Archive for the ‘Arizona’ Category

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Arizona Houses So Many Fun Things to Do

Wednesday, August 25th, 2010

From hiking, biking and boating to shopping, dining and dancing, Arizona houses a plethora of amazing real estate and even more amazing things to see, experience and explore.

Let’s start in northern Arizona, in Page, which not only enjoys its own scenic sights, but also serves as a hub for several different popular destinations known as the “Grand Circle”. A few short minutes drive north of Page is Lake Powell, where you can book a boat tour that lets you take in a wealth of scenic grandeur from beautiful Tapestry Canyon to the Rainbow Bridge.

Of course, no trip to Arizona is complete without at least a day at the Grand Canyon, which is only about a two-hour drive from Page. For the adventurous and physically fit, a variety of hikes await you, but if savoring spectacular scenery and souvenir shopping is more to your liking, you’ll find plenty of that here as well.

About two hours south of the Grand Canyon lies Sedona, Arizona. Famous for its red-rock formations, Sedona is also a must-see destination for visitors and residents alike, since the scenery and topography of the entire area, which includes the magnificence of Oak Creek Canyon, is quite simply breathtaking. Consider taking a guided tour in a four-wheel-drive vehicle; these trusty beasts-of-burden are known to clamber up and down some of the most stunning boulder-strewn landscape.

Closer to central Arizona, the Phoenix metropolitan area is filled with museums, theaters, sports stadiums, and shopping and dining venues. A fun day’s itinerary might include the Phoenix Zoo, Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesen West and a visit to downtown Scottsdale, where upscale art galleries perfectly mix with old-fashioned cowboy charisma. If you’re here in March, take in a Major League Baseball spring training game, and end your day in Glendale’s Catlin Court, where old-world charm and historic homes have been converted into tasty eateries and delightful boutiques.

Southern Arizona is awash with the majesties of Mother Nature, and is also home to uniquely themed exhibits, including the Titan Missile Museum, which focuses on providing an education about the history of nuclear conflict around the time of the Cold War. Movie buffs should definitely check out Old Tucson Studios; situated just fifteen minutes from Tucson, this old frontier town has been the film-site for numerous Hollywood westerns, including movies starring John Wayne and Clint Eastwood. As you explore the grounds, you can watch a cowboy gunfight, enjoy a musical revue, take a ride on a miniature train into the surrounding desert or visit the Old Tucson Story Museum, home to a number of original costumes worn on television shows such as Little House on the Prairie and Bonanza.

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In Summer, Head North of Scottsdale Where it is the Time to Climb

Tuesday, August 24th, 2010

During summer, most places in Arizona are not welcoming to those who enjoy being outdoors and experiencing all nature has to offer. With temperatures that soar above 100 degrees and an abundant supply of sunshine, the desert environment can quickly sap a person’s energy and interest in outdoor adventures. This can be discouraging, even frustrating, to active souls who just aren’t satisfied in the confines of a gym.

If that sounds like you, don’t be discouraged! Just a short drive from the Valley of the Sun is some of the best mountain hiking and summer temperatures – the average is 80 degrees – our nation has to offer. Flagstaff, Arizona, is located just 155 miles from north Scottsdale homes, a convenient escape only about two hours away.

When considering which hike to do up north, it’s hard to go wrong with Arizona’s tallest mountain, Humphreys Peak. This is a favorite of many, as it’s a great hike that offers plenty of challenges and even more beauty. Humphreys Peak has an altitude of 12,633 feet; it’s literally the highest point in all of Arizona, and as such, offers 360-degree views that are truly breathtaking.

The trailhead is just seven miles north of Flagstaff and starts from the Snowbowl Ski Area parking lot. Snowbowl is easy to find and offers plenty of free parking. At the beginning, the Humphreys Trail starts gently, with lots of switchbacks that offer the legs and lungs a break from the rigors of climbing. As the hike goes on, however, switchbacks become less common and the hike gets more difficult. That said, the elevation gain is more than 3,200 vertical feet, so there is a lot of “going up” involved with hiking Humphreys!

Make no mistake, this is known as a “strenuous” and “advanced” trail. Don’t let that scare you away, though. At just 8.25 total miles in length, the hike is doable by many fitness levels if it is taken slowly and with care. Another thing to take very seriously before and during your hike is the weather in the area. Because this trail is exposed and at such a high altitude, it is very important not to be high on the mountain toward the final stretch to the summit if any storms are approaching. Ideal times to hike the Humprhreys Trail are early morning to midday; remember that late-afternoon thunderstorms are normal.

Humphreys Peak is one of the most beautiful and awe-inspiring climbs you can do. While it is a strong test of one’s lungs and leg power, the rewards of getting to the top and looking around are worth it. Combine that with the respite from the heat, and it’s well worth the drive and experience! Be sure to put Flagstaff and Humphreys Peak on your list of summer getaways!

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Architectural Styles of Arizona Homes

Monday, August 23rd, 2010

Whether you’re new to the Valley of the Sun and looking to buy a home, visiting the area on vacation or even if you’ve lived here all your life, you’re sure to encounter many different styles of homes in Arizona. Architecture here is rather different from other parts of the country.

From back East or a big city? You probably haven’t encountered a popular style of home found in Arizona commonly known as Santa Fe, or Territorial, style. These homes have a pueblo-style look and usually are constructed out of stucco. They feature a plain square design, which may have rustic wooden beams – called vigas – protruding out of the stucco in the front of the home or sometimes over the garage for a decorative touch. These homes support a flat roof and may resemble homes you’ve seen in Western movies.

Another type of architecture popular for Arizona homes is the Ranch style, which is quite common in other parts of the country, too. These single-level homes with a pitched roof are plentiful in older, established Arizona neighborhoods.

Of course, Spanish-influenced architecture has long been utilized in Arizona and is glimpsed not only in more mature areas but also in many of the newer, gated communities. These homes are highlighted by arched doorways and red-tile roofs that are usually pitched but can also be flat.

The newer edition of Santa Barbara, or Tuscan, style has sprung up within the past seven to 10 years, frequently in larger homes with about 5,000 square feet and, more specifically, in homes located in Paradise Valley and other upscale environs. In fact, when older homes are torn down and rebuilt in those areas, the new home is often built in the Tuscan style. The look usually includes tile roofs, rustic-type shutters and high ceilings. The Tuscan style also may feature a courtyard in the front of the home (or near the entrance) and while such homes may be one story, there are many that are two or even three stories, often with lots of stonework on the outside to distinguish them from other types of homes found in the Valley.

One more architectural style that is a bit more of a rarity in Arizona dwellings is the contemporary. With its modern and airy feel – often incorporating clean lines, geometric forms, overhangs and lots of glass windows and/or walls to let the light in – contemporary homes often look like works of art themselves. Of course, this type of home also calls for a certain type of homeowner. Clutter in this type of home can ruin the presentation!

No matter what style of home you prefer, however, Arizona has a home that will work for you. And if you can’t find one ready to purchase in the style you desire, rest assured. You can always buy a lot and have the home of your dreams custom-built just for you.

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Interesting Arizona Facts

Sunday, August 22nd, 2010

If you live in the Valley of the Sun or have an Arizona home in another part of the state, you might be interested in learning a few things about the state you reside in. The name Arizona is derived from “aleh-zone,” which means “little spring” in the Papago-Pima language. The Spaniards were known to have called it Arizona in 1736. In general, the name is thought to be descriptive, not a contraction of “arid zone,” as is commonly believed.

The state’s motto is “Ditat Deus” or “God Enriches.” Arizona was part of an area obtained by the United States from Mexico by the 1848 Treaty of Guadalupe Hildago and the Gadsten Purchase. It became a territory, as part of New Mexico, in 1850, and became its own territory on Feb 24, 1869. On February 14, 1912, Arizona became a state.

The state’s first territorial capital was established in 1864 in Prescott, and was moved to Tucson three years later. On Feb.4, 1889, Phoenix was designated the permanent capital city. The state flag, which was adopted in 1917, consists of 13 rays in the upper half that alternate between red and yellow that represents the sun. The lower half is a plain blue field, and superimposed in the center is a copper-colored star denoting the face of the setting sun. State nicknames include: Valentine State, Grand Canyon State, and it was also known at one time as the Baby State (but not since Alaska & Hawaii were admitted into the Union).

Arizona is sixth in the nation in land mass with 113,909 square miles. It is 338 miles wide, 393 miles long, and has 492 square miles of water. Fourteen counties make up Arizona. Coconino is the largest in the state with 18,357 square miles, the second largest in America after San Bernadino County in California with 20,131 square miles. In terms of elevation, Arizona spans from sea level desert floors to towering mountain peaks. The highest point is Humphreys Peak at 12,670 ft. The average elevation is 4,000 feet, and the lowest point is by Yuma at 137 feet.

The last volcanic eruption occurred at Sunset Crater, near the San Francisco Peaks, around 1064 A.D. and continued until 1250 A.D. Topographically unique, the Four Corners of Arizona is the only point in the United States where four state corners meet. The states are Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, and Utah.

Orabi, on the Hopi Mesa, is reputed to be the oldest continuously inhabited city in America. The Colorado River formed the Grand Canyon, which is 227 miles long and one mile deep with an average width of 10 miles. Other important rivers are the Salt, Verde, White River ( fisherman’s Haven), San Pedro, and Little Colorado. The Hassaympa River near Wickenburg comes with its own interesting legend. Lore tells us that anyone who drinks from its waters will never tell the truth.

Arizona is home to the best preserved meteor crater in America near Winslow. A meteor collided with the earth nearly 50,000 years ago. The state has the largest stand of Ponderosa pines in America. The saguaro, an Arizona symbol, has only one namesake—the town of Sahuarita in southern Arizona. The state bird is the cactus wren and the state flower is the saguaro blossom. Other state symbols include the state mammal (ringtail cat), the state fossil (petrified wood), and the state reptile (ridge-nosed rattlesnake).

The official tree of Arizona, the palo verde, means “green stick or green pole” in Spanish. It performs it photosynthesis in the trunk of the tree, rather than the leaves, which reflect the sun.

Arizona’s state colors are blue and gold. The state gem is turquoise. The state song is “Arizona March Song,” written by Margaret Row Clifford, with music by Rex Allen Jr. The alternate State Song is “I Love you Arizona” by Allen.

References: This is Arizona-50th Anniversary Edition, and Arizona a Cavalcade of History, by Marshall Trimble

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Should I Stay in My Arizona Home or Go?

Friday, August 13th, 2010

Homeowners all over country are faced with the pressure of keeping their home. Homes in Arizona, in particular, has been hit especially hard. This is not the homeowner’s fault and, if you’re affected, please understand that you are not alone. Some questions that remain, however, are: Do you continue to make mortgage payments on a home that is worth less than what you owe the lender? And what if your income has been significantly reduced and now you are not able to make the payments?

These are legitimate questions and concerns, so where do you go for answers? The first step is to get educated. You need to know your legal rights and options should you decide to walk away from your home, conduct a short sale, do a Deed in Lieu or file for either bankruptcy or foreclosure. Do not make a decision based on fear and panic or what a neighbor or relative did.

There may be consequences to you as a homeowner for disposing of your home in a distressed property transaction as mentioned above. You owe it to yourself and your family to search out this information even if your transaction happened a couple years ago. It is true that Arizona is a non-judicial state and some homeowners are protected from deficiency judgments by the Mortgage Forgiveness Debt Relief Act of 2007. But, if you are not protected, the lender can come back and sue for deficiency judgment up to six years after the transaction was completed. There may also be tax implications involved with these sales and, additionally, you need to know if your property is located within a HOA, or homeowner’s association.

A loan modification may also be an alternative, and there are many government programs available including President Obama’s Home Affordable Modification Plan (HAMP) and the Home Affordable Refinance Program (HARP). To find out which program fits your needs best, please consult with a mortgage professional. More relief has come the homeowner’s way with the announcement of Home Affordable Foreclosure Alternatives (HAFA) and even more recently, with Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac’s upcoming versions of HAFA. This is really good news for all.

There is still a misconception, however, that anyone can do a short sale transaction. Short sales are becoming more prevalent but they are not for everyone, just like bankruptcy isn’t for everyone; you need to qualify. If you are seeking a short sale, be proactive in interviewing a real estate professional to make sure he or she is qualified to handle your transaction.

Finally, if you have been asking yourself, “Should I stay or should I go?” and are struggling to make your mortgage payments, now is the time that you should be talking to legal counsel for real estate alternatives and tax implications. Don’t let time run out. Reach out today. Help is here for you and consultations are usually free.

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The Arizona Real Estate Market and the Turtle

Thursday, August 5th, 2010

Let’s jump into the time machine and set the dial to September 2005. You remember the prevailing zeitgeist, or “spirit of the times,” in the fall of that year, right? For many, the voices in their heads (as well as many of the talking heads) continued to recite this mantra: “We know the Arizona real estate market cannot continue this way but … (fill in the blank).”

This basic formula of self-justification was frequently followed by the purchase of an overpriced property or a creative loan refinance, which was commonly followed by a spending spree. Granted, there were many savvy, educated and decisive individuals who saw the proverbial writing on the wall and bailed out, understandably so. The masses, however, were still immersed in the mania of a market that was already in a freefall.

Now, as we fast-forward to the present and examine some of the possible sounds of a collective belief system at work, or things we might hear average individuals say as they search for their dream home today:

  1. “Prices are going to continue to go down for the next few months (or years). Let’s wait.”
  2. “If we can’t get a ‘deal’ on this home, we’ll wait. The sellers are bound to lower their price.”
  3. “We can afford to take our time. We’re not in any hurry.”
  4. “With so many homes on the market, it will be easy to pick something out – something we like – when the time comes.”

Notice the hauntingly familiar reverse, or mirror, image of a market gone by? Even though most every statistical index in our local area points to a market on the rise, these words continue to resound: “We know the Arizona real estate market cannot continue this way but … (fill in the blank).” Many versions of this are heard today, echoing through hallways, at the water-cooler, on TV, the Internet and especially among a large number of hovering, would-be homebuyers.

If you are inclined to be motivated by fear, consider the rapidly changing landscape of related factors:

  1. Mortgage rates are increasing (decreasing buying power).
  2. Inflation is poised to increase dramatically (decreasing the value of purchase money).
  3. Declining selection (the days of inventory have been dropping over the last two years).
  4. Rising prices, starting in the lower, and now middle, price ranges – which are gradually trending upward.

For those motivated by desire and still in need of a dose of courage to help shatter the myth of a never-ending market decline, think back to early 2003 and imagine purchasing an outstanding property in a desirable subdivision when the boom was just over the horizon. As they are today, all indicators were in place then but the market was hovering before its historic and meteoric rise into the stratosphere.

Just think: by engaging life, in the here and now, and then enjoying the comeback, you will be able to enjoy the spoils (perhaps even gloat a bit?) while residing in a home you love. If nothing else, consider this quote:

“Behold the turtle. He makes progress only when he sticks his neck out.”

–        James Bryant Conant, U.S. chemist, diplomat and educator (1893 -1978)

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Alamo Lake State Park in Arizona is Home to Many Animals

Tuesday, August 3rd, 2010

Have you ever wondered why tourists flock each year to the state of Arizona for the beauty of the landscapes, skylines, and sunsets?  If you are not sure what all the fuss is about, then it is time to make a trip to the Alamo Lake State Park.  This park provides all the true beauty that rural Arizona real estate has to offer in one condensed area.  Views of the mountains far off in the distance, running streams and quiet lakes, and do not forget the abundant wildlife.

If you want to get out and stretch your legs, then the Alamo Lake State Park has a lot to offer you.  The best in bass fishing means that you can wake early, wade into the clean waters, and spend the day enjoying nature all around, but that is not all.  For those who want to truly experience all that this gorgeous area has to offer, there are a number of hiking trails that lead one through the highs and lows of the semi-desert landscape and feature the gorgeous centerpiece, which is the majestic Alamo Lake.

The lake was not completely natural in formation.  It resides on the Bill Williams River now, but it didn’t make its home until 1968 when the Alamo Dam was completed.  Though it may not have been the primary objective of the engineers to create such a serene place, the side effects are wondrous.  The lake now teams with life- fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals of many different species have made their way to the plentiful water supply and currently reside within the park’s boundaries.  Aside from the bass previously mentioned, the Alamo State Park is able to brag species including bluegill fish, black crappy fish, bobcat, coyote, mule deer, bald eagles, golden eagles, and even wild burros.  Alamo Lake State Park is an animal lovers dream.

If you want to try your hand at experiencing nature at its most beautiful, then make your way to Arizona’s Alamo Lake State Park, but be sure to set up camp at the designated sites and be sure that is a ways away from the lake, as it has been known to rise up to eleven feet in a single night.  Also, be sure to leave something behind, when taking your long hike or trying your luck at the lake’s edge, because you won’t want to give up your campsite once you have discovered how wonderful it is to be there.

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Living an Urban Lifestyle in Arizona

Monday, July 26th, 2010

When you heard the words “urban living”, what do you think of? Most people think of city lights, quaint cafes, museums, galleries, theaters, and delicious restaurants all within walking distance. Many people are not able to enjoy this type of lifestyle, but those who are living in Arizona can enjoy upscale, amenity rich communities, and that they can also enjoy amazing vistas and unique opportunities.

The Phoenix and Scottsdale areas boast stunning homes and are perfect for those who are looking for a city lifestyle. Downtown Phoenix shows off lots of lofts and Art Deco styled buildings. Here you can find the restaurants and the shopping that you dream of. Many of the buildings in the city have a retro feel to them, but have been outfitted with modern amenities. The fusion of aged brick and pipes that have been left exposed, along with concrete that has been woven in, gives a unique and beautiful look to the city and makes it interesting as well.

Head into Scottsdale, and you’ll find a different lifestyle. This city features the on-site concierge type of lifestyle, where a valet is available twenty-four hours a day and there are many sleek and chic living options. The lifestyle is very energetic, with lots of nightlife options for those who enjoy going out as well as plenty of things to do in the daytime. Many of the high rise homes boast of amazing mountain views and are a close distance to shopping and dining districts as well.

Both Phoenix and Scottsdale offer an urban lifestyle, although they are both very different. A visit to each city should make it very obvious, very quickly, which lifestyle you prefer and which city is truly the one that you’re comfortable in.

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Navajo Call Northern Arizonas Breathtaking Canyon de Chelly Home

Monday, July 19th, 2010

All across the Arizona real estate there are ancient homes that are still visible and that allow visitors to take a peek into long-ago Native American life; some of them are tucked into the steep canyon walls of Northern Arizona’s Canyon de Chelly (pronounced “Shay”). Along with the site’s numerous ancient dwellings that reflect one of the longest continuously inhabited landscapes in North America, Canyon de Chelly’s most distinctive geological feature is Spider Rock, a soaring sandstone spire similar to those that dominate the landscape in nearby Monument Valley.

Image by: Yoopernewsman

Boasting artifacts and rock imagery that are remarkably preserved, Canyon de Chelly is thought to have been built between 350 AD and 1300 AD and is dotted with hundreds of ancient pueblo ruins that were once home to the Anasazi Indians. In the 1700s, Navajo tribes-people began to make their way west from northern New Mexico, eventually settling in Canyon de Chelly and even today, a Navajo community inhabits the canyon floor. Designated as a National Monument in 1931, Canyon de Chelly is the only National Park Service site to be completely located within the Navajo Nation.

If you go: Start at the Canyon de Chelly National Monument Visitor Center, where you can learn more about the area and the Navajo people. Two drives follow the rims of the canyon from the visitor center; these are the only drives allowed without a guide. If you have time, be sure to check out the well-preserved Puebloan ruins nestled in the 1,000-foot-tall rock walls (accessible only via guided tour). You can explore the White House Ruin trail on your own, but please be aware that most visits to the canyon floor require accompaniment by a park ranger or an authorized Navajo guide.

Overnight accommodations can be found in nearby Flagstaff, Chinle or Tuba City, while a free campground is available within Canyon de Chelly National Monument.

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Enjoying the Arts Arizona Has to Offer

Thursday, July 15th, 2010

Pretty much all year long, the arts are alive and well and living in Arizona. Whether you enjoy a leisurely afternoon strolling through an art gallery, an evening listening to beautiful music, or relaxing in the audience of an entertaining play, Arizona is full of cultural opportunities.

For example, Tucson, in southern Arizona, is home to over two dozen art galleries, including the Louis Carlos Bernal Gallery, named for Tucson’s noted photographer and teacher, Louis Carlos Bernal. Located in the Center for the Arts complex, the gallery highlights regional, national and international contemporary artists, as well as sponsoring a juried student exhibition each spring. Also in Tucson, the Conrad Wilde Gallery supports both upcoming and established artists by providing a place for contemporary art to be displayed and admired. Western and Spanish Colonial art are among the strengths of the Tucson Museum of Art, while on Tucson’s University of Arizona campus, the Center for Creative Photography was conceived by Ansel Adams and highlights his work, among that of other modern masters.

In Phoenix, the Phoenix Art Museum offers 210,000 square feet of fine art displays, making it one of the largest museums of visual art in the Southwest. The museum moved to its present location at Central Avenue and McDowell Road in 1959; in 2006, a modern art wing and a new entry pavilion were added to the complex. Enjoying an international reputation, the nearby Heard Museum (pictured) highlights Native American painting, sculpture and magnificent handcrafts, both past and present.

Just east of Phoenix is Mesa, which is home to the Mesa Arts Center. Boasting a seven-acre campus, the Center includes five art galleries, four theaters of different sizes and configurations, 14 art studios and classrooms, and a 700-foot long Shadow Walk that is a gathering place for festivals, concerts and events.

Scottsdale is well-known for the city’s numerous art galleries, many of which feature works created by local artists. In fact, Scottsdale alone is home to over three dozen galleries, including the Zuva Gallery which showcases one of the country’s largest collections of contemporary stone sculpture from Africa. Pieces in Zuva’s collection range from a modest five pounds to an astonishing 2.5 tons, while Figarelli Galleries features sculptures and paintings from American and international artists.

The Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art puts on cutting-edge shows in a variety of media, as does the Arizona State University Art Museum in nearby Tempe. This is just one of more than 20 free museums on ASU’s campus, including the one-of-a-kind Ceramics Research Center.

About two hours north of Phoenix in Sedona, you can find plenty of art galleries to keep your art “fix” satiated. Featuring Native American art, contemporary, traditional fine art and more, Sedona is definitely a one-stop-shop for all things artistic. In fact, the Tlaquepaque Arts and Crafts Village in Sedona is home to a plethora of art galleries, including the Navarro Gallery and El Prado by the Creek where you can find beautiful copper wind sculptures.

Art gems in other Arizona cities and towns include Flagstaff’s Museum of Northern Arizona, featuring Native American crafts as well as Western paintings, sculptures and etchings; the Phippen Museum of Western Art in Prescott, with current and past work; and Wickenburg’s Desert Caballeros Western Museum, which includes high-caliber Western artwork and sculptures. In southeast Arizona near Benson, the Amerind Foundation Museum showcases historic American Indian artifacts and contemporary traditional work, while Tubac and Jerome are comfy-cozy arts and crafts enclaves where it’s still possible to unearth inexpensive treasures as well as take home high-end paintings and sculptures.

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