8 Tips To Help You Deal With A Monsoon Blackout Photo courtesy David Flam Turn off or disconnect any appliances, equipment (like air conditioners) or electronics (like TV, stereo) you were using when the power went out. When power comes back on, it may come back with momentary "surges" or "spikes" that can damage equipment such as computers and motors in appliances like the air conditioner, refrigerator, washer. Leave one light turned on so you'll know when your power returns. Leave the doors of your refrigerator and freezer closed to keep your food as fresh as possible. If you must eat food that was refrigerated or frozen, check it carefully for signs of spoilage. Do not call 9-1-1 for information, only call to report a life-threatening emergency. Eliminate unnecessary travel, especial... 08/19/2012

Scottsdale, AZ Market Report July 2012 In this Market Report we're looking at "The West's Most Western Town"  Scottsdale, AZ . Total Active listings are down another 4.4 % from June 1 to July 1. Lender Owned (REO) and Short Sales (SS) make up less than 7.9% of Total Actives the lowest number in six years. Lender Owned (REO) prices are unchanged June 1 to July 1. Lender owned properties are drying up fast in Scottsdale, AZ and those that are available are receiving multiple cash contracts driving prices up. Short Sale prices are down 9.8 % June 1 to July 1. Even though Short Sales are still a challenge to close they are becoming an endangered species much like Lender Owned (REO) properties. Normal Sale prices are unchanged June 1 to July 1 and up 7.4% over the past six months. What does ... 07/17/2012

Scottsdale, AZ Market Report As a Realtor living and working in the Phoenix Metro Area I am often asked what parts of the Valley are selling well? All real estate markets are local. Local meaning specific neighborhoods, subdivisions or zip codes and most often that is the market data that I supply to my clients. However, sometimes it's beneficial to look at larger areas to identify trends that might not be so easily found in smaller samples. In this Market Report we're looking at Scottsdale, AZ. Like many parts of the Valley Scottsdale Active listings are down, over the past 3 months, while Closed properties are up and up substantially. Supply is down and demand is increasing. As a result prices are rising. And it's not just Scottsdale, as I reported in an earlier post, five cities with... 04/24/2012

Four Peaks Animal Rescue is a non-profit organization dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, training and placement of animals in need of care in Maricopa County, Arizona. Four Peaks Animal Rescue currently has no physical housing facility and is predominately driven by the commitment of volunteers to minimize or eliminate the suffering of abandoned domesticated animals who are completely dependent upon others for their care. Four Peaks Animal Rescue is a no-kill rescue organization that tries to accommodate all species of domestic pets. Four Peaks Animal Rescue is proactive in providing education to pet owners designed to help break the cycle of abandonment. They are passionate in their belief that animal care education is the foundation for a rewarding interaction and lasting relat... 04/12/2012

Who: SRP What: Presents "Rock The Zoo" Where: At The Phoenix Zoo When: Friday, March 30, 2012 Hours: 7-11 p.m. Tickets: General Admission $30 for Members- $40 for Non-Members VIP Admission $60 Members - $75 Non-Members Buy Tickets Here or Call (602) 914-4333 Map Please: Phoenix Zoo Note: Rock The Zoo is an age 21+ event. ID is required for entry. About Rock The Zoo Rock the Zoo is one of the largest fundraisers for the Phoenix Zoo and continues to be a favorite event for thousands of Valley residents each year. Whether you are a music fan, or a lover of spirits and merriment, Rock the Zoo is the perfect blend of both activities! Rock out to three local bands, "Echofuzz" "Tell Me About The Rabbits" and "Second Shift" while you are sampling beverages from more than 30 local breweries, wi... 03/24/2012

Who: The Desert Botanical Garden & Scottsdale Artists League What: Co-sponsor their 17th Annual Spring Paintout When: Saturdays 17th & 24th  9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Paint Out Location: Throughout The Desert Botanical Garden Show & Sale Location: Stardust Foundation Plaza at the Garden Show & Sale Dates: Saturday March 31st  9 a.m. - 6 p.m.  Sunday April 1st 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Artist Meet & Greet: Saturday March 31st 4 -6 p.m. General Admission Ticket Prices Adults 19-59 $18                                                                   Senior 60+ $15                                                                       Students 13-18 $10                                                                  Children 3-12 $8                                                                Members and Ch... 03/15/2012

I've written about  Arizona's Centennial Celebration before. But today is our Official Centennial Birthday and so I thought I would share our official state song. I couldn't find a video of Rex performing the song so I'm afraid the lyrics will have to do. I love my home state, Happy Birthday and Happy Valentines Day Arizona! Here's to 100 more! "I Love You Arizona" words and music by Rex Allen Jr. I love you, Arizona; Your mountains, deserts and streams; The rise of Dos Cabezas And the outlaws I see in my dreams; I love you Arizona, Superstitions and all; The warmth you give at sunrise; Your sunsets put music in us all. Oo, Arizona; You're the magic in me; Oo, Arizona, You're the life-blood of me; I love you Arizona; Desert dust on the wind; The sage and cactus are blooming, And the sm... 02/14/2012