their graves to walk the streets of downtown Phoenix on October 29th. Show up wearing your goriest garb, and don’t forget to perfect your groan and zombie shamble!

For Thanksgiving in November, you can burn off the extra pounds from Grandma’s bread stuffing with the Turkey Day 5k run.

Those looking to find housing or apartments in Phoenix, you are looking in the right place. Phoenix, in all of its grandeur, will welcome you with open arms. Natives, welcome your new neighbors!

As always… if you are looking for a GREAT agent to help with your real estate needs please e-mail me at Adele@GreaterPhoenixHomes.com or give me a call (or text) at 602-504-3898 or 888-897-7821 x 114. Plus, I have a GREAT search tool on my web site that gives you the ability to search the entire MLS…just like agents do. Very COOL!  Go to Metro Phoenix Homes For Sale and check it out! YOU can create and save as many searches as you would like…and it is THE SAME SEARCH I DO AS AN AGENT! You will LOVE it!

THIS IS THE BEST MOST ACCURATE SEARCH OF OUR LOCAL MLS

ATTENTION AGENTS…Is your Real Estate Career or Company taking you where you want to go?
Need MORE business?  Need MORE leads?  What has your company done for you lately?
Ask Me Why… I joined eXp Realty.

Stephen W. Brooks

623-202-3833

Summer in Phoenix? Go to the beach!

Relocating to Phoenix, Arizona?……. summer in Phoenix can be warm….don’t fret,  you can escape to the Pacific Ocean! Most new residents are not aware that San Diego is just a 5 to 6 hour drive west of here!  Coronado Island is a favorite of many Phoenicians. It is a small friendly town on an island just across the bridge west of  San Diego.  There are things to do for the family as well as a person enjoying active living or retirement

About the program:

America’s Home Buyer Solution Gift Program is designed to provide eligible homebuyers a gift of up to 2.5% of the sales price to be applied towards the FHA down payment and/or allowable closing costs for the purchase of a home.

Targeted towards quality affordable housing, approved homebuyers can purchase a home for as little as 1% down payment. The program also allows for the remaining 1% down payment to be gifted from any FHA allowable source.

The program is offered exclusevely through The Lending Company, a Direct Endorsed US Housing and urban Development lender. There is no requirement for the gift to ever be repaid. It is offered in concert with an IRS approved 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.

This is not a seller-paid down-payment assistance program and the seller is not required to participate.

Program Benefits:

• The program provides up to a 2.5% gift to FHA qualified home buyers
• Remaining down payment is as low as 1% (as above, if market conditions allow, down payment from borrower may be as low as 1/2%)
• Seller can and is encouraged to contrbute towards the closing costs to further assist the homebuyer
• Income requirements match USDA Income Guides
• Competitive interest rates
• Flexible FHA approval guidelines
• Not limited to first-time homebuyers
• Standard FHA appraisal
• Owner Occupied purchase only
• 1 units allowed
• FHA approved condominiums allowed
• Loan limits match FHA guidelines for each county
• Minimum credit score of 640
• Successful credit restoration allowed
• Automated AUS/DU approve/eligible determination required
• FHA qualified Non-occupant co-borrower/co-signer allowed
• No prepayment penalties
• Must complete approved Home Buyer Counseling Course
• Must meet income guidelines for approval
  Call Jeff Thomas (602-610-4030 jthomas@thelendingco.com) with the Lending Company to see if you qualify for this great program, and then callTheBrooksteamaz.com to find your “Dream Home”.
  Stephen W. Brooks
  623-202-3833
  www.thebrooksteamaz.com
  https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Brooks-Team-AZ-Realtors/178283375540777

The area is also close to shopping, schools, dining and a host of other things to do. The near by mountains offer great hiking and views of the Valley.

The area is also home to a Post office, Foothills Library, and the  Foothills Recreation & Aquatics Center. Which offers things for the family to do  during the hot summer days.

So if you’re looking for a home with lovely Lake and Mountain views take a look at Arrowhead Lakes and Arrowhead Ranch you’ll fall in love. The Brooks Team is here to help

Stephen W. Brooks

www.thebrooksteamaz.com

623-202-3833

Stephen W. Brooks

623-202-3833

www.thebrooksteamaz.com

–

There are many floor plans available, from the 1440 sqft single level to a 2670 sqft two level with a three car garage. All Highland Homes are built with energy savings in mind. I walked into an unfinished home when it was 95 degrees outside and it was about 75 degrees inside. With no air conditioning on, as there was no power. It was because of the Radiant Roof Barrier and 40 R Value insulation. All homes include granite countertops and tile floors as standard amenties. Not upgrades. There is a floorplan and a price to please everyone.

For those of you who are renting, I ask why? I bet you are paying more and getting less. It’s time to buy while the prices are still with-in your reach.

Michael Manning  602-738-8236.        michaelbmanning@cox.net or michael.manning@exprealty.com