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Six Arizona Golf Courses Make Golfweek’s “Best Modern Courses” 2010

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Elk on the Golf Course at Forest Highlands in Flagstaff AZGolfweek just published its “2010 Best Modern Courses” list and six Arizona golf courses were on it.

  • The highest ranked course in Arizona, coming in at #32 was Desert Forest, a private course located in Carefree, Arizona. Desert Forest was designed by Red Lawrence in 1962.
  • The next course on the list, coming in a #52, was the Canyon Course at the private, upscale golf community of Forest Highlands in located in Flagstaff, Arizona. This course has been ranked as the #1 course in Arizona by Golf Digest and was designed by Jay Morrish and Tom Weiskopf.
  • The third Arizona golf course to rank was the Saguaro Course at We-Ko-Pa Golf Club coming in at #75. This course is located in Fort Mc Dowell, Arizona and is a public course.
  • The Estancia Club in Scottsdale, Arizona was right behind We-Ko-Pa at #76. This is up three spots from last year’s #79 spot. Estancia is a private, Tom Fazio course nestled within a luxury community in North Scottsdale.
  • The next golf course on the list is The Stone Canyon Club located in Oro Valley, Arizona. Close to Tucson, Jay Morrish-designed Stone Canyon Club came in at #85.
  • The final Arizona golf course that made the list was the Upper Course at  Whisper Rock in Scottsdale, Arizona with a ranking of #86. Designed by Tom Fazio, Whisper Rock is a invitation-only, private course located in the upscale community of the same name.

Click to see Golfweek’s 2010 Best Modern Courses.

 

A Great Scottsdale AZ Cause – Brianna’s Trip to Europe

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Recently, I had the great fortune to meet Brianna McGregor at an event taking place in a gorgeous luxury home in Paradise Valley AZ.

By all appearances, Brianna is a “regular” teenager who is interested in what teenagers are supposed to be interested in. However, until recently, that was not the case. Brianna has spent the last several years fighting a very difficult battle with cancer. And, as a result of her aggressive treatment plan, she had to have not one, but two hip replacements.

Today, she is back on her feet (literally) and healthy. As a reward for getting through such an incredibly difficult time, Brianna is planning a summer trip to Europe with the People to People Ambassador Program. Over the course of 21 days, Brianna and the other students will visit six countries including England, France and The Netherlands. In each location, the group with participate in a variety of fun and educational activities. For instance, they will be meeting with a member of Parliament in London, making chocolate in Belgium and living with a German family for several days.

Brianna has managed to raise a lot of money toward her trip, but is still a few thousand dollars short. She is hoping that she will be able to secure donations from third parties to get her to her goal. She has established a Tax-ID number so that donations will be tax deductible. If you are interested in helping Brianna take her dream trip, please contact me and I will get you in touch with her.

This trip is a wonderful opportunity for any young person, but it is even more special for Brianna who never gave up fighting.

 

Disclaimer: All information deemed reliable, but not guaranteed. This is not meant as tax advice. Please consult with your tax professional regarding the deductibility of any donations made to Brianna’s cause.

 

Phoenix and Scottsdale AZ Luxury Condo Market Sales- February 2010

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Here are the sales figures for the luxury condo market in Scottsdale, Phoenix and Tempe for February 2010. For the purposes of this analysis, I am defining the luxury condo market as condos with  list prices in excess of $1 million.

There was continued activity during the month of February, following a decent month of luxury condo sales in January. At the end of the month, there were 75 units on the market. Forty of the units, or 53%, were located in Scottsdale. Phoenix came in with thirty-one units or 41% of the market. The remaining 4 units, or 5% were in located in Tempe.

Luxury condo sales Scottsdale Phoenix Februaury 2010

Two luxury condo units sold in February. The first sale was located in the Scottsdale Waterfront Residences and was for a two bedroom, two and one-half bathroom, 2,469 square foot unit.  It sold for $1,200,000. The second sale was in the Two Biltmore Estates community in Phoenix. It was a three bedroom, three and one-half bathroom second floor unit with 3,890 square feet that went for $1,675,000.

On top of the two sales, there were also two pending sales at the end of the month. The first was in The Residences of 2211 Camelback in the Biltmore area of Phoenix. This condo has two bedrooms, three and one-half bathrooms and is 3,650 square feet. It is currently listed for $1,500,000. The second pending sale is at Esplanade Place, also in the Biltmore corridor in Phoenix. This unit has two bedrooms, three bathrooms and has 3,000 square feet. Its listed price is $1,695,000.

 

Overall the luxury condo market in Scottsdale and Phoenix is off to a good start in 2010. Sales are pacing well as are pending sales. Plus, inventory is staying level. Tempe has seen minimal activity over the last year. so it will be interesting to see if it progresses in 2010.

Disclaimer: Information herein deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Data and information was pulled from the Arizona Regional MLS (ARMLS) as of 3/1/2010 and can change at any time. The analysis looks at resale condos in Scottsdale, Tempe and Phoenix over the last 12 months. There may be new home inventory in these figures if the developer is using the MLS to market its homes.
Copyright © 2010 Heather Tawes

Scottsdale AZ Luxury Home Market – February 2010

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Scottsdale Luxury Homes for SaleHere are the results for February’s single-family luxury home market in Scottsdale. This analysis looks at single-family resale homes for sale in Scottsdale priced $1,000,000 and above over the last twelve months.

– February 2010 –
 
Scottsdale Homes Priced Between $1,000,000 – $1,499,999
– Actives: There were 373 active homes in this price point on the market at the end of February. This number has been creeping up over the last two months, but is still behind the 12 month average of 402.
– Pendings: There were 32 pending home sales at the end of February, a 60% jump over January, This is the highest we have seen since August of 2009. This number also exceeds the 12 month average of 30.
– Sold: Home sales were down in February for this price range. Sales have been decreasing since September of 2009 and there were only 15 sales for February. The 12 month average is 20. However, the large increase in pending home sales indicates that March should be stronger.
– Sales Price to Listed Price: 91.0% – This is pretty standard for this price band. Typically, this figure is in the high 80%’s and low 90%’s.

 


Scottsdale Homes Priced Between $1,500,000 – $1,999,999
– Actives: 240 homes were on the market at the end of February. This figure has been hovering in this range for the last five months. It is still below the 12 month average of 251.
– Pendings: At the end of February, there were 19 pending home sales. This is the same number of pending sales at the end of January. The 12 month average is 19.
– Sold: Home sales in this price point have been decreasing since December and there were 10 home sales in February. This is on par with the 12 month average of 10.
– Sales Price to Listed Price: 85.7% – This is typical for this price range, although it is somewhat toward the lower end.

 

Scottsdale Homes Priced Between $2,000,000 – $2,999,999
– Actives: There were 220 homes on the market in this price point. This figure has been decreasing since November 2009. The 12 month average is 260.
– Pendings: Eight homes were pending at the end of the month. This was a drop off from December and January’s 11 and 16. However, it is on track with the 12 month average of 8.
– Sold: There were 11 home sales in February, which was the highest this figure has been since March of 2008.
– Sales Price to Listed Price: 85.7% – This is pretty much on par with where this figure tracks.

 

Scottsdale Homes Priced $3,000,000+
– Actives: At the end of February, there were 145 homes over $3 million on the market. This number has been tracking in the 140’s for the last three months and this 12 month average is 173.
– Pendings: No home sales were pending at the end of the month, which spells bad news for March sales figures. This number averages three per month. At this point, the only things that could help March sales figures are cash sales that close quickly, which we have been seeing periodically.
– Sold: Three homes sold in February which is on par with the 12 month average of 3.
– Sales Price to Listed Price: 81.1% – This figure varies from month to month. It is slightly better than January’s ratio of 79.0%.

 

As you can see, the results vary quite a bit between the price segments. We did see some bright spots with nice activity in the $1 million to $1.5 million price range and sales in the $2 million to $3 million range. The $3 million and up price range’s lack of pending sales is disappointing, but should hopefully pick up.

To see the detailed data behind this report, please visit my Scottsdale luxury real estate market reports page and click on the “Scottsdale Market Trends” report.

Disclaimer: Information herein deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Data and information was pulled from the Arizona Regional MLS (ARMLS) as of 3/1/2010 and can change at any time. The analysis looks at single-family resale homes in Scottsdale over the last 12 months. There may be new home inventory in these figures if the developer is using the MLS to market its homes. This blog represents the opinion of the author. No warranties implied or expressed.
Copyright © 2010 Heather Tawes Nelson

Scottsdale AZ Single-Family Homes For Sale – February 2010

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February’s numbers for Scottsdale homes for sale were an improvement over January’s home sales’ disappointing finish. Inventory stayed level and pending home sales and completed home sales rebounded. In addition, the sales price to listing price ratio improved for the first time in three months.

Scottsdale Home Sales February 2010

February 2010 Highlights for Scottsdale Homes for Sale:

  • Active Homes for Sale:  There were 2,924 homes for sale in Scottsdale at the end of February. This was down three homes from January’s 2,927. The 12 month average for this figure is 3,043.
  • Pending Home Sales:  Pending home sales shot up 24.8% over January to 588. We have not seen pending home sales in Scottsdale this high since I started tracking this data in September of 2007. The closest we have been to this is 274 in June of 2009. The 12 month average for pending home sales is 504.
  • Homes Sold: There were 301 single-family home sales in Scottsdale in February. This was a nice improvement over January’s 267, but this still lags behind the 12 month average of 335.
  • Sales Price to List Price: 92.1% – This is pretty representative of this figure. Typically, it tracks in the low 90%’s.

Overall, February was a promising month for Scottsdale AZ real estate. Sales were up, even though they were still behind the 12 month average, and the surge in pending sales was nice to see. In addition, the abundance of pending home sales bodes well for March sales numbers. Inventory seems to be stabilizing or slightly decreasing which is also a positive sign.

 

Disclaimer: Data and information was pulled from the Arizona Regional MLS (ARMLS) as of 3/1/2010 and can change at any time. The analysis looks at single-family resale homes for sale and sales in Scottsdale AZ over the last 12 months. There may be new home inventory in these figures if the developer is using the MLS to market its homes.
Copyright © 2010 Heather Tawes Nelson

Desert Highlands Scottsdale AZ – 2009 Home Sales and Market Activity

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Desert Highlands Golf Community Scottsdale AZ 85255Since 1983, Scottsdale’s Desert Highlands has been a defining force in luxury golf communities. Developed by Lyle Anderson, who also developed Desert Mountain, Desert Highlands encompasses 840 acres of prime Sonoran Desert in North Scottsdale overlooking Pinnacle Peak. The community is guard-gated and the 560 homesites are nestled within the gently sloping hills.

The Desert Highlands Golf Club is a lovely private club with an 18-hole course designed by Jack Nicklaus. The centerpiece of the club is the elegant clubhouse with casual and more formal dining, a large fitness center, pools and a tennis complex. There is also a very busy social calendar for members looking for entertaining things to do. Membership to Desert Highlands Golf Club is dependent upon owning property within Desert Highlands. With Scottsdale’s excellent weather, most of these amenities can be enjoyed year-round.

Below is a look at Desert Highlands homes for sale and Desert Highlands sales activity for 2009 as well as a comparison with 2008’s sales performance. Home sales and sales volume were down in 2009 compared to 2008. We also saw a decline in average sales price and price per square foot, although the decline in price per square foot was not as dramatic as we have seen at some of the other luxury golf communities in Scottsdale. In 2009, homes sold for less of a discount than 2008 – 89% compared to 84% and average cumulative days on market decreased by over 60 days.

Desert Highlands Home Sales 2009

 

Disclaimer: Information herein deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Data and information was pulled from the Arizona Regional MLS (ARMLS) as of 1/1/2010 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 © 2010 Heather Tawes Nelson

Estancia Scottsdale AZ – 2009 Real Estate Sales Performance

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Estancia Golf Homes for Sale Scottsdale AZEstancia, located in North Scottsdale Arizona, is a top luxury golf community featuring some of the most elegant Scottsdale homes for sale. This private, guard-gated enclave is spread over 640 acres and is just north of the famous Pinnacle Peak.

There are 223 home sites on property and 39 villas. No home in Estancia is without a gorgeous view of Pinnacle Peak, the stunning green of the Estancia golf course or the natural splendor of Arizona. The elegant Estancia Clubhouse has more formal dining as well as a grill where residents and guests can enjoy a good meal after a round of golf. Other amenities include tennis courts, a swimming pool with a lap lane and a fitness room with well-appointed locker rooms.

The Estancia Club is capped at 325 memberships and you do not have to own property at Estancia to become a member. The award-winning 18-hole golf course was designed by Tom Fazio and was named Best New Private Course in 1996 by Golf Digest and was ranked number 82 in Golf Digest’s America’s 100 Greatest Golf Courses 2009-2010

Below is an overview of Estancia homes for sale and Estancia real estate sales activity for 2009 as well as a comparison with 2008’s sales performance. As you can see, home sales were up 25% in 2009 over 2008. However, the actual sales volume, even with the additional sales, was significantly less at over $6.7 million. The average sales price for homes dropped by over $1.2 million and the average price per square foot was down significantly. Average days on market was down by 52, which was an improvement.

Desert Highlands Home Sales 2009

 

Overall, sales were up in 2009 for Estancia, but sales volume was significantly lower and average sales price was down. Because 2009 was a difficult year for the luxury home market in Scottsdale, we saw a similar pattern for all of the luxury communities in Scottsdale. As capital markets dried up and buyer activity slowed, sellers were forced to lower their prices and negotiate, which translated into some good deals for buyers.

 

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

Where to Eat in Scottsdale AZ- Thai Pan

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Thai Pan Scottsdale RestaurantUpdate: Thai Pan has closed. It has been replaced with Thai Basil restaurant.

 

 

If you are in the mood for a quick, casual and delicious Asian meal with friendly service, you should try Thai Pan. Located on the corner of Pinnacle Peak Road and Miller Road in North Scottsdale, Thai Pan serves up some of the freshest Thai food around. They are open for lunch and dinner services and you can dine-in or take your food to go.

Created by a husband and wife team who have spent significant time in Thailand, the menu is very diverse and you can customize each dish with vegetarian, seafood or meat options. Also, for many dishes you can select the level of spiciness that you would like.

There are several appetizers to choose from including spring rolls, summer rolls and lettuce wraps. The Thai Toast is another interesting appetizer and is composed of chicken, garlic, cilantro on toast points. The soups and salads are good and our favorites include the Tom Kha Coconut Soup and the ThaiYaki chicken salad.

For entrees, you can choose from Thai-inspired noodles, fried rice, curries, stir-fry and crispy chicken and fish. Some of the ones we have tried and really enjoyed are the Basil Noodles (rice noodles with vegetable, garlic and basil with Thai sauce) and Street Curry Noodles (rice noodles, vegetables, garlic and yellow curry.) From the stir-fry menu, we have enjoyed the Spicy Hoisin Stir Fry (snap peas, carrots, bell peppers, mushrooms and peanut) and the Peanut Satay Stir-Fry (Chinese long beans with a mild peanut sauce.) Thai Pan recently launched a few Asian Pho Noodle dishes and we are looking forward to trying them as well.

Another recent addition to the menu is a series of desserts including Banana Caramel Spring Rolls, the ThaiPan Banana Split and two types of ice cream.

If you are in the area and want a tasty Thai meal cooked to order in a casual setting, definitely give Thai Pan a try!

More Information:
Thai Pan
7605 E. Pinnacle Peak Road, Suite 2
Scottsdale, AZ 85255
(480) 513-7471
https://www.thaipan.com/
Open Monday -Saturday for Lunch and Dinner

 

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