We are breaking from that customary recalcitrance to share some pretty big news about what’s going on downtown. My colleague, and Tempe Real Estate wunderkind, Nick Bastian, shares the unveiling of a project that has been months in the making behind the technological scenes. With a host of company websites that had been a sore spot amongst the more tech savvy agents in the brokerage, Realty Executives did not turn a blind eye to the issue. While upstart brokerages have clung to a technological advantage over our leviathan in an effort to gain market share, the full resources of Realty Executives have finally been brought to bear in this arena with today’s re-launching of www.realtyexecutives.com.

How does this benefit you, our clients? In essence, it will dramatically improve our ability to drive traffic to this already heavily trafficked site. More clicks, more eyes, more buyers looking at your home listings … more of everything you have come to expect from us.

If I sound jazzed, that’s because I am.  Kudos to our proud brand for recognizing this prior weakness and turning it into a standard bearer for the Scottsdale Real Estate market.

Read more about the dramatic redesign of Realty Executives’ online presence at Nick’s Tempe Real Estate blog.

Enter the Real Estate sneak preview.

Knowing all too well that I am performing preliminary recon, sellers will occasionally grill me as to my intentions when I arrive for a preview appointment.  As I circumnavigate the home, they give me the unabashed hairy eyeball treatment reserved for ex-cons, Realtors, bankers, lawyers and ill-mannered guests who don’t sit on the plastic.  Believe it or not, though, the preview does not merely serve as an arbiter of a buyer agent’s pass/fail verdict.  It is a crash course in product awareness.

To those who would disallow Realtor previews because they anticipate the reports will discourage potential buyers from viewing the home, allow me first to offer a mild rebuke, and then to assuage your fears.  First, disallowing preview appointments will have the opposite than desired effect.  Like the producer of straight to DVD smut who would sooner pay a personal assistant a livable wage than allow an advance screening for critics, you are telling wily Real Estate agents that the house is a total clunker if you won’t let them in for a quick peek prior to an actual buyer showing.  Thou doth protest too much, Ed Wood.

Moreover, you do you and your home a disservice by limiting Realtor previews.  Salesmanship requires a deft touch.  It is just not that easy to sell what one hasn’t seen.  When I come through with my client, you want me to focus on the features with which I became acquainted during the preview rather than blundering about blindly.  Knowing what specific hot buttons light my buyer up, all parties are best served if I have direct, first-hand knowledge of such.  You know, the stuff that doesn’t necessarily make it into the MLS.

Is the second bedroom close enough to the master to make a suitable nursery?

Is the kitchen open to the family room or a candidate for expansion?

Is the yard private, but not overwhelming?

Worst case scenario?  The home is not a fit for my clients, and I save everyone time.  Surely you don’t want any more strangers stomping around your home than absolutely necessary, especially if there is zero chance that the property will work for them.  To boot, I just might remember your house as a possible fit for the next buyer I meet.

Want to sell your house?  Heed the marquee:

Coming soon … to a home near you … Realtor Paul Slaybaugh!

Pretty please, let him in.

It’s true, feel free to consult the Chinese calendar to verify.  Scottsdale Real Estate practitioners, in self-defense, have turned to new and interesting means of keeping their businesses relevant in these inexplicable times.  Today’s homework assignment for a Real Estate adventurer?  Finding a profitable, niche specialty.  Thus, the members of the rank and file have been advised to choose a tunnel and follow it out of the malaise.  Two examples stand above the rest as the most popular paths to career CPR: bank-owned property sales and short sales.

Forever a fringe subset of the industry, the foreclosure market has become a predominant segment.  Virtually unheard of outside a counter-culture circle of practitioners a few short years ago, short sale specialization is another a bully of the current Real Estate pulpit.  Given the adapt or perish mantra that permeates a commission based existence, it is hard to fault an agent for migrating to either avenue in an effort to remain profitable.  It’s Survival 101.

I won’t pretend that I have not considered both routes as viable solutions to the systemic problems facing the current Real Estate market here in Scottsdale.  The smart money goes where the action is.  And yet, I have no particular affinity for the institutions that contributed to the implosion of my clients’ property values.  I have no burning desire to represent said institutions in transactions against the little guy whom they have summarily defrocked.  I’ll put my buyer in the car and go try to steal a property from the bank, but there aren’t enough deflated greenbacks in the US Treasury to convince me to sign on as the Devil’s listing advocate.

Short sale sellers deserve professional assistance.  Sadly, I fail to believe that an agent who would flee to “specialization” in this sector at this late stage would prove a legitimate source of the expertise that so many need (and so few actually have).  A weekend course and some moxie do not an expert make.  Perhaps the specialists that are being churned out at an alarming rate will boast the training and experience necessary to be of legitimate value during the next down cycle, but such “expert in training” zygotes are not the answer for those who need assistance NOW.   The stakes are too high to navigate the short sale obstacle course on a bike whose training wheels were only recently, and prematurely, removed.  A substantial incubation period is necessary before such a “specialist” fully morphs from a liability to an asset.

Beware the marketing Sirens who would lead a negative equity seller onto the rocks with good intentions.

So where does that leave a conscientious objector to the hordes of freshly minted “experts” with 6 months of experience in a chosen area of specialization?  Right back where I started: 100% loyal to real, live humans.

There is nothing wrong with diversifying one’s business practice to gird against shifts in the market, but I refuse to abandon a loyal client base for the new money of bank business.  Once you become beholden to the financial institutions, there is little time left in the day to service those who now constitute an under-represented segment of the Real Estate market.  Sure, the bank guy might take on a few moms and pops here and there, but can an overextended agent really provide a private seller the level of service required to do this job?  A dubious proposition in the best of times, let alone in the murkiness of 2010.  With a market that is still twenty thousand leagues beneath the sea, your agent’s periscope better be nimble and at the ready if you are to avoid the same shipwrecked fate that has befallen so many neighbors.  Unthinkable in an industry with more per capita agents than snakes on a plane, but I surmise that all of this nichefying has relegated the non-distressed homeowner to afterthought status.

Assuming you have no equity in your home, or will be unwilling to part with it at the market’s nadir if you do, the industry has given up on you as a viable source of business.  It has moved on.  And yet, there are a few straggling agents who aren’t quite ready to throw in that towel.

While it may seem that every agent and his recently licensed brother have gone to work for the banks, know that there are still a few of us diehards around who pledge allegiance to you.  Our phones aren’t always jammed with 8 bazillion calls about our 8 bazillion listings.  We won’t take a week to respond to your questions and concerns.  We have staked our careers to providing a certain level of service, and we will not compromise it.  Market conditions be damned.

Tempting though it may be to wear the “Certified Gastrointestinal Distress Expert” or “Short Sided Career Reinvention Specialist” hats, we stay away from the light and cement our enduring commitments to those left behind in the industry’s pursuit of the next big thing.

Our niche is you.

Should you require the hands on, fully attentive assistance of a couple of non-certified, non-distressed, non-toxic property experts, give us a call.  We’re not too busy panning for the bank’s gold to take it.

They were so excited. Even after I handed them the keys, they were slow to believe that the modest Spanish bungalow was now in their adoptive custody. Over the course of four exasperating months, we must have seen and dismissed close to a hundred homes. This one needed too much work. That one had a poor kitchen layout. Yet another sat on the “t” of a subdivision’s entrance: bad feng shui, or so I was told. Before the market skies parted and yielded the seventeen hundred square foot, clay tile miracle that appeared to have met extinction in their price range, our flagging spirits were all but ready to pack it in. The May 5th, 2005 discovery saved them from another year of apartment living. A challenge, at best, with a ten year old daughter, let alone with a half-baked bun in the oven.

“Can we go in,” the wife asked in a small, cautious voice.

“Of course,” I responded. “It’s your house, Liz, you can do whatever you please.”

She ignored my extended hand and engulfed me in a fierce hug. Her husband clasped my shoulder in a vice grip which betrayed an adolescence spent laboring on the family farm in Iowa. His curt nod spoke volumes.

“You’re welcome, Mel,” I replied.

“Thank you both for hanging in there with me. I know it hasn’t been easy, and I can’t tell you how much I appreciate the patience and trust you’ve shown. It’s been a long, tough slog, but I think we got it right.”

“Yes, we did,” Mel said, breaking his silence for the first and only time that morning.

“We would like to have you and your wife over as soon as we get settled,” Liz added.

“I’d like that,” I told her.

I meant it, too. I like just about every client I take on, but felt a special kinship with this couple for reasons that surpassed the extended time spent in each other’s company. After bidding the happy couple farewell, I glanced in the rearview as I navigated my way down the tree-lined street. Instead of going inside, they remained rooted in place, holding hands and staring at their new home.

I received a phone call from Liz this morning. Turns out that Mel has been out of work for some time now, and they cannot afford to keep the house. Might have to move back to the Midwest and look for a position on the farm. See just what kind of life is left in those gnarled, old leather hands.

I hate this job sometimes.

View larger map

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.

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 (ranges from $125-205 per month).  There is also a $185 annual planned community fee for McCormick Ranch (fees current as of the time of this posting).

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, McDonald’s, LA Fitness and other local businesses.  To the North, at the Hayden / Via De Ventura intersection, lie The Village and Mercado Del Lago centers that feature Buster’s On the Lake (dining), Royal Barge (Thai), Zipps Sports Grill, The Village Roastery (coffee shop), TCBY and more.

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!

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Homes for Sale (or lease) in the Santa Fe subdivision(s) in McCormick Ranch

Showing properties 1 - 5 of 6. See more Santa Fe tract real estate.
(all data current as of 7/31/2010)

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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 nearly a 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

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]]> http://www.scottsdalepropertyshop.com/mccormick-ranch-subdivision-series-santa-fe/feed/ 1 http://www.scottsdalepropertyshop.com/mccormick-ranch-subdivision-series-suggs-rancho-mccormick/ http://www.scottsdalepropertyshop.com/mccormick-ranch-subdivision-series-suggs-rancho-mccormick/#comments Thu, 17 Jun 2010 00:35:53 +0000 Paul Slaybaugh http://www.scottsdalepropertyshop.com/?p=2995 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.  Considering that the current pricing on these Suggs homes can dip as low as the upper $200,000s, the community bang for the buck is outstanding.  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.

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.

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 Buster’s On the Lake, 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).

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

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Homes Currently For Sale in Suggs Rancho McCormick

(Updated Daily)

Showing properties 1 - 3 of 3. See more Suggs Rancho Mccormick tract real estate.
(all data current as of 7/31/2010)

1. $269,900 : 8609 E San Ardo Drive, Scottsdale
   
   3 beds, 2 full baths

   Size: 1,930 sq ft

   Lot size: 7,500 sq ft

   Year built: 1978

   Parking spots: 2

   Walk Score™: 62
2. $499,000 : 8531 E San Daniel Drive, Scottsdale
   
   3 beds, 2 full baths

   Size: 2,328 sq ft

   Lot size: 12,500 sq ft

   Year built: 1978

   Parking spots: 3

   Walk Score™: 54
3. $360,000 : 8625 E San Ardo Drive, Scottsdale
   
   4 beds, 2 full baths

   Size: 1,748 sq ft

   Lot size: 7,500 sq ft

   Year built: 1978

   Parking spots: 2

   Walk Score™: 49

Listing information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Read full disclaimer.

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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

Palo Viento 2 is a McCormick Ranch subdivision long revered for its proximity to the McCormick Ranch Golf Course. It boasts a combination of production-level homes and unique custom homes. Located immediately South of the Via De Ventura and Via Linda intersection, the majority of the neighborhood was developed by Camelot Homes (later known as “Hancock”) in the late 1970s.

Like it’s sister subdivision to the North, Vista De La Tierra, models included:

Palo Viento 2 in McCormick Ranch

• The Regal: Approx. 2004-2109 square feet, 3-4 bedrooms, flat ceilings.
• The Monarch: Approx. 2274 square feet, 3 bedrooms (den option), flat ceilings.
• The Windsor: Approx. 2364 square feet, 3 bedrooms, partial vaulted ceilings.
• The Chateau: Approx. 2669 square feet, 4 bedrooms, partial vaulted ceilings.
• The Lancelot: Approx. 2748 square feet, 4 bedrooms, partial vaulted ceilings.
• The Embassy: Approx. 2914 square feet, 4 bedrooms, partial vaulted ceilings.

(See these models on the McCormick Ranch Floor Plan page)

In addition to these Camelot homes, there are custom built homes which line the McCormick Ranch Golf Club’s Palm Course.

In total, there are 97 improved properties in Palo Viento 2.

The average house size is 2698 square feet, with a range spanning 1882 sq ft – 4014 sq ft.

The majority of construction took place between 1977-1980. Several older properties have been virtually razed to make way for new construction. The most recently constructed property in Palo Viento 2 per the Maricopa County Tax Assessor’s Office is 2004. Several original properties are currently undergoing expansive renovation which will require new Certificate’s Of Occupancy.

95 are single level, with the remaining 2 having two stories.

90 of these properties have pools (93%).

McCormick Ranch Golf Club - Palm Course

In addition to the prestige of being a golf course subdivision, Palo Viento 2 is located just South of Lake Margherite (just Northeast of the Via De Ventura /Via Linda intersection). This subdivision is coveted for its winding streets and intimate culdesacs as well. Immediate access to the revered McCormick Ranch bike path system makes for a quick stroll around the lakes, through the golf course and to favorite local establishments such as Buster’s On the Lake, Le Peep, Zipps, TCBY, The Coffee Roastery, The Melting Pot and more.

McCormick Ranch Golf Club

Directly West lies Palo Viento 1 and Paradise Valley Farms, which boasts multi-million dollar properties renowned for waterfront lots and oversized 1 acre lots respectively.

Palo Viento 2 lies in the Saguaro High School District, which includes Kiva Elementary and Mohave Middle Schools. All are rated as “excelling” in perhaps the most prestigious school district in the state, The Scottsdale Unified School District (#48).

Truly one of the jewels of McCormick Ranch, Palo Viento 2 is a great place to live for people from all walks of life. Singles, families, empty nest retirees … there is something for everyone in this amazing community.

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Latest Homes For Sale or Lease in Palo Viento (1 & 2)

Showing properties 1 - 3 of 3. See more Palo Viento tract real estate.
(all data current as of 7/31/2010)

Ray and Paul Slaybaugh with Realty Executives are your McCormick Ranch Real Estate experts. Ray has been a licensed Scottsdale Realtor since 1974, and a McCormick Ranch resident since 1979. Paul grew up in the Ranch, and joined Ray at Realty Executives in 1999. Whether you are buying, selling or just curious about the current state of the market, no one knows the Ranch like Ray and Paul!

Navigating the streets of Scottsdale as I attend to the affairs of an artificially tireless Realtor, I often find my vehicle caught in the tractor beam of a certain coffee franchise.  The telltale logo of the not to be mentioned chain exerting some jedi mind trick that compels me to add a cup of coffee to the itinerary, whether truly needed or not.  We have all had our brains thoroughly washed.  The convenience of a store on every corner and a known commodity effectively overriding the inherent appeal of a true coffee house: the attention to unique local roast, the vibe, a menu that goes beyond pre-packaged food choices.

We have willingly exchanged quality for convenience.

What if I were to tell locals to the South Scottsdale and North Tempe area that you can have both?  Boasting a locale that has screamed for just such a new neighbor, recently opened Echo Coffee is the brainchild of Steve Belt, formerly of Realty Executives.  Anyone who knows Steve will attest to the fact that he doesn’t do anything half-way.  From the scrutiny of the individual beans to the roasting techniques utilized, he has managed to create several distinguishably unique brews (including the flagship “Titus” blend) that overwhelm any lingering desire of this self-professed coffee snob to return to the barren confines of the brand that rhymes with “Tarsucks.”

Echo Coffee is not  my new favorite Scottsdale coffee shop for the product alone, but for the ultra modern atmosphere that buzzes with technology enthusiasts, professionals, students, etc.  As techie as they come (hence the superb attention to minutia that makes the joint shine), Mr. Belt has crafted an environment that encourages a connoisseur to bring his/her laptop, tap into to the available Wi-Fi and comport the virtual dealings of the day.

While just about every confection you have been hooked on by the big guys is available at Echo Coffee, I am a black coffee kind of guy.  I highly recommend chasing a shot of espresso with a cup of the Titus blend while nibbling on the absurdly delicious Mediterranean Tuna sandwich (an amazing tuna fish creation with cannellini beans, olive oil, vinegar and challots on foccia bread with no heart-attack inducing mayo).  It’s an organic menu to boot, if you are into that sort of thing.  Think locally and give an upstart a shot.  My hunch is you won’t be tempted to return to the soulless purgatory of the coffee Borg anytime soon.

Echo Coffee is located at the NW corner of Thomas Rd and 68th St. in Scottsdale, AZ (85251).  Let me know when you’re going and I’ll meet you for a cup!

Please visit Echo online for hours, directions and additional information.

The Farm at South Mountain is one of my favorite spots to enjoy healthy breakfast fare which consists of fresh local produce, herbs, citrus and dairy. I wolf down the Southwestern breakfast burrito with a medley of fresh vegetables on most occasions. Located right next to the organic garden, the outdoor seating area commands instant relaxation.  Even if your eldest child is actively trying to stab your youngest with a fork.

The 12 acre expanse of The Farm includes three separate restaurants. The Morning Glory is, predictably, a breakfast cafe. The Farm Kitchen is the original restaurant, and primarily serves lunch along with morning snacks. With park bench seating under the shady branches of a pecan tree grove, you’ll forget that you are in the desert while enjoying a made-from-scratch treat. The Quiessence Restaurant and Wine Bar is what you think it is: upscale dining. Phoenix Magazine tagged it as “the best restaurant in Phoenix” in January, 2007. Contemporary American farm cuisine is the moniker given to the menu. I don’t know what that means, but the organic, locally produced dishes are amazing.

Other attractions on The Farm include:

The Retreat: Straight from their website, The Retreat invites (by appointment) patrons to “Deeply relax and rejuvenate with massage. hot and cold stones, shiatsu, vibrational essences, facials, tea ceremonies, intuitive readings, healing sessions and more.”

The Artist Studio: Also according to their website, “The Artist Studio at The Farm is a new cultural/educational center working to promote creativity while connecting with deeper values in the natural environs of The Farm. Visit The Cottage, home to ever changing art mediums featuring the fine art of Artist’s in Residence. Relax and enjoy shopping for original gifts created by local artists. In The Studio we offer art classes, writing workshops, educational lectures, youth home school classes, field trips and staff retreats.”

The Doctor’s Office, likewise by appointment only, is home to a resident practitioner of naturopathic medicine.

Maya’s at The Farm is the organic garden which produces many of the fresh vegetables and herbs used by the three restaurants. Named for Maya Dailey, who tends the garden, Maya’s holds a farmer’s market every Saturday between 9 AM and 1 PM. In adjunct to the garden is a greenhouse and the chicken coup (my boys’ personal favorite). Watch those little fingers, though, as the chicken wire enclosure is electrified!

The Farm is a magical place to visit for special occasions as well as laconic Sunday mornings. I have been fortunate to enjoy birthdays, Easter brunch and just-because mornings within its friendly confines, and have never left in a bad mood.

Private parties and weddings are available for booking as well.

Whether you are new to the area, visiting for the season, or one who simply doesn’t often venture outside of your comfort zone in Scottsdale or Paradise Valley, I urge you to make a trip to this special place. The coffee is good, the mimosas are great, and the setting is out of this world!

For hours and upcoming events, please visit The Farm at South Mountain.

6106 S. 32nd St, Phoenix, AZ 85042

Paul Slaybaugh with Realty Executives is your guide to Scottsdale Real Estate. A Scottsdale native, Paul has been selling homes in Scottsdale, Phoenix and Paradise Valley since 1999, and selling the virtues of Arizona living even longer. If you are looking to buy or sell  in the greater Scottsdale area, or just wondering where to get a decent cup of coffee and an omelet, Paul’s your guy.

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Fair housing doctrine is the result of a noble pursuit to ensure that all consumers enjoy shared basic rights and equal housing opportunity. The so-called protected classes against which housing discrimination is strictly prohibited include race, color, religion, gender, national origin, persons with disabilities and familial status (having children under 18 years of age).

(Note omissions such as job description and political affiliation from that grouping. Don’t like Realtors? Democrats?  You don’t have to sell your house to one. Of course, green is the only color that should matter to a home seller, and rejecting any potential suitor for a reason other than unacceptable contract terms is not only foolish, but an invitation for trouble.  Protected class or not, this is America.  You can sue or be sued for virtually anything.)

Now that we have established who cannot be barred from housing opportunities for no other reason than certain personal attributes, let’s take it a step further. A frequent criticism of Realtors is that we won’t answer your direct questions when you are trying to get the skinny on an area. Your pointed questions are met with milquetoast answers such as, “There are all types of people in this community,” or “You should go to the police department website to research that on your own.”

It’s not because we don’t want to be helpful. We do. Believe me. Many times, we are constrained by overbearing legalities that make it difficult to effectively advise our clients. While laudable, fair housing doctrine in practice can be maddeningly frustrating, too. I cannot tell you how many Christian families live in the neighborhood. I can’t tell you if a subdivision is kid friendly. I can’t tell you if an area you have inquired about is a “bad part of town” or not. I can’t give you the wink and a nudge as I drone on about not being permitted to discuss such matters.

When you, as an unknowing consumer, stray into the no-fly zone, the exchanges often go something like this.

Q: “Are there a lot of minorities in this area?”

A: “There are people of all kinds in this neighborhood. I am not at liberty to discuss such things. Please get out of my car you intolerant ape.”

Q: “Are there more families or singles that live in this neighborhood?”

A: “There are people of all kinds in this neighborhood. I am not at liberty to discuss such things. If you are trolling for a date, I suggest the local pub … maybe Facebook.”

Q: “Is there a lot of crime here?”

A: “That depends on whether you consider vice a victimless crime … er, I mean, you would need to check the local PD’s website to review those statistics.”

Q: “Are there any agnostic Madagascan women who walk with a limp and have six adopted Inuit kids nearby?”

A: “Security!”

The thing to remember is that we agents deal in properties, not people. Ask me about the community amenities, the builders, the values. Shoot, you can ask me for the square root of the Pythagorean Theorem for that matter (the answer is “F,” by the way). Just don’t ask me to lay out the area demographics for you. There are resources available to you should you wish to perform your own investigations, but as a licensed agent, I cannot steer you to or from a particular area based on criteria that either closely treads or firmly stomps on a protected class. 

Of course, it would be naive to assert that no agent has ever flaunted these guidelines to provide a client with the information sought.  Were it me in the consumer’s shoes, I’d worry where else said agent would be willing to bend the ethical spoon, but I digress.

Are there times when I feel constrained from fully doing my job and properly advising my clients about both the positives and negatives in a community? Absolutely. As a safeguard that prevents agents from feeding into arcane prejudices and stereotypes, however, it is necessary to ensure that we don’t artificially impact values or deny opportunities.  You can, and should, do all pertinent investigations regarding the property you aim to call home for the next who knows how many years.  You are not restricted from obtaining the information you seek.  Just know that your helpful agent will not be able to abet certain fact-finding missions.

You can ask me if the house is far enough away from the meth lab down the street to withstand the inevitable explosion (it’s not). Just don’t ask me to speculate whether the aspiring chemist within is here legally or not.