Anyone living in DC Ranch is guaranteed a sizzling summer season!

DC Ranch Pool Party

Attention all DC Ranch residents!  Triple digit temperatures have already blazed through our city and DC Ranch is here to help keep you cool.  The Desert Camp Community Center is open for fun for residents of all ages to escape the heat in style.  This olympic-sized pool will play host to several summer-themed inspired events over the next couple months. 

There will be two complimentary themed drinks in the offering, along with live music and tons of family fun activities for all to savor.  All we ask of you is to bring your towels and some snacks, including beverages, to get the most out of the poolside parties.  Admission is complimentary for residents.

The first party is right around the corner.  “The Island Escape” is Saturday, June 8th between 11:00 a-m and 2:00 p-m.  The theme for this summer kick-off party is Caribbean-inspired.  Drop in for some Tiki drinks and get a taste of the true exotic island treasure.  

The second entertainment takes us somewhere spicy.  Its theme is “The Fiesta en Fuego.”  It’s all about Sangria and Spain on June 15th, between 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.  

Everybody’s gonna wanna hang ten on June 22nd for “The Surf’s Up” Party.  Picture if you will sandy beaches and surfing along a totally gnarly wave down the coast.  Celebrate the sand with Cali’s favorite band, the Beach Boys’ while sipping on some classic root beer floats. 

The last pool party in June is set to test your dance moves.  Get your groove on for ”Dance Party USA” on June 29th at 11:00 a-m to 2:00 p-m.  We’re talking about dancing to today’s top hits with a live DJ mixing it up in the house.  

All parties are being held by the DC Ranch Community Council. 

DC Ranch is all about keeping your kids active this summer vacation.

DC Ranch Summer Acting Classes

For those of you living in DC Ranch with children, summer vacation can be one adventure after another.  Keep up the hustle and bustle for your kids by participating in any number of programs DC Ranch will be offering this summer.

For example, The Homestead Playhouse Summer Programs is offering three theater programs during the months of June and July.  Does your kid wanna be in pictures?  DC Ranch has set up an acting studio for beginners called 
“The Actor’s Toolbox.”  

Session One begins June 3rd and ends June 7th.  Children who are between the ages of nine 15 years  old can sign up.  Learn all about the fundamental skills of acting.  Your child will learn all about voice projection and character development in the first half of the session.   The second half of the session will focus on body movement, which is stage presence and how to use your body as a tool in when telling a story.

Session Two is all about song and dance.   Learn how to belt one out in the singing portion of the session  two by exploring your voice’s tone, pitch and range.  During the dance sessions, kids will master basic dance technique and steps commonly used in the most exciting musical productions.

Session Three is acting camp for the young prodigy’s in our community.   This session is geared toward children between the ages of six and nine years of age.  Children will learn about  voice projection and character development. They will also be taught the importance of stage presence and how to convey their emotions on to an audience. 

For more information, contact Arts and Theatre Coordinator Molly Kurtz at 480-538-3542.  Programs are held at The Homestead Community Center.

To register for Workshops for Youths and Families, visit their website at dcranch.com or call 480-245-9724.  DC Ranch residents receive half off the price of summer programs by entering the code “dcmem50ptr” during registration.

 DC Ranch living is more fruitful than any other community you’re thinking about moving to.

DC Ranch Farmer’s Market

It’s all about freshness! The Village at DC Ranch is hosting a Farmer’s Market.  The Farmer’s Market is far and few between so don’t miss this chance to go out and buy all your fresh fruits and vegetables this coming weekend.

On May 18th, DC Ranch is bringing the Farmer’s Market to North Scottsdale.  This is one of your last opportunities to indulge in local fruits and veggies from around the valley before the sweltering summer hits.  Patrons will enjoy a multitude of fruits and veggies as there will be about 30 vendors to choose from that will be providing delicious fresh produce.      

This is one of the most creative and energetic bunch of local produce growers and specialty food producers.  You are guaranteed to find some pesticide free produce, along with a variety of organic vegetables.   variety of organic, and  They also have free range eggs and  local cheeses.  This is a family friendly environment so feel free to bring the kids and well-behaved pets.

 The Farmer’s Market is located at 18501 North Thompson Peak Parkway, .Scottsdale, AZ 85255.  There’s easy access on the southwest corner of the parking lot.

Living in Grayhawk is an experience.

Grayhawk Golf Course

If you’re looking for more than just a place to set your hat or a place to park your car, Grayhawk is the place to make your home.  Grayhawk is the community that offers everything to homebuyers.  Simply put, this is a living experience like no other.

No neighborhood can compare to The Grayhawk Golf Club which features 36 holes of pure, undulated fun.  Ensconce yourself in a breath-taking community surrounded by two award-winning golf courses.  The Talon and the Raptor are two of the most lush rolling hills of green you will ever play.  Some people are under the misnomer that these two golf courses are private.  However, the public is more than welcome to tee-up for a nominal fee.

Talon swung into action in 1994.  U.S. Open and PGA Champion David Graham brought in golf course architect Gary Panks to design Grayhawk’s Talon Course where the two built one of the most challenging and exciting courses in the Sonoran Desert.  Talon boasts one of the highest rated “daily-fee golf courses” in the state.  It’s also been honored with a spread in “Golf Magazine’s” list of the “Top 100 You Can Play in the U.S.”  Grayhawk’s Talon course is so impressive it plays host to the pro-ams for the FBR Open, Hospice of the Valley Pro Am and Tostito’s Fiesta Bowl Golf Classic.

Grayhawk’s Raptor course teed off in 1995 and was designed by Tom Fazio.  Fazio’s course blueprint fashioned a risky and daring game of golf.  Raptor is over 71-hundred yards of green gentle hills and small lakes that are lightly splattered throughout.  Like Grayhawk’s Talon, The Raptor course is noted as one of the finest courses in the Valley of the Sun.  Raptor also claims a ranking on the “Top 100 You Can Play in the U.S. by “Golf Magazine.”  Raptor is also known to host several professional golf events, including the Inaugural Williams World Challenge, Tommy Bahama’s Desert Marlin and FBR Open Pro Ams.

Grayhawk also offers some of the best views that Scottsdale has to offer, including a backdrop of the McDowell Mountains and a myriad of cactus highlight the city view.

As for dining, the Quill Creek is a favorite among patrons in the Grayhawk area, along with Phil’s Grill, and Isabella’s Kitchen.  Isabella’s just opened up last year and has quickly become a favorite neighborhood hotspot.

Slow your roll DC Ranch residents! It’s time for the Criterium bike race!

Criterium At DC Ranch

The White Mountain Road Club has joined up with the DC Ranch Community Council to host the fourth annual Criterium at DC Ranch.  The “Crit” is a bike race that goes for about one-kilometer or six-tenths of a mile on a closed course.  The “Crit” is not a slow race where you meander to the finish line.  It’s super high intensity with fast speeds.   The Crit is a full day of bike races on Sunday, May 19th.  There will be activities for children and the entire family.  Plus, there are fun things for spectators to do as well.

The Crit is open to fans and spectators are more than welcome.  It’s also a great way to learn all about competitive cycling.

Registration for the Criterium is available on wmrc.org. And if you’re interested in competitive cycling, the Crit is just a precursor.  On October 13th, registration for the Tour de Scottsdale, which is both 30-mile and 70-mile citizen’s rides, will open at a discounted rate at the Criterium.  Pricing on May 19th only will be at an all-time low price for Tour registration.  For anyone wanting to go online for Tour registration, it will open May 20th at standard early bird pricing.

If you want to join in on the fun of the Crit, but don’t want to race, there are other ways you can participate.  The Crit is searching for volunteers to help with the Criterium at DC Ranch.  If you have a few hours to spare and would like to lend a hand, please send email to tempe.ligett@dcranchinc.com.

Register at www.wmrc.org.

Home Growth catapults to record levels in and around the Scottsdale area.

DC Ranch Home Growth

According to the latest figures released on April 30th from S&P Case Shiller Home Price Indices, the month of February posted the highest home growth rates since 2006.  Of the ten metro areas to see a double-digit increase in home growth rates this past year, Phoenix was one of those cities named.

Summertime is almost here and life in DC Ranch is fun for all residents and their kids.

DC Ranch Youth Workshop

DC Ranch residents are in for a real treat this summer.  There is no such thing as a boring summer vacation for children whose parents live in DC Ranch.

DC Ranch is offering “Workshops for Youth and Families: Footprints.”  The workshop is only 350 dollars per child for children ages nine to 12.  DC Ranch residents receive 50 percent off tuition.

Make sure you’re child is available for the workshop beginning Sunday, June 9th to Friday, June 14th.

Footprints is a workshop specifically designed for children nine to 12 years old.. This age has been deemed ”early adolescence” and also the best age to shape a child’s behavior that will set them on a course to a successful adulthood.  Footprints introduces children to enterprising opportunities such as taking up leadership roles.  It also provides a child with the chance at learning how best to work well with others.

The transition into teenage years can be frustrating for the both the teen and the parent.  This workshop is groundbreaking for assisting preteens develop skills they need for strong, positive peer relationships.  Footprints provides the opportunity to practice strong relationship skills that will enhance their engagement in their schools, homes and communities. Additionally, these participants will learn healthy ways to express a wide range of emotions and listen to their peers do the same.  This workshop will expose preteens to a personalized experience that teaches them how to maintain a sense of self-worth, form close and durable friendships and achieve a reliable basis for making healthy choices.

Top Skills Your Child Will Learn From Workshop

• Learn about independence
• Learn strengths and talents
• Understand their feelings in certain situations
• How to negotiate between demands and pressures
• Establish friendships
• Learn and Respect Identity
• Strengthen social skills and emotional IQ
•  Recognize and manage conflicts

It is suggested you bring a sack lunch.

To register for this program, please visit Workshops for Youth and Families website at www.workshopsaz.org.  If you have any questions regarding the program, send an email to info@workshopsaz.org or contact the office at 480-245-9724.  Contact the Workshops office at 480-245-9724 for promo code.

Home-buying made simple for those looking to buy a home in DC Ranch, Grayhawk or North Scottsdale.

Home Buying Tips For DC Ranch

Buying a home can be a daunting task for the average person to undertake.  However, if you follow a few easy tips, buying a home in today’s economy can be a fairly smooth process.

First, talk to a lender!  Whether you are a first-time homeowner or a returning customer, you need to find out exactly where you are financially on the credit score front.  Even if you’ve experienced a foreclosure, a lender will walk you through all options available to you when buying a home in today’s market.  Lenders can also tell you about private and government-backed programs that deal with down-payment issues.

There are five reputable sources lender use:

FHA Mortgage:  This is a low down-payment program backed by the Federal Housing Administration.

USDA Mortgage:  Provides home-buyers with a zero down-payment option in certain areas of the country.

Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac:  Down-payments under this organization can be as low as three percent.

Veteran Affairs Mortgage:  Zero down-payments for those with military status.

Portfolio Mortgage:  This is a program backed by the bank and not backed by the government.

Second, figure out what can you afford!  It’s all about the debt-to-income ratio.  DTI is easy to determine. All you have to do is map out your monthly expenses and compare it to your monthly income.  Banks typically accepts mortgage applications if the debt-to-income ration exceeds 45 percent.

Budgeting for a new home is a matter of simple math.  Real Estate experts advise home-buyers to keep your monthly mortgage payments within 30 percent of your income.

If you’ve been thinking about selling your home in DC Ranch, Grayhawk or North Scottsdale, now is the perfect time.

Sellers Market In DC Ranch

It’s no mystery that the housing market has been in a bit of a slump for the past several years.  However, the real estate market is seeing a significant increase in sales this past year.  For those of you who have been vacillating on when to put your home on the market, have no fear, the time is now.

Consider it a spring cleaning if you will, ”out with the old and in with the new.”  For those of you who aren’t in the know, the spring season is actually the best time to sell your home.

Here are a few tips to get maximum your profit in this sellers market.

Curb Appeal:  It’s true what they say about first impressions.  The first thing a buyer is going to see is the front of your home.  An important key to selling your home is curb appeal.  If you have a front yard, make sure it’s clear of debris and garbage.  Plus, you should maintain a manicured lawn and maybe purchase some flowered plants to enhance the entrance.  The facade of your home is important as well.

Home Interior:  Let’s face it, when a potential buyer walks into a home, they want to see perfection.  If you want to sell your home, make it shine.  Carpets should be professionally cleaned.  Every room should be immaculate with absolutely no clutter, no pets and no personal items.  The buyer should picture themselves living in your home.

Home Features:  Does your home have a feature that can wow a buyer?  Usually, the main selling point in every home is a fabulous kitchen or amazing bathroom.  Kitchens should be spotless with sparkling counter tops.  If your kitchen or bathroom is outdated, you may want to consider replacing old cabinetry, blinds and appliances.  This way you will get more bang for you buck.   Jump into the 21st century.  Old, drab and out of date bathrooms should be given a makeover.  Clean, fresh towels should be displayed, along with new shower curtains.  Also, replace the faucets or any bathroom hardware.  The easiest and most economical change that can give a bathroom new life is lighting and mirrors.

Following these easy tips in selling your hom should bring about a hefty profit.

Refinance your mortgage loan in Arizona – Some steps to keep in mind

Are you residing in Arizona? Do you want to refinance your mortgage loan? If yes, then you must know that refinancing in Arizona is a simple and clear-cut transaction. Yet, the local economy and the condition of Arizona’s housing sector during refinancing may make the process difficult. So, if you’re thinking to refinance your mortgage in Arizona, make sure you really have exceptional credit score since the lenders have tightened the lending guidelines. However, refinancing in Arizona should be as easy as it will be for any other state.

5 Important steps to refinance your home mortgage loan in Arizona

Read on to know 5 important steps to refinance your home mortgage loan in Arizona.

1.
Determine the worth of your precious home – Before refinancing in Arizona, you need to determine the worth of your precious home. You can know this by ordering an appraisal from an appraiser who has proper license. If required, seek advice of a real estate agent who has the license with him. The real estate agent may help you compare the price of your home with the ones that have been sold in your area at present. It may happen that your home has lost much of its worth due to housing crisis, thus making refinancing almost impossible. Make use of the information that the real estate agent or the appraiser provides you to judge the right market price of your home. In order to qualify for refinancing, your mortgage should not go beyond 70 percent of the home’s value.

2.
Assess your score with a government-certified housing counselor – You may assess your credit report and your score with the help of a government-certified housing counselor. Some examples are Community Services of Arizona, in Glendale, Genesis Housing Services, in Gilbert and Housing Our Communities, in Mesa. The nonprofit housing counselors are very much aware about the present real estate market and refinancing trends in Arizona. They can also provide you proper advice on refinancing depending upon the market condition and your credit history. As such, search for a certified housing counselor in Arizona after going through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development website.

3.
Get hold of a free copy of your credit report – You can get hold of your credit report from Annualcreditreport.com. The website is managed by the three credit bureaus – Experian, Transunion and Equifax. This is the only website that is supported by the Federal Trade commission to provide free credit report. Since the different credit bureaus may provide you different scores, so it’s important that you get your credit score from each of them separately. You can obtain your credit report free of cost once in a year. So, check your score from time to time so that you can maintain good credit.

4.
Ask counselor particularly about avoiding refinance scams – Ask your counselor particularly about avoiding refinance scams in Arizona. This is because there are various loan companies in the market that promise to modify your present loan so as to make the payments affordable for you. For this, you’ll have to pay a small amount of fees to them. But, once they get their fees, many such companies have turned out to be completely scam. It’s advisable that you don’t fall into the hands of such fake companies.

5.
Apply for refinance from a reliable institution – You should apply for refinancing from a reliable institution such as a bank or a credit union. Make sure you are able to satisfy the essential requirements of the lender such as income proof and necessary documents.