4th of July in the Valley of the Sun

Photo credit maf04

This year’s 4^th of July celebration will mark the 239^th 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 4^th of July weekend.  With a little planning, you can catch a different light and sound show every night.

July 2^nd – 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 3^rd and 4^th – 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 4^th – 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 4^th of July, the Arcadia 4^th of July Parade will welcome all patriots to its own small town parade starting at the corner of 60^th 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 5^th – McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park in Scottsdale will host local bands, train and carousel rides.  Bring a blanket or chair and cap off the fabulous 4^th weekend with fine food and music.

Happy 4^th 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.

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!

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!

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