We have all seen or read the stories in the news about pets being abandoned or left behind due to relocation of the family, financial hardship, etc.  As a result the Scottsdale Area Association of REALTORS® has partnered with the Scottsdale REALTORS® Pet Rescue Team to assist in these types of situations. The Pet Rescue Team assists with temporary placement, fostering, adoption and long term placement of the pets.

So, if you know of anyone in the Scottsdale area that would either like to adopt a pet or help with the rescue effort please have them contact the Pet Rescue Team here or call SAAR at 480-945-2651.

We all have over the counter or prescription drugs that are expired or no longer needed that we don’t need lying around the house.  Until now, I did not know what to do with them.

I recently, attended the Scottsdale Area Association of REALTORS® (SAAR) Expo event and met Officer Craig Abernethy of the Scottsdale Police Department.  He informed me of this great event that apparently needs to be publicized a little more. So, I am doing my part.  Here are the details.

Who: Any resident of Maricopa County

What: Any prescription or over the counter medication

Where: Mohave Middle School – Click here for a Google Map

When: July 17, 2009 – 7:00 am – 10:00 am

Why: By safely destroying medications, we can potentially keep them out of the hands of children and others. Also, by not disposing of them by our own means, we can keep the environment free of hazards generated by the breakdown of chemicals.

Guidelines:

• Keep all medications in original containers
• Include the name of the drug(s)
• No syringes or bio-waste
• Drugs must be given to a Police Officer ONLY

For more information you can contact:  Officer Jen Wattier at 480-312-0275 or Officer Craig Abernethy at 480-312-2594

A couple of days ago I had a great conversation via Twitter with Lori Bee of Bee Realty in Charlotte, NC. We were discussing the fact that most people don’t know that there is a difference between a REALTOR® and a Real Estate Licensee/Agent.  Hence, this post.

A quick note: this is the process that we have in the state of Arizona it may be different in other states.

Both, REALTORS® and Real Estate Licensees/Agents must take a 90 hour real estate course, pass two school tests and two Department of Real Estate tests and pass a fingerprint background check.  Both must also abide by the Arizona Department of Real Estate’s Rules and Regulations, Commissioners Rules and Standards and the Arizona State Constitution.

However, that is where the similarities end, REALTORS® must then attend an Ethics Course every 4 years, adhere to the REALTOR® Code of Ethics and be members of a local association, a state association and a national association that polices their ethical behavior.

By the way, the National Association of REALTORS® is the largest trade organization in the United States.

So, what does all this mean?

It means that there IS a difference between a REALTOR® and a Real Estate Agent and after reading that, who wouldn’t want to hire a REALTOR®?

The sweet smell of citrus in the air, beautiful weather, Spring Training games and wild flowers blooming.  All of these are indicators that Spring has arrived in Scottsdale.

These are a glimpse at the Sea of Wild Daisies that are in my front yard.

As I listen to some of my friends and family back east complain about how they wish for warm weather. I am reminded of why Arizona and particularly the Scottsdale area are great places to live.  By the way, the average temperature this time of year is approximately 70 degrees.

Seriously, there are more than you think. I was surprised myself when I ran a search for homes under $250,000 in Scottsdale and came up with 434. That number does include single family, patio and town homes in Scottsdale and does not include condominiums/apartment style homes.

The news gets even better. According to my amortization schedule a $245,000 mortgage at 6% interest on a 30 year fixed with 12 payments a year and without including taxes and insurance is $1469 per month! How many people do you know that are paying that in rent alone?

Scottsdale has a lot to offer in amenities, quality of their schools and their dedication to public art, something I hold very near and dear to my heart. So, please, spread the word. There are affordable homes in Scottsdale.