Arizona Real Estate Agents, Title Agencies and Appraisers Considered Essential Services

Late on Monday, March 23, 2020, Arizona Governor Doug Ducey issued an executive order which requires cities and towns throughout the state to coordinate any Stay-at-Home orders. 

Simply put, the executive order prohibits and restricts any entities that are considered essential services from being shut down should the COVID-19 pandemic worsen in the coming weeks. For those who are planning on buying or selling real estate in Arizona, you're in luck: real estate agents, title agencies, and appraisers are all considered essential services, and will be able to continue providing services to their clients, even in the event of a stay-at-home order.

The Kay-Grant Group is doing everything we can to provide our clients the highest level of service while still practicing social distancing and taking every necessary precaution. If you have any questions regarding the steps we are taking to protect our clients, please give us a call at 480-387-3990 or fill out our Contact Form.

In addition to real estate services, the executive order also classifies the following as essential services:

• Hospitals, public medical services, and manufacturers of personal protective services and biotech companies;
• Service that provide for the disabled, those with developmental disabilities, foster children, and homeless;
• Food production firms, internet providers, and construction companies;
• Laundromats and other laundry services;
• Government operations, including first responders and child protection services;
• Grocery and medicine retail services;
• Financial institutions;
• Trade services including plumbers, HVAC, electricians, etc.
• Hardware stores;
• Post offices, shipping and logistics firms;
• Any organization which provides social services, such as food banks;
• Transportation providers;
• Home-based care services; such as for the elderly and disabled;
• Supply distribution companies which provide goods for telework and remote workers;
• Educational institutions;
• Hotels and motels;
• Residential services for at-risk populations and shelters.
• Manufacturers and suppliers of goods;
• Funeral services
• and Financial/Accounting services.

The actual executive order can be seen here: https://azgovernor.gov/sites/default/files/eo_2021_0.pdf

Beautiful Gated Condo Near Scottsdale Silverado Officially SOLD!

It's always an incredible feeling to hand over the keys to one of our clients, and now that the closing process is complete, they will get to enjoy living in a spacious two-bedroom gated condo in the popular community of Corriente. This condo features 1,625 square feet of living space, stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, and a spacious master suite.

In addition to the incredible floorplan, this condo is also just a short drive from the Scottsdale Silverado clubhouse, and is only 10 minutes away from all the excitement of Old Town Scottsdale.

Interested in Buying or Selling a Condo in Scottsdale?

inventories are low in the Greater Scottsdale area, and if you have been considering selling or buying a condo in the Greater Scottsdale area, now is the time to do so! For more information about our real estate buying and selling services, fill out our Contact Form or give us a call at 480-387-3990.

Beautiful 4-Bedroom Home Less than 5 Minutes From Loop 101!

No matter what, we strive to help our clients with any and all of their real estate needs. This spacious 4-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom two-story home caught our client's eye, and we were just as ecstatic as they were when they received the news that their offer was accepted!

Once the closing process is complete, our clients will get to enjoy a beautiful home in a popular Chandler subdivision, which is a short trip from the Loop 101, and within walking distance from Chandler Fashion Center! 

Interested in Buying a Chandler Home for Sale?

Chandler is one of the most popular suburbs in the Valley, and if you have considered moving to this incredible city, we would love the opportunity to help you! For more information, or to schedule a showing, give us a call at 480-387-3990 or fill out our Contact Form for more details.

Unique Optima Camelview Floorplan SOLD in just 48 Days

A one-bedroom plus den, two-bathroom condo floorplan can be a difficult sell for any real estate team, but The Kay-Grant Group is not your average real estate team. This beautiful condo was under contract in just a few weeks, and in 48 days, the keys have officially been handed over!

Six-plus weeks to sell a condo might not seem like a great stat, but when you compare it to the 160-day average time on market at Optima Camelview, it's easy to see why we have established ourselves as the Premiere Real Estate Team in Optima Camelview.

Ready to Sell Your Optima Camelview Condo?

Over the last few years, we have helped numerous clients sell their Optima Camelview condo for Maximum Value in less time than the average, and we would love the opportunity to put our expertise to work for you. For more information about our selling service, or to receive a FREE Home Valuation, please fill out our Contact Form or give us a call at 480-387-3990.

Beautiful 3-Bedroom Optima Camelview Condo Under Contract!

We are continuing our success in Optima Camelview, and we are thrilled to share our latest buyer side transaction. Our client loves the spacious open floorplan, huge covered patio terrace, floor-to-ceiling windows, and amazing master suite with a separate shower and tub in the master bathroom.

Once the closing process is complete, our client will also get to enjoy everything the Optima Camelview community has to offer: putting green, fitness center, concierge service, on-site restaurant, indoor/outdoor pool and spa, and so much more!

With our incredible track record, you won't find a better real estate team for buying a condo for sale in Optima Camelview!

Ready to Buy an Optima Camelview Condo?

The Kay-Grant Group goes above and beyond for our clients interested in buying a condo in the luxury community of Optima Camelview. For more information, or to schedule a showing, please call us at 480-387-3990 or fill out our Contact Form.

Join Ian as he covers the current status of the market for the Optima Camelview luxury condo complex.

Video Transcript:

Hi everybody,

This is Ian with The Kay-Grant Group and today we will be going over a market update for the Optima Camelview for March 2020. We will be looking at current and past purchase trends and look at what is available on the market. So without further adieu let’s get started.

When we look at the five year historical price per square foot in the Optima you can see that there is some extreme seasonality to it when we average the inventory together. Due to the fact you can have condos that range from $300,000 all the way up to $2.5 million that can cause the averages to be a bit misleading when looking at them as a whole, so let’s break them down.

This is a graph of one bedroom condos with all of the bathroom variants. We actually see a downward trend but is still historically higher than other first quarter trends since 2018. We have seen a few price drops on several of the one bedroom variants listed but overall if you were looking to buy, or indeed sell one right now, you will still be beating historical lows for selling, and historical highs if you are buying.

For the two bedroom variants we see them trending more upward in popularity and price. Not as high as last year's first quarter but it will end up higher than all other first quarter trends. Now if you were looking to sell a two bedroom condo right now you should be able to get a fair asking price. Though most that are currently listed right now are a two bedroom variant and their average time on market is significantly lower than years prior.

When we move to the three bedroom and above variants, which usually run around $700,000 or more, that is where we are seeing a lot of movement that is driving the overall average square footage price much higher. With about 20 listings that meet this criteria, which is close to half of all of the listings in Optima right now, we are seeing several of these listings already getting asking price or just under. So if you are sitting on the high end of the market, now might be a good time to list.

To keep us more informed of what is going on in the valley  let’s take a look at overall market trends from the Arizona STAT Report, which is current as of January. Here we see 16,045 available inventory in the valley which is quite low when you look at it year over year, 30% less in fact. 

But to give you a peek into what March is going to hold, or the end of the first quarter, this is the total inventory numbers from 2019 where we had 23,164 homes available.

And it is a little hard to see but this the current total available inventory as of the publishing of this update, 15,727 which is a 32% deficit year-over-year. So what does this mean? Is that on average this is a very good time to get your property on the market. The Optima currently has 47 listings available of those seven are under contract pending sale. There are 727 properties in the Optima, that means there is only a 6% availability, for juxtaposition a typical luxury condo complex inventory that is available for sale usually runs around 10% to 11%.

Something else of note. The Caesars Republic hotel broke ground in late February. Though it will not be completed until late next year, we do think this has the potential to significantly raise values in the Optima Camelview. So if you are looking to buy now this could be a reason to do so, especially if you are in the mid-market range.

If you have any questions feel free to give us a call or if you are looking to buy or sell we would be more than happy to help. We have listed a significant amount of properties in the Optima and our average time on market so far is running at half the average in that complex.

Thanks for watching everyone!

You can also call us at 480-387-3990 or submit a contact form.

Check Out This Beautiful Home in the Peaceful Gold Canyon Community

Our client reach goes far beyond the Greater Scottsdale and Greater Phoenix area. Our client was searching for a beautiful home in a peaceful area, and this 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom gem met their needs! Once the closing process is complete, they will be able to enjoy the spacious living area and rooms, relaxing pool, and covered patio perfect for entertainment. Not only is this home beautiful and a great value, it is just a 30-minute drive from the heart of Mesa via the Highway 60.

No matter the location, The Kay-Grant Group is here to help you with all of your real estate needs.

Ready to Buy Your Next Home in the Surrounding Phoenix area?

We pride ourselves in creating the ultimate experience for our clients, and we are ready to put our expertise to work for you as well! For more information about real estate in the smaller communities outside of Phoenix/Scottsdale, or within the Valley, give us a call at 480-387-3990 or fill out our Contact Form.

The Ultimate Guide to Buying Horse Properties in Scottsdale

Choosing to purchase horse property in Scottsdale, Arizona, is a grand plan. However, before investing, it is wise to do your homework and be as well-informed as possible.

Purchasing horse property is unlike buying any other type of property. This guide will prepare you by offering pertinent information about life as a horse property owner in the beautiful city of Scottsdale.

Why Scottsdale is a Great Place to Own Horses

Although Scottsdale is a large part of the Phoenix metropolitan area, there are still sections that feel like you have traveled back to the 1800s, with spots you can saddle up and ride off into the sunset; this is a unique characteristic that you won't find in most urban areas. 

From the time Chaplain Winfield Scott and his wife filed their homestead papers in 1888 through his death in 1910, he gave new settlers a tour of his namesake city in his horse and buggy.

Although we have come a long way since the days horses were the primary transportation system, Scottsdale keeps its history alive by being one of the few metropolitan cities to celebrate and appreciate the equestrian lifestyle. 

Places to Visit on Horseback Near Scottsdale

Are you searching for a refuge from city life? 

The city of Scottsdale and surrounding areas have numerous areas where equestrians and their horses can trot and gallop through mountains, streams, and deserts. 

Scottsdale is a unique place with so much open land just minutes from the city's traffic jams and loud noise. This beautiful area of Arizona offers numerous locations where horse lovers can escape the stresses of everyday life. 

Arizona Horse Lovers Park 

Arizona Horse Lovers Park has been a staple in the Arizona equestrian community for over 30 years. Horse enthusiasts of all ages come to the park to saddle up and ride on the multifunctional trails used for roping, cutting, and riding. Four equestrian areas are available for use year-round.

This rustic, family-friendly park is located off Tatum and the 101 near Desert Ridge Marketplace. 

Superstition Wilderness

Approximately 45 minutes southwest of North Scottsdale lies breathtaking scenery of majestic mountains and desert wildlife. Superstition Wilderness offers over 160,000 acres of a well-developed trail system. 

Located within one of eight wilderness areas within the Tonto National Forest, the Superstition Wilderness is inhabited by cholla, prickly pear, ocotillo, and saguaro cacti. 

Horseback is the premier way to access this vast wilderness. Get ready to ride through the iconic history of the Old West as you travel challenging trails that weave around Saguaro Lake and the Salt River. 

Goldfield Hills

Approximately 45 minutes southwest of North Scottsdale lies breathtaking scenery of majestic mountains and desert wildlife. Superstition Wilderness offers over 160,000 acres of a well-developed trail system. 

The Goldfield Hills are located an hour southwest of North Scottsdale.

These hills are just north of the tourist ghost town of Goldfield, Arizona. The rugged Goldfield Mountains loom over these hills.

Your ride will consist of washes, rolling hills, and trails with no names, trail numbers, or directions. However, getting lost is difficult as most of the trails crisscross through one another.

The town of Goldfield is easy to see as you ride through the hills, making your way back simple.

Visitors are welcome to horseback through the ancient town of Goldfield. There is even a hitching rail where riders can tie up horses while they check out a wild west shootout on Main Street.

MacDonald’s Ranch 

Just off Scottsdale Road and the 101 sits MacDonald’s Ranch, where visitors can take in stunning views of Camelback Mountain.

The guided tours are one- to two-hour, and 90-minute moonlit rides are available on specific dates. Other great amenities at MacDonald’s Ranch include a family fun play area, a petting zoo, pony rides, and year-round hayrides.

Koli Equestrian Center

Enjoy amazing views of the Sonoran Desert and tribal lands as you scamper on horseback through the Gila Indian Reservation. Guides provide 60-to-90-minute narrated tours educating guests about the rich culture and history these Arizona lands offer.

Koli Equestrian Center also offers private rides and a margarita sunset ride.

What to Look For When Buying Horse Property in Scottsdale

There are many things to consider when buying land to use as horse property.

Particular acreage is necessary, understanding zoning laws and ensuring that proper septic systems are put into place are all crucial factors to ensure a smooth transition for you and your horses. 

Acreage

Be sure to purchase enough acreage for your horses to thrive.

How many horses do you plan on keeping?

Will you be riding on your property?

Will you want to build a shelter, barn, or riding arena for your horses?

These questions are essential to ask before making a purchase.

Most experts agree that two acres are enough for one horse. However, with each additional horse, one additional acre is recommended. 

This acreage allows different management plans to be implemented without horse overgrazing.

Owners must also maintain a 70% vegetative cover of land. The non-grazing space is referred to as a dry lot or exercise lot. 

Zoning Laws

When buying equestrian property, understand the City of Scottsdale zoning laws. Also, examine the neighboring territories to get information on expanding acreage. 

There is a term called horse privileges. In a nutshell, a property that previously had the rights to the house and raised horses (usually because they were part of an old ranch that was then incorporated) but horse privileges remained can board horses on the property. However, this can be tricky. 

Working with a real estate professional who thoroughly understands zoning laws regarding horse properties is vital. 

Occasionally, when a property was previously zoned for horses, the zoning may not transfer to you or meet your specific needs. Complete all paperwork with your Realtor to be sure you can use the land for your intended reasons.  

Septic System and Drainage

Many horse properties have septic systems or wells in place.

There are benefits to having these systems already on your property. On the other hand, they can become a nightmare if you don’t have them inspected.

Before purchasing a property, request the seller pump out the septic tank and ensure the leach field is not underneath any pasture.

It is just as crucial to have proper drainage.

Inadequate drainage can easily have you winding up with muddy land, creating many problems for your horses. An easy way to check the drainage is to visit the property right after a rainstorm; you will be able to see where the water gathers. 

Shade and Shelter

In Scottsdale, it is vital to your horse’s health that appropriate shade and shelter are available. 

Central Arizona is infamous for its destructive monsoons and brutally hot summers. 

There must be a barn or run-in shed for your horse during intense storms, rain, and heat advisories. 

Do you want to be stuck outside, soaked, or miserable in 115-degree heat? Neither does your horse. 

The benefit of housing a horse in Arizona is unlike cold climates, the care for your horse is typically the same through the various seasons.

Benefits of Owning a Horse in Scottsdale

Physical Activity 

Since you can ride your horse year-round in Scottsdale, horseback riding is a great consistent workout. In addition to the physical exertion of riding your horse, cleaning stalls, feeding, and grooming are all activities that will keep you moving.  

Reduce Stress

Many studies have shown that interaction with animals is beneficial for reducing stress. The relationship with animals is believed to decrease blood pressure and hormones that are associated with stress. Hence, riding a horse has a twofold benefit regarding the health of your mind, which will help you in every aspect of your life.

Builds Self Confidence

Although horse riding is an individual sport, it is a relationship between a teacher and a student. 

You, as the owner, teach and work with your horse; this is called leadership training, and nothing boosts self-confidence more than seeing your accomplishments come to fruition. 

Horses offer us a unique opportunity to experience a natural and personal connection with an animal. 

These leadership and communication skills enhance our lives tremendously. 

It is not easy to train a thousand-pound animal to move the way it's told and follow your lead. At the same time, this training also enhances your horse's confidence. 

Once the horse senses you trust them by relaxing while they move, they will become more relaxed, and your relationship will become stronger.

Boosts Brain Power

Training horses nurtures and engages the creative side of your brain.

Coaching a horse is like being a classroom teacher; you must think outside the box. Not all students learn the same. Not all horses learn the same. This forces trainers to think creatively about cultivating the horse’s mind and solving any problems they may encounter. 

Helps Preserve Bone Mass and Improve Overall Health  

Most people do not realize how beneficial owning a horse can be to preserving bone mass.  

One of the key ways to preserve bone mass is through strength training and weight-bearing exercises.

Owning a horse requires a lot of weight-bearing activities: hauling barn equipment, carrying saddles, and moving all the other necessary gadgets all help support the loss of bone mass. 

Endless Benefits to Owning a Horse

Owning a horse has countless benefits. 

Unfortunately, there aren’t many cities where horse lovers can saddle up in their backyard or drive just a few miles to ride their horses. 

In Scottsdale, you won’t have a long-distance relationship with your horse. There are countless places to ride and a large equestrian community. 

When searching for horse properties in Scottsdale, it helps to have a professional real estate agent on your side to help you with every aspect of the buying process. We have horse property specialists here at The Kay-Grant Group that have helped many clients find their perfect horse property, and we are excited to help you too. 

For more information, give us a call at 480-387-3990 or fill out our Contact Form.

Beautiful Luxury Optima Camelview Condo with Incredible Views!

We have continued to establish ourselves as the premier real estate team in Optima Camelview  and we continue to have a great 2020 at this amazing Old Town Scottsdale luxury condo community. We represented the buyer, who loved the views from this gorgeous 6th floor condo, and we negotiated an offer that was $4,000 below asking price.

Considering the average time on market in Optima Camelview is approximately 120 days, the fact that this unit closed in one-third of the average further demonstrates how well we connect buyers and sellers here!

Now that the keys have changed hands, the new owners will get to enjoy everything Optima Camelview has to offer, including an indoor pool and spa, indoor basketball/racquetball courts, concierge service, and so much more.

Interested in Buying an Optima Camelview Condo for Sale?

The Kay-Grant Group is dedicated to helping you find the perfect Optima Camelview Condo for Sale. If you would like more information, or would like to schedule a showing, we are ready to hear from you! Simply call us at 480-387-3990 or fill out our Contact Form for more details.

This Beautiful Home CLOSED in just 32 Days!

Scottsdale Estates is one of the most popular Old Town Scottsdale subdivisions, and had multiple offers from the instant it hit the market. This 3-bedroom home went under contract almost immediately, and about one month later, the home had officially closed at Full Asking Price.

Since the home was priced well under the average of the subdivision, this is the ideal property to spruce up and earn a tidy profit. 

Ready to Sell Your Old Town Scottsdale Home?

As Scottsdale Real Estate Experts, we go above and beyond to get our client's listings sold in the shortest time possible, and we are here to help you with every step of the sale process. For more information about selling your home in Scottsdale, Arizona, give us a call at 480-387-3990 or fill out our Contact Form.