Scottsdale Real Estate Blog - Scottsdale

Carlsbad Tavern Scottsdale

Did you ever go back to a restaurant that you thought you loved and remembered why you stopped going? That was the revelation when we went back to Carlsbad Tavern in Scottsdale after many years from our last visit.

Our friend, who used to live in Arizona, was visiting us and wanted to go there. He was the person that introduced Carlsbad Tavern to us many years ago. I had such good memories.

It looks cute as soon as you walk up to the entryway, which is nicely lit at night. Then you step into the pretty patio with a waterfall. I think the last time I went was with Jimmy and we sat on the patio at a 2-person table. And I think that was the time I ordered something and had a difficult time eating it because it was so spicy. But I forgot about that.

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Tips for Californians moving to Scottsdale

Since Arizona and California are neighboring states, you’d expect a lot of similarities when comparing them. However, there is a significant difference in culture, climate, costs of living, and outdoor activities. Rising cities such as Phoenix, Mesa, Tucson, Scottsdale, and Chandler, attract Californians to let down their roots in Arizona with booming business opportunities, lower housing costs, and a quality lifestyle. The Grand Canyon State is a refreshing change of scenery. Still, any relocation to the unknown requires some research. To help you with it, we’ve gathered some useful tips for Californians moving to Scottsdale.

Avoid moving in summer

If you believe you’re heat-resilient after experiencing Cali summers, you’re in for a surprise.…

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Los Olivos Mexican Patio Scottsdale

Before we moved to Arizona, we had visited many times.  My Mom lived in Mesa and she took us to Old Town Scottsdale.  But I didn't find Los Olivos restaurant until a few years later when I went to Arizona on a Girl's Week Away.

During that trip, we split up a bit in Oldtown and I thought I was getting lost.  But I found Los Olivos Mexican Patio and the exterior decor piqued my interest, plus I love Mexican food.  I had to go find the rest of the group so we could have lunch there.

The fun entrance that made me want to see more

The "Blue Room"

As we walked inside the restaurant, we were amazed at the first dining area we were able to eat in.  I called it the "ocean room" with its strange blue ceiling and the aquarium.  I'll call it the…

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Scottsdale Summer Solstice Celebration 2021

We decided to brave the triple-digit weather to visit Solstice Park in Scottsdale, Arizona to celebrate Scottsdale's June Days and to welcome the summer solstice.  It was held on Sunday, June 20th, in Solstice Park (previously named Solari Plaza), which is near Oldtown Scottsdale and at the Solari Bridge by the canal, or Scottsdale waterfront.

As we drove into Oldtown Scottsdale and the Fifth Avenue Shops area, we were surprised to see most, if not all, of the parking spots taken.  It was hot out!  But I guess that didn't stop tourists and area residents from visiting Old Town.

The day before we went I wondered how many other brave souls would attend the Summer Solstice Celebration.  Even with free snow cones, ice cream, water,…

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Why Arizona Is a Great Destination for Remote Workers

With so many people working remotely this year and the en-masse relocation that’s been going on, chances are you may be looking for a great new location. While one of the major advantages of remote work is the flexibility you gain, this lifestyle also comes with some specific needs that should be met.

Some locations are more suited to a remote lifestyle than others, and Scottsdale, Arizona just so happens to be a great destination if you’re working from home. Here are the top 7 reasons why remote workers love Arizona.

1. A large remote work community

Remote work can be very lonely if none of your friends can relate to your lifestyle, so it really helps to have a built-in community of fellow remote workers who understand the intricacies of the…

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Southwest Wildlife Conservation Center in Scottsdale, AZ

We visited the Southwest Wildlife Conservation Center in Scottsdale, AZ, for the 2nd time.  A woman that was there said she's lived in Arizona for 42 years and this was her first visit because she didn't know it existed.  We'd love to spread the word.

The first time we went, it was just Jimmy and me.  This time we took our son and our granddaughter.  I missed the available reservation for 2:00 on Christmas Eve so we went the day after Christmas at 10:00.

You have to set an appointment as you are taken into groups with a guide.  Although she had a mask on this time because of the pandemic, I think it was the same guide that took us through the first time a few years ago.

This is a true animal conservation center and sanctuary

Although I…

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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.

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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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I Saved My Scottsdale Townhouse Sellers Thousands

This is part 3 of the “Neighborhood Expert” series of posts.  I am an agent that lives and works in Scottsdale.  I’ve been selling real estate in the since 1983.  Below is one of my stories about out-of-area agents against a local Realtor®.  It is in response to an article in Inman News speaking against self-anointed “neighborhood experts.”

The Scottsdale Townhome Sellers That I Saved Thousands

I took a listing for a Scottsdale townhouse for sale.  It was a beautiful place with 3 bedrooms and 2 baths.  We got an agent from Gilbert that had an interested buyer.  In an era of technology, she insisted on presenting her offer at the table with my sellers. My sellers obliged (many won’t) and the agent proceeded to state that the townhouse would…

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Is the Scottsdale Real Estate Market Really Slowing Down?

I have been reading headlines referring to the slowdown of the real estate market in Scottsdale and surrounding Phoenix area. I wrote another article about the downturn of the Scottsdale real estate market.  It is actually affecting most of the nation. The party is certainly over.

First off, most buyers have made their purchasing decision within the past 5 years when interest rates were at record lows. I personally believe these low interest rates will cause buyers to remain in their homes longer than usual because it will be difficult to give up those low rates unless they absolutely have to move because of a job change, growing family, downsizing, divorce, etc. This will affect the real estate industry years down the road.

There is always a…

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