Jessica Steele

Desert Oasis of Surprise is a beautiful, mountain-side community just on the outskirts of Surprise, AZ. Located just off of 163rd Ave and Grand in northwest Surprise, this vibrant community is easily accessible to downtown Surprise, and is only approximately 20 minutes from Wickenburg, AZ, where many residents work and play.

A family-friendly community, several green belts, children play areas and BBQ pits are scattered throughout, making it easy to live and play within the confines of the community.

Although specific school and neighborhood information is not yet updated online, there is one elementary school in the area that has been fully-functioning as part of the Dysart Unified School Distrcit.

Desert Moon Elementary School is an elementary school in the area, with a current enrollment of 434 students, and offers many after-school activities for students, including Den's Club discounted child care. Family Movie Nights are offered on Friday evenings once a month, and various sports keep the community bustling, such as girls softball and boys baseball throughout the fall quarters.

Homes currently for sale in the Desert Oasis community: 19

Lowest list price: $84,900 1,564 sq.ft., 3bed/2bath

Highest list price: $367,000 3,060 sq.ft., 4bed/3bath

Homes currently pending in the Desert Oasis community: 12

Lowest sales price: $94,999 1,564 sq.ft., 3bed/2bath

Highest sales price: $190,000 3,579 sq.ft., 5bed/3bath

***Note, Desert Oasis Elementary is the community elementary school, and is part of the Nadaburg District, comprised of Wittman, a small, inuncorporated area, and Northwest Surprise. A small segment of Northwestern Peoria is also included in this district. Desert Oasis opened in the fall of 2008, and is just celebrating their one-year anniversary as an up-and-coming school in the area.

Legacy Parc, Surprise AZ Home Sales Report for August 2009

Active Listings: 24, ranging from $96,000 - $165,000

Pending Sales: 23, ranging from $87,000 - $149,900

Closed Sales: 6, Average List Price: $164,600

Highest: $180,000, 2,958 sq ft., 4 bed/2.5 bath + pool

Lowest: $95,000, 1,866 sq. ft., 4 bed/2.5 bath

How do I calculate property tax in the state of Arizona?

Why Mrs. Buyer, that is a very good question. Although I do not know the ins and outs of property tax in the state of California, I do know that in Arizona, they can be a bit tricky to actually tack down to an actual number. In general, however, the following formula is used:

full cash value x 1% = annual property tax

So what does "full cash value" mean, and where did the 1% come from?

First and foremost, it is important to understand that Arizona property tax is based on assessed value, rather than current market value. In Maricopa County, the assessment ratio for an owner-occupied residence is 10% of full cash (market) value. Thus, if your home is valued at $250,000, you would be charged a property tax based on the assessed value of $25,000.

In Arizona, real estate tax will vary based on the community in which you live. Cities, schools, community colleges and water districts all are factors influencing the tax rate. Thus, the tax rate applicable to each property is the sum of state, county, city, school, and other special district rates. In general, the average property tax for an Arizona residence is approximately 1% of the full cash (market) value, (or 10% of the assessed value).

$250,000 x .1 (10%) = $25,000

$25,000 x .1 = $2,500

OR

$250,000 x .01 = $2,500

So now Mrs. Buyer wants to know, How do I find the assessed value of my home?

Assessed value for a home in Maricopa county can be found at the Maricopa County Assessor web site.

Happy Calculating!

It lies at the end of a somewhat lengthy road. Sometimes, it arrives more quickly, and other times, I seem to watch the clock until it appears. Some days, it greets me with open arms, inviting me in, and other days, I almost dread what might await at the end of the way.

In all its peace and tranquility, there is always something to be done.

It is, however, no matter how crazy life may seem, my constant. It is the place whose walls protect me from the storm, and embrace me during my lonely moments. It is the place whose ceilings smile down upon me as I do my happy-dance in my living room, when I think no one else is around.

It celebrates my successes, and protects my secrets, laying me down to a safe, comfortable sleep each night.

Sometimes, it is filled with laughter. Other times, it is quiet with tears. Summer nights its banana leaves have been known to guard some friendly secrets, and on cool winters' eves, its fires warm lost souls. It is a place of gathering, yet knows of solitude. It is a place of music and dance, yet sweet, solid dreams.

It is who I am, and it speaks of me . . . who I am, who I was, and who I have not yet dared to be.

In an industry where finding people their dream home is my business, it is a wonder how I don't appreciate mine just a little more.

And what about you?

What is your definition of "home"?

That's right. McCormick & Schmick's, Scottsdale, Arizona, not only tickled my tummy, but the tranquil, not overly formal atmosphere allowed me to savor the flavor as well.

Rarely is there an occasion as a Realtor (R) when one can sit down without the buzzing of the telephone or clacking of the keyboard to a relaxed, unrehearsed lunch, but after the Active Rain conference today, I was able to do just that, as I digested a few very helpful pointers Active Brad had shared with the group.

And while the seafood may not have been sizing me up with each thrilling bite as it did this past summer in Vigo, Spain (see below), it's freshness was not to be mistaken. As I scarfed down my salmon cakes and polished them off with a bit of goat cheese souffle, it became obvious to me that the lack of eye balls did not take away from the flavor of the meal at all.

It might have just made it a little easier to digest.

And our server . . . ! Can I just define her cute little self as amazing? After an in-depth conversation about the Scottsdale Unified School District and their struggle for resources in this time of great economic need, she thanked me for "educating our youth" by bringing us a scrumptious strawberry drizzled in raspberry sauce alongside a gooey chocolate-raspberry truffle. It was heaven melting in my mouth.

Even the hostess stopped and chatted with us for about five minutes while we were waiting on another guest, inquiring about the real estate market and asking how our conference went. From start to finish I felt like I was treated like a queen. Delicious food, rich atmosphere, quality people I would love to encounter again.

And I do believe I will.

Oyster Street, Vigo, Spain