Released this week by Global Insight, a Boston analytical firm ranked Metro Phoenix 11th on a list of top 100 tourist destinations.
With New York City, Orlando, Florida, and Las Vegas making up the top 3 travel destinations, Phoenix is behind Atlanta and just above Tampa, Florida, as a destination, according to the firm’s Top 100 U.S. Tourism City Destinations for 2007.
Meanwhile, the report says Phoenix is more dependent on tourism as an economic contributor than cities such as Philadelphia and
Seattle, which the study said is are among the lesser tourism-dependent economies. It takes 135 visitors to create a single full-time job in metro Phoenix.
Translating tourism spending into economic impact, a number of cities stand out for their dependence on visitor commerce. Examining tourism’s percentage of total private employment, each destination city was given a concentration rank. Orlando, Las Vegas, and Honolulu top the list with a job dependence score that is 2.4, 2.1, and 1.8 times the average, respectively, of all destination cities. The economic diversity of New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles, all Top 10 tourism cities, makes them much less dependent upon visitors for overall economic vitality. Other destination cities with surprising tourism dependence included Boston, Phoenix, Arizona, Charlotte, North Carolina, and Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
It’s not surprising that the Metro Phoenix is a great destination for tourists with all the Amazing Professional Sports Phoenix has to offer. Top 20 U.S 2007 Tourism Destinations.
To read more about how Phoenix ranked 11th click here.
Candace Robinson REALTOR®
HomeSmart Real Estate
(480) 202-3558 direct
(480) 889-3700 office
(602) 710-2393 fax
1745 S. Alma School Rd. Ste 115
Mesa, Arizona 85210
www.phoenixarizonarealestatehomes.com
- Are you behind on mortgage payments?
- Does your adjustable rate mortgage continue to go up?
- Is there a temporary hardship keeping you from making payments?
- Do you owe more than your home is worth?
- Have you tried to refinance and can’t?
What is a Short Sale?
There are situations in which keeping your home just isn’t feasible but that doesn’t mean you have to foreclose. If your home is impossible to afford and market conditions have lessened the value of your home, a short sale would allow you to sell your home for less than what you owe on your mortgage.
To conduct a short sale, we have to first negotiate with your lender and get them agree to it. From their perspective, it makes sense because it allows them to avoid a long and costly foreclosure process. Remember, the lender is looking to avoid foreclosure as it’s considered a last resort.
For you, a short sale represents an opportunity to sell the home for less than what you owe and lessen the impact to your credit altogether.
What the short sale process entails?
From the time you determine to pursue a short sale, there are a few things that you will need to do.
- List the home with an agent. An experienced agent that is familiar and skilled in conducting short sales.
- Submit a hardship letter. Your hardship letter is important. It’s your chance to explain your situation and make your case for having the lender accept your loss mitigation request. I will be happy to provide a guideline on how to compose your letter to your lenders.
- Prepare the home to sell and allow showings. Working together to provide all necessary documentations to your lender/s and progress forward to ease your unfortunate situation.
Who qualifies for a Short Sale?
You may be thinking a short sale is the answer to your mortgage troubles. It’s very possible that it is, but there are some basic principles of a short sale qualification to consider. Here are three principle ways to qualify.
- Market value of the home has dropped. Most people looking at a short sale as an option have experienced a drop in home value to the point they now owe more than the home is worth.
- The mortgage is in default status or could be in the near future. With the current market being as it is, lenders are becoming more willing to consider a short sale even before the home goes into default. This helps them cut the problem off before it costs them more money.
- The seller has a hardship. With any loss mitigation program, documenting the hardship that has caused your current situation is required. Lenders might be particular about the hardship so it’s best to rely on a short sale expert to help you with the letter.
If you think you qualify for a short sale, please don’t hesitate to contact me to begin determining a course of action. It’s important to remember that time is not on your side in these situations and the quicker you act the better chance you have of achieving a successful short sale.
Candace Robinson REALTOR®
HomeSmart Real Estate
(480) 202-3558 direct
(480) 889-3700 office
(602) 710-2393 fax
1745 S. Alma School Rd. Ste 115
Mesa, Arizona 85210
www.phoenixarizonarealestatehomes.com
Well, the heat index is certainly rising, but that isn’t preventing ADOT from continuing it’s work to enhance many of our roadways this weekend. The good news, as you can see from the details below, is that most of the work is not going to result in actual road closures - just some lane restrictions.
PDF Version
Weekend Freeway Restrictions in Phoenix Area (July 25-28)
Several improvement projects to add lanes and improve access along Valley freeways will require restrictions in the Phoenix area this weekend (July 25-28). The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) recommends drivers allow for extra travel time while the following restrictions are in place:
Loop 101 (Pima Freeway) narrowed to one lane in both directions between 90th Street and Cactus Road for installation of temporary concrete barrier for ongoing carpool lane project. The northbound lanes will be narrowed from 1 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Saturday (July 26) and the southbound lanes will be narrowed from 1 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Sunday (July 27). DETOUR: Drivers should allow extra travel time and be prepared to slow down and merge safely in the work zone.
Project benefit: ADOT is adding carpool lanes to a 15-mile stretch of Loop 101 through Scottsdale . The project is expected to be complete in 2009.
Eastbound Loop 101 (Pima Freeway) narrowed to two lanes between 56th Street and Scottsdale Road from 9 p.m. Friday to 5 a.m. Saturday (July 26) for sign installation at the new 64th Street interchange. Eastbound Loop 101 on-ramp at 56th Street and off-ramp at Scottsdale Road closed. DETOUR: Please slow down and be prepared to merge safely in the work zone.
Project benefit: The Loop 101 interchange at 64th Street is being constructed as part of the 20-year Regional Transportation Plan approved by voters in 2004. The interchange is the first step in future planned development in the area.
Eastbound Loop 202 (Red Mountain Freeway) narrowed between Priest Drive and Mill Avenue from 11:30 p.m. Friday to 9 p.m. Sunday (July 27) for construction work on the Mill Avenue Bridge . The eastbound Loop 202 on-ramp at Center Parkway will also be closed during this project. DETOUR: Please slow down and be prepared to merge safely in the work zone.
Project benefit: The Red Mountain Freeway overpass widening project precedes the future widening project on Loop 202 from State Route 51 (Piestewa Freeway) to Loop 101 (Pima Freeway). The widening project will add westbound lanes from Loop 101 to Scottsdale Road and eastbound lanes from SR 51 to Loop 101.
Northbound I-17 on-ramp at Carefree Highway (State Route 74) closed from 9 p.m. Friday to 5 a.m. Saturday (July 26) for bridge work. DETOUR: Drivers should take I-17 southbound at Carefree Highway , exit at Jomax Road , and then use the temporary detour on the frontage road between Jomax and Happy Valley roads to enter northbound I-17 at Jomax Road .
Project benefit: ADOT is adding new lanes and interchanges along I-17 from the Loop 101 to the Carefree Highway to improve traffic flow and reduce congestion. The project is expected to be complete in 2009.
For a complete listing of freeway and highway closures or restrictions across Arizona , visit ADOT’s Travel Information site at www.az511.gov or call 5-1-1. Some weekend freeway construction work may be subject to cancellation due to severe weather.
The Arizona Department of Transportation is coordinating freeway improvements throughout the Valley. These projects - which include new freeways, additional lanes and interchanges, rubberized asphalt, new landscaping and more - are included in the 20-year Regional Transportation Plan for Maricopa County . More than $15 billion in comprehensive, diverse transportation improvements are funded in the plan through a voter-approved sales tax that became effective in January 2006. More information on ADOT’s freeway portion of the Regional Transportation Plan is available at www.azdot.gov/ValleyFreeways.
Provided by ADOT News & Bob Lambert | Stewart Title Ahwatukee | (480) 205.5481
Candace Robinson REALTOR®
HomeSmart Real Estate
(480) 202-3558 direct
(480) 889-3700 office
(602) 710-2393 fax
1745 S. Alma School Rd. Ste 115
Mesa, Arizona 85210
www.phoenixarizonarealestatehomes.com
After living in Arizona for over 34 years, I can finally say I have actually hiked one of our trails in the greater Phoenix area.
My good friend Shelli Bates with LandAmerica Title invited me to hike the trail, knowing I was a total beginner!
The Wind Cave Trail in the Usery Mountain Recreation Area heading out east approximately 30 minutes from downtown Phoenix.
If you are looking for a hike the whole family can enjoy, the Wind Cave Trail just might be the best choice. The lower stretches of the 1.6-mile trail are easy enough for everyone from toddlers to octogenarians. The upper half is steeper and more challenging, but I am sure there are plenty of youngsters that could handle the trek to the cave.
By the way, the “cave” is little more than a wind-carved hollow at the base of a high cliff. It’s only 10 or 12 feet high and extends only a few feet into the cliff. Still, it provides welcome shade (especially in the summer) and makes a terrific spot to lunch while soaking in the expansive views to the north and west.
The Wind Cave Trail begins at the large parking area (which will most likely be full to overflowing on weekends) at the end of Wind Cave Drive West, at the end of Usery Park Road. Almost immediately you cross the Pass Mountain Trail and enter the Tonto National Forest.
Right away you notice the weird, multicolored mountain to the east. Look to the southern end, where it juts out to the west. The shaded overhang at the base of the light-colored cliff is your destination.
The wide, sandy trail zigzags through lush Sonoran desert, steadily gaining elevation. On a clear day you can see downtown Phoenix, about 30 miles away.
Although other trails in the park are open to mountain bikers and horseback riders, the Wind Cave Trail is for hikers only. (Dogs are allowed as long as they’re on a leash. Don’t forget to bring a scooper.)
The trail steepens as you ascend, and leads south along the base of the lichen-stained cliffs.
Prepared with water bottles and good hiking boots we made our way up the well built and maintained trail.
Immediately into our first few steps we were introduced to one of Arizona’s finest desert rattlers, you got it, he was guarding the trail. After a few hikers encouraged him to move off the trail, I agreed to carry on, of course not without a picture.
Shelli patiently talked me through the climb and encouraged me to keep on going. We made it to the top in a fashionable time, I am sure I didn’t break any record. The average hike is timed to be approximately an hour and a half for the round trip to the cave, another 45 minutes for the round trip to the summit.
We journeyed to the top where we found a handful of hanging plants clinging to the ceiling, where water seeps through the rock. There was a smaller, slightly more secluded cave to the left.
To the right is a much more difficult trail that leads nearly a half-mile to the summit of the hill atop Wind Cave where you gain stunning views: the forbidding Superstition Mountains in the east, Four Peaks dominate the northeast. From the summit itself you have spectacular, 360-degree views.
We didn’t take in the more difficult trail up to the summit, however I would like to attempt it soon.
Our time spent up top enjoying the views of the San Tan Mountains to the East and Phoenix in the West and the fountain of Fountain Hills to the north was pretty amazing. We had a little rain to keep us cool and as we watched the clouds sift away after the rain, we had a great view of the valley below.
You won’t find too many folks on the trail to the summit, but you can expect a fairly steady stream of hikers enjoying the scenic, not-too-strenuous stroll to Wind Cave.
If you go–
Where: From Phoenix, take U.S. 60 east to Exit 191. Take Ellsworth Road north 6.6 miles to the Usery Mountain Recreation Area. Turn east into the park, then follow Usery Park Road a little more than a mile to Wind Cave Drive. Go north to the parking area.
When: The park is open 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays, 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. Trails are open sunrise to sunset.
Admission: $6 per vehicle park entry fee.
Difficulty level: Moderate to Wind Cave, strenuous to the summit.
Length: 3.2 miles round trip to Wind Cave; additional 0.8 mile round trip to the summit.
Details: (480) 984-0032.
Candace Robinson REALTOR®
HomeSmart Real Estate
(480) 202-3558 direct
(480) 889-3700 office
(602) 710-2393 fax
1745 S. Alma School Rd. Ste 115
Mesa, Arizona 85210
www.PhoenixArizonaRealEstateHomes.com
I’ve played softball for as long as I can remember. I don’t remember when exactly I picked up the passion for softball, however I recall playing fast pitch competitively in Junior High School in Mesa, Arizona.
I continued to play many sports in the Mesa School District throughout my latter school years. I lettered in several sports, you could say I lived and loved sports as a youth.
Not much has changed as an adult, I continued playing through my early 20’s, 30’s and now in my 40’s. With each generation however, I definitely slowed down and worked on perfecting my skills and agility more so than attempt to be some hot shot ball player. I’ve even given my love for sports a lift with adding in golf. Really, how can anyone live in the greater Phoenix Metro area and not love or participate in golf sometime in their residency here. If you haven’t, perhaps now is a great time to check it out.
Back to softball, I had the great pleasure to finally check out a long awaited ball field located here in Gilbert, Arziona. Field of Dreams Ball park is located near Elliot Rd and Recker Rd. on the northwest corner. You certainly can’t miss it.
| 2735 W MANZANITA ST Apache Junction, AZ 85220 | $106,500 |
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| Beds/Baths: 3 / 2 SF: 1,296 / County Assessor Year Built: 1996 Pool - Private: No Pool Spa: None EF: 32RDX2+C Lot Size: 12,501 - 15,000 Level: Single Level |
Subdivision: UNKNOWN Tax Municipality: Apache Junction Marketing Name: Planned Cmty Name: Model: Builder Name: GOLDEN WEST Hun Block: 1300 N Map Code/Grid: Q44 |
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| Ele Sch Dist: 043 Elementary School: Four Peaks Jr. High School: Desert Sands |
High School Dist #: 043 High School: Apache Junction |
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| Cross Streets: UNIVERSITY & MERIDIAN Directions: EAST ON UNIVERSITY, NORTH ON WARNER, EAST ON MANZANITA, SECOND HOME ON RIGHT! |
Remarks: OPEN AND BRIGHT FLOORPLAN, 3 BEDROOM, 2 BATH DOUBLE WIDE MANUFACTURED HOME WITH FIREPLACE AND OVER 13,000 SQ FOOT LOT! LARGE KITCHEN WITH PLENTY OF CABINETRY, BREAKFAST BAR AND LARGE EAT-IN BREAKFAST ROOM! SPLIT FLOOR PLAN WITH FULL MASTER SUITE WITH SEPARATE SHOWER/TUB. WOOD DECK ENTRANCE, WITH PARTIAL CLOSURE ON COVERED PARKING THAT CAN BE CONVERTED TO GARAGE! FORMAL DINING AREA FEATURES NICE GLASS SLIDER TO BACK YARD AND STONE FIREPLACE! STORAGE SHED INCLUDED, 1000 GALLON SEPTIC, RV GATE!
Fantastic 7,001 square foot corner lot in Mesa, Arizona ready for new home! Zoned for single family or manufactured home. Mature Landscaping and nice community in Apache Paradise. Home situated on corner of Paradise Street and Baywood Ave in developed subdivision.
Bring your own home or have one built. Super convenient to shopping, freeway access and great schools.
Immaculate Home in Desirable Higley Groves West. Beautiful tree-lined streets with plenty of parks and HOA maintained green-belts.
Pride of ownership, this beauty features a split floor plan with Formal Living and Dining rooms, Full Mastersuite with separate tub/shower! Dual vanities, his and her walk-in closets, custom coffer in the mastersuite.
Fabulous decorator touches with custom colors, ceiling fans through out, 20″ tile with accents of travertine squares. Gourmet kitchen with granite counters, 42″ upgraded light Oak cabinets, built-in desk, microwave and walk-in pantry.
This island kitchen features the stove-top in the island. Breakfast eat-in area, plenty of cabinetry for storage and double ovens! The backyard features a heated salt-water pebble sheen pool with water feature! Therapy jets in pool bench!
Professional landscape in front and back yards, sprinkler/drip system, grassy areas with custom concrete stained patio. RV Gate, extended patio with custom natural gas Fire Bowl! Plumbed for natural gas for future BBQ. Convenient location to schools, fine dining, shopping, theaters and freeway access, I-60, Loop 202. The home boasts so many custom touches and upgrades, it’s a must see!
See other Higley Groves West listings.
What is the difference between a real estate agent and a real estate broker?
Most states require real estate sales professionals to be licensed by the state, so that they can control education and experience requirements and have a central authority to resolve consumer problems.
The terminology used to identify real estate professionals varies a little from state to state. Brokers are generally required to have more education and experience than real estate salespersons or agents.
The person you normally deal with is a real estate agent or salesperson. The salesperson is licensed by the state, but must work for a broker. All listings are placed in the broker’s name, not the salesperson’s. A broker can deal directly with home buyers and sellers, or can have a staff of salespersons or agents working for him or her.
Anthem at Merrill Ranch, just north of Historic Florence in the Southeast Valley of Phoenix, offers all that you’d expect from a Del Webb community. Rock climbing, a skate park, championship golf, indoor basketball and a bustling community center are just a few amenities that will be conveniently located virtually in your backyard. From the masterful entry to renowned amenities, mostly including an 18-hole championship golf course, you’ll find a place tailored to fit how today’s families live, work and play.
This 3,200 acre master planned community includes 9,100 homes and 39 home plans from the low $100s.
Beyond the beautiful homes and vibrant neighborhoods of Anthem at Merrill Ranch, you’ll find the nearby town of Historic Florence, featuring a Main Street and quaint downtown. Travel just a little further into Phoenix you’ll discover all of the cultural, recreational and entertainment you’d expect from a major metropolitan area.
CURRENT ACTIVE HOMES TO LEFT
You will find culture and sport venues nearby in the East valley in the Chandler Center for the Arts, Mesa Southwest Art Museum and Gammage Auditorium. In downtown Phoenix you can enjoy all the major sports as well as cultural encounters such as: Chase Field, home of the Arizona Diamondbacks, and U.S. Airways Center, home of the Phoenix Suns.
In April 2008, it was announced that a local hospital plans to build in Florence. Anthem is in close proximity to quality medical facilities CHW Mercy Gilbert Medical Center, Banner Gateway Medical Center and Casa Grande Regional Hospital.
For the adventurous, you’ll find plenty of recreational venues nearby including the Copper Basin YMCA, Lost Dutchman State Park, Queen Creek Parks and Recreation, Florence Recreation Areas and Hohokam Park - although we don’t think you’ll ever run out of things to do Anthem at Merrill Ranch!
Anthem’s very own K-8 school is now open on site, and part of the Florence Unified School District. High School students living at Anthem attend the nearby Florence High School. For higher education, Arizona State University’s main campus is just a short drive away, located in Tempe, Arizona and Arizona State University’s Polytechnic Campus is located in nearby Mesa.
Poston Butte Golf Club, is operated by Troon Golf, widely regarded as one of the world’s premier golf management companies. The rare combination of Del Webb, Gary Panks, and Troon Golf ensures pristine playing conditions, a challenging layout, and impeccable service. Whether playing with your regular foursome or guests, you’ll be proud to say this is your home course.
