According to an article in the Arizona Republic on Saturday (3/15/08), the same publication which has been trumpeting the wholesale demise of Real Estate values in Maricopa County for the past year and a half, the median value of homes that sold in Scottsdale in 2007 showed a 1.9% decline from 2006.
1.9%???
This is the precipitous value decline that we have been hearing about here in Scottsdale?
The same article goes on to say that the town of Carefree, second only to Paradise Valley in highest median values in Maricopa County, actually saw an increase of 6.7% in the median home value from 2006 to 2007.
With Scottsdale's median home value weighing in at $650,000, this means that the seismic collapse of housing values during 2007 cost the average Scottsdale seller about $13,000.
Considering that many buyers have been scared to the sidelines by the picture that has been painted of the general Real Estate market (as if such a thing exists), I am absolutely staggered to read the acknowledgement that some areas were, and continue to be, much more widely affected than others. Yes, values across Maricopa County are down, but guess what? Many of the outlying and less desirable locations are skewing the overall statistics. There are certainly communities where green blood is running in the streets. Rampant foreclosures, developments abandoned by builders, homeowners stuck with properties they can't sell. Those areas are placing tremendous downward pressure on the sales statistics for Maricopa County. When you break locations out individually, though, you will find that many of the historically strong areas have been much less affected by the overall difficulties in the Real Estate market.
So while values in Queen Creek declined by 19%, Fountain Hills by 7.3% (largest median value decline in the Northeast Valley) and Cave Creek by 4.7%, those who have been hunkering down, waiting for values to collapse in Scottsdale, must be quite frustrated at this point. Surely the buyers who have been waiting to catch the market at the bottom did not wait an entire year to lop off a paltry 1.9%? Buyers ask me all the time why they should buy now when the media keeps telling them that prices are expected to crash by another 25%.
My response?
Not in Scottsdale.
If you are interested in purchasing a home anywhere in the metro Phoenix area, it is crucial to investigate the current trends in each individual community that interests you. It may not be the best time to purchase a home in Anthem or Maricopa (city), especially if you do not expect a long stay in your new house, but that has little bearing on whether you can confidently purchase a home in an established and sought-after area such as Scottsdale.
Don't hold your breath if you are waiting for Scottsdale prices to crash precipitously. Market conditions are certainly more favorable to the buyer right now, so there is a window of opportunity to secure a terrific value on a home while interest rates remain microscopic. Know what else? The blanket projections you hear for a wholesale "bottoming out" and subsequent "recovery" of the Real Estate market? Scottsdale will get there first. By the time the alert goes up that Real Estate is a safe investment again, Scottsdale will have been steadily appreciating for months.
Or you could miss out on another year of homeownership while waiting to see if prices will implode by another percent.
Click here to read the Arizona Republic article by Peter Corbett that inspired this post.
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Paul Slaybaugh with Realty Executives is your source for Scottsdale AZ Real Estate. A second-generation Realtor and Scottsdale native, Paul has been selling the land that he loves since 1999.
Scottsdale, Arizona is one of the most coveted destinations in the country. With tourists descending upon our city limits every spring, many become vacation homeowners and ultimately year-round residents. The lifestyle is just that appealing. Whether your pastime/obsession is golf, hiking, shopping, outdoor living or just the romantic call of the Sonoran desert, Scottsdale is the place for you.
As the Real Estate market is ever changing, you will find that the emphasis on this package is on lifestyle and infrastructure. To keep potential residents current on the housing market, I will be rotating market reports here on a continual basis. I will also continue to add community spotlights on the planned community developments of Scottsdale. To get a real sense of property values, current information is vital. Please feel free to visit me at Scottsdale AZ Real Estate or send me an email at paul@rayandpaul.com for up to the minute information on the Scottsdale Real Estate market.
For everything you ever wanted to know about Scottsdale living, please visit the following posts:
Why Move to Scottsdale, Arizona?
Schools in Scottsdale, Arizona
Golf Courses in Scottsdale, Arizona
The Mountains of Scottsdale, Arizona (hiking)
Arizona Dreams (Southwestern Lifestyle)
Planned Communites in Scottsdale, Arizona (McCormick Ranch)
Recreation in Scottsdale, Arizona (McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park)
Day Trips from Scottsdale (Schnepf Farms)
Day Trips from Scottsdale (The Farm at South Mountain)
Day Trips from Scottsdale (The Phoenix Mountain Preserves)
Day Trips from Scottsdale (Sedona)
Scottsdale Neighborhoods (Vista De La Tierra in McCormick Ranch)
Scottsdale Neighborhoods (Palo Viento 2 in McCormick Ranch)
Scottsdale Neighborhoods (Paseo Village in McCormick Ranch)
Scottsdale Neighborhoods (Hayden Estates)
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Paul Slaybaugh with Realty Executives is your source for Scottsdale AZ Real Estate. Whether you are exploring the possibility of a relocation to or from our area, I am ready to handle all aspects of your transition. A Scottsdale native, I have been selling the land I love since 1999. It would be my priviledge to share my local knowledge and enthusiam for the Valley of the Sun with you. (480) 948-9450. Paul@rayandpaul.com
Scottsdale and Golf go together like peanut butter and jelly. Like Sam and Dave. Rest and relaxation.
Listed in the 2006 Robb Report as "America's Best Place to Live for Golf," scratch players and weekend duffers alike make the pilgrimage to play Scottsdale's traditional and target desert courses every year. Many end up purchasing a second home or moving here altogether for nothing more than the amazing variety and plentiful choices that the Valley provides a golf enthusiast.
Averaging 330 days of sunshine a year, few and far between are the outings that must be cancelled due to inclement weather. And for those hot summer days? You can get on some of the very best courses for a fraction of the standard cost. And while there are private clubs with equity memberships available to residents, the vast majority are public courses. Of these, The Boulders & Golden Spa Resort was selected as the second best golf resort in the nation for 2005 by Travel & Leisure Golf Magazine. The Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North was #4.
The Boulders (South Course)
I'll also use this opportunity to plug my personal favorite course. Actually, two. The Grayhawk Golf Club in North Scottsdale boasts two award winning 18 hole courses (The Raptor and Talon). Grayhawk is not only challenging and gorgeous, but features a learning center headed up by PGA Tour commentators Peter Costis and Gary McCord. Until he moved from the Valley a few years ago, Grayhawk was the home club to Phil Mickelson as well. I actually worked here for one summer upon graduating from college and mistakenly chased Phil off of the practice range one week prior to the Masters. Ask me and I just might tell you about it while we are out looking at property.
Grayhawk Golf Club
Of course, I would also be remiss not to mention the TPC of Scottsdale at The Scottsdale Princess where the FBR Open (formerly The Phoenix Open) is held annually. Renowned for the infamous 16th hole, which is without a doubt the rowdiest hole on the entire PGA tour, the FBR is a place for all of the beautiful people to see and be seen.
With 174 public courses in the area and growing, if Scottsdale is not the epicenter of golf in the United States, it is a strong contender. In addition to being a great place to play, it is a great place to learn. In fact, Golf Magazine listed 11 Scottsdale-based instructors in its top 100 in the nation for 2001.
So whether your game is up to par, or you need a little help to iron out that slice and putting technique, there is no better place for a golf lover than Scottsdale!
The McCormick Ranch Golf Club
Orangetree Golf Resort
Sanctuary at McDowell Mountain Ranch
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Paul Slaybaugh with Realty Executives is your source for Scottsdale AZ Real Estate and relocation. Selling the land I love since 1999, I am a Scottsdale native with deep local knowledge and appreciation of all aspects of Southwestern living. Whether shopping for a permanent home, seasonal home or just curious about what Scottsdale has to offer, I am always available to field inquiries about our wonderful community. (480) 948-9450. Paul@rayandpaul.com.
Take away the golf courses and the boutique stores. Take away the stuccoed houses with the Spanish tile roofs and the pool in every other yard. Take away the roads, the freeways and the office complexes. Take it all away, and listen.
Can you hear it?
Arizona is speaking.
The mountains have a direct line to even the most hardened soul. Running unabated across the desert floor, over creosote bushes and around noble Saguaro cacti, the call of the McDowell Mountains is languid and inexorable.
Nestled at the base of the McDowells, sits the planned community of McDowell Mountain Ranch. Residents of this thriving development have heard the call. With this backdrop, how could they not?
A little further north, and you reach the once sleepy retirement haven of Pinnacle Peak. It's namesake has become a mecca for outdoor enthusiasts. Far from its sleepy origins, very high end development has taken place in its shadow. Troon, Troon North and the ultra exclusive Silverleaf community with its multi-million dollar homes are nestled in the vicinity.
The famous Pinnacle Peak Patio steakhouse. Fair warning: Wear a tie, and it will be hanging from the ceiling by the time you leave!
Pinnacle Peak
Countless residents and hikers hear the call of Pinnacle Peak.
Not surprising, considering the vistas that greet them for the daily commute.
Head 10 minutes west of Scottsdale into Phoenix, and it is Piestewa Peak(formerly Squaw Peak) in the Phoenix Mountain Preserve that beckons. Whether hiking to the summit, stomping around the foothills or just stopping in the middle of your day to admire the majestic beauty of the eruption of rock that dots the middle of our Valley, The Preserves call to us all.
Can you see the ants marching?
And then there is the crown jewel of them all: Camelback Mountain.
Rising from the Paradise Valley floor, Camelback is the penultimate destination for Valley tourists, residents and weekend warriors alike. Offering a workout as nature lovers slog their way up its rocky spine, Camelback yields perhaps the best view of the Valley to be found in the metro Phoenix area. The 360 degree panorama provides an unrivaled vantage point for the downtown Phoenix skyline, along with its suburbs. I never tire of trying to locate my home in Scottsdale from atop the Camel's back.
If you want to hear the camel's whisper in your ear, it will cost you a fair penny. Homes located on the slopes of this treasured mountain are among the most exclusive in the Valley. But no matter how near or far, the call of this special mountain is always audible.
When you move to Scottsdale, Arizona, it's about more than a house and a job. You move here for the lifestyle. Once the desert vistas and mountain expanses have gotten into your soul, they never leave. Take it from this native son. No matter where I go on this earth, I am only home when I see the Praying Monk atop Camelback Mountain.
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For your move to Scottsdale, Arizona, look no further than Paul Slaybaugh with Realty Executives. A 2nd generation Scottsdale Realtor, Paul has been selling Scottsdale AZ Real Estate since 1999. He has been riveted by these mountains much, much longer. For an agent who is in tune with every facet of your relocation, give Paul a call today at (480) 948-9450!
The Scottsdale Unified School District is one of the primary drivers for relocation to Scottsdale, Arizona. Consistently ranked at the top of school districts across the state, it is little wonder that many new Arizona residents with families opt to begin their searches for a new home here.
With composite test scores that outpace state and national averages by a wide margin, the Scottsdale Unified School District consists of 5 high schools, 7 middle schools, 20 elementary schools and 1 alternative school. Total student population is approximately 27,000.
The High Schools:
Copper Ridge Math & Science Academy
The Middle Schools:
The Elementary Schools:
Arcadia Neighborhood Learning Center
Alternative School:
Sierra Vista Academy (Grades 6-12)
** Hover over photos with cursor for school names
To keep up with the rapidly expanding population of Scottsdale, new schools and major renovations to existing facilities have come on line in recent years. Three of the longer tenured high schools, Saguaro, Chaparral and Arcadia, are currently in the throes of massive overhaul. Please visit each school through the links provided to view the scheduled revitalization and progress.
Following are the latest available test result comparisons.
SAT - Scholastic Aptitude Test
| % of Students Taking Test | Average Critical Rdg. | Average Math | Average Writing | |
| Arcadia | 57.6 | 533 | 538 | 515 |
| Chaparral | 75.0 | 543 | 561 | 546 |
| Coronado | 17.7 | 510 | 535 | 466 |
| Desert Mtn | 78.2 | 546 | 562 | 528 |
| Saguaro | 59.5 | 531 | 530 | 516 |
| SCOTTSDALE | 62.3 | 539 | 552 | 527 |
| ARIZONA | 32.0 | 519 | 525 | 502 |
| NATION | 48.0 | 502 | 515 | 494 |
ACT - American College Testing
| No. of Students Taking Test | English | Math | Reading | Science Reasoning | Composite | |
| Arcadia | 52 | 22.1 | 22.5 | 23.5 | 21.4 | 22.5 |
| Chaparral | 154 | 23.4 | 24.0 | 24.3 | 22.8 | 23.7 |
| Coronado | 19 | 20.1 | 21.3 | 21.1 | 22.4 | 21.3 |
| Desert Mtn | 149 | 22.8 | 24.5 | 24.1 | 23.5 | 23.9 |
| Saguaro | 53 | 23.0 | 23.7 | 23.8 | 22.9 | 23.5 |
| SCOTTSDALE | 427 | 22.8 | 23.8 | 23.9 | 22.9 | 23.5 |
| ARIZONA | 11,084 | 21.1 | 21.9 | 22.2 | 21.4 | 21.8 |
| NATION | 1,300,599 | 20.7 | 21.0 | 21.5 | 21.0 | 21.2 |
| ACT Five Year History | ENGLISH | MATHEMATICS | READING | SCIENCE REASONING | COMPOSITE | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 02/ | 03/ | 04/ | 05/ | 06/ | 02/ | 03/ | 04/ | 05/ | 06/ | 02/ | 03/ | 04/ | 05/ | 06/ | 02/ | 03/ | 04/ | 05/ | 06/ | 02/ | 03/ | 04/ | 05/ | 06/ | |||||
| 03 | 04 | 05 | 06 | 07 | 03 | 04 | 05 | 06 | 07 | 03 | 04 | 05 | 06 | 07 | 03 | 04 | 05 | 06 | 07 | 03 | 04 | 05 | 06 | 07 | |||||
| NATION | 20.3 | 20.4 | 20.4 | 20.6 | 20.7 | 20.6 | 20.7 | 20.7 | 20.8 | 21.0 | 21.2 | 21.3 | 21.3 | 21.4 | 21.5 | 20.8 | 20.9 | 20.9 | 20.9 | 21 | 20.8 | 20.9 | 20.9 | 21.1 | 21.2 | ||||
| ARIZONA | 20.6 | 20.9 | 20.9 | 20.9 | 21.1 | 21.4 | 21.6 | 21.7 | 21.9 | 21.9 | 21.8 | 22.0 | 21.9 | 22.0 | 22.2 | 21.2 | 21.2 | 21.2 | 21.3 | 21.4 | 21.4 | 21.5 | 21.5 | 21.6 | 21.8 | ||||
| SCOTTSDALE | 22.6 | 23.1 | 23.3 | 23.2 | 22.8 | 23.1 | 23.9 | 23.9 | 23.9 | 23.8 | 23.6 | 23.7 | 23.8 | 23.6 | 23.9 | 22.6 | 22.8 | 22.9 | 22.7 | 22.9 | 23.1 | 23.5 | 23.6 | 23.5 | 23.5 | ||||
Click here to visit the Scottsdale Unified School District's website to view the district calendar, information on open enrollment, curiculum, faculty, AIMS test results and more.
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Paul Slaybaugh with Realty Executives is your source for Scottsdale AZ Real Estate. An Arizona native and 2nd generation Scottsdale Realtor, Paul has been selling the land that he loves since 1999. For all of your local and relocation needs, please visit my site or call me today at (480) 948-9450.
Paul attended Cochise Elementary, Cocopah Middle and Chaparral High School. Don't let that deter you, though! The schools really are terrific.
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Scottsdale AZ Real Estate: A Slaybaugh family tradition since 1974! We haven't sold every home in the Valley, but we're working on it!
A native of Scottsdale, Arizona, I grew up in the planned community of McCormick Ranch. As a second generation Scottsdale Real Estate agent, I make my living selling the area I love. To this day, I place special emphasis on the McCormick Ranch Real Estate market in particular. After receiving a degree in criminal justice from Texas Christian University, I joined my father, Ray, in the industry in 1999. My company, Realty Executives, has been the top producing broker of residential Real Estate in Arizona since 1972 in every category that matters: total sales volume, total transactions, transactions per agent, luxury home sales ... you name it! Within the company, my wonderful clients have helped me achieve the prestigious 100% Club Award for production in 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007. It is not about the numbers, however. I tackle each new client and transaction like they are the only ones I have. I have unique local knowledge and drive. I did not come to the profession late in life as a career change or form of semi-retirement. This is the only profession I have known, and my clients get a great mix of experience and vigor. As a relatively young man with a burgeoning family, I am still growing my business. You can expect to get my very best as I envision selling my clients several properties over their lifetimes, and referring their friends and relatives as well.
In the rare times that I am not working, I am doting over my sons, Jack and Wyatt, with my wife, Brandi. When I had a personal life, I was a collegiate soccer player, music lover, aspiring/dabbling writer, and martial arts enthusiast. I change diapers now.
Please visit my site for more information about our services or to search for homes in Scottsdale AZ!
Specializing in all facets of Paradise Valley, Phoenix and Scottsdale AZ Real Estate.
Don't just take my mother's word for it, here's what Arizona home buyers and sellers have to say about me!
"Paul came recommended to me from a co-worker of mine. She swore he was the most patient realtor she had ever worked with. When I was looking to buy a home in North Phoenix/North Scottsdale area, Paul was all that and more. We must have seen 40 houses. What I appreciated more than his patience was that he truly wanted to find us a house we loved, not just make a quick sale. He had our best interest at heart. I am happy to say that he found me and my wife a home we love!" -Corey Loucy
"Yes- you were great! Greg and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend you to friends that were buying or selling. One of the things that impressed us about you is that you werent trying to push your own agenda in terms of places or prices. You had done your research and were very knowledgable about every place you took us. We were in a time crunch to find a place and you were very flexible and accommodating. You took care of a lot of the "details" and made it less hectic on us throughout the whole process. And, darn it, you're just such a nice, likeable guy!" -Greg and Amy Brill
"In April 2006 we spontaneously bought a new home prior to selling our existing house. The real estate market in general had slowed considerably and we had a few sleepless nights wondering if we would be able to sell our existing house prior to the close of escrow on our new house. We had talked with Ray & Paul previously about selling our house, but we were never quite ready. So, when we called Ray and told him what we had done he immediately prepared a market analysis to determine a market value range for our house. Ray and Paul both counseled us on what was going on in the market and gave us some suggestions regarding how to price our home given our needs. Ray and Paul understood our position and helped us arrive at an asking price that would be attractive to buyers and yet fair and acceptable to us. We received two offers. Paul negotiated the offer we eventually accepted, which was at our asking price. ... We can say that our experience with Paul and Ray's real estate services and results far exceeded our expectations and we appreciate them for their real estate knowledge and being there through the whole transaction. We would highly recommend their services to others. They would be the first people we would call if we needed to buy or sell real estate in Arizona." -Dave & Barbara
I just wanted to take a moment to send my sincere thanks to you for the job you did selling my home. I was extremely impressed by your work ethic and professionalism through the entire process. The AZ market is a tough one to price right and the hard work you put into sales research, finding the right comps, and analyzing market curve placed it right where it needed to be to get the home sold quickly and get the margin I was looking for. I was also impressed at how quickly the deal was put together even though I was out of town and signing documents via fax and email! So thank you so much for everything. I intend to do all of my future AZ real estate business through you! -Jason de Queljoe
"Ray and Paul sold two homes for us and we would enthusiastically recommend them to anyone. They guided us through every step of the process and helped us to achieve top dollar for our properties. They really care about their clients and are a pleasure to work with."
-James S. Collofello
"Jenn and I enthusiastically recommend Paul Slaybaugh to anyone who wishes to purchase or sell a home in Phoenix. We worked with Paul to purchase our new home and sell our condo. Throughout the entire buying/selling process we were very impressed with Paul's knowledge and his responsiveness. He helped us work through the mortgage process and assisted in setting realistic expectations for the home we wanted to purchase. Paul listened patiently to us and learned our likes/dislikes as we visited several properties. In the end, the home we purchased with Paul exceeded our expectations and the condo we sold brought a strong sales price. Even now, a year after the purchase of our home, Paul continues to be a resource whenever we have questions. At no point in working with Paul will you ever feel like you're just another sale. It is no surprise that Paul was recommended to us from a very successful realtor-friend in Southern California who uses Paul exclusively to purchase investment properties in the Phoenix area." -Rob and Jenn
"I met Paul through his sister and he was a fantastic realtor! He was very patient with me as a nervous first-time homebuyer. He took the time to explain things to me and helped make the whole transaction go smoothly. I told him exactly what I was looking for in a home and he found it after only a week! I have been living in my dream home for four years now and I couldn't be happier! I would highly recommend Paul to anyone looking for their perfect home!" -Lisa McCandlish
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