Shara Terry, Real Estate Professional with Keller Williams Sonoran Living

Sunday, June 28, 2015

4th of July in the Valley of the Sun


Photo credit maf04
This year’s 4th of July celebration will mark the 239th anniversary of the birth of our nation and the signing of the Declaration of Independence.  Americans will be celebrating the way we always have with backyard barbecues, picnics, parades and, of course, fireworks!  Against the backdrop of a clear desert sky, fireworks displays in Arizona take on a particular beauty.  Here is a guide to some of the fireworks and other events planned in and around Phoenix for this 4th of July weekend.  With a little planning, you can catch a different light and sound show every night.

July 2nd – The long holiday weekend will kick off with a family celebration from 6:30 to 9:30 in Maryvale Baseball Park followed by Light up the Sky fireworks display at 9:10 pm.  On the same evening, Anthem Community Park will host an Independence Day Celebration complete with food and carnival rides from 6:00 – 10:00 with the fireworks set to go off at 9:30. 

July 3rd and 4th – Scottsdale will be home to the Independence Day Music Festival featuring Wilco, Dr. Dog and Little Big Town.  Gates will open each night at 5:00 pm with pyrotechnics after the concerts.

July 4th – Fireworks spectaculars are planned for Tempe Beach Park, Goodyear Ballpark, the Westgate Entertainment District, Peoria Sports Complex, Wigwam Resort and Tumbleweed Park – just to name a few locations.  100,000 or more people will attend the televised Fabulous Phoenix Fourth at Steele Indian School Park.  In addition to the huge fireworks extravaganza, there will be local entertainers, a “Kid Zone” with inflatable rides, a classic car show and “Splash Zone” to cool off.   Due to the size of this event, the park will be closed to vehicular traffic in the evening and people are encouraged to travel to the event via METRO Light Rail.

At 8:00 am on the 4th of July, the Arcadia 4th of July Parade will welcome all patriots to its own small town parade starting at the corner of 60th Street and Calle Tuberia.  This charming neighborhood event dates back to 1996 when a local woman planted small flags in her neighbor’s yard to mark the holiday and the tradition grew from there.

July 5th – McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park in Scottsdale will host local bands, train and carousel rides.  Bring a blanket or chair and cap off the fabulous 4th weekend with fine food and music.

Happy 4th of July!  I hope your own celebration is as warm and spectacular as the sight of fireworks in the night sky over the Valley of the Sun.

Sunday, June 14, 2015

3 Steps to Owning Your Own Home


So you are tired of renting and think it may be time to become a homeowner.  Congratulations!  You are probably bursting with enthusiasm and already searching the internet to find the right house.  Before going any further, take some time to follow my “3 Steps to Owning a Home.”  A small amount of time and effort invested up front will save you time and money in the long run.

      1. Team up with a group of experienced professionals.

The best time to establish a relationship with a real estate agent is before you even begin your house hunt.  A home is a huge investment and you will want to work with someone you know and trust.  Start with an experienced local Realtor in an area you would like to explore.  A good Realtor will be able to put you in touch with mortgage loan specialists, home inspectors and other professionals you will work with on the road to owning your home.

      2. Get your financial affairs in order.

Sit down with a pencil and calculator and conduct a detailed review of your financial situation.  If you have excessive credit card debt or other unsecured loans, now is a good time to see about paying down the principal. Gather copies of your recent tax returns, paystubs and bank statements.  There are many expenses associated with owning a home – mortgage payments, taxes, insurance, common area costs and homeowner association fees, as well as repair and maintenance costs.   A mortgage loan professional can help you determine just how much house you can afford.  It’s up to you to determine how much you are comfortable spending.

      3. Perform a realistic assessment of your wants and needs.

Having a clearly-defined picture of your short and long-term real estate goals will greatly enhance your chances of finding the right property.  In keeping with the principles of Stephen Covey’s “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People”, begin with the end in mind.  What kind of home and neighborhood will best complement your lifestyle, wants and needs?   What amenities and conveniences are on your “must have” list and which ones can you live without?  Share this vision with your Realtor to enable them to help find the best house for you – one that is in synch with your financial situation, lifestyle preferences and long and short-term goals.

Buying a home can seem very complicated, but it does not have to be if you follow these 3 first steps to home ownership.  Enjoy the hunt!

Sunday, June 7, 2015

4303 E Buena Terra Way, Phoenix, AZ 85018, Shara Terry, Camelback Mountain


This Hikable, Walkable, LIVABLE Camelback Mountain Arcadia-esque Retreat offers casual elegance with modern chic. On nearly half acre this quiet courtyard-entry property allows you to WALK not drive to Echo Canyon, bike the canal & shop 5 minutes away at the Biltmore or Scottsdale Fashion Square. Soak in stars, sunsets & the red side of Praying Monk every day. The split open floor plan home has soaring ceilings & was completely remodeled down to the studs & updated in every corner. Dream kitchen has thick slab quartz, custom cabinetry & sub zero to entertain & impress. Salt water pebble-sheen pool, many water features, sport court w/bleachers, office, huge game room w/ kitchenette, 3 car garage, hot tub and more! This perfect property will hit everything on your checklist. Welcome Home!

View Property

Sunday, May 31, 2015

3 Top Reasons Why Your House Isn’t Getting Showings


In the residential real estate world, there is nothing quite as disheartening as listing your home for sale only to discover that nobody cares. Even in a robust market, there are still mistakes committed that keep the purchasers from coming. If your property is languishing and failing to generate internet hits and showings, you must sit down with your Realtor to find out why.

Here are a few common missteps that are guaranteed to keep buyers away:

        1. The property is too difficult to show.

While it may be inconvenient to vacate the house at a moment’s notice for a showing, it is a necessary sacrifice when you are trying to sell your home. Be ready to grab your keys, kids and pets to vacate the premises when your agent calls. When buyers’ agents are putting together an itinerary of showings for their clients, listings that require several days’ notice with complicated instructions often end up at the bottom of the pile. You will have to be flexible when it comes to showing your home. In addition, you will also need to remain accessible via phone, email or text messaging. In the event that your agent receives an offer, you’ll want to be the first to hear about it.


        2. The marketing is poor.
 
Every house has a buyer and the marketing of the property must be directed at the appropriate target audience. Nowadays, it is imperative that a home has a strong online presence on numerous websites with quality photos that will entice viewers to want to see more. If the local agents and buyers in your community do not know that the property is for sale, then it is not being marketed properly. A successful Realtor will know how to market correctly so as to emphasize its best features and strong points.


        3. The home is overpriced.

This is the most common reason properties remain on the market too long and fail to attract consumers. In order to have any shot at a quick sale, a home has to be priced right. Overpricing usually occurs when buyers purchase during a peak in the market and cannot accept the economic reality that prices sometimes fall. Every so often, homeowners fail to understand that sentimental attachment does not necessarily translate to a higher price tag. Today’s well-informed house shoppers will only pay for what a property is worth.


The best way to avoid a lengthy listing on the MLS is to work with a knowledgeable local Realtor who will view your home as the valuable financial asset that it is and help you price it accurately, make it accessible and presentable for showings, and market it to a suitable buyers' pool.

Sunday, May 17, 2015

Enjoy Year-Round Vacation Living in Arizona Biltmore



Visitors to the Biltmore community in Phoenix quickly discover what countless celebrities and other residents have known for a long time– a home in Biltmore offers year-round vacation living in an upscale neighborhood. Here are just a few of the many aspects that contribute to Biltmore’s reputation as the preferred location for distinguished homebuyers in Phoenix.


Landscape Vistas to Die For

The views from many homes in this affluent locale will take your breath away. Where else can you wake up every day in a spa-like setting and enjoy magnificent vistas of the Piestewa Peak, Camelback Mountains, City of Phoenix and Sonoran Desert on your morning walk? Combine that with incredible sunsets and you have all the key ingredients for a permanent vacation home.


Biltmore’s Rich Heritage

The Biltmore area owes its name and heritage to the world-renowned Arizona Biltmore Hotel, constructed in 1929 with architectural input from Frank Lloyd Wright. Known as the “Jewel of the Desert”, the Arizona Biltmore has been hosting celebrities, politicians and dignitaries for 85 years. Irving Berlin is rumored to have written “White Christmas” while vacationing here. Marilyn Monroe was a frequent poolside guest and Ronald and Nancy Reagan spent their honeymoon at the Biltmore. Phoenix residents consistently vote the Arizona Biltmore as one of their Phoenix Points of Pride.


Art, Restaurants & Shopping

Biltmore residents have easy access to shopping and dining at the sprawling hotel/spa complex, plus all that the greater Phoenix Scottsdale area has to offer. Foodies are kept busy at the local farmer’s markets and world-class dining spots, while shoppers enjoy Biltmore Fashion Park which is home to Louis Vuitton, Saks Fifth Avenue, Cartier and dozens of other high-end retailers. The entire district abounds with art galleries, sure to please even the most finicky collector.


Recreation

The Sonoran Desert’s warm, dry climate permits pleasure for golf and tennis enthusiasts, as well as mountain bikers, hikers, runners and walkers, throughout the year. All these activities are enjoyed against the backdrop of the spectacular desert scenery. A brisk morning stroll followed by lunch and golf on the same course that has hosted U.S. presidents is a typical day in Biltmore. And you can end each with a heart-stopping sunset.
 


Whether you’re looking for a year-round or second vacation home, Arizona’s Biltmore neighborhood is worth a look. Every day will feel like a holiday!

Sunday, May 3, 2015

Surprise Your Mom this Mother's Day



As Mother’s Day rolls around this year, let’s take the time to remember all the great things – large and small - that moms do for their children. Flowers are always appreciated and everyone enjoys a nice brunch, but, for a change, why not surprise your mom with a different kind of celebration? Here are a few suggestions for dazzling mom this Mother’s Day:


Organize a Family Hike – Here in the desert, we enjoy beautiful weather all year-round and are surrounded by incredible hiking trails. If you enjoy the same access to nature’s finest, organize a multi-generation hike on a terrain suitable for all. Finish the day with a family picnic.


Visit a Botanical Garden or Plant Your Own Garden – A family outing to the nearest botanical garden is another great idea. Gardeners and non-gardeners alike will appreciate the beauty of spring flowers in full bloom. If your mom is an avid gardener herself, you could plant a new flower bed or vegetable patch and stake it with a homemade sign that says “Mother’s Day 2015.” If there are young children in the family, they can also help plant seeds and illustrate the sign.


Tea Party – Surprise all the moms in your family with an invitation to a formal tea party. Encourage dressy attires and silly hats, then, serve tiny tea sandwiches and cake or cupcakes with a selection of teas. The little girls in the family will love it. After tea is served, join the boys in the family for some fun in the sun.


Family Bike Ride – Gather mom, dad, grandma, grandpa and the kids for a family bike ride in a local park. Take some photos of all the moms and finish the day with a potluck barbecue prepared and served by dads and children.


It really does not matter what you do on Mother’s Day as long as you do it in the company of the ones you love, so might as well try something new this year. Your mom will always love you no matter what, which is why it’s nice to show your affection and appreciation for her every once in a while in ways that are fun and entertaining for the whole family. It will surely be a day she would remember.

Wednesday, April 8, 2015

How to Stage Your Home to Sell - A DIY Guide



Home staging may begin with a thorough cleaning of the property, but there is much more to it than just that. It involves elbow grease, a natural feel for interior design and a hint of magic. Professional home stagers do an incredible job. However, if you are on a tight budget, there are still a number of things you can do on your own.

Think of yourself as a set designer for a play or film. You are to create an atmosphere that will transport the actors and audience into another world. Home staging works the same way. The goal is to make your home appealing to a wide range of potential buyers. More importantly, it allows buyers to visualize themselves living in it. There is definitely a little enchantment involved. If you are thinking of selling, here are a few tips for casting the right spell on potential buyers.

You want your buyers to feel they could live in your home the minute they step across the threshold. As visitors enter, make sure it is inviting and smells clean. A colorful planter on the front porch is a good start to maximize impact on all senses. If you are going to burn candles or use air fresheners, the scent should be clean and neutral – nothing too strong. Plus, there should be nothing to trip over or squeeze past. The flow of traffic in the entire house must be natural and barrier-free.

In order to create this ambience, most homes will require serious de-cluttering following a floor-to-ceiling cleansing. You will have to remove some large items, in addition to most of the tiny knickknacks, pictures and mementos. Pet bowls and toys should be out of sight. This part can be difficult, though, because of your emotional attachment to your stuff. On top of all that, closets need to be organized as well. Overflowing drawers and closets will only leave buyers wondering if their own stuff will fit. Think of the process as getting a jump-start on your packing for the big move.

Once the cleaning and clutter removal is complete, focus on the lighting in every room. Pull back shades and blinds to permit the flow of natural light. One or two family photos artfully displayed are fine, as are a stack of books near the fireplace or an heirloom quilt folded neatly over a bed rail. If you can, pull furniture away from the walls, and set up several cozy seating and conversation areas throughout the home. Always remember to have clean towels and fresh soaps in all bathrooms. Lastly, one or more fresh flower vases in the main living area and master bedroom are a nice touch.

Home staging is one of the best tools available to sellers who want their property to stand out from the rest of the pack. Hire a pro or do it yourself. Either way, make sure that the scene you create is warm, welcoming and irresistible to anyone who walks in the door.

Sunday, April 5, 2015

Moving Up - Is Now the Right Time?



Home ownership is very much like life itself – a journey across a series of stepping stones. Many of us start out as room renters, move on to renting an apartment, buying a condo, then onto a single family home and so on. Sometimes, it is a straight line upward, but often, it is a series of ups and downs and leapfrog jumps in between.

The concept of “moving up” could mean different things to different people. It may be a larger home in terms of square footage or acreage, a more expensive home, or a new home in a sought-after neighborhood even if it means ending up with less square footage.

The decision to move up arise from various reasons. You could be newly married and looking to start a family or your children are about to reach school age and you would prefer to be in a better school district. Perhaps your family and bank account have already outgrown your starter home and are now ready to go forward with your next one. Even empty-nesters sometimes choose to move up by trading their large suburban home for a smaller, more upscale condo or townhome with a WOW factor. If you are in an overcrowded situation and can afford a bigger home, the decision to move up will probably be an easy one.

Your Realtor will advise you on market trends, how much you can expect to receive from the sale of your current home, and handle the listing, marketing and sale of your property. With the help of a mortgage professional, they can guide you in determining how much you can afford to spend. However, determining when the time is right to move up is a very personal decision. So in the end, it will still be you and your family who will decide.

Moving up can mean anything from additional space to a completely new lifestyle. It is all about getting to where you need to be. When the time is right to make the change, plan to work closely with a trusted real estate pro, and remember to enjoy the whole experience.

Sunday, March 22, 2015

Small Space Living



Fueled by young buyers in search of an urban lifestyle and older homeowners looking to downsize, the condo market is hotter than ever. “Small living” is the latest trend everywhere. Entire sections of some furniture retailers are devoted to the fine art of managing a small space. With a little effort put into maximizing the use of living and storage space, there is no need to be claustrophobic in a small home. Here are a few tips for “living large" in a small space.

Keep It Light – Dark colors tend to overwhelm a small space. Use natural light and pale colors on the walls and window treatments to open up the space and make it seem larger. This does not mean the space has to appear monochromatic or bland. Brightly-colored furniture, lighting fixtures and decorative art will provide a nice contrast while maintaining the light, open feeling that a small space needs.

Mirror, Mirror on the Wall – Ask any magician, using light and mirrors to create illusions is the oldest trick in the book. In this case, a mirrored wall creates the illusion of a wide open space. Mirrors function to brighten things up and make a small space appear bigger. In addition to installing mirrored closet doors and wall panels, you may want to hang a mirror on a wall opposite a window to increase the impact of natural light within the space.

Furniture Selection – Two key concepts to keep in mind when designing interiors for smaller spaces are scale and proportion. Fortunately, many furniture makers today are designing pieces with small space living in mind, but don’t think you’ll have to buy everything new. You can maintain the right sense of proportion and scale by simply eliminating the excess and focusing on functionality. An L-shaped sofa will provide a lot of seating capacity while saving space. It’s also helpful to look for furniture pieces that can double as storage units, such as an old chest box as a coffee table or a small chest of drawers as an end table.

Take the Party Outside – In Arizona, socializing is all about enjoying the desert air. If you love to entertain or have a large family coming over for the holidays, think about using your condo association’s common areas to host your guests. Nowadays, for this purpose, more and more complexes have barbecue areas, terraces and reserved space. Your guests will enjoy the experience and there will be no worries about where to seat everyone.

While you are focusing on my tips, think about all the money and time you could save once you have already settled in. For those used to living in sprawling suburban homes, there may just be a short adjustment period. However, we live in a crowded world, so small space living is undeniably here to stay.

Monday, March 9, 2015

How to Win a Bidding War


You finally found your dream house. It has everything you ever wanted and more. The stars have aligned and all is well with the world. Right? If there are other bidders for the same property, not necessarily. Heated markets on the upswing, in the past few years, have generated multiple offers on some properties. A seasoned real estate professional with knowledge of the local market is your best ally in a bidding war.

There are two points you need to establish early on: how much the home is really worth and how high you are willing to go. Bear in mind that some properties are intentionally underpriced in order to generate multiple offers and extract the highest possible selling price from frenzied bidders.

In determining how high to bid, it is important to take your long-term housing plans into consideration. If you are looking to stay in the home for under 5 years, there is not much sense in bidding too high. On the other hand, if you plan on staying for as long as possible, it might be worth it to extend an aggressive offer in order to come out on top. Even if you end up paying a little bit more, you will not have any regrets in the long run, especially if the property realizes a healthy appreciation over time.

Bidding wars are not for the squeamish or those with a low tolerance for taking chances, but an experienced Realtor can help mitigate the risk by carefully assessing the true market value of the property and the “actual” cost for you to purchase it. The actual cost equates to the purchase price, plus the cost of any upgrades or repairs needed to make the home suitable for you. If multiple offers result in an above-market purchase price and an additional investment is needed for a renovation, it may be wise to walk away.

Given the fact that decisions in bidding wars are pressure-packed and fast-paced, it is best to strategize with a professional. A good Realtor will help you maintain an even keel. The last thing anyone would want to do is overpay for a property just because of being carried away by emotions and the need to win the war.

Winning is great but it is not the only thing that matters. It is more important to come away from the bidding process feeling comfortable and confident that you put forth your best effort by bringing in a competitive and educated offer, aligned with your long-term real estate goals.

Sunday, March 1, 2015

5501 N. Camelback Canyon Dr.


To view this property website, click the picture or visit: http://5501ncamelbackcanyondr.BestHomeAround.com


                            5501 N. Camelback Canyon Dr.
Phoenix, AZ
Charmer on Camelback Mountain



Offered at $600,000.00                                5501ncamelbackcanyondr.BestHomeAround.com

This MUST see property has a Camelback Mtn back drop & pristine desert front. Nestled in the Arcadia & Camelback Corridors, a stone throw away to Paradise Valley, screams location, location, location. How do you get over 1/3 of a premium acre, 300 yr old saguaros, sunsets from all vantage points AND a home with character??? 5501 N. Camelback Canyon Dr. is how! An open concept great room leading into the kitchen is very livable and yet cozy. The windows all around you showcase the natural landscape from every room. Blend the conveniences of today with the charm of the 1950's. Private gated property with hardwood floors, an original fireplace & AZ wrap around porches invite you to stay awhile. Stories date back to the 1920's pump house which fed water up the mtn. Your story starts now...

Shara Terry & Alison Hamlet
Luxury Real Estate Consultants

Mobile: 602-692-0538
Mobile: 602-301-9839
shara@sharaterry.com
sharaterry.com



Keller Williams Sonoran Living | 5301 N. Pima Rd. #130 | Scottsdale, AZ 85250

Sunday, February 22, 2015

Especially for Women – Secrets to Living a Full Life


Photo Credit Nate Castro

March 8th is International Women’s Day. It is that one special day to regard and honor the achievements of women all over the world. It is also a chance to acknowledge the women in our lives who have worked and continue to work so hard each and every day – our mothers, aunts, grandmothers, daughters, granddaughters, sisters and colleagues. Most importantly, it is a day to honor ourselves!



As women, it is natural for us to attend to the needs of everyone else before our own. Try to remember that Superwoman does not really exist. The simple truth is that we cannot help other people to the best of our ability unless we have first taken the time to look after ourselves. If you consider this notion, you will discover that it is rather logical.



Think about the warning displayed in airline oxygen kits and explained during the flight attendant’s briefings. The instructions are actually quite simple. In the event of an emergency, you must attach your own oxygen mask first before doing so for others. If you cannot breathe, you will not be of much use to anyone. This is a valuable life lesson that is often ignored.



This International Women’s Day, I would like to encourage women to take the time to breathe. Realize that you have the power to control the level of chaos in your life. A successful and full life is all about balance within your heart and soul, between career and family, and work and play. While attending to the wants and needs of others, it is crucial to schedule in a little “me” time each and every week. How you spend it is up to you. Perhaps you need a massage, a movie date with friends or a hot drink in front of a roaring fire with your favorite author.



Remember that just as your clients need you to be well rested and on top of your game, so does your family. If you find yourself stressed-out and overworked, set aside some time for rest and relaxation. You will emerge recharged and better equipped to handle everyday challenges. Treat family and “alone” time in the same manner as you would any professional commitment - stick to the schedule as much as possible. You owe it to your clients, your family, to women everywhere and most of all – to YOURSELF.



Happy International Women’s Day to you and all the incredible women in your life!

Tuesday, February 10, 2015

How to Get Buyers to Notice Your Property



We are now living in the information age. High technology and readily available internet access have revolutionized the real estate industry. A successful marketing strategy for selling a home must address the realities and opportunities the digital era provides to achieve maximum exposure.

When I list a property for sale, the first order of business is to get information on the new listing to as many people as quickly as possible. It is the only way to stay ahead of the competition. Generating early interest involves taking all the necessary steps, plus a few extra ones, to publicize and highlight the property. Realtors who invoke chatter and interest right out of the starting gate are more likely to broker a sale for full asking price on behalf of their clients.

Nowadays, it all begins with a comprehensive and effective online presence in the local MLS and all other real estate websites that are popular in your region. The vast majority of buyers will have looked at hundreds of homes online before they even visit a real estate agent. Professional quality digital photos are a must. Listings without photos will be passed over by many potential buyers. The photos should cover both the interior and exterior of the home while showcasing its finest features. Together with your Realtor, decide early on in the process what those features are. Then, proceed to highlight them in all presentations. Help buyers to see exactly what it is that makes your property stand out from the others.

Open houses are still an important and effective marketing tool. I try to avoid the generic sign and balloon at the end of the street and, instead, aim to personalize every open house I host by sending invitations to neighboring homeowners and possible buyers. This helps spread the word and get people to talk about the new listing. I also like to conduct Realtor’s open houses, especially if the property is not selling as quickly as everyone would like. There is a buyer out there for every property and the Realtor’s open house gives other agents an up close and personal view of the property.  The feedback I receive from other professionals in the market is invaluable. They may very well have the perfect buyer for your home.

In the cyber era, it is essential that real estate agents and sellers avail themselves of the digital tools that carry information to the greatest number of potential buyers. That information then needs to be presented in a manner that distinguishes the home from others in the same locale and price range. Give buyers a reason to want to see more and they will come!

Monday, January 19, 2015

Events & Festivals to Kick Off 2015



With a brand new year ahead of us, there are so many exciting events happening around Phoenix. Whether you are a sports fanatic or prefer to immerse yourself in the local art scene, there is something for everyone on the 2015 events calendar. Here are just a few of the highlights to keep you busy over the next few weeks:

Pro-Bowl – Football fever is coming to Phoenix, and we can’t wait to be right in the center of the action. Pro Bowl takes place on January 25th at the University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale. This is the third time that Pro Bowl has taken place at the same location as with the next big happening – Superbowl! Super Bowl XLIX will commence on February 1st, and the preparations are well underway as we set the stage for this legendary event. 

Arizona Balloon Classic – It’s a bird, it’s a plane… or not. The annual Arizona Balloon Classic is taking place on the weekend of January 23rd. Whether you are an active participant in the sport, or simply want to enjoy the spectacular view in Northwest Phoenix, this three-day race and festival offers fun for the whole family. There are over 30 participating teams, and if you feel like conquering your fear of heights, you can take a ride up with an experienced professional.

Arizona Fine Art Expo – Imagine 44,000 square feet of incredible art from all over the world, right here in Phoenix. From January 16th – March 29th, over 100 artists will set up their studios at the Arizona Fine Art Expo. Sculptors, photographers, painters, and so many other world class trades will showcase their creative abilities and present their best work for purchase. Looking for the perfect gift or accent piece for your home? This is the ideal place to find something truly unique.

Arizona Music Fest – Bring out your dancing shoes for one of the area’s most exciting festivals. The Arizona Music Fest runs from January 29th to March 5th. World class acts bring a blend of classical, jazz, country and rock to the stage at various venues around the city. A season pass will give you access to all 14 shows including the Duke Ellington Orchestra, Rosanne Cash and the Steep Canyon Rangers.

International Sportsman’s Expo & the Arizona Boat Show – Can’t get enough of the great outdoors? This show has plenty of great deals and inspiration to help you plan your next big adventure. Visit the University of Phoenix from February 19 – 22 to check out both shows side by side. Tickets are just $12, and many of the exhibitors offer special deals or prize draws for attendees. This show is a must-see for the outdoor enthusiast in your family.