City of Scottsdale Teaches About Water Safety

Here in Scottsdale, Arizona, there are many swimming pools (at people's homes as well as at hotels and public areas), not to mention our local rivers and lakes. So a lot of swimming takes place here. On July 13th, a 20 month old child drowned in her family's back yard pool, the first drowning reported this summer. In response, the city of Scottsdale is sponsoring many activities as part of Arizona's Drowning Impact Awareness Month.

This Wednesday, August 1st, there will be a water safety day at each of Scottsdale's four public pools (Cactus, Chaparral, Eldorado, and McDowell Mountain Ranch). The event will include games and prizes, and of course, water safety tips along with a mock water rescue.

On August 19th, Scottsdale will have a Water Walk from 6 PM to 9 PM to bring water safety information to residents at their homes.

For more information, call 480-312-POOL.

Yes, Scottsdale residents definitely enjoy their swimming and their lounging by the pool. If you'd like to be one of them, contact Choice Group Realty today and we will help you find your perfect Scottsdale home, swimming pool and all.

Scottsdale Home Prices Holding Up Market

As the number of homes on the market rises and home prices fall across the country, Scottsdale's real estate market remains strong. A recent report by USA Today demonstrated that although some home prices in the Scottsdale area have fallen, their time on the market remains less than 40 days. There are a lot of homes on the market, but buyers are still snapping them up, demonstrating the value attached to homes in this area.

There is value to be found in Scottsdale-area homes in the sub-$700,000 price range, as smaller home prices have fallen compared to a year ago. Homes priced above that level continue to sell very strongly.

The USA Today article highlights an 11.25 acre ranch purchased in 1999 for $3.2 million which is on the market at a price of $12 million, highlighting the strong appreciation in Scottsdale real estate over the last decade.

If you are going to purchase property in Scottsdale, we strongly advise you to seek the expertise of an agency that knows this area. Choice Group Realty specializes in Scottsdale and others areas around Phoenix, and we know how to get you the most home for your money (or get the most money for your home). So contact us today.

Chef Brad Miller Brings a Little More Fame to Scottsdale Dining

Hell's Kitchen is a reality TV show that airs on Fox. In it, a group of young chefs work in a restaurant for celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay. Ramsay is to the world of cooking what Simon Cowell is to music - he's rude and has a quick, sharp tongue - and that's why people love him. This season, the show's third, featured a young Sous Chef from right here in Scottsdale - Chef Brad Miller.

Only 24, Miller already has an accomplished resume that includes attending the Scottsdale Culinary Institute and stints at some of the Scottsdale area's finest restaurants, such as the Arizona Biltmore and the Latilla.

Miller represented himself well on the show, but circumstances conspired against him and he ended up being the seventh chef eliminated. In a recent article on buddytv.com, Miller talked about the fact that because of the time constraints, participants were often edited to appear worse than they really were. In his final show, many problems were blamed on him that were a result of the actions of others. But viewers did not see all of that.

Despite his exit from the show, Miller represented himself and Scottsdale well. He is already receiving many calls as a result of the show, but hopefully he will stick around Scottsdale and its top-notch dining scene.

Choice Group Realty knows Scottsdale. If you are looking for a home here in Scottsdale or anywhere else near Phoenix, please talk to us before deciding on a realtor. You'll be glad you did.

Scottsdale, Arizona - the New Fashion Destination

We've got on at length about the many attractions and outdoor activities available to residents of the Scottsdale area, but did you know this is also an emerging fashion destination? Christopher Cashak is doing everything he can to make sure the world knows it. Cashak is a former executive at a national fashion publication who has founded an online television show called CASHAK.TV.

CASHAK.TV includes fashion show videos, fashion spreads, interviews and more. The web site focuses purely on young fashion-savvy women who are in an income bracket to afford high-end fashions. Most of the site's content is generated right here in Scottsdale, where the company is based.

Throughout the summer, the online show has filmed footage at Scottsdale pool parties, asking fashion questions to the attendees. The footage has been used to create a countdown of the hottest bikinis, sunglasses, etc. for this summer.

The company films a monthly fashion show that takes place at Six Lounge in Scottsdale. The shows feature fashions from local stores.

So...what does this have to do with real estate? Not much. But it just kind-of points to the fact that Scottsdale is one of the hippest, hottest parts of the country. So why wouldn't you want to live here?

For help finding a Scottsdale home that meets your needs and matches your personality, contact Choice Group Realty today.

Restaurant Expansion Highlights Scottsdale Canal Growth

The city of Scottsdale is committed to economic growth along its famed canal. The city is funding new walkways and bridges along the north and south banks of the canal near Scottsdale Road, along with the Marshall Way bridge and Plaza and another public plaza that will include a bridge designed by famous architect Paolo Soleri.

But what's just as exciting is the private investment going on in the same area. A strong example of this is the Kyoto Japanese Restaurant. The owner of the restaurant, Masa Kudo, is undertaking a $4 million expansion that will have space for offices and shops, as well as an underground parking lot.

The restaurant will expand from 4,000 square feet to 5,000 square feet, and capacity will increase from 130 to 180. Kyoto is well known around Scottsdale for its high quality, affordable sushi and teppanyaki. The restaurant has been in business for nearly a quarter-century, so clearly Kudo is doing something right.

This type of building expansion, along with the city-sponsored plazas, walkways and bridges, and new residential development, shows that the canal is definitely a hot and growing area of Scottsdale.

If you are looking for a home in the Scottsdale area, call Choice Group Realty today. We know Scottsdale!

RealTravel Rates Fountain Hills the Number Two Hidden Treasure in North America

"Team Edwards" is the name of a couple involved in an online travel community called RealTravel. The site, which was labeled the Best Online Travel Community Site of the Year for 2007 by the Association of Travel Marketing Executives, is a travel blogging and travel guide site. Team Edwards recently concluded a three month journey around the U.S. and Canada. Real Travel subsequently released a press release entitled "Real Travel Reveals Top Ten American Treasures" based on the Team Edwards experience.

Coming in at number two on the list is our very own Fountain Hills. Team Edwards was very impressed by the town's fountain, which is the tallest in the world. Team Edwards described their experience as so:

It was by far one of the oddest sights we’ve experienced. Apparently the fountain is on a schedule — on for 10 minutes, off for 10 minutes. Luckily, we happened on it while it was on. The pond and fountain were part of a beautiful park, complete with ducks and cactus gardens.

There are so many incredible treasures right here in our own back yard. If you haven't been to the famous fountain in Fountain Hills, you definitely need to pay it a visit.

Other notable sites on the list included California's Avenue of the Giants (coming in at number one), Chattanooga's Ruby Falls, and the Badlands of South Dakota.

You can read the entire article here.

If you're thinking of living in Fountain Hills or anywhere in the Scottsdale/Phoenix areas, please let Choice Group Realty help you find your perfect home.

Scottsdale Arts Festival Seeking Artists

Every year, Scottsdale is home to one of the nation's top arts festivals - the Scottsdale Arts Festival. The event is organized by the Scottsdale Cultural Council and annually attracts submissions from over 900 artists.

The festival takes place March 7 - 9, 2008 at the Scottsdale Civic Center Mall.

Approximately 200 artists will be selected to display their work. Artists are selected by a panel of art professionals, and prizes are awarded in multiple categories. Almost any media is eligible - from ceramic to wood working.

To apply, visit www.zapplication.org between July 15th and October 17th. There is a $30 fee to apply.

To learn more, visit http://www.scotssdaleartsartsfestival.org. This is a wonderful event that anyone who is into art will love. Highly recommended.

Loop 101 Corridor - Further Proof of Growth for Scottsdale

A recent article in the Arizona Republic highlighted the commercial development happening on the Loop 101 corridor between Scottsdale and Tempe, including:

• Pima Center, a $700 million development that will offer 3.5 million square feet of space for offices, retail businesses, and lodging.
• Riverwalk Arizona, a 187 acre mixed-use development by the Alter group.
• Calendar Stick, a development that was completed in 2005.
• Expansion at Chaparral Business Park.
• Windstone, a $50 million retail shopping center.

The article states that, according to the economic development department of the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community, up to 10 million square feet of development is under construction.

Although the home market has slipped in recent months (and really, wasn't it due for some kind of correction?), land in general in the Scottsdale area remains a valuable, precious commodity.

If you are interested in purchasing real estate in the Scottsdale/Phoenix areas, contact Choice Group Realty today!

Free Concerts at McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park Coming to an End Soon

If you don't know about McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park, then you need to go check it out if you are anywhere near the Scottsdale area. Through the early part of the summer, the park has free concerts featuring local acts performing everything from rock to blues. But there are only two concert nights left, July 8th and 15th, so you're almost out of time to enjoy these free, outdoor concerts. You can even ride the train during the show!

Speaking of trains, the train at the park is the main attraction. The Paradise and Pacific Railroad is an exact 5/12 size replica of a Colorado narrow gauge railroad. The track is 1 mile long and the cost to ride is only $1.00 (free for children under 3). It's a truly unique and enjoyable experience that we highly recommend, especially if you have children.

Scottsdale is full of parks and outdoor activities for people of all ages. So come visit us and you may just decide you like it here so much you want to stay. Contact Choice Group Realty if you ever have need for help finding your perfect home.

Land Sale Demonstrates Incredible Value of Scottsdale Real Estate

A land sale recently occurred in which a 123 acre tract of Arizona desert located between Scottsdale and Paradise Valley sold for $100 million. That's $813 thousand per acre for undeveloped desert. The property will be turned into a Ritz-Carlton community with a hotel, luxury homes and villas. It is reported that Earl Holding originally purchased the land in the 1970's for just over $5 million. He then sold the land in 2005 for $86 million.

Now we certainly don't mean to imply that you can use this as a gauge for the value or expected appreciation in value of your home. But it's an example, in general, of the value afforded to real estate in this part of Maricopa County. Real estate here is a good investment.

Lucky for you there are land and homes on the market. And people familiar with the area who can advise you on your investment. We strongly advise investors in real estate to seek the services of qualified brokers who specialize in a particular area.

Choice Group Realty can help you find your perfect Scottsdale home. We know Scottsdale real estate. We'd be happy to talk to you.

Scottsdale - Summertime Luxury on a Budget

Scottsdale is home to many high class resorts that are generally on the expensive side (in the area of $500 per night), but offer incredible accommodations and luxury. However, during the summer months, these rooms can be had for a fraction of the cost.

It is hot in Scottsdale this time of year, no doubt. But it's not the dripping wet humid hot that you get in the deep South. And the area is still a wonderful location for experiencing the great outdoors. What's better in 100+ degree weather than a raft ride down a cool river?

During the summertime, Scottsdale's resorts target the summertime vacation crowd, which is different from the convention crowd, where the resorts normally make their money. This provides an opportunity for families to have a first-class vacation at a deep discount.

There are also over 200 golf courses in Maricopa County, so if your vacation plans include a little golf, there is nowhere better to visit.

And while you're here, if you decide this might be a place you want to stay (which we highly recommend), we have many homes to show you. Just give us a call!

Need Quick Emergency Room Service? Come to Scottsdale, Arizona

A recent study by Press Gainey Associates shows that the national average length of time between when a patient enters and leaves a hospital emergency room is about four hours. Unfortunately, for much of the state of Arizona that time is more than five hours. But not if you live in Scottsdale.

Scottsdale Healthcare, the company that operates Scottsdale's two emergency rooms, states that its average ER length of visit is three hours - much quicker than the state and national averages. Four years ago the emergency rooms at Shea and Osborn Hospitals initiated a "Throughput Project" to focus on efficient patient visits. Given that some patients coming through emergency rooms have very serious problems, minutes of time can sometimes mean the difference between life and death.

Scottsdale will also benefit from the opening of a third emergency room when Scottsdale Healthcare Thompson Peak, a new medical facility, opens in November. The distribution of emergency medical care to a third facility should result in even greater improvements in ER care efficiency.

So...if your life circumstances dictate that you may need quick and efficient emergency room care, Scottsdale's highly efficient medical care may be just what you need. We have lots of houses for sale in Scottsdale, so call Choice Group Realty today and let us know how we can help you.