My New Outside Blog

Williamson Valley View Home for Sale in Granite Mountain Homesites zoned for Horses & RVs on 1.6 Acres with Panoramic Views

Mon, 16 Apr 2012 09:12:04 -0700

Lesley Alward | Realty Executives Northern Arizona | (928) 533-4229

2683 W Rainmaker, Prescott, AZ

Granite Mountain Homesites on 1.6 Acres with Panoramic Williamson Valley, Granite Mountain, San Francisco Peaks Views

3BR/2BA Single Family House

offered at $420,000

Year Built 1992 Sq Footage 2,212 Bedrooms 3 Bathrooms 2 full, 0 partial Floors 1 Parking 2 Car garage Lot Size 1.6 acres HOA/Maint $0 per month

DESCRIPTION

Look beyond the whitewashed stucco walls and red concrete tile roof of this home in Granite Mountain Homesites and you will find a tastefully updated home with warm earth tone finishes, quality amenities, and breathtaking forever views.

The floor plan is well-designed and open so that this 2212 square foot home feels spacious yet intimate. From the covered flagstone porch you enter into a foyer with an impressive stacked flagstone accent wall warmed by recessed lighting and earth-toned 16" floor tile set on the diagonal. The foyer opens to the living and dining rooms with vaulted ceilings, stunning views, abundant natural light, and rich wood plank flooring. The living room features a handsome wood burning fireplace, ceiling fans provide comfort, and a trex-type deck on the east and north offers outdoor space for entertaining and night time star-viewing. A retractable awning provides mid-day protection from the sun while the home shades much of the deck during the afternoon hours.

The dining area offers a generous area for entertaining, or it could be fashioned into a delightful sitting area, TV room, or library for those who prefer less formal dining in the kitchen nook. South facing windows offer views and a solar-heating effect in the winter from the low sun.

The master bedroom is spacious and lies in the southeast corner of the home, featuring earth tone berber carpet, vaulted ceiling and fan, private trex-type deck, warm, neutral wall color, and views to the east and south. The master bath offers a garden tub surrounded by a bay window, separate walk-in shower, vanity with dual sinks, linen closet, and generous walk-in closet. While the main hot water heater is not re-circulating, immediate hot water is guaranteed by a supplementary 5 gallon water heater connected to this bathroom.

The kitchen lies on the opposite side of the entry foyer and offers tile flooring, vaulted ceiling with fan, granite counters, an electric smooth-top range / oven, microwave, and refrigerator. An adjacent eating area enjoys northern views to Granite Mountain and room for the family to dine. Around the corner from the kitchen a sunroom was enclosed, providing a casual space for lounging, reading, watching TV, or simply enjoying privacy and views.

A light-filled hallway from the entry foyer leads to the 2 additional bedrooms which share a hall bath separating the two. Each of these rooms is nicely sized and has a warm paint palette with earth tone berber carpet, ceiling fans, standard closets, and horizontal wood slat blinds softened by drapes. One of the rooms sports vaulted ceiling while the second is flat. The bath has tile flooring, a combination tub/shower, single vanity, and window that opens for natural ventilation.

A tiled laundry room is located across the hall with standard sized washer and dryer, utility sink, and storage. Both gas and electric are available for the dryer. The garage is located at the end of the hallway past the broom closet (storage is abundant in this home). It is an extra-deep 2 car garage with automatic opener and houses the hot water heater, irrigation timer, and even a map of the landscaping zones!

The home offers single level living with one step from the garage into the house while the entry sports stairs from the guest parking area to the covered porch and front door. This large parking space was created for either RV or guest parking convenience.

The grounds are beautifully landscaped with a variety of native trees and shrubs, fruit trees, a fenced garden area with rich soil for flowers or vegetables, and impressive rock work for visual interest and retaining walls. A well-designed drip irrigation system is installed, complete with a detailed map of the zones. A large shed with electricity fills the need for a workshop and tool storage and is convenient to the paved driveway.

Quiet and private, this home showcases the beauty of Williamson Valley from a home that is comfortable, stylish, and inviting. The home lives larger than its 2212 square feet due to the layout, vaulted ceilings, and abundant light. It beckons you outside to enjoy not only the views, but gardening or tinkering in the workshop.

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

- Central A/C - Central heat - Fireplace - High/Vaulted ceiling - Walk-in closet - Hardwood floor - Tile floor - Living room - Bonus/Rec room - Dining room - Breakfast nook - Dishwasher - Refrigerator - Stove/Oven - Microwave - Granite countertop - Washer - Dryer - Laundry area - inside - Balcony, Deck, or Patio - Yard

OTHER SPECIAL FEATURES

- Single Level Living - Great Room - Split floorplan - Tastefully updated interior - Abundant Windows and Natural Light - Landscaped property with irrigation - Exterior Workshop - Warm palette of natural colors - RV parking - Zoned for horses

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

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Contact info:

Lesley Alward

Realty Executives Northern Arizona

(928) 533-4229

For sale by agent/broker

Posted: Apr 16, 2012, 6:39am PDT

Lesley Alward

Your successful Prescott Arizona realtor is results driven and promises a WOW level of client-first service to those wishing to buy or sell homes, houses, property, land, or real estate in Prescott, Williamson Valley, Prescott Valley, Chino Valley, Dewey-Humboldt and other Yavapai County Arizona towns.

Email Call/text 928-533-4229 for information about

Prescott, AZ real estate

Tuscan Style Villa for Sale in Prescott, Arizona near YRMC, Abia Judd, Granite Mountain Middle School

Sun, 15 Apr 2012 08:46:30 -0700

Lesley Alward | Realty Executives Northern Arizona | (928) 533-4229

1780 N Gilmer Hts, Prescott, AZ

Tuscan Style Villa for Sale in Prescott Arizona, near YRMC, Abia Judd Elementary School, Granite Mountain Middle School

3BR/2+1BA Single Family House

offered at $549,000

Year Built 2008 Sq Footage 3,200 Bedrooms 3 Bathrooms 2 full, 1 partial Floors 2 Parking Unspecified Lot Size .48 acres HOA/Maint $0 per month

DESCRIPTION

Delight in the Old World charm of this multi-level Tuscan style villa tucked into the boulders and trees in Prescott's Grandview Estates. This elegant 3 bedroom, 3 bathroom, 3200 square foot custom home was built by the owners in 2008 on a half acre parcel on a cul de sac and offers a real Mediterranean experience.

This home presents the image of simple grandeur with an elegant decorative style. The exterior features are distinctly Tuscan: vibrantly painted stucco exterior with stone accents, ornate arched wrought iron door, concrete balusters supporting the deck handrail, small balconies with wrought iron railings, low pitched concrete tile roof, and cobblestone drive. Flagstone pathways lead to hidden garden rooms nestled in the boulders and shaded by the native Oak trees, offering distant views and the privacy of soaking in your own hot tub.

The beauty of the architecture comes from the use of custom crafted natural materials evident in the mosaic art flooring including Italian marble, porcelain tile, Egyptian limestone, and stunning onyx tile. Other interior details carry the Tuscan theme throughout the home with fluted columns, vibrant wall colors, tall wood-framed windows, rich window coverings, intricate moldings and trims, wall plaques, balusters and wrought iron railings. The generous windows invite the outside in and fill the home with natural light.

The beginning of your Tuscan experience starts at the front door, a handsome custom wrought iron door with rain glass backing. The entry welcomes you with soaring ceilings, a mosaic of porcelain tile and marble accents and an arched wall plaque depicting a beautiful woman with a dove, perhaps the goddess Diana of Roman mythology. This main level features a Great Room with sunken carpeted living room with gas fireplace and formal dining room framed by fluted columns, illuminated by recessed lighting, and tiled with porcelain and marble. The adjacent gourmet kitchen offers granite counters, an Italian gas range with mosaic tile backsplash and Italianate range hood, wall oven and convection/ microwave, rich cherry cabinetry, breakfast bar, large walk-in pantry, and access to the back yard gardens. A half bath with Egyptian Limestone tile and mahogany custom vanity, coat closet, additional storage, and doorway to the garage round out this level.

Up a half flight of hardwood stairs is a spacious laundry / utility room with utility sink and oak cabinets with tile counters. Another half flight leads in one direction to the opulent master suite with spacious sitting area, gas fireplace, ceiling fan, and bay window offering northern views. The bedroom is carpeted for comfort and features decorative columns to frame the bed as well as ceiling fan and huge walk-in closet. An exterior door offers easy access to the hot tub nestled in the back yard boulders and trees. The master bath features stunning onyx flooring, a snail shower with mosaic accents and marble walls, and separate his and her custom vanities.

A half flight in the opposite direction leads to a family / recreation room with hardwood plank flooring, 10' ceilings and a private balcony with wrought iron railing. An office is secreted away at one end while two bedrooms-- each with carpeted floors, ceiling fans, standard closets, 10' ceilings, wood slat window blinds with curtains, and vibrant wall colors are found at the opposite end of the family room. A full bath with sunken black marble tub and white marble surround and custom vanity serves this area.

Several garden "rooms" are secreted in the back yard and accessed by flagstone pathways, providing an herb garden, quiet private sitting areas, hot tub soaking, and dining al fresco.

The garage sports 9' high garage doors for high profiles vehicles and is extra deep with a separate basement space for storage. The circular cobble drive is sloped and faces east for early thawing of the intermittent winter snows. Located less than 2 miles to shopping and YRMC, Grandview Estates is walking distance to Abia Judd Elementary School and Granite Mountain Middle School and minutes to Prescott's Courthouse Square.

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

- Central A/C - Central heat - Fireplace - High/Vaulted ceiling - Walk-in closet - Hardwood floor - Tile floor - Family room - Living room - Office/Den - Dining room - Breakfast nook - Dishwasher - Refrigerator - Stove/Oven - Microwave - Granite countertop - Basement - Washer - Dryer - Laundry area - inside - Balcony, Deck, or Patio - Yard - Jacuzzi/Whirlpool

OTHER SPECIAL FEATURES

- Cul de Sac location - Generous Windows - Abundant Natural Light - Marble and Tile Accents Throughout - Tuscan Details Throughout Home - Balusters and Wrought Iron Railings - Italian Gas Range Oven and Wall Ovens - Decorative Columns and Arches - Italianate Wall Plaques and Sculptures - Walking distance to elementary and middle schools - Near YRMC, shopping, restaurants

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

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Contact info:

Lesley Alward

Realty Executives Northern Arizona

(928) 533-4229

For sale by agent/broker

Posted: Apr 15, 2012, 6:21am PDT

Lesley Alward

Email Call/text 928-533-4229 for information about

Prescott, AZ real estate

Dramatic Contemporary Home for Sale in Prescott AZ in Forest Trails with Panoramic Views

Thu, 01 Mar 2012 07:42:42 -0800

Lesley Alward | Realty Executives Northern Arizona | (928) 533-4229

1568 Stone Trl, Prescott, AZ

Contemporary 4 Bedroom Home for Sale in Forest Trails with Sweeping Panoramic Views and Privacy

4BR/3BA Single Family House

offered at $485,000

Year Built 1995 Sq Footage 3,025 Bedrooms 4 Bathrooms 3 full, 0 partial Floors Unspecified Parking 2 Car garage Lot Size .74 acres HOA/Maint $26 per month

DESCRIPTION

Are you willing to accept some stairs in return for great views in Prescott?

Then this spectacular contemporary cedar home in Forest Trails may be just what you are looking for! Nestled into impressive boulders, oaks, and pines on a hill top at the end of a cul de sac, this 3 level home boasts 360° panoramic views from Thumb Butte to Granite Mountain to the San Francisco Peaks. Generous windows offer sweeping views and abundant natural interior light, as decks and patios beckon you outside to enjoy quiet relaxation, an evening meal, the twitter of birds, or vast night skies.

An entry deck with one flight of stairs welcomes you to the main living level. You enter into a magnificent living room with soaring ceilings, a massive stone gas fireplace, hardwood floor, and walls of windows facing northward and southward, and ceiling fan. The windows are dual paned wood with wood slat blinds. A sliding door leads to the large deck facing Thumb Butte with an additional door to and from the kitchen. To the left (east) lies a spacious formal dining room, French Doors to a private patio sheltered by magnificent boulders, and the gourmet kitchen.

The kitchen is open and light-filled and offers granite counters with medium oak cabinetry, a Sub Zero paneled refrigerator, Jenn-air gas cooktop mounted in an island with breakfast bar, GE wall oven and convection/microwave oven, built in wine and wine glass rack, pantry, chef’s desk, and hardwood floor.

Stairs to the upper and lower levels are located behind the fireplace wall. The master suite is upstairs, a bastion of privacy and comfortable living. The bedroom sports a dramatic roof line with clerestory and standard windows filling the room with light and views. This room is carpeted for coziness with ceiling fan for comfort. A hall lined with closets on one side and windows facing the boulders on the other leads to the master bath with dual vanity, jetted garden tub and easy walk-in shower.

Back to main level and from there down to the ground level which offers a two car garage, a separate utility room (could be kitchen) with exterior access, full bathroom, laundry room, and a small bedroom with a door to the outside. While some finishing touches are needed, these rooms have the making of a guest suite! An additional stairway leads to the main level from this living space.

To the right (west) of the living room are two guest bedrooms with carpet, standard closets and ceiling fans flanking a full bath room with combo tub/shower. A small loft space covers the stairwell and is accessed via a built-in ladder. With narrow openings into the rarified air of the living room and high windows looking to the sky, this small space is quite the hideaway!

The property is .74 acres with native vegetation and boulders affording a low-maintenance landscape. Level patio spaces lead to pathways through the boulders to hidden garden spaces and sitting areas. The area on the east of the property is fenced for children, pets or a garden, with gates to explore the boulders and the remainder of the property beyond. The driveway is somewhat steep yet there is plenty of level parking and turnaround space.

Forest Trails is a subdivision of upscale homes designed to appreciate the beauty of the natural environment. It is located to the west of Prescott off of Iron Springs Road. Shopping, restaurants, and Yavapai Regional Medical Center are within 3 miles, and another 2 miles takes you to Prescott’s Courthouse Square.

Yes, there are stairs! And every step offers magnificent views of this spectacular home and the magnificent physical environment in which it sits.

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

- Central A/C - Central heat - Fireplace - High/Vaulted ceiling - Walk-in closet - Hardwood floor - Tile floor - Living room - Dining room - Breakfast nook - Dishwasher - Refrigerator - Stove/Oven - Microwave - Granite countertop - Laundry area - inside - Balcony, Deck, or Patio - Yard

COMMUNITY FEATURES

- Tennis court(s)

OTHER SPECIAL FEATURES

- Dramatic architecture offering panoramic views - Located on a hilltop at the end of a cul de sac - Private and quiet in upscale neighborhood - Walls of Windows with Views to Thumb Butte - Decks and Patio perfect for outdoor living

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Dramatic Spaces and Views

Walls of Windows in Livin

On a hilltop in Forest Tr

Two car garage with addit

Well Appointed Kitchen

Views from the Breakfast

Granite Counters and Jenn

Dining Room

View from South Deck

Private Master Bedroom

Luxurious Master Bath

Bedroom 3

Bedroom 2

Back yard patio off Kitch

Neighbor to the North

Forest Trails Tennis

Contact info:

Lesley Alward

Realty Executives Northern Arizona

(928) 533-4229

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: Mar 1, 2012, 5:36am PST

Lesley Alward

Email Call/text 928-533-4229 for information about

Prescott, AZ real estate

Turnkey Prescott AZ Home for Sale in Forest Trails with Thumb Butte Views

Thu, 01 Mar 2012 06:20:15 -0800

Lesley Alward | Realty Executives Northern Arizona | (928) 533-4229

1486 Forest Vw W, Prescott, AZ

Turnkey Prescott Home for Sale in Forest Trails with Thumb Butte and National Forest Views

3BR/3BA Single Family House

offered at $350,000

Year Built 1995 Sq Footage 2,369 Bedrooms 3 Bathrooms 3 full, 0 partial Floors 2 Parking 2 Car garage Lot Size .33 acres HOA/Maint $26 per month

DESCRIPTION

Located in the upscale community of Forest Trails in Prescott, AZ, this 3 bedroom, 3 bath home with office and finished walk-out is turnkey and welcoming. It offers raised ceilings, abundant windows for natural light, an open and split floor plan, and spectacular views.

A light-filled tiled entry leads into a grand living room with wood burning fireplace, dining area in a bay window alcove, access to the large deck, and views to Thumb Butte, the National Forest and Granite Mountain.

The kitchen is spacious and fit for a chef with granite counters, an island with breakfast bar, electric Jenn-air cook top range with griddle, wall oven and microwave oven, chef's desk, and abundant counter space and storage. The adjacent utility room offers abundant storage, utility sink, washer and dryer area, and leads to the attached 2 car garage.

An office is located adjacent to the living room with double doors for openness or privacy. Currently the doors are off and stored, yet they can be reinstalled with ease.

The master bedroom too offers double doors, is located in the southeast corner of the home and is filled with morning light and views. The carpeted floors and ceiling fan insure a comfortable environment. The adjoining master bath offers a dual vanity, garden tub, easy walk in shower, as well as both walk-in and linen closets.

A second or guest bedroom is located on the opposite side of the living room with walk in closet, ceiling fan, as well as the adjacent hall bath with dual vanity and both garden tub and separate shower.

A large covered deck offers a delightful room for entertaining, sharing a quiet meal, bird and wildlife watching, or just soaking in the views. A half flight of stairs takes you to the garden on one side while a full flight leads you to the walk-out level of the home. This lower walk-out features a finished bedroom with 3/4 bath at the garden level with exterior access. This room is sunny and bright and convenient as a getaway. An adjacent basement room offers storage and workshop capacity.

The back yard is a gardener's paradise with pathways leading to garden beds full of irises, fruit trees, roses, and a variety of other blooming plants. A fenced area allows for vegetable and flower gardening for those plants delectable to havelina, bunnies, or deer, which are in residence in the Forest Trails area.

Parking is a cinch with attached 2 car garage as well as a parking pad and easy street parking. Back yard privacy is assured as the neighbors on the south have together purchased the lot behind so that it will remain open space with native trees and vegetation. It’s an easy walk to the nearby tennis and basketball courts or simply strolling through the friendly neighborhood.

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

- Central A/C - Central heat - Fireplace - High/Vaulted ceiling - Walk-in closet - Hardwood floor - Living room - Office/Den - Dining room - Dishwasher - Stove/Oven - Microwave - Granite countertop - Basement - Laundry area - inside - Balcony, Deck, or Patio - Yard

COMMUNITY FEATURES

- Tennis court(s)

OTHER SPECIAL FEATURES

- Open and split floor plan - Gorgeous views - Gourmet Kitchen - Additional parking pad

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Contemporary Forest Trail

Gourmet Kitchen

Raised Ceilings and Views

Dining in Bay Window Alco

Time to Entertain!

Spacious Living with Fire

Private Master Bedroom

Garden Tub and Shower in

Roomy Office

Large Covered Deck

Forest Trail's signature

Guest Room with Adjoining

Lower Level Walk-out Bedr

Welcoming Entry

Nestled in Native Trees

Walk to Tennis & Basketba

Contact info:

Lesley Alward

Realty Executives Northern Arizona

(928) 533-4229

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: Mar 1, 2012, 3:54am PST

Lesley Alward

Email Call/text 928-533-4229 for information about

Prescott, AZ real estate

List Your Prescott Home for Sale Now: that’s my recommendation and I’m sticking to it.

Sun, 29 Jan 2012 09:27:21 -0800

List Your Prescott Home for Sale Now: that’s my recommendation and I’m sticking to it.

Thinking of listing your home for sale in Prescott Arizona? Many sellers in the Prescott Arizona area want to wait until the spring before putting their home on the market. Why?

They don’t think there are many buyers out looking in the winter.
They believe that they will see more potential buyers in the spring and summer and as a result will get a higher price.
They are concerned about buyers tracking snow or mud into their homes.

Historically, in our Prescott real estate market this line of reasoning made sense. However, our current market does not encourage waiting to list your home for sale. There are fewer buyers, yet they are serious “ready, willing, and able” buyers. Our inventory is so low that there are not enough well-priced homes for sale to satisfy buyer demand.

Our winter-time market is actually favoring the seller because pent-up demand is outpacing our increase in supply: the number of houses coming onto the market is not as great as the number of buyers wishing to buy. Well-priced homes are seeing great buyer interest and some are receiving multiple offers. Typically when demand is greater than supply, prices increase, and we are seeing that in pockets throughout Prescott.

As a Realtor, I expect our Prescott area spring real estate market to shift slightly to favor the buyer again as:

the supply of homes listed will increase substantially, and
the number of foreclosed homes will increase as the banks release “Shadow Inventory”, homes already foreclosed upon but held back by the banks.

The increase in inventory gives buyers more choices thereby reducing seller negotiation power. The increase in foreclosure properties impacts prices by continuing to exert downward pressure on prices. Both of these are obvious negative impacts for sellers.

Thinking of listing your home this spring? Do it sooner than later to capture ready buyers and sell before the onslaught of new homes come on the market later in the season. Conversely, thinking of buying in Prescott Arizona, wait until the spring and summer when more homes are for sale and your negotiating power returns!

List Your Prescott Home for Sale Now:

that’s my recommendation and I’m sticking to it.

Lesley Alward

Email Call/text 928-533-4229 for information about

Prescott, AZ real estate

2012 Prescott AZ Market Predictions

Tue, 03 Jan 2012 14:21:18 -0800

2012 Prescott AZ Market Predictions

This recent blog from Keeping Current Matters, aka KCM, is spot on in describing our local Prescott AZ real estate market. While I use the blog verbatim, I have inserted my observations in CAPITAL LETTERS regarding our local market at the end of each point, as real estate is local.

Predicting trends during the most volatile housing market in American real estate history is no easy task. We strongly believe these are the five real estate items we should keep an eye on in 2012:

1. Buyers Will Return

In 2011, a lack of consumer confidence in the overall economy dramatically impacted the housing market. Buyers were afraid to make a purchasing decision on any big ticket item. By the end of 2011, consumer confidence began to return and sales increased. Economic conditions will continue to improve throughout 2012 and consumer sentiment will solidify. Once that happens, home buyers will realize that now is the time to buy.

BUYERS HAVE RETURNED IN FORCE TO OUR MARKET AS SALES ARE UP 1% IN THE LAST 6 MONTHS (DUE TO SEASONAL CYCLE) AND 15.7% YEAR OVER YEAR.

2. Foreclosures Will Increase

The ‘shadow inventory’ of foreclosures which has been growing since the robo-signing challenges of late 2010 will finally be introduced to the market. Distressed properties sell at discounted prices. They will impact the housing values of the non-distressed homes in the area.

A SLEW OF BPOs HAVE BEEN ORDERED AND EVERY INDICATION POINTS TO MORE FORECLOSURES COMING ON THE MARKET SOON.

3. Prices Will Soften

As more and more foreclosures come to market, there will be greater downward pressure on the values of houses in the region. Foreclosures impact values of non-distressed properties in two ways:

§ They will eat up some of the buyer demand in the market.

§ They will impact the appraisal on ALL transactions in the area.

An increase in foreclosures will have a negative impact on values. This will cause more homes to be underwater.

DISTRESSED INVENTORY ONLY MAKES UP APPROXIMATELY 15% OF OUR PRESCOTT MARKET BUT ACCOUNTED FOR 34% OF RESIDENTIAL SALES IN 2011.

4. Short Sales Will Increase

As mentioned above, we strongly believe that home prices will soften through at least the first half of 2012. Falling prices will force more homeowners into a position of negative equity. Negative equity is one of the triggers that cause people to strategically default on their mortgage obligations. If this happens, there could be an increase in the number of foreclosures. However, we predict that banks will take preventative measures which will help many of these homes avoid foreclosure by easing the requirements in the short sale process for both homeowners and real estate professionals.

MANY BUYERS PURCHASED SECOND HOMES IN PRESCOTT DURING "THE BUBBLE" AND THEY ARE MAKING THE STRATEGIC ECONOMIC DECISION TO EITHER WALK AWAY OR PURSUE SHORT SALES.

5. Great Agents Will Be VERY Successful

Real Estate professionals who have invested the money, time and energy to truly understand what is happening and why it is happening will separate themselves from their competition and do very well this year.

Those who take that next step of learning how to simply and effectively communicate the market to their clients will be seen as industry leaders. These experts will dominate their markets.

THOUGH NOT UP TO MY 2010 5 MILLION IN SALES, THIS PAST YEAR'S 4.1 MILLION IN SALES IS PROOF POSITIVE THAT I AM SERVING MY CLIENTS WELL AND PROVIDING VALUE TO THOSE WHO WISH TO BUY OR SELL PRESCOTT AREA HOMES AND PROPERTIES.

2012 Prescott AZ Market Predictions

Lesley Alward

Email Call/text 928-533-4229 for information about

Prescott, AZ real estate

What's Your Goal? To List or to SELL Homes?

Mon, 07 Nov 2011 13:00:32 -0800

As Prescott AZ listing agents we have the responsibility to expose our client's home listing to as many potential qualified buyers as possible through a wide variety of media in order SELL homes. Some agents are content to have as many listings as possible so their name is everywhere and they garner buyers, but don't sell the listings. Not how I do business! I've fine-tuned my approach to marketing and have been quite successful in listing and selling homes. I tell my clients what I am going to do, how I am going to do it, then I do it! Simple!

From selling a $420k custom home to a $90k manufactured home, I've confirmed the fact that accurate pricing and effective multi-media marketing is the key to a successful sale in this market. In both instances, I had multiple offers within the first 10 days and both sold, one for 5% over list price and one just shy of asking price.

It is a real disservice to sellers to price a home above market value. Some realtors will take your listing at your desired price and then hammer you time and time again for a price reduction. Wow...what a way to do business.

Your realtor is supposed to be an informed and trusted advisor who honestly advises you about the reality of this market. This includes sharing the hard truths about pricing, readying the home for market, needed repairs and decluttering, and other objective observations about the home. If your realtor can't be honest with YOU, then how can she/he strongly advocate for you during the negotiations of a purchase offer?

It is proven by sales statistics time after time that a home priced above market will eventually sell for less than market value. A home properly priced allows the realtor to advocate strongly for the list price based on market sales.

The secret of selling homes in this Prescott AZ market is truly quite simple: know the market, price the home right, and tell the world!

Courtesy of your trusted Prescott Arizona Real Estate Agent and Associate Broker, Lesley Alward.

928-533-4229, Lesley@LesleyAlward.com

Lesley Alward

Email Call/text 928-533-4229 for information about

Prescott, AZ real estate

The Ranch at Prescott 3 Bedroom Accessible Home for Sale Prescott AZ

Mon, 07 Nov 2011 14:10:36 -0800

The Ranch at Prescott 3 Bedroom Accessible Home for Sale Prescott AZ

Grand and light-filled, this 3 bedroom 3 bath home with main level living in the Ranch at Prescott offers spaciousness, accessibility, and privacy.

The Great Room features a wall of built-in shelves and cabinets for your art and book collections as well as a wood burning fireplace. The ceiling is vaulted and clerestory windows and hardwood floors grace the room. The dining area offers room for entertaining guests or your morning tea or you can stroll out to your covered patio for same.

An office or library with walls of built-ins is situated off of the Great Room and offers access to the spa room and serves as a buffer to the Master Bedroom down the hall.

The master has a fireplace, ceiling fan, full wall of closet space, and access to the patio. The master bath features tile floors, a garden tub, walk-in shower, and double vanity and can be directly accessed from the spa room for a quick rinse.

On the other side of the Great Room is the spacious kitchen with island, breakfast bar & nook, pantry, and chef's desk. Stocking up with groceries is a snap as the kitchen adjoins the laundry room which is next to the garage. Easy!

Continuing beyond the kitchen on the main level is an additional bedroom with hall bath. Not a stitch of wall to wall carpet is to be found in this home as kitchen, baths, laundry and spa room are tiled and all other floors are hardwood. Hallways are wide, doorways accessible, and thresholds low.

Upstairs is a large room with private covered deck, full bath and walk-in closet. While it serves now as a game room, it is well suited as a second master bedroom with oodles of privacy and space.

The 2 car attached garage houses the furnace and 75 gallon re-circulating water heater and a handy coat closet. The drive is very gently sloping for additional guest parking.

The east side of the home offers fenced covered and uncovered patio areas for outdoor enjoyment for you and your pooch. A small fenced garden area beyond the patio provides gardening enthusiasts with a place to grow vegies and flowers.

Located in the Ranch at Prescott, Prescott AZ, near the soon to be open Trader Joe's, the Gateway Mall, Costco, this home is just minutes to Prescott's Downtown Square and Yavapai Regional Medical Center. The subdivision offers tennis courts and hiking paths with homes nestled in the forest adjoining the Prescott National Forest.

The Ranch at Prescott 3 Bedroom Accessible Home for Sale Prescott AZ

Lesley Alward

Email Call/text 928-533-4229 for information about

Prescott, AZ real estate

PRESCOTT AZ MARKET NOVEMBER 2011 SNAPSHOT

Tue, 08 Nov 2011 09:06:26 -0800

PRESCOTT AZ MARKET NOVEMBER 2011 SNAPSHOT

The Prescott AZ real estate market can still be considered a buyer's market as prices have declined to 2001-2002 levels and home affordability has improved dramatically. Our local market is not dominated by distressed sales--74% of sales in the last 3 months were traditional sales--but is strongly influenced by them and both average and median sales prices continue to decline-- down 4.6% and 5.2% respectively in the last 3 months. The fact that 50% of all Prescott home sales in the last 3 months were for homes priced $200,000 or less explains the continued decline in average and median prices.

In Prescott, there has been a resurgence of second home buyers, a market that had virtually disappeared in late 2008 through 2010. Indeed, of my 22 Prescott home transactions in the past 12 months, 9 have been for second home buyers. Along with the second home sales there has been a rise in cash buyers of late. Of course the historically low interest rates are encouraging buyers to purchase now rather than wait for any anticipated further declines in value.

Another critical factor effecting home sales in Prescott is our steadily decreasing listing inventory. Those who do not have to sell are choosing not to list and waiting for a more favorable seller's market and the usual uptick in listings after the winter months. As the number of homes for sale in Prescott declines, competition for those that are currently listed and well-priced increases, giving sellers more negotiating power than they have seen in quite some time. Multiple offers are becoming more common as there continues to be pent up demand for purchasing in the Prescott area.

Prescott continues to be a destination town enjoyed by both full time residents and as a weekend getaway. With low interest rates, low listing inventory, and pent-up demand simmering, it is a great time to buy or sell homes and property in Prescott Arizona!

PRESCOTT AZ MARKET NOVEMBER 2011 SNAPSHOT

Lesley Alward

Email Call/text 928-533-4229 for information about

Prescott, AZ real estate

Ranch Style Williamson Valley Home Dedicated to the Good Life in Prescott AZ

Sat, 12 Nov 2011 11:19:04 -0800

Ranch Style Williamson Valley Home Dedicated to the Good Life in Prescott AZ

This meticulously maintained, single owner, ranch style Prescott home is built for the full enjoyment of life! Nestled on over 1 acre in Williamson Valley next to the exclusive Yakashba Estates in the Ponderosa Pines, this home is close to hiking, horseback riding trails, golf, walking distance to Abia Judd Elementary and Granite Mountain Middle Schools, and minutes to medical facilities, shopping, and Prescott's Courthouse Square.

With 2980 square feet, this home offers room for eveyone and every activity from lounging to soaking to playing pool to gardening, entertaining, and cooking!

The 3 bedrooms and 3 baths are complemented by a spacious family room with gas insert fireplace which looks out to the entry patio. The living and dining rooms share a large space and feature another fireplace and views into the private back patio.

The kitchen features a pantry, breakfast nook and easy access to the private backyard patio and garden for enjoying your morning coffee or entertaining your family and friends.

The garage was transformed into a huge rec room with pool table, Murphy bed, and walk-in closet with access to a fenced dog run on the side of the home.

For your ultimate soaking experience there's 1) a jacuzzi room with full-size spa/hot tub, TV and frig with access from the house or the back patio; 2) a large steam shower in the master bath; and 3) a personal soaking tub in the luxurious hall bath!

The master bedroom suite is spacious and split from the other 2 bedrooms for privacy and quiet. As mentioned above, it's adjacent bath has a steam shower for the ultimate in relaxation.

Two additional bedrooms offer room for family or guests. There are two hall baths on this side of the home as well as a laundry area and rec room.

A 2 car garage fits larger vehicles and oodles of storage is found throughout the home. The property is gently sloping with Ponderosa Pines shading the home and patios and huge boulders framing the flowers and trees.

Kick back and enjoy your private jacuzzi with TV and refrigerator, luxuriate in your steam shower or personal soaking tub, enjoy a shared billiards game, lounge quietly in one of the 3 patios, meander through the boulder and tree-edged garden, or host a barbecue for friends and family! Located just 3 miles to shopping, medical facilities, YRMC, schools, and close to hiking and riding trails on the west side of Prescott.

Ranch Style Williamson Valley Home Dedicated to the Good Life in Prescott AZ

Lesley Alward

Email Call/text 928-533-4229 for information about

Prescott, AZ real estate

REALTOR AS SALESPERSON OR VALUABLE PRESCOTT AZ REAL ESTATE RESOURCE?

Sat, 12 Nov 2011 11:20:11 -0800

REALTOR AS SALESPERSON OR VALUABLE PRESCOTT AZ REAL ESTATE RESOURCE?

You may have seen recent Realtor ads that say "I can sell your home in 60 days or you owe me no commission" or "If I don't save you $5000 on your purchase then I will give you $500", or things of this nature.

Well, truth be told, most sellers will discount their list price by $5000; and the agent who promises to sell in 60 days doesn't tell you that you must list your home well below market value and jump through a multitude of other hoops to qualify for this irresistible offer. Too good to be true? Absolutely!

My question to any potential client looking to buy or sell property in the Prescott AZ area is this: When selling or buying a home do you wish to be represented by a "salesperson" or a trusted real estate advisor and advocate? It is a real choice: do you go for the gimmics or affiliate yourself with a realtor who is honest, straightforward and will work tirelessly for you to get the best deal on the purchase or sale of your Prescott home?

My preference and practice is the latter. Our challenge as Realtors is to change our image as "salespeople" to that of valuable and valued resource. To that end, I recognize that my job is to inform, educate and advise and in doing so help my clients meet their real estate goals in buying or selling homes in the Prescott, AZ area.

Does this approach work? Absolutely! My client-first efforts have repeatedly put me in the top 10% of all Prescott Area Realtors, an accomplishment I am confident to reach again this year. And it is a sure fire way to get referral business as clients feel appreciated and well-served as their real estate goals are successfully met.

REALTOR AS SALESPERSON OR VALUABLE PRESCOTT AZ REAL ESTATE RESOURCE?

Your actions will tell.

Lesley Alward

Email Call/text 928-533-4229 for information about

Prescott, AZ real estate

Gardening and Success in Prescott AZ Real Estate

Wed, 16 Nov 2011 19:03:04 -0800

As a fervent Arizona high country gardener and an equally successful Prescott AZ realtor, I have found my years of experience in the former has made me better at the latter. Really!

For years in both Northern California and then in Prescott, Arizona, I was a landscape contractor, designing and building residential gardens to the delight of my clients and the neighbors! I ventured into the world of vegetable and flower gardening here in Prescott and became a Master Gardener through the University of Arizona to learn more about the vagaries of high country gardening and to better serve the public.

As a gardener I've learned to determine what the soil needs in order to foster healthy and productive plants. Then I select the right plant for the right area (Location, Location, Location) considering water needs, sun exposure, potential pests (bunnies, havelina, deer), and feeding requirements.

I purchase the best seeds or plant for the price, nurture the seedlings, follow the proper planting techniques while paying special attention to the plants' needs to assure the plant will not only survive, but thrive and bear wonderful and tasty fruit!

And, I keep a watchful eye on the plants for years to come and provide TLC as needed when problems arise or simply enjoy them for the beauty and bounty they offer.

As a Realtor I first make every effort to listen to my clients and understand and provide for their needs. Then, for sellers, I determine a pricing, marketing and sales strategy which results in the most timely sale for the desired price with the least amount of stress so the sellers move forward and flourish.

By selecting the right marketing strategy and the right price, buyers' and buyers' agents' awareness of the listing grows, an offer is received, an agreement is reached, and the transaction successfully closes, a delight for all!

For buyers I assist in finding the right home for the right price in the right location based on the buyer's needs. I serve as a resource for all the information needed so that my buyers can make an informed decision. I then follow the appropriate protocol to assure my clients are protected and happy, that the transaction successfully closes, and my clients happily grow into their home.

In both instances, I remain a trusted realtor resource by providing advice and assistance should problems arise over the years. And, I happily tend to the friendships formed, appreciating and enjoying all they have to offer through the years.

My goal and promise is to treat my clients and their transactions with the same care, attention to detail, and TLC with which I tend my garden. The results will satisfy and delight you! And, you will enjoy the fruits of my garden and my gardening expertise as a thank you for doing business with me, your trustworthy Prescott AZ Realtor, as we remain friends through the years!

Realtor and Master Gardener...a delightful combination sure to please those wishing to buy or sell real estate in Prescott AZ.

MAY YOUR GARDEN GROW!

Lesley Alward

Email Call/text 928-533-4229 for information about

Prescott, AZ real estate

PRESCOTT AZ 2012 REAL ESTATE OUTLOOK: HOT OR NOT?

Thu, 17 Nov 2011 12:00:30 -0800

PRESCOTT, ARIZONA REAL ESTATE MARKET: HOT OR NOT IN 2012?

My response to this query is a positive and unequivocal “Depends”! The key factor playing into the heat level of our current market is purchase price, as lower priced homes are receiving multiple offers and getting snatched up by second home buyers, first time home buyers, and investors while higher priced homes languish. Sales volume is increasing while both average and median sales prices continue to decline, albeit at a slower pace. I foresee this trend continuing into and through 2012.

Prices in Prescott, Arizona have declined to 2001-2002 levels and home affordability has improved dramatically. Our local market is not dominated by distressed sales--74% of sales in the last 3 months were traditional sales--but is strongly influenced by them and both average and median sales prices continue to decline-- down 4.6% and 5.2% respectively in the last 3 months. Indeed, 50% of all Prescott home sales in the last 3 months were for homes priced $200,000 or less. This trend seems well entrenched and I see it also continuing into and through 2012.

For those who study market statistics, it is clear that Prescott’s local real estate market is steadily improving in terms of sales volume. Sales of residential units in the city of Prescott increased by 26% from 2009 to 2010, and another 16% from 2010 to 2011 year to date. The days on market declined in the same time frame by 6.75% and 6.5% respectfully. Prescott homes are selling and they are selling more rapidly!

However… the caveat to this increase in total sales is that sales prices have dramatically declined during this time. Average sales prices declined by 8.5% while median sales prices decreased 10.8% from 2009 to 2010. This trend continued from 2010 to 2011 year to date as average sales priced decreased another 8.3% and median sales price fell 11.9%. It seems clear this trend too will continue in 2012.

I am heartened by the fact that, in the city of Prescott especially, there has been a resurgence of second home buyers, a market that had virtually disappeared in late 2008 through mid-2010. Of course, the historically low interest rates are encouraging buyers to purchase now rather than wait for any anticipated further declines in value. It doesn’t seem likely that interest rates will increase dramatically in the coming year, even if there is some upward movement.

One critical factor effecting home sales in Prescott is our decreasing listing inventory. As the number of homes for sale in Prescott declines, competition for those that are currently listed and well-priced increases, giving sellers more negotiating power than they have seen in quite some time. Multiple offers are more common as there continues to be pent up demand for purchasing in the Prescott area. I and other Prescott AZ listing agents are encouraging sellers to list their homes even now, during our traditionally slower winter season, as buyers are eager to purchase and unable to find their dream homes.

Overall, I am prepared for 2012 to be a toasty real estate market and hot for lower priced homes. Prescott continues to be a destination town enjoyed by both full time residents and as a weekend getaway. With low interest rates, low listing inventory, and pent-up demand simmering, 2012 be a great time to sell for those who have owned their homes for 10 years or more. It will continue to be a hot market for buyers looking for screamin’ deals, but they best be pre-approved and prepared to present an offer at a moment’s notice as well-priced homes don’t last long.

PRESCOTT AZ 2012 REAL ESTATE OUTLOOK: HOT OR NOT?

Lesley Alward

Email Call/text 928-533-4229 for information about

Prescott, AZ real estate

Grateful Always for Prescott AZ Real Estate Buyers and Sellers

Thu, 24 Nov 2011 11:05:43 -0800

Life for this Arizona Realtor is so very good indeed and I am

Grateful Always for Prescott AZ Real Estate Buyers and Sellers

While I try to be grateful every day for the abundance in my life, I am especially mindful today of how lucky I am to be surrounded by such wonderful, caring, and special people who make my life rich and full.

I am equally grateful for my clients who provide me a steady stream of referrals of those who wish to buy or sell real estate in the Prescott Arizona area and are looking for a trustworthy Prescott Realtor with market and marketing savvy.

I recognize that hard work and preparation are huge in creating a successful real estate business, yet I know that it is the quality of service we provide and the relationships we form that result in referrals which are the life blood of this Prescott Realtor.

As we share in our sumptious Thanksgiving meal, I will give sincere thanks for everyone and everything good in my life and will raise my glass to those who are no longer with us but are forever in our hearts.

Wishing you and yours a warm and love-filled Thanksgiving and, of course, good food and great wine!

PS. I recommend a dose of gratitude each day to keep the blues away and I am

grateful always for Prescott AZ real estate buyers and sellers

******************************************

Lesley Alward

Email Call/text 928-533-4229 for information about

Prescott, AZ real estate

Question to Listing Agents: How important is Photograpy to You in Your Marketing?

Fri, 02 Dec 2011 12:34:54 -0800

How important is photography to you in your marketing?

The answer to this Prescott AZ Listing Agent is obvious. Photography matters HUGELY to me and my sellers to market their home as professionally as possible to as many potential buyers as possible! And I imagine the same is true of most AR members as they take the time to promote their listings and themselves through this wonderful format.

Yet looking at how various Prescott Arizona listing agents

promote their properties, it makes me wonder why sellers settle for such poor quality presentation, especially as their homes sit on the market with few buyer prospects walking through the door.

Is professional presentation of a listing rocket science? No! It simply requires that agents attend to detail and recognize that the quality of photography is huge since it’s the basis of a listing in every media, from print to web. The adage “A picture’s worth a thousand words” applies to photography for sure! So, I wish to encourage all real estate listing agents to raise the bar and:

1. Take professional quality photographs. If photography is not your strength, help the economy by hiring a pro to shoot the "money" photos.

2. Use the appropriate photo for your main photo. An uninspiring exterior shot does not have to be the primary photo. Which of the below 2 photos speaks to you? Both from the same listing and both shot by a professional photographer. BTW, this home received multiple offers and sold for 5% over list after being priced above the recent appraisal!

3. Maximize the number of photos you use to allow the gazillions of web surfers to find your listing and point it out to their buyers agent. Listings with more photos are viewed more often and the number of photos determines, among other things, where they come up in searches on Realtor.com.

Anecdotally, I as a Prescott Buyers Agent passed up a particular Prescott home for sale for weeks until my ready buyer indicated we should take a chance and take a look at it. The interior was gorgeous, and the exterior not at all what the photos portrayed. We had an accepted offer in 24 hours and my buyers are delighted with their new home!

Let's raise our bar of professionalism and encourage excellence in the promotion of our listings.

How important is photography to you in your marketing?

Should be of paramount importance!

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Lesley Alward

Email Call/text 928-533-4229 for information about

Prescott, AZ real estate