Scottsdale AZ Real Estate & Lifestyle

Live Better in Scottsdale - eXp Realty

Heather Tawes Nelson

Holiday Events in Scottsdale -2021

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– 2021 Holiday Celebrations in and Around Scottsdale –

The holidays are here and this is a super fun time to live in Scottsdale and the Valley. There are so many events going on, it can be hard to choose which ones to attend!

Below is a collection of events going on now and in December.

  • The Polar Express- Now through December 30th– Enjoy a magical ride to the North Pole on the Polar Express. Once there, Santa will greet the little ones with cocoa and cookies. This event does sell out, so purchase your tickets in advance.
  • Christmas at The Princess – November 16th – January 2nd – Christmas at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess is back and they have added new things to see and do. Over six million lights will illuminate your way as you explore. Want to make some S’mores, ice skate, take a train ride or have a photo with Santa? All of these are offered. And this year, they have added a new section called The Village, complete with sleds and a chairlift! Here is the calendar of events so that you can plan your visit.
  • World of Illumination – November 17th – January 1st – You have two locations and two different shows to experience at World of Illumination this year. Tempe’s show is Reindeer Road and you will find Candy Rush in Glendale.  Millions of lights are synchronized to music is back and all you have to do is drive through and enjoy. You pay by the carload and can pre-purchase tickets online.
  • Holiday Lights at Salt River Fields – November 19th – January 1st – Along the 1.2 mile course, you will be dazzled by over 5 million lights. This year, you can reserve lit carriages that seat four or six guests. When you are done, head over to Santa’s Village featuring Santa, snacks and cocoa for purchase and even shop local artisans for the perfect gift.

  • Desert Ridge Holiday Events – November 20th – December 31st – November 20th is the kickoff event for Desert Ridge where the tree will be lit, there will be live performances and the first nightly snowfall will take place. Christmas in Color will give you great holiday photo opportunities throughout the shopping center.
  • Mc Cormick Stillman Railroad Park Holiday Lights – November 26th – January 2nd – Ride the train through the park and the dazzling light displays. Tickets will be sold for 1.5 hour reserved blocks and capacity will be reduced. This means shorter lines, so you will likely be able to do the train ride and carousel more than once! Food and drinks available for purchase.
  • Scottsdale’s Scottsdazzle – November 27th – December 31st – On November 27th, the tree lighting will officially kick of this year’s Scottsdazzle celebration. The Scottsdale Waterfront will be adorned with lights and decorations which you will also see all over Old Town. Click on the link to see the calendar and learn more about all of the events offered, including Santa at the Farmers’ Market, Wine Nights, movies, Sip & Shops and so much more. Enjoy!
  • Holidays at Scottsdale Quarter – November 27th – January 3rd – Kick off the season on November 27th with The Santa Social, an all-day event with activities, Santa and more. Then, stay for the tree lighting that evening. There will also be weekend musical performances and caroling.
  • Chanukah in Carefree – Nightly November 28th – December 5th – Attend in person or live stream the lighting of the menorah nightly. Each evening will feature a different organization or comunity members and there will be musical performances, talks, activities for the family and more.
  • Las Noches de las Luminarias at the Desert Botanical Garden – Select dates December 3rd – December 31st – This is the 44th year of this well-loved event. Tour the garden alight with thousands of luminaria lanterns. This year is extra special as you will get to experience Chihuly in the Desert as well. There will be live entertainment as well as food and beverage offerings. Tickets must be purchased in advance and they are timed entry, so make sure to shop sooner rather than later.
  • The Nutcracker with the Ballet Arizona– December 10th – 24th  – This beloved holiday tradition is back in person again this year. Come enjoy this classic performance!
  • Phoestivus– December 15th and 16th – Phoestivus is back in downtown Phoenix. Shop many talented vendors and enjoy the Phoestivus Ale from Phoenix Beer Co. This is a great way to support local small businesses!
  • Phoenix Zoo’s Zoolights – November 24th – January 15th – You have two options to enjoy Zoolights again this year. Depending on the evening, you can walk-through or drive-through. Be sure to get your tickets early as this is a very popular event!

As always, this is just a partial list, so feel free to add any other events in the comment section.

Disclaimer: Information deemed reliable, but not guaranteed. Events subject to change. Some events are free, while others have an admission fee or items for purchase.

Phoenix and Scottsdale AZ Luxury Condo Sales – October 2021

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– Luxury Condo Sales in Scottsdale and Phoenix – October 2021 –

October was another strong sales month. We also saw some much-needed inventory come onto the market.

This report will take a look at Scottsdale and Phoenix’s luxury condo market. All of these homes were listed for $1 million and above.

ACTIVE LISTINGS AT THE END OF OCTOBER

At the end of August, there were only thirty-three luxury units for sale. By the end of October, this number was up to forty-two which is good news for buyers.

The highest-priced condo for sale has held this spot for a few months. Located in The Residences at 2211 Camelback, this renovated unit comes with four bedrooms and bathrooms and 5,500 square feet. It was on the market for $4,295,000.

The lowest-priced luxury condo for sale is new to the market. Located on the fourteenth floor of Crystal Point Condominium, this home has three bedrooms, two bathrooms and 2,718 square feet.

UCB* LUXURY CONDO SALES IN SCOTTSDALE AND PHOENIX

At the end of October, there were only three UCB contracts, versus the eight we saw at the end of September. They were all located in Scottsdale.

UCB Condos in Scottsdale

  • SOHO Condominiums – Three bedrooms, two and one-half bathrooms, 2,365 square feet. Asking price was $1,250,000.
  • Optima Kierland – Two bedrooms, two and one-half bathrooms, 1,535 square feet. Asking price was $1,259,000.
  • Seven at Desert Mountain – Three bedrooms, three and one-half bathrooms, 2,414 square feet. Asking price was $1,550,215.

PENDING LUXURY CONDO SALES IN SCOTTSDALE AND PHOENIX

Fifteen of the seventeen pending sales at the end of October were in Scottsdale. Of these, twelve were in Seven at Desert Mountain which is currently under development.

Scottsdale Pending Luxury Condos

  • The Reserve – Three bedrooms and three bathrooms, 2,675 square feet. Asking price was $1,016,000. This community is under construction.
  • Landmark Condominiums – Three bedrooms, two and one-half bathrooms, 3,054 square feet. Asking price $1,250,000.
  • Seven at Desert Mountain
    • Three bedrooms, three and one-half bathrooms, 2,414 square feet. Asking price was $1,495,000.
    • Three bedrooms, three and one-half bathrooms, 2,414 square feet. Asking price was $1,505,002.
    • Three bedrooms, three and one-half bathrooms, 2,414 square feet. Asking price was $1,515,800.
    • Three bedrooms, three and one-half bathrooms, 2,414 square feet. Asking price was $1,530,700.
    • Three bedrooms, three and one-half bathrooms, 2,414 square feet. Asking price was $1,536,004.
    • Three bedrooms, three and one-half bathrooms, 2,414 square feet. Asking price was $1,612,768.
    • Two bedrooms, three and one-half bathrooms, 2,702 square feet. Asking price was $1,705,300.
    • Three bedrooms, three and one-half bathrooms, 2,716 square feet. Asking price was $1,774,200.
    • Three bedrooms, three and one-half bathrooms, 2,716 square feet. Asking price was $1,787,350.
    • Three bedrooms, three and one-half bathrooms, 2,716 square feet. Asking price was $1,809,900.
    • Three bedrooms, three and one-half bathrooms, 2,716 square feet. Asking price was $1,835,850.
    • Three bedrooms, three and one-half bathrooms, 2,716 square feet. Asking price was $1,868,410.
  • Optima Kierland
    • Two bedrooms and bathrooms, 1,257 square feet. Asking price was $1,024,900.
    • Three bedrooms, two bathrooms, 1,781 square feet. Asking price was $1,200,000.
    • Three bedrooms, two bathrooms, 1,907 square feet. Asking price was $1,250,000.

Phoenix Pending Luxury Condo

LUXURY CONDO SALES IN SCOTTSDALE AND PHOENIX

There were eight sales in October with the majority of them located in Scottsdale.

Scottsdale Luxury Condo Sales

  • There were three units in Optima Kierland
    • Two bedrooms and bathrooms, 1,366 square feet. Asking price was $1,149,000 and it sold for $1,135,000.
    • Two bedrooms, two and one-half bathrooms, 2,000 square feet. Asking price was $1,590,000 and it sold for $1,520,000.
    • Three bedrooms, three bathrooms and 2,309 square feet. Asking price was $1,525,000 and it sold for list price.
  • Landmark Condominiums – Three bedrooms, two and one-half bathrooms, 2,630 square feet. Asking price was $1,300,000 and it sold for list price.
  • Scottsdale Waterfront Residences – Two bedrooms, two and one-half bathrooms, 2,041 square feet. Asking price was $1,495,000 and it sold for $1,465,000.
  • Plaza Lofts at Kierland – Two bedrooms and bathrooms, 1,664 square feet. Asking price was $1,290,000 and it sold for $1,230,000.
  • Optima Camelview – Three bedrooms, two bathrooms, 1,902 square feet. Asking price was $1,295,000 and it sold for $1,225,000.

Phoenix Luxury Condo Sales

  • Fairway Lodge at 8 Biltmore – Two bedrooms, two and one-half bathrooms, 2,376 square feet. Asking price was $1,275,000 and it sold for list price.


Learn More About Phoenix and Scottsdale Luxury Condos

Search Phoenix and Scottsdale Luxury Condos for Sale

Disclaimer: Days on market figures are cumulative days on market. Information herein deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Data and information were pulled from the Arizona Regional MLS (ARMLS) as of 11/1/2021 and can change at any time. The analysis looks at resale luxury condos in Scottsdale and Phoenix over the past 12 months. Information deemed reliable, but not guaranteed.  There may be new condo inventory in these figures if the developer is using the MLS to market its homes. This post represents the opinion of the author. No warranties express or implied.
Copyright ©2021 Heather Tawes Nelson | Joyce Tawes

Should I Update My House Before I Sell It? [INFOGRAPHIC]

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If you are thinking about selling, you might also be thinking about doing some updates to try and get top dollar. 

But what upgrades are worth it and which ones should you skip? You might be surprised at which projects get the highest payback and which ones may not provide the best value. 

Also, what kind of market you are in can also help with the decision. For instance, in Scottsdale and the Greater Phoenix area, you may want to hold off at the moment.

Should I Update My House Before I Sell It? | MyKCM

Some Highlights

  • If you’re deciding whether you should make updates before you sell your house, lean on your agent to be your guide.
  • If the market is flooded with houses for sale, updates may be necessary for your house to stand out. In our current sellers’ market, the added expenses might not be worth it.
  • Let’s connect so you have expert advice on which updates are important in today’s market.

P.S. And if you DO decide to go ahead and make upgrades, why not do them a while before listing your home so that you can enjoy them before you sell! 🙂

Quick Video Update of the Scottsdale Real Estate Market – October 2021

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– October 2021 Scottsdale Housing Market Video –

Here is a one-minute video overview of the Scottsdale, Arizona real estate market that covers the month of October.

October 2021 – Video

Scottsdale Active Listings

Scottsdale homes for sale Ocotober 2021

Nothing has really changed with respect to the number of homes for sale. We are still in a very low inventory status and minimal relief is in sight.

October ended with 557 homes for sale, compared to the 597 homes for sale at the end of September, a 16% drop. And when you look at year-over-year, inventory is down by 49%.

Median List Price for Scottsdale Homes

Scottsdale homes median list price October 2021

If you are not familiar with the median list price, it simply means that of the homes for sale, one half are priced higher and the other half are priced lower. It is a midpoint.

The median list price of homes in October was $1.3 million. This is up over September’s $1.1 million as well as October 2020s $1.15 million.

Days on Market

Scottsdale homes days on market October 2021

Days on Market (also referred to as DOM) is a quick and easy metric to see how quickly homes are selling in a given market or segment of the market. As you would expect, a low DOM indicates homes are selling at a more brisk pace and conversely a high DOM indicates it is taking longer for things to sell.

The DOM was 41 days in September and it dropped to 37 days in October. If we compare this to October of last year, Days on Market has dropped by 42%. This is good for sellers, but it makes things more challenging for buyers who are facing a lot of competition.

Median Sales Price for Scottsdale Homes

Scottsdale homes median sales price October 2021

Now we will take a look at the median sales price of homes versus the median list price.

October’s median sales price was $900K. This is an improvement from September’s $850K and also much higher than October 2020’s $741K.

Number of Homes Sold

This last section covers home sales in Scottsdale. The top image is a year-over-year comparison and the lower image is a month-over-month comparison.

Scottsdale Home Sales October 2020 versus 2021

The number of homes that were sold was down 28% compared to October 2020. I would attribute some of this decrease to the much lower inventory and price appreciation.

Scottsdale home sales September and October 2021

Month-over-month home sales saw a 10% decrease .

We hope that you found this video and commentary helpful as you gather more information to make smart informed real estate decisions.

For more Scottsdale real estate information or if you have any questions about the local area, feel free to contact Joyce at (480) 209-7843 or Joyce@LiveBetterinScottsdale.com.

Click to watch other videos on our Live Better in Scottsdale YouTube Channel.

Interested in other stats for our market? Visit our Real Estate Market Update page.

Disclaimer: Data deemed to be accurate, but is not guaranteed.

New Build or Existing Home: Which One Is Right for You?

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New Build or Existing Home

Homebuyers today are facing a huge dilemma. There simply aren’t enough homes for sale.1

Nationwide, there were 1.27 million active listings in September, down 13% from the previous year. According to the National Association of Realtors, that’s about 2.4 months of inventory, which is far less than the six months that is generally needed to strike a healthy balance between supply and demand.2

In Scottsdale, listings were down 47% between September 2020 and September 2021! And there was only 1.2 months of inventory available for single family homes.

Given the limited number of available properties, if you’re a buyer in today’s market, you may need to expand your search to include both new construction and resale homes. But it can feel a little like comparing apples to oranges.

Let’s take a closer look at some of the factors you should take into account when choosing between a new build or an existing home.

 

TIMEFRAME

How quickly do you want (or need) to move into your next home? Your timeframe can be a determining factor when it comes to choosing between a new build or resale.

New Build

If you opt for new construction, you may be surprised by how long you have to wait to get the keys to your new digs. Currently, many home builders are dealing with unique challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, including rising costs, labor and material shortages, and shipping delays. While historically it took around five to six months to build a home, many builders are now reporting construction timelines closer to a year or more.3

Many new home communities in and around Scottsdale have waitlists for new lots to open up as they try and keep up with demand. 

These issues have led some builders to cancel contracts or raise the price on unsuspecting homebuyers long after agreements were signed. Unfortunately, this scenario can throw a major wrench in your moving plans and significantly delay your timeline.

To minimize these types of surprises, it’s crucial to have a real estate agent represent you in a new home purchase. We can help negotiate to see if we can get better contract terms and advise you about the potential risks involved.

Existing Home

If you’re in a hurry to move into your next residence, then you may want to stick to shopping for an existing home.

You can typically move into a resale home as soon as you’ve closed the deal. The average time it takes to close a home purchase is around 51 days, but it can vary based on loan type and market activity.4

If you need to move even sooner, it’s sometimes possible to close faster, especially if you’re a cash buyer. In fact, many sellers prefer a quick closing, so it can give you an advantage in a competitive market.

 

LOCATION

 From commute to construction to amenities, there’s a lot to consider when choosing your next neighborhood.

New Build

With a brand-new home, you’re more likely to move into a neighborhood that’s located on the edge of town and is still undergoing development.5 This could mean a longer commute and ongoing construction for some time.

However, new developments can also offer a lot of amenities that appeal to modern homebuyers. Water features, hike-and-bike trails, tot lots, and dog parks are just a few of the enhancements we’re seeing pop up in master-planned communities across the country. And some feature new schools and their own urban-like centers with restaurants, retail, and office space.6

Existing Home

An existing home is more likely to be located closer to town in a neighborhood with established schools, more businesses and a deeply-rooted community. As a result, you may find the neighborhood’s trajectory to be more predictable than an up-and-coming area.

But the amenities may be lacking and the infrastructure dated when compared to newer communities. And while some homebuyers love the charm and eclectic feel of an older neighborhood, others prefer the sleek and cohesive look of a newer development.

 

MAINTENANCE

Are you a DIY enthusiast, or do you prefer a low-maintenance lifestyle? Set realistic expectations about how much time, effort, and money you want to devote to maintaining your next home.

New Build

When you build a home, everything is brand new. Therefore, in the first few years at least, you can expect less required maintenance and repairs. A 2019 survey found that millennials’ homebuying regrets often came down to maintenance issues, rather than other concerns.7 So if you would rather spend your weekends exploring your new neighborhood than fixing a leaky faucet, you may be happier buying a turnkey build.

That doesn’t mean, though, that a new home will be entirely maintenance-free. In fact, depending on the builder, you could find yourself repairing more than you expected. Some home builders have reputations for shoddy construction and subpar materials, so it’s important to choose one with a solid reputation. We can help you identify the quality builders in our area.

Existing Home

No matter how good a deal you got when you purchased it, you could come to regret buying an older home if it costs you heavily in unexpected maintenance and repairs. According to HomeAdvisor’s yearly True Cost report, home renovations have grown more expensive in recent years. For example, installing a new HVAC system could cost you $5,371 on average. And you can expect to pay nearly double that amount ($9,375) for a new roof.8

Fortunately, there are ways to prepare for these large expenditures. We always recommend that our buyers hire a certified home inspector, whether they buy a new or existing home. Once we have the inspector’s report, we can negotiate with the seller on your behalf for reasonable repairs or concessions.

 

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT

 On a quest for greener living? If so, there are several factors to consider when deciding on your next home.

New Build

There’s a growing demand for energy-efficient housing, and many builders are rising to the challenge. Nearly 1 in 4 homes built in 2020 received a HERS (Home Energy Rating System) Index Rating by the Residential Energy Services Network. A HERS rating provides an index score that compares the newly-built home to those that were standard in 2006. The more energy-efficient the home is, the lower the score it receives.11

The average home rated in 2020 was 42% more efficient than those built in 2006 and 72% more efficient than a typical home built in the 1970s.11 So if energy efficiency is a top priority, a new home with a low HERS rating may be a good choice. You can also look for one that’s ENERGY STAR Certified, which means it meets a series of strict efficiency guidelines set by the Environmental Protection Agency. In 2020, only 7.9% of homes built in the U.S. received this designation.12

Existing Home

Of course, a basic tenant of sustainable living is: reduce, reuse, recycle. And since a resale home already exists, it automatically comes with a lower carbon footprint. Research has also shown that remodeling or retrofitting an older home is often greener than building one from scratch.13

With some energy-conservation effort and strategic upgrades, environmentally-conscious consumers can feel good about buying an existing home, as well.

 

DESIGN

Open floor plan? Kitchen island? High ceilings? Must-have design features could drive your decision to build or buy resale.

New Build

With a new home, you can bet that everything will look shiny and perfect when you move in. Builders tend to put a lot of emphasis on visual details and follow the latest design trends. For example, newly-built homes are likely to feature an open floor plan, central kitchen island, and 9+ foot ceilings, which are must-haves for many modern buyers. They are also unlikely to feature carpet on the main level or laminate countertops, both of which have lost mass appeal.14

However, some buyers complain of the cookie-cutter feel of new homes since they are often built with a similar aesthetic. That doesn’t mean, though, that you can’t incorporate your own style. We can help you negotiate custom features and upgrades to personalize the space and make it feel like your own.

Existing Home

In some of the most coveted neighborhoods, an older home with classic styling and character can be highly sought after. But unless the previous homeowners have invested in tasteful updates, an existing home is also more likely to look dated.

While some buyers prefer the traditional look and character of an older home, others crave something more modern. If that’s the case, we can help you find a resale home that has already been updated or one that leaves enough room in your budget to renovate it to your liking.

 

WHICHEVER PATH YOU CHOOSE, WE CAN HELP

When it comes to choosing between a new build or an existing home, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. There are numerous factors to consider, and you may have to make some compromises along the way. But the homebuying process doesn’t have to feel overwhelming.

We’re here to help. And in many cases, our homebuyer guidance and expertise are available at no cost to you! That’s because the home seller or home builder may compensate us with a commission at closing.

Some new-construction homebuyers make the mistake of visiting a builder’s sales office or even purchasing a home without their own real estate representative. But keep in mind, the builder’s agent or “sales consultant” has their best interests in mind—not yours.

We are knowledgeable about both the new construction and resale home options in our area, and we can help you make an informed decision, negotiate a fair price, and avoid mistakes that can cost you time and money. So give us a call today to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation—and let’s start searching for your next home!


Sources:

  1. Reuters –
    https://www.reuters.com/world/us/us-existing-home-sales-fall-august-inventory-declines-2021-09-22/
  2. National Association of Realtors –
    https://www.nar.realtor/newsroom/existing-home-sales-ascend-7-0-in-september
  3. KFVS 12 –
    https://www.kfvs12.com/2021/09/22/covid-19-pandemic-affects-delivery-rate-building-materials/
  4. Rocket Mortgage –
    https://www.rocketmortgage.com/learn/time-to-close-on-a-house
  5. Real Assets Adviser –
    https://irei.com/publications/article/master-planned-communities-changing-u-s-housing-trends-favor-investors-can-benefit/
  6. Builder Online –
    https://www.builderonline.com/land/development/5-master-plan-trends-home-buyers-gravitate-toward-today_o
  7. Bankrate –
    https://www.bankrate.com/real-estate/homebuyer-regret-survey-may-2021/
  8. Home Advisor –
    https://www.homeadvisor.com/r/true-cost-report/
  9. Roofing Calculator –
    https://roofingcalculator.com/news/how-long-do-roofs-last
  10. Plumbing and Mechanical Engineer –
    https://www.pmengineer.com/articles/94873
  11. National Association of Home Builders –
    https://nahbnow.com/2021/10/nearly-1-in-4-new-homes-in-2020-was-hers-rated/
  12. EnergyStar –
    https://www.energystar.gov/newhomes/energy_star_certified_new_homes_market_share
  13. Advanced Materials Research – https://www.researchgate.net/publication/271358381_Comparative_Study_of_New_Construction_and_Renovation_Project_Based_on_Carbon_Emission

National Association of Home Builders –
https://nahbnow.com/2020/04/most-likely-and-unlikely-features-in-a-new-single-family-home/

Scottsdale AZ Single Family Home Sales – October 2021

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-October 2021 Scottsdale Homes for Sale and Home Sales –

The number of homes that sold in October was down from September. However, new contract activity was strong. Inventory took another hit, so that could constrain future sales activity.

SCOTTSDALE HOME SALES ACTIVITY – OCTOBER 2021

We track the following four items every month:

– Single-family homes for sale – Orange Line – The number of homes for sale at the end of the month.
– Under contract, but accepting backup offers (UCB) – Gray Line – The number of UCB contracts at the end of the month.*
– Pending home sales – Yellow Line – The number of pending sales at the end of the month.*
– Home Sales – Blue Line – The number of home sales for the month.

OCTOBER 2021 RESULTS

Scottsdale home sales October 2021
  • Scottsdale Homes for Sale: The number of homes for sale fell 10% to close out the month below 500 homes on the market.
  • UCB (Under contract, accepting backup offers): UCBs contracts saw a nice 12.8% jump between September and October.
  • Pending Homes Sales in Scottsdale: Pending sales were more or less level compared to the previous month.
  • Scottsdale Home Sales: The numer of sold homes fell to 435. This is the lowest we have seen this figure in the past year.

The next two charts give us additional insight into the Scottsdale real estate market.

Scottsdale housing market October 2021

Percent Change Month Over Month – Here, we compare the performance of each of the four metrics to the performance of the previous month. For instance, home sales were down 11.7% in October compared to September.

Sales Price to List Price – Here we are looking at the average sales prices of homes compared to the average asking prices. In October, it was 98.5%, which means homes, in general, are selling close to what they were on the market for.


*Figures for active homes for sale, UCB sales and pending sales are based on the numbers at the end of the month.

Curious about your buying power? Click on the link to learn more.

Search Scottsdale AZ Homes for Sale

Here is a sampling of some of the homes on the market, or click the link above to see all of the homes for sale.

Disclaimer: Data and information were pulled from the Arizona Regional MLS (ARMLS) as of 11/1/2021. Information deemed reliable, but not guaranteed. There may be new home inventory in these figures if the developer is using the MLS to market its homes. This post represents the opinion of the author. No warranties express or implied.
Copyright © 2021 Heather Tawes Nelson | Joyce Tawes

Things To Do In Scottsdale – November 2021

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November is here and we traditionally see an uptick in new things to do in Scottsdale and around the Valley. 

Here are some ideas for things to do in and around Scottsdale for the month of November. 

  • Mighty Monarchs at the Desert Botanical Garden – Through November 14th – Enter the butterfly pavilion and marvel at these lovely Monarchs. See them in all stages of development and learn more about how they impact our ecosystem.
  • Carefree Fine Art and Wine Festival – November 5th – 7th – This is the 28th annual anniversary of this event. Stroll the streets of downtown Carefree enjoying the works of 165 artists. And if you want to grab a glass of wine and stroll, go for it!
  • Canal Convergence – November 5th – 14th – This amazing and interactive technological art display is back at the Scottsdale Waterfront. Plus, there will be live performances to enjoy.
  • Scottsdale International Film Festival – November 5th – 12th – Explore movies and stories from all over the world durind this film festival. Some of the films are also available to be streamed if you cannot make it in person.
  • Kierland Pop – November 5th – 7th – This fun, immersive and interactive art experience is back at Kierland. There will also be events going on all weekend to celebrate this event where the motto is Art in Unexpected Places.
  • Italian Pizza and Wine Festival – November 6th – This event features all things Italian. There will be five pizza makers serving up delicious pizza, plus Italian wine and beer. Entertainment will happen throughout the day.
  • American Cup Championship – November 12th – 14th – This Arabian Horse show will take place at WestWorld. It is a qualifying event and there will be classes as well as fun and games.
  • Phoenix Home & Garden Home Tour – November 13th – This is the largest tour yet, featuring seven spectacular homes. Meet designers and Phoenix Home & Garden editors and art directors along the way.
  • Phoenix Zoo’s Roars and Pours – November 18th – Grown ups will be taking over the zoo this evening. This Happy Hour event will feature craft beers, wine and food. Stroll around the zoo and get a preview of Zoo Lights which kicks off November 24th. (Zoo Lights tickets on sale now.)
  • Goodguys Hot Rod Show – November 19th – 21st – Over 3,000 hot rods, classic cars and custom builds will be on display at WestWorld. On top of exploring all of these cars, there will be competitions and exhibitions as well.
  • Hidden in the Hills Studio Tours – November 19th -21st and 26th -28th – If you are a lover of art, this event is for you. There will be 45 studios in Carefree, Cave Creek and North Scottsdale featuring the work of 192 artists.
  • Scottsdale Philharmonic – November 21st – The Scottsdale Philharmonic will be performing pieces from Brahms, Haydn, Strauss II and Smith.
  • Concerts at the Talking Stick Resort – This month brings George Thorogood & The Destroyers and two great comedians, Kathleen Madigan and Ron White.
  • Fashion’s Subversives at the Phoenix Art Musuem– Through November 28th – Explore the daring and cutting edge (at the time) looks from famous fashion icons like Yves St. Laurent, Diane von Furstenburg, Paco Rabanne, Balenciaga and more.
  • Immersive Van Gogh Exhibit – Through November – This highly anticipated exhibit is finally open! Learn more about Van Gogh and his life and then step into a fully immersive animated art experience. The experience lasts 40 minutes and you can stay as long as you want.
  • Wonderspaces Arizona – Wonderspaces, tucked into a space at Fashion Square, always amazes. This interactive art experience is well worth the visit and exhibits change all of the time so no two visits will be the same.
  • Live Music at The District in Desert Ridge – Friday and Saturday nights – All kinds of musical genres will be on the stage in November. Visit the website to see who will be playing. 

As always, if you have other events going on that you would like to highlight, please feel free to add them to the comment section. 

Disclaimer: Please check with the event venue to make sure the event is happening as scheduled. Some of these events require a paid ticket and may have safety restrictions in place.

Don’t Wait for a Lower Mortgage Rate – It Could Cost You

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Don’t Wait for a Lower Mortgage Rate – It Could Cost You | MyKCM

Today’s housing market is truly one for the record books. Sales have gone through the roof in Scottsdale and Greater Phoenix and are just starting to cool slightly.

Over the past year, we’ve seen the lowest mortgage rates in history. And while those rates seemed to bottom out in January of this year, the golden window of opportunity for buyers isn’t over just yet. If you’re one of the buyers who worry they’ve missed out, rest assured today’s mortgage rates are still worth taking advantage of.

Even today, our mortgage rates are below what they’ve been in recent decades. So, while you may not be able to lock in the rate your friend got recently, you’re still in a great position to secure a rate well below what your parents and even grandparents got in years past. The key will be acting sooner rather than later.

In late September, mortgage rates ticked above 3% for the first time in months. And according to experts throughout the industry, mortgage rates are projected to continue rising in the months ahead. Here’s where experts say rates are headed:Don’t Wait for a Lower Mortgage Rate – It Could Cost You | MyKCMWhile a projected half percentage point increase may not seem substantial, it does have an impact when you’re buying a home. When rates rise even slightly, it affects how much you’ll pay month-to-month on your home loan. The chart below shows how it works:Don’t Wait for a Lower Mortgage Rate – It Could Cost You | MyKCMIn this example, if rates rise to 3.55%, you’ll pay an extra $100 each month on your monthly mortgage payment if you purchase a home around this time next year. That extra money can really add up over the life of a 15 or 30-year loan.

Clearly, today’s mortgage rates are worth taking advantage of before they climb further. The rates we’re seeing right now give you a unique opportunity to afford more home for your money while keeping your monthly payment down.

Bottom Line

Waiting for a lower mortgage rate could cost you. Experts project rates will continue to rise in the months ahead. Let’s connect so you can seize this opportunity before they increase further.

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