Great Restaurants in Scottsdale Not to Miss

Top Restaurants in Scottsdale

While Michelin stars may not be as important anymore, they still hold much weight in fine dining. They can be a great indicator of quality and service.

Scottsdale has a wide variety of top-notch restaurants. Some are steakhouses, and others focus on upscale Italian cuisine.

1. FnB
The options are endless if you want a top-notch culinary experience in Scottsdale, Arizona. From modern American fine dining to high-end cocktails, this desert city’s food scene is rising and boasts some of the country’s finest chefs. At FnB, James Beard Award-winning chef Charleen Badman turns simple local produce into boldly flavored dishes with a global twist. She changes her menu seasonally and week-to-week, relying on what’s currently available from Arizona farmers.

2. Campo
Campo is a neighborhood hangout with fresh, authentic Italian food, a sophisticated wine menu, excellent cocktails, and exceptional service. It’s where you can eat alone, with friends, or with your family, leaving you feeling refreshed. Chef Alex Stratta’s Mediterranean-style dishes are rooted in Italy with an eclectic mix of antipasti and pasta that use organic durum wheat from Sonoran Pasta Co. You can also find wood-fired artisan pizzas, hand-helds like chicken parm and risotto made with organic and seasonal ingredients.
The ambiance here is reminiscent of an osteria but with a sophisticated and contemporary design. Elizabeth, the owner, credits Campo’s success to a great team of talented chefs, excellent managers, and a dining room that adds personal touches that help create a lively atmosphere in which people enjoy being a part.

3. Virtu
The ambiance at Virtu Honest Craft in Old Town Scottsdale is as enchanting as the food. You’ll find a wandering, Mediterranean-inspired menu that changes almost daily and serves up handmade pasta, premium produce, and superb seafood imported from Europe and North America’s most famous fish markets. Chef Gio Osso, a New Jersey native, started this restaurant with a dream of putting his take on classic dishes on the Scottsdale dining scene. During his five years here, he’s built a reputation for serving elegant dishes with robust flavors. Osso’s creations are incredibly refined, thanks to the use of octopus from Spain and components found locally. The restaurant also serves up a range of wood oven-baked pasta crafted with ingredients Osso learned from his Italian family.

4. La Perla
La Perla is an excellent spot for a date night. It is known for its good food and delicious drinks.
There are a variety of dishes here, including tacos, tamales, and enchiladas. You will also find gluten-free and low-fat options. The ambiance is cozy, and the place is full of people. The bar serves cocktails and wine. A great tequila can be found here; the drinks are shaken instead of frozen. The atmosphere attracts a broad range of people, from city boys to sassy Latina babes. The restaurant is owned by Jose “Cheo” Ortiz and his sons, Moises and Gabriel. He started the business out of a tiny convenience store and has since built up a following for his homespun Puerto Rican cuisine.

5. Etta
Etta is the newest addition to the What If Syndicate Hospitality group’s growing portfolio, led by two-time Michelin star Chef Danny Grant. Taking over the former BRIO space at Scottsdale Quarter (early 2022), this neighborhood restaurant will be centered around the wood-fired hearth. The menu is full of bold fire-licked Mediterranean dishes that are both affordable and lovely. The bubbling shrimp, for instance, is a curious little appetizer – the blistered pita triangle swizzles through a shallow cauldron of nubbly red sauce that pinches a fat, tender shrimp, then floats in a faintly spicy melange of smoked tomato, ginger, mint, and chiltepin chiles. Etta is a place to share plates, with seasonal salads, crave-worthy pizzas, and farm-fresh pasta. It’s also the place to celebrate, with various cocktails, wine, and local beer on the menu.

4 Golden Rules To Get A Good Deal On A House In A Great Locality

Is a house too good to be true?

Finding deals on houses is challenging but not impossible. More often than not, the place and the value you seek are correct before you, but you haven’t found it. After reading these golden rules, you will be able to. Jump right in to discover what you have been missing.

 

Rule #1: A Great Deal May Be Impossible, But A Good Deal Isn’t

There are those localities in every city where property rates have not fluctuated, especially during a depreciation time. This is the best deal you can get. No matter how good or bad the market is, the rates will stay the same, which means your investment is safe. It would be best if you diligently looked out for these localities. A little research will help you with that.

Rule #2: The One Who Comes First Is Not Always The Winner

When you are looking for a house in a popular neighborhood, you need to understand that a deal, once made, will not stay on the table for too long. Usually, when two or more houses are introduced into the market, the one with better advertising and presentation takes the cake as it garners more attention. The rule is to go with the one that lost its bid, as those houses will come at a marginally lower price.

Rule #3: If You Love The House, It’s Not For You

Yes, this is true. If you loved the house you visited, then there is a definite probability that most prospective buyers did too. These houses are specifically designed to appeal to more people and may be out of your price range. In such cases, search for more affordable options while your competition wastes time is lusting after a costly house.

Rule #4: If An Offer Is Too Good To Be True, It Probably Is

Real estate uses this strategy to quote an obscenely reasonable price for a good house. This doesn’t mean that the place is available at this rate; it just means the listing agent has decided to increase the demand in the market for that particular house. If you see such ads, you should stay away from them.

Overall, buying a house is a grave decision that can affect the rest of your life. These golden rules will prevent you from falling prey to the clever strategies devised by realty professionals to deceive dealers in the home-buying process.

For Sale By Owner: 14 Questions To Ask Yourself Before Attempting To Sell Your Home

For Sale By Owner is this the right move?

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.The number one reason for home sellers attempting to sell their homes themselves is to save money or to facilitate a non-conventional arrangement with a buyer for a unique reason. Whatever the motivation, it’s essential to ask yourself these questions to have an overview of what your home sale will entail. If you have questions about selling your home, contact a local agent for a free consultation. Also, don’t be deterred if you don’t like the first one you are in touch with. It’s normal for a seller to “shop around” for the right agent. Buying and selling homes will be one of your life’s most significant transactions, and you and a potential agent should treat it as such.


Have you asked yourself…

1. Do you have the knowledge, time, and sales skills necessary to sell your home?

2. If a potential buyer is making aggressive offers, will you be able to negotiate strategically for yourself?

3. Do you know how to analyze market data and comparable homes to determine the accurate value of your home?

4. Do you know real estate trends that might affect the sale price and timing of selling your home?

5. Do you know how to understand a buyer’s finances and qualifications for a loan?

6. Do you have concerns about letting strangers into your home?

7. Are you knowledgeable enough in real estate contracts to create a legally binding agreement, acquire all the necessary documents and signatures, and include counter-offers according to regulation?

8. Did you know that without a realtor, you take your home off the market every time you leave?

9. Did you know that many professional people and services are required to close the sale, including an escrow and title company, a home warranty company, pest control and inspection services, and a lender? Do you currently have these relationships in place?

10. Do you know if you need a real estate attorney to assist with this transaction, how much it will cost, and how much liability they will assume?

11. Do you have marketing experience, specifically in real estate, and the funds to allocate to your strategy?

12. Did you know that potential buyers might expect you to lower your price because there is no realtor to pay a commission fee?

13. Did you know that there are advantages and disadvantages to the seller depending on which type of loan the buyer chooses?

14. Are you prepared to spend a lot of time during evenings and weekends when it’s most convenient for potential buyers to show your home?

Before you decide to sell your home yourself, consider the benefits a realtor can provide you that you may be unaware of. Because transactions facilitated by a realtor generally sell at 15% higher price points, the benefits you receive for paying your realtor their average 6% commission usually far outweigh the benefits of selling your home alone.

12 Free Things to Do in Arizona

Free Things to Do in AZ

Arizona has it all, whether you want an adventure or a place to cool off! Here are 12 of the best free things to do while visiting.

Start with a free visit to the Desert Botanical Garden, where you can walk around the well-maintained trails and learn about the Phoenix desert’s plants. It’s open on free Tuesdays in the fall and spring, so check it out!

1. Visit the Desert Botanical Garden
The Desert Botanical Garden is a world-class destination for desert plants and a place to learn about the Sonoran Desert. It offers specialized tours, special events, seasonal exhibits, concerts, family activities, and a gift and plant shop.

Started by Swedish botanist Gustaf Starck and heiress Gertrude Webster in 1939, it’s a non-profit museum dedicated to research, education, conservation, and displaying desert plants. It spans 145 acres within Papago Park.

2. Visit the Phoenix Art Museum
Located in the Central Corridor, the Phoenix Art Museum is one of the largest museums for visual arts in the Southwest. It displays international exhibitions alongside its permanent collection of more than 18,000 works of American, Asian, European, Latin American, Western American, modern and contemporary art, and fashion design.

The museum is alive with activities and offers something for everyone. Visitors can take one-hour docent-led or self-guided audio tours in English and Spanish to explore the permanent collections.

3. Hike Camelback Mountain
Camelback Mountain is an iconic part of Phoenix and is often visited by locals for hiking. It offers incredible city views and a chance to escape the city for fresh air.

There are two main hiking trails, Echo Canyon Trail and Cholla Trail. Both are challenging, but Echo Canyon is the way to go if you want to reach the top fast.

4. Visit Goldfield Ghost Town
Atop a hill near the Superstition Mountains and Goldfield Mountains, Goldfield Ghost Town started when miners discovered gold. Soon, the town grew to include an official post office, saloons, a general store, a school, and more.

Today, the town is a popular tourist destination for travelers who want to experience Arizona’s rich mining history. Visitors can tour the underground mines, ride the only narrow gauge train in Arizona, or shop in the stores and restaurants.

5. Visit South Mountain Park
South Mountain Park and Preserve are fantastic for hiking, nature watching, and horseback riding. It offers a perfect balance between desert and mountain trails spanning 58 miles.

The 16,000-acre park combines the Ma Ha Tauk, Gila, and Guadalupe mountain ranges. It’s also home to Native American petroglyphs.

6. Visit Cabela’s
Located in the desert just outside of Phoenix, this 160,000-square-foot showroom is a must-visit for any outdoor enthusiast. It boasts a decor of museum-quality displays and an impressive array of trophy animals interacting in realistic re-creations of their natural habitats.

The best thing about this shop is its surprisingly good restaurant so you can indulge in some of the best food in town. In addition, it has a great selection of hunting and fishing gear, so it’s a must-stop for any serious outdoor buff.

7. Visit Bass Pro Shop
If you are looking for a fun place to shop for outdoor gear, then Bass Pro Shop is the best option. It offers products for hunting, boating, fishing, and camping.

The store is known for its impressive decor, giant aquariums, and delicious food. They also offer free outdoor skills workshops for adults and children.

8. Visit Heritage Square
If you’re looking for something a little different than the traditional tourist attractions in Arizona, look no further than Heritage Square. The open-air lifestyle center preserves 10 Territorial-era buildings.

Anchored by the historic Rosson House Museum, the site interprets Phoenix’s early history. Visitors can take a 60-minute tour of the house and learn about life in the late 1800s.

9. Visit the Arizona Capitol Museum
Located in Phoenix’s historic state Capitol building, the Arizona Capitol Museum tells the story of the state through exhibitions and public programs. It also offers a research library and gift shop.

Over 20 exhibits showcase historic and contemporary artifacts from the state’s collections. Visitors can learn about the sinking of the USS Arizona, a pivotal event in the state’s declaration of statehood, or peek at the historic House Chamber.

10. Visit the Phoenix Police Museum
If you’re a law enforcement fan, the Phoenix Police Museum is a must-visit. It’s free and offers various educational exhibits to educate the community about police history and the Phoenix Police Department.

It also has a sad memorial room dedicated to Phoenix police officers killed in the line of duty. It’s a truly humbling experience.

Can a Mobile Home Be A Good Investment

Mobile Homes

Mobile homes, or manufactured homes, have become an increasingly popular option for purchasing a home. However, there is some debate about whether mobile homes can be a good investment. This article will examine the pros and cons of investing in a mobile home.

Firstly, mobile homes tend to be much more affordable than traditional homes. This is because they are built in a factory and then transported to their final location, which is much cheaper than building a home on-site. In addition, mobile homes are often smaller than traditional homes, which also makes them more affordable. Another advantage of mobile homes is that they can be easily moved. This is particularly useful for those needing to relocate frequently, such as military families. Additionally, if the owner decides to sell the mobile home, they can move it to a new location rather than having to sell the property itself.

Mobile homes also tend to have lower maintenance costs than traditional homes. This is because they are built with lightweight materials designed to withstand transportation stresses. In addition, mobile homes often come with warranties that cover the cost of repairs for a certain period.

However, investing in a mobile home also has some potential drawbacks. Firstly, mobile homes are typically located in mobile home parks. This means that the owner will have to pay a lot of rent in addition to their mortgage payment. It can add up to a significant amount of money over time. Furthermore, mobile homes tend to depreciate rather than appreciate. It may not be considered to be real estate but rather personal property. As a result, the value of a mobile home may decrease over time, making it a less profitable investment.

Additionally, mobile homes may not appreciate value as much as traditional homes. They are often located in areas with lower property values. As a result, the potential return on investment for a mobile home may be lower than that of a traditional home. In conclusion, investing in a mobile home can be a good option for those looking for an affordable and easily movable home. However, it is essential to consider the potential drawbacks, such as lot rent and depreciation, before deciding. Ultimately, whether or not a mobile home is a good investment will depend on the individual circumstances of the buyer. It may be beneficial to consult a financial advisor or real estate expert before deciding.

Good Landlords Ask The Right Questions!

How to be the best landlord

Landlords and tenants alike want a cordial relationship so that each can live in peace. No landlord should ever allow a tenant to move into their rental property without first requiring the prospective tenant to complete a rental application. Among the critical questions that should be answered on the application are:

– Place of current employment?

– Length of employment?

– Name of a bank?

– Social Security number?

– Do they have pets? If so, what kind?

– Number of vehicles?

– How many occupants will live on the property?

– Ages of occupants?

– Name and address of current and prior landlords?

– Have you been convicted of a felony?

– Have you ever been evicted?

– Are you currently engaged in criminal activity?

– Have you been arrested and charged with a crime but not yet convicted?

– Are you in bankruptcy or plan to file for bankruptcy?

A bold notice on your rental application form should read: Falsification of this information is grounds for a ten-day Notice to Move if discovered later by the landlord or management.

The landlord can begin the screening process with the information on the rental application; it is the landlord’s responsibility to be sure the tenant is the right person to occupy the home or apartment… and that the house or apartment is suitable for the applicant.

A qualified tenant can afford the rent and has the characteristics necessary to coexist with the neighbors or other tenants. On the other hand, a landlord should not rent a one-bedroom unit to a four-member family.

The screening process includes checking the tenant’s credit rating. Someone with a long list of late payments and unpaid debts could immediately become a problem tenant. Solve that problem before it begins by forthrightly explaining to the prospect why they are not eligible to occupy the property. The best eviction is one that occurs before occupancy.

Along with a good credit history, you must check your prior rent history and search public criminal records for indications of behavior problems. You can ask the tenant’s previous landlord to fill out and return a written questionnaire on the tenant’s length of tenancy, payment history, violations of lease terms, etc. Yes, you can ask, but a few landlords will answer. If they do reply, they will avoid any negative report for fear the tenant might see the information and bring legal action against them. More practically, you might call the present or prior landlord and learn what you can verbally.

Many people with criminal records have reformed and are leading exemplary lives. However, even for a sympathetic landlord to rent to a felon is playing with fire. If the prisoner shoots a neighbor or another tenant… and it comes out in the police report that the landlord was aware of the criminal record, someone will probably sue the landlord.

Please make no mistake about it… fair housing laws require you to treat all prospective residents the same. Make sure you have your rental criteria in place and that it is reasonable.