Scottsdale Real Estate Blog

El Encanto Restaurant and Cantina: A Culinary Journey through Authentic Mexican Flavors in Cave Creek, Arizona

El Encanto Restaurant and Cantina in Cave Creek, AZ, stands as a beloved culinary gem that captures the essence of authentic Mexican cuisine and warm Southwestern hospitality. With its vibrant atmosphere, delectable menu offerings, and exceptional service, El Encanto has become a go-to destination for locals and visitors alike.

This family-run eatery has been providing scrumptious traditional and modern Mexican dishes since 1989! When I was flying in from Illinois many years ago to visit our 2nd home in Scottsdale at the time, a lady on the plane gushed about El Encanto Restaurant in Cave Creek and told me I must try it out.

From its vibrant decor to its extensive menu, El Encanto provides a unique dining experience that will leave you happy and…

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The Pros and Cons of Buying a Fixer-Upper: Is it Worth the Investment?

Everyone loves a good makeover story, and houses are no exception. Enter the fixer-upper: a home that may not be in the best shape but carries great potential for those with a vision. With the increasing popularity of renovation shows, the trend of buying fixer-uppers has increased. This article will dive into the pros and cons of buying a fixer-upper, providing a comprehensive guide to deciding whether this challenging but rewarding venture is worth investing.

What Attracts People to Fixer-Uppers

Firstly, fixer-uppers appeal to the heart. They allow buyers to breathe life into an old home, personalizing it to their tastes. Then there's the financial aspect; the potential for significant investment returns can be compelling. Furthermore, the…

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Ten Tips for Buying and Selling a Home Simultaneously: Your Ultimate Guide to a Smooth Transition

I recently posted a guest blog post about buying and selling your home at the same time. Why am I writing a new post on the same subject? Because there were so many things I wanted to edit and/or add to that guest post. My guest blog authors aren't necessarily licensed real estate agents, but they have an interest in and have studied real estate. Guest authors aren't out there working with clients and they don't know our contracts, nor do they know about new and different programs for real estate.

When you purchased your first home you didn't have to worry about selling another one. Even though buying a property can be nerve-wracking, I've always thought it was much more fun than selling. Buying and selling a home simultaneously can be an…

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Downsizing: A Guide to Simplifying Your Life and Finding Your Perfect Smaller Home

As we go through life, our priorities and lifestyles evolve, and so do our housing needs. What once seemed like the perfect home may no longer be the right fit. Maybe the kids have moved out, and the empty bedrooms and unused space are becoming a burden. It's interesting how dusty an unused area can get.

The maintenance and upkeep of a large house could be taking up too much time and money. Or, you may just feel like simplifying your life and living with less. Whatever the reason, downsizing to a smaller place could be the solution.

Do you have a pool that isn't getting much use? It might be time to find a place without one, or someplace with a community pool you can use without the upkeep. Taking care of a pool can be costly even if you do it…

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6 Factors to Consider When Choosing a Neighborhood for Your New Home

Deciding where to live is a significant decision that can greatly impact your overall happiness and quality of life. Whether moving across town or to a new state, selecting a neighborhood that aligns with your priorities and lifestyle is crucial. This is especially true for families who are planning a move. Families have unique needs regarding their living environment, including access to good schools, safe and family-friendly neighborhoods, and nearby amenities and services. This blog post will discuss six key factors to consider when choosing a new neighborhood for your new home. By evaluating these factors, you can make an informed decision and find a community that meets your family's needs and preferences.

Considering the housing market and…

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Living in Scottsdale, Arizona: A Vibrant City with Endless Opportunities

I was introduced to Scottsdale the first time I visited my parents when they retired to Mesa, AZ. I fell in love with this beautiful city and dreamed about living there one day. This was the only place I would visit where I wasn't ready to go home.

Scottsdale, Arizona, is a city that offers an ideal mix of modern amenities and natural beauty. Located in Maricopa County, it is a part of the Phoenix Metropolitan Area. With a population of just over 250,000, it is the sixth-largest city in Arizona. Scottsdale is renowned for its luxurious resorts, world-class golf courses, and vibrant nightlife. However, it's not just a vacation destination; it's also a great place to call home.

Located in the heart of the Sonoran Desert, Scottsdale is a beautiful…

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Exploring the Ghostly Remains of el Pedregal: A Journey Through Carefree, Arizona's Abandoned Mall

One of several of the mall entrances from the parking lot

I know I'm not the only one that has sentimental feelings for shopping malls that have changed or no longer exist as I've read about the memories people have had about these places. I come from the southwest suburbs of Chicago and I have many wistful memories of the two more famous malls I hung out at with my friends when we were teens. I'll mention them later since I know a lot of Arizonans are from the Chicago area.

El Pedregal Festival Marketplace, the Dead Mall

The large photo at the top of this page is of some of the boulders you'll pass before getting to the mall. I had read about el Pedregal mall located in Carefree, Arizona, the third highest priced town in all of Arizona, and also…

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5 Responsibilities Every New Homeowner Should Prepare For

The process of purchasing your first house is incredibly exciting. For starters, you may now finally exhibit your sense of style in interior design without being constrained by a landlord. Also, you can buy a pet you've always wanted to have along with whatever else you desire. However, owning your Scottsdale house is not all fun. It also entails a lot of responsibility. Unfortunately, many individuals overlook this part, which can end up costing them considerably. To help you avoid that, we compiled a list of responsibilities every new homeowner should prepare for and expect.

#1 Homeowners Insurance

Getting the right insurance should be your top priority as soon as you purchase your new home in Scottsdale. This way, you, your family, and…

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Map Your Way to Your Dream Home: How to Use Online Maps for Efficient Home Searching

When it comes to searching for a new home in Scottsdale (or any other Phoenix city), the Internet has made the process easier and more efficient than ever before. I always get questions like:

1. Where is this located?
2. Is it close to shopping?
3. Are there any restaurants nearby?
4. How close is the school?
5. How close is this to a highway?
6. Is there a mountain view? (We can't always tell from maps, but we can see proximity)
7. Is there a waterway, pond, or other water feature nearby?
8. How close is a golf course?
9. How big is the backyard?
10. Where is the nearest hospital?

And of course, there are many more questions. I sometimes feel bad when I direct people to online maps. But it's so much easier for someone to view a map vs. me…

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Real Estate Market Predictions for the Remainder of 2023

If you are a buyer or seller, or both, of real estate in 2023, you can easily tell that there has been a shift away from the crazy Seller's Market we saw in 2020, 2021, and the beginning of 2022. Prices are easing and homes are remaining on the market longer.

The real estate market in the US saw a rise in mortgage rates last year, which affected both demand and price appreciation. Availability of homes is no longer the main concern, although inventory still remains lower than normal, but affordability is a great factor for many home buyers. The real estate market is expected to finally stabilize due to the increase in mortgage rates. 

What will happen with mortgage rates?

Economists predict that mortgage rates will fluctuate less this year…

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