Now that temperatures here in AZ are reaching 110 degrees, summer movies are a popular way to beat the heat.  I recently learned about several ways to save when going to the movies, and thought I would share this:

Seek Out Discount Showings & Special Promotions

Many theaters offer discounted showings of family movies during the summer.  Harkins Theatres offers 10 movies in 10 weeks for $7.  AMC Theatres offers $5 tickets for any showings before noon.

Companies like AAA, if you are a member, offer discounted movie tickets, and certain companies like Intel often have discounted tickets that employees can purchase.  Marriott also has a promotion that offers four free movie passes when you spend a weekend at a participating hotel or resort before Sept. 7.

Check out the Entertainment Book for special reduced price movie ticket offers as well. 

Buy in Bulk

AMC and Harkins Theatres offer discounts when buying tickets in bulk, typically in increments of 50.  The tickets don't expire, but they usually cannot be used for special engagements.  You can also purchase bulk tickets at places like Costco.

Local Independent Theaters

If you can wait a while to see the new releases, local independently-owned theaters like the Pollack Tempe Cinemas, can save you on ticket prices, as well as concessions.  Movies are regularly $3.00, and only $2.00 on Tuesdays.

Be Loyal

Both AMC and Harkins Theaters' offer loyalty clubs which offer special rewards for being members.  Some offer you points that can add up to freebies, and other discounts are things like loyalty cups where you can get refills all year long for $1.

Do not Purchase Online from Reservation Sites

If you purchase tickets online, they will typically make you pay a surcharge, which can be an extra $1.00 per ticket.

Trade Up on Snacks

If you're going to buy popcorn or soda, it makes sense to trade up for the larger sizes.  You will end up paying a lot less per ounce, and many theaters will offer free refills on the largest sizes.

Head to the Drive-In

The Scottsdale 6 Drive-In offers $6.25 tickets, and shows new releases.  On Tuesdays, they offer $4.00 movies, which is quite a bargain from the regular theatres.  Concessions at drive-ins' are often cheaper than regular movie theatres as well.

Hopefully these will help keep families and kids entertained for less in this economy, while keeping them cool from the summer heat.

And to think that when I first heard of ActiveRain, I waited several months until I even signed up.  Now, a year later, and over 100 posts, I feel I can't do without ActiveRain.

I have learned so much about SEO, marketing, social media, as well as how to be a better real estate agent for my business and my clients.  The best part is also all the knowledgeable and friendly people I have met throughout the U.S. and Canada along the way.  I can't wait to see what another year on ActiveRain will hold for me.

Have a wonderful 4th of July!  I'm off to the neighbors for some brats, beer, and later, fireworks in Scottsdale. 

Thank you all who I have associated with over the past year!!

I recently learned about a blogger named Danny Seo, who offers eco-friendly tips to save money and the environment.  Here are a few things I learned about recently:

Reuse dryer sheets to clean up around the house.  They do a fantastic job of holding debris when dusting furniture and electronics, and you get twice the benefits from the same dryer sheet.

You can place pillows, sheets, and plush toys into the freezer in order to eliminate dust mites and other allergens that may make you sneeze.  You just need to place them in the freezer for 24 hours.

Buy an ice-cream cone instead of buying a dish of ice-cream.  You can eat the cone, and eliminate the waste of a plastic dish and spoon.  This one is my favorite!

Since the beginning of 2009, the real estate market has been improving in Chandler, AZ.  In February, there were an average of 1,824 homes on the market, and for the last week of June, that inventory has dropped to 1,340 residential homes.  There were 148 homes sold in Chandler in January of this year, and for June, that number has increased to 385 homes sold for the month.  The average sales price was lowest in April 2009, at $211,647, but has increased each month since then, and in June the average sales price was back up to $241,772.

Things are starting to return to normal here in Chandler, and hopefully they are doing the same in your area as well.  The only concern is the rumor of more foreclosures entering the market that are being held back right now.

Over the last several months, statistics are showing that home sales are increasing, the home inventory is decreasing, and home values are stabilizing. 

Home sales so far this year, January through April, have totaled 23,766, and for that same period in 2008, the total homes sold were 14,569 (a 39% increase).  The sales for April alone were 7,681 - the highest monthly sales we have seen since September of 2005 (Remember, the good ol' days)!

Since May of 2008, the inventory of homes has dropped from 50,483 to 35,063 this April (a drop of 30% in 1 year).

The average sales price also had it's first monthly increase since March of 2008.

All three of these things are signs that the market, at least here in Arizona, is taking a turn for the better.  Hopefully there will be fewer short sales, foreclosures, and bank owned properties cropping up in the future.  I feel that the affordability of housing, along with the first time homebuyer credit, are contributing to the turnaround in perception of the housing market.

Let me hear how things are going in your area, and if you are showing signs of recovery.

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This representation is based in whole or in part on the data supplied by Arizona Regional Multiple Listing Service. Copyright ARMLS 2009. ARMLS does not guarantee nor is in any way responsible for its accuracy. Data maintained by ARMLS may not reflect all real estate activity in the market.