12 Most-Searched Housing Markets AZ is number 7

Daily Real Estate News | Monday, October 31, 2011 

 

Which cities are home buyers targeting the most? Realtor.com recently released its search rankings of 146 metros during the month of September. The following are the 12 most-searched markets last month, including their median list prices.
1. Chicago: $199,000
2. Detroit: $89,000
3. Los Angeles-Long Beach, Calif.: $335,000
4. Philadelphia: $234,900
5. Atlanta: $159,900
6. Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, Fla.: $140,000
7. Phoenix-Mesa, Ariz.: $150,000
8. Las Vegas: $120,000
9. Dallas: $191,025
10. Boston-Worcester-Lawrence-Lowell-Brockton, Mass.: $330,000
11. Riverside-San Bernadino, Calif.: $195,000
12. Orlando: $159,500
Source: Realtor.com

Homeowners associations: Can you fight them and win?

By Scot Meyer of SwitchYard Media

Twenty percent of all U.S. homeowners, and 80% of those in newly built homes, are subject to homeowners association rules, according to The Associated Press. These can dictate everything from house color to the kind of Halloween decorations that can be placed in the yard — if any can be.
Many people who live in these communities appreciate their HOAs and the restrictions they impose to maintain property values, says attorney Kevin Britt, whose Seattle law office represents HOAs and homeowners. "You're all partners, in a sense, in this common enterprise," Britt says, adding that boards function like extremely local layers of government. Homeowners can exercise their rights by calling meetings, working to eject board members or trying to persuade their neighbors to change the rules.
When these methods fail, though, HOA disputes can wind up in the courts and in the headlines. Here are 10 examples of ways to run astray of HOA rules — and what experts say about how you can challenge them. (Bing: How to fight an HOA)

This Weekend's Culinary Events

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Whether you’re in the mood for some treating in honor of Halloween or for a one-of-a-kind outdoor dining event (that has nothing to do with the upcoming black-and-orange holiday!), here are two can’t-miss weekend events.
Outstanding in the Field 2011 After an impressive showing at last year’s event at Double Check Ranch in Winkleman, Outstanding in the Field is back on Oct. 30, this time at Maya’s Farm at Phoenix and showcasing the culinary skills of Charleen Badman of Scottsdale’s FnB Restaurant. The event consists of diners sitting at a long table that can fit 150 people (each diner is asked to bring their own dinner plate), and the menu will consist of honest foods with local ingredients. Wines will be provided by Todd and Kelly Bostock’s Dos Cabezas Winery and fresh coffee will be courtesy of David Anderson of The Roastery of Cave Creek. Tickets are $180 per person. http://www.outstandinginthefield.com/.
Candy Apple Family Fright Night On Sunday, Oct. 30 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Luci’s Healthy Marketplace in Phoenix invites ghosts and goblins of all ages to the Candy Apple Family Fright Night. For $30 (admission for one parent and one child; $10 extra per adult/child), guests are invited to make caramel- or candy-dipped apples, covered in their favorite sweet toppings. Plus, guests are invited to dress in their Halloween costume to win win a gift certificate for a dozen hand-crafted, all-natural cupcake creations from Chef Slade Grove of Slade Grove Creative Gourmet. Those attending Candy Apple Family Fright Night will also receive 10 percent all purchases at Luci’s Healthy Marketplace. http://www.lucishealthymarketplace.com/.

Trick or Treat! The Top10 HAUNTED HOMES for sale!

10.

Ozzie the Ghost!
Some people believe the Ozzie & Harriet home is haunted, but of course in Hollywood where creativity is the norm, there will always be creative gossip. If we had to pick a ghost, charming Ozzie would be a pretty nice guy to have around.

This traditional 5,813sf home was built in 1916 and was the set for The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet that ran from 1952 to 1966, the longest running TV show until The Simpsons recently topped it. Located on almost a half acre, the home consists of 5 bedrooms and 4 baths. The house is very private at the end of a cul-de-sac and is gated. The grounds contain a guest house, separate office and pool. The interior has period details throughout and the home is ready to move into as is or can be renovated at the new owners‘ option. If you're extremely lucky, maybe you'll see Ozzie happily puttering around the yard, though we wouldn't suggest you hold your breath. Priced at $4,245,500. Deal Source: hauntedhouses.com

9.

Abandoned Ohio Mansion!
Ghosts might be afraid to go anywhere near Mike Tyson but it looks like something very scary happened at Tyson's former Ohio mansion. The home is complete with a spooky moss covered indoor swimming pool, a massive trashed living room, holes punched through walls, and rusty tiger cages. The boxer lived here for a period in the 1990's and it has sat abandoned ever since. Now on the market, possibly many of the problems have since been resolved, though the agent is clear about the buyer needing to return it to its former “luster“.

On a very private 60 acres of open and wooded land that adjoins a golf course, this almost 10,000sf property in rural Ohio has 5 bedrooms, 7.5 baths and large indoor pool. There is also a separate guard house with another 4-5 additional bedrooms. Grounds have paved walking paths, a basketball court, large decks and . . . large animal cages. We suggest a large Halloween party before renovations begin. No decorating will be involved. Priced at $1,300,000, tiger cages included. Deal Source: realliving.com

8.

$15 Million LA Haunted House?
Sitting vacant for over 16 years unfinished, this house was said to be plagued by alien spacecraft, is said to be sitting on top of an Indian burial ground, was beloved by gangs, addicts and Satanists. The butt of rumors that have become urban legend, the house's history has even become a storyline on a “Law and Order” episode! It is currently for sale at the listed price of $15,200,000. Sitting on 22 acres of the last undeveloped land in LA, the 9,800sf house has 5 bedrooms, 7 bathrooms, a 200 bottle wine cellar, six-car garage, stone floors and a pool with Jacuzzi that has a view over the acreage, the city and the Pacific. From the windows you can see snow-capped mountains and the Hollywood sign. There is a 24/7 armed guard on duty now to keep bad spirits away and to prevent damage. Though unlikely that aliens will land or that spirits will arise from some unproven Indian burial ground, the property will likely entice a developer attracted by the land. Ghostly rumors, however, will likely be around for many years to come. Deal Source: redfin.com

7.

John Brown Hanging Site!
In historic Charles Town, WV, where Abolitionist Brown met his demise in 1859, 30 years later this grand Victorian was built on the site of his hanging. The land on which it sits was owned by one of the men that captured Brown and who later built a home here. Though the house itself has never been considered to be haunted, its location is one of the most historic in the country. The craftsmanship both in the exterior brick work, turret and widow's walk and in the interior millwork sets this house apart, making it the most notable piece of architecture in Charles Town. The 4-story, 7,037sf home has 5 bedrooms, 5 baths Tiffany glass, handmade shutters and exceptional mantels.

Of John Brown, historian David Reynolds contends that “not only was Brown "right" on slavery and other racial issues of his day, but that his conduct--in causing the Civil War to begin in 1861 rather than, say, 1881--potentially saved hundreds of thousands of lives that could have been lost in a war fought in a time of much greater population and more deadly weaponry and, at the same time, might well have spared an entire generation of African-Americans the humiliating experience of human bondage.” Asking $1,200,000. Deal Source: historichometeam.com

6.

Evil Clown Haunted House!
This is either the chance to out do your neighbors once and for all, or for a town to become known for having the most spectacular Halloween event for miles around! All you Jaycees and civic organizations - heads up! We've all seen ads to come to the Haunted House everywhere you look around this time of year, but did you ever stop to think from where they actually come? We didn't either, but since it's almost Halloween 2011, we thought we'd do a little digging on all things Halloween and this is what we found!

There are companies that consult, design and build custom Halloween venues, or you can rent, but here's a clever company that makes it possible for you to buy a used haunted house kit! (Or how many ways can you say Prefab?) This entire mobile haunted house comes in a complete package and even offers optional add-ons. This scary package includes Evil Clown Town, Alcatraz Prison and Hot Seat electric chair and so much more! It will put Your Town, USA on the map! For $130,000, you can buy the Frightmare Package through the Texas-based Hauntrepreneurs®, a broker for used Halloween Attractions. The package comes complete with production equipment such as tents, lighting and a sound system, fog machine, effect lights, costumes, emergency lighting and exit signs. It's the perfect Halloween haunting! Deal Source: hauntrepreneurs.com

5.

Psycho Murder Victim's House!
What do you immediately think of when you hear the name “Janet Leigh?” “Psycho”, of course! You picture her in the shower and you picture that dark Victorian horror of a house on top of the hill overlooking the Bates Motel. Right? We all do! Produced by Alfred Hitchcock, it was a well-scripted, well-cast, horror film, with scenes that would terrify even the most avid horror lover. . . the Victorian house in the film was likely the scariest movie house of all time.

Now Janet Leigh's own former home is for sale and far from being a horror. It has understated clean architectural lines, paved car park, privacy, gated entrance and no ghosts anywhere in sight. Styled in Contemporary Transitional, the design is timeless both inside and out. The perfect home for an avid art collector, the floors are ebony and the walls white, offering exceptional display options. The layout is perfect for entertaining as the public rooms spill out to the patios and stunning views over Hollywood and out over the Pacific. At just over half an acre, the 4,432sf home has 4 bedrooms, 4.5 baths, pool and tennis courts. This property will give your mind a new vision when hearing the name “Janet Leigh” and all thoughts of horror will be long forgotten! Asking $3,950,000. Deal Source: 1625summitridge.com

4.

America's Scariest Haunted House!
Not for the faint of heart, this 100-year-old farm house near Olean, NY, is very well known to locals and to all paranormal investigators across the country. Even the History Channel featured it in a special. The house has a history of frightening off its past owners since the 1850's with its 12 or more not-so-friendly ghosts who are frequently seen in their entirety by neighbors, friends, guests, researchers, paranormal investigators and the clergy. In her book, “Echoes of a Haunting”, by one-time resident, Clara M. Miller, she explained the feeling about the house as a build up of pressure under an umbrella that finally releases in the form of activity from these clearly visible spirits. Clara wrote her book from her daily diary and goes into great detail about events that happened there and some she felt might have been related to the house years after moving to Oregon.

Though obviously needing a total renovation, there are many who will be hugely excited about its availability. On 8 acres, the house presently consists of a kitchen, bath, living room, 3 bedrooms and two enclosed porches and a large spring-fed pond. Many seem to think it would make a great research facility for paranormal researchers or equally as an attractive single-family home after renovation. . . . if you have nerves of steel! 100 + year old farm house & stage-coach stop has 12 ghosts. Asking $289,000. Deal Source: wnyhauntedhouse.com

3.

The Dean Martin Ghost of Edina, MN
According to their story, Dean Martin stayed at this Minnesota home in 1970 when he was filming the movie “Airport” and he never left. They believe that "Dino" is just one of a number of spirits that haunt this house, which was built near an old Indian funeral site. The owners report numerous incidents of flying tables and beds, exploding water pipes, invisible people and dogs, pounding noises, images of a bloody face in their mirror, missing objects, ice-cold urine pools and a grotesque, hairless cat with glowing eyes and a human's smile. The spirit activity was noticed to increase when the family was preparing to move. The son seems to feel that the most violent spirit got in due to him and his friends using the Ouija board in the basement, as the violent activity began shortly after that. It is probably no surprise that the home is now vacant and has been on the market since May. Deal Source: squidoo.com

2.

Haunted Horse Farm!
Don't expect to see ghostly horses grazing the fields or be so lucky as to have a ghostly farmhand stacking hay bales. Instead, turn your attention to your digital camera equipment. For some reason, the normally elusive ghosties on this farm love to have their pictures taken! They will pop up in your pastoral shots and in your family videos and have made themselves apparent over 90 times in the last nine years in and around the farm. They show themselves as orbs, darting lights and misty forms when you're trying to capture that perfect sunset or new foal. Having enjoyed writing about her experiences on this property as a paranormal author, the owner is willing to pass this farm on to the next ghost buster to enjoy.

This 5 acre, fully fenced farm consists of 2 barns and a 2002 constructed 3 bedroom, 2 bath house of approximately 1,150sf and is selling furnished. Fields are well-maintained grazing land in the horse country of Lexington, Kentucky. There have been five paranormal investigations in the past two years - all had positive findings. The next chill running up a spine could be yours! Asking $120,000. Deal Source: sdparanormal.com

1.

New Orleans Haunted B&B!
While most going businesses want to keep their ghosts in the closet so as not to frighten off clientele, the Magnolia Mansion has cleverly built its business around multiple ghosts and wish its ghosts would invite their friends! Here the ghosts are friendly with a sense of humor, where ghostly children tease you by moving things around during the night to watch your reaction the next morning. There are reports of a ghostly maid who will tuck you in at night, a child who walks the halls and a bearded man who spends his time downstairs!

Designed by architect James H. Calrow and completed in 1858 from fortunes made from cotton, Magnolia Mansion is one of New Orleans most photographed homes in the Historic Garden District and considered to be one of the most important examples of Antebellum architecture. It was also the headquarters of the American Red Cross during World War II. A raised Greek Revival mansion of approximately 13,369sf, there are 13 bedrooms and 14 full baths that could be changed back into a single-family estate.

A perfect place to hold your “Spooktacular Gatherings” and “Ghostly Galas!“ Asking price is $3.2M. Deal Source: magnoliamansion.com

Art Walk tomorrow in the Scottsdale Arts District

ArtWalk’s Taste of Wine and Live Music

Posted by Josh Kenzer

Tomorrow is the third Thursday of the month and that means ArtWalk‘s new “ArtWalk’s Taste of Wine.” Purchase a long-stemmed souvenir ArtWalk glass, just $10, then visit participating galleries in the Scottsdale Arts District for free tastes of the latest fine wines. Net proceeds benefit the nonprofit Scottsdale Gallery Association and its public educational activities. For a delicious Taste of Wine and a lot of fine art, join the crowd for a leisurely stroll on the Third Thursday of every month along Main Street & Marshall Way!
Besides for the fine wine, Thursday’s ArtWalks also feature live music. On the schedule for tomorrow is Greg Ansel of Wildfire. The weather should be spectacular for some good art, good wine and good music. Download this PDF for a complete schedule of live music through the end of November.

Oooooooo! See the ghosts at the Hotel San Carlos!

Ghosts of Phoenix Tour

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Description

The Hotel San Carlos is famous for its history and alleged hauntings. It has been featured on the Travel Channel's "Weird Travels" and received the #3 spot on Horror.com's list of "America's Top 10 Haunted Hotels." The Ghosts of Phoenix Tour is a walking tour (approximately one hour long), that allows you to see the sites and form your own opinion. We have access to areas that are not open to the general public.

As you are guided through this Phoenix landmark, you will visit the paranormal hotspots and hear stories about the personalities who are said to haunt them. Guides will provide some historical information, along with stories passed down by staff members and past guests.

The Ghosts of Phoenix Tour does not stage re-creations or special effects. Your tour will be authentic. You will want to bring along a camera (digital, disposable cameras with flash, or video). You never know what you will catch on film.

More Information

Date(s): 10/13/2011-12/10/2011
Hours: Tours are held Friday and Saturdays, refer to schedule for actual times
Admission: Tickets are $13 for ages 13+ and $7 for ages 8-12

Location

Hotel San Carlos
202 North Central Avenue
Phoenix, AZ. 85004

Scottsdale Air Fair November 5th and 6th

THE SCOTTSDALE AIR FAIR IS BACK!

 
The City of Scottsdale is proud to host the 15th Scottsdale Air Fair on November 5 and 6, 2011. The Scottsdale Air Fair will showcase the best of military, experimental, civilian and vintage warbird displays, aerial demonstrations, hot air balloon launches, children’s FunZone, an aviation learning pavilion with flight simulators, interactive displays and live entertainment.
 Click here for performance and event schedule!