NOVEMBER 2011
Dear friends,
I refuse to accept the fact that I AM getting older (!!!)... and everything seems to be moving so much more quickly... but where, oh where does the time go? Snowbirds just began to return... and that was September... and now Chirstmas lights are already dotting the landscape. Yes, for so, so many, tragically, this will be yet another year preferably forgotten, not as bad, perhaps, as the several years preceding it necessarily, but one still fraught with anxiety and concern about so many things. But just as personal tragedy, the loss of loved ones and far too frequently the experience of economic upheaval has touched so many, there still is and must be a sense of renewal and hope. That must never be lost.
This year, for me at least, has been a time of really taking stock of what is important and what Thanksgiving is all about. And what that means is being blessed with the gifts of love and good health, both for me and those I hold most dear, and to that end, it has been a very good year. I am very fortunate and so very grateful.
Professionally, I have more than survived in an initially dreadful real estate market, but which is now beginning to show serious signs of life once again (!)... (it REALLY IS!!... ) and for that, too, I am most fortunate. In large measure, that is because of those many of you who have thought enough of me to refer your friends and families. For your loyalty and your trust, my thanks and appreciation knows no bounds.
Exciting things do lie ahead... and this I so sincerely believe. The sometimes problematic and maddening interventions which interrupt and sneak into our lives are really so unimportant in the over-all scheme of things. I tell myself this everyday... and it could not be more true.
And so... to all of you, to all of your loved ones, may this Thanksgiving holiday be not just a time of reflection and a time of thanks, but more important, may it be a time of untold joy and happiness in all of your lives, and a looking towards a 2012 that brings with it a semblance of peace, unity and understanding in the world. What a beautiful blesssing that would be.
With warm regards,
PAULA
Paula S. Solomon
Sunday, November 27, 2011
Friday, October 28, 2011
October 2011
The gorgeous weather has arrived. The snowbirds are back. Things are buzzing here (keep reading) and don't you think it's time for you to come if you haven't already??? Say "yes", because:
According to Business Week, Scottsdale has been ranked the fourth-best city in the country in which to live, edging out San Francisco and Washington, D.C. 100 of the nations largest cities were analyzed, weighing such amenities as 300+ days of sunshine, over-all quality of life, superior schools (I know, that shocked me, too), low unemployment and beautiful resorts, parks, restaurants, all types of cultural and sports venues and no hurricanes, tornados or floods. Also, for those who care, lots of celebrity sightings.. It is said that people go to Florida to die (oh, boy, do I agree on that one...or at the very least, be eaten alive by bugs and having breathing issues due to the humidity, to say nothing of the screened in pools because of the over-sized mosquitos)....and they come to Arizona to live. Those who "say it"... are right on. It's all true. Plus...people are nice here.
And probably because of this, or maybe some other issues as well, the biggest positive home-price growth within Scottsdale was in the northeast Valley., where median home prices have increased by 9.4 percent, that being especially true of Carefree and certain areas of North Scottsdale. And needless to say, prices throughout the Valley having already fallen to their all time lows, are there ever BARGAINS! Between the present prices and the lowest of interest rates ever, y'all really should come on BUY!!!
Examples: in The Boulders: take a look at http://www.34844IndianCampTrail.com. Its MLS# is 4662529. Originally listed at $2.995.000, it is now priced to SELL at $2.225.000....and a virtual Turn-Key with all of the furniture and much of the art being available under Separate Bill of Sale. The home, all masonry construction onTHE premier view lot in all of the Boulders, is entirely hand-sculpted, organic, curvilinear throughout, with not a straight line in it. The photos are real and depict it honestly. The home's description can best be read in the remarks on the MLS listing sheet....and they SHOULD be read... as they, too, bespeak why the home has been called a piece of sculpture unto itself and a work of art.
MLS# 4650364, also within THE BOULDERS, is priced at $740.000....and lends a new definition to the words "charming and warm". This is an authentic Carefree Southwestern home and having been totally remodeled, it has remained true to what it is. And what it is...is a wonderfully livable, intimate residence with delightful outside "rooms", they being an enclosed front porch...an outside "living room"... .and an outside "dining room" off the main dining room. Patios all over, on the golf course, mountain views.... and move-in perfect. I love this house.
http://www.villaretreatattheboulders.com: That is its website and its MLS # is 4317607. This two-villa 5700 sf absolutely knock-out home in The Boulders with 6 bedrooms and 5.5 baths is where the stars and celebrities stay when they come to the resort. It was originally priced at $2.850.000, even more at one point,and is now being offered for sale at $2.495.000. Each villa has 3 bedrooms, and the larger of the two at approximately 3500 sf also has a 3rd bath, a powder room and an elevator going up to the master suite and more gorgeous views. This is a one of a kind residence. In addition to being the ideal getaway for a large family or two couples (or more), it is in the rental pool of the resort and for 2011, its NET income to the sellers will exceed $100.000.00! Not too bad!
Enough for now. You're probably on over-load, but all of these homes are exceptional values...and as their listing agent, I would be VERY remiss if I didn't at least try to whet your appetite!
More on market trends, other special homes and whatever else comes to mind, next month.
'Till then, please know how much I appreciate your referrals and ask that you don't stop! You have been very good to me and I promise I will continue to give my absolute best to anyone you are kind enough to send my way.
'Till next month.
PAULA
Paula S. Solomon
According to Business Week, Scottsdale has been ranked the fourth-best city in the country in which to live, edging out San Francisco and Washington, D.C. 100 of the nations largest cities were analyzed, weighing such amenities as 300+ days of sunshine, over-all quality of life, superior schools (I know, that shocked me, too), low unemployment and beautiful resorts, parks, restaurants, all types of cultural and sports venues and no hurricanes, tornados or floods. Also, for those who care, lots of celebrity sightings.. It is said that people go to Florida to die (oh, boy, do I agree on that one...or at the very least, be eaten alive by bugs and having breathing issues due to the humidity, to say nothing of the screened in pools because of the over-sized mosquitos)....and they come to Arizona to live. Those who "say it"... are right on. It's all true. Plus...people are nice here.
And probably because of this, or maybe some other issues as well, the biggest positive home-price growth within Scottsdale was in the northeast Valley., where median home prices have increased by 9.4 percent, that being especially true of Carefree and certain areas of North Scottsdale. And needless to say, prices throughout the Valley having already fallen to their all time lows, are there ever BARGAINS! Between the present prices and the lowest of interest rates ever, y'all really should come on BUY!!!
Examples: in The Boulders: take a look at http://www.34844IndianCampTrail.com. Its MLS# is 4662529. Originally listed at $2.995.000, it is now priced to SELL at $2.225.000....and a virtual Turn-Key with all of the furniture and much of the art being available under Separate Bill of Sale. The home, all masonry construction onTHE premier view lot in all of the Boulders, is entirely hand-sculpted, organic, curvilinear throughout, with not a straight line in it. The photos are real and depict it honestly. The home's description can best be read in the remarks on the MLS listing sheet....and they SHOULD be read... as they, too, bespeak why the home has been called a piece of sculpture unto itself and a work of art.
MLS# 4650364, also within THE BOULDERS, is priced at $740.000....and lends a new definition to the words "charming and warm". This is an authentic Carefree Southwestern home and having been totally remodeled, it has remained true to what it is. And what it is...is a wonderfully livable, intimate residence with delightful outside "rooms", they being an enclosed front porch...an outside "living room"... .and an outside "dining room" off the main dining room. Patios all over, on the golf course, mountain views.... and move-in perfect. I love this house.
http://www.villaretreatattheboulders.com: That is its website and its MLS # is 4317607. This two-villa 5700 sf absolutely knock-out home in The Boulders with 6 bedrooms and 5.5 baths is where the stars and celebrities stay when they come to the resort. It was originally priced at $2.850.000, even more at one point,and is now being offered for sale at $2.495.000. Each villa has 3 bedrooms, and the larger of the two at approximately 3500 sf also has a 3rd bath, a powder room and an elevator going up to the master suite and more gorgeous views. This is a one of a kind residence. In addition to being the ideal getaway for a large family or two couples (or more), it is in the rental pool of the resort and for 2011, its NET income to the sellers will exceed $100.000.00! Not too bad!
Enough for now. You're probably on over-load, but all of these homes are exceptional values...and as their listing agent, I would be VERY remiss if I didn't at least try to whet your appetite!
More on market trends, other special homes and whatever else comes to mind, next month.
'Till then, please know how much I appreciate your referrals and ask that you don't stop! You have been very good to me and I promise I will continue to give my absolute best to anyone you are kind enough to send my way.
'Till next month.
PAULA
Paula S. Solomon
Sunday, August 7, 2011
Summer is nearly over ...
Proof positive that summer is flying away is the fact that somewhere along the line, I lost July! Must be the dry heat... or...the fact that the MARKET is heating up... and it is! As of six months ago, the luxury market in Scottsdale, particularly in Paradise Valley and up-scale resorts and subdivisions throughout the valley, has bottomed. Purchasers, many of whom are cash buyers, have finally realized that perhaps the safest place to NOW place their money is into a home with all of the amenities that accompany luxury living... at a sales price of at least 30% less than that home would have cost 4-5 years ago. Reflecting this is the fact that inventory of quality homes is deeply diminished and speaking again of the luxury market, foreclosures, particularly in North Scottsdale, have been literally halved, and this just in the past 45-60 days.
And in case you otherwise didn't know it, Canadians are WONDERFUL!!! They love it here and they especially love what their dollar will buy. Golf/resort communities, such as The Boulders, Mirabel, Desert Mountain, Whisper Rock and unquestionably Paradise Valley are enjoying buyers from Vancouver who not only want a warm and beautiful place to get away to when it is most definitely NOT warm and beautiful there beginning all too soon, but moreover, where they can purchase a lovely home, with low price tags and LOW TAXES ("you've got to be kidding! THAT's ALL? for the WHOLE year???") YES!!!!!
SO: to recap: UNLIKE Florida (yuk), no giant bugs, no disgusting humidity, no closed in pools (mosquitos, remember those??) no flat, uninteresting landscape (okay, the West coast is different...sort of... and yes, I know, there IS the Ocean, but then there are sharks).; UNLIKE California, no earthquakes, no ASTRONOMICAL taxes, no mudslides; UNLIKE so many other parts of the country, no tornados, floods, all so horrible and devastating... it is ONLY VERY HOT here and VERY DRY...(great for the hair, though... we won't discuss skin).. but once August has come and gone and the Fall arrives right through next June... this place still is ALMOST perfect.
All for now, and next time, I'll tell you how I REALLY feel...
Enjoy the summer wherever you are...and come back soon!
Paula S. Solomon
And in case you otherwise didn't know it, Canadians are WONDERFUL!!! They love it here and they especially love what their dollar will buy. Golf/resort communities, such as The Boulders, Mirabel, Desert Mountain, Whisper Rock and unquestionably Paradise Valley are enjoying buyers from Vancouver who not only want a warm and beautiful place to get away to when it is most definitely NOT warm and beautiful there beginning all too soon, but moreover, where they can purchase a lovely home, with low price tags and LOW TAXES ("you've got to be kidding! THAT's ALL? for the WHOLE year???") YES!!!!!
SO: to recap: UNLIKE Florida (yuk), no giant bugs, no disgusting humidity, no closed in pools (mosquitos, remember those??) no flat, uninteresting landscape (okay, the West coast is different...sort of... and yes, I know, there IS the Ocean, but then there are sharks).; UNLIKE California, no earthquakes, no ASTRONOMICAL taxes, no mudslides; UNLIKE so many other parts of the country, no tornados, floods, all so horrible and devastating... it is ONLY VERY HOT here and VERY DRY...(great for the hair, though... we won't discuss skin).. but once August has come and gone and the Fall arrives right through next June... this place still is ALMOST perfect.
All for now, and next time, I'll tell you how I REALLY feel...
Enjoy the summer wherever you are...and come back soon!
Paula S. Solomon
Friday, June 17, 2011
Real Estate evolving ...
GREETINGS FROM ME...and hopefully some interesting information.
One of the things I love most about what I do are the changes that sooner or later take place in the world of real estate. What was "in" yesterday is "out" or on the way out today.
According to a new study by the National Association of Home Builders, what is "out" are mega-mansions; what is "in" are smaller homes. The report indicates that by 2015, a new single-family home will be 10 percent smaller, greener and packed with more technology and fewer frivolities. And so....
The living room is dead. As all things almost never used, it will either vanish, merge with a "great room" or in the kitchen, or become a smaller parlor, retreat, library or music room. As I try over and over again (always without success I might add) to explain to my husband that the reason people congregate in the kitchen is 1) it usually smells good; 2) it's comfortable; 3) they can help if they want to; and 4) it's easy. Which they like. Every house with a kitchen and or kitchen/family room will almost NEVER see anyone in the "living room". Interestingly enough, only 5 percent of those polled said the living room would remain as it is.
Other rooms that are disappearing (obviously, unless there is an absolute NEED for it) include third and fourth bedrooms, unheated screened in porches, formal dining rooms, three or particularly three PLUS garages, media rooms, pool rooms (as in shooting), and second master bedroom suites.
And what is really "in"? The frog is right..."and the color is GREEN. How much better for the environment and better health. Low-e windows, engineered wood beams, joists and trusses, environmentally friendly plants that don't require that much water grey water for lawns, solar panels, solar hot water heaters, tankless hot water heaters, multi-pane windows, sunscreens, ceiling fans, HVAC (16 SEER +), re-circulation pumps..... and the list does go on. Kermit was right. "It isn't easy being green", but so very, very important, particularly now not only in terms of YOU... but in terms of BUYERS who are more and more becoming green-conscious.
And on that note....
Until next month.
Best to you all and enjoy the remaining half of June (!!), and the months to follow.
PAULA
www.paulasolomon.com
Paula S. Solomon
One of the things I love most about what I do are the changes that sooner or later take place in the world of real estate. What was "in" yesterday is "out" or on the way out today.
According to a new study by the National Association of Home Builders, what is "out" are mega-mansions; what is "in" are smaller homes. The report indicates that by 2015, a new single-family home will be 10 percent smaller, greener and packed with more technology and fewer frivolities. And so....
The living room is dead. As all things almost never used, it will either vanish, merge with a "great room" or in the kitchen, or become a smaller parlor, retreat, library or music room. As I try over and over again (always without success I might add) to explain to my husband that the reason people congregate in the kitchen is 1) it usually smells good; 2) it's comfortable; 3) they can help if they want to; and 4) it's easy. Which they like. Every house with a kitchen and or kitchen/family room will almost NEVER see anyone in the "living room". Interestingly enough, only 5 percent of those polled said the living room would remain as it is.
Other rooms that are disappearing (obviously, unless there is an absolute NEED for it) include third and fourth bedrooms, unheated screened in porches, formal dining rooms, three or particularly three PLUS garages, media rooms, pool rooms (as in shooting), and second master bedroom suites.
And what is really "in"? The frog is right..."and the color is GREEN. How much better for the environment and better health. Low-e windows, engineered wood beams, joists and trusses, environmentally friendly plants that don't require that much water grey water for lawns, solar panels, solar hot water heaters, tankless hot water heaters, multi-pane windows, sunscreens, ceiling fans, HVAC (16 SEER +), re-circulation pumps..... and the list does go on. Kermit was right. "It isn't easy being green", but so very, very important, particularly now not only in terms of YOU... but in terms of BUYERS who are more and more becoming green-conscious.
And on that note....
Until next month.
Best to you all and enjoy the remaining half of June (!!), and the months to follow.
PAULA
www.paulasolomon.com
Paula S. Solomon
Friday, April 1, 2011
Live in Beauty and Harmony at Pinnacle Peak
Please visit the exciting website http://liveinbeautyandharmonyatpinnaclepeak.com/ where you will find information about my new listing in this charming area of Scottsdale.
Paula S. Solomon
Monday, October 25, 2010
Be Careful...
BUYERS BEWARE: Buying a foreclosed home can be VERY tempting…..but: one must keep in mind that the entire foreclosure process is or can be very ADVERSARIAL. Someone is losing their home, someone else is buying it….cheap….and as enticing as it may seem, there are five factors that must be kept in mind:
1. The Loan itself: Assuming not a cash buyer, most lenders will only extend themselves if the home is in reasonably good condition. Someone who is about to lose perhaps their primary investment may very well take something in it that can be used elsewhere….even if they shouldn’t. Thus….carpets can be ripped out, appliances removed, toilets/sinks..gone. Guess what happens next? Nothing. No loan.
2. The Auction Process: This is serious stuff for people who themselves don’t know what they’re doing or who rely on others who are no better informed. THE biggest issue is obtaining a clear title. If a thorough search is not done and the home is purchased on the Courthouse steps….and it THEN turns up that there are liens against the property that no one took the time to investigate….that purchase can be all but worthless, depending upon who holds those liens and their amount. These sales are FINAL. Remember SUB-PRIME mortgages anyone??
3. The Inspection: Suppose you do get the loan and shop for the home via a realtor. Make 1000% sure you retain a CERTIFIED HOME INSPECTOR to check that house out BEFORE making your offer. MOLD is a huge issue, which essentially makes a home uninhabitable. And I can assure you….if one is losing their home and losing it “as is”….they’re not about to be too concerned about disclosing that the ceilings are all but falling down from leaks or that the Roof is in desperate need of replacement. VANDALISM is another. Wires behind walls may have been cut or holes cut into pipes. And yes, appliances and cabinets gone.
4. The Title Insurance: Did you know that a former owner has the right, albeit an unlikely one, to get his home back? And if he does and you have no Title Insurance to defeat his claim, that would be a bit of a mess, especially if you have already expended considerable sums of money to repair that home. So-o-o.. make sure you have a policy with a rider attached to cover you for MORE than you paid for the property.
5. The Waiting Game: Don’t jump at the first chance to buy. Should that original owner come back, this must occur within a time frame. Wait at least several months before trying to purchase a foreclosure. All eyes are still and will be for a fairly long time front and center on the foreclosure market. Have everything that needs to be checked out done via a panel of experts….and then take a deep breath and watch the listings carefully. Don’t forget that yes, the foreclosures are tempting….but like anything else in life…you get what you pay for. Be Careful.
Paula S. Solomon
1. The Loan itself: Assuming not a cash buyer, most lenders will only extend themselves if the home is in reasonably good condition. Someone who is about to lose perhaps their primary investment may very well take something in it that can be used elsewhere….even if they shouldn’t. Thus….carpets can be ripped out, appliances removed, toilets/sinks..gone. Guess what happens next? Nothing. No loan.
2. The Auction Process: This is serious stuff for people who themselves don’t know what they’re doing or who rely on others who are no better informed. THE biggest issue is obtaining a clear title. If a thorough search is not done and the home is purchased on the Courthouse steps….and it THEN turns up that there are liens against the property that no one took the time to investigate….that purchase can be all but worthless, depending upon who holds those liens and their amount. These sales are FINAL. Remember SUB-PRIME mortgages anyone??
3. The Inspection: Suppose you do get the loan and shop for the home via a realtor. Make 1000% sure you retain a CERTIFIED HOME INSPECTOR to check that house out BEFORE making your offer. MOLD is a huge issue, which essentially makes a home uninhabitable. And I can assure you….if one is losing their home and losing it “as is”….they’re not about to be too concerned about disclosing that the ceilings are all but falling down from leaks or that the Roof is in desperate need of replacement. VANDALISM is another. Wires behind walls may have been cut or holes cut into pipes. And yes, appliances and cabinets gone.
4. The Title Insurance: Did you know that a former owner has the right, albeit an unlikely one, to get his home back? And if he does and you have no Title Insurance to defeat his claim, that would be a bit of a mess, especially if you have already expended considerable sums of money to repair that home. So-o-o.. make sure you have a policy with a rider attached to cover you for MORE than you paid for the property.
5. The Waiting Game: Don’t jump at the first chance to buy. Should that original owner come back, this must occur within a time frame. Wait at least several months before trying to purchase a foreclosure. All eyes are still and will be for a fairly long time front and center on the foreclosure market. Have everything that needs to be checked out done via a panel of experts….and then take a deep breath and watch the listings carefully. Don’t forget that yes, the foreclosures are tempting….but like anything else in life…you get what you pay for. Be Careful.
Paula S. Solomon
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Life in the Sonoran Desert
Life in the Sonoran Desert holds many pleasures……but many dangers for our pets. The area has many predators…..coyotes, bobcats, owls, hawks….and yes, rattlesnakes. Wild animals are protective of their young and there is no question they will strike out if they feel threatened or provoked. Contrary to popular belief, these attacks are not limited to the nighttime hours and are not limited to small pets. Keeping dogs on a leash at all time when walking…..and not on a loose or extended leash…… or in a fenced or high- walled area when at home can help avoid heartbreak. Never leave a small pet, be it dog or cat, alone on a patio over which so many of these wild animals can jump. Owls and hawks have been seen scooping up small animals, even when on a leash, and cats are ALWAYS safer kept inside.
To the extent possible, keep your pets from digging in the desert, as Valley Fever can be contracted from the spores in the soil. Similarly, don’t allow them to mouth or play with desert toads who secrete a kind of venom that is painful and extremely toxic .
Take your dog to snake-training school. Not much fun to watch, but….these bites can be deadly and at the very least, horribly painful. If your pet is bitten, the best chance for its survival is to take it to a veterinarian as quickly as possible. More often than not, a dog who has been “snake-trained” will not forget the experience of snake school and will remember the scent of the snake….and forget about being curious.
Always check your pet’s paws for cactus needles. Obviously, they are all over the desert floor. If you do take your pet hiking or even walking, always carry a pair of needle-nosed pliers. And on the subject of plants in the desert, ALWAYS check your pet’s ears for Foxtail….the weed that grows everywhere in the Spring, with the “feather-like “ head. Although initially soft and green with a purple-ish top, once it gets into the ears, that “feather-like” head, hardens into needles and oftentimes must be extracted surgically.
And oh so important: Pets need a LOT of WATER and SHADE when it’s hot. Take those walks in the early morning or evening when the temperatures are not as severe and the walking surface will not scorch paws. And NEVER, EVER keep a pet in a closed car as brain damage and/or death can occur quickly.
To the extent possible, keep your pets from digging in the desert, as Valley Fever can be contracted from the spores in the soil. Similarly, don’t allow them to mouth or play with desert toads who secrete a kind of venom that is painful and extremely toxic .
Take your dog to snake-training school. Not much fun to watch, but….these bites can be deadly and at the very least, horribly painful. If your pet is bitten, the best chance for its survival is to take it to a veterinarian as quickly as possible. More often than not, a dog who has been “snake-trained” will not forget the experience of snake school and will remember the scent of the snake….and forget about being curious.
Always check your pet’s paws for cactus needles. Obviously, they are all over the desert floor. If you do take your pet hiking or even walking, always carry a pair of needle-nosed pliers. And on the subject of plants in the desert, ALWAYS check your pet’s ears for Foxtail….the weed that grows everywhere in the Spring, with the “feather-like “ head. Although initially soft and green with a purple-ish top, once it gets into the ears, that “feather-like” head, hardens into needles and oftentimes must be extracted surgically.
And oh so important: Pets need a LOT of WATER and SHADE when it’s hot. Take those walks in the early morning or evening when the temperatures are not as severe and the walking surface will not scorch paws. And NEVER, EVER keep a pet in a closed car as brain damage and/or death can occur quickly.
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