Scottsdale AZ Real Estate & Lifestyle

Live Better in Scottsdale - eXp Realty

Heather Tawes Nelson

New Year’s Eve 2020 in Scottsdale

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– Scottsdale New Year’s Eve – Ring In 2020 –

New Year’s Eve is just around the corner and we are about to enter the 20’s!

Whether you are the person who wants to be in the center of it all at midnight, the family looking for something to do, or the person who prefers to stay at home and watch the celebrations on TV, Scottsdale and the surrounding areas are offering plenty of options for you this New Year’s Eve.

2019 New Years Eve in Scottsdale

New Year’s Eve 2020 in Scottsdale

For you “center of the action” folks:

There is no shortage of New Year’s parties, dinners and events going on in Old Town Scottsdale, around Phoenix, and in various hotels and resorts.

Here are some excellent lists of things going on:

For those of you with children looking for something a little earlier:

There are some great events all over the Valley catered to the younger crowd.

Here is a list from Best Things Arizona. 

And here are some other ideas from Eventbrite – Family New Year’s Eve Parties

For those of you who want to enjoy a nice meal, but do not need a party to do so:

The Phoenix New Times pulled together a great list of Valley restaurants that have pulled together some New Year’s Eve themed meals and special events.

Where To Eat and Drink for New Year’s Eve

For those of you who prefer to stay home and watch it on TV:

The fun thing about living in Arizona is that you can watch the East Coast, particularly New York City, ring in the New Year a couple of hours early.

Here are a couple of New New Year’s Eve programs that are planned:

  • A Toast to 2019 on NBC – This two-hour show with Hoda Kotb and Jenna Bush Hager will kick off NBC’s New Year’s Eve programming with a star-studded list of celebrities stopping by. Celebrities such as Kristen Bell, Terry Crews and Martin Short are just a few. The show will run from 8 PM to 10 PM ET and will lead into NBC’s New Year’s Eve programming.
  • NBC’s New Year’s Eve – Chrissy Teigen and Carson Daly will host again this year and top musical talent will be featured like Blake Shelton, Gwen Stefani,  Keith Urban and so many more. Programming starts at 10 PM ET.
  • Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest – This is long-running show returns for another year! Ryan Seacrest will be co-hosting with Lucy Hale, Ciara and Billy Porter (who will be holding down the fort from New Orleans.) Musical guests include the Jonas Brothers and Post Malone. The show kicks off at 8 PM EST.
  • CNN’s New Year’s Eve with Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen – Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen will co-host for the third time this year. They will be coming at us from Times Square and there will be appearances from Christina Aguilera, Lenny Kravitz, Shania Twain, Patty LaBelle and so many more. Programming will start at 8 PM ET.
  • Fox’s New Year’s Eve with Steve Harvey – Steve Harvey returns to headline Fox’s celebration of New Year’s Eve. He will be helped by co-hosts Maria Menounos and Rob Gronkowski.  Expect performances from LL Cool J, The Village People (hoping to win the record for the most people participating to YMCA), Florida Georgia Line and many more. There will also be celebrities dropping in like Gordon Ramsey, Jenna Dewan, Will Arnett and more. The show kicks off at 8 PM EST.

Disclaimer: Information deemed reliable, but not guaranteed. Times and programming may shift. Note, many of these programs will take a break midway and resume due to the ball dropping in Times Square.

Phoenix and Scottsdale AZ Luxury Condo Sales – November 2019

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– Luxury Condo Sales in Scottsdale and Phoenix – November 2019 –

Although actual sales of luxury condos in Scottsdale and Phoenix were not huge, the number of these condos that went under contract (UCB and Pending) recently is impressive during this traditionally slower time of year.

This report looks at the sales activity of condos with asking prices of $1 million or more.

Scottsdale Phoenix Luxury Condo Sales November 2019

ACTIVE LISTINGS AT THE END OF NOVEMBER

We ended the month with 55 luxury condos for sale in Scottsdale and Phoenix, up a little bit from the end of October. The majority of them, thirty-eight, were located in Scottsdale and the rest, seventeen, were in Phoenix.

  • The highest priced luxury condo for sale has been on the market for a while now. It is a very special, double-sized penthouse at The Residences at 2211 Camelback,. It comes with five bedrooms, five and one-half bathrooms, views in all directions and 4,586 square feet. It was listed for $2,995,000.
  • The least expensive luxury condo is also a carryover from the past few months. It is located in Optima Kierland and has two bedrooms and bathrooms and 1,663 square feet. It was listed for $1,019,000.

UCB* LUXURY CONDO SALES IN SCOTTSDALE AND PHOENIX

At the end of October,  six luxury condos were in UCB status and all of them were located in Scottsdale.

  • Optima Kierland –  Two bedrooms and bathrooms and 1,465 square feet. Listed for $1,098,000.
  • Main Street Place – Two bedrooms and two and one-half bathrooms and 2,472 square feet. Listed for $1,175,000.
  • ICON at Silverleaf – Two bedrooms and two and one-half bathrooms and 2,760 square feet. Listed for $1,764,000.
  • Seven at Desert Mountain – Three bedrooms and three and one-half bathrooms and 2,716 square feet. Listed for $1,775,000.
  • Mark Condominiums – Three bedrooms and three and one-half bathrooms and 4,122 square feet. Listed for $1,795,000.
  • Optima Camelview – Three bedrooms and two and one-half bathrooms and 3,347 square feet. Listed for $2,200,000.

*UCB status means a condo has an accepted contract, but that the seller has requested that they accept backup offers. Most times you will see this status when the contract is in the inspection/due diligence period.

PENDING LUXURY CONDO SALES IN SCOTTSDALE AND PHOENIX

There were an impressive nine condos in pending status at the end of November. Six of them were in Scottsdale and three were in Phoenix.

Scottsdale Pending Luxury Condos

  • Five pending sales were located in the new Optima Kierland community.
    • Two bedrooms and two and one-half bathrooms with 2,232 square feet. It was listed for $1,649,000.
    • Two bedrooms and two and one-half bathrooms with 1,956 square feet. It was listed for $1,750,000.
    • Three bedrooms and bathrooms with 2,704 square feet. It was on the market for $1,816,000.
    • Three bedrooms and bathrooms with 2,018 square feet. It was on the market for $1,939,000.
    • Three bedrooms and bathrooms with 2,704 square feet. It was listed for $2,080,000.
  • The final pending sale was in ICON at Silverleaf. It had three bedrooms, three and one-half bathrooms and 3,173 square feet. Its asking price was $2,055,000.

Phoenix Pending Luxury Condos

LUXURY CONDO SALES IN SCOTTSDALE AND PHOENIX

Although UCB and Pendings were very strong in November, there were only two actual sales, one in each city.

  • Enclave at The Borgata in Scottsdale – Two bedrooms and two and one-half bathrooms with 2,239 square feet. It had been listed for $1,248,000 and sold for $1,198,000.
  • Esplanade Place in Phoenix – Three bedrooms and four bathrooms with 4,286 square feet. It had been listed for $2,000,000 and sold for $1,780,000.

 

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 12/1/2019 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 © 2019 Heather Tawes Nelson | Joyce Tawes

Quick Video Update of the Scottsdale Real Estate Market – November 2019

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– November 2019 Scottsdale Housing Market Video –

November 2019 – Video

Here is a one-minute video overview of the Scottsdale, Arizona real estate market for the month of November.

Scottsdale Active Listings

Scottsdale homes for Sale November 2019

The number of homes on the market was more or less unchanged between the end of October and the end of November.

Median List Price for Scottsdale Homes

Scottsdale homes median list price November 2019

The median list price is a statistic that tells us the exact midpoint price of all of the homes on the market. Half of the homes are priced higher and half are priced lower.

November’s median list price came in at $1,150,000 million. This is up significantly from November 2018’s $850,000 and it is also up from last month’s $1,050,000

Days on Market

Scottsdale homes Days on Market November 2019

A metric that is used frequently to gauge the state of the real estate market is Days on Market, or DOM.  The longer it is taking homes to sell, the higher the DOM will be. And if homes are selling quickly, we will see a lower DOM.

In November, the Days on Market came in at 84 days. This represents an 11% decrease in DOM compared to November 2018.

Median Sales Price for Scottsdale Homes

Scottsdale homes median sale price November 2019

In this section, we will look at the median sale price for November.

November concluded with a median sales price of $630,000. This is up $20,000 from November 2018’s median sales price. Comparing November 2019 to October 2019 shows an increase from $593,000 to $630,000.

Number of Homes Sold

Now we will look at the home sales figures.

Scottsadale home sales November 2019

Home sales compared year over year were up 7%.

Scottsdale homes sold November 2019

However, we did see a drop in home sales activity between October and November 2019. They were down 13%.

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.

5 Steps to Finding Your Next Home

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5 Steps to Finding Your Next Home

 

Whether you’re a first-time buyer or a seasoned homeowner, shopping for a new home can feel daunting. In fact, 56% of buyers said that “finding the right property” was the most difficult step in the home buying process.1

Buying a home is a significant commitment of both time and money. And a home purchase has the power to improve both your current quality of life and your future financial security, so the stakes are high.

Follow these five steps—and complete the corresponding worksheet offered below—to assess your priorities, streamline your search, and choose your next home with confidence.

STEP 1: Set Your Goals and Priorities

The first step to finding your ideal home is determining WHY you want to move. Do you need more space? Access to better schools? Less maintenance? Or are you tired of throwing money away on rent when you could be building equity? Pinpointing the reasons why you want to move can help you assess your priorities for your home search.

Don’t forget to think about how your circumstances might change over the next few years. Do you expect to switch jobs? Have more children? Get a pet? A good rule of thumb is to choose a house that will meet your family’s needs for at least the next five to seven years.2 Be sure to set your goals accordingly.

 

STEP 2: Determine Your Budget

Many financial professionals recommend following the “28/36 Rule” to determine how much you can afford to spend on a home. The rule states that you should spend no more than 28% of your gross monthly income on housing expenses (e.g., mortgage, taxes, insurance) and a maximum of 36% of your gross monthly income on your total debt obligations (i.e., housing expenses PLUS any other debt obligations, like car loans, student loans, credit card debt, etc.).3

Of course, the 28/36 rule only provides a rough guideline. Getting pre-qualified or pre-approved for a mortgage BEFORE you begin shopping for homes will give you a much more accurate idea of how much you can borrow. Add your pre-approved mortgage amount to your downpayment to find out your maximum purchasing potential.

 

STEP 3: Choose a Location

When it comes to real estate, WHERE you choose to buy is just as important as WHAT you choose to buy.

Do you prefer a rural, urban, or suburban setting? How long of a commute are you willing to make? Which neighborhoods feed into your favorite schools? These decisions will impact your day-to-day life while you live in the home.

Another important factor to consider is how the area is likely to appreciate over time. Choosing the right neighborhood can raise the profit potential of your home when it comes time to sell. Look for communities that are well maintained with high home-ownership rates, low crime rates, and access to good schools, desired retail establishments, and top employers.4

 

STEP 4: Decide Which Features You Need (and Want) in a Home

Start with the basics, like your ideal number of bedrooms, bathrooms, and square footage. Do you prefer a one-story or two-story layout? Do you want a swimming pool to enjoy Arizona’s great weather in?

Keep in mind, you may not find a home with all of your “wants,” or even all of your “needs” … at least not at a price you can afford. The reality is, most of us have to make a few compromises when it comes to buying a home.

Some buyers will opt for a longer commute to get a larger, newer home in the suburbs. Others will sacrifice hardwood floors or an updated kitchen so that their kids can attend their desired school.

If you’re faced with a tough choice about how or what to compromise in your home search, return to STEP 1. What were your original goals and motivations for moving? Reminding yourself of your true priorities can often provide the clarity that you need.

 

STEP 5: Meet with a Real Estate Agent

A good real estate agent can remove much of the stress and uncertainty from the home search process. From setting goals to securing a loan to finding the best neighborhood to meet your needs, we will be there to assist you every step of the way.

And no one has more access to home listings, past sales data, or market statistics than a professional agent. We can set up a customized search that alerts you as soon as a new listing you might like goes live. Better yet, we often get notified about many of the hottest homes even BEFORE they hit the market.

You might guess that the VIP service we provide is very expensive. Well, the good news is, we can represent you throughout the entire home buying process at NO COST to you. It’s true – the home seller pays a buyer agent’s fee at closing. So you can benefit from our time, experience, and expertise without paying a dime. It’s no wonder 87% of buyers choose to purchase their home with the help of an agent.1

And although we’ve listed it here as STEP 5, the reality is, it’s never too early (or too late) to contact an agent about buying a home. Whether you plan to buy today, next month, or next year, there are steps you can (and should) be taking to prepare for your purchase.

 

Call us today to schedule a free consultation!

 

 

The above references an opinion and is for informational purposes only.  It is not intended to be financial advice. Consult a financial professional for advice regarding your individual needs.

 

Sources:

  1. NAR 2019 Home Buyers & Sellers Generational Trends Report –
    https://www.nar.realtor/sites/default/files/documents/2019-home-buyers-and-sellers-generational-trends-report-08-16-2019.pdf
  2. Architectural Digest –
    https://www.architecturaldigest.com/story/this-is-how-long-you-should-live-in-your-house-before-selling-it
  3. Investopedia –
    https://www.investopedia.com/terms/t/twenty-eight-thirty-six-rule.asp
  4. Money Talks News –
    https://www.moneytalksnews.com/20-clues-youre-buying-home-the-right-neighborhood/

 

 

Scottsdale AZ Single Family Home Sales – November 2019

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– November 2019 Scottsdale Homes for Sale and Home Sales –

We saw home sales in Scottsdale fall in November, but we did see an uptick in pending sales to take us into December.

SCOTTSDALE HOME SALES ACTIVITY – NOVEMBER 2019

Each month, we look at and track these four items:

– Single-family homes for sale – Orange Line –  The number of homes listed actively for sale at the end of the month.*
– Under contract, but accepting backup offers (UCB) – Gray Line – How many homes were in UCB status at the end of the month.*
– Pending home sales – Yellow Line – How many pending sales there were at the end of the month.*
– Home Sales – Blue Line –  The number of homes sold during the month.

NOVEMBER 2019 RESULTS

Scottsdale home sales November 2019

  • Scottsdale Homes for Sale: Inventory was more or less level between October and November. The 12 month average for this is 1,604.
  • UCB (Under contract, accepting backup offers): The number of UCBs was up slightly to close the month out at 251.
  • Pending Homes Sales in Scottsdale: Pending sales saw a healthy 14% jump between October and November. This will help with the December sales figures.
  • Scottsdale Home Sales: Home sales fell in November, dropping from over 400 in October to 370 in November. Seasonality and the Thanksgiving holiday contributed to this dip.

Now, we will take a look at two more sales metrics we use to track the Scottsdale real estate market.

Scottsdale real estate market 2019

The Percent Change Month Over Month compares the sales activity in the most recent month to the activity from the month before. For instance, UCB activity fell 2% between October and November.

Sales Price to List Price averages what homes sold for in comparison to the prices they had been on the market for. In November, sales price to list price came in at 96.4%. So, on average, buyers saw an average of 3.6% off of asking prices.

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

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.

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

 

Disclaimer: Data and information were pulled from the Arizona Regional MLS (ARMLS) as of 12/1/2019. 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 © 2019 Heather Tawes Nelson | Joyce Tawes

Gifts and Gadgets for Every Room in the House

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Are you searching for new and innovative gift ideas this holiday season? If so, check out our list of the hottest home technology offerings. We’ve selected a few of our favorites for every room in the house.

These smart systems and devices add comfort, convenience, and a “cool factor” that will delight your friends and family.  So think about who you know that loves the latest gadgets … or add a few of these to your own wish list!

Are you anywhere near Scottsdale Fashion Square? If so, be sure to visit the B8ta store. You are encouraged to touch and interact with lots of cool technological gadgets, including some of the ones below! B8ta is located in the open area next to the food court. Have fun!

Holiday 2019 Gift Ideas

 

ENTRYWAY

Ensure the safety of your loved ones with these smart security upgrades.

Smart Lighting

Ring, a company best known for its video doorbells, has added smart lights to its series of integrated devices. The Ring Smart Light System includes motion sensors, pathlights, spotlights, and even step lights, which can be turned on and off using voice commands when paired with an Amazon Alexa device. Users may opt to receive a notification when motion is detected on the premises, and—if integrated with Ring security cameras—access a live video stream for an added layer of security. Systems start at $69.99.

Video Doorbell

Video doorbells have become an increasingly popular security enhancement for homes, and for a good reason. Homeowners can detect activity at their front door while away, view visitors via video stream, and communicate without opening the door. Since Ring released its first smart doorbell in 2013, a number of competitors have entered the market. The Nest Hello Video Doorbell has some unique features—like facial recognition, package detection, and pre-recorded quick responses—that place it near the top of the pack. Retails for $229.

Smart Lock

Smart locks are a great way to ensure your friends and family are never left out in the cold, and the August Smart Lock Pro+ Connect is among the most highly rated. It’s one of the easiest models to install because it pairs with an existing deadbolt. The Smart Lock Pro enables a user to lock and unlock their door remotely with an app on their phone. And with the auto-lock/unlock feature, it can be set to open automatically upon approach and relock after entry. Retails for $279.

 

LIVING ROOM

These fun and functional gifts are perfect for anyone who is big on style—but short on time.

Automated Planter

Caring for household plants is easier than ever with the latest advancements in technology. Perfect for frequent travelers or forgetful friends, the Dewplanter uses moisture in the air to water plants without manual intervention. Now nature lovers can enjoy the beauty and health benefits of houseplants without the hassle. Plus, for each unit sold, the company pledges to plant a tree somewhere it’s needed. Retails for $69.50.

Smart Art

Instead of buying your favorite art lover a single painting, why not give him or her 30,000? With the Meural Canvas, you can access an extensive collection of artwork from around the world to display digitally in your own home. Meural utilizes proprietary technology to deliver an anti-glare matte display that automatically adjusts to the lighting in the room. Personal artwork and photographs can be showcased, as well. Retails for $445 with annual membership.

Motorized Shades

Motorized window coverings aren’t new, but a lower price point and enhanced features have helped to boost their popularity. The latest Motorized Shades from Somfy can be pre-programmed to raise or lower at certain times of day or controlled on-demand via a remote, smartphone app, or voice command when paired with Amazon Alexa or Google Home. They can also be set to operate automatically in response to the amount of sunlight or temperature of the room. Contact a dealer for pricing.

 

KITCHEN

These kitchen gadgets make life a little easier and a lot more enjoyable. They’re perfect for your busiest friends and family members!

Pressure Cooker

Have you jumped on the multi-cooker bandwagon yet? If so, you know how fast and simple these multi-functional appliances make meal preparation. The InstantPot Duo is a pressure cooker, sauté pan, steamer, slow cooker, rice cooker, food warmer, and yogurt maker all-in-one. It reduces cooking time and lowers energy consumption. Who wouldn’t love one of these versatile tools? With numerous cookbooks and blogs devoted to InstantPot recipes, the meal options are virtually endless. Retails for $99.95 and can be found on sale quite frequently!

Cocktail Machine

Cocktail connoisseurs will appreciate the ease and convenience of the Bartesian Premium Cocktail Machine. Listed among “Oprah’s Favorite Things” for 2019, the Bartesian mixes drinks with the touch of a button. Simply fill the canisters with base spirits, choose a cocktail capsule, and the machine does the rest. Now you can mix a margarita, whiskey sour, cosmopolitan, and other favorites as easily as you brew a cup of coffee. Retails for $349.

Smart Refrigerator

Kitchens are often called the “heart of the home,” and a new refrigerator from Samsung aims to be the hub. The Samsung Family Hub Refrigerator helps busy families stay organized. Grocery shopping becomes a breeze with built-in cameras that allow owners to peek inside their fridge from anywhere. The interactive touchscreen displays pictures, notes, and reminders for family members. And the integrated SmartThings app enables users to control smart devices and appliances from a central point. Base model starts at $3,099.

 

BEDROOM

Almost nothing beats a good night’s sleep. Help your loved ones wake up refreshed with these smart devices for the bedroom.

Baby Sleep Soother

As any parent knows, when your baby isn’t getting sleep, neither are you. Help everyone in the family catch some z’s with a Bubzi Co Soothing Owl. This cuddly creature plays lullabies while projecting a starry scene on the bedroom wall to calm young children and help them drift off to sleep. And for every purchase, Bubzi Co makes a donation to Postpartum Support International. Retails for $30.95.

 Sunrise Alarm Clock

Know someone who hates getting up in the morning? Alarm clocks that utilize light instead of a noisy alarm can provide a more peaceful transition in and out of sleep. The Philips SmartSleep Connected Sleep and Wake-Up Light includes customizable sunrise and sunset simulation, guided breathing exercises, and sensors that track room conditions, like temperature, humidity, noise, and light. Retails for $199.95.

Smart Thermostat

Temperature fluctuations during the night can disrupt sleep. The Nest Learning Thermostat uses smart technology to track a user’s preferences and build a schedule around them. Homeowners can place one of the integrated sensors in their bedroom to maintain a consistent temperature throughout the night. And Nest thermostats cut energy consumption, so you can rest easier knowing you’re saving the planet and money on utility bills . Retails for $249.

 

BATHROOM

Bathrooms don’t have to be boring. Technology can add flair to the daily routine.

Waterproof Speaker

Music enthusiasts and podcast fans will enjoy streaming their favorites in the shower with a wireless waterproof speaker. The Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 2 is a mid-priced and versatile option that can go from the bath to the beach. It packs an impressive 13-hour battery life in a small, portable case that’s waterproof, dust-proof and it floats. Retails for $99.99.

Digital Smart Scale

A scale isn’t an appropriate gift for everyone, but diet and fitness enthusiasts may appreciate the high-tech features available with the Withings Body+. It tracks weight, body water, and fat, muscle, and bone mass for up to eight users. It can also be set to display local weather and the previous day’s step count. Customized pregnancy and baby modes make this a suitable choice for a growing family, as well. Retails for $99.95.

Vanity TV Mirror

For a truly luxe bathroom addition, consider an integrated vanity television mirror. The Seura TV Mirror seamlessly incorporates video into a bathroom vanity. It’s vanishing glass technology makes it possible to view the television through a mirror. When turned off, the screen completely disappears. Add lighting or a custom frame to complete the look. Starts at $3,099 for a 19” display.

 

OUR GIFT TO YOU

Are you considering a permanent technology upgrade for your own home? Give us a call first! Buyer expectations and preferences vary depending on price point, architectural style, and neighborhood. We can help you determine how the enhancement will impact the value of your home before you make the investment.

Happy Shopping and Happy Holidays!

2019 Holiday Events in Scottsdale

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– 2019 Holiday Celebrations in 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.

  • Christmas at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess – November 20th –  December 31st – The celebration at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess is back and bigger than ever. You will find ice skating, rides, light displays, train rides, s’mores and that is just a fraction of what to expect. Here is a calendar of events so that you can plan your visit.
  • Las Noches de las Luminarias at the Desert Botanical Garden – Weekends November 29th – December 31st – 8,000 hand-lit luminaria lanterns will come alive each evening. Stroll through the Desert Botanical Garden enjoying the glow and enjoy live entertainment along the way.
  • Holiday Lights at the McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park – November 29th – January 5th – This annual event is a favorite for folks all over the Valley and one of our personal favorites. It begins with a tree lighting hosted by Scottsdale Mayor Jim Lane and a special visit from Santa. Hop on the train and marvel at all of the gorgeous lights. This year, you have a chance to win a gift card by participating in the Ugly Sweater competition that ends on December 15th.
  • Scottsdale’s Scottsdazzle – November 30th – December 31st – Scottsdazzle officially kicks off on November 30th with the tree lighting ceremony and sing-a-long.  Scottsdazzle has events for all ages as well as some fun ones for the adult crowd. Here is a calendar of everything going on. 

  • The Santa Social at Scottsdale Quarter – November 30th – Scottsdale Quarter has a full day’s and evening’s worth of family-friendly events. There will be kids’ activities, face painting and entertainment, puppy adoptions, photos with Santa and so much more. Cap off the afternoon with the tree lighting at 6PM and a screening of Home Alone.
  • Christmas in Carefree– December 6th – 8th – Downtown Carefree will kick off the season with a tree lighting, musical performances, screening of Elf and more!
  • Foothills Christmas Pageant – December 7th – 8th – A reenactment of the Christmas story will take place in Cave Creek both nights under the stars. Bring a blanket and flashlight and enjoy the show!
  • Menorah Workshop – December 8th– The Chabad of Scottsdale has partnered with Home Depot to provide Build-Your-Own menorahs. In addition, there will be snacks, music, a raffle and more.
  • Phoestivus – December 12th and 19th – Seinfeld fans will love this play on the spelling of the infamous Festivus. Over 200 vendors will be selling their wares at the Phoenix Open Air Market. The holiday market will feature food, beverages and gifts. There will also be live entertainment.
  • The Nutcracker with the Phoenix Ballet – December 13th – 24 – This holiday tradition lives on and we make sure to attend every year. This classic holiday ballet will please all ages as they watch Clara and her adventures.
  • Light Up the Night at DC Ranch Hanukkah Celebration – December 22nd – Come kick off the eight nights of Hanukkah at DC Ranch Market Place. The menorah will be lit, plus there will be music and treats.
  • Chanukah Menorah Lighting in Carefree – December 22nd – 29th – The menorah will be lit every night in downtown Carefree at the Sanderson Pavillion. There will be a celebration on the 22nd to get the celebration started.
  • Kierland Commons Holiday Events – Now through December 24th – Kierland has lots of holiday events on tap. Get a photo with Santa, enjoy storytime with Mrs. Claus and play around at a Holiday Bubble Party.
  • The North Pole Experience in Flagstaff – Now through December 26th – Visit Santa’s workshop and help make some toys. Then head over for hot chocolate and treats at Mrs. Claus’ bakery. From there, you can see Santa’s sleigh, write a letter to Santa and so much more!
  • Desert Ridge Holiday Events – Now through December 31st – Desert Ridge has a packed schedule of events for the holidays. There will be nightly snowfall, free family movies, performances and so much more.
  • The Polar Express- Now through January 4th – This beloved event is back again for people of all ages. Hop on the Polar Express train in Williams and then take a magical ride to the North Pole.
  • World of Illumination – Now through January 5th –  Experience over 2 million lights synchronized to music at this drive-through light extravaganza. There are two locations to visit, North Phoenix and Tempe. You pay by the carload and be sure to buy tickets online to save some money. Snacks and refreshments for sale.
  • Phoenix Zoo’s Zoolights – Now through January 19th – Zoolights is a local favorite. The zoo comes alive with millions of lights nightly and the music in motion shows by the lake are sure crowd-pleasers. Ride on the Polar Slide and enjoy live entertainment almost every night.

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. Event 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 2019

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– Luxury Condo Sales in Scottsdale and Phoenix – October 2019 –

The luxury condo market in Scottsdale and Phoenix posted a strong month of sales and sales activity. Five luxury condos sold and there were healthy numbers in the pending pipeline.

We are including all condos with list prices in excess of $1 million in this report.

Phoenix Luxury Condo Sales

ACTIVE LISTINGS AT THE END OF OCTOBER

We have added eleven additional condos to the local inventory since the end of August. Scottsdale led the charge with five additions during October.

Scottsdale was home to thirty-four luxury condos and Phoenix had the remaining eighteen condos.

  • The most expensive condo for sale has held this spot for a few months. Located in The Residences at 2211 Camelback, it has five bedrooms, five and one-half bathrooms, views in all directions and 4,586 square feet. It was on the market for $2,995,000.
  • The least expensive luxury condo has also held this spot for the last couple of months It is a two bedroom and bathroom with 1,663 square feet in Optima Kierland. Its asking price was $1,019,000.

UCB* LUXURY CONDO SALES IN SCOTTSDALE AND PHOENIX

There were five homes in UCB status at the end of the month.

UCB Condos in Scottsdale

  • Main Street Place in Old Town had one UCB. It was a two bedroom, two and one-half bathroom top unit with 2,472 square feet and a large deck. It was on the market for $1,175,000.
  • Icon at Silverleaf had the second UCB. This 2,760 square foot unit came with two bedrooms and two and one-half bathrooms. The asking price was $1,764,000.
  • The final UCB in Scottsdale was at Optima Camelview. This unit had 3,347 square feet, three bedrooms and two and one-half bathrooms. It was on the market for $2,200,000.

UCB Condos in Phoenix

  • The first UCB in Phoenix was located in The Residences at 2211 Camelback. It had three bedrooms, three bathrooms and 3,000 square feet. It was listed for $1,275,000.
  • The second was in Esplanade Place. It had three bedrooms, three bathrooms and 2,978 square feet. It was on the market for $1,375,000.

*UCB status means a condo has an accepted contract, but that the seller has requested that they accept backup offers. Most times you will see this status when the contract is in the inspection/due diligence period.

PENDING LUXURY CONDO SALES IN SCOTTSDALE AND PHOENIX

There were four condos in pending status at the end of October.

  • All three of the pendings in Scottsdale were located in the new Optima Kierland community.
    • Two bedrooms and two and one-half bathrooms with 1,956 square feet. It was listed for $1,750,000.
    • Three bedrooms and bathrooms with 2,018 square feet. It was on the market for $1,939,000.
    • Three bedrooms and bathrooms with 2,704 square feet. It was listed for $2,080,000.
  • The final pending sale was in Phoenix and located in Esplanade Place. It had three bedrooms, four bathrooms and 4,286 square feet. Its asking price was $2,000,000.

LUXURY CONDO SALES IN SCOTTSDALE AND PHOENIX

October ended the month with five luxury condo sales. Three were in Scottsdale and two were in Phoenix.

Scottsdale Luxury Condo Sales

  • Optima Kierland had one sale. The unit had three bedrooms and bathrooms and 1,718 square feet. It was listed for $1,799,995 and sold for $1,625,000.
  • Icon at Silverleaf had a single sale. The condo had two bedrooms, two and one-half bathrooms and 2,746 square feet. It was listed for $1,545,000 and sold for $1,475,000.
  • The Mark had the third sale in October. This penthouse came with three bedrooms, three and one-half bathrooms and 3,552 square feet. It was on the market for $1,895,000 and sold for $1,600,000.

Phoenix Luxury Condo Sales

  • 2 Biltmore Estates had a single sale. This unit had three bedrooms, three and one-half bathrooms and 3,892 square feet. It was on the market for $1,845,000 and sold for $1,795,000.
  • The final sale of the month in Phoenix was at The Residences at 2211 Camelback. This condo had two bedrooms, three bathrooms and 2,980 square feet.  It was on the market for $1,425,000 and sold for $1,300,000.

 

Learn More About Phoenix and Scottsdale Luxury Condos

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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 11/1/2019 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 © 2019 Heather Tawes Nelson | Joyce Tawes

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