Keirland

Cool Arizona summer nights!

Last night, while relaxing and enjoying a colorful display of fireworks  shooting up over Camelback mountain in Paradise Valley, Arizona , I could not help but notice how cool and comfortable I was as I sat outside.  Most people don’t know this about our desert summers.   By day the temps can reach well into the 100′s , but so many summer evenings you can sit outside and enjoy the night air.  It is one of the benefits of living in the southwest–the dry desert air holds in the cooler temps.

The rest of the year speaks for itself with its perfect weather, but if the summer appeals to you, there are sooo many beautiful homes on the market today in Scottsdale and Paradise Valley.  Resort style, luxury homes with very special amentities that almost always includes a swimming pool.  As well as most of the gated communities , they usually boast a gorgeous resort style pool setting, along with well maintained landscaping that just happens–no more lawn mowers and hedge clippers!!  You can come and go all year long and know your home is under the watchful eye of most gated sub-divisions security detail.

If you are thinking about re-locating or want a second home–real estate pricing is at an all time low and the sellers are VERY motivated.  Give me a call, Wendy Cracchiolo , your Scottsdale/Paradise Valley Real Estate Specialist , and I will e-mail you a comprehensive look at listings available in any area you desire to live in.   You will not believe what your dollar can buy in these very popular, destination cities –Not too mention–it is definetly a “Buyer’s Market”!

Wendy Cracchiolo–Real Estate Professional for eXp Realty…   wendy.c@scottsdaleparadise.com   602-672-2806

www.scottsdaleparadise.com    or    www.phoenixpowersearch.com

If shopping was a sport, Scottsdale is a race track!

With soo many great reasons to visit or live in Scottsdale, Arizona…SHOPPING is its best asset! 

All the way up and down Scottsdale road there are thousands of stores,  featured inside the many  shopping centers.  Kierland is one of the most beautiful outdoor malls in the vallley, with an excellent selection of stores including,  J.Crew, Victoria’s Secret, Anthropology (one of my favorites) Coldwater Creek, an enormous Border’s Books and many, many more great shops.  The restaurant selection is also abundant with 2 of Sam Foxs’ restaurants, The Greene House & North,  a Tommy Bahamas Restaurant,  Starbucks,  Cold Stone Creamery and a home town favorite , Zinc Bistro. The food is always delicious–must try the french fries, and a great wine selection–Zinc Bistro reminds me of being on the Titanic–it has that turn of the century feel, with very delicious and updated cuisine.

After a long day of shopping, you can visit any number of bars and restaurants, enjoy the cool air conditioning, rest your feet and spend some quality time while enjoying some good eats and drinks!

Across the street from Kierland, you will find a brand new, very fun and funky outdoor mall called the Scottsdale Quarter   http://www.scottsdalequarter.com/  I  really love this new mall because it is home to the international clothing retailer H&M, one of my favorites, and then West Elm and  William Sonoma Home–2 amazing home furnishing stores , one high end and one for the first time home buyer (West Elm is very similar to the Ikea look and feel  ) that are brought to us by the same corporation as the  Williams Sonoma stores. With plans for up to 10 chic, new restaurants.  The Oakville Grocery is already a huge hit, stay for lunch or just as easily grab a gourmet meal to go!

As your real estate professional for the Scottsdale/ Paradise Valley area…make sure you make an appointment with me, Wendy Cracchiolo, with eXp Realty, to preview some of the most beautiful homes that are flooding our market and the prices have never been so low.  Great selection and very motivated sellers!

Wendy Cracchiolo  602-672-2806     wendy.c@scottsdaleparadise.com   www.scottsdaleparadise.com       www.phoenixpowersearch.com

Arizona is for lovers!

It is no coincidence that Arizona became a state on Valentine’s day (February 14) in 1912!  There are so many things couples can do for relaxation and entertainment while in Arizona.  Don’t forget–only an hour flight to jet up to Vegas and make it legal!  From in town to all across the state–Arizona boasts the Grand Canyon,  Canyon de Chelly,  Lake Powell,  the Petrified Forest (not scary at all!!   lol)  and little hide away towns like the ultra romantic Sedona, the artys-fartsy Jerome, the totally cool and comfortable  Flagstaff, and the low-key Tucson,  among many other towns and cities in Arizona you don’t want to miss!

All the luxury hotels offer the best in spa services–have you and your partner ever enjoyed side by side massages in your hotel room?  Now that is a treat!  Men just need to get their first pedicure and they are hooked–ask the ladies–we know this secret!   Just pamper yourselves silly by day and go enjoy the incredible night life Scottsdale and all the other cities around have to offer!

Looking for a beautiful home to start your life together or to upgrade the home you already have, perhaps too small or need a pool?…contact your Scottsdale/Paradise Valley real estate professional–Wendy Cracchiolo–let me show you around the area.  Give me a call or send me a text and I can give you all the info you need to start loving Arizona too!

Wendy Cracchiolo eXp Realty–602-672-2806       wendy.c@scottsdale paradise.com   www.scottsdaleparadise.com   or   www.phoenixpowersearch.com

Lake Powell, The Grand Canyon and Sedona–just to show you a few of the most gorgeous scenic destinations Arizona has to offer.

Scottsdale invented HOT!!

When I think of HOT cities, Scottsdale always comes to mind.  The land that offers the best of everything with  its endless supply of activities and entertainment!!  With the new market, where home prices have dropped 40% or more since 2007–even Real Estate can be bought at “HOT” prices.  Families love Scottsdale  too–because there is always something fun to do for everyone!

Also, don’t forget–Scottsdale is only an hour flight to Las Vegas, Los Angeles, San Diego and Santa Fe!  Not only is it the best destination in the Southwest- people are never disappointed when they call Scottsdale, Arizona home. 

Check in with me, Wendy Cracchiolo,  your local Scottsdale -Paradise Valley Real Estate Professional–and I will give you the complete tour–and why not check out the incredible deals on residentialreal estate–or even a second home for those gorgeous winter months that always feel like springtime–a getaway from super cold and blustery climates–you know who I am talking about!

And I haven’t even mentioned GOLF!  My favorite 4 letter word!  Golf is my passion ( well, next to my kids of course)  The variety of great golf courses in and around Scottsdale is mind boggling for the avid golfer–the hardest part about the game is figuring out which course to play on everyday!  And the bars and restaurants after 18 holes!  My favorite is City Hall–Maestro’s amazingly delicious steak house in old town Scottsdale–walking distance from all the sexy hotels–ie: The W, Valley Ho, Phoenician–so you can party it up  & dance the night away until 2 am on weekends and walk back to your hotel–no holding back in Scottsdale!

Don’t let this HOT city go unnoticed one more season!!  Call or write to me–  wendy.c@scottsdale paradise.com     www.scottsdaleparadise.com    602-672-2806

Scottsdale is always a destination!!

Year around Scottsdale welcomes visitors–during the cool months, there are so many activities indoors and out! Summertime means excellent low rates at the finest resorts in the country. People can enjoy poolside relaxation, spa’s, shopping, great night life, restaurants, dancing and so much more—Scottsdale is a year round fantastic destination!

Scottsdale has destinations from McDowell Road way up North as far as the eye can see….thousands of restaurants, fun-brand new restaurants, so many new ones I cannot keep up! Sexy-night clubs where you can dance “til 2 am, boating, hiking!

While you are visiting Scottsdale or make it your reason to visit  make sure you take a good look at residential real estate–especially the luxury market–it  is overflowing with incredible dream homes with tons of amenities and views….and the pricing is at  all time historic lows and sellers are motivated.

Give me a call–Wendy Cracchiolo  eXp Realty, 602-672-2806   www.scottsdaleparadise.com

Montelucia, Scottsdale Area’s Newest Resort

Looking for a great place to stay while visiting the Scottsdale/Phoenix area?  Look no further than the InterContinental Montelucia Resort & Spa www.icmontelucia.com .  It is the areas newest resort. Featuring 243 guest rooms, 39 1-and 2-bedroom suites and 3 presidential suites, the resort is inspired by the history, the villages, and hills of Spain’s Andalusia region.  This exquisite community of resort, private villas, spa, pools and restaurants reminds you of a European town square with arching entryways and splashing fountains. The resort is comprised of luxuriously-appointed guest rooms, a two-story, 31,000 square foot destination spa, and many wedding, event and meeting options – all at the foot of picturesque Camelback Mountain. 

Pamper yourself in the Joya Spa which has Arizona’s only authentic Hammam.
Joya Spa boasts:

• 19 luxurious treatment rooms
• Lavish lounge areas for socializing or personal reflection, depending on your mood
• A private rooftop pool terrace — complete with cabanas and spectacular views
• A top-of-the-line fitness center with group exercise motion studio and a refreshing juice bar

Indulge yourself at Crave for coffee, gelato,wine and more or  relax at MBar with your favortie cocktail.  Prado Restaurant, Montelucia’s signature restaurant, is located  in the heart of the resort and is filled with  relaxed elegance. Prado features the freshest seafood, meats, and produce that are cooked on a grill over a wood-burning fire.  Prado also offers an extensive wine selection, featuring King Ferdinand’s private wine collection. 

Call me for all your real estate needs and/or questions about our area 

Vicki Botkin
vicki.botkin@exprealty.com
480-213-4880

ARIZONA GETS READY FOR SPRING TRAINING

BATTER UP!!  Arizona is gearing up for Spring Training!  Whether you are visiting the area or a local resident there’s no better way to enjoy a hot dog and watch a game at one of 11 stadiums in 9 different cities.  The Cactus League welcomes a new team to the area this year, the Cincinnati Reds.  Did you know the Cactus League estimates that fans contributed more than $350M to Arizona’s economy in 2009? For more information visit www.cactusleague.com

While you are visiting, enjoy the scenic landscape of the Sonoran Desert, the outdoor activities such as golf (www.golfnow.com ) or biking, or take in a cultural event such as the Phoenix Symphony (www.phoenixsymphony.org ).

There are over three dozen luxurious resorts throughout the valley to make your stay an unbelievable experience.

And if you can’t bear the thought of returning to dreary winter weather, call me to find your new AZ home.

Vicki Botkin
vicki.botkin@exprealty.com
480-213-4880

Kierland During the Holidays

One of my favorite open air shopping centers is Kierland Commons in North Scottsdale.

My wife and I recently took our new baby son to his first stroller ride, and decided to take him to see Santa and the lights over at the Kierland Courtyard.

It’s one of the few places in Arizona that really goes all out for the holidays and for those of us who are transplants from back east, or up north, you know how sometimes the Holidays in Arizona can feel a little bit watered down. Especially when its 75 degrees and sunny.

Its nice to be able to go shopping under gorgeous lights strung up and holiday wreaths and festive decorations everywhere.

The hi-light of the day was not seeing Santa, but actually seeing Mrs. Claus and sitting in on one of her hourly “Story Times” where she sits on the hill with all the kids and reads from one of her many Storybooks.
For the adults, there is always plenty of people watching, up scale shopping and fine eateries, as well as some live music from a Holiday Band.

If you are in town over the Holidays and want to really get into the spirit of it all, then swing by Kierland Commons for some hot chocolate and some old fashioned Holiday fun.

For a full list of Shops and Restaurants take a look here. http://www.kierlandcommons.com/directory.asp

Scottsdale Paradise!

ScottsdaleParadise.com is a group of Real Estate Professionals with years of experience educating and assisting clients with buying, selling and investing in real estate in Scottsdale Arizona. If you already live in Scottsdale, thinking about relocating to Scottsdale or are just interested in learning more about the area, take the time to get to know Our Team and how we can assist you. If you have any questions please Contact Us!