Scottsdale Real Estate Blog - Judy Orr

Share the Spirit of the Holidays - Starting at Home

2020 Has Been a Rough Year

Holidays just aren't the same this year.  My son and my grandsons were going to visit us for Christmas but they can't now because my son's employer won't allow out-of-state travel.  Some people are asking why he told them where he was going.  They have the right to ask, and they did.  He has a great job and didn't want to risk losing it.

That was the final word.  But it was a roller coaster of yes, he could go, then no, he can't go, back and forth.  Just before the final "No", he was told he could go as long as he had a clear Covid test prior to returning.  I was so excited, but now that's not happening.

It's Hard to Keep the Spirit this Year 

I'm sitting at home, which is now sparsely decorated since we're still…

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How to Keep Your Home Safe for the Holidays

There are so many dangers when we're out and about, especially during the continuing Coronavirus outbreak, which is spiking once again. We want and need to feel safe in our own homes.

Although this post is made during the holiday season, these tips are not only to help you keep your visitors to stay safe (if you have visitors this year), but to keep you and your family safe throughout the year.  Here are 12 tips to keep your home healthy this holiday season and all year long:

1.  Home Lighting

This is something I'm guilty of.  We have plenty of lights in our house, but as a night owl, I'm up late and tend to walk around in the dark.  Since I've broken my hip (not because of the dark), I always tell myself not to trip over anything.

Make sure…

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What You Need to Know About Virtual Home Tours

Although virtual tours have been used for many years for foreign and out-of-state buyers, they have become more popular during the Covid-19 pandemic.  During the pandemic, some buyers want and need to make a home purchase, but they don't want to take the risk of going into multiple strangers' homes.

Many home sellers took their properties off the market because of the pandemic.  This is why Scottsdale real estate, including Cave Creek, Carefree, North Phoenix, and Paradise Valley, plus many areas in the United States, have such low inventory.

Agents have suggested that sellers allow the listing agent to take a virtual tour that can be sent to potential buyers and their agents, or the sellers can just allow the selling agents to go through their…

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The New Normal: A Strong Housing Market Expected to Continue into 2021

2020 has given us a gut punch like no other that most of us have ever experienced. The housing bubble bursting was bad for real estate, but I was able to survive it like I've survived several recessions in my long history as a licensed real estate agent. The strong really do survive!

I received a phone call this past Spring when Covid was getting widespread publicity and government mandates were starting. It was a woman wanting to see a house for sale that was either my listing or something that showed up on my website.

She questioned the price and stated that because of the pandemic and a pending recession, home prices will be going down. I tried to explain to her that the only time (in our lifetime) that prices went down was during the Great…

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Frank Lloyd Wright's Norman Lykes House is on the Market

I was introduced to Frank Lloyd Wright in my teens or early 20's after watching a PBS documentary.  It showed his Frank Lloyd Wright School of Architecture and the compound.  I was mesmerized by it and was never really attracted to architecture before.

It was decades later that I actually visited Taliesin West and I keep going back.  The funny thing is, I really don't care for the small rooms and his furniture, but I was drawn to his building into and with the earth, trying to blend in as much as possible.  I'm still delighted by the acoustics in his very red Music Pavilion.

Although I was first attracted to Taliesin West, I learned to have an interest in the man himself.  He certainly lived a colorful life.  I was sad to learn that the…

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Avoiding Damages on Moving Day: This Is What You Need To Know

Everyone is nervous about something bad happening on moving day. The majority of the mishaps one might hear and read about are, fortunately, very preventable. Supplies and know-how make the packing process a breeze, and turn moving day from a stressful trial to little more than a usual chore. Adding a few extra items to a pre-move checklist and learning a few tricks of the trade helps anyone prevent damages during their move, no matter how far their items will travel.

Avoiding Damage to Your Items

The packing process for fragile items is mainly uniform. First, the items should be coated with some sort of protection. We recommend wrapping items in bubble wrap or packing paper. The added layer of protection helps absorb any shocks caused in motion…

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Black Bear Diner Opens in Scottsdale, AZ

We were introduced to the Black Bear Diner in Gilroy, CA, where my Mom lived until her passing last year. My brothers and their families weren't as enamored with it as Mom was, and we also became fans.

This is not fine dining. It is an affordable family restaurant that prides itself on homemade food. I didn't think of taking a picture of Jimmy's chicken pot pie - it looked fantastic!

The menu is also a bit different than the Gilroy restaurant. The Arizona restaurant doesn't have the wonderful garlic fries that Gilroy has and it was one of the first things I checked. Gilroy is the Garlic Capital of the World so I can understand why they have them and Scottsdale doesn't. They also didn't have my favorite turkey sandwich with cranberries.

Like…

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Questions to Ask Yourself Before Buying Your Dream Scottsdale Home

It is easy to become overwhelmed when you enter the Scottsdale home buying market. Friends, family, colleagues, and even acquaintances will give you their opinions if you are a first-time homebuyer. While most of them are looking out for your best interest, they are not fully aware of what is happening in the current housing market, since most of them have probably not bought a home in many years.

It is important for you to be prepared and have your own questions ready. No matter what other opinions you are getting, you are the one buying the home and your comfort level will help make your final decision. Here are three important questions to ask before you purchase a home.

1. Why am I Buying a Scottsdale Home?

Regardless of the finances, it…

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Scottsdale Condo for Sale - Las Hadas Villas

5640 E Bell Rd, #1082, Scottsdale, Arizona  85254

I had to update this before I even posted it. This cute Scottsdale condo sold in one day and has already sold and closed.

This was the popular 2 master bedrooms (on two levels, each with full bath access) with a loft on the upper level. The loft had its own closet and was set up with a trundle bed and dresser for a 3rd bedroom, which was perfect for guests.

The main level featured an open living concept from the living room, through the dining area and the kitchen. The fireplace was used on cold winter nights. Plantation shutters kept the hot sun out.

The laundry room was on the main level right off of the kitchen and had storage cabinets. The washer and dryer were about 3 years young.

…

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7 DIY Home Improvements to Add Value to Your Scottsdale Home

These seven home renovation projects are fantastic ways to add function, beauty, and genuine value to your Scottsdale home, whether you're preparing it to list it to sell or if you're seeking ways to maximize its long-term appreciation.

The best part is that most of these modifications can be accomplished on a weekend once you have all of the needed materials. They also don't necessitate a lot of particular knowledge or experience. So gather your tools and get ready to increase your home's charm as well as its resale value, or equity and personal enjoyment if you plan on remaining in your home!

How is your yard looking?

You hear the term "first impressions". Whether you're thinking of putting up your Scottsdale home for sale or just want to…

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