Posts Tagged ‘homes in arizona’

ASU Planetarium Sheds Light on the Stars That Shine on Arizona Homes

Wednesday, September 8th, 2010

What is one the best things about Arizona?  The answer is quite obvious, the gorgeous views by both day and night.  There are few things more stunning than the wide open sky at night, with thousands of stars twinkling down at all who venture outdoors.  But, if you want to really have a better understanding of those stars, then you need to seek the insight of a professional. The School of Earth and Space Exploration Planetarium also known as ASU Planetarium is a great place to see the stars and learn more about the stars that shine down on all of the beautiful Arizona real estate.

Photo from www.azcentral.com

Arizona State University is known for many things, but few people take time to mention the education and beauty that can be found at its planetarium.  This intimate setting can hold just fifty people at a time, but it is well worth the real estate it occupies.  Visitors can make a strong connection with the stars and the universe as a whole.  They can learn about all that we, as a modern civilization, know about what lies beyond our own atmosphere, and also a bit about what is still being learned today.  Shows will often feature an underlying theme.  Currently, the planetarium guides are featuring the works and times of Galileo.  Learn more about the man, his telescope, and his contribution to our understanding of Earth and space today.

If you find yourself really feeling the line of Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star that says, “How I wonder what you are,” then you will love everything this Arizona treasure has to offer. Daytime shows are available on request, or you can attend the nightly 6:30 PM experience (during the standard school year). To take part in a daytime showing, you will need to bring your own group and contact the SESE to schedule a time.  The daytime shows typically last about fifty minutes and many opt to also include tours of the SESE facility thereafter.  The 6:30 PM showing lasts about forty-five minutes and includes the opportunity to peer through the ASU telescope, as long as the weather is cooperating.

You will not pay for your visit, as the ASU Planetarium, but you will have to pay for visitor parking on the campus.  The charge is currently two dollars per hour, with a maximum fee of eight dollars.  This is a very small price to pay for a day or evening of wonder and amazement, as well as a better understanding of the solar system that surrounds us.

Tags: , , ,
Posted in Arizona | No Comments »

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.

Tags: , , ,
Posted in Arizona | No Comments »

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.

Tags: , , ,
Posted in Arizona | No Comments »

Arizona is Home of the Saguaro Catcus

Tuesday, June 22nd, 2010

There are a number of reasons that living in Arizona is a goal for many individuals and families. From southern Arizona to the high Sonoran desert of central Arizona to the stunning saguaro forests of Tucson and to the gorgeous Grand Canyon in the north, Arizona boasts a wealth of diverse season, climates, and amenities making it easy to see why Arizona real estate is so wonderful and why some many live, work and do business here.

No visit to southern Arizona is complete without a drive through Saguaro National Park, a vast and rugged terrain that protects and preserves a giant saguaro cactus forest that stretches across the valley floor near Tucson. Unique to the Sonoran Desert, the park’s towering saguaros sometimes reach as much as 50 feet in height.

The ancestral home of the Tohono O’odham Native Americans, the area was designated as Saguaro National Monument in 1933 and received national park status in 1994. In addition to a broad expanse of desert, Saguaro National Park also features mountainous regions, some of which reach more than 8,000 feet above sea level, home to four-season pine and coniferous forests. These varied landscapes provide ideal habitats for a wide range of flora and fauna, including javelinas, coyotes, quail and desert tortoises in the lower elevations; black bear, deer and Mexican spotted owl roam the upper elevations.

A visit to Saguaro National Park usually begins at the visitor center in either one of the park’s two districts. Here, you can take in museum exhibits, informational slide shows, cactus gardens or shop at a sales outlet. The visitor centers are also the starting point for numerous guided walks, self-led hikes and scenic drives. For more information or to plan a trip to Saguaro National Park, check out the Arizona Office of Tourism website at www.azot.gov.

Tags: , ,
Posted in Arizona | No Comments »

World’s Best Crater Site Calls Arizona Home

Wednesday, June 16th, 2010

There are a number of reasons that living in Arizona is a goal for many individuals and families. From the gorgeous Grand Canyon in the north to the high Sonoran desert of central Arizona to the stunning saguaro forests of Tucson and southern Arizona, Arizona is home to a wealth of diverse climates, seasons and amenities making it easy to see why Arizona is such a wonderful place to purchase a home, land or real estate as well as to live, work and do business.

One of the most famous places to visit in Arizona is Meteor Crater, the best-preserved, first-proven meteorological impact site in the world. The topographical terrain of Meteor Crater so closely resembles that of the moon and other planets, NASA made it the official training site for Apollo astronauts. The crater itself is nearly one mile across, 2.4 miles in circumference and more than 500 feet deep. To visualize its massive size, think of it like this: twenty football fields could stretch across its floor and a 60-story building would not reach the top of the crater rim.

The Meteor Crater Visitor Center has a theater, interactive discovery center, air-conditioned crater viewing area and access to self-guided trails as well as guided walking tours. In addition, there is a gift and souvenir shop, food facilities and the outdoor Astronaut Memorial Park that features the American Astronaut Wall of Fame and an actual Apollo space test capsule.

Meteor Crater is located off Interstate 40 at Exit 233, 25 miles east of Flagstaff and 20 miles west of Winslow in beautiful Northern Arizona. Along with the Grand Canyon, nearby attractions include the Petrified Forest, Painted Desert, Mogollon Rim, Flagstaff and the San Francisco Peaks. Other ‘don’t miss’ venues include Sedona and numerous cultural, historic, sightseeing and archeological sites.

Tags: , , ,
Posted in Arizona | No Comments »

Arizona’s Most Photographed Real Estate is Monument Valley

Tuesday, June 8th, 2010

There are a number of reasons that living in Arizona is a goal for many individuals and families. From southern Arizona to the high Sonoran desert of central Arizona to the stunning saguaro forests of Tucson and to the gorgeous Grand Canyon in the north, Arizona boasts a wealth of diverse season, climates, and amenities making it easy to see why Arizona real estate is so wonderful and why some many live, work and do business here.

According to the Arizona Office of Tourism, one of the most photographed landmarks in the United States is Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park, a sprawling preserve that spans the border between Arizona and Utah. Located inside the ancestral home of the Navajo Nation, Monument Valley is approximately four hours northeast of Flagstaff, near the Four Corners area.

Photo by: Averette

Dominated by wine-hued mesas and surreal sandstone towers, some that soar as high as 1,000 feet, the magnificent landscape is also known for dramatic lighting, with the sun illuminating the towers and casting long shadows on the valley floor. As a representation of the “Old West,” Monument Valley has been a favorite shooting location for Hollywood filmmakers since the early days of the frontier genre, beginning with Stagecoach, in which John Wayne horseback rides across the region. Monument Valley is still a popular backdrop for numerous films, commercials and other media venues.

Though now a part of the Colorado Plateau, Monument Valley was once a simple flat basin. Over millions of years, layers of sediment piled onto the basin, which was eventually uplifted by pressure from below. Wind and water slowly eroded the plateau, leaving siltstone and its sand behind, creating the wondrous formations that we marvel at today.

Backdropped by panoramic views of the world-famous Mitten Buttes and Merrick Butte, the Monument Valley Visitor Center is located north of Kayenta, off of US 163. Here, you’ll find information on self-guided tours as well as guided tours, a restaurant with native Navajo cuisine and a gift shop.

There are hotels located in Page, about three hours away, and in Kayenta, about one hour away. If you prefer to stay inside the Park, the View Hotel offers rooms with a fabulous view of the Mitten Buttes. Camping is also available at Mitten View Campground. For more information, visit www.navajonationparks.org .

Tags: , , ,
Posted in Arizona | No Comments »

Many Houseboats Call Arizona’s Lake Powell Home

Wednesday, June 2nd, 2010

There are always numerous things to do whether you have land, a home in Arizona or even a houseboat. And speaking of houseboats, Arizona’s Lake Powell is one of the most popular places in the state to go house-boating thanks to its 186-mile-long smooth-as-glass surface snuggled alongside soaring crimson-hued canyons, rugged rock outcrops and the spectacular scenery of the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area.

Sprawled across an amazing 1.2 million acres, Glen Canyon National Recreation Area offers fabulous opportunities for water-based as well as land-based recreation. The recreation area stretches for hundreds of miles from Lees Ferry in Arizona to the Orange Cliffs of southern Utah, encompassing a wealth of geologic wonders and magnificent scenic vistas crafted by a combination of volcanic lava, erosion, wind and time.

Formed by the Colorado River and Glen Canyon Dam, one of the world’s highest dams, Lake Powell itself straddles the border between Arizona and Utah and was created as a result of the construction of the dam in the early 1960s. The lake, whose level changes with the years and the seasons, boasts nearly 2,000 miles of meandering shoreline – making it the perfect destination for fishing, water sports, house-boating and other outdoor activities.

Located near Page, Arizona, Wahweap Marina is the largest marina on Lake Powell and locals and visitors alike tend to agree that it is a great place to rent a houseboat or find a hotel or other lodging. You can bring your own boat or rent one and head out onto the lake for water-skiing, wake-boarding or whatever sporty adventure strikes your fancy.

If you’re not staying on a houseboat, you might want to make one of the campgrounds your home…options include a National Park Service campground at Lees Ferry, privately run campgrounds and there’s also a lodge at Wahweap Marina. If your idea of a home away from home includes a “real” bed, no problem – several nicely appointed hotels are available in Page, just a few miles away.

Tags: , ,
Posted in Arizona | No Comments »

Arizona is Home to the Grandest Canyon of All

Tuesday, May 25th, 2010

There are a number of reasons that living in Arizona is a goal for many individuals and families. From the gorgeous Grand Canyon in the north to the stunning saguaro forests of Tucson and southern Arizona, to the high Sonoran desert of central Arizona, Arizona is home to a wealth of diverse climates, seasons and amenities making it easy to see why Arizona is such a wonderful place to purchase a home, land or real estate as well as to live, work and do business.

One of the most famous places to visit in Arizona is, of course, the Grand Canyon. Vast, magnificent and undeniably beautiful, the Grand Canyon is one of the ‘seven wonders of the world’ and simply must be seen to be believed…and even then, it’s hard to wrap your mind around the splendor, glory and enormity of what Mother Nature has carved over the eons.

The South Rim

According to the Arizona Office of Tourism, due to its proximity to Flagstaff and Williams, the South Rim is the Canyon’s most popular destination. Grand Canyon Village features hotels and lodges, restaurants, a general store, a bank and a service station. The Grand Canyon Railway, a historic rail line out of Williams, brings visitors directly to Grand Canyon Village, which has a scattering of parking areas surrounding various viewpoints. But be forewarned: summer days and weekends can be extremely crowded and visitors are encouraged to skip the parking-space race and take the free shuttle busses instead.

The North Rim

Usually accessible from mid-May to mid-October, the North Rim is home to the rustic Grand Canyon Lodge, a general store, camper facilities and campgrounds. Additional campgrounds, lodging options and stores are available in Jacob Lake, which is outside the park and approximately 45 miles to the north.

A Sampling of Things to Do

(Please note that many of these options require advance reservations and/or permits)

Grand Canyon Tours: Explore the Grand Canyon with a guided tour or ride on the ground, in the air or atop an experienced mule.

Hiking: Enjoy an easy rim hike or a rigorous multi-day backpacking trip.

Rafting the Canyon: Choose from motorized or oar-powered expeditions ranging from four days to two weeks.

Tags: , ,
Posted in Arizona | No Comments »