Smart Home Buying for the School Year: Essential Tips for Families

17775 E Veit Springs Dr, Rio Verde, AZ 85263 3 bedrooms + den | 3.5 bathrooms LISTING PRICE $1,375,000 Absolutely stunning newly built Shea Homes property with endless on-trend features located in the 55+ gated Trilogy at Verde River community. This massive 9567 sqft golf course lot has breathtaking mountain views of Four Peaks and no rear neighbor for optimal privacy. As you approach you are great by a relaxing private courtyard with a charming stacked stone fireplace. The chef’s kitchen has a formal eat-in area and boasts custom cabinetry, stainless appliances, granite counters, large island with breakfast bar, backsplash, wine fridge, R/O system, and a gas cooktop with hood. Relax in the spacious great room with oversized sliding doors to create the perfect indoor/outdoor space for entertaining. The luxurious master suite has a private patio slider, large walk-in closet, and a full bathroom with dual sinks and a walk-in shower with glass enclosure. Other features include Smart Home technology, tankless water heater, home office den, owned water softener, laundry space with built-in desk, 3 car epoxy garage, and an underground 250 gal propane tank. Utilize the separate guest casita as the perfect spot for hosting family or friends. The resort style backyard has a sparkling heated pool and spa, wrought iron view fence, faux grass lawn, raised fire pit seating area, and a large covered patio with a custom heater, privacy screen, built-in TV, and a full BBQ kitchen area. Don’t miss out on this perfect property that has everything today’s market seeks!

As autumn arrives, there’s a unique opportunity to make homes feel extra inviting during open houses.

As the summer heat finally begins to retreat and the crisp fall air takes hold, Arizona gears up for one of its most anticipated culinary events of the year: Arizona Restaurant Week Fall 2024. From September 20th through September 29th, food enthusiasts will have the chance to indulge in mouthwatering prix-fixe menus from some of the finest dining establishments across the state. Whether you're a local looking to try something new or a visitor ready to explore Arizona’s diverse food scene, this year’s Restaurant Week promises to be an unforgettable experience. Here's everything you need to know. What is Arizona Restaurant Week? Arizona Restaurant Week (ARW) is a biannual event held in the spring and fall, showcasing the culinary talent of restaurants from across the state. Participating restaurants offer three-course prix-fixe menus at set price points, typically ranging from $33 to $55 per person, giving diners a chance to sample signature dishes at a fraction of the regular price. The event has grown over the years, attracting top chefs, food lovers, and tourists alike, with restaurants ranging from upscale fine dining to cozy neighborhood gems. It's the perfect opportunity to explore the state’s dynamic culinary landscape. What’s New for Fall 2024? This year, Arizona Restaurant Week Fall 2024 promises exciting new additions. Here’s a look at some of the trends and unique offerings: Farm-to-Table Menus: With a renewed focus on sustainability, many restaurants are incorporating locally sourced ingredients. From organic vegetables to grass-fed meats, expect to taste the best of Arizona’s natural bounty. Plant-Based Options: More restaurants are catering to the growing demand for plant-based dishes. Whether you're vegan, vegetarian, or simply looking to enjoy a meatless meal, there will be plenty of options on the menu. Craft Cocktails & Local Wines: This year’s event will also highlight Arizona’s blossoming beverage scene. Many participating restaurants will offer drink pairings with local wines from regions like Sonoita and Verde Valley, as well as craft cocktails featuring Arizona-distilled spirits. Special Events & Chef Collaborations: Some venues will be hosting exclusive chef collaborations and themed events during Restaurant Week, so keep an eye out for special pop-up dinners and tasting menus. With over 100 participating restaurants, there’s something for every palate. Here are just a few to watch: Tips for Making the Most of Arizona Restaurant Week Make Reservations Early: Arizona Restaurant Week is incredibly popular, so be sure to reserve your table well in advance. Many restaurants book up quickly, especially during peak dining hours. Explore a New Neighborhood: Use Restaurant Week as an opportunity to explore areas of Arizona you may not usually visit. Whether it's Old Town Scottsdale, Downtown Phoenix, or Tucson’s vibrant food scene, there’s no shortage of culinary gems to discover. Bring Friends and Share: With so many delicious dishes to try, going out with a group is a great way to sample more of the menu. Many restaurants offer family-style sharing options, so you can taste a little bit of everything. Don’t Skip Dessert: The prix-fixe menus typically include dessert, so make sure you save room! Arizona chefs are known for their creative confections, and fall-inspired flavors are sure to make an appearance. Try a Tasting Menu: Some restaurants may offer multi-course tasting menus for Restaurant Week, allowing you to experience a wider range of their culinary expertise. This is a great way to try out a more upscale dining experience at a reduced cost. A Celebration of Arizona’s Culinary Excellence Arizona Restaurant Week Fall 2024 is more than just a week of great dining deals; it’s a celebration of the state’s growing food scene. Whether you're craving Southwestern cuisine, fresh seafood, or innovative plant-based dishes, this year’s event offers a little something for everyone. Make your reservations, gather your friends, and get ready to explore Arizona’s vibrant and diverse restaurant landscape. Fall never tasted so good! Visit the official Arizona Restaurant Week website to browse the full list of participating restaurants, explore menus, and make reservations. Whether you're a seasoned foodie or just looking to try something new, ARW Fall 2024 is an event you won’t want to miss.

7322 E Bent Tree Drive, Scottsdale, AZ 85266 4 bedrooms | 2.5 bathrooms | 3068 sqft LISTING PRICE $1,275,000 Discover your ideal retreat in North Scottsdale! This charming single-level home sits on a private half-acre lot, backing to serene natural area open space. The bright, open floorplan features updated bathrooms, fresh interior paint, new quartzite kitchen counters, and modern lighting throughout.  Enjoy outdoor living with a sparkling pool, relaxing spa, and a wood-burning fireplace, all set amidst lush desert landscaping. Located in a desirable custom home neighborhood, you'll be close to shopping, dining, and more. A perfect blend of privacy and convenience awaits!

30032 N 59th St, Cave Creek, AZ 85331 3 bedrooms | 2.5 bathrooms | 1690 sqft  LISTING PRICE $625,000 Excellent investment opportunity! This exceptional horse property sits on a 1.1-acre lot with PAVED ROAD access, offering spacious living and abundant privacy. The open great room features beautiful Saltillo tile, wood-beamed ceilings, and a charming wood-burning fireplace. The eat-in kitchen boasts a convenient breakfast bar, ample counter space, and a stainless steel fridge. The master suite includes a large closet and an en-suite bathroom with a walk-in shower. Benefit from extremely low energy bills with leased solar panels! The property also has a BRAND NEW roof with a 50-year warranty. The 2-car garage comes equipped with a full workbench. Outdoors, you'll find a huge extended covered patio, fenced yard, 4-stall barn, enclosed chicken coop, working shed with power and water supply, and MUCH more! Don’t miss this excellent investment opportunity to own a property with such incredible amenities and potential!

19727 N 84th Way, Scottsdale, AZ 85255 5 bedrooms | 4 bathrooms | 3,444 sqft LISTING PRICE $2,850,000 Stunning Golf Course Views in Grayhawk's Talon Community. Located on the 13th hole of Talon golf course, this remodeled home offers panoramic McDowell mountain views, including Toms Thumb and Pinnacle Peak! Renovated by London Pierce Design, it features 12' ceilings, custom cabinetry, white oak floors, a chef's kitchen with RO system plummed to freezer ice and built in Miele coffee machine. Island and counters in kitchen are imported Italian marble, and Thermador appliances! The backyard boasts a heated pool, spa, artificial grass area, and unforgettable mountain views, sunrises and sunsets. Close to schools, shopping, dining, and major highways. Enjoy luxury living with breathtaking views in this remodeled Grayhawk home!

With the new school year approaching, it's an ideal time to consider moving to a new home. Whether you’re seeking a better school district, a shorter commute, or more space, here are some essential tips to guide your search. Research School Districts: Start by exploring the school districts in your desired area. Check ratings, read reviews, and visit schools if possible. Websites like GreatSchools.org and Niche.com provide valuable information. Consider Commute Times: Proximity to school is crucial. A shorter commute can mean less stress during busy mornings and more quality time with your family. Use tools like Google Maps to estimate travel times during peak hours. Find Family-Friendly Neighborhoods: Look for communities with parks, playgrounds, and recreational facilities. Safe streets and sidewalks are important. Talking to current residents can offer insights into the neighborhood's atmosphere. Plan for Future Needs: Choose a home that offers flexibility, such as extra bedrooms, spacious yards, and areas that can be converted into study spaces or playrooms. Thinking long-term can save you from moving again soon. Check Local Amenities: Consider the availability of amenities like after-school programs, libraries, sports facilities, and shopping centers. Convenient access to these can simplify daily life. Work with a Knowledgeable Real Estate Agent: A local agent with expertise in the area’s schools and neighborhoods is invaluable. They can provide insights and help you navigate the competitive market. Timing Your Move: Moving during the summer is less disruptive for children, but if you move during the school year, plan around school breaks. Consult your agent about the best time to buy. Financial Considerations: Budget for more than just the mortgage. Include property taxes, utility bills, and potential renovation costs. Explore financial assistance programs for families moving to new school districts. Involve Your Kids: Involve your children in the home-buying process by visiting potential homes and schools. Their input can help them feel more comfortable and excited about the move. Finding the perfect home for the new school year involves careful planning. By focusing on school quality, commute times, neighborhood amenities, and future needs, you can make a well-informed decision. Our real estate team is here to guide you every step of the way to ensure you find a home that meets all your needs. If you’re ready to start your home search or have any questions, contact me. Here’s to a successful move and a fantastic school year ahead!

The 4th of July is a time for celebration, reflection, and gathering with loved ones.

Father’s Day or any occasion to celebrate Dad can be made truly special without leaving home. With a bit of thought and creativity, you can create an unforgettable experience that shows just how much you appreciate him. Here are five meaningful ways to honor and celebrate your dad at home. 1. Cook Up a Special Meal Homemade Feast: Start the day with a delicious home-cooked meal. Whether it’s breakfast in bed, a delightful brunch, or a grand dinner, cooking for Dad is a surefire way to show your love. Get the family involved in preparing his favorite dishes and make it a team effort. Tip: Set the table with his favorite colors, or create a theme that reflects his interests, like a “Steakhouse Dinner” or “Italian Bistro Night.” Add a personal touch with a handwritten menu or place cards. Surprise Picnic: If the weather is nice, take the meal outdoors. Set up a picnic in the backyard with blankets, cushions, and a basket filled with his favorite foods and drinks. Enjoy a relaxing day under the sun while savoring a homemade feast. Tip: Bring a portable speaker to play his favorite tunes or set up some outdoor games to enjoy after the meal. 2. Create a Day of Fun and Games Family Game Tournament: Turn your living room into a game zone with a lineup of his favorite board games, card games, or even video games. Keep score throughout the day and crown a family champion by the end. Tip: Consider introducing a game he hasn’t played before to add some excitement. Create a trophy or medals for the winners to make it more competitive and fun. Movie Night Extravaganza: Transform your home into a cozy cinema for a movie marathon. Pick a collection of his favorite films or a series he’s been meaning to watch. Gather everyone together for a comfortable, binge-watching session. Tip: Create a concession stand with popcorn, candy, and his favorite drinks. Dim the lights, and arrange pillows and blankets to create a theater-like atmosphere. 3. Get Hands-On with a DIY Project Build or Craft Together: Engage in a hands-on activity that he enjoys. Whether it’s a woodworking project, gardening, or crafting, working on a project together can be both fun and rewarding. It’s a perfect way to bond while creating something memorable. Tip: Choose a project that aligns with his hobbies or interests. For instance, if he loves gardening, build a new planter box or create a small herb garden together. Family Cooking Challenge: Host a family cook-off where everyone gets involved in preparing a meal or dessert. Let Dad be the judge, or team up with him to create culinary masterpieces. This can be a fun and delicious way to spend the day together. Tip: Set up themed challenges like “best appetizer” or “most creative dessert.” Offer small prizes for the winners to add a competitive edge. 4. Set Up a Themed Day at Home Destination Adventure: Bring a bit of his dream destination to your home. Create an experience based on a place he loves or has always wanted to visit. This could involve themed decor, food, and activities that reflect the culture and spirit of the destination. Tip: For a “Mediterranean Day,” you could serve Greek or Italian dishes, play Mediterranean music, and set up a cozy outdoor dining area. Sports Enthusiast Day: If he’s a sports fan, dedicate the day to his favorite sport or team. Watch classic games, play backyard sports, or even create a mini sports trivia challenge. Tip: Dress in team colors and prepare game-day snacks to make the experience feel like a live sporting event. Set up a mini scoreboard to keep track of activities and trivia scores. 5. Relax and Unwind Together Home Spa Day: Turn your home into a peaceful spa retreat. Set up a relaxing environment with soothing music, candles, and essential oils. Offer him a foot bath, a massage, or simply a quiet space to relax. Tip: Create a “spa menu” with different treatments he can choose from, like a scalp massage, hot towel treatment, or aromatherapy session. Provide soft robes and slippers for the ultimate spa experience. Cozy Reading or Music Nook: Design a cozy corner where he can unwind with a good book or listen to his favorite music. This quiet time can be a wonderful way for him to relax and recharge. Tip: Set up a comfortable chair, good lighting, and his favorite snacks and drinks. Add a soft blanket to make the nook extra inviting. Making It Memorable  Celebrating Dad at home is all about making him feel special and appreciated. Tailor the day to his interests and hobbies, and involve the whole family in planning and executing the celebration. Small gestures like personalized cards, heartfelt messages, or a thoughtful gift can add even more warmth to the day. Remember, the most important part is spending quality time together and showing him how much he means to you. Enjoy the day and create beautiful memories that will last a lifetime.