An Exquisite Ground Floor Condo for Sale in Pet-Friendly* Optima Camelview Village

*Learn more about the Optima Camelview Village Pet Policy

Ground Floor Optima Camelview Village Condo for Sale Summary:

We are always excited when a Optima Camelview Village condo becomes available on the market, and those interested in a condo on the ground floor will LOVE the location of this one. This Old Town Scottsdale condo for sale features 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms in a spacious 1344 square foot floorplan. 

Want a virtual tour of this beautiful condo for sale?  Feel free to explore the interior by clicking here.

Optima Camelview Condo Interior Features

Upon entry of this stunning ground floor condo, prospective buyers will see the dining room, complete with a gorgeous custom chandelier, drapes along one wall and a unqiue-yet-tasteful patterned accent wall:

There is a sense of warmth and comfort felt whenever we walk through the door and into the living area, and we are certain you will feel it too.

Kitchen Features

The kitchen of this condo for sale features stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, custom lighting fixutres above the breakfast bar and beautiful cabinets. Cooking in this open kitchen is a pleasure since the cook is able to enjoy the beautiful patio views provided by the floor-to-ceiling windows in this open floorplan condo.

Bathroom Features

Dual vanity in the master bathroom; single vanity in the 2nd bathroom. Master bathroom also features a large linen closet, a full mirror over the vanity, and a glass shower door with a striking accent wall. Bathtub, tile wall and full mirror compliment the other bathroom.

Bedroom Features

A cute chandelier hangs in the center of the master bedroom, adding a unique touch to the room. Other features include floor-to-ceiling windows and a large walk-in closet with several shelves perfect for organizing shoes and other accessories. Floor-to-ceiling windows are also in the 2nd bedroom; with over 300 days of sunshine in the Valley, there will never be a shortage of natural light in this condo.

Patio Features

The vast majority of luxury condos in Old Town Scottsdale don't have the space to provide a ground floor patio, but this condo for sale is certainly an exception. Residents of this condo have ample space to entertain a small group of friends and family. Beyond the masonry tile, the landscaping features several vibrant desert plants and cacti, providing a small oasis in an otherwise bustling neighborhood.

Interested in this wonderful condo?

We would love to hear from you. Feel free to Contact Us and we will do everything we can to make this dream condo a reality!

Have a Pet? No Problem! Optima Camelview Village is Pet Friendly!

It's always heartbreaking to show a client a condo or townhome they absolutely adore, only to share the bad news that the community doesn't allow pets of any kind, or have certain breed or size restrictions. This is one reason why Optima Camelview Village is such an amazing place to call home. Here are some of the basic guidelines you need to know regarding the Optima Camelview Village Pet Policy:

• A maximum of 2 dogs, and up to three additional pets (bird, cat, rabbit, gerbil, etc.) per household.
• Other than the dog park, pets must be leashed or carried in all other common areas.
• Noise disturbances (i.e. barking), aggressiveness towards other pets or residents, and electronic leashes are not permitted.
• Other than service animals, pets are not allowed in the pool/spa areas, sport courts, putting green, fitness center, stretching room, party room. or business center. They are also not allowed to sit on the common area furniture.
• Breeding is prohibited.
• Pet doors and pet structures on the patio or terraces are not permitted.
• Pets must have proof of vaccination in accordance with Maricopa County requirements.

If you love this ground floor condo, don't hesitate to Contact Us today! Please call us at 480-387-3990 or fill out our Contact Form and we will respond within the hour during normal hours. Pet-friendly condos in Scottsdale are rare to find, and this Optima Camelview Village condo is a true gem.

Whether you’re looking to sell or simply wanting to increase the value of your home, undertaking a remodeling project could be a smart move. Although it may sound like a significant project that will drain time and resources, it really doesn’t have to be. There are some simple tips and tricks that can make a remodeling project simple yet highly effective. It’s all about knowing the right ways to approach it. That’s where this guide comes in handy.

We’ve compiled information about every aspect of home improvement for increasing the value of your home. This guide is packed full of our top tips, pieces of valuable advice, and practical ways to approach your remodeling project. By the time you’re done reading, you’ll have plenty of great ideas for improving your own home and increasing its value. And don’t worry, we cover areas for all budgets, meaning you can find inspiration even if your resources are limited.

Thinking of Selling?

If you’ve made the decision to sell, there are a few key points you should consider before putting your home on the market. You need to make sure it’s in the best possible shape, and that you’re in the right position to sell. Below, we’ve outlined some of the essential things you should look out for when deciding if you’re ready to sell:

• Financial position. Do you have your finances in order? How much do you have left on your current mortgage, and can you afford to upgrade your house? Will you be buying a new property of switching to a rental? How much is your house worth and how much value do you want to add? These are all vital questions you need to ask yourself before you sell.  Also, keep in mind agents commissions and closing costs to determine what you will ultimately net. These normally total 7.5% to 9% of the selling price.
• Seller. How are you going to sell your property? Will you try to sell it privately or will you choose a REALTOR? Again, it’s better to think of these now than once the process is underway.  Don’t forget, attempting to sell yourself often seems tempting, but it very rarely ends up netting more than using a REALTOR.
• Are you emotionally ready? Moving house can be a big undertaking, full of stress and things to do. You have to be 100% prepared to take this project on, especially if there’s work or renovations to do yourself. Bear in mind that a good real estate agent can make the process much easier.

Once you’ve thought about these points and answered the important questions, you should be ready to start planning for a move and any home improvements to make it happen.

Terms to Know Before Selling Your Home

To help you navigate the tricky waters of property sale, we’ve created a quick glossary of essential terms you need to know. Jargon is rife in the industry, so this list can help you get ahead of the game:

• Assessed value. The value of your home as assigned by a public tax assessor. This is used for tax purposes and may be different from that assigned by a private surveyor or the amount you actually sell for.
• Closing. Also known as the settlement, this is the final step in the process where buyer and seller exchange contracts and complete the deal.
• CMA. Comparative Market Analysis, or ‘comps.’ A report that shows the value of similar homes in your area which recently sold. It can help determine how much you should sell for.
• Equity. The amount of value in the home that you own, essentially its value minus how much you have left on your mortgage.
• Interest. Also known as the rate, this is the percentage of your loan you’ll be charged in costs by the lender.
• Principal. The amount of money you borrowed in order to purchase a home. This will be the amount you’ll need to pay back with the addition of interest.
• REALTOR. A real estate agent that is part of the Association of REALTORS . They are beholden to the code and ethics of their association.

The Value of Home Remodeling

You may be wondering why you should choose to undertake a home remodeling project. It may seem like a lot of planning, effort, and know-how is needed. But trust us, it’s not all that hard, and there are some tangible benefits of doing so:

• Return on your investment. Whether you’re selling or not, home improvements generally have a pretty decent ROI. Small to medium renovations can result in big gains on the price of your home.
• An easier life. Many renovation projects can increase the enjoyment you get out of your home. It can make rooms or features in the house more convenient and more appealing to prospective buyers.
• Energy efficiency. Many home improvements, such as insulation or replacement windows, can help to reduce your energy bills. This not only saves you money in the long run but also means your house is more likely to sell. In some areas, this can lead to government, electric company, and other monetary incentives as well.
• More space. Depending on the time of remodeling you take on, it’s possible to increase your functional space. Garage, “Arizona room”, loft or basement conversions can open up entire new rooms for you to make use of.
• More appealing. Small renovations or home improvement projects can make your property a more tempting buy, giving you room to maneuver in the market.
• A project. Undertaking renovations at your house can be a rewarding project. There’s potential for you to do it yourself, meaning you can learn valuable skills and gain knowledge about what to look for in other homes.
• Safety. It’s possible to make your house safer by carrying out home remodeling. Whether it’s outdated wiring, safer access, or better home security, home improvement can make you safer.

As you can see, there are some real benefits of home remodeling, and many of them will add genuine value and appeal to your house. If you’re thinking of selling, it can be a crucial undertaking beforehand.

Step-by-Step Guide to the Ultimate Home Remodel

No matter what size of remodeling you’re going to undertake, it’s vital that you have a defined plan and process in place. Doing so can prevent your time and costs getting out of control, and means you’ll be prepared for what’s to come. This step-by-step guide will guide you through the process:

Planning

This stage is nearly as crucial as the actual work itself. It will keep you on track and mean you’re prepared for every eventuality. Here’s what you should plan:

1. The work. Consider the scale and scope of your remodeling. Will it be confined to one room or area, or will it be more extensive?
2. The workers. Who will be carrying out the work? If you have ambitious plans, the chances are you’ll need professional help. Look for local experts and check with them regarding their availability. If you’re already working with a REALTOR, they can refer you to trusted professionals.
3. The budget. Find out how much the proposed work is going to cost. Look for tradespeople who will give you a quote, or research material costs if you’re doing it yourself. Allow room in your budget for unexpected expenses. Finally, speak with your REALTOR about the return on investment expected for any expenditure.
4. The financing. In some instances, you may be eligible for a loan or grant to carry out the work. Check with your local council/government to see if there are any incentives to help you out.
5. The impact. If your project will involve a room or rooms out of action for a while, you’ll need to consider alternatives. For example, if you’re remodeling a bathroom, do you have another one you can use in the meantime?

Preparation

6.      The cleaning. It’s best to make sure the area being improved is clear of unnecessary clutter. This will make it far easier for whoever is doing the work to maneuver.

7.      The routine. Before the work starts, make sure that your planned contingencies work. Try out your routine with the limited access to make sure no problems arise.

8.      The materials. If you’re carrying out the work yourself, make sure to buy all of the materials and tools you’ll need well in advance. This will mean you don’t have to go out mid-way through the project.

9.      The funds. Ensure that you have all the necessary funds available to pay for materials and labor. Keep in mind that the final cost can often be a bit more than expected, so plan for 20- 30% more than you expect to spend.

Process

10.   The work.  With such good planning and preparation, the work will hopefully go smoothly, no matter who’s doing it. If you’re doing it, don’t rush. If someone else is, don’t rush them. However, if you’ve employed someone to carry out the work, don’t feel bad about asking for a status update or progress report every so often. 

Affordable Home Improvement Ideas

So, you know how a home improvement project should work, and the value that it could bring to your home. But how do you know what you should do? Thankfully, we’ve got you covered there too. Here are some of our top ideas for affordable home improvement projects: 

General Improvements

These are some remodeling ideas that can be implemented in almost any room in the house:

• Lighting. Whether it’s new bulbs, new fittings, or even just new angles, your choice of lighting can transform a room. Try out different styles to see how they impact the ambiance or feel of different spaces.
• Paint. Simply changing the color of the walls, or even one wall, can make a significant difference to a room. It’s an inexpensive way of making a change to the feel of it. Make sure to get plenty of samples and look at different styles to get an idea of what works and what color go together. Fresh paint can also make your home seem cleaner and more manageable.
• Switches. The fixtures on your light switches may not seem like the most obvious thing in the world, but changing them for something that complements the rest of the room can make a noticeable difference.
• Curtains and blinds. Your windows can be one of the focal points of any room, so having the right curtains or blinds can really highlight them Look for style as well as practicality, and try different material samples until you’re happy.
• Flooring. No matter the room, a change in flooring can totally revitalize it. Whether it’s tiles in the kitchen or laminate in the living room, you have plenty of options that don’t have to break the bank. 

Kitchen

The kitchen can be one of the most profitable places to improve in your home. The ROI is often very high, making it a great choice if you’re thinking of selling. Here are some ideas:

• Sink. The kitchen sink can make a huge difference to the overall feel of one of the most important rooms in the house. There are plenty of options for changing it out, many of them are affordable. It’s also not too tricky if you want to do it yourself.
• Cabinets. You don’t have to replace your existing cabinets if you don’t have the budget. A simple coat of paint can totally transform the look of your kitchen. Just make sure the color complements your existing scheme. Don’t do this yourself though, unless you know how. Hire a professional cabinet painter or refinisher.
• Worktops. Countertops don’t have to be mega expensive. There are plenty of options that look great and come well within budget. Look for places that sell and install prefabricated granite countertops to cut down on the cost.

Bedrooms

• Furniture. Again, it’s not always necessary to replace all of your current furniture. Repainting the drawers and dressers you have can make a massive difference.
• Ceiling. Try skimming and painting your ceiling to create a clean and unique feel to the room. Go for colors that are conducive to a relaxing atmosphere. If there’s any chance your ceiling might contain asbestos, be sure to seek professional advice!
• Wallpaper. Wallpaper isn’t as difficult to work with as it once was. Many newer designs are self-adhesive, making it easy to fix them to the wall. It can be a simple way of adding texture to your walls.

Mistakes to Avoid

Before you run off to start planning your next home improvement project, it’s worth reading about the potential pitfalls. It’s easy to get carried away sometimes, so knowing the common mistakes that others make is important. 

Health and Safety

If you’re remodeling your home yourself, it’s sometimes easy to forget about the associated dangers. Your primary concern should be ensuring that your workspace is safe, for you and those around you. Always follow the necessary health and safety protocols when you’re working, and wear proper protection.

Under-Budgeting

Most projects will cost more than you expect. When you’re planning out the tasks you’ll be carrying out, make sure that you have extra budget to cover unforeseen costs. Make sure you account for every element, including any tools, nails, brushes, etc. that you’ll need. Then add an extra 30% just to cover emergencies. The last thing you want is to be caught short mid-way through a project.

Guesstimating

Don’t fall into the trap of vaguely measuring a space. If you need something to fit in there, you have to make sure you measure it accurately. The same goes for things like curtains and blinds; you shouldn’t be guesstimating these things.

Ignoring the Professionals

It’s certainly possible to carry out many home improvement projects by yourself. However, certain tasks require the help of a real tradesperson. No amount of YouTube tutorials or how-to guides can give you the right level of expertise.

Using Cheap Materials

There’s no substitute for quality, and that goes for the tools, materials, and professionals you use. Although it’s tempting to keep your costs down as much as possible, you’re always better paying a little bit extra for something that’s high-quality.

Home Improvement Loans

If you’re set on undertaking a remodeling project but don’t quite have the capital to back it up, you have options. A home improvement loan can be a useful way of getting the money to take on your renovations. There are plenty to choose from, meaning you’ll have the luxury to shop around to fit your needs.

When choosing a loan, you’ll want to try and balance convenience, amount, service, and interest rate. You’ll also need to ensure that you can make repayments on any money that you borrow. Not doing so can have serious consequences on your financial health.

Thankfully, if you’re a homeowner with equity in your property, you should find it quite easy to find a loan with a low interest rate. This is because you’ll be able to use that equity as collateral on the loan.

You Just Finished Your Remodel. Now What?

Congratulations on finishing your project. If you’ve stuck with us, you’ve no doubt successfully completed your project. If you’re still in the planning stages, this is where you want to get to. All the hard work is done, so what now? Here are some things you should consider:

• A walk-through. If you’ve hired contractors, you should have one final tour of the work they’ve done to highlight any issues and outline any future steps that need taking. If the tradesperson doesn’t suggest this, you should.
• Clean. Once the dust has literally settled, it’s time to resume normal service. It’s a good idea to get everything cleaned and tidied away as soon as possible so you can use your new space. Any contractors should clear up behind them, but there will still be plenty of rearranging to do.

• Maintenance. You’ll want your new renovations to stay in pristine condition for as long as possible. Make a checklist of what needs doing to maintain the space over a long period of time. 

Desert Landscaping Shouldn't Be Boring

If you’re in Arizona or looking for a place to live here, bear in mind that there’s plenty you can do outside to make your home more appealing. Here are some of our quick top tips:

• A desert oasis. Consider turning your backyard into a relaxing, spa-inspired escape. With a water feature, decking, relaxing chairs, and plenty of shade, you can have your very own desert oasis.

• A desert garden. Don’t be fooled into thinking the desert has to be devoid of life. Many plants thrive in the hot and sunny conditions that Arizona offers. Try introducing some of the bright and colorful plant life that can make your garden a haven.
• Outdoor lighting. Make your house more inviting, and safer, by illuminating it at night. There are plenty of options available that can transform how it looks on a night. 

The Optima Camelview in Scottsdale, AZ has seen its recent ups and downs over the last several years in terms of market prices.  

5 Year Optima Camelview Village Price Trend

The 3rd quarter of 2018 marked the lowest average price per square foot that the Optima Camelview has seen in the last 5 years.  This is largely due to extensive remodeling occurring following the settlement between the Optima HOA and the developers.

While the price at the Optima appears to be going up in the 4th quarter of 2018, it should be noted that this is largely ue to a couple of sales of larger / remodeled condos.  These condos generally sell for a much higher price per square foot than the rest of the inventory in the Optima.

Optima Camelview Village Village Past 3 Months Sales

If we eliminate the 3 and 4 bedrooms properties we see that the prices in the Optima Camelview are showing an upward trend but not nearly as dramatic as when reviewing all sales in The Optima.

Optima Camelview Village 1 and 2 Bedroom Sales Only

It is very likely that we will see a somewhat flat price trend for the next 6 to 12 months in the Optima while the outdoor pools are rebuilt and the hallway refinishing completes.

As of the writing of this post, there were 43 Optima Camelview condos for sale on the AZ MLS.

The sales volume in the Optima Camelview is definitely looking healthy for 2018 with it on track to beat the last 3 years in terms of sales volume and possibly be the highest in 5 years.

Optima Camelview Village Sales Volume Last 5 Years

This level of sales volume is likely to continue in 2019 with the much lower prices that c ondos at the Optima can be prucahsed for.

Optima Camelview Village Pricing Past and Future

The Optima Camelview Village condos in Old Town Scottsdale has certainly had some turmoil over the recent years since the conflict began between the Optima HOA and the developers.  As discussed in a previous blog post about the Optima settlement and the impact its had on the community we expect that the price of condos in the Optima will rise in the coming 6 to 12 months as major projects are completed around the Optima.  These projects include:

• Completely rebuilding the indoor pools, outdoor pool, and the corresponding spas
• Refinishing of hallways
• New water softening systems being put in
• Dozens of other projects around The Optima!

We continue to believe that there is a buying opportunity to purchase condos at very low prices in the Optima though we, of course, have to disclose that we can't see into the future and as such this is opinion only and purchasing any real estate comes with inherent risk.

External factors likely to affect the price of the Optima Camelivew Prices

The Scottsdale Fashion Square Mall is undergoing some major renovations which are going to bring new shops and restaurants making the area an even more attractive place to own a home, especially if you're the type of really values ease and convenience and loves to walk everywhere (as most condo dwellers are).  This includes adding Ocean's 44, a Mastro's restaurant, right down the street from The Optima as well as Nobu.

If you do have any interest in purchasing or selling a condo at the Optima Camelview please Contact Us.

We work with lots of buyers and sellers in and around the Optima and Old Town Scottsdale.  We represent dozens of individuals every year with their purchases and sales of Old Town Scottsdale condos as well as other properties in The Valley.

Scottsdale residents and guests have several new hotels to look forward to in the coming years, according to an article in the Arizona Central, with Old Town Scottsdale receiving six of the nine proposed developments. It’s been over ten years since the last Old Town Scottsdale hotel was built, which was the W Hotel, located on Camelback Road just east of Scottsdale Road. 

Randy Grant, director of planning and development services in Scottsdale, says, “There’s a confidence in the market,” which would explain the sudden increase in proposals for new hotels. 

There are a few other reasons why an increase in hotels around the Scottsdale area can be a huge benefit to the city. University of Phoenix Stadium is scheduled to host its third Super Bowl in 2023; with the Waste Management Phoenix Open held the same week, there is always a high demand for lodging in the Scottsdale area. Plus, with several of the Cactus League Spring Training Facilities in the East Valley, and the close proximity to the Loop 101 providing easy access from Scottsdale to the sports stadiums in Glendale, building hotels is not only great for our tourism economy, it is a smart investment as our city continues to grow.

Aside from Old Town Scottsdale, one hotel will be built in North Scottsdale, while the other two developments are located in South Scottsdale. In total, nine hotels are expected to provide as many as 1,300 additional rooms. The largest of these hotels is expected to be The Edition at Waterview, which will be adjected to the aforementioned W Scottsdale, and will feature 246 rooms, while the smaller of the proposed hotels will offer 125 rooms.

Since there are laws in place that don’t allow buildings in Old Town Scottsdale to be higher than 150 feet, most will be less than 100 feet. The only exception is the proposed Museum Square hotel, which is expected to be close to the maximum height.

What does this mean for Scottsdale residents?

Although only one of these proposed developments is underway, it could mean an increase in construction around the Old Town area as these hotels begin to break ground and build. With less than five years before the next Super Bowl/Phoenix Open week, there is high anticipation that the majority of these nine hotels will be completed with enough time to accommodate the thousands upon thousands of guests that make their way to our great city during this exciting time. 

Vacation Rentals Market is also Booming in Scottsdale

Scottsdale condos are being purchased very frequently for the purpose of short term / vacation rentals. This is a quickly growing industry as tourists continue to pour in for Spring Traning. As more people try out staying in vacation rentals rather than hotels, this is becoming an extremely large industry in Scottsdale.

Scottsdale Shadows Condo Prices Increase in Q3 of 2018

Join Geoff Lilienfeld as he reviews the prices of Scottsdale Shadows condominiums in Old Town Scottsdale, AZ.  We'll see an upward price trend which is in line with other condos in Old Town Scottsdale, Arizona.

Scottsdale Shadows Condo Real Estate Market Price Update Video

Scottsdale Shadows Market Update Transcript

As we wrap up the third quarter of 2018, we're going to take a look at the Scottsdale Shadows Condominiums in Old Town Scottsdale. Scottsdale Shadows are located in Old Town Scottsdale at the corner of East Camelback Road and North Haden. Kind of right in the heart of things around Old Town but just a little bit far enough away from the entertainment district to not have a whole ton of noise. As you will see here, it does border up to Camelback Park and Scottsdale Shadows is known for having a small golf course right on property for those that are avid golfers that want to get a few holes in.

Let's start by taking a look at what's currently on the market at Scottsdale Shadows. We'll see that the various units are generally about 1200 square feet and range anywhere from about the $175,000, this one's a little lower here at $170,000, up to about 225k. One thing that's a little bit unique to Scottsdale Shadows is that it does have multiple HOAs inside of the single condo community, that's a lot of the reason that you'll see various prices all over the place. You'll also see different HOA dues, depending on the particular unit, based on the building that it's in.

Some of the buildings have recently been undergoing remodels inside of the hallways and the common areas while others have not been recently updated. One thing that you will just want to do is take a look at the various units and what the HOA fees are for each. We can see this one here is 443. If we select a different unit, so that's the 7910 building, the 7930. That one's very similar at 426 so you will want to keep an eye on those HOA fees. Of course, you can see those on our website. Every property we do list the HOA fees and when it's the frequency of paying it. That's of course available at k-grant.com. You can just search on the Old Town Scottsdale Communities and then select Scottsdale Shadows. From that page you can also see all of the Scottsdale Shadows condominiums that are presently on the market in Old Town.

With that being said, let's take a look at some of these market trends. We're going to go back to Q1 of 2014 looking at price per square foot. We can definitely see that if you purchased a unit in Scottsdale Shadows back in 2014 you are probably happy. Scottsdale Shadows went from an average price of almost exactly $100 per square foot up to a price in Q3 of 2018 of over $180 per square foot. That means that the average price has gone up by a full 80% over the course of about four and a half years so Scottsdale Shadows is definitely alive and kicking and doing well.

It's kind of interesting here, in this first quarter of 2015 we see this massive jump from $105 per square foot up to $121 per square foot so it's kind of continued up since then. Let's take a second to just look at the counts of homes that have sold over the last five years. Definitely in 2014 places in Scottsdale Shadows were really moving, there was a lot of activity with 87 condominiums in Scottsdale Shadows being sold. 2015 a little bit less action but of course we'll see back on this graph that the price didn't go down but we do see that the price kind of remained stagnant in 2015.

Going back to 2016, we're seeing a lot more units being sold and we also see that price climbing again. 2017 is pretty similar to 2016 in terms of the number of units being sold but the price kind of maintains. Then in 2018, we're really seeing those prices go way up. The volume seems to be about on track with 2017, so we've seen 34 condos in Scottsdale Shadows close so far in 2018 and we're a little less than three-quarters of the way through. We'd expect that the volume will end up somewhere probably around 2015 or 2017's volume for 2018.

If we just want to do a quick comparison for all of 85251, that's really the Old Town Scottsdale zip code, just looking at condominiums, we'll see that Scottsdale Shadows, in general, has been a little bit more stable than the overall 85251 condo prices. Also, interestingly enough, we'll see that condo prices have been coming down in 85251 in the third quarter of 2018 whereas in Scottsdale Shadows we saw them really going up.

Now with that being said, the volume of condos sold in 2018 in that 85251 zip code which, again, is really that Old Town Scottsdale, Arizona zip code, the volume has been pretty high in 2018 thus far. I would expect that it will land a little bit higher than the volume for 2017. If you have any questions about Scottsdale Shadows or other condos around Scottsdale, Arizona, definitely please comment right on this post or feel free to use our contact form to send us an email. We're happy to answer any questions that you have as well as show you any properties or set you up on an MLS search for Scottsdale Shadows or any other condos around Scottsdale.

Call Andrea Lilienfeld to learn about other Scottsdale condos for sale at 480-387-3990.

Things To Know About First Fridays

If you want to see just how vibrant a culture the city of Phoenix possesses, look no further than the monthly First Friday Art Walk, located in various locations of downtown Phoenix. Whether you’re thinking of living in the downtown Phoenix area, or are new to Phoenix and have yet to explore this amazing event, we’d like to provide you with a basic guide to making the most of First Fridays.

Where Is It Located?

Although it is dispersed throughout the downtown Phoenix area, there are two main focal points that are also the most popular amongst first-time attendees: Roosevelt Row and Grand Avenue. Roosevelt Row, which is comprised of various markets, art galleries, and boutiques in between 7th Avenue and 16th street, features incredible urban living (Artisan Village) and some of the best food and crafted goods in the state.

Historic Grand Avenue features amazing displays of art which are amongst the many artist studios, museums, galleries, and performing arts. With so much to see and do, one trip through the First Fridays Art Walk may not be enough!

What Can I Find During First Fridays?

There isn’t much you can’t find during First Fridays: great food and drink, amazing music, art, history, performing arts, and so much more. Each time you visit, you’ll find something new to enjoy and love. 

How Do I Get Around?

We recommend parking in one of the many garages around downtown Phoenix, then hopping onto the convenient and complimentary Art Trolley Tour so you can enjoy everything the festival has to offer without having to spend too much time walking in between venues. If parking downtown isn’t your cup of tea, you can also park at one of the numerous Park and Ride lots conveniently located near the Light Rail. A short commute later and you’ll have continuous access to all the First Friday stops from 6:00pm to 10:00pm.

Are There Other Things To Do?

Absolutely! All of downtown Phoenix is bustling with fun and excitement during First Friday, even if it’s not apart of the festivities. Everyone around downtown Phoenix is more energized during this monthly festival, which makes even your usual weekend an even better experience. Not only is it a great place for locals, your friends and family from out of town will love First Fridays too.

How Can I Learn More About First Fridays?

The First Fridays Art Walk webpage provides everything from maps and an Event Calendar to highlighting some of the best locations to visit. You can also find additional parking lots, sign up for their newsletter, and even learn how to exhibit some art of your own by visiting their website. 

Make your next visit to First Fridays a memorable one!

Erica Phomsavanh won The Kay-Grant Group’s recently created semi-annual scholarship based on the YouTube video she created and shared. Erica is a going into her Junior year at ASU majoring in Computer Science with an Emphasis in Software Engineering. You can see Erica’s video on YouTube. 

This is a semi-annual scholarship awarded to a lucky student each fall and spring semester that are interested in technology, entrepreneurship, or real estate.  

“With all the applications we receive, these decisions are always incredibly difficult,” Geoff Lilienfeld, co-owner and founder of The Kay-Grant Group said. “However, Erica’s submission really wowed and impressed us. She is definitely a worthy recipient.” 

Erica is an exceptional Arizona State University student and her commitment to education earned her a $1,000 scholarship towards her upcoming semester’s tuition. The Kay-Grant Group scholarship was founded to help those interested in a future in real estate, technology, or entrepreneurship reach their full potentials through education.  

“This is one of the most fulfilling things we do all year,” Geoff Lilienfeld continued. “Helping out college students is a great way for us to give back to the community that has embraced us so wholeheartedly. My wife and I strongly believe in helping individuals while they’re young to get both formal education and hands-on experience. We were fortunate to have had those opportunities and we want to make sure that others do as well.” 

For those of you who are interested in earning this scholarship, applications are being excepted for the Spring 2019 semester.  For more information on how to apply to receive The Kay-Grant Group scholarship as well as deadlines, visit the Kay-Grant Group Business, Technology, and Real Estate Scholarship Page. 

While there is no requirement to live or attend school in the Phoenix, AZ metro area, in this instance, it was clearly awarded to someone attending school locally. 

The Kay-Grant Group is a real estate group that focuses on Valley real estate most specifically in Phoenix, Tempe, Paradise Valley, and Scottsdale, AZ. The owners, Geoff and Andrea Lilienfeld, are entrepreneurs and technology enthusiasts. Geoff and Andrea own real estate investment properties in the Old Town Scottsdale area and personally reside in a condo in the Optima Camelview. 

Making The Valley A Better Place: Scottsdale

As residents of Scottsdale, we take immense pride in our city's sense of community and the willingness to help others in need. One of the most profound ways people can bring smiles to other's faces is through volunteering your service to one of the many non-profit organizations across the City of Scottsdale. Volunteering is not only great for bringing the community together, it has also shown an increase in happiness and well-being for the volunteer too! Here are a few of our favorite organizations working to make Scottsdale one of the best cities to live.

City of Scottsdale:

With its many programs needing volunteers, the City of Scottsdale Volunteer Program is a great place for anyone interested in helping our residents in need get started on the right foot. The list of programs is incredibly comprehensive, and includes: 

• Providing company for our home-bound seniors.

• Removing litter from streets and roadways.

• Assisting job-seekers at the Career Center.

• Sharing your love of Scottsdale as a downtown Ambassador.

• Sorting donations at the Food Bank.

• Assist with story times or organize shelves in the Library. 

• Help your neighbors with home maintenance and repairs

And so many more.

Visit their website, and you’ll find a comprehensive list of volunteer opportunities, as well as the emails of program coordinators and phone numbers.

Foothills Animal Rescue:

One of the most popular volunteer opportunities for teenagers and young adults is providing care for rescue pets, and Foothills Animal Rescue is a great place to help their furry friends grow into socially-adept pets that are ready for adoption. Here are some of the ways volunteers can help at Foothills Animal Rescue:

• Cat lovers will be able to clean their rooms, feed the cats, and socialize with them.

• Dogs and puppies love to play and walk, which you can help them with, along with feeding them.

• There are also opportunities for households to foster animals, preparing them for life in their next home!

• Other volunteer services include front desk assistance, dog grooming and bathing, and much more.

You can find more information on the Opportunities page, including contact information:

Note: You must be 16 or older to volunteer without a parent’s permission.

Face In The Mirror:

Our residents in Scottsdale and all over the Valley who battle cancer can suffer so much more than their symptoms, and Face in the Mirror’s mission is to help cancer patients look better and feel better. This non-profit was founded Barbara MacLean, who lost her sister to cancer in 2001, and offers some of the following services free of charge:

• Botanical-based beauty products

• Essential touch, facials, and massage

• Wigs, hats and scarves

• A personal mirror to improve self-esteem with each look at themselves

For 2018, they are working to extend their services to veterans and the homeless. More information to volunteer can be found on their Facebook page and on Volunteer Match.

By working as a community, we have the ability to change lives for the better in Scottsdale and all over the Phoenix-area. 

Few things can be more frustrating than prepping dinner or cleaning your kitchen only to have a clogged drain ruin your day. As hard as we can try, it can be tedious to constantly remember to remove all the grease from a pan or plate before placing it in the sink. Even with a sink full of hot, soapy water, more often than not grease and particles can end up going down the drain; over time, those particles will build up and cause you to either snake the drain, call a plumber, or go through the less-than-glamorous process of cleaning the drain yourself.

We encourage all of our Phoenix and Scottsdale homeowners to take preventative measures to save yourself the potential trouble that clogged drains can cause. Thankfully, almost every Phoenix and Scottsdale home has plenty of table salt, which will do just fine. Here are the steps you can take to prevent clogged drains:

If you’ve never done this before, take about ½ cup of salt and a few tablespoons of baking soda, combine them in a measuring cup, and pour them down the drain. Wait about 20 minutes, then pour two quarts of boiling water slowly into the drain. Once a week, ½ cup of salt with two quarts of boiling water down the drain will help keep your sink pipes flowing smoothly.

Not only will this work well in your kitchen sink, it will also be highly effective in your bathroom sink and shower/bathtub drains.

By taking a few minutes a week to perform these simple tasks, the drains and water pipes in your Phoenix/Scottsdale Arizona homes will thank you.

Anyone who has taken a trip downtown over the last year or so has seen the block-sized development that has slowly been coming to fruition between 1st and 2nd street and Washington and Jefferson. What started as a giant hole in the ground will soon become the most impressive, multi-purpose building in the downtown Phoenix area. For those of you who live around, work around, or plan to live/work around Block 23: CityScape, we wanted to share a bit about when it will be completed, what to expect, and how the city, residents and employers around the area will benefit from its existence.

One of the most important features of the Block 23 development is the inclusion of a 55,000 square foot grocery store, the first full-service grocery store in downtown Phoenix. Fry’s Food will make it easy for downtown Phoenix residents and visitors alike to avoid the hassle of traveling to midtown in order to purchase food and other household goods. Many downtown Phoenix residents have been yearning for a convenient market within walking or light rail distance of their homes, and that dream is soon to become a reality.

Aside from the grocery store, Block 23 will also feature over 300 apartment units, and a wide array of restaurant, office, and retail space available to businesses looking to set up in downtown Phoenix. With Phoenix being one of the most rapidly growing metropolitan cities in the country, a multi-use building like this has been long overdue.

Parking will not be an issue for downtown Phoenix visitors and residents thanks to the incredible parking structure being developed. Three underground levels will give residents inside Block 23 plenty of parking space, while retail and office guests will have the ability to park in the four levels above ground. 

Construction began in April 2017 and is scheduled to be complete sometime in 2019. While we all wait for this incredible development to finish construction, there is still plenty to love about CityScape. Many residents of 44 Monroe and Orpheum Lofts make the short commute to the incredible shops, restaurants, bars, and entertainment venues Phase I CityScape has to offer. Once Block 23 is open and ready for business, there’s no telling how much the popularity and demand of living in downtown Phoenix will increase; downtown Phoenix homes will sell quicker and values will certainly appreciate.

For more information and to keep up on currents events of the Block 23 development, you can visit www.cityscapeblock23.com and subscribe to their newsletter. You can even view the project as it stands via webcam.