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By Jan Green - Scottsdale, AZ, HomeSmart Elite Group, REALTOR®, EcoBroker, GREEN
(Value Added Service, 602-620-2699)
This report will focus on the Scottsdale zip code of 85257.  This is the southern most edge of Scottsdale and abuts Tempe, almost to the Loop 202.  There are currently 97 residential properties for sale, 31 pending and contingent sales, and 149 sales in the last 90 days.  These numbers represent a strong market for housing in south Scottsdale.   Properties range in price from a $57,000 condo up to a single family home listed for $499,900.  The median sales price is $270,000 with days on market being 67 days.  That is below the Phoenix average of 74 days and higher than the median sales price of $230,000.   The Median Sales Price for August is $268,825.  As you can see from this graph, prices have steadily climbed since the bottom of the  housing market crash in 2011 when the median sale...
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By Jan Green - Scottsdale, AZ, HomeSmart Elite Group, REALTOR®, EcoBroker, GREEN
(Value Added Service, 602-620-2699)
5 Things I'm Most Thankful For-  In conjunction with the contest "5  Years of Thankfulness" I've created a list of what has made me the person I am today.  In the order of importance, these "people" have either inspired, mentored, or made me what I am today. 1)  My daughters!  Each of them has such unique qualities and I learn from them all the time.  Each of them pictured below (many years ago) are wonderful mothers, harding workers, and dedicated to learning! 2)  My mother!  Even though we never saw eye to eye and were not close, I learned a lot from her.  Her work ethic, drive and determination were non-stop. She could repair anything, even down to the wiring in our house, which made my hair stand on end! 3) The EcoBroker in California who gave the most inspiring session at the Natio...
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By Jan Green - Scottsdale, AZ, HomeSmart Elite Group, REALTOR®, EcoBroker, GREEN
(Value Added Service, 602-620-2699)
Economic Outlook for Maricopa County, Phoenix, ArizonaIt’s true what they say, “You’ve come a long way baby!”  And especially true if you’ve lived in Arizona during the last 10 years.  If so, you would have seen the craziest real estate market ever recorded where buyers were pitching tents in new home subdivision parking lots to be first in line for the “lottery” of lot releases.  We saw table funding with simultaneous closings.  And there were over 200 condo conversions with white tents and red ropes, making guests feel as if they were going to be featured on radio or tv somehow. Thankfully those days are gone, but what goes up must come down.  And down it did. The housing market dropped like a rocket with the official bottom in 2011.  Most states were affected to some degree or anothe...
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By Jan Green - Scottsdale, AZ, HomeSmart Elite Group, REALTOR®, EcoBroker, GREEN
(Value Added Service, 602-620-2699)
Recently I had the privilege of being invited on a boat ride around Scenic Saguaro Lake.  Saguaro Lake was named, so I learned, due to the many Saguaro's surrounding the 22 miles of shoreline.  What a treat! Saguaro Lake is located just east of Fountain Hills and north on Highway 87 about 5 short miles.  There are 7 lakes surrounding the Phoenix Metro Area, which often surprises visitors.  They are all very different and offer different scenery.  Boat rentals are available!  Check out the site to view Scenic Saguaro Lake and the others! As the sun sets, backdrops turn to a golden orange! A spectacular day at Scenic Saguaro Lake! 
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By Jan Green - Scottsdale, AZ, HomeSmart Elite Group, REALTOR®, EcoBroker, GREEN
(Value Added Service, 602-620-2699)
Scottsdale Real Estate Market Update - Scottsdale is 184.2 square miles and was so named in 1894 after Winfield Scott, an Army Chaplain.  The city was incorporated in 1951 with 2,000 residents.  Today the city's population is said to be just over 226,000 and is bounded by Fountain Hills to the east, Tempe to the south, Phoenix to the west and Carefree/Cave Creek at the northern border.  The only place the city can possibly expand is to the northeast if parts of "Rio Verde" were incorporated into the city limits. With the city being "land locked" it's easy to see why prices rise, but also that Scottsdale is a fun resort town and a retirement destination. Scottsdale has a robust housing market.  Median Sales Prices are listed below for this Scottsdale Real Estate Market Update.   Due to t...
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By Jan Green - Scottsdale, AZ, HomeSmart Elite Group, REALTOR®, EcoBroker, GREEN
(Value Added Service, 602-620-2699)
Water - Use it Wisely -  Water is not a finite resource.  Those living in drought states will tell you about their experiences.   There are so many ways that we may be wasting water that it bears repeating -Water - Use it Wisely!Here are some basic ways we can save water: In the Kitchen:        Carry refillable drinking containers & glasses versus buying                                   water bottles                                  When rinsing produce, catch the excess to water your house                                    plants                                  Microwave vegetables or cook with as little water as                                                 possible (use excess in soups)                                  Thaw food in the refrigerator versus running water over it  ...
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By Jan Green - Scottsdale, AZ, HomeSmart Elite Group, REALTOR®, EcoBroker, GREEN
(Value Added Service, 602-620-2699)
Visit Scottsdale, Arizona!    Scottsdale, Arizona is a wonderful city to explore and has a rich history.  The city earned it's name (1894) from an Army Chaplain named Winfield Scott and was incorporated in 1951.  The city population is 226,918 according to the 2013 US Census, but feels much larger since it's 31 miles long!   Every winter and spring season the city swells in population and many folks around the US  spend their winters here. Affectionately known as "snowbirds" these visitors land in town with out of state plates to enjoy our great winter weather!   Restaurants open up their patio doors and the number of seats on the patio exceeds indoor seating!And who wouldn't want to be outside when the winter temperatures average 65, give or take?  Our visitors come from around the glo...
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By Jan Green - Scottsdale, AZ, HomeSmart Elite Group, REALTOR®, EcoBroker, GREEN
(Value Added Service, 602-620-2699)
Housing Market Update 85254 -     The zip code 85254 is located in mid-Scottsdale and looks like it's in Phoenix on a map.  In fact, the City of Phoenix provides service to this segment of Scottsdale.  Schools for this area are in the Paradise Valley District and are well-respected with higher scores.  The area also includes the golf course community of Kierland just west of the Westin Kierland and Kierland Commons shopping center.   Currently, there are 305 homes for sale in this area for Housing Market Update 85254.  Statistics produced from reports by the Cromford Report!  Homes and condos under contract in 85254 have declined in value recently; however, when comparing different segments of our MLS and pricepoints, I can tell you that a few sales in the higher price ranges reduced th...
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By Jan Green - Scottsdale, AZ, HomeSmart Elite Group, REALTOR®, EcoBroker, GREEN
(Value Added Service, 602-620-2699)
What's Old is New Again! To consign “something.”  According to Merriam Webster,  is to “put something that is not wanted or used in a place where old things are stored or thrown away.”  What a far cry from the true meaning of today’s recycle and upcycle world!  I can’t imagine consigning something to a deep dark closet.  After all, my dining room set is over 100 years old. My antiques have been acquired from my home state of Kansas, Missouri, Alabama and a new purchase in Arizona.  It's always interesting to see different types in different states!  My dining room table was acquired in Kansas in 1979.  The chairs were in pieces with mohair seats.  They are now covered in tapestry, sort of matching my large tapestry from the estate of a graphic designere from Anheiser Busch! If you visit...
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By Jan Green - Scottsdale, AZ, HomeSmart Elite Group, REALTOR®, EcoBroker, GREEN
(Value Added Service, 602-620-2699)
Mother's Day Gift to You, Positively Green Cards! It's been a wonderful day today even though I didn't get to spend it with my 3 daughters.  While they don't live here, we are fortunate to have joint, non-stop texting every day; phone calls that are random and appreciated; and photos popping up on my phone from them.  I missed a delivery yesterday for Mother's Day so I'm kind of in Mother's Day suspension.  But I promised them I'd go straight to the post office in the morning and retrieve my gift that is "something I wouldn't buy for myself."  One Mother's Day card in particular stands out.  This card hit the nail on the head for me.  My girls know that protecting the environment is important to me.  They know that it pains me to see this earth going south because we aren't taking care ...
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By Jan Green - Scottsdale, AZ, HomeSmart Elite Group, REALTOR®, EcoBroker, GREEN
(Value Added Service, 602-620-2699)
Life is Too Short to Get Stuck in Rush Hour TrafficPhoenix is big and I mean BIG!  We are the 5th largest county in the Country, too.  So with about 4 million people on over 400 square miles - we're one sprawling city.  Life is Too Short to Get Stuck in Rush Hour Traffic.Today, while meeting some clients to show some homes, I couldn't help but wonder?  (Heard that line before?  It's from my fav series where girls are drinking cosmos!)  Why is it that folks choose homes so far from work and end up stuck in traffic?  Unless of course you are driving one of these!I mean really?  I know all of the best routes to take to avoid traffic and thought I gave myself plenty of time, but still you have to wonder....  Why do folks include homes in their searches that are SO FAR?  (Still coining lingo...
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By Jan Green - Scottsdale, AZ, HomeSmart Elite Group, REALTOR®, EcoBroker, GREEN
(Value Added Service, 602-620-2699)
You Might Be From Scottsdale If …… Living in the desert has truly been an awesome experience.  Most people automatically picture sand dunes, scorpions, and desert critters.  While the latter two are regular residents, sand dunes like you see in the movies are not OUR desert.  We also have a host of other great features that others might not know are everyday features of this great city.  You Might be From Scottsdale If ….. You know the true flora and fauna of our desert.Scottsdale is named after Winfield Scott, an Army Chaplain who came to Scottsdale after visiting a small town named Winfield, Kansas.  Winfield, Kansas is named after him because he built a church there.Coincidentally, my Dad is from Winfield, Kansas!  Both of my grandparents are buried there.  You Might be From Scottsda...
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By Jan Green - Scottsdale, AZ, HomeSmart Elite Group, REALTOR®, EcoBroker, GREEN
(Value Added Service, 602-620-2699)
Beware of Unlicensed Contractors During the course of working on a contract for my client (seller) I happened upon an interesting scenario and feel it wise to relay to the public.  I've listed a home for sale that has had a lot of repairs and upgrades recently.  He has been diligently working on getting the home ready for sale, providing great features and repairing items by his handyman and various contractors. He is aware of the types of issues that might surface in a home inspection because he was able to purchase a home before selling his current home, and attended the home inspection for his new home.   This practice has eliminated many of the usual and customary items on an inspection report.The original home is under contract after being listed for 5 days!  He's done a great job ...
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By Jan Green - Scottsdale, AZ, HomeSmart Elite Group, REALTOR®, EcoBroker, GREEN
(Value Added Service, 602-620-2699)
Q1 Housing Report Maricopa County Maricopa County is the 4th largest county in the US, expanding over 400 square miles.  Population for Maricopa County is just over 4 million as of the 2013 census.  Searching the Cromford Report for information to share, it’s best to keep the search broad for apples to apples answers.  If you are seeking information for a specific price and zip code, please contact me and I'll customize these charts for you!Reports from the Cromford Report are by paid subscription and combine data from the Arizona Regional MLS, tax data for For Sale by Owners, and all other sales.  Pending price per square foot data is a unique aspect of these reports.  This information is critical to know where the market is headed and the heartbeat of the buyer segment of the market. ...
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By Jan Green - Scottsdale, AZ, HomeSmart Elite Group, REALTOR®, EcoBroker, GREEN
(Value Added Service, 602-620-2699)
It's a Busy Housing Season in ScottsdaleOur season is upon us!  Visitors usually think that winter time is our busiest season due to the weather being so gorgeous.  Maybe in come neighborhoods this is true in January, but now that everything is blooming and temperatures are still mild, our season for real estate sales is booming.  It's a Busy Housing Season in Scottsdale.   Interviewing agents in my office at every opportunity, everyone is busy. Smiles are apparent and keyboards are clacking with activity and everyone is happy  for the process. Our busiest seasons are typically March through September.  The holidays are over and visitors are either enjoying themselves or seriously contemplating what purchase to make.   Homes are selling quickly that are move in ready and in good locatio...
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By Jan Green - Scottsdale, AZ, HomeSmart Elite Group, REALTOR®, EcoBroker, GREEN
(Value Added Service, 602-620-2699)
Desert Storage in Scottsdale Moving can be a daunting process, let alone storing items in between moves.  As a professional in this business I can tell you that there are definitely times when the service of a professional storage facility is appreciated. Which is why you should call Desert Storage in Scottsdale.  Desert Storage in Scottsdale is located in Mid Scottsdale, southeast of Scottsdale Road and Shea Boulevard.  This past weekend, I had the good fortune of interacting with the Store Manager when my client needed to move out of state.  Not only was he friendly, telling us where to park, how to maneuver the moving van, and was open to anything we needed to get the truck loaded and on our way!  Our over-sized moving truck easily circled the expansive building parking lot, maneuver...
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By Jan Green - Scottsdale, AZ, HomeSmart Elite Group, REALTOR®, EcoBroker, GREEN
(Value Added Service, 602-620-2699)
Buyers Agent in Scottsdale? Are you looking for a Buyers Agent in Scottsdale?  If so, you've stopped at the right place.  If you want great communication, knowledge of the area, and a full time real estate agent, then look no further.  Here is a list of my processes when assuming the role of Buyers Agent in Scottsdale: First interview will define your goals and desires for your next home in Scottsdale. Providing you with a Free 24/7 Home Hotline to call on any home when we aren't together, and no one will know you're calling. Providing a free search site directly to the MLS, with your own website to save preferred listings. Comparing homes as to energy efficiency, an oftentimes forgotten part of buying a home. Showing homes in driving order with a map for convenience. Streamlined purcha...
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By Jan Green - Scottsdale, AZ, HomeSmart Elite Group, REALTOR®, EcoBroker, GREEN
(Value Added Service, 602-620-2699)
If Cars Were Built like Houses Seeing this from several different sources on Linkedin and in my newsfeed and had to comment as I feel strongly about best practices in residential construction.  There are several reasons to watch this video.  As you compare "If Cars Were Built Like Houses "  are you thinking of energy efficiency?  Do you ever consider that no one "test lives" in these homes? After all, we "test drive" cars before we buy them!  Homes are built in stages, not on an assembly line.  Fortunately, new building codes are created and implimented every 3 years.  It's up to each State to "adopt" these energy codes. If you aren't sure about your state and what code was followed when building your home, check this site.   Because we don't "test live" in our homes prior to purchasing...
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By Jan Green - Scottsdale, AZ, HomeSmart Elite Group, REALTOR®, EcoBroker, GREEN
(Value Added Service, 602-620-2699)
After the Festivities The Waste Management Phoenix Open is over.  The Super Bowl is over.  The sun is shining and all is almost back to normal.  During our "festivities" our traffic was a bit snarled near the Stadium, downtown Phoenix, and Downtown Scottsdale.  But if you weren't near those locations it wasn't apparent.  Our city has won management awards for the layout of the city, freeways, and a score of other accolades as we're over 400 square miles and 4.37 million residents! Airports were backlogged today due to bad weather back east.  But all is about back to normal here in the Valley of the Sun.   This past weekend was one of the biggest our City of Phoenix has encountered in many recent years. Tiger Woods returned to Scottsdale to play in the Waste Management Phoenix Open for t...
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By Jan Green - Scottsdale, AZ, HomeSmart Elite Group, REALTOR®, EcoBroker, GREEN
(Value Added Service, 602-620-2699)
National Weatherization Program  As the winter weather roars across the country, this program bears repeating. National Weatherization Program.  In every state, this program was created in 1976 by the Department of Energy.    Check out this link to see if you qualify with the major guideline being income.  Persons older than 60,  households with one or more disabled persons, and families with children automatically qualify.  For a State by State comparison, check out this site, DSIREUSA.ORG.    Of course the visuals we are seeing this winter don't look quite like this, but the information is spot on. Check out this video for the National Weatherization Program.     
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