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CATHERINE REAGOR REAL ESTATE
Phoenix ranks No. 8 among big cities for affordability
THE REPUBLIC
The xeriscape at Peoria City Hall's Desert Fusion Garden features a blend of several desert-adapted landscapes. The garden was created to demonstrate designs that are attractive and environmentally responsible.
Thirst busters Fight the drought with these 5 water-sipping plants KAREN FERNAU THE REPUBLIC
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AZCENTRAL.COM
We live in the desert, and we’re living through a drought. Both make xeriscaping the yard a smart choice. Landscaping with local plants accustomed to our desert climate saves water without sacrificing looks. Desert landscaping done right can be lush and colorful. Replacing a few water-guzzling plants with desert natives is a start. Check with a local plant nursery for recommendations for native, drought-resistant plants. Along with selecting the right plants and the right place to plant them, be sure and install a drip-irrigation system that delivers just the right amount of water. Over-watering and small leaks can add up to big losses. We share five design ideas and plant suggestions, from Mexican bird of paradise to lantana, for inspiration.
THE REPUBLIC
Pima Indians used desert milkweed to ease stomach disorders and sore eyes.
THE REPUBLIC
Indian fig prickly pears are larger than the traditional variety and can grow 10 feet tall.
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etro Phoenix’s calling card to new residents long has been its affordable home prices. Valley home prices are steadily climbing, but houses here still are bargains compared with much of California, Seattle, Denver, Chicago and even Las Vegas. Metro Phoenix is the eighth mostaffordable big U.S. city to buy a house now, according to a new ranking from a reputable financial-research firm. Cleveland, Pittsburgh, Cincinnati, St. Louis, Detroit, Atlanta and Tampa are the only cities (in that order) to rank above Phoenix for the ease of someone making the area’s average salary being able to afford an average-priced house. In metro Phoenix, a homebuyer needs to earn at least $43,100 to be able to buy one of the region’s houses median-priced houses for $217,900, according to HSH.com Because the Valley’s household income is hovering around $50,000, it would appear more than half the area’s residents, families or households could afford to buy instead of rent. But there’s a caveat. The index is based on a homebuyer coming up with a 20-percent down payment. So in metro Phoenix, to afford a house, a buyer needs to make about $43,000 and have almost that much saved to put down. Down payments are one of the biggest hurdles for many homebuyers now, particularly first timers. Tougher lending standards imposed by banks after the housing crash have made 20percent down payments the new norm for many buyers. But first-time buyers do have a few more options in the Valley, particularly as the federal government and local groups have stepped up to help this group that had little to nothing to do with the bad loans that caused the housing crash. President Barack Obama announced in Phoenix early this year that the insurance premium on Federal Housing Administration-back mortgages, used mostly by first-time buyers, would be cut in half. Also, several programs allow buyers to put as
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find your next place. SCOTTSDALE | 6220 East Surrey Avenue | Open Today 1-4PM
STUNNING REMODEL with two master suites! Spectacularly MLS# finished open concept floor plan. Magnificent stone wall with Bedrooms fireplace, striking ceilings and hardwood floors. Caterer’s dream Baths kitchen. Massive center island with prep sink and custom hood Pool over a five-burner gas cooktop. Luxurious main sitting room master with private laundry and two walk-in closets. The second Sq. Ft. suite is just as special with access to second laundry. Impressive Parking baths! Home office. Pool, extensive travertine paver patios and fire Lot Size pit. Two RV gates. Huge storage room with roll-up door. Grand ZIP Code courtyard entry. Notable paver circular drive. New roof/dual pane windows. Newer AC units. Nearly an ACRE lot with horse Online Pics privileges. – Joseph Callaway Price
Brought to you by Those Callaways Luxury Circle, (480) 596-5751
- 5327046 -5 -4 - Yes - 3,607 - 2-Car Garage - 37,858 Sq. Ft. - 85254 - ThoseCallaways.com - $875,000
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SCOTTSDALE | 9163 East Pershing Avenue | Open Today 1-5PM
GORGEOUS SCOTTSDALE HOME, IDEAL LOCATION. MLS# Boasting a gorgeous floor plan, this pristine home features a Bedrooms beautiful easy-care front yard graced with statuesque saguaros. Bath Sun-splashed formal rooms with pretty plantation-shuttered Pool picture windows. Multi-story family room with corner-set fireplace, double tier of windows. Inviting kitchen with honey-hued Sq. Ft. cabinetry, sparkling combination of white and black appliances, ZIP Code sit-at center island. King-sized main-floor master suite. Dramatic staircase ascends to upper level’s generous supporting bedrooms, Online Pics Price expansive loft. Big backyard with extended dining patio, crystalclear diving pool, shady lawn, mature citrus trees. Visit tourfactory. com/1319405. See inside for details and directions.
Brought to you by Sandra Baldwin, Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty
- 5255569 -4 - 2.5 - Yes - 3,026 - 85260 - BaldwinTeam.com - $500,000
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