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Things To Do in Scottsdale AZ: Take a Hike in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve

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Bajada Loop McDowell Sonoran Preserve Scottsdale AZThe Scottsdale area has some wonderful hikes for people looking to enjoy the outdoors and some fresh air. Last weekend, I had the opportunity to visit the McDowell Sonoran Preserve and experience just a small part of all that it has to offer. It has everything from a lovely, educational, paved trail that forms a loop called Bajada all the way to very difficult hikes, such as the one to Tom’s Thumb. There are 28 marked trails in the trail guide.

There are many different trailheads you can use to access the McDowell Sonoran Preserve. The one we used to enter was the  Gateway Trailhead, which is located between DC Ranch and Mc Dowell Mountain Ranch on Thompson Peak Parkway. Here, you can enter the trail system on foot, by bike or on horseback. Dogs are welcome as well  if they are leashed.  There is plenty of free parking for guests.

Hike the Mc Dowell Sonoran Preserve Scottsdale AZAt the entrance is a large structure that has information about the McDowell Sonoran Preserve, restrooms, water and an amphitheater area for events. From there, you enter the trail system via a series of clearly marked paths.

We started with the Bajada Nature Trail loop. It was more or less level, paved and it had 15 educational stops along the way. The educational stops have information and facts about the various flora and fauna of the Sonoran Desert and there are a few interactive stations as well. In addition, the Bajada Nature Trail loop is ADA accessible.

While we did not venture much further that day, we plan to do a lot more exploring the next time. As mentioned previously, experienced hikers can make their way up to Tom’s Thumb, a five mile hike and 1,363 foot change in elevation.  The Preserve is so vast, there are trails that go all of the way to Fountain Hills.

In addition to all of the great trails, there are ongoing events and series for nature enthusiasts, athletes and families.

If you are looking for a way to enjoy Scottsdale’s amazing weather, be sure to plan some time to visit the Mc Dowell Sonoran Preserve.

More Information:
Gateway Trailhead Entrance to McDowell Sonoran Preserve
18333 N Thompson Peak Parkway
Scottsdale, AZ 85255
– East of DC Ranch/Silverleaf,  West of McDowell Mountain Ranch

5 Other Trailhead Entrances:
– Lost Dog Wash – 12601 N 124th Street, Scottsdale, AZ
– Quartz – 10215 E. McDowell Mountain Ranch Road, Scottsdale, AZ
– Ringtail – 12300 block of North 128th Street, Scottsdale, AZ
– Sunrise – 12101 North 145th Way, Scottsdale, AZ
– WestWorld – 15939 North 98th Street, Scottsdale, AZ

Where to Eat in Scottsdale AZ: Rhythm and Wine

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Rhythm and Wine Restaurant North Scottsdale 85255Tucked into the southern corner of a smaller shopping center in North Scottsdale, Arizona is a restaurant called Rhythm and Wine. As evidenced by the name, there is a strong music theme throughout from the decor of the dining room to the menu and there is a focus on wine.

Rhythm and Wine is open for lunch and dinner and does take out as well. There is a central bar area where you can grab a glass of wine or a drink or have a casual bite to eat. In addition to the inside dining tables, there is also a large patio to enjoy food and drink al fresco.

Rhythm and Wine Dining in Scottsdale 85255We had the opportunity to dine there a few weeks ago and had a really enjoyable meal.  To start, we had the Artisanal Cheese Platter. We were able to select three choices from about nine different cheese selections from all over the globe. To go with the cheese, there was bread, nuts and berries and fruit jam. We also had a chance to try the Central Coast Caesar Salad which was quite good. The one thing we saw at another table that we plan to try the next time was the “Super Tuscan” Bruschetta where you choose three of four options of toppings to come out on fresh, delicious bread. Another appetizer that was recommended, but we did not try, was the French Onion “Dumplings” which we were told are like French Onion Soup in a dumpling form.

Our entrees were excellent. Our server highly recommended the  Grilled Chicken Pasta and she was correct. The chef makes it with a home-made chicken stock that is flavorful and delicious. I will absolutely have that again. The other entrée was the 8 ounce “Chophouse” Filet stuffed with roasted garlic. My dining companion said it was great. For fish lovers, the Fume Blanc Poached Halibut came highly recommended, but we did not have a chance to try it.

Rhythm and Wine has a large number of nightly specials – for instance, half-price bottles of wine-  and quite often features live entertainment. Here is a link to Rhythm and Wine’s Calendar of Events. On the website, you can also join their e-Club to get discounts and event information.

Overall, we really enjoyed our meal at Rhythm and Wine and will definitely be back. It is a great addition to the North Scottsdale dining scene.

More Information:
Rhythm and Wine
7605 East Pinnacle Peak Road
Scottsdale, AZ 85255
– SE corner of Miller Road & Pinnacle Peak Road
(480) 478-6999

Hours:
Monday through Thursday – 11:00am to 10:00pm
Friday and Saturday – 11:00am to 11:00pm
Sunday- 11:00am to 9:00pm

Desert Highlands Scottsdale AZ – 2010 and 2011 Home Sales Performance

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Desert Highlands is a well-known, luxury golf community in Scottsdale, Arizona. Its great location in the foothills of Pinnacle Peak translates to amazing valley views for its residents. Homeowners enjoy many activities offered by the club and are minutes away from great shopping, dining, entertainment and more.

Here are the 2010 home sales figures for Desert Highlands as well as home sales data for 2011 to-date. Home sales were pretty even throughout the year with about 5 homes being sold per quarter. We saw a large decline in average sales price in Q4. This could be due to end-of-year bargain hunters and sellers looking to offload their properties prior to the new year. In Q3 and Q4 buyers were able to negotiate average discounts of over 20% off of asking prices.

Desert Highlands Scottsdale 2010 Golf Home Sales

Here is a comparison of the last three years of home sales at Desert Highlands Scottsdale. As you can see, overall sales volume was up, but on average you were able to get a lot more square footage for a lower price per square foot in 2010 versus the other two years. As a result, we have also seen the average sales price of a home decline.

Desert Highlands Scottsdale AZ Home Sales 2009 2010 2011

2011 Desert Highlands Homes for Sale and Home Sales through March 23, 2011

Here are the current homes on the market, pending home sales and actual homes sold to-date for Desert Highlands in 2011. Sales so far this year are on track with what we saw in a few quarters last year. Average sales price is still lower than we saw for most of last year, but improved over Q4 of 2010.

 

Desert Highlands 2011 Golf Home Sales Scottsdale 85255

About Desert Highlands in Scottsdale, Arizona
Desert Highlands  is spread over 850 acres with 560 homesites. It was developed by Lyle Anderson over 25 years ago and is an established, elegant golf community.

The homesites are situated to take advantage of mountain views or city lights views. Pinnacle Peak is just north of the community and provides some amazing vistas. Desert Highlands homeowners are all members of the private Desert Highlands Golf Club and can enjoy all of the excellent amenities it has to offer, including the 18-hole Nicklaus golf course, an onsite activities coordinator, tennis, an expansive fitness center, swimming pools and so much more.

View Desert Highlands Scottsdale Homes for Sale

Disclaimer: Information herein deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Data and information was pulled from the Arizona Regional MLS (ARMLS) as of 4/1/2010, 7/1/2010, 10/1/2010, 1/1/2011 and 3/23/2011 and can change at any time. The analysis looks at home sale activity in the golf community of Desert Highlands in Scottsdale, Arizona. This blog represents the opinion of the author. No warranties implied or expressed.
Copyright © 2011 Heather Tawes Nelson

Mirabel Scottsdale AZ – 2010 and 2011 Home Sales Performance

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Mirabel Luxury Homes Scottsdale ArizonaMirabel is a wonderful golf community located on the north end of Scottsdale, Arizona. Its elevation over the Greater Phoenix Valley allows for some incredible mountain and city light views. On clear days, you can easily see the University of Phoenix Stadium all the way over in Glendale.

Here are the results for Mirabel’s home sales activity for the year 2010. It is broken out by quarterly sales and the final column has the totals for the entire year.

Mirabel Scottsdale AZ 2010 Golf Home Sales

Home sales were highest in Q2 and Q3 , with almost 64% of the annual sales. However, average sales pries for these homes climbed over the course of the year from under $1 million at the beginning of 2010 to a little over $1.1 million by the end of  Q4.

Buyers enjoyed an average discount of 17% off of asking price for Mirabel homes. Homes were selling at a rate of a little less than two per month. With the exception of Q3, the average price per square foot on sold homes was around $200.

In 2010, at least six of the home sales were for partially-completed homes where the new owners had to come in and finish construction in order to occupy the homes. These homes were selling for around $700,000 or less, and the $300,000 sale was for a framed home.

 

2011 Homes Sales in Mirabel through March 21, 2011
At this point, the inventory of Mirabel homes for sale is pretty tight and there are no longer any of the low-price, partially-built homes on the market. Currently, the lowest-priced inventory can be found starting in the high-$800’s to the low $1 millions for some of the El Corazon semi-custom homes. These homes are centrally-located near all of the amenities of the Mirabel Club. Fully-custom homes start at around $1.4 million and go up to about $4 million.

There are currently five pending home sales at Mirabel ranging in asking price from $700,000 to $1,300,000.

The good news for 2011 is that home sales activity for 2011 in Mirabel is off to a strong start. We have not even finished the first quarter yet and sales volume has either beaten or tied three of last year’s quarterly sales figures.

Mirabel Scottsdale AZ 2011 Golf Home Sales

 

About Mirabel in Scottsdale, Arizona
Mirabel is a guard-gated, elegant golf community in far North Scottsdale. It is comprised of 713 acres and has an elevation of  around 3,000 feet. Lot sizes at Mirabel are large and many of them enjoy golf course views, mountain views or city light views. The community itself  feels welcoming and intimate.  Most of the homes at Mirabel are custom homes, although there is a section of semi-custom homes located in the heart of the community.

Although you are not required be a member to live in Mirabel, the private Mirabel Club is home to an 18-hole Tom Fazio golf course, a gorgeous, award-winning clubhouse, spa, clay tennis courts and pools. Both golf and social memberships are available to suit your needs.

View Mirabel Scottsdale Homes for Sale

Disclaimer: Information herein deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Data and information was pulled from the Arizona Regional MLS (ARMLS) as of 4/1/2010, 7/1/2010, 10/1/2010, 1/1/2011 and  3/21/2011 and can change at any time. The analysis looks at home sale activity in the golf community of Mirabel in Scottsdale, Arizona. This blog represents the opinion of the author. No warranties implied or expressed.
Copyright © 2011 Heather Tawes Nelson

Where to Eat in Scottsdale AZ: Cowboy Ciao

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I am always looking to try different restaurants in and around Scottsdale, Arizona and yesterday, I finally had the pleasure to have a meal at the perennial favorite, Cowboy Ciao in Old Town Scottsdale. Cowboy Ciao Downtown Scottsdale AZ Restaurant

Cowboy Ciao has been a fixture in Downtown Scottsdale for many years and after having eaten there, I now can appreciate all of the great things I have heard about it.

A group of us were there for lunch and therefore had the opportunity to try a lot of the menu items. The team behind Cowboy Ciao enjoys presenting a menu that is eclectic, creative and fun without being intimidating. Entertaining guest quotes are sprinkled throughout the two pages and there are always several specials of the day to keep things interesting. Our server was very helpful in going over the menu items we had questions on so we could make our final picks.

My friends had raved about the Stetson Chopped salad so we ordered it for the table as a starter. With a blend of arugula, smoked salmon, dehydrated corn, trail mix and a few other items, I was definitely curious as to how it would all blend together. It all worked very well and was delicious –  No wonder it is a best seller. We also ordered some Ciabatta for the table which was another winner. It came with sides of a garlic alioli-type sauce and a green olive tapanade and I loved the crunch of the crust.

For lunch, we got to sample a few items. One of them was the Burrata Insalata.  There was a very generous portion of burrata served over arugula and garnished with avocado,  radishes and fried shallot rings and a vinaigrette. It was very tasty. Two of us ended up ordering the Seared Scallops and Beet Risotto. Wow. The scallops were cooked perfectly and there was so much flavor from the risotto and the accompanying ring of goat cheese and dill cream sauce. Cowboy Ciao also does a Quesadilla del Dia and yesterday was a sausage quesadilla. I did not get to sample it, but the other diners thought it was delicious. Overall, we did not have a bad bite throughout the entire lunch.

I really enjoyed my experience at Cowboy Ciao and look forward to going back not only for another lunch but to try dinner as well. A lot of the lunch items also appear on the dinner menu as well as an expanded entree selection. You should definitely give Cowboy Ciao a try the next time you are looking for an entertaining, creative and tasty meal in the SouthBridge area of Old Town Scottsdale.

More Information:
Cowboy Ciao
7133 East Stetson Drive, Scottsdale AZ 85251
SouthBridge/Old Town Scottsdale
Lunch: Daily 11:30 am to 2:30 pm
Sunday Brunch items also available
Dinner: Nightly 5pm to 10 pm and 11 pm on Fridays & Saturdays

Scottsdale Zip Code 85262 Home Sales By Type 2010 – Includes Foreclosures & Short Sales

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After 2010 came to a close, I pulled the home sales results for the North Scottsdale AZ zip code of 85262. I wanted to see how homes on the market and home sales fell into the three categories of sales activity I have been tracking – ‘regular’ sales, short sales and foreclosures.

Here is how I am defining the three categories:
– Non-Distressed Sales – These are “regular” or “traditional” home sales. The  buyer is negotiating directly with the seller regarding the terms of the contract.
– Short Sales – These are where homeowners are trying to sell the home for less than is owed. Once a contract has been approved between the seller and buyer, it then must be approved by the lienholders which are quite frequently the lender or lenders on the mortgage or mortgages.
– Foreclosures – Foreclosures, also called  “Lender-Owned” homes or  “REO‘” homes or “Bank-Owned” homes, are homes that have gone through the foreclosure process and the lienholders now own the home.

Overall Findings for the Scottsdale Zip Code 85262 Home Sales Market for  2010 – Data As of January 1, 2011

  • Active Scottsdale 85262 Homes For Sale: Over 80% of the homes on the market at the end of 2010 were “regular” homes for sale. The remaining 18% was split between short sales (10%) and foreclosures (8%.)
  • 85262 Pending Homes for Sale: Pending sales at the end of the year were more evenly distributed. A very illustrative example of the demand for foreclosures can be seen here. Although 8% of listings were foreclosures, foreclosures accounted for 37% of pending sales. Similarly, but not as dramatically, short sales accounted for 24% of pending sales, even though they were only 10% of the listed homes.
  • 2010 Scottsdale 85262 Home Sales: We see the same kind of distribution in 2010 home sales. Regular sales came in a little over 40% followed by lender-owned homes at 33%. Short sales made up about a quarter of the sales.
  • 85262 Home Prices: Average home prices for regular sales were much higher (in excess of $1 million) than the distressed sales prices. The distressed sale average prices only came in in the $600K’s.
  • Days on Market: Cumulative days on market were in excess of 6.8 months for all sales types. Although this seems like a very long time, 85262 is home to many luxury homes and they have a much longer sales horizon than lesser-priced homes. Lender-owned sales were the quickest, although you typically see regular sales have the shortest days on market figure, .
  • Discounts Off of List Price: As we have seen historically, non-distressed sales have the most flexibility on average with respect to price. Buyers of these homes averaged a 14% discount off of asking. Short sales went for an average of 10% off of asking and foreclosures went for an average of 7% off of list price.

85262 Scottsdale Homes for Sale by Type 2010 Short Sales Foreclosures

Here is the quarterly sales information for North Scottsdale zip code 85262 broken out by sales type.

North Scottsdale 85262 2010 Quarterly Home Sales Short Sale Foreclosure

To see this same information for all of Scottsdale AZ, not just zip code 85262, please visit these previous reports:
View Scottsdale Home Sales by Type for Q4 2010
View Scottsdale Home Sales by Type for Q3 2010
View Scottsdale Home Sales by Type for Q2 2010
View Scottsdale Home Sales by Type for Q1 2010
View Scottsdale Home Sales by Type for 2009

Disclaimer: Data and information was pulled from the Arizona Regional MLS (ARMLS) as of  4/1/2010, 7/1/2010, 10/1/2010 and 1/1/2011 and can change at any time. The analysis looks at single-family resale homes for sale and sales in Scottsdale AZ zip code 82262 for the year of 2010. There may be new home inventory in these figures if the developer is using the MLS to market its homes. Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed.
Copyright © 2011 Heather Tawes Nelson

Scottsdale Zip Code 85255 Home Sales By Type 2010 – Includes Foreclosures & Short Sales

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At the end of 2010, I took a look at home sales in Scottsdale AZ Zip Code 85255 to see how they broke out over the three categories of home sales I have been tracking.

I have broken the home sales activity into three categories.  The definitions are as follows:
– Non-Distressed Sales – These are “regular” or “traditional” sales of homes. Here, the  buyer and seller work together directly throughout the transaction.
– Short Sales – These are where homeowners are trying to sell the home for less than is owed. Short sale transactions require the approval of the lienholders which are quite frequently the lenders on the first mortgage.
– Foreclosures – Foreclosures are homes that have gone through the foreclosure process and now the lienholders owns the home. You may also see them called “Lender-Owned” or  “REO‘” homes or “Bank-Owned” homes.

Overall Findings for the Scottsdale Zip Code 85255 Home Sales Market for  2010 – Data As of January 1, 2011

  • Active Scottsdale 85255 Homes For Sale: At the end of 2010, almost 80% of the homes on the market were “regular” sales. Short sales came in a distant second with 16% and only 5% of the homes on the market in 85255 were foreclosures.
  • 85255 Pending Homes for Sale: Of the pending sales at the end of the year, however, only 40% of the pendings were regular sales. Another almost 40% were short sales  – at 38% and 22% were foreclosures. This shows the demand for distressed properties as many buyers are looking for bargain pricing.
  • 2010 Scottsdale 85255 Home Sales: Even though things were more evenly weighted in the pending sales category, actual homes sales were dominated by regular sales at 59%. Sales of short sales and foreclosures were almost equal at 22% and 19% respectively. What is interesting to note is that even though foreclosures represented only 5% of the homes on the market at the end of the year, they accounted for 19% of home sales in 2010.
  • 85255 Home Prices: Prices of non-distressed homes were significantly higher than short sales and foreclosures coming in at over an average of $800,000. Typically, short sales have the next highest prices, but for Scottsdale zip code 85255, average foreclosure home prices were higher at $567,299 versus the average short sale price of $542,475.
  • Days on Market: Lender-owned homes had the shortest days on market figure at about 4.7 months. Coming in just behind that was regular sales. Short sales saw the longest time on the market at about 6.3 months.
  • Discounts Off of List Price: The largest discounts were seen on regular sales where buyers got an average of 9% off of asking price. Short sales and foreclosures came in around a 5% discount off of asking price. This is pretty much what we have seen throughout the year.

Scottsdale Zip Code 85255 2010 Home Sales Short Sale Foreclosures

Below is a chart showing a quarterly break out of home sales by type. Although there was a little movement throughout the year, regular home sales came out on top with the balance almost equally split between short sales and foreclosures.

Scottsdale AZ 85255 2010 Quarterly Home Sales Short Sales Foreclosures

To see this information for all of Scottsdale AZ, please visit these previous reports:
View Scottsdale Home Sales by Type for Q4 2010
View Scottsdale Home Sales by Type for Q3 2010
View Scottsdale Home Sales by Type for Q2 2010
View Scottsdale Home Sales by Type for Q1 2010
View Scottsdale Home Sales by Type for 2009

Disclaimer: Data and information was pulled from the Arizona Regional MLS (ARMLS) as of  4/1/2010, 7/1/2010, 10/1/2010 and 1/1/2011 and can change at any time. The analysis looks at single-family resale homes for sale and sales in Scottsdale AZ zip code 82255 for the year of 2010. There may be new home inventory in these figures if the developer is using the MLS to market its homes. Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed.
Copyright © 2011 Heather Tawes Nelson

Huge Pet Adopt-A-Thon in Scottsdale AZ – March 26, 2011

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Shelter Dog for Adoption Scottsdale AZOn March 26, 2011, from 10am to 3pm, a huge Pet Adopt-A-Thon will take place in North Scottsdale, Arizona.  

Highlands Church and PACC911 (Phoenix Animal Care Coalition) have teamed together to put together a wonderful Adopt-A-Thon where over 30 rescue groups will bring their animals in hopes of finding them new homes.

You will find hundreds of  dogs and cats of all breeds, sizes and temperaments. In addition to dogs and cats, there will be other animals looking for new homes like horses and rats and more. With so many rescue groups bringing so many of their adoptable animals, you are sure to find a great new addition to your family. Adoption fees for your pet will depend on which rescue group you are adopting from.

In addition to the adopt-a-thon, there will also be a raffle taking place. Various prizes are up for grabs and all proceeds will go to the Emergency Medical Fund for PACC911’s partners.

Parking is free and there is no charge for admission.

Please be sure to stop by on March 26th and support a wonderful cause and possibly end up with a new pet. And, if March 26th does not work for you, PACC911 has Adopt-A-Thons and other events taking place all over the Valley throughout the year.

DETAILS:
Highlands Church and PACC911 Pet Adopt-A-Thon
Highlands Church
9050 East Pinnacle Peak Road – Pinnacle Peak Rd east of Pima Road
Scottsdale, AZ 85255
Saturday, March 26th – 10am to 3pm
https://pacc911.org/adoption-events

photo credit: JadedNight

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