Deanne Olivas

We all know home sales prices vary per city. Here is a summary of the approximate average sale price per square foot this month of homes sales in the Phoenix east valley.

Gilbert AZ $98 per sq ft

Chandler AZ $106 per sq ft

Mesa AZ $86 per sq ft

Queen Creek AZ $64 per sq ft

Scottsdale AZ $179 per sq ft

Tempe, AZ $121 per sq ft

Apache Junction AZ $74 per sq ft

Fountain Hills Az $152 per sq ft

Gold Canyon AZ $120 per sq ft

Maricopa AZ $49 per sq ft

Sun Lakes AZ $124 per sq ft

Data from The Cromford Report

If you would like information on purchasing a home in the east valley Phoenix area, I can assist you. I have experience in assisting buyers with HUD, bankowned, preforeclosure(short sale) and traditional seller purchases.

If you have ever driven 89A between Sedona and Flagstaff you know that feeling of wanting to stop and stay awhile. Well, we finally did! We were lucky enough to get 4 nights at the Forest Houses Resort on 89A, 10 miles from Sedona, 17 from Flagstaff and right down in the canyon with Oak Creek and giant Ponderosa Pine and Douglas Fir between us and the highway. It isn't easy to get reservations there because first priority goes to the people who stayed there the year before and they hardly ever decide not to come back. But with some flexibility and diligence you can get an opportunity to wind down and really enjoy the tranquility and beauty of Oak Creek and the canyon.

There are 16 1-5 bedroom houses (most are separated by pine trees and the mountain terrain although a couple are duplexes). All are unique in design and built over a period of about 40 years by the same man using materials native to the area (rocks, boulders and log beams). All are absolutely gorgeous with a flagstone patio, balcony overlooking Oak Creek, more private surroundings deeper in the forest, or a huge stone fireplace. I could not pick a favorite-loving them all for different reasons. The one we stayed in was called The Barn House.

Although it is a quick drive to Sedona or Flagstaff, there seems to be a quietness that draws you to perfer a nature walk along the creek or sitting on your patio birdwatching (we shared the grass just beyond our patio with a family of robins).

Beware- there is no TV or phone reception. Being a realtor my withdrawals lasted longer than most, maybe. But after awhile I didn't hear any more phantom rings and let myself relax knowing there were people back at the office taking care of business.

Next time you want to really relax check out www.foresthousesreort.com

Flying Allegiant Airlines from Mesa's Gateway Airport is a convenient alternative to the hassle of flying via Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport. Las Vegas based Allegiant Airlines flies jet planes into 60 small cities or secondary airports across North America with often lower fares then its competition. I recently flew with my daughter and 3 young granddaughters to Peoria, Illinois, which is about the same distance from my family in Illinois as flying into Midway Airport in Chicago. I have made the flight into Midway numerous times.

Since I live in Gilbert, Arizona, the first advantage to flying Allegiant became immediately apparent because Mesa Gateway is closer than Sky Harbor and we were able to avoid the early morning traffic on the Superstition Freeway as well as the congestion at Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport. Then there was the short walk from the parking lot and through the door to the ticketing area. No escalators, elevators, never ending walkways, or long lines even at security!

On the plane, the attendants were very friendly and attentive. The leather seats seemed wider and the foot room larger then I remembered on other planes although they do not provide pillows and blankets. (Bring a sweater if you tend to get chilly like I do.) We arrived on time (both coming and going). Upon arrival the terminal in Peoria was also small and easily navigated. We went a short distance to pick up our rental car and were soon on our way enjoying the country scenery (very different from the urban area leaving Midway in Chicago).

If you live in or are visiting Mesa, Gilbert, Chandler, Queen Creek, Florence Arizona or any other Phoenix southeast valley city, let me suggest that the next time you plan a trip, check to see if you will be going in or near one of the 60 cities where Allegiant flies. If their limited schedule (they only fly certain days of the week to a destination) fits your needs, I suggest you give them a try.

By the way, you can bundle your flight in a package with hotel reservations, car rental and tickets to attractions in cities such as Las Vegas, Tampa Bay-St Petersburg, Las Angeles, or Orlando-Stanford through Allegiant Airlines' sister Allegiant Vacations.

Get more information at http://www.allegiantair.com/