Bonny Puckett - Arizona Real Estate News - Serving Scottsdale, Rio Verde, Fountain Hills & East Valley

Just how accurate are Zestimates?

Bonny Puckett ~ REALTOR ~ Fountain Hills, Scottsdale, AZ (Call Realty) — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 15:22:19 -0500

When it comes time to sell your home who will you turn to for answers? Will it be an experienced real estate professional, or the internet?

I often have clients tell me they already know the value of their home based on information they have seen on Zillow or other home valuation websites. The question is, just how accurate is that information?

According to Zillow, in Maricopa County, AZ, Zillow's Zestimate is only within 10% of the sales price of homes 49% of the time. That means that more than half the time their Zestimate is off by more than 10%. That can mean a big difference to you not only in the sales price, but also in the amount of time it takes to get your home sold.

Although they pull information from numerous public record sources to compile the data displayed on these websites, and data is updated frequently, it can not give a completely accurate reflection of your home's true value. They haven't had the opportunity to come inside your home and see the finishes you have used, upgrades you have made and attention to detail you have put into making your home special. They are also not familiar with the local real estate market, what local buyers are looking for, special features of your property in relationship to the area and sales trends that may affect the sale of your home.

What is comes down to is that real estate local! I'm not just talking about statewide, or citywide, but community wide as well. The only people who can truly give you an accurate estimate of the value of your home, and what you can reasonably expect to sell your home for in today's market, are a licensed Realtor or a licensed Real Estate Appraisor who are familiar with the area in which you live.

A licensed real estate professional will not only look at your home, but they will also consider other homes that have recently sold, and your competition that is currently on the market. They will take into account special features of your home, your neighborhood, and the surrounding area. They will also be able to share some insight with you about how you can improve the salability of your home.

Here is a great video from Zillow that explains how they get their information and how accurate it is.

Fountain Hills Named "Best Affordable Suburb" in Arizona

Bonny Puckett ~ REALTOR ~ Fountain Hills, Scottsdale, AZ (Call Realty) — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 17:14:58 -0600

The Arizona Republic reported today on something that I have known about and been touting for years. BusinessWeek has recently recognized Fountain Hills as the "Best Affordable Suburb" in Arizona. The town was recognized for its "natural beauty" and outdoor activities such as hiking, biking and golfing. And, let's not forget about the "Frolf".

According to BusinessWeek, the median home price in Fountain Hills is $380,182. By comparison, Scottsdale's median price for 2008 was $476,250, making Fountain Hills a much more affordable option.

The Town's Mayor, Jay Schlum sites the Town's high-perfoming schools, low crime, small town flavor and award-winning parks as attributes that make Fountain Hills such a great place to live. Fountain Hills is also, as he says, "good real estate value.

Schlum says "We are a community that is oriented to an outdoor active lifestyle, and that draws out a youthful energy." I couldn't agree more! That is one of the wonderful things that originally attracted me to Fountain Hills.

Over the years I have heard many homebuyers tell me they decided to look for a new home in Fountain Hills because friends, family members, and sometimes even strangers told them it is the best place to live in Arizona. I believe that the residents of a community are the best testiment to its qualities.

Great news for people looking to move to Fountain Hills, homes in Fountain Hills right now are even more affordable than they have been in many years. This is a great time to make a move to the "Best Affordable Suburb" in Arizona!

Celebrate Thanksgiving with a Turkey Trot & Parade

Bonny Puckett ~ REALTOR ~ Fountain Hills, Scottsdale, AZ (Call Realty) — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 15:18:22 -0600

The Town of Fountain Hills Parks & Recrecreation is gearing up for their 18th Annual Turkey Trot on November 27, 2008.

What is a Turkey Trot?

It's a 5K Fun Run and 2K Fitness Walk that start from the Fountain Hills Library and go past the fountain. Mayor Jay Schlum will start the event and "Mr. Gobbleson", the official mascot of the Fountain Hills Turkey Trot, will help with a pre-race warm-up. Prizes are awarded for 1st, 2nd & 3rd place winners in each division.

Registration deadline is on Friday, November 25, 2008. For more information or to register online visit http://www.fh.az.gov/parks-recreation/turkey-trot.

Stick around after the Turkey Trot to enjoy a fabulous Thanksgiving Day Parade. The parade, which is the only Thanksgiving Day Parade in Arizona, features groups from throughout Fountain Hills and around the valley including the incomparable Fountain Hills High School Marching Band, the GWRRA Motorcycle Drill Team, and much more! The theme of this year's parade is Jingle Bells "Rock" the Hills.

Adventure Town - Live & Play in Fountain Hills, AZ - Ford Ironman Arizona Triathalon this Sunday 11/23/2008

Bonny Puckett ~ REALTOR ~ Fountain Hills, Scottsdale, AZ (Call Realty) — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 18:20:08 -0600

The Ford Ironman Arizona Triathlon will take place this coming Sunday, November 23, 2008. This event attracts top athletes from around the world to compete for 80 qualifying spots in the 2008 Ford Ironman World Championship in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii as well as a $75,000 pro prize purse.

They are expecting roughly 2,100 competitors from over 30 nations. Competitors will have a full day ahead of themselves with a 2.4 mile across Tempe Town Lake, and 112 Bike loop between Tempe & Fountain Hills, and a 26.2 mile run that loops around the Tempe Town Lake. Because both the bike and run courses are being done in loops, it should make for some great spectating as well.

For more information about this event visit http://www.ironmanarizona.com.

Traffic will be restricted between Fountain Hills & the Southeast Valley on race day.

This race will result in partial road closures throughout Tempe & the east valley, including the Beeline Highway (Hwy 87) heading into Fountain Hills and towards Payson. For details on the route and partial road closures visit the event website. You can also access traffic information by calling 511 or visiting http://www.az511.com.

FHA announces 2009 Loan Limits

Bonny Puckett ~ REALTOR ~ Fountain Hills, Scottsdale, AZ (Call Realty) — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 09:29:56 -0600

What does this mean for home buyers? It means that if you are interested in buying a home in the $300,000 price range, NOW is the time to make your move! Call me today to get started on your personalized home search.

Via Eric Murrietta:

Just a Reminder: Perhaps you were on vacation and missed the news about the new FHA loan limits for 2009. For Maricopa County the new maximum loan limit will be $271,050.

To read more about it, check out this blog.

What does this change mean for borrowers? Less buying power.

Will it affect those purchasing homes?

Will it hurt those who could have initially done refinances up to 95% at the 2008 limit of $346,250?

If you or anyone you know are can afford and are interested in buying a home in the $300K range but want to take advanatage of putting less than 10% down...NOW is the time to contact your financing parter to discuss the steps necessary to get you into that new home.

Real Estate Investor Question of the Week

Bonny Puckett ~ REALTOR ~ Fountain Hills, Scottsdale, AZ (Call Realty) — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 08:52:50 -0600

As the end of 2008 rapidly approaches, now is a great time to take an objective look at the events of the past year and evaluate your progress in terms of your real estate investment goals.

Were you able to meet or exceed your real estate investment goals for 2008?

If so, what do you feel was the #1 contributing factor toward reaching your goals?

If not, what challenges did you face that you feel prevented you from reaching your goals?

By revisiting our short and long term goals frequently, and evaluating our progress, we are able to make necessary adjustments to help us obtain those goals. When we share our goals and results with others we maintain a greater level of personal accountability while benefiting from the valuable knowledge and advice others have to offer.

I'd love for you to share your results, comments and insights so that we may all benefit from the experience and knowledge that you have gained throughout the last year.

Arizona home sale increase dramatically

Bonny Puckett ~ REALTOR ~ Fountain Hills, Scottsdale, AZ (Call Realty) — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 02:01:40 -0600

Challenges within the real estate market and the economy as a whole may still be lingering over the nation like a menacing storm cloud, but in Arizona that cloud has a bright silver lining. As real estate prices are decreasing throughout the southwest, homes in Arizona have become much more affordable spurring a dramatic 28.3 percent increase in home sales for the third quarter. According to the NAR, this was the largest quarterly sales gain in the nation.

As home sales increase and inventory dwindles, prices are going to start to rise again in response. If you want to get into the market while prices are still low, now is the time to make your move! There are still plenty of great deals for home buyers and investors. Give me a call today at 480-205-6324 to set up your free customized home search.

Granite Mountain Ranch - Lot 94 - Custom Homesite in Scottsdale, AZ 85262

Bonny Puckett ~ REALTOR ~ Fountain Hills, Scottsdale, AZ (Call Realty) — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 00:32:05 -0600

I just took a new listing on a beautiful 2.5 acre custom homesite in the prestigious gated equestrian community of Granite Mountain Ranch. Priced at just $289,000 this is the lowest priced lot in Granite Mountain Ranch.

This fabulous cul-de-sac lot has paved roads to the property and water, power & phone on lot. From here you will enjoy panoramic mountain views that take in The Goldfields, Four Peaks, Granite Mountain, The Superstitions, Weavers Needle & more.

Bring your horses! This community offers more than 15 acres of common equestrian facilities including 2 arenas and bridle paths. On 2.5 acres there is plenty of room for your new custom home and barn. Ride out directly from the property into the nearby Tonto National Forest and Scottsdale Preserve.

MLS#: 4068902
Address: 14001 E Rancho Del Oro, Scottsdale, AZ 85262
Subdivision: Granite Mountain Ranch
Lot #: 94
Lot Size: 2.5 Acres
Price: $289,000

This is a short sale. Lender approval is required. Click here for more information and virtual tour.

Please contact Bonny Puckett, Call Realty, at 480-205-6324 for more details or to schedule a showing.

Adventure Town - Live & Play in Fountain Hills, AZ - Hiking Dixie Mine Trail

Bonny Puckett ~ REALTOR ~ Fountain Hills, Scottsdale, AZ (Call Realty) — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 23:57:59 -0600

One of the things I love most about Fountain Hills is all the great hiking trails we have in and around the town. For a quick day hike right in town, I really enjoy the Dixie Mine Trail.

The Dixie Mine Trail is a fairly easy 5.6 mile trail through the McDowell Mountain Regional Park. Along the way you will enjoy beautiful mountain views, stunning natural desert vegetation, and an opportunity to view desert wildlife in its natural habitat.

Parking for the trail is located just outside the entrance gate to the Eagle Nest subdivision at the end of Golden Eagle Blvd. It's about a .6 mile walk through the community to the trailhead. At the trailhead, you will need to pay a park entrance fee of $1 per person.

About 2.8 miles into the trail, you come to the highlight of this great hike, the Dixie Mine. Although currently, not much more than a gated hole in the ground next to a pile of rubble, the site represents a time when prospectors scoured the hillsides of the McDowell Mountains in search of precious metals.

Mining began here sometime around 1917 and continued for nearly 50 years with the hopes of striking large deposits of commercial ore. But, despite drilling nearly 500 feet of tunnels and a 240 ft deep shaft, the mine never paid off and operations were shut down.

Shortly after, the City of Scottsdale filed an application to purchase the area for use as a city park. The area has subsequently been added to the McDowell Mountain Regional Park.

Many hikers turn around after reaching the mine, or you can keep following the trail for another 2.2 miles to its intersection with the Pemberton Trail.

This is also a popular trail for trail runners and mountain bikers.

For more information visit the McDowell Mountain Park website.

Fountain Hills Festival of Arts & Crafts this weekend

Bonny Puckett ~ REALTOR ~ Fountain Hills, Scottsdale, AZ (Call Realty) — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 22:35:18 -0600

The Fountain Hills Festival of Arts & Crafts will be held this Friday, Saturday & Sunday, November 14th through 16th from 10am to 5pm each day. The festival, which takes place near the fountain at Saguaro Blvd & Avenue of the Fountains in downtown Fountain Hills, features nearly 500 artists, live music, food & beverage & much more! Admission & parking are free and wheelchairs & scooters are available for rent if needed.

This is a great opportunity to enjoy a beautiful weekend outdoors and see what this charming town has to offer.

Directions to the Festival

From the South East Valley
Take 87 - (Country Club Drive) north to Shea Blvd., turn left at Shea Blvd. At the first traffic light, turn right on to Saguaro Blvd. Continue on Saguaro Blvd. to downtown and follow signs for parking.

From the South West Valley
Take 10 East to 202 East. Exit 202 at 87 - (Country Club Drive). Turn left at exit, heading North. Continue for approximately 12 miles to Shea Blvd. Turn left at Shea Blvd. At first traffic light, turn right to Saguaro Blvd. Continue on Saguaro Blvd. to downtown and follow signs for parking.

From the North West Valley
Take 101 South. Exit at Shea Blvd. East. Continue on Shea Blvd. for approximately 5 miles. Turn left to Palisades Blvd. Continue on Palisades Blvd. to downtown and follow signs for parking.

Adventure Town - Live & Play in Fountain Hills, AZ - Bicycle Racing

Bonny Puckett ~ REALTOR ~ Fountain Hills, Scottsdale, AZ (Call Realty) — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 15:08:21 -0500

Tour de Scottsdale - Sunday, October 5, 2008

Don't let the name fool you. This extraordinary cycling adventure begins in Scottsdale and circumnavigates the beautiful McDowell Mountains in North Scottsdale, going right through the heart of Fountain Hills. The race benefits The McDowell Sonoran Conservancy, an organization committed to preserving the Sonoran desert and its mountains for the benefit of this and all future generations.

The race begins at 7:00am at the Market Street Bridge at DC Ranch. From there, the course will wind through approximately 70 miles of rolling hills and spectacular desert views through Scottsdale, Rio Verde and Fountain Hills. COURSE MAP

Click here for more information.

Adventure Town - Where to Live & Play - Fountain Hills, AZ 85268

Bonny Puckett ~ REALTOR ~ Fountain Hills, Scottsdale, AZ (Call Realty) — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 14:44:38 -0500

I have been a long time subscriber of National Geographic Adventure Magazine. The magazine covers the exciting world of adventure, from travel destinations and outdoor pursuits to accounts of cutting-edge expeditions and profiles of modern-day explorers. Each issue features at least one Adventure Town, someplace that is an ideal location to live & play in the United States. They typically include a brief overview of the town, local adventure activities (like hiking, mountain biking, etc), lodging and the real estate market.

I really like this feature as it introduces you to new aspects of communities that you may not be aware of. I thought it would be fun to do my own take on this and share with you some information about my favorite adventure town, Fountain Hills, AZ and why I love it so much.

Most people who know of the community think of it as a retirement community, artist haven, or sleepy suburb. In reality, Fountain Hills is a very active community close to some of the greatest indoor & outdoor adventures in Arizona. Over the next few months, I'll share with you some of these great adventure activities in and around Fountain Hills.

Please let me know if you have any questions about Fountain Hills or if you would like to make it your Adventure Town. I'd be happy to help you find your new home!

11 Cheap Homes in Mesa Arizona

Bonny Puckett ~ REALTOR ~ Fountain Hills, Scottsdale, AZ (Call Realty) — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 14:04:04 -0500

ATTENTION REAL ESTATE INVESTORS & FIRST TIME HOME BUYERS - 11 Mesa, AZ Homes Priced Under $100,000

I just pulled a list this morning of 11 single family homes in Mesa, Arizona priced below $100,000. These are some great deals for real estate investors or first time home buyers with prices starting as low as $48 per square foot. Click the link below to see these homes and let me know if you would like to take a look at any of them.

11 Mesa Homes Priced Under $100,000

Single Family Detached Homes
3+ Bedrooms
1-2 Baths
1,000+ Square Feet
2 Car Garage
Priced as low as $48/SF!

Click here to view these homes

Give me a call at 480-205-6324 if you would like to preview or purchase any of these homes.

Real Estate Deal of the Century makes an appearance twice in one week!

Bonny Puckett ~ REALTOR ~ Fountain Hills, Scottsdale, AZ (Call Realty) — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 12:32:53 -0500

My listing located at 13825 E Villa Cassandra, Scottsdale, AZ 85262 has gone under contract. This beautiful newly constructed home in the Rio Verde Foothills area of Northeast Scottsdale has recently gotten a lot of attention. And with good reason! As a short sale this gorgeous new custom home on a one acre lot was priced significantly lower than what it could be built for.

I know you are probably kicking yourself for missing out on such an incredible deal, aren't you? Well don't worry. As Dolf DeRoos says "the deal of the century comes around once a week."

Even better, in this case the deal of the century is coming around twice this week!

That's right, I have two more beautiful new custom homes right next to this one that are also available. They are both brand new construction and they are ready and waiting for someone to move-in and call them home. Check them out today. Deals like these don't last long!

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13828 E Old Paint Trail, Scottsdale, AZ 85262

SHORT SALE - BRAND NEW CONSTRUCTION

Bedrooms: 3
Bathrooms: 2.5
Garage: 3 Car
Size: 3,067
Lot Size: 1 Acre
List Price: $545,000
MLS®: 2984700

Enjoy the beauty and serenity of the Sonoran desert from this spacious 3067sf custom home in the Northeast Scottsdale/Rio Verde Foothills. Elegantly appointed with travertine tile, granite counter tops, custom wood cabinets, stainless steel appliances, gorgeous ceiling detail, and much more! This home offers comfort & luxury with room to roam. Bring your horses, ATVs, dirt bikes, mountain bikes and ride out right from your home. You'll enjoy 100's of trails for hiking & riding throughout the nearby Tonto National Forest & Scottsdale Preserve. Don't wait...this home is priced to sell fast!

Features include:

Elegantly Appointed Interior
Granite Counter tops
Custom Wood Cabinets
Travertine Tile
Stainless Steel Appliances
Gorgeous Ceiling Detail
Spacious Great room layout
Double Sinks, Separate Tub/Shower & Jetted Tub in Master Bath
Brand New Construction - Never Been Occupied
Horses Allowed
Bring Your Toys - RV Parking, NO HOA, ATV/Dirt Bike Trails
Within in feet of Tonto National Forest & Scottsdale Preserve
Beautiful Mountain Views

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13842 E Old Paint Trail, Scottsdale, AZ 85262

PRE-FORECLOSURE - SHORT SALE - BRAND NEW CONSTRUCTION

Bedrooms: 5 or 4+Den/Media
Bathrooms: 4
Garage: 3 Car
Size: 3,519 SF
Lot Size: 1 Acre
List Price: $499,900
MLS®: 2985205

Snatch up this gorgeous new custom home at a phenomenal price. Located in the beautiful Rio Verde foothills area of northeast Scottsdale, this home boasts more than 3500sf of living space on just over an acre. 5 bedrooms or 4 bedrooms + den/media room, formal living & dining and a spacious great room with wet bar! Luxury upgrades include travertine tile, granite counter tops, custom wood cabinets & stainless steel appliances. Cozy two-way fireplace between great room and formal living room offers warmth and ambiance. Enjoy picture perfect views of four peaks from the master bedroom, living room & breakfast nook! Preview this incredible home today and make an offer!

Features include:

Brand New Construction - Never Been Occupied
Spacious Floorplan - Large Great Room + Formal Living & Dining Rooms
Elegant Upgrades - Travertine Tile, Custom Wood Cabinets, Granite Counter tops, Stainless Steel Appliances
Wet Bar
Master Bath Features Double Sinks, Jetted Tub & Snail Shower
5th Bedroom could also be Den/Media/Home Theater
Cozy two-way fireplace offers warmth & ambiance in Great Room & Formal Living Room
Horses Allowed
Bring Your Toys - RV Parking, NO HOA, ATV/Dirt Bike Trails
Within feet of Tonto National Forest & Scottsdale Preserve
Panoramic Mountain Views

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Call or email me today to schedule a showing of either of these two beautiful new homes.

Bonny Puckett
Call Realty
480-205-6324
www.InvestInAZHomes.com

Short sales subject to lender approval. Buyer to verify all information.

Price Reduced on Beautiful Hillside Lot For Sale in Fountain Hills

Bonny Puckett ~ REALTOR ~ Fountain Hills, Scottsdale, AZ (Call Realty) — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 17:37:34 -0500

PRICED REDUCED - PRE-FORECLOSURE - SHORT SALE

15252 N Blackbird Dr, Fountain Hills, AZ 85268

Property Type: Vacant Land/Lot
Zoned: Residential Single Family
Size: 1/4 Acre
Price: $245,000
MLS®: 2876055

THE PERFECT SETTING FOR YOUR NEW HOME! Enjoy beautiful views from this easy build lot in fantastic area of Fountain Hills. Walk the property and enjoy for yourself the spectacular mountain, Red Rock & Fountain views! All utilities are on the property and topo is available. Plans are available for 2 homes - a 5883 SF Tuscan or a 4207 SF Contemporary. Looking for something different? No problem...to sweeten the deal even more seller is offering a $12,000 credit for custom plan design. Call for details!

▪ Vacant Land/Lot - Custom Homesite	▪ Incredible Mountain Views!
▪ Stunning views of Red Rock & Four Peaks!	▪ Great view of the Fountain!
▪ Easy build hillside lot	▪ Great Fountain Hills neighborhood
▪ All utilities on property	▪ Plans available for 2 homes - a 5883 SF Tuscan or 4207 SF Contemporary
▪ Or $12,000 credit for custom plan design

Short sale subject to lender approval. Preview this beautiful property and make an offer today!

For more information or to schedule a showing contact:

Bonny Puckett
Call Realty
480-205-6324
www.InvestInAZHomes.com

Spectacular turnout at Open House

Bonny Puckett ~ REALTOR ~ Fountain Hills, Scottsdale, AZ (Call Realty) — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 19:20:35 -0500

I had a great open house last Thursday evening at my listing at

14431 E White Feather Ln, Scottsdale, AZ 85262

Quite a few Realtors, Affiliates and Neighbors stopped by to preview this beautiful new home. Everyone raved about the incredible quality of craftsmanship and the stunning finishes used throughout. Hot topics of conversation included the gorgeous Aurora Borealis granite counter tops that have intricate variations of color including reds, golds and browns, with intriguing streaks of bluish gray.

The stainless steel SubZero & Wolf Appliances were very well received as were the double Fisher Paykel Dish Drawers which make cleanup a snap when entertaining. This kitchen is truly an entertainer's dream!

The detached guest casita and outdoor living spaces also drew a lot of attention. The casita features a kitchenette, full bath and walk-in closet. Just off the casita is a full outdoor kitchen that has a stainless steel 4 burner gas BBQ Grill, 2-burner gas cook top, mini refrigerator and a refrigerated beverage and condiment cooler. Guests will enjoy relaxing by the outdoor fireplace and a taking a refreshing dip in the sparkling pool. Or, ease away all your stresses with a relaxing soak in the heated spa.

One of the local neighbors, Seraphim Moreira, is a sales representative for Classic Equine Equipment. They dropped off some great information about custom barns, barn accessories and other equine equipment such as hot walkers that can be easily added to enhance the property for horse lovers.

If you missed this open house, don't worry. It is not too late to preview this gorgeous new custom home. Email me or give me a call at 480-205-6324 to schedule a private preview for this week.

Wine & Cheese Open House - Thursday, 8/14/08, 4-7pm

Bonny Puckett ~ REALTOR ~ Fountain Hills, Scottsdale, AZ (Call Realty) — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 09:47:43 -0500

OPEN HOUSE

Thursday, August 14, 2008
4:00-7:00pm

Please stop by to preview this beautiful new custom home in the Rio Verde Foothills area of Northeast Scottsdale. Wine & cheese will be served.

14431 E White Feather Ln, Scottsdale, AZ 85262

MLS#: 2863913

Listing Price: $2,299,000
Bedrooms: 5
Baths: 4.5
Sq.ft: 5,020 Lot Size: 5 Acres

Description: Construction has just finished on this amazing Tuscan estate in the Rio Verde Foothills area of Northeast Scottsdale. This home is situated on 5 acres in a private gated cul-de-sac.

The incredible master suite features a spacious bedroom and large sitting area that are elegantly divided by a 3-way fireplace for warmth and ambiance. The master bath offers spa-like luxury with a jetted tub, snail shower with multiple heads and a bidet. The walk-in closet is roomy enough for the most zealous shopper and features a 2nd washer/dryer hookup.

The gourmet kitchen is a delight with custom wood cabinets, beautiful granite Aurora Borealis granite countertops and professional stainless steel appliances. There is a generous amount of storage and work space. Clean up after entertaining is a snap with central vac and 2 dishwashers -- double Fisher Paykel Dish Drawers and a separate Asko Dishwasher.

A detached guest casita offers your guests luxury and privacy. It is conveniently located adjacent to the outdoor living area, pool & spa and features a kitchenette, full bath & ample walk-in closet.

Insulated wood garage doors with wrought iron accent hardware open up to reveal an enormous 6 car pull through garage.

An expansive covered patio spans entire length of home offering shady outdoor living space. Here you will find a complete outdoor kitchen that is perfect for dining al fresco style with family & friends. A fireplace and built in bench provides additional warmth and seating when you entertain. Relax and refresh yourself in the sparkling pool & spa with rock waterfall.

Amazing mountain views take in Four Peaks, the Goldfields, the Superstitions, the McDowells, the Mazatzals and Granite Mountain. Bring your horses! There is plenty of room for a barn, tack room & arena. This home is situated close to McDowell Mountain park, the Scottsdale Preserve & Tonto National Forest with bridle paths to 100's of great trails for riding, hiking and mountain biking.

Additional 5 acre lots available on each side of this home can be combined to give you up to 20 acres of pristine Sonoran desert land.

Click Here for more details.

Bonny Puckett
Luxury Home Specialist

Call Realty
480-205-6324 cell
480-406-6795 fax
www.InvestInAZHomes.com

Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Buyer to verify all information.

7 Simple steps make financing a home easy

Bonny Puckett ~ REALTOR ~ Fountain Hills, Scottsdale, AZ (Call Realty) — Sat, 26 Jul 2008 15:47:07 -0500

All the turmoil in the mortgage industry has definitely made the process of financing a home seem a little scarier. But the truth is, it doesn't have to be. Although lenders are tightening their belts a bit, being more selective about who they lend to, and more closely evaluating the risk factors involved, they are still lending money. With good credit history, the right documentation and a realistic game plan there are still many financing options available.

The key to obtaining financing for your new home is to be organized and prepared to provide your lender with all the information they need. A few simple steps can help ease the stress and speed up the process and help get you into your new home.

1. Give your credit a check-up.Monitor your credit report to make sure there are no discrepancies or derogatory items that would prevent you from getting a loan. If you do find something that doesn't belong dispute the item with the appropriate credit bureau.

2. Boost your credit score. Try to keep your credit card balances below 30% of your credit limit. This will reduce your credit risk and increase your FICO score.

3. Save for a down payment. Start stashing away some extra money to help cover closing costs and down payment.

4. Get your paperwork in order. Most lenders are going to want to see proof of income and assets. Make sure you have your last 2 months bank statements, your last two pay stubs and your last 2 years tax returns readily available.

5. Plan a realistic budget. Lenders want to know that you are going to be able to make the payments on your loan. Your mortgage payment ideally should only be about 25% of your monthly household income. Any more than that and you might be putting a financial strain on yourself.

6. Don't make any major purchases. One of the biggest mistakes people make is going out and making a major purchase right before closing on their home. Wait until after your loan has funded to make any major purchases such as appliances, furniture, new car, etc.

7. Get pre-qualified.Before you even start looking for a home, talk to a lender and get pre-qualified. They will let you know up front just how much home you can afford to finance. They can also help you make sure you have all the necessary documentation ready when it comes time to finance.

Buy this home and get whiter teeth! -- The power of sales incentives in a buyers market

Bonny Puckett ~ REALTOR ~ Fountain Hills, Scottsdale, AZ (Call Realty) — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 16:52:43 -0500

I received an email today from an agent who was promoting a new listing in Scottsdale, Arizona. According to the email the home has been recently updated. There were even a couple very nice photos included that show that show off the main areas of the home. What the email did not tell me was the number of bedrooms & bathrooms, square footage of the home, lot size, whether or not there is a pool, etc.

Because of the lack of information, I normally would have just discarded this email and not given it another thought. But what really caught my attention is that if you buy this home you can have brighter, whiter teeth!

This truly amazed me. I've seen sellers offer some really interesting real estate sales incentives before, but never the promise of whiter teeth.

Of course, it makes total sense to me! Most home buyers get so excited about their new purchase that they are simply beaming. They walk around with a perma-grin, excited to tell all their family, friends and co-workers about their new purchase. You certainly wouldn't want to do that with stains or discoloration on your teeth, would you?

Absolutely not! You'd certainly want your smile to look its best, just like your new home. That's why it makes perfect sense to choose the house that will give you whiter teeth. I mean, who wouldn't want a home that could brighten their smile?

Well now you can show off your pearly whites and your new home at the same time!

By now you may be asking..."But how can a new home possibly give you whiter teeth?" Well I'll tell you how. It's called sales incentives! In a buyers market like this, sellers and their agents tend to seek out creative ways to make their home stand out in the crowd. These real estate sales incentives often include things like paint, carpet and repair allowances; seller contributions toward closing costs or down payment; additional appliances or home electronics; sometimes you may even see a new car or boat included. In the case of this home, the incentive is 2 gift certificates for ZOOM Teeth Whitening.

Like I said, I've seen some interesting sales incentives before, but this was a first for me! It really got me thinking of some of the interesting incentives that sellers use to make their homes stand out in a buyer's market like this. What are some of the most interesting real estate sales incentives you have seen?

BTW...If you are looking for a new home and whiter teeth in the Scottsdale, Arizona area, please give me a call. I'd be happy to help you find just what you are looking for!

Please Welcome ERIC MURRIETTA to Active Rain

Bonny Puckett ~ REALTOR ~ Fountain Hills, Scottsdale, AZ (Call Realty) — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 11:36:27 -0500

Please take the time to welcome Eric Murrietta to Active Rain. Eric is a Mortgage Loan Originator with Silver State Bank in Scottsdale, Arizona. He assists clients throughout the valley and specializes in residential construction and lot lending, FHA, VA and Conventional loans. I have been working with Eric for a while and he always takes great care of his customers and business partners.

Eric has already hit the ground running with some excellent blog posts like Yes: Positive Feedback and Another Day, Another Dollar...Another Person. Please take the time to email Eric or comment on his Blog to welcome him to ActiveRain.

Fountain Hills Voters Reject Property Tax

Bonny Puckett ~ REALTOR ~ Fountain Hills, Scottsdale, AZ (Call Realty) — Wed, 21 May 2008 09:20:48 -0500

For those of you who don't know, yesterday was a local election day. Here in Fountain Hills there were only two items on the ballot, two candidates vying for one final Town Council seat and a property tax referendum.

Okay, so it was a short ballot, but the issues were pretty important to the residents of Fountain Hills, especially property owners.

I was very disappointed when I went to the Community Center to cast my vote and the only other people there were the volunteers working at the polling place. I know there were 4 other polling places, but all day long I only saw one other resident wearing a sticker that said they voted, and that was my husband.

I'm surprised that so few residents saw a need to turn out at the polls and cast their vote on such an impactful issue. As a home owner, REALTOR® and real estate investor the issue of a property tax is one that I find very important.

According to AZCentral the results of the poll are in. Good news for home owners, once again Fountain Hills residents have rejected the Property Tax initiative. This is the third time in six years that Fountain Hills voters have said NO to property tax referendums in Fountain Hills. The town has spent a lot of time and money trying to educate the community on the need for a property tax. But, based on the large number of recent letters to the Editor of the Fountain Hills Times in opposition of the proposed property tax, and protesting the Town's recent spending habits, it's no surprise that this initiative didn't pass.

Dennis Contino, who opposed the property tax and is in favor of re-examining and trimming the town's current budget, won the final Town Council seat and will take office on June 5.

13828 E Old Paint Trail, Scottsdale, AZ 85262

Bonny Puckett ~ REALTOR ~ Fountain Hills, Scottsdale, AZ (Call Realty) — Sat, 10 May 2008 11:51:21 -0500

NEW LISTING - 3 Bedroom 2.5 Bath in Northeast Scottsdale/Rio Verde Foothills

13828 E Old Paint Trail, Scottsdale, AZ 85262

BRAND NEW CONSTRUCTION - SHORT SALE - PRICE REDUCED TO $595,000

Details:

3 Bedrooms
2.5 Bathrooms
3,067 Square Feet
3 Car Garage, Side Entry
1 Acre Lot
New Construction
2 Year Builder's Warranty
MLS# 2984700

About the property:

Enjoy the beauty and serenity of the Sonoran Desert from this spacious 3,067 SF custom home in the Northeast Scottsdale/Rio Verde Foothills. Elegantly appointed with travertine tile, granite countertops, custom wood cabinets, stainless steel appliances, gorgeous ceiling detail, and much more! Enjoy an open great room floorplan, gourmet kitchen, spacious walk-in closets and luxurious master bath complete with double sinks, snail shower and jetted tub.

Enjoy your privacy? This is the place to be! Situated on 1 acre of natural Sonoran Desert and surrounded by plenty of open space, this home offers comfort & luxury with room to roam. Bring your horses, ATVs, mountain bikes and ride out right from your home. You'll enjoy 100's of trails for hiking & riding throughout the nearby Tonto National Forest & Scottsdale Preserve. There is no HOA and plenty of room for RV Parking. This home is newly constructed and a 2 year builder's warranty is included - please call for details.

Click here for more details and a virtual tour.

Contact me today to preview this home.

Short sale subject to lender approval.

Three new spec homes offered at The Sterling at Silverleaf

Bonny Puckett ~ REALTOR ~ Fountain Hills, Scottsdale, AZ (Call Realty) — Thu, 08 May 2008 08:14:43 -0500

Scottsdale's prestigious new community, Silverleaf, has added a new focal entry to it's Mediterranean style enclave of custom homes. The Sterling at Silverleaf is a collection of 16 Bungalows designed by renowned architect Bing Hu. Taking advantage of their prestigious Horseshoe Canyon location, these homes enjoy gorgeous McDowell Mountain and city light views. The bungalow homes feature community landscaping and private courtyards to compliment the neighborhood and the homes. The Bungalow collection is also a perfect compliment to the Canyon Village development, which will offer shopping, dining and private office opportunities.

Three new spec homes have just been completed in The Sterling at Silverleaf. These homes offer the opportunity to live in Silverleaf at a fraction of the price of the other custom and semi-custom home offerings.

The Palermo is a 2,688 SF bungalow with 2 bedrooms, a den and 2.5 baths priced at $1,625,000.
The Almalfi offers 3 bedrooms, a den and 3 baths in a 2,974 SF floorplan for $1,745,000.
The Capri is a 3 bedroom, 3.5 bath bungalow with 3,111 SF of living space priced at $1,845,000.

All the bungalows feature authentic formal Mediterranean styling that compliments the architecture of the Silverleaf Country Club and other custom estates throughout the community. Membership to the Villiage Health Club is included with each home, and the buyers will enjoy the opportunity to apply for a Silverleaf Club and Spa membership.

Contact me today to schedule your private tour of The Sterling at Silverleaf and preview these beautiful new homes.

6 Easy Money and Energy Saving Earth Day Tips

Bonny Puckett ~ REALTOR ~ Fountain Hills, Scottsdale, AZ (Call Realty) — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 16:08:52 -0500

Here are some great eco-wise and money-wise Earth Day tips that you can put into play all year long to reduce help you live a eco-friendly lifestyle and reduce your environmental footprint.

Did you know...

Replacing just one 75-watt incandescent bulb with a 19-watt CFL can cut 75 pounds of carbon dioxide emissions per year, and up to 750 pounds for the life of the bulb. Not to mention the financial savings on your energy bill. If every U.S. household replaced just one incandescent bulb with a compact fluorescent, the emissions savings would be comparable to taking 3 million cars off the road for a year.
Hand washing dishes can actually use up to 50 percent more water than a water-saving, energy-efficient dishwasher. But before you celebrate, check the date on your dishwasher. Those made before 1994 use more water than current models, so it may be time for an upgrade to an Energy Star-rated model, which is 41% more efficient than the federal standard. Even if you have a brand-new, hyper-efficient model, you can still conserve water and energy. Only run full loads, and don't waste time and water pre-rinsing dishes; new models are equipped to handle even the most stubborn gunk.
Appliances like clocks, stereos, dvd players and other remote devices continue to suck up electricity even when you are not using them, as do chargers that are left in outlets. You can reduce your energy usage and environmental footprint by unplugging some of the appliances you only us occasionally.
Turning your computer to the "hibernate" or "sleep" function can save 95% of the electricity you would have used if you left your computer running on full power. Setting your computers to shift into snooze mode when you're not using them can produce significant energy savings. It could also prolong the life of the computer.
The standard showerhead spews 4.5 gallons-per-minute, but by replacing it with a 2.5-GPM head, you could save 20,000 gallons of water per year. For less than $25 you can replace your water hogging shower head with a more efficient one, and you don't necessarily have to sacrifice water pressure in the process.
Almost half of all direct mail catalogs are never opened, but each year nearly 62 million trees are destroyed and 28 billion gallons of water are used to produce them. Give yourself, your mail box and the environment a break and get off those mailing lists. Use toll-free numbers provided on junk mail to request that your name be removed from listings. Ask online retailers that you frequent send you their specials via email instead of printed mail.

Some Earth Day Funnies (Paper Free of course)

Bonny Puckett ~ REALTOR ~ Fountain Hills, Scottsdale, AZ (Call Realty) — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 15:20:57 -0500

Here are some paper-free Earth Day funnies to brighten your day. Happy Earth Day 2008!

Crock

by Bill Rechin and Don Wilder, dist. by King Features Syndicate

Baby Blues

by Rick Kirkman and Jerry Scott, dist. by King Features Syndicate

Bizarro

by Dan Piraro, dist. by King Features Syndicate

Redeye

By Mel Casson, dist. by King Features Syndicate

Beetle Bailey

by Mort & Greg Walker, dist. by King Features Syndicate

Dennis The Menace

Created by Hank Ketcham, drawn by Marcus Hamilton and Ron Ferdinand, dist. by King Features Syndicate

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Wine & Cheese Open House - Thursday, 8/14/08, 4-7pm

OPEN HOUSE Thursday, August 14, 2008 4:00-7:00pm Please stop by to preview this beautiful new custom home in the Rio Verde Foothills area of Northeast Scottsdale. Wine & cheese will be served.

14431 E White Feather Ln, Scottsdale, AZ 85262

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13828 E Old Paint Trail, Scottsdale, AZ 85262

NEW LISTING - 3 Bedroom 2.5 Bath in Northeast Scottsdale/Rio Verde Foothills

13828 E Old Paint Trail, Scottsdale, AZ 85262

Three new spec homes offered at The Sterling at Silverleaf

6 Easy Money and Energy Saving Earth Day Tips

Some Earth Day Funnies (Paper Free of course)

OPEN HOUSE

Thursday, August 14, 2008
4:00-7:00pm

Please stop by to preview this beautiful new custom home in the Rio Verde Foothills area of Northeast Scottsdale. Wine & cheese will be served.