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Air Conditioning Refrigerants are Changing

A/C Refrigerant Transition is Continuing

Air conditioning systems are continuing to transition to more environmentally friendly refrigerants, phasing out R-22 commonly known as Freon.  Since January 1, 2010 any newly installed A/C systems had to use refrigerants such as R-410A, likely known by the brand name, Puron. Another benchmark change is coming up in the near future.  To learn more, continue reading and watch the video to understand it’s impact.

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Does this Phoenix Residential Lake Allow Boating?

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Determining if a Phoenix lake community allows boating

One of the most frequently asked questions I recieve is “Does this lake community allow boating?”  The second most frequent question is “How big is the lake?”  We’re going to answer both of these questions.  Previously, I’ve attempted to make a list of lakes where boating, kayaking, and canoeing are permitted and which lakes are larger and more conducive to boating.     I’m going to share some tools with you so that you can answer these questions.

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Phoenix, Arizona Lake Communities – Where does the lake water come from?

Sources of water for Phoenix lake and waterfront home communities

Many visitors are amazed that Phoenix has lake communities and waterfront homes since Arizona is in fact a desert.  The next question is obviously, “Where does the water come from?”.   Isn’t this a waste of scarce water resources?   And if you own a waterfront home in one of the Phoenix lake communities, don’t you want to know the source of the water next to your lot?  This may turn out to be another  criteria in your search for a waterfront home.   If you are interested in  the answers to these questions, read on.

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Ocotillo Lakes Chandler AZ Waterfront Community and Homes

Waterfront Property at Ocotillo Lakes in Chandler

Ocotillo Lakes is located in south Chandler and features 5 lakes and is part of the Ocotillo Community Association.  It is very close to many high companies such as Intel, Motorola, and Orbital and a mile from the Ocotillo Golf Resort.  Homes were built between 1998 – 2000 on lots that range from 7,000 – over 13,000 square feet with living space ranging from 1,500 – 3,900 sq.ft.

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Boating in Phoenix Lake Communities

Waterfront Homes and communities that allow boating

As with a search for any home, Phoenix area waterfront property buyers have their criteria that best describes their dream home.  When describing Phoenix real estate waterfront homes, there is an additional parameter that is often important; a lake that allows boats. Instead of going to a park, a waterfront home owner may decide to go “crusing” around the lake.   Some communities allow boats and some do not.  Most lake communities only allow pontoon boats that are powered by electric motors.  To enjoy a true motor boat ride you’ll have to choose from one of the six water ski communities in the valley.  Even if the community does allow boating, make sure and verify that the body of water to which you’ll have access is large enough for that occasional boat ride. For an updated post on this subject, go to  residential lake communities that allow boating.
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Chandler Luxury Waterfront Homes at Balboa Point, Catalina Shores and Laguna Cove in Ocotillo

Chandler Luxury Waterfront Homes in Ocotillo Gated Communities

If you’re looking for single story luxury homes in a gated lake subdivision, then Balboa Point, Catalina Shores, or Laguna Cove may be the right place to start. These TW Lewis homes are situated on lots that range in size from 9,000 to 10,000 sq.ft. for a standard lot. Balboa Point and Catalina Shores are almost exclusively single story homes while Laguna Shores is over 60% single story homes.  A private pool is almost a sure thing for prospective buyers since 70% – 85% of the homes have a pool depending on the subdivision.  If your timing is right you may even be able to find a basement home in Catalina Shores.

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Phoenix Area Master Planned Lake Communities

 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 estate 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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Granite counter tops – An enviable upgrade

 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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Making sense of Maricopa county property taxes and valuations

Maricopa County Tax Bills Arrived – Some Happy, Some Not

The motivation for this article comes from all the recent news about taxes, and some buyers who say interesting things like “The property values have gone down, so the taxes better be lower!”   With that I thought it was the right time to dig in and get to the bottom of this sensitive topic.   I’m glad I did because there are some interesting facts of which I was unaware.  Read on and find out what is myth, what is reality,  and discover some unknown facts.

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Embarcadero Luxury Waterfront Lake Community in Chandler

Luxury Lake Community in Chandler

Embarcadero is one of Chandler’s luxury waterfront neighborhoods located right across from the Ocotillo Golf Resort.  This gated luxury community is made up of  66 single level TW Lewis luxury homes that were built between 2002 – 2003, many with basements.   Single level homes on large lots  between 1/3 to over 1/2 an acre with  38 of the 66 homes being waterfront property create a relaxed and serene setting for Embarcadero residents. Many Embarcadero homes also have basements.  The location is ideal, only minutes from major employers such as Intel,  close access to major freeways, highly ranked schools, shopping and community parks.

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