Welcome to sunny Scottsdale, Arizona. 

Yes, you there.

In the t-shirt, shorts and sandals.  Applying 50 SPF sunscreen in the middle of November.

You're not from around here, are you?

Didn't think so.

See, I'm a native of Scottsdale.  Want to know how you can tell?

I'm wearing three layers of clothing and a ski cap.  It's 68 degrees today, and I'm freezing.

You have obviously come down with your northern brethren to escape the ice and snow. 

You could not have picked a more ideal place to visit than McCormick Ranch.

       Are you staying at one of our wonderful resorts?  The Hyatt Regency, perhaps?

Perhaps a little golf is on the agenda?  Fortunately, McCormick Ranch offers two gorgeous 18-hole courses.

How about a stroll or bike ride along the miles of greenbelts that this amazing planned community offers?

You've heard about the superb dining in the area?  Well, you heard right.  From Buster's On the Lake to The Charthouse and The Village Tavern, there are nearly limitless choices.

Did you bring the family with you?  You did?  Well, the little ones are in luck.  They will love Mountain View Park, Rotary Park, and of course, the McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park.  Haven't heard of the Railroad Park?  It boasts a fully operational 5/8ths-scale railroad engine, carousel, playgrounds, model train center, railroad museum, open green areas, live mini steamers, and more.  You absolutely must check it out!

Do you like shopping?  On second thought, never mind.  Your wife would love me, but you would hate me if I mentioned the nearby shops at Gainey Village.  There are so many terrific boutique stores that your credit cards will take an absolute pounding if you aren't careful.  Trust me on this.

I'm sure you are looking forward to hiking Camelback Mountain, which is 5 minutes away in Paradise Valley.  That is, if you are into 360 degree panoramic views of the entire Phoenix metroplex ...

Feel like launching a boat or dropping a fishing line in one of the several lakes?  Well, you have to either be a property owner or a guest to take advantage of this amenity ... which leads me to a great idea.

Have you ever considered a second home in Scottsdale?

I know this is very forward of me to ask, but there are some amazing opportunities right now in McCormick Ranch.  I happen to be an agent with Realty Executives who grew up and specializes in McCormick Ranch Real Estate.  With the current buyer's market, there are more properties currently for sale than typical, and prices have actually declined slightly in the last 6 months.  As you know, interest rates are still staggeringly low, making conditions ideal for buying the second home that you previously thought was out of reach.

I couldn't help but notice your accent.  You don't happen to be visiting from Canada?  Alberta, maybe?  Wow, lucky guess!  Well, in that case, the news is even better.  The Canadian dollar has never been stronger against the US dollar than it is right now.  Many of us never thought we would see the day, but your money actually goes further south of the border. 

So in a nutshell, we have a perfect storm on our hands.  Ample inventory, sagging prices, low interest rates, a comparatively weak US dollar, and one of the most desirable winter destinations in the United States.

McCormick Ranch offers housing for almost any budget.  From modest condos to extravagant multi-million dollar lakeside estates, I'm sure the right vacation home is out there for you.

I know this is a lot to think about.  I'm not asking you to hop in my car this very instant to go look at houses.

             Here's my card.  Just give me a call if I can be of any assistance.

And please enjoy your stay in Scottsdale!

Paul Slaybaugh is your source for McCormick Ranch Real Estate.  Scottsdale, Phoenix and Paradise Valley AZ Real Estate:  A Slaybaugh family tradition since 1974.