by Paul Slaybaugh | Jun 24, 2010 | McCormick Ranch Subdivisions
Spanish Oaks is a gated McCormick Ranch townhouse subdivision that lies along the North side of McCormick Parkway. Adjacent to the newer Meridian on McCormick Ranch, across the street from the substantial HOA dues of the Sandpiper development and just East of the luxury Cuernavaca Segunda (Colonial Encantada) development, Spanish Oaks represents one of the more affordable townhouse options in McCormick Ranch.
Located along the aforementioned McCormick Parkway between Hayden and Scottsdale Roads, both directions of ingress/egress rival the Via De Ventura / Doubletree Ranch Road corridor for the title of prettiest stretch in the Ranch, if not all of Scottsdale. An easy stroll to the McCormick Ranch Golf Club, the Scottsdale Resort and Conference Center, Camelback Walk, Paseo Village shopping center and the Millennium Resort, the view of Camelback Mountain rising behind the golf course and the adjoining Camelback Lake is nothing short of spectacular.
Spanish Oaks Unit One Particulars:
- Comprised of 58 properties; 45 of which are single level, and the remaining 13 two-stories.
- Average unit size is 1664 square feet
- Each unit was built in 1979 (Diamond Key Homes)
- No private swimming pools
- Wood frame construction
- Primarily stucco finish with tile and partial tile roofing
- Multiple patios (most units have 2 to 3 separate patio areas)
Spanish Oaks Unit 2 Particulars:
- Comprised of 60 units; 49 single-level and 11 two-stories.
- Average unit size of 1639 square feet
- Units were built between 1979-1980 (Diamond Key Homes)
- No private swimming pools
- Wood frame construction
- Primarily stucco finish with tile / partial tile roofing
- Multiple patios
2 car garages are standard for both phases of Spanish Oaks. Golf course lots are available for the outer Eastern and Northern portion of the neighborhood’s perimeter. Zoned R-4 (both phases) by the city for 4000 square foot lot minimums, most properties sit on between 4000-5000 square feet of land.
There is a monthly HOA fee in Spanish Oaks in addition to the annual McCormick Ranch planned community fee. The monthly dues are actually quite reasonable when you consider the amenities include a manned guard gate (not the less secure automated type that is favored by most subdivisions), community pool & spa, common area maintenance, as well as front yard maintenance and pest control.
- Spanish Oaks lies in the Saguaro High School District (Kiva Elementary, Mohave Middle School)
Priced at the more affordable end of the spectrum for McCormick Ranch, Spanish Oaks represents a solid option for those looking at lower cost routes into the McCormick Ranch community, as well as for those stepping down from larger, higher maintenance properties.
Townhouses Currently For Sale or Lease in Spanish Oaks
![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
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by Paul Slaybaugh | Jun 22, 2010 | McCormick Ranch Subdivisions
Estate Los Arboles is one of several subdivisions developed by Camelot Homes (also known as Hancock Homes) in the planned community of McCormick Ranch in Scottsdale, AZ. A small enclave of only 23 homes in the Paseo Village area (across from the new Veritas at McCormick Ranch luxury townhouse development), Estate Los Arboles includes 6 semi-custom homes in addition to the standard plans that Camelot also built in Palo Viento 2, Paseo Village, Playa Del Sur, Vista De La Tierra, Paradise Park Trails and Tierra Del Norte.
![Semi Custom Home in Estate Los Arboles](http://www.scottsdalepropertyshop.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/Estate-Los-Arboles-002.jpg)
View Camelot / Hancock Home Floor Plans in McCormick Ranch
Initially developed in 1979-1980, the semi-custom homes were built upon the remaining lots between 1984-1994. Boasting some of the largest homes in the Southern portion of McCormick Ranch, the average home in Estate Los Arboles weighs in at 2987 square feet. All 23 are single-level and 18 (78%) include private swimming pools. Zoned R-7 for single family homes with 7000 square foot lot minimums, most properties sit on lots of approximately 10,000-12,000 square feet.
- The older homes were built with block construction, while the newer homes in the subdivision are primarily frame wood.
- There is a mix of tile and flat roofing in the neighborhood.
- 5 homes built between 1987 and 1994 include 3 car garages, while the older properties include the standard 2.
- Estate Los Arboles falls within the boundaries of the Kiva Elementary, Mohave Middle and Saguaro High School districts.
Read More About the Scottsdale Unified School District
![](http://www.scottsdalepropertyshop.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/Estate-Los-Arboles-023.jpg)
Pricing in Estate Los Arboles in McCormick Ranch fluctuates considerably, given the mixed genres of homes. On average, they tend to command in the same ballpark as many of the subdivisions North of Via De Ventura (which typically sell higher than those in the South part of the Ranch due to age of construction, architecture, different elementary schools, additional amenities, i.e. lakes, etc) due to their desirable floor plans, vaulted ceilings, size, proximity to a booming shopping center, and more.
Homes For Sale or Lease in Estate Los Arboles in McCormick Ranch
In addition to the shops of the Paseo Village center (Lox, Stock and Bagel, LA Fitness, Starbuck’s, The Vine, Walgreens, Luci’s, etc), nearby amenities include immediate access to the McCormick Ranch walking paths and the subdivision-adjoining Comanche Park (tennis courts, basketball court, open green space and fitness stations). To the North lie the lakes of McCormick Ranch. To the West is the McCormick Ranch Golf Club and Camelback Walk. To the SW is the McCormick Stillman Railroad Park and The Seville shopping /dining plaza.
[CLICK PHOTOS TO ENLARGE]
Read more overviews of McCormick Ranch subdivisions
Launch your McCormick Ranch Home Search today!
![mccormick ranch camelback walk Camelback Walk in McCormick Ranch](http://www.scottsdalepropertyshop.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/mccormick-ranch-camelback-walk-e1275866633501-300x171.jpg)
Whether buying or selling, contact Ray and Paul for all your McCormick Ranch Real Estate needs. With over fifty years of combined experience, trust your transaction to the Ranch Experts.
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by Paul Slaybaugh | Jun 21, 2010 | McCormick Ranch Subdivisions
Heritage Village in McCormick Ranch is a multi-phased assortment of patio homes and single family homes. Developed by Golden Heritage, phases 1 and 2 fall just SE of the Via Linda / Via De Ventura intersection. Phase three lies North of said intersection, several subdivisions away (Vista Del Lago, Vista De La Tierra, Tierra Feliz and the Island at McCormick Ranch separate phases 1 & 2 from phase 3). There is a fourth phase in neighboring Scottsdale Ranch, though it is age restricted (55 and up) while the McCormick Ranch versions are not.
Heritage Village 1 differs dramatically from the other phases in that it is comprised of single family homes instead of the patio homes that have become synonymous with the Heritage Village name. It actually more closely resembles the Heritage Terrace neighborhood that Golden Heritage also developed than its sister subdivisions. The 59 homes in Heritage Village 1 were built between 1978-1983 and average 2526 square feet. All 59 are single level, and 48 (81%) have private swimming pools. Primarily block constructed with 2 car garages (there are some scattered 3 car garages) and tile roofs, some properties include golf course lots (McCormick Ranch Palm Course). This phase is zoned R-7 for single family residences with 7000 square foot lot minimums.
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Heritage Village 2 lies directly South of phase 1. These patio homes include one common wall and block construction. The 108 properties are all single level, with an average size of 1922 square feet. There is a mix of flat and partially vaulted roofing systems. Zoned for townhouses by the county and R-4 by the city, the lot sizes average between 4000-5000 square feet. Construction of this phase occurred from 1978-1979. Like phase 1, the outer ring of homes in Heritage Village 2 boast golf course lots / views.
- Heritage Village 1 & 2 both fall in the Saguaro High School District (Kiva Elementary School and Mohave Middle School).
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Heritage Village 3 is the largest of the three McCormick Ranch phases with 166 individual patio homes. Sharing one common wall, these properties are zoned townhouse by the county and R-4 by the city of Scottsdale. Built between 1979-1984, the homes are all single level. The average home size is 1936 square feet, with wood-frame composing the primary construction type. Like phase 2, there are no private swimming pools, but there are community pools and spas in both. While not featuring the golf course lots of the other phases, phase 3 includes patio homes that line the Northern shore of Lake Angela.
![heritage village community pool Community pool in Heritage Village 3](http://www.scottsdalepropertyshop.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/heritage-village-community-pool-300x225.jpg)
![Lake Angela at Heritage Village Lake Angela at Heritage Village](http://www.scottsdalepropertyshop.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/lake-angela-300x225.jpg)
- Heritage Village 3 falls within the Chaparral High School District boundary (Cochise Elementary School & Cocopah Middle School).
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- In addition to the annual planned community fee (McCormick Ranch), there is an additional monthly fee for Heritage Village 2 & 3. In addition to heated community pools and spas, these two phases also feature tennis courts, walking paths, common area maintenance and front yard maintenance (homeowners take care of rear patios).
Whether shopping for a seasonal or full-time home, Heritage Village offers housing options for most every need.
View Golden Heritage Home Floor Plans in McCormick Ranch
Read more about McCormick Ranch
View current homes on the market in Heritage Village
Ready to find a McCormick Ranch home of your own? Contact us today to launch your Scottsdale Real Estate search.
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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
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Latest Homes For Sale or Lease in Villa La Playa (Updated Daily)
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For all of your McCormick Ranch Real Estate needs, contact Ray & Paul Slaybaugh.
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by Paul Slaybaugh | Jun 18, 2010 | Home Buying, Scottsdale Real Estate
“What’s the deal with this house? Why so cheap?”
I field some derivation of this inquiry on a fairly routine basis from buyer clients. Typically, they have stumbled across a property listing online, or possibly in the ARMLS portal I have set up for them (provides for user log in and review of all homes currently for sale that fit their specific criteria, rating of the available homes, notes, price adjustment tracking, etc), that appears to be just the anomaly for which they have been hunting. That one desperate seller who has become so fed up with the Real Estate market that he is willing to hand over the keys to his castle for little more than a kind word and enough pocket change to cover the U-Haul.
“Paul, we HAVE to go see this house! It’s 2500 square feet, right in the McCormick Ranch area where we’ve been looking, and get this, only $299,000!”
“Wow,” I respond, though not I’m not really thinking, “wow.”
Truth of the matter is that my cynical little REALTOR mind is already trying to unravel the scam. You see, that property simply does not exist. Not now, nor even in the foreclosure jungle that was the tail end of the prior decade for that matter. Unless it is a typo, an opening bid at an auction, a money pit of epic proportions that would make Tom Hanks blanch, or …
“The name of the subdivision wouldn’t happen to be Briarwood, would it?”
“Yeah! How did you know? Whatever, it doesn’t matter. Can we go see this right now before somebody else snaps it up? I can stop by the house to grab the checkbook.”
![](http://www.scottsdalepropertyshop.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/slow-down-1024x678.jpg)
Next comes the part where I break the bargain hunter’s heart. Built in the shadows of Gainey Ranch, McCormick Ranch, Palo Viento and Paradise Valley Farms, Briarwood is a picturesque little enclave of tile roof homes. Designed and built by local favorite Malouf, the architecture, front elevations, green lawns and killer location make for an outward appearance of grand larceny at the indescribably low prices they command.
So what’s the deal? Poor construction quality? Lawsuits? Was the community built upon ancient burial ground?
None of the above. Briarwood is nothing shy of Pleasantville on the Scottsdale map. The only element lying beneath the surface of this otherwise pleasing neighborhood that some buyers will find sinister is the unanticipated leasehold ownership. Essentially, Briarwood (there are actually several phases scattered throughout Scottsdale) and the neighboring Santo Tomas subdivisions are single-family residences with legal ownership rights that more closely resemble condominiums. It is a rare bird in these parts. While relatively common in some states where land is limited and owners are reluctant to part with it (Hawaii, for example), land lease subdivisions are uncommon to the greater Phoenix area.
With many land lease subdivisions controlled by local Real Estate magnate, the Herberger family, or smaller trusts, homeowners own the private residence and pay monthly rent for the dirt upon which they stand. The lease terms vary slightly from phase to phase. In Briarwood VI (the phase nearest McCormick Ranch in the 85258 zip code), the monthly land lease fee is 1/10th of 1% of the sales price. So that 400k house comes with a $400/month fee. The dues can run higher in other phases. This in addition to the monthly HOA fees.
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Homes For Sale in Briarwood of Scottsdale
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One thing that may be disconcerting to a potential home buyer is the uncertainty regarding someone else owning the land under his/her home. It can be a very large mental hurdle to overcome, as the premise runs somewhat contrary to what most find attractive in single-family fee-simple home ownership. Some trepidation is to be expected, even if not entirely rational, as to whether the lease will be extended at the time of expiration, or if terms will become untenable upon renegotiation. The fact that most have decades before such concerns come into play should not be discounted, but buyers don’t need much to fret about when making a decision so critical as the choice of housing.
When looking at properties that sit upon leased land, a buyer will have to weigh the potential cost savings of the home against the additional fees to see if it actually pencils as a bargain. Financial determinations aside, you have to ask yourself if you are truly okay with your lot having a landlord. This is a personal decision that supercedes the advice of your agent. If you are not comfortable with the setup, the financial consideration is moot. Lastly, financing options will be somewhat limited on leasehold properties. As challenging as the mortgage steeplechase has become, expect a few more tar pits and flaming hoops when shopping non-traditional ownership styles.
A property in a leased land subdivision might very well be a good fit for your particular needs, but I find most people only become hip to the presence of the land lease AFTER they have found the home of their dreams. The unwelcome news often pushes the property out of their price range, breaking hearts in the process.
![](http://www.scottsdalepropertyshop.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/sad-1024x669.jpg)
So if you see something online that looks too good to be true, it very likely is. That doesn’t make a property with a land lease evil incarnate. It just means that more dollars are being extracted from your wallet than originally meets the eye.
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Curious if the home you saw online is in a leased land subdivision? Drop me a line. I’d be happy to let you know, whether you are working with me or not.
(480) 220-2337 | paul@scottsdalepropertyshop.com