The nine-acre Desert Camp Community Center at DC Ranch features sports courts, an Olympic-size pool, children’s wading pool, playground, exercise and fitness room, garden patios, computer access, and meeting rooms.

A variety of DC Ranch summer camps are offered at the facility, including Kindermusik and sports camps.

Summer Sizzle is for residents of all ages

Every Saturday in June (beginning on the 8th), the Desert Camp Community Center pool at Dc Ranch invites you to beat the heat at its Summer Sizzle event.  From 11am to 2pm, the pool area is turned into a resort-style oasis.  Live music fills the air as guests sip on cocktails.  Everyone will receive two complimentary drinks in the theme of the day.  There are non-alcoholic options available.  Family-friendly activities keep everyone engaged.

There is a different theme each week:

• June 8th – Island Escape (Caribbean inspiration)
• June 15th – Fiesta En Fuego (Spanish influence)
• June 22nd – Surf’s Up (when Beach Boys ruled)
• June 29th – Dance Party USA (live DJ spinning today’s popular hits)

More about DC Ranch’s Lifestyle

DC Ranch is located at the base of the majestic McDowell Mountains. This 4,400-acre north Scottsdale community wows the senses with its views of the saguaro-strewn high Sonoran desert and surrounding mountains.

The DC Ranch Real Estate market is more complex than other areas in Arizona, or even in Scottsdale, because as a community, DC Ranch was designed to build neighborhood connections between homeowners, with an environment designed to foster family and community connections. This “vibrant and growing” area features tree lined streets, plus Spanish, Craftsman, and Western architectural styles.

Communities within DC Ranch range from Silverleaf, an exclusive guard-gated enclave, to tree-lined streets reminiscent of a classic front-porch-centric Main Street lifestyle to quaint villages of intimate cottages and courtyard homes, including stacked-flat designs Still other areas are host to ultra-sophisticated homes set on multi-million-dollar real estate hidden-away deep inside the desert landscape.

When it comes to social and recreational amenities, DC Ranch definitely makes the scene with its two beautiful private clubs, The Country Club and The Silverleaf Club. Each Club enjoys a stunning clubhouse, first-rate tennis and swimming facilities and a challenging golf course set in a spectacularly scenic environment.

Summer Sizzle and more awaits you as a resident of DC Ranch.
Live this Lifestyle.  See Homes for Sale in DC Ranch

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Situated in the high desert of North Scottsdale, Baraca Estates will feature four of Trend Homes’ exquisite Luxury Series floor plans in a number of different styles, including Spanish and Tuscan-influenced designs. These single-story floor plans will range in size from 3,583-4,446 square feet with 4-5 bedrooms, 3.5-5 bathrooms and options for dens and guest suites.

Trend Homes has taken advantage of the natural beauty of the Northeast Scottsdale Desert by providing many outdoor living spaces in which to spend time outdoors basking in the Sonoran Desert Landscape.  Relax or entertain guests on your covered patios and in your courtyards. Each floor plan includes an optional multi-slide glass door for opening up your living room to the backyard and allowing you to maximize enjoyment of the natural serene desert setting.

About Baraca Estates Luxury Home Community

• Baraca’s Luxury Home Community is located near Carefree and Cave Creek.
• Make new golfing friends at nearby Boulders Resort and Golf Club, Legend Trail Golf Club and Troon North Golf Club.
• Choose from sixteen lots.
• Pricing on these brand new luxury homes are not yet announced, but you may want to reserve your lot, as they will not last long.

Baraca Estates Floor Plans

1003 Plan
Single Story / 3,628 Sq. Ft. / 4 Bedroom w/Den & Guest House / 4.5 Bath

1005 Plan
Single Story / 4,144 Sq. Ft. / 3 Bedroom w/Den & Guest Suite / 4.5 Bath

3004 Plan
Single Story / 4.295 Sq. Ft. / 3 Bedroom w/Den & Guest Suite /3.5 Bath

3007 Plan
Single Story / 4,466 Sq. Ft. / 3 Bedroom w/Den & Guest Suite / 3 Bath 

 
Remember to take your Realtor along to represent you looking a new construction.  Give us a call to view the new Baraca Luxury Home Community (602) 571-3730.

Find Your  Luxury Home in a Scottsdale  HERE.

The post New Baraca Luxury Home Community Opens in North Scottsdale appeared first on Arizona Home Group - Search for Homes in Arizona.

Several of the communities already are open.

“These are premium neighborhoods in the sweet spot of the market.” he said. Prices average in the $300,000s with plans of about 3,000 square feet, although the sizes and prices vary.

Seven of the new developments are in the East Valley, and six in the West Valley. All the East Valley homes are outside Loop 202, and five of the six west-side communities are near Loop 303 and Interstate 10.

The plans utilize Maracay’s “FlexDesign” plans, in which the potential buyers can use different rooms for different purposes, depending on the buyer’s needs.

Maracay Homes New Features

- An owner’s entry, which replaces the usual laundry room entrance through the garage with storage and a technology station.

- Laundry rooms moved closer to sleeping quarters, including some models with doors leading from closets in the master bedroom to the laundry area.

- “Generation suites” are bedrooms that can be customized as private quarters for multigenerational households. These can be set up like efficiency apartments, with living, kitchen and sleeping in one large room, or as suites.

- “Jack and Jill baths,” shared by two bedrooms, provide privacy for residents.

The company plans to offer six exterior styles.

The New Arizona Living Collection home plans will debut at Maracay Homes’ new communities opening this year including Vaquero Ranch and Artesian Ranch in Chandler, Lyon’s Gate and Bridges in Gilbert, Eastmark in Mesa, Montelena and Villagio in Queen Creek, Los Vientos and Calderra at Palm Valley in Goodyear, and The Reserve in Peoria.

Source:  Michael Clancy The Republic | azcentral.com

Be  sure you are represented in a New Home Sale,  bring your Realtor to register. Remember the New Home Sales agent works for the Builder.

The post Maracay Homes Introduces New Arizona Living Collection home plans appeared first on Arizona Home Group - Search for Homes in Arizona.

The US Senate’s “Gang of 8” released its bipartisan immigration reform bill, “Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act of 2013″. This is only a proposed law and has to go through the normal political vetting, committees, voting by both the Senate and the House and then signed into law by the President but it is a bipartisan bill which means it may have a chance of actually passing through all of the different obstacles to become law.

The bill includes new immigration opportunities for Canadians who want to retire in US

• Extending the possible stay in Visitor status to 240 days; and
• Creating a nonimmigrant (non-green card) retiree visa which allows individuals who maintain $500,000 in US real estate to live year round in the US.

The post Retiring in the US May Get Easier for Canadians appeared first on Arizona Home Group - Search for Homes in Arizona.

Some of the cities that were hit the hardest by the housing crash and resulting foreclosure epidemic are also recovering the fastest.  Phoenix saw a year over year price gain of 24 percent, Miami 14 percent, and Las Vegas 13 percent. Dr. Stiff observed that demand in Phoenix is being driven primarily by investors. As prices rise, the profitability of investment properties will erode, dragging down investor demand.

On balance, more areas are growing than not. Texas, southern California and south Florida are all particularly strong. Declines are largely concentrated in the northwest and southeast.

Increases in Home Prices will Decelerate in 2013

CoreLogic said that while the data point to continuing price appreciation, the overall national rate of home price increases is projected to decelerate in 2013 from 2012 levels. The CoreLogic Case-Shiller Indexes project a 2.5 percent home price increase in 2013, as the market dynamic shifts again in bubble/crash metro areas. While homes in these markets are still significantly undervalued, the strong investor demand for foreclosed properties, record levels of housing affordability and other demand factors that have driven recent double-digit price gains are unlikely to persist throughout the year.

Price appreciation is also expected to contribute to an increased supply of available homes as owners who have been locked into their current homes due to negative equity or were just unwilling to sell at existing prices begin to list their homes for sale.  This will tend to curtail the portion of price increases that have been fed by unmet demand.

Read full article here: The Mortgage News Daily

The post What States Had Home Prices Rise Since 2009? appeared first on Arizona Home Group - Search for Homes in Arizona.

The DC Ranch Community Council, in conjunction with the White Mountain Road Club, will host the fourth annual Criterium at DC Ranch on Sunday, May 19, in Canyon Village.

There are many ways to participate, ride in one of the many cycling events (register on WMRC.org).The average speed and intensity are appreciably higher than traditional races. The Crit is a spectator-friendly opportunity and adds an element of excitement while raising awareness of competitive cycling; in addition the Crit is a full day of bike races, including child and family activities, and offers spectator opportunities.

Registration for the Criterium is available on wmrc.org. Registration for the Oct. 13 Tour de Scottsdale, both 30-mile and 70-mile citizen’s rides, will open at a discounted rate at the Criterium. Pricing on May 19 only will be an all-time low price for Tour registration; online Tour registration will open May 20 at standard early-bird pricing.

“Bike racing is exciting to see at this event since the Criterium is on a closed course and is located at Canyon Village, which is the heart of the DC Ranch Community” said Brian Lemke, president of White Mountain Road Club and fellow cyclist. “It’s an unique way for racers to try something new, especially if you’re relatively new to the sport.”

Families can join the fun with the free Kids Race at 1:35 p.m. and Family Fun Ride at 1:50 p.m. RadioLogic will entertain riders and spectators with live music from 1 to 5:30 p.m., and Ciao Grazie will provide food and drink specials from 3 to 6 p.m. including half off all appetizers, drinks, and selected pizzas.

Register for the 10th annual Tour de Scottsdale

The Criterium at DC Ranch marks the opening of registration for the Tour’s 30-mile and 70-mile citizens’ rides in October. Riders who register in person at the Crit will receive an all-time low price for tour registration. Online tour registration will open on Monday, May 20, at standard early-bird pricing.

The Criterium at DC Ranch

WHEN: Sunday, May 19, 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

WHO: Families and children of all ages

WHERE: All cyclists launch from Canyon Village at Legacy Boulevard and Thompson Peak Parkway

CONTACT: Tempe Ligett at 480.342.7178 or tempe.ligett@dcranchinc.com.

CYCLIST ROUTE:

1. Thompson Peak Parkway south to Legacy Boulevard

2. East on Legacy Boulevard through Canyon Village parking lot

3. North through parking lot behind Canyon Village

4. West to Thompson Peak Parkway

5. North on Thompson Peak Parkway to Parkside Lane

6. South on Thompson Peak Parkway back to Legacy Boulevard to complete the 1-km loop

Make plans for a day-long block party full of music and cycling at the fourth annual Criterium at DC Ranch.

The post Cyclist Ready for the Criterium at DC Ranch appeared first on Arizona Home Group - Search for Homes in Arizona.

Here in Phoenix we see new home sales offices popping up throughout the valley, both luxury and mid-priced homes.  Sierra Reserve is a high-end custom new home development being built in Northeast Scottsdale that has buyers lined up and get onto a waiting list to purchase a lot.  Many of the mid-priced home builders throughout the valley are having difficulty keeping up with demand.

Home Builders are faced with fewer available construction-ready lots alongside an increasing demand for homes.  As inventories of both new and pre-owned homes shrink, demand for homes is growing as buyers take advantage of low mortgage rates.

The reading for May’s National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) /Wells Fargo Housing Market Index (HMI) increased by three points to a reading of 44 as compared to April’s revised reading of 41. The HMI measures builder confidence in current sales conditions for newly built homes, buyer foot traffic in new homes and builder expectations for future sales conditions.

Home Builder Confidence In Future New Home Sales Highest Since February 2007

The HMI reading for current sales conditions for newly built homes rose from 44 to 48. The reading for buyer foot traffic in new homes rose from 30 to 33, and builder confidence in future sales of new homes rose from 52 to 53, which is the highest reading posted for builder expectations since February 2007.

A reading of more than 50 indicates that more builders consider housing markets good than bad.

NAHB Chairman Rick Judson noted that home builders are facing challenges including rising costs for building materials, lots and labor as supply chains recover from the recession. He also said that builders took note of “urgency” among home buyers wanting to take advantage of low mortgage rates, but who are facing a dwindling supply of available homes.

Regional Housing Market Index Unchanged Except In West

HMI readings for three of the four geographical regions used in the HMI survey of builders remained unchanged with the Northeast at 37, Midwest at 45 and South at 42.

The reading for the West declined by five points to 49, and likely reflects the shortage of building space and available new homes for sale. The regional HMI figures are calculated as a three-month rolling average.

In some areas of the West, home sellers are again receiving multiple offers for homes, a clear indication of diminishing inventories of homes for sale.

With builders feeling confident about the future and poised to ramp up their home building efforts, it is a great time to consider selling a home.

The post Home Builder Confidence Reaches New Highs appeared first on Arizona Home Group - Search for Homes in Arizona.

Recently published  this list  with Desert Highlands, Desert Mountain, Silverleaf and Estancia among those named in the Top 5. Desert Highlands Golf Club was ranked #1 on the list as the most challenging for an average golfer. Silverleaf and the Chiricahua course at Desert Mountain Golf Club tied at a close second, and the Estancia Club ranked #4.

Ranking was determined by the U.S. Golf Association (USGA) Slope Database, with 155 being the highest rating. The number represents the relative difficulty of a course for a golfer whose handicap is 20—24 for female golfers. The Desert Highlands Golf Course has a USGA Slope rating of 150. Designed by Jack Nicklaus, this highly acclaimed course was host to the inaugural 1983 and 1984 Skins Games and boasts some of the most magnificent views in the Valley. For those up to the challenge, Desert Highlands offers a spectacular golf experience.

With over 200 courses throughout metro Phoenix, it is a testament to the quality and standard of golfing in Scottsdale that four Scottsdale courses top the list.

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Desert Highlands Golf

The Jack Nicklaus Signature golf course is at the center of the community. The course has classic Nicklaus style and design including narrow fairways with dramatic elevated tees and greens. The course is a par 72 with five sets of men’s tees and three sets of ladies’ tees. It was the inaugural home of the Skins Game featuring Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, Tom Watson and Gary Player. It was selected as one of “America’s Top 100 Golf Courses” by Golf Digest in 1986, 1991 and 1992. It was named as one of the “Best Private Golf Courses in the US” by Golf Digest in 2000 and 2002. The practice range has numerous practice stations with unlimited complimentary range balls. Separate pitching/chipping practice areas, as well as several sand practice areas. There are no restrictions on walking versus riding. All tee times can be reserved 7 days in advance.

There is also an extensive 18-hole Putting Course (par 41) featuring 60,000 square feet of putting surface. It was the only one of its kind in North America when it was built. Members can practice their short game on a full 18 hole course. The putting course is also a favorite of many “non-golfers” who simply want to pick up a club and get out there to enjoy the Arizona sunshine.

Desert Mountain Golf

Desert Mountain is the only private club in the world to offer Six Private Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Courses.All six courses were designed personally by Jack Nicklaus to provide a wide and varied golfing experience in a serene and natural setting. All six courses are world class 18-hole courses. Each offers a different golf experience and were designed for players of all skill levels. Enjoy playing a new course every day. The Cochise course was previously the site of The Countrywide Tradition, a major annual PGA Senior Tour event. All courses and clubhouses are private, open only to members and their guests. Desert Mountain also has some of the best practice facilities in Arizona with four practice ranges and many pitching, chipping and putting areas. The PGA trained professional staff is available to help all members with their games.

Silverleaf Golf

Choose any superlative in the book and we guarantee it will apply to your golf experience at Silverleaf. Everything will far exceed any expectations from the inspired design of the course to the optimum condition of the greens and the superb service each guest receives.

Course designer Tom Weiskopf is known for his ability to appreciate the land’s natural beauty and design a course that complements and blends with its surroundings. Silverleaf’s par-72 championship course is no exception, winding along 7,322 yards of high Sonoran Desert terrain through Horseshoe Canyon and Upper Canyon, at elevations 1,000 feet above the city lights.

Silverleaf is golf as it was meant to be played, and as you like it: the perfect combination of challenge and reward. Playability for every skill level is key, and multiple tees offer panoramic views along the course.

Estancia Golf

The Estancia Club, which opened in 1995, is nestled on 640 acres of the northern slope of Scottsdale’s famed landmark Pinnacle Peak in the gated community of Estancia. Honored internationally, the Tom Fazio designed 18-hole championship golf course offers 7,314 yards of superb golf, bent grass greens, and breathtaking views. Ease of play is impressive at 12,000 annual rounds and enhanced by an active caddy program. Estancia allows only members and accompanying guests.

Golfing in Scottsdale is just one more reason to find your place in the sun here.

The post Golfing in Scottsdale Just Got Better appeared first on Arizona Home Group - Search for Homes in Arizona.

Disclosure laws are put in place to protect the buyer from unknowingly purchasing defective property. Not disclosing certain information about the property can jeopardize the sale, or worse, invite a lawsuit.

This has become more of an issue lately as some sellers are tempted to gloss over deficiencies in the home they are selling in order to try to get a higher sales price. In fact, a recent poll of real estate agents showed that 75% of agents ranked non-disclosure among the “top three current and future issues.”

What Must Be Disclosed

The main items that need to be disclosed are any defects with the home. This includes, but is not limited to, plumbing problems, water leaks, cracks in the foundation, insect infestations and toxic materials in the home — such as lead, asbestos, carbon monoxide or mold.

Be sure to fully disclose anything that may be pertinent to the buyer before purchase. Some disclosure laws include reporting issues with neighbors and whether the home has a criminal or notorious past.

If you are unsure about some information regarding your real estate, one option would be to state that you do not know that specific information. Remember though, if you knowingly withhold information, it may cause the sale to fall through or could be used against you in a lawsuit.

Does It Make Sense To Have A Pre-Inspection Done?

Sellers can also have their home inspected prior to placing the property on the market to prevent any surprises of unknown problems with the home. This way, defects can be fixed before listing the property, and the disclosure form can state the problem has been fixed. Buyers will almost surely want an inspection prior to closing, and a pre-inspection may suffice.

Be honest about any known issues with the property.

Disclosing information does not mean the seller needs to fix the problem. Any disclosed problems with the real estate can become a negotiation point.

Real estate disclosure laws may be different depending on the state in which you live. The best way to know what you need to disclose in your area is to check with your trusted real estate agent  and discuss any potential property issues with them before you fill out the seller disclosure form.

The post What Must Be Disclosed When Selling Your Home appeared first on Arizona Home Group - Search for Homes in Arizona.

There are two systems for foreclosing residential real estate in the United States; judicial and non-judicial foreclosure. The states individually decide which foreclosure process will be followed in their state.

Click Here To Download An Overview Of The Foreclosure Process

Judicial foreclosure requires action by the courts because the mortgage is not written including a “power of sale clause”. Judicial foreclosure proceedings generally take longer than non-judicial processes due to this court involvement.

A log-jam of delayed judicial foreclosures are beginning to move through backlogged courts with the result of higher numbers of foreclosures started, foreclosure auctions scheduled, and properties either sold to third parties at foreclosure auctions or repossessed by mortgage lenders.

In states allowing non-judicial foreclosure, the matter may be handled outside of the judicial system as the mortgage is written with the power of sale clause which allows the lender to take control of the mortgaged property to satisfy the outstanding lien.

Here are highlights of April’s foreclosure filings:

Nationally, 144,790 foreclosure filings were made in April, a decrease of 5 percent compared to March and representing an annual decrease of 23 percent year-over-year.

Overall, April’s residential foreclosure activity was at its lowest since February 2007. About one of every 905 U.S. housing units had a foreclosure filing during April.

Due to the aforementioned backlog of judicial foreclosures, scheduled foreclosure auctions hit a 30-month high in April rising by 22 percent between March and April.

Some states had markedly higher rates of foreclosure sales scheduled in April 2013 as compared to April 2012. Examples include Maryland (+199 percent), New Jersey (+91 percent), Ohio (+73 percent), Oklahoma (+57 percent), and Florida (+55 percent)

Foreclosure auctions scheduled in non-judicial states were 7 percent lower in April as compared to March, and were an encouraging 43 percent lower in April 2013 as compared to April 2012; this was the lowest reading for non-judicial foreclosure sales scheduled since December of 2005.

Non-judicial foreclosure sales were impacted in some states as the result of legislation affecting foreclosure procedures. Affected states included Arkansas, California, Nevada, Oregon and Washington.

70,133 U.S. homes went into foreclosure in April 2013, which is 40 percent lower than for March 2013 and 28 percent lower than during April 2012.

With home values increasing and large numbers of delayed foreclosures clearing the books, this data offers further evidence that the U.S. real estate market is steadily improving.  As more foreclosures are removed from the housing inventory, home prices should continue to stabilize and increase.

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