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