4805956412: Seal Team War Dog in Action - 02/10/12 10:02 AM
Seal Team War Dog in Action
When U.S. President Barack Obama went to Fort Campbell, Kentucky, last week for a highly publicized, but very private meeting with the commando team that killed Osama bin Laden, only one of the 81 members of the super-secret SEAL DevGru unit was identified by name: Cairo, the war dog. Cairo, like most canine members of the elite U.S. Navy SEALs, is a Belgian Malinois.  The Malinois breed is similar to German shepherds but smaller and more compact, with an adult male weighing in the 30-kilo (66 lbs) range. German shepherds are still used as war … (4 comments)

4805956412: Housing Crisis to End in 2012 as Banks Loosen Credit Standards - 02/10/12 02:17 AM
Housing Crisis to End in 2012 as Banks Loosen Credit Standards         
Capital Economics expects the housing crisis to end this year, according to a report released Tuesday. One of the reasons: loosening credit.
The analytics firm notes the average credit score required to attain a mortgage loan is 700. While this is higher than scores required prior to the crisis, it is constant with requirements one year ago.
Additionally, a Fed Senior Loan Officer Survey found credit requirements in the fourth quarter were consistent with the past three quarters.
However, other market indicators point not just to a stabilization of … (1 comments)

4805956412: Passage of the "Jobs Bill" - Residential Property Tax Impacts - 02/06/12 05:57 AM
Passage of the "Jobs Bill" - Residential Property Tax ImpactsDuring the 50th Second Special Session the Arizona state legislature passed HB 2001, more commonly referred to as the “Jobs Bill.” The promoted intent of this bill is to create a more business-friendly state, which will attract all types of businesses both large and small, create jobs, and provide tax relief to businesses. The legislation focused on several key areas: corporate income, businesses property tax cuts, job training, the Arizona Competes Fund, and the newly formed Arizona Commerce Authority. Though this legislation has been touted as a solution to get Arizona back … (0 comments)

4805956412: Waste Management Phoenix Open 2012 - 02/05/12 04:46 AM
Waste Management Phoenix Open 2012
Affectionately called “The Greatest Show on Grass”, the PGA Tour tournament has been played at the Tournament Players Club (TPC) Stadium Course in Scottsdale, Arizona since 1988.
The four rounds of golf played here, attracts the largest galleries of any tournament in the world. Record attendance was 538,000 in 2008. In the first day of attendance for 2012 on Thursday the count was over 77 thousand people.
Prior to 1988, this PGA Phoenix Open tournament was played each year at the Phoenix Country Club near downtown Phoenix beginning in 1932 with a winning purse of … (0 comments)

4805956412: The Value of Home Maintenance - 01/30/12 02:49 AM
The Value of Home Maintenance
If you think home maintenance is an unavoidable series of weekend-eating chores, remember the age-old advice of Benjamin Franklin: “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” The fact is, proactive maintenance is essential to preserving the value of your home—without it, your home could lose 10% of its value. Regular, routine maintenance enhances curb appeal, ensures safety, and prevents neglected upkeep from turning into costly major repairs.
“It’s the little things that tend to trip up people,” says Frank Lesh, former president of the American Society of Home Inspectors and owner of Home … (0 comments)

4805956412: When The Kids Aren't Happy, Nobody's Happy - 01/29/12 02:42 AM
“When the kids aren't happy, nobody's happy.”
Relocating can be particularly stressful for families with children. Younger kids may not express a reluctance to leave their old, familiar home, but they may react poorly as the process unfolds. Older children, especially teenagers, may vehemently object. "It's my life too!"
As parents, you can do a variety of things to bring the kids on-board for a move. Communication is key--listening to your kids' concerns and letting them know you understand how they feel. Preparation is important too. Give your children lots of information about the new location, helping them visualize a … (2 comments)

4805956412: How Much House Can You Really Afford? - 01/26/12 02:04 AM
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4805956412: Maricopa County Arizona Market Update - December 31, 2011 - 01/24/12 01:16 AM
Maricopa County Arizona Market Update - December 31, 2011
Here is the Market Report for the end of December, 2011.  The market continues to shift and 2012 promises to be a very competitive year in Real Estate.  Prices are on the rise and Inventory is declining. Closed Sales Report Analysis: Sellers:As inventory continues to decrease, the number of closed sales continues to grow. The month of December saw a 9.2% INCREASE in the number of closed units that follows a 5% DECREASE in November.  For sellers, this means that buyers are still very, very active in today’s market.  New home builders continue … (0 comments)

4805956412: Arizona Maricopa County Homeowners Rebate In Jeopardy - 01/20/12 03:35 AM
Arizona Maricopa County Homeowners Rebate In Jeopardy
CAUTION! The Arizona Maricopa County homeowner can increase their property tax by simply not signing their affidavit and mailing it back to the County Assessor.  The Arizona Association of Realtors (AAR) is fighting this on behalf of the homeowners of Maricopa County but this has a good chance of passing and if you do not pay attention and follow the rules, your taxes will increase by default. The details follow and it's worth your time to read the status of this legislation.
Last year the Arizona legislature HB 2001, more commonly referred to as … (0 comments)

4805956412: Desert Ridge Real Estate AZ - 01/15/12 06:51 AM
Desert Ridge Real Estate AZ
 
This award-winning community caters to every kind of lifestyle. For the outdoor enthusiasts, community hiking trails with rich Sonoran Desert landscape meander throughout the community and with a vibrant combination of shopping, dining, recreational activities, employment opportunities and top-of-the-line healthcare facilities. Some of Desert Ridge's celebrated destinations are CityNorth, Desert Ridge Marketplace, JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort & Spa, and Mayo Clinic Hospital - the first and largest integrated, non-profit group practice in the world, Mayo Clinic.
 
For more information go to Desert Ridge real estate at  http://www.desertridgephoenixhomes.com/
 
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4805956412: Carefree – Cave Creek Balloon Festival - 01/15/12 01:56 AM
Carefree – Cave Creek Balloon Festival
 
The 3rd Annual Carefree-Cave Creek Hot Air Balloon Festival, hosted by the Carefree Resort and Conference Center, will please young and old alike.  Our “gentle giants” attract thousands to Carefree and Cave Creek each year. This year’s unique environment, at one of the premier resorts in the country, promises an upscale evening of family entertainment.
 
The 2012 Balloon Festival will be showcasing balloons of all shapes and sizes, Live Music, Arizona Skyhawk’s Parachute Team, vendor market, fireworks, indoor and outdoor food and beverage, adult refreshments, Sanderson Lincoln test drives and of course the … (3 comments)

4805956412: Aviano at Desert Ridge in Phoenix, Arizona - 01/13/12 01:55 AM
Aviano at Desert Ridge in Phoenix, Arizona
Aviano® at Desert Ridge® is ideally situated in North Phoenix within the Paradise Valley school district enjoying near perpetual sunshine, rich desert vegetation, stunning mountain views, and superb upscale shopping. The community enjoys peaceful seclusion from all the hustle and bustle of the city but still within closeproximity to everyday conveniences. 
Famous for its luxury living and exceptional facilities, Aviano at Desert Ridge, never disappoints. This gated community features beautiful homes showcasing its Southwestern lifestyle with strong Spanish Colonial style and Old World Tuscan architecture. Aviano at Desert Ridge offers a wide array of residential choices … (0 comments)

4805956412: Experience 2012 in Scottsdale, Arizona Where Life Is Simply Better - 01/05/12 09:19 AM
Experience 2012 in Scottsdale, Arizona Where Life Is Simply Better

Discover for yourself why many consider Scottsdale real estate as the buzzing city  and why people from all over the country and the world are moving to Scottsdale, Arizona. Here are 7 reasons why you should choose Scottsdale Arizona.

 

1.   People who have experienced Scottsdale Arizona are impressed by the hospitality the city embraces its residents and visitors with stunning beauty in and around what makes up Scottsdale real estate. The city has been voted as “one of the most livable cities in the United States"

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4805956412: Happy Holidays from the Luxury Valley Homes Team in Arizona - 12/23/11 03:40 AM

Did You Know
 
The most popular holiday plant — the fire engine red poinsettia — is named after Dr. Joel Roberts Poinsett. An amateur botanist, he was appointed the first U.S. ambassador to Mexico in 1825. There, he discovered the plant, and sent samples home to propagate in his greenhouse.
 
More than 9,000 workers are employed producing games and toys for children in about 600 locations throughout the U.S. California led the nation with about 100 such places of employment.
 
In the U.S. there are a number of communities with festive holiday names, including North Pole, AK; … (0 comments)

4805956412: Carefree Arizona Christmas Festival - 12/21/11 04:52 AM
Carefree Arizona Christmas Festival
 
As part of the fourth annual Carefree Arizona Christmas Festival, Foothills Animal Rescue  will be hosting the Holiday Dog Walk. There will be prizes for best Christmas-dressed dogs. There will be first, second, and third  place prizes for the best Christmas-dressed pooch, so dress them in their Christmas best and prance them into downtown Carefree!  All proceeds from the auction will go to FAR’s new, no-kill facility.
 
The festival offers a multitude of free holiday events for the entire family and promises to bring good cheer with a weekend long celebration featuring an electric light parade and … (4 comments)

4805956412: Magical Holiday Traditions In Old Town Scottsdale - 12/14/11 02:16 AM
Magical Holiday Traditions In Old Town Scottsdale 
Sit with Santa and his Miniature Reindeer and take advantage of the Stagecoach Rides, Carriage Rides, Wagon Rides, FREE hot chocolate, coffee, cookies, swag bags, Holiday Choirs, Holiday Music, and the Valley Ho Ho Ho Cocktail Tasting Rides.
·         The Carriage and Wagon Rides are from noon until 9pm,
·         Sit with Santa and Stagecoach Rides from 1 to 4pm - Sit with Santa and Stagecoach Rides $20 for family up to 6
·         Valley Ho Ho Ho Cocktail Tasting Rides 5 to 7pm - Holiday Cocktail Ride $40 for up … (1 comments)

4805956412: Maricopa County Arizona Market Update - December 11, 2011 - 12/11/11 07:39 AM
Maricopa County Arizona Market Update - December 11, 2011

 
 
 
 
The Cromford Report, is making some BOLD predictions, fueled by continued positive indicators in the market data.
To begin, sales for the month of November were up 8% over the same time period last year; additionally, active listings are down 41%.  The listing success rate (the number of homes that come on to the market and actually sell, rather than resulting in an expired listing) has increased 15% over last year.
The big news continues to be in foreclosure inventory (or lack thereof ), equity listing inventory, … (1 comments)

4805956412: Enchanting Chandler Tumbleweed Tree is Synonymous with Innovation - 12/08/11 08:54 AM
Enchanting Chandler Tumbleweed Tree is Synonymous with Innovation
There's nothing more traditional than decorating the tree in celebration of Christmas as it has always been the focal point of Christmas, except of course, jolly old Santa Claus. Families gather around the bedazzled Christmas tree as they exchange gifts and the joy of being together.
Every place has their own way of celebrating Christmas. Every town, every city has their own tradition of Christmas lighting. The bigger the tree, the better, has been the aim of many. With the city of Chandler, Arizona, the Christmas tree represents a bit of what the … (1 comments)

4805956412: Unconditional Love - An Entire Book In One Photo - 12/08/11 06:42 AM
Unconditional Love - An Entire Book In One Photo
 
When you think someone has nothing look a little closer. While the material items may be missing and the food a little scarce all is not lost, at least not in this case. It doesn’t matter how long we may have dealt with our personal losses because the capacity of love and devotion can only be measured with an infinity meter.
 
It’s seems clear to me that when looking at this photo the adversities of the moment and even the day are overcome by the unconditional love that exists between … (4 comments)

4805956412: Maricopa County Arizona Market Update - December 2, 2011 - 12/02/11 06:00 AM
Maricopa County Arizona Market Update - December 2, 2011
Once again, we have more reasons for optimism in the Phoenix metro area market.
As we have been observing over the past several weeks, active inventory (homes currently listed for sale) is down 50% from the same time period last year. Additionally, foreclosure inventory has declined dramatically, and the number of sales for 2011 are up 22% over 2009 and 2010.  A 50% reduction in inventory, particularly foreclosure inventory, and a 22% increase in sales is certainly positive for our market.
As you may have noticed the foreclosure inventory has adjusted … (0 comments)

 
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