Phoenix Arizona Waterfront Homes

Two slalom course water ski lakes - A Skier’s Paradise

Unless you know have very detailed directions, this ski lake subdivision is virtually hidden from public view.   From the pictures,  you’d never guess this well kept secret is in the state of Arizona. The peripheral barrier of  lush trees disguises what lies within, and helps create  glass like water conditions.   However, those who have heard of the Lakeside Turn and Burn, or the Lu Lus Big Dog Open know exactly where 21 property owners  enjoy almost limitless ski time on two side by side water ski lakes.

Read the rest of this entry

Lakes and Mountains meet at Arrowhead Ranch in Glendale

Few would have thought it possible to find a lake community with such close proximity to the mountains.  Arrowhead Ranch in Glendale creates such an experience.  This may come as a surprise for an area with  humble beginnings as a citrus farm on approximately 5,000 acres that was conceived back in the late 70’s.    In 2008, Arrowhead Ranch was voted “Best Neighborhood” in the Phoenix valley by readers of azcentral.com.

Read the rest of this entry

The next time you turn on the faucet or take a shower, take time to realize that you live in a desert where the average rainfall in the Phoenix valley is less than 9 inches/year but  the average person uses 150 gallons of water PER day.  So how do we satisfy our “thirst” for water that exceeds our natural supply  in the valley?

Read the rest of this entry

Water ski lot in Crystal Point Estates Luxury Lake Community

Here’s your chance to join this luxury lake community that has a passion for water skiing, with a waterfront lot offering 165 feet of lakefront on this tournament slalom water ski lake.   The ski lake measures approximately 2,250 ft in length and includes a ramp and turn arounds at each end.  This prime waterfront lot is perfect for someone searching for that perfect spot upon which to build their custom dreamhouse and be able to water ski at a moment’s notice.

Read the rest of this entry

Joe’s has the food you’ll love.

When you’re out in the east valley, and looking for a way to reward yourself, be sure and stop in at Joe’s Farm Grill for breakfast, lunch or dinner between 7 a.m - 9 p.m.  Since Joe’s Farm Grill and Joe’s Real BBQ are both owned by Joe Johnston, the ribs and BBQ are done right.  Check the menu.   I was in a nearby community taking a video for an out of state client and finished up around luch time.  My wife had been to Joe’s Farm Grill with some friends and spoke highly of their BBQ chicken pizza, as well as the sweet potato fries, so that was the endorsement (excuse)  I needed to stop in and check it out for myself.  Glad I did.  I came away with the same conclusion as many others, including the Zagat Survey, Phoenix Magagzine, and Gilbert Times.

Read the rest of this entry

Are there basement homes in the Phoenix area?

As of this writing there are 635 listings for homes with basements in the Phoenix metro area, out of  a total of 25,941 listings for single family homes.  Less than 2.5% of the total homes available for sale have basements.  Those that have moved here from other states, which is about everyone,  always ask why the scarcity of basement homes.   You’ll certainly get a variety of answers.  Read on for the real reasons!

Read the rest of this entry

Scottsdale Lake Community

Scottsdale Ranch is home to over 250 waterfront luxury homes that surround Lake Serena. Scottsdale Ranch, a 1,100 acre residential development,  includes custom luxury homes, townhouses, condominiums, single family and patio homes. Conveniently located next to this lake community is Scottsdale Ranch Park, a 31 acre park that offers a variety of recreational activities.  Scottsdale Ranch waterfront neighborhoods include Lakeview and Bayview Estates, Las Brisas, Charter Point, The Landings, Monterey Point, Lake Serena Estates, The Watefront, and The Island.

Read the rest of this entry

Days On Market by Price Range and Pending Sales for Phoenix Real Estate

The media continues to publish at every chance the woes of the housing industry; mortgage meltdown, rising foreclosures, negative equity and short sales, builders declaring bankruptcy, rising unemployment, etc.  These are valid concerns and I see them taking their toll everyday.  But somedays, it doesn’t feel like it.  Especially when there multiple offers on short sale after just three days!  Or competing with 9 other offers for a lender owned property that has been on the market for a week.  It feels like 2005 again. But the typical buyer response is “But it’s a buyers market.” Or ” I just read that home prices are still going down!”  I believe that the Phoenix metropolitan area median price will continue to trend downward this year, but remember it is the median calculation for an extremely large market covering many sub-markets and price ranges.  Real estate is local and cannot be lumped into one all inclusive headline as the media loves to do. So let’s break it down by price range and cities.

Read the rest of this entry

Phoenix Water ski lake communities overview

Instead of focusing exclusively on one water ski lake community,  let’s take a quick look at an overview of  lakes that allow water skiing and wake boarding in the Phoenix valley.  These are different from the majority of lake communities because the water has to be “full body contact” quality.  The HOA may also require the owner to become a member of the AWSA and the community ski club.  It may be the equivalent of taking a sleep aid pill, but read the CC&R’s so you’re not surprised when you learn you are required to carry $1,000,000 of  comprehensive personal liability insurance related to the lake and the activities thereon.

Read the rest of this entry

Big League Dreams past one year mark

The Big League Dreams Park in Gilbert  has received plenty of exposure since opening in January of 2008.  Critics cite the $40 million cost, originally estimated at $26 million, and deteriorating field conditions since opening day. Town officials defend the public/private partnership as a way to attract outside revenue and an alternative to traditional subsidized recreational activities.   Add in the sometimes bumpy relationship with Big League Dreams that operates the park and there is no doubt the first year of operation has been more eventful than anyone expected. Read the rest of this entry