Phoenix Arizona Waterfront Homes

Phoenix real estate market update for 2011

I found the following quote by Franklin D. Roosevelt, “There are as many opinions as there are experts.” Speculating on real estate trends is a favorite past time for anyone, especially as of late. It is easy to get caught up in the broad “one size fits all” real estate commentaries, so read on to see what’s really happening with Phoenix area real estate. To truly understand, it is always best to look at the data and identify trends.

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 What makes an Arizona community a master planned community?

 How do you know if you live in a master planned community? It is a commonly used expression when describing  Phoenix residential real estatePho to say a community is a “master planned community”.  If you ask 5 people for a definition, you’ll probably get 5 different answers.  Many are very well recognized communities throughout  the valley such as McCormick Ranch, Power Ranch,  Anthem, Desert Ridge, Verrado, Estrella Mountain Ranch and Ocotillo.

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Waterfront communities with a community pool

Let’s face it, it can be nearly an impossible task to live in Arizona and not grave the relief that a private pool in your backyard can offer.  When it’s 110 degrees outside, you will be convinced it is a must-have.  Even when your Phoenix home is a second or vacation home used mainly during the winter months, pools are an attractive addition to any backyard.  But there may be reasons why you should forgo that luxury and let your community HOA manage that responsibility.

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Charter schools provide an alternative to traditional public schools

One of the many, but very important items on the checklist of things to do for a family relocating to the Phoenix area is researching schools.  Which school is the best school in the area we want to live? Which district is the best? Do they have extra-curricular activities? And the questions go on and on.  These families will also have to add another question that they may not have considered previously, “What about charter schools?” Read the rest of this entry

Arizona Jobs Bill – HB 2001 will lower business property taxes, targets jobs creation

Arizona is open for business with business property tax cuts and targeted incentives aimed at job creation.  That’s the purpose and strategy behind HB 2001 that was signed into law last month.  That’s what the sponsors want you to remember.   What they didn’t tell you is what will happen to residential property taxes.  Buried deep in the 214 page bill is a change to the tax treatment of residential property.  And in this bill what they didn’t tell you will cost you.  How so? Read on.

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Custom waterfront luxury homes in Val Vista Lakes

If a waterfront home afficionado is looking for a luxury lakefront custom home in a gated community, then Val Vista Lakes needs to be on the short list.  This 900 acre master planned community also has one of the most complete community centers in the valley.   There are three sub-divisions that offer this unique combination;  The Regatta, West Lake Estates, and Lakeside at Val Vista Lakes.

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Former Military Air Base continues to transform

In 1991, the Base Realignment and Closure Commission recommended that the Williams Air Base close its doors.  Two years later in 1993, it became a reality and the former Air Base began its search for a new identity.  A plan was developed to transform the base to be an aerospace center and an educational, research and training facility with the airport serving as a reliever to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.  Currently, aviation uses include commercial passenger service, aircraft manufacturing, maintenance, modification, air cargo operations and flight training.  In 2008, the former base became the Phoenix Mesa Gateway Airport.

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 Gilbert – A popular east valley community

Gilbert is known for many things.  A safe community with a family friendly atmosphere.  A  great place to raise children with a high quality of life.  A growing community with  highly rated schools.  Good freeway access to Phoenix and surrounding areas.  Affordable homes including waterfront and lake communities and award winning hospitals.   All in all, Gilbert is one of the most desireable towns in the Phoenix valley.   For a sample of some of the things that make Gilbert such a popluar community, read on.

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Excelling in Performing Arts, Visual Arts and Education

Even though the Mesa Arts Center is located in Mesa, residents of the entire Phoenix valley can enjoy the most comprehensive and largest Arts Center in Arizona.  Located on a seven-acre campus, the  212,000 sq.ft. $95 million facility focuses on performing arts, contemporary arts, and arts education.  The Mesa Arts Center(MAC)  features 4 theatres that range in size from the smaller 98 seat Farnsworth Studio Theatre to the larger Ikeda Theatre that seats 1,600, along with five art galleries and 14 studios and classrooms.

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 Granite – An Elegant Natural Stone Upgrade

Granite counter tops in Phoenix homes are always considered an upgrade and a distinguishing characteristic in any kitchen. The Arizona Regional MLS has recently made “granite countertops” a searchable field for those buyers where granite kitchen counter tops are a “must have”.  While buyers and sellers alike will attest to the natural beauty of granite, the facts behind this natural igneous upgrade are sometimes unknown. 

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