It's the time of year we have to say goodbye to the spectacular lighting in and around historic Glendale and Murphy Park.  The traditional Glendale Glitter and Glow will take place on January 19, 2008 from 3-10:00pm.For those who have not been out to the Glitter and Glow block party, this is a phenominal event billed as the Valley's Best Hometown Block Party!  Presented by APS, attractions include three-dozen hot air balloons, live bands, a dozen street performers and a fire circus - all under the twinkling canopy of the Glendale Glitters holiday light display.  Admission is FREE!  Yep, that's right -- FREE!The glowing balloons are so close visitors can touch them. Spectators line the streets as the pilots and crews roll out the massive balloons and fill them with air using large fans. ... 01/03/2008

I was driving on the way to a Cardinals and Rams game in Phoenix AZ.  When you think Phoenix AZ you need to realise it is really Glendale AZ just off the 101 in case you were thinking that this might be in downtown phoenix it isn't.Now, let me back up,  I was there yesterday, getting the tickets and checking out this all new facility. I have never been to a pro bowl game before. Arizona is the home of my in-laws and they are Cardinal fans. It sounded fun. So I am looking over the real estate both there and back. If the Rams won I wouldn't be that upset. If the Cardinals won ( they were the favored team) it would be cool. They would have won 50% of their games. Well, the day of the game something changed. Something besides large crowds and buses and parking gone wild.The one thing that c... 12/30/2007

As a newer member of the community i am delighted to see all the positive people that gather here, the attitude and sharing is wonderful and uplifting. i would also liketo wish you all a wonderful Christmas season to you all and your families and here's to  a prosperous new year in 2008. Thank you all and god bless 12/25/2007

Glendale Glitters continues with every weekend sparkling with entertainment.  Murphy Park and the surrounding blocks are hung with over a million Christmas lights, making the area a fairyland of glistening trees. Come enjoy the horse-drawn carriage rides, charming shops with unusual and beautiful wares, and a variety of restaurants.  Every weekend brings live entertainment.  For real estate in beautiful Glendale, contact Marsha at Keller Williams, www.HomeKey.org. 12/23/2007

From my corner of the world, it seems there are many buyers out there right now looking for homes.  I've received 2 calls from my listing flyer and 4 inquiries this past week primarily from my Point 2 website.  I have heard things are going to get worse before they get better but I'm just not seeing it right now.  The current challenge I'm facing here in the northwest Arizona valley is finding nice homes for buyers who qualify for a max of say around $150,000.  There are homes out there BUT sorting through the mass of bank-owned and short sale properties is overwhelming at times.  The volume of these types of homes is amazing and some times, for the price range, it's all there is available.  Most new buyers who fall within this area of qualification do not have the funds for fixer-upper... 12/22/2007

Glendale adds homes to the National Register of Historic PlacesDowntown Glendale has a 12-block core of beautiful craftsman bungalow homes built from 1915 to 1940.  The area was declared a Historic District by the city, and recently the National Register of Historic Places has added several additional blocks, making a total of 134 historic properties recognized nationally.  The area, known as Catlin Court, consists of the home sites of the founders and early business leaders of Glendale.  This area hosts the "Glendale Glitters" event every winter, with a million Christmas lights, entertainment in the outdoor amphitheater, carriage rides, and charming restaurants and boutiques in the walking district.Additional historic properties outside of Catlin Court bring Glendale's total historic p... 12/09/2007

2008 Neighborhood Legislative Link in Glendale, ArizonaLearn how city and state government works in this series of six free classes at the Glendale Adult Center, 5790 W. Brown Street in Glendale.  Exercise your right and ability as a citizen in our progressive city.Session 1:  Legislative Kickoff -- Dec. 6, 2007, 6-8 p.m.Session 2:  Arizona Legislature on the Web -- Jan 10, 2008, 6-8 p.m. Session 3:  Neighborhood Day at the Capitol -- Jan 17,2008, 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.Session 4:  Hot Legislative Issues -- Jan 24, 2008, 6-8 p.m.Session 5:  Mid Session Recap -- March 6, 2008, 6-8 p.m.Session 6:  End of Session Report -- July 10, 2008, 6-8 p.m.All sessions require advance registration or RSVP.  Please call Deanne Burt (623) 930-2813 for more details.For details about properties available in ... 12/04/2007

The 2007-2008 concert season is underway at Glendale Public Library.  Enjoy live performances on Thursday evenings at 7:00 at 5959 W. Brown Street.In December, celebrate the season with handbells ( Dec. 6), or harp duets (Dec. 20). Hank Cramer, folksinger, will entertain with ballads on Dec. 13.  Don't miss a live annual 'jam session' as the final concert of 2007 on Dec. 27.January brings a flute and guitar duo (Jan. 3), Cello & double-necked guitjo (Jan 10), Blues and Jazz (Jan. 17), and west African cultural dance & drums on Jan. 24.The series continues through February, March and April.  Go to www.glendalelibrary.org/ for details.For all your property needs in Glendale, go to www.homekey.org.  We'll assist you finding a home in the wonderful community of Glendale. 12/04/2007

 See a juried exhibition of the valley's fine artists during your Super Bowl visit.  The show will be held Jan. 23 to Feb. 17, 2008 at Historic Sahuaro Ranch Park, 9802 N. 59th Ave, Glendale. Tom Herbert will juror the exhibit.For more on current Glendale arts events, check out http://www.glendaleaz.com/arts/communityartsevents.cfm.For beautiful real estate in Glendale, go to www.homekey.org.  11/30/2007

Glendale's treasured collection of public art can be viewed via a driving tour for Glendale's visitors and residents.  Maps can be found at www.glendaleaz.com/arts/PublicArtDrivingTour.cfm.  Public art on display includes a mural by Robert McCall entitled "Icarus Triumphant: The Legend Retold" as well as sculpture "Meeting on the Trail" by Allen Houser and "The Irrigators" by Debbie Gessner at the Main Public Library. "The Sun and The Moon" chandilier by Dale Chihuly graces the lobby of the Foothills Branch Library, and "A Tribute to Firefighters" relief by Jay Tschetter fronts the 59th Avenue Fire Station. See photos at VisitGlendale.com.Arizona Art Alliance is sponsoring an exhibit at the Glendale Visitors Center entitled "Enriching Life Through Art."  The exhibit runs Nov. 30 to Dec.... 11/30/2007

Nestled along the serene mountainside of Deem Hills in northwest Glendale, Arizona is the beautiful new home development of Stetson Valley.  With over 30+ new home models available, Stetson Valley's family-oriented community complements Arrowhead and Stetson Hills with its lush greenbelts, parks, and walking trails.  Stetson Valley homes range in price starting from the low $300's.  Minutes from the I-17 Freeway, Stetson Hills rests 22 miles from downtown Phoenix and 99 miles from Sedona, Arizona.  Local shopping includes Safeway and Frys grocery stores, 2 McDonalds, Subway, Starbucks, Planet Beach, Nail Salons, a dance and cheer studio, just to name a few.  For a full shopping experience, Arrowhead Towne Center is located only 20 minutes away with shops ranging from Coach, Dillards, Ma... 11/22/2007

The Hillcrest neighborhood has 54 properties active on the market as of November 2007.  Average price is from $324,000 to $411,000.  Properties priced lower than average are selling in 3 days to 47 days.  It is a great time to buy, with plenty of inventory to choose from and prices are lower than last year. Investors see Hillcrest as a prime location to begin establishing equity; families see it as a great place to raise the kids. In proximity to new shopping,I-101, hospitals, choice schools, and hiking trails, its homes are fashionable yet affordable. Click here to search for Hillcrest Ranch properties.  Insert Hillcrest Ranch in the subdivision search box.www.homekey.org 11/11/2007

Where can you find a free holiday light display with over one million twinkling lights which span more than 14 blocks?  A Glendale tradition, in the very heart of historic downtown Glendale, Glendale Glitters will kick into full swing beginning November 23, 2007.  This event is sponsored by SRP and will feature many of the Valley's best performers and musical and dance entertainment in downtown Murphy Park.  This year the event will kick off with a Vegas-style stage show featuring swing dancers, counting down to the very moment, with a flip of the switch -- the official lighting of the entire event!Decorations are bigger and better this year with new designs and simulated fireworks lights.   Many events will take place with multiple stages of music and dance, food, seasonal merchandise,... 11/01/2007

What's new in the Arrowhead Ranch area?  The Reserve at Eagle Heights!  While Eagle Heights has been years in the making, the signs all point to Eagle Heights as now being open for business!  I mean this literally as sign holding individuals are standing on corners around town on weekends, jumping up and down all day, with a sign shaped as an arrow, pointing the way!The community, from the $700's, features 84 home sites which sit on over 46 acres, with 4 floor plans (2 with basement options), 3 elevation choices, 3-6 bedroom options, and extensive water features and walking trails throughout.The 4 floor plans include the Aquila Model (2,991 sq.ft.), 4 bedrooms with 3 ½ bath, the Peregrine Model (3,378 sq.ft.), 3 bedrooms with 3 ½ bath, with a basement option, the Kestral Model (2,736 sq... 10/30/2007

                                  There are many communities in northwest Arizona, but it seems that none can surpass the quiet beauty and charm of the communities in the Arrowhead area.  Arrowhead's homes radiate inner warmth and its quality of life is unmeasured.  There are many golf course properties as well as lake and horse properties!  Of course, I may be somewhat partial having been a resident now for more than 15 years!  Area communities include Arrowhead Ranch, Hillcrest Ranch, Arrowhead Lakes, Sierra Verde, Sonoma, The Legend, and Highland Lakes, just to name a few!  There are many new homes being built in neighboring communities such as Stetson Valley making Arrowhead Ranch an even more desirable place to live.Activities abound throughout the area including premier golf cours... 10/01/2007

Arrowhead Ranch is located in Glendale, Arizona and is one of the most sought after neighborhoods in the North West Valley.  The current market numbers of single family detached homes for active, pending, and sold in the last 6 months are as follows:Active:  98 homes with an average square footage of 2367.  The average list price is $398284 and the average DOM is 158.Pending:  6 homes with an average square footage of 1913.  The average list price is $303216 and the average DOM is 163.Sold:  33 homes have sold in the last 6 months.  The average square footage was 2142, list price $360086, sold price $343330 and the averge DOM was 128. If you are looking to move to Arizona give me a call! CharlesThink B.I.G.   www.theBakerInvestmentGroup.com 09/30/2007

Short Sales are everywhere now-a-days. If you don't know what's going on with short sales, now is the time to learn!  A brief overview... A short sale simply means that the seller's lender is accepting a discounted payoff to release an existing mortgage. It is very important to remember that just because a property is listed with short sale terms that does not mean the lender will accept your offer even if the seller accepts it. Before a lender would even consider a "short sale," the seller would need to be in default and would have had to stop making their monthly mortgage payments. In addition, the seller may owe more on the home than the home is actually worth so a discounted price may bring the price in line with market value, not below it.As a buyer, you may be looking to buy a pro... 09/27/2007

The classic song by The Clash has struck a chord in the Phoenix marketplace.  For my money, the answer is straightforward.  If you are a seller, it is time to stay!  If you are a buyer, it is time to go!  As a seller you will be competing with a market supply that is out of whack.  Your house has to be the best of the best and priced just right to sell in this market.  Those are not the ingredients for top dollar on your home.  With the primary residence as the single largest investment for most Arizonans it just makes sense to stay put for now. As a buyer, especially if you are a first time buyer or getting back into the Arizona market for personal reasons (divorce, relocation, retirement, or previous bad credit)...NOW IS THE TIME!  You have the pick of homes on the market, interest ra... 09/21/2007

If you live in the Phoenix Arizona area and are looking for a unique experience you may want to check out the Batting Cage and Grill located at 6650 W Cactus Road in Glendale Arizona. This unique facility offers air conditioned indoor batting cages that are fun for young and old alike, with even wheel chair accessibility. They have all the equipment; helmets, bats, balls, everything you need for an afternoon, or evening, of fun. If you have a need for a unique birthday event for a sports-loving child this may be a good place to check out. After all the fun in the batting cages, the facility has a grill where hot dog, burgers and other "ball park fare" can be purchased. Glendale Arizona is a growing sports mecca with the new University of Phoenix stadium being constructed and the locatio... 09/17/2007

Right here in my very own hometown of Glendale, Arizona, home of the current American Idol, Jordin Sparks, comes the Arizona Super Bowl XLII!  No doubt there will be plenty of blogs on this subject but, nonetheless, this is one of the biggest and most exciting sporting events in the world and will be played on February 3, 2008 at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale!  This $455 million architectural wonder seats 63,400 for Cardinals games, but will provide approximately 10,000 more seats for Super Bowl XLII.What does the Super Bowl and real estate have in common?  Plenty!  An estimated 1 billion people in more than 200 countries will focus on Arizona. The Super Bowl will attract more than 3,000 journalists from around the country and the world. Their stories will highlight not just... 09/05/2007