by Paul Slaybaugh | Jun 19, 2010 | McCormick Ranch Subdivisions
Villa La Playa in McCormick Ranch is a Dietz-Crane built subdivision that lies on the Southern boundary of Scottsdale’s first master planned community. Bound by Indian Bend Rd (South), Hayden Rd (East) and the McCormick Ranch Golf Club’s Pine Course (West), this prime piece of Scottsdale Real Estate features some of the better housing values in the Ranch. A mix of flat and pitched roofs, Dietz Crane added some intrigue to their plans, whereas many builders in this portion of the Ranch tended to lean towards the economical over the dramatic.
Whether because the homes in the South end of the Ranch tend to be a bit more affordable as a general rule, a recent preponderance of foreclosures and/or short sales, or just a temporary anomaly, I believe Villa La Playa represents an undervalued subdivision as of the time of this posting. Given the pleasing Spanish exteriors, central location, practical floor plans and pride of ownership within the neighborhood, one might expect this golf course subdivision to routinely command a much higher price than they typically do.
The 130 homes of Villa La Playa were built between 1977-1979 (as opposed to the early to mid ’70s construction featured predominantly in Paseo Village, directly across Hayden Rd). All 130 homes are single-level and average approximately 2184 square feet (ranging from 1534 sq ft – 3318 sq ft). 85 (65%) of the homes include private swimming pools. Homes in Villa La Playa were primarily built with block construction and include a sprinkling of 3 car garages amongst the 2 car standard. The subdivision is zoned R1-7 for residential lots with 7000 square foot minimums.
Villa La Playa falls within the Kiva Elementary, Mohave Middle and Saguaro High School districts.
In addition to the McCormick Ranch Pine Course (homes along the Western edge of the subdivision sport views of the course), nearby amenities include the shopping center at Indian Bend / Hayden (Crust Pizza, Albertson’s, China Lite, Goldman’s Deli, etc), the Paseo Village shopping center (Starbuck’s, LA Fitness, Lox Stock and Bagel, Walgreens, The Vig, Luci’s On the Grove, etc), The Seville Shops & Restaurants (The Cove, Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse, Jamba Juice, Starbucks, Wildflower Bread Company, etc) and the McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park.
Looking for a solid value in McCormick Ranch? Give Villa La Playa a look.
View McCormick Ranch Home Floor Plans
Learn More About McCormick Ranch in Scottsdale AZ
_____________________________________________________________
Latest Homes For Sale or Lease in Villa La Playa (Updated Daily)
________________________________________________________
For all of your McCormick Ranch Real Estate needs, contact Ray & Paul Slaybaugh.
(480) 220-2337 | paul@scottsdalepropertyshop.com
by Paul Slaybaugh | Jun 17, 2010 | Scottsdale Neighborhoods, Scottsdale Real Estate
One of the more locally revered addresses in all of Scottsdale, Paradise Valley Farms is a subdivision that often escapes the notice of buyers from out of area. Buffeted by the well-known planned community meccas of McCormick Ranch and Gainey Ranch, as well as the actual Town of Paradise Valley which sits directly across Scottsdale Road, Paradise Valley Farms is a small niche of acre parcels with grandfathered horse privileges. Despite the rampant redevelopment that has seen massive new Tuscan style homes replace many of the older ranch style properties, horse set-ups and equestrian trails are still abundant in this community that sits just South of where the actual working Gainey Ranch once stood (North of Eastwood, where the Shops at Gainey Village and the Gainey Village subdivision now sit). I am still taken aback when I drive by the newer construction that now stands in place of the barbed wire enclosed cattle ranch that I knew as a youth, but I digress.
![Paradise Valley Farms Home 3 Paradise Valley Farms Home](http://www.scottsdalepropertyshop.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/DSC_0164-300x176.jpg)
While luxury home buyers primarily think in terms of Paradise Valley, DC Ranch, Silverleaf, Ancala and other buzz name communities, few neighborhoods can rival the charm of Paradise Valley Farms. Boasting gorgeous tree-lined streets (rare outside of the Arcadia and central corridor areas) and a pleasing mix of architectural styles amongst the custom homes, a taste of a bygone era blends seamlessly with modern convenience and styling. And the location … is simply perfect. Central to virtually everything (shopping, schools, lakes, golf, resorts, etc), but tucked away from the major streets, Paradise Valley Farms is the end destination to which Scottsdale home buyers aspire. Not a move up or make do home, but that special place where they will plant roots that run as deep as the cypress and eucalyptus that guard the hidden paradise from interlopers.
![Paradise Valley Farms (vegetation) Paradise Valley Farms](http://www.scottsdalepropertyshop.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/DSC_0156.jpg)
A home in Paradise Valley Farms signifies your arrival, just without all of the guard-gated country club pretentiousness that some associate with high end Scottsdale housing. Neighbors don’t hide in their houses or retreat to their backyards. This is a neighborhood of walkers and wavers.
![Paradise Valley Farms Front Yard](http://www.scottsdalepropertyshop.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/DSC_0159-1-247x300.jpg)
Given the radical difference from one property to the next, it almost seems disingenuous to roll out the subdivision statistics and averages. Nevertheless, here they are:
- Amongst the 56 homes in Paradise Valley Farms, the construction dates range from 1968 to 2007.
- The average home size is approximately 4125 square feet; the smallest being 2373 square feet, and the largest being 7374 square feet. The latter number will be unceremoniously trounced when the property at 8217 N 75th St turns over, however. Framed for approximately 14,000 livable square feet (no, that is not a typo!), the project was abandoned by the previous owner. It is currently on the market and awaiting an intrepid soul to finish Scottsdale’s version of the Taj Mahal.
__________________________________________________________________
- All 56 properties are single-level, and 48 (86%) include private swimming pools.
- Zoned R-43 for residential lots with 43,000 square foot (1 acre) minimum lot sizes
- Cochise Elementary, Cocopah Middle and Chaparral High School Districts
- No HOA
- Horse Privileges
- Neighborhood Bridle Paths
![Paradise Valley Farms Home 4](http://www.scottsdalepropertyshop.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/DSC_0154.jpg)
Ready to start your Paradise Valley Farms Home Search?
Check the Live Feed Below for New Paradise Valley Farms Listings
Or Visit the Paradise Valley Farms Home Search Page
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
Whether you are buying or selling, contact Ray & Paul Slaybaugh for all of your Scottsdale Real Estate needs. Put nearly 50 combined years of Scottsdale home sales to work for you! Contact us today for more information about the little piece of Sonoran paradise known as Paradise Valley Farms.
(480) 220-2337 | paul@scottsdalepropertyshop.com
by Paul Slaybaugh | Jun 17, 2010 | McCormick Ranch Subdivisions
One of the most well-known patio home communities in all of Scottsdale, Santa Fe in McCormick Ranch has come to symbolize low maintenance living in central Scottsdale. Located just NE of the Hayden & McCormick Parkway intersection, this community of 366 homes (cumulatively between its two phases) has become a favorite amongst seasonal vacation home owners as well as with full time residents who simply prefer the lesser hassle living. With a Western boundary that abuts the famous Camelback Walk multi-use path that stretches throughout McCormick Ranch, homes that back up to it boast gorgeous views of the McCormick Ranch Golf Club’s Palm Course.
Primarily constructed by Ballard, the original Santa Fe subdivision consisted of 125 homes. Averaging 1979 square feet, 106 of these were single-level, with the remaining 15 two-stories. Built in 1978 with block construction, none of these patio homes featured private swimming pools. The subdivision includes a mix of flat and tile roofing, with 2 car garages being the norm.
Legally classified as townhomes (share common walls, ownership of the land on the individual lot as well as indivisible interest in the common areas), this phase of Santa Fe is zoned R-4R by the city of Scottsdale (Resort or residential medium density). Lot sizes average between 4000-5000 square feet.
Santa Fe Unit 2 (2nd phase) is comprised of 241 properties. Built between 1979-1984 (primarily by Ballard and the Santa Fe Construction Co.), 210 are single-level, with the remaining 31 two-stories. With an average home size of 1972 square feet, 7 (3%) feature private swimming pools. Like phase 1, homes in Santa Fe Unit 2 were primarily constructed with block, feature both tile and flat roofing, and 2 car garages. The zoning is likewise R-4R, with 4000-5000 square foot lot averages.
![Floor Plans](http://www.scottsdalepropertyshop.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/mpj043929900001-150x150.jpg)
View McCormick Ranch Home Floor Plans
In addition to the immediate access to Camelback Walk, use of the community pools and spas, clubhouse/rec room, front yard maintenance, exterior maintenance of the units, blanket insurance policies on the structure and common area maintenance is included in the monthly fee. There is also an annual planned community fee for McCormick Ranch.
![mccormick ranch golf course Camelback Mountain behind the McCormick Ranch Golf Course](http://www.scottsdalepropertyshop.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/mccormick-ranch-golf-300x225.jpg)
McCormick Ranch Golf Club
Located directly across Hayden Road from the Paseo Village shopping plaza, Santa Fe residents are within easy walking distance of breakfast favorite Lox, Stock and Bagel, Starbuck’s, LA Fitness, The Vig and other local businesses. To the North, at the Hayden / Via De Ventura intersection, lie The Village and Mercado Del Lago centers that feature The Melting Pot (dining), Royal Barge (Thai), Zipps Sports Grill, The Village Roastery (coffee shop), and more.
![Buster's On the Lake Buster's on Lake Margherite in McCormick Ranch](http://www.scottsdalepropertyshop.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/DSC_0482-300x201.jpg)
Buster’s On the Lake
Following McCormick Parkway to the immediate West, residents can stroll down the most attractive street (in this agent’s humble opinion) in all of Scottsdale. With the McCormick Ranch Golf Club’s Pine Course to the South and Palm Course on the North, pedestrians or drivers are further treated to Camelback Mountain Views beyond the lake at the Millennium Resort. Tucked away on the North, amongst the Meridian at McCormick Ranch and Spanish Oaks communities is the Scottsdale Resort and Conference Center. And, of course, who can forget about the renowned McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park as a favorite local attraction?
The Santa Fe subdivision falls within the Kiva Elementary, Mohave Middle and Saguaro High School districts.
Learn More About McCormick Ranch in Scottsdale AZ
Ready to launch your Santa Fe home Search in McCormick Ranch?
Check out the live feed below for current Santa Fe homes on the market!
______________________________________________________________
Homes for Sale (or lease) in the Santa Fe subdivision(s) in McCormick Ranch
![McCormick Stillman Railroad Park McCormick Stillman Railroad Park in McCormick Ranch](http://www.scottsdalepropertyshop.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/railroad-park-041-e1272682144120-300x161.jpg)
The Railroad Park in McCormick Ranch
Buying or Selling a Home in McCormick Ranch? Look on further than the Ranch Experts for all of your McCormick Ranch Real Estate needs. With over half century of combined specialized experience in the McCormick Ranch market, no one knows the Ranch like Ray and Paul. No one.
(480) 220-2337 | paul@scottsdalepropertyshop.com
by Paul Slaybaugh | Jun 16, 2010 | McCormick Ranch Subdivisions
With 255 homes, Suggs Rancho McCormick is one of the largest subdivisions in all of McCormick Ranch. Ranging from the initial development of the aptly named Suggs construction company in the late ’70s to the infill completed in the late 1980s by Key West (spin off of Camelot / Hancock Homes), the homes are as diverse as they are numerous.
Located just NE of the Hayden / Royal Palm intersection (across from the Mercado Del Lago plaza and Lake Margherite), Suggs Rancho McCormick is unique in that it boasts some of the more affordable single family homes in McCormick Ranch in addition to higher end properties. The homes built by Suggs (who likewise developed much of the Paseo Village subdivision in the South Ranch) are about the most cost effective option one will find for the northern portion of McCormick Ranch (using Via De Ventura as the dividing line). Primarily built with exposed slump-block exteriors and asphalt shingle / flat roofs, most range from 1700-2300 square feet. With low ceilings that reflect the vintage, the lack of architectural drama is less important than the added energy efficiency to those who chose to purchase one of these homes. The more utilitarian style of these homes makes them an excellent value, given the more expensive housing in the immediate vicinity. These properties are found along the Southern edge of the subdivision (Royal Palm). Moving North, the homes become slightly newer (mid 80s). Homes from this era may feature a tile roof and vaulted ceilings, while those along San Ardo, San Bruno and San Alfredo tend to be of the older variety.
![Key West Home in Suggs Rancho McCormick Key West Home in Suggs Rancho McCormick](http://www.scottsdalepropertyshop.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/DSC_0473-300x195.jpg)
Suggs Home Key West Home
The Key West properties, as well as a couple of smaller builders who purchased and developed a handful of lots, are located at the North end of the subdivision. The properties on San Jacinto, San Lucas and that line the South side of San Lorenzo are prime examples. Boasting the soaring vaulted ceilings and full tile roofs that made the brand famous, Key West homes were ahead of their time. Including floor plans with kitchens that opened to the family room (a renovation owners of other McCormick Ranch homes often have to make themselves), Key West also had a 3 bedroom + den option (most builders were still doing strict 3 or 4 bedroom plans) in addition to one plan with a master bedroom split. These homes are much more in keeping with the more expensive neighborhoods to the West of Hayden Road, notably the Camelot subdivisions of Vista De La Tierra and Palo Viento 2.
View Key West Floor Plans at the McCormick Ranch Home Floor Plans Page
In all, the 255 homes of Suggs Rancho McCormick include 254 single-level properties. The lone 2-story was created when a homeowner added the second level to a house that backs up to Hayden Rd on 85th St. 173 (68%) of the homes feature private swimming pools. The average home size is 2156 square feet. The Suggs properties were primarily block constructed, while the Key Wests and assorted minor builders of the mid to late ’80s primarily utilized frame wood. 2 car garages are the norm, but the neighborhood does include 3 car garages as well.
![lake margherite in mccormick ranch Lake Margherite in McCormick Ranch](http://www.scottsdalepropertyshop.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/lake-margherite-cropped-color-e1272681611594-1024x420.jpg)
In addition to the aforementioned proximity to Lake Margherite (largest of the McCormick Ranch lakes), Suggs Rancho McCormick is within walkable distance of the greenbelt / multi-use path system known as Camelback Walk. Mercado Del Lago and The Village plazas on the opposite side of Hayden Road are home to The Melting Pot, Chipotle, Royal Barge (Thai), Zipps Sports Bar and Grill, TCBY, The Village Roastery (coffee shop) and more. Just beyond these plazas and Lake Margherite (where Camelback Walk crosses under Via De Ventura) lies the first of the McCormick Ranch golf courses (Palm & Pine).
![Patio at Buster's On the Lake Patio at Buster's in McCormick Ranch](http://www.scottsdalepropertyshop.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/DSC_0499-300x201.jpg)
![Mercado Del Lago Shops in McCormick Ranch Mercado Del Lago Shops in McCormick Ranch](http://www.scottsdalepropertyshop.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/DSC_0484-300x201.jpg)
Suggs Rancho McCormick falls within the highly coveted Cochise Elementary / Cocopah Middle / Chaparral High School districts.
Read More About These Schools on our Scottsdale Unified School District Page
_____________________________________________________________________
Homes Currently For Sale in Suggs Rancho McCormick
(Updated Daily)
______________________________________________________________
When the time comes to buy or sell a home in McCormick Ranch, call the Ranch Experts. With nearly half a century of combined experience, no one knows McCormick Ranch Real Estate like Ray & Paul. No one.
(480) 220-2337 | paul@scottsdalepropertyshop.com
Search All McCormick Ranch Homes For Sale
Learn More About McCormick Ranch in Scottsdale AZ
by Paul Slaybaugh | Jun 16, 2010 | Home Selling, Scottsdale Real Estate
Among the interesting turnabouts that abound in the Scottsdale Real Estate market as of late, the rental market has demonstrated surprising new strength. Where there was formerly a preponderance of housing options for prospective tenants over the last couple of years, what with all the struggling homeowners out there eager to find someone else to pay their mortgage while they shacked up in less costly digs, a noticeable contraction in available properties for lease is occurring. With more and more people walking away from their upside down homes, whether by necessity or by choice, the credit and financial hits they take in the process renders them radioactive to the purchasing option for years to come (though, some have perfected the “buy and bail” strategy of purchasing a new home before abandoning the current residence). As such, the rental market has become inundated with demand.
With this surge in demand and a subsequent decrease in supply, rental values have not only held firm, but have noticeably increased in the markets I work. From a purely anecdotal standpoint, I have been shocked by the level of competition for not only the properties I have had listed for lease recently, but for the tenants I have worked with to secure rental properties as well. Mind you, I am not simply referring to the low end pricing (sub $1000/month) where heightened competition is always to be expected, but in more expensive price ranges to boot. In particular, I am seeing a LOT of interest in properties that are renting in the $1400-1800 per month range.
Checking the latest statistics to see if what I have noticed is playing out on a larger scale, I see active Scottsdale rental listings are down to roughly 1800 units (as of ARMLS’s May figures). This marks a steady decline from an inventory that reached a high point of 2568 in November of 2008 and did not dip under the 2000 unit threshold until January 2010. The 5.19 months of rental housing supply (as determined by the current rate of absorption) is at its lowest point in years. Interestingly, the overall average rental rate has not shown a noticeable jump, despite my recent personal observations. Given the decrease in total inventory and increase in absorption (units leasing per month), however, I fully anticipate next month’s numbers to reflect a higher baseline average.
This shift in the rental market tells me two things:
1) Before deciding to walk away from a house that appears irretrievably underwater in terms of negative equity, homeowners (and potential future renters) really need to study their options carefully. If I had a nickel for every misguided homeowner who erroneously believed there was an unmitigated plethora of housing options, at bargain basement prices, waiting for them once they pulled the plug on the Bank of Extortion … er, I mean “America” … I could comfortably retire to my literary tinkerings. The assumption that lower selling prices go arm in arm with lower rental rates is patently false. Further, with all of the newfound competition for rental housing, your chewed up credit report will be scrutinized a bit more by potential landlords than most would expect. Sure, a human landlord may be more understanding of the recent economic woes than some faceless underwriter, but as in any free market, it always comes back to options. If there are renters out there with fewer credit issues and deeper pockets, you are going to get aced out. Please consider where your escape pod is heading before abandoning ship and scuttling that home turned financial Death Star. If there is no soft landing, how have you benefitted?
2. Our market may have reached (or is close to reaching) that sweet spot in which it makes sense for the homeowner with designs on a move-up purchase to revisit the rental potential of his/her existing home. While the notion of renting an existing house out (to offset the mortgage) to free oneself up to take advantage of the market conditions and purchase a considerably larger home for a fraction of its prior value is nothing new, the increasing strength in the rental market makes the strategy more feasible at present. The biggest hurdle to this play, other than deciding whether one is really cut out to become a landlord, remains the qualification process. Unless you are one of the fortunate few who maintain at least 25% equity in your home, you will essentially have to qualify to carry both loans (the existing house as well as the new one you would purchase). Even if you secure a tenant whose rent will cover the payment, you will be qualified for the new loan as if you were qualifying for both properties. If you have the means to do so, the time could be right to finally leverage the conditions that seemingly everybody and their brother’s mail carrier have already managed to exploit.
Whatever your goals for the Scottsdale Real Estate market, drop us an email or give us a call with your specific needs / questions. You might not be as trapped as you think.
![The House Trap The House Trap](http://www.scottsdalepropertyshop.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/house-trap-300x214.jpg)
(480) 220-2337 | paul@scottsdalepropertyshop.com