Month: October 2018

You’ll be amazed at this better than new home set in Pronghorn Ranch. Built in 2015, this home is absolutely amazing and it’s hard to list all the indoor and outdoor features.

Starting with the paver driveway and custom made front door, the home is full of tailor-made touches that really make it stand out among the rest. All single level living, this home has an open floor concept that shows off all of the home features of the great room, dining room and the kitchen. A spacious 2,307 square feet, there are three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a 3-car garage.

Fabulous is what describes the kitchen with its Alder cabinetry, stone back splash, granite counter tops, stainless-steel Kitchen-Aid appliances (including an induction cook top, wall oven, and built in microwave), and a large center island with an over-sized sink and room to seat up to six bar-stools.

In the great room, you will be astonished by the rough-hewn beamed ceiling and rock hearth gas-log fireplace complete with a gorgeous wood mantel. These details are focal points in this stunning room, accomplishing both that rustic and homey feel effortlessly.

Other features that really make this home shine include the Hickory-engineered hardwood floors and tile over the entire home, and the plantation shutters that give the windows plenty of charm and privacy. More features include granite counters throughout the home (including double vanities in not only the master bathroom, but the guest bathroom as well), and a spacious and luxurious master suite complete with a separate home entrance and the giant walk-in closet of your dreams. The home also has a smart thermostat, sizable laundry room with plenty of storage, and an office/potential extra bedroom.

Set at the end of a cul-de-sac and adjacent to a green belt, you won’t have to deal with new construction near you or being surrounded by homes. Being next to the green belt also helps the home feel spacious and open, with great distant views of Granite Mountain and Mingus Mountain.

Going into the backyard, you get your own fully landscaped mini paradise! Saying this home has good outdoor living is an understatement. Oriented to the Northeast so you don’t get direct sun on the back of the home, this yard accomplishes both minimal upkeep and beauty, and it is truly a place you can go and relax. With a gas-log fireplace, turf grass, gazebo, plenty of porch space for patio furniture, and a pergola covered hot tub, the outside is just as appealing as the inside.

Are you interested in learning more about this home and possibly setting up a showing appointment? You can call us today at 928-771-1111. We would love to help you in seeing this home, or in finding the home of your dreams!

Fifty-Nine days. That is how long we have until Christmas! Can you believe that? 2018 has flown by in a flash and while we are shocked at how quickly time passes, we are so excited that Christmas is on its way!

Soon enough we will have our first snow, the picture above only feeding our anticipation for that day. Sledding, snow ball fights, building snow men, and the new kind of beauty our town takes on when those white flurries stick to the ground.

While the leaves are changing from green to yellow and orange to red, they will continue to fall from their branches as the air chills and winter sets in. For many places, this may be a dreaded time, one with months of freezing temperatures that make it hard to even want to step outside. In Prescott, however, not only is our winter weather mild enough to only last for a few cool months, but it also grants us spouts of snow and freeze to give us that true winter wonderland feel during the holidays.

Fifty-Nine days. We have fifty-nine more days to enjoy this holiday season! Halloween is just around the corner, followed closely behind by Thanksgiving, and Christmas. While we love all the holiday cheer and festivities, we especially love our Christmas events here in Arizona’s Christmas city.

On December 1 starting at 1PM, Prescott will be hosting its 36^th annual Christmas parade. The procession will march through downtown with people, carriages, and horses; all clad in their Christmas costumes amongst the floats. You can be sure that Santa and Mrs. Claus will attend to the delight of all the children, and will be staying after the parade for photos. You won’t want to miss out on this Prescott tradition, or the one that follows after – the Courthouse lighting.

The Courthouse lighting takes place on the night of December 1^st after the parade. Starting at 5pm there will be live music and then at 6pm the premiere Christmas event happens when the entire downtown of Prescott is spectacularly lit up with innumerable Christmas lights. The Courthouse itself is lit up and decorated with candles and Christmas cheer. All the surrounding trees in downtown are wrapped with different colored lights, some even blinking and playing to songs. It is brilliant and marvelous, and a gorgeous sight to see.

Yet another Christmas celebration that takes place during the winter season here in Prescott is called Acker Musical Showcase, otherwise known as Acker Night. This will be Prescott’s 30^th annual Acker night, running from 5:30-8:30pm on the night of December 7^th. This is a long standing family tradition in Prescott where downtown businesses and musicians donate their time, and the musicians showcase their talents in support of keeping music alive and thriving for the youth in our town. All proceeds raised on Acker Night go to scholarships for music lessons, instruments, and local youth performing arts programs. At Acker night, bring friends and family, and enjoy walking around downtown listening to the many talented musicians in each building, and enjoy the cookies, cocoa, and cider that abound.

While there are many – and I mean MANY – other Christmas events that go on in Arizona’s Christmas City every year during the holiday season, these are the three main ones you won’t want to miss.

Fifty-nine days. Christmas will be here before we know it. So let’s enjoy this holiday season, partake in our amazing town’s Christmas festivities, and support our local businesses.

As we get into full swing of the Fall and Holiday season here in Prescott, Arizona, inevitability we will be doing a lot more eating out. With the many festivities going on this time of year such as the Courthouse lighting, Aker Night, parades, and many others, restaurants will be packed with locals and travelers alike looking to warm their bellies with a good meal during their eventful day or evening. This time is also a season where friends and family may be coming to visit from all over. When you decide to go out for a meal, you’ll want to take them to one of the best places in town!

That had us thinking… what is the best place to eat in Prescott? We know what our and friends favorites are as locals – whether it’s because the type of food we like, or the food is just downright tasty – but when it comes to reviews from people’s experiences, which restaurants come out on top? To be sure, Prescott has a plethora of options to satisfy your cravings, from Mexican to Italian, to Thai and American, but here is a list of the twenty best rated restaurants in Prescott according to Yelp.com that are guaranteed to enhance your holiday celebrations and have your loved ones raving about the great food. (Keep in mind that these are ordered “Highest Rated” according to Yelp).

1.   The Local – American Traditional, Breakfast and Brunch. 4 ½ stars.

2.   Papa’s Italian Restaurant – Italian and Pizza. 4 ½ stars.

3.   Superstition Meadery – Wineries, Performing Arts, Tapas/Small Plates. 4 ½ stars.

4.   Rosa’s Pizzeria – Italian and Pizza. 4 ½ stars.

5.   Biga By Senses – American Traditional, Sandwiches and Comfort Food. 4 ½ stars.

6.   Fresca Café – Deli and Italian. 4 ½ stars.

7.   Farm Provisions – New American, Beer/Wine Bar with Appetizers/Entrees of all kinds. 4 ½ stars.

8.   Atmesfir – New American, Seafood, and Coffee and Tea. 4 ½ stars.

9.   This Dudes Food – Food Truck: Burgers and Tacos. 5 stars.

10. Park Plaza Liquor and Deli – Pizza, Burgers, Beer, Wine and Spirits. 4 stars.

11. Marino’s Mob Burgers and Ice Cream – Burgers, Ice Cream, and Frozen Yogurt. 4 ½ stars.

12. Chais Thai – Thai, Seafood, Soup. 4 ½ stars.

13. Rustic Pie – Bakeries, Coffee and Tea, Soup. 4 ½ stars.

14. El Gato Azul – Spanish, Tapas Bar, Mediterranean. 4 stars.

15. Bill’s Grill – American Traditional, Burgers, Seafood. 4 stars.

16. The Lone Spur Café – New American, Cafes, Breakfast and Brunch. 4 stars.

17. Bill’s Pizza – Pizza. 4 stars.

18. Iron Springs Café – New American, Cajun/Creole, Wine Bar. 4 stars.

19. Two Mama’s Gourmet Pizza – Pizza, Italian. 4 stars.

20. Shannon’s Gourmet Cheesecakes – Desserts, Sandwiches, Coffee and Tea. 4 stars.

There you have it! Prescott’s twenty top rated restaurants on Yelp.

A few eateries that didn’t make the cut, but we feel deserve to be mentioned are:

21. The Barley Hound, a dog friendly restaurant that serves food such as hamburgers. 4 stars.

22. Prescott Brewing Company, Prescott’s brewery that serves Traditional American food. 4 stars.

23. Casa Alvarez, Mexican food to satisfy those looking for that authentic Mexican food. 4 stars.

24. The Raven Café, serving food, craft beer and wine, live music, and a superb happy hour. 4 stars.

25. Limoncello Pizzeria Napoletana – Wine bar with Italian food and pizza. 4 stars.

26. Prescott Station, a restaurant that serves Traditional American food, pizza, and a bar. 3 ½ stars.

As you can see, there are plenty of options to choose from. Pizza, Italian, hamburgers, Thai food, Mexican food, and more not even mentioned here!

We hope you’re able to try out one of these great eateries in Prescott with your friends and family this season, and support one of Prescott’s local businesses. 

This month is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, or National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. What this month is, is an international health campaign that happens every year in October. It is organized by major breast cancer charities annually to increase awareness about the disease of breast cancer, help raise funds for research of breast cancer, to help those affected by it, and for many more educational and support services.

Here in Prescott, we have our very own Breast Care Center to help in finding breast cancer early and aid in treatment. “Health, healing, and hope – The Breast Care Center at YRMC strives to offer these to everyone who passes through our doors” (YRMC Breast Care Center). Services here include screenings, consultations, MRI, ultrasound, mammography, and so much more. For more information, you can visit Yavapai Regional Medical Center’s Breast Care Center website at the link given above.

Here at the Kathleen Yamauchi Group, Breast Cancer Awareness month now hits very close to home. Earlier this year in March, our beloved broker Kathleen Yamauchi passed away when she lost her ten year battle with breast cancer. We miss her immensely, however, we know she is in a better place and is no longer in pain, or suffering.

With the years of remission she was gifted in that ten year battle, Kathleen got to be present for the birth of three grandchildren from her daughter and son-in-law, the marriage of her son Daniel, to encourage countless of those around her with her joyful spirit and kind heart, and to establish herself as one of the best realtors Prescott had ever seen.  Our lives are forever changed and touched just by knowing her, and even more so in having her love and invest in us, her team. We will never forget her and we strive every day to continue on her legacy as being one of the top real estate agencies in Prescott – one known for its class, knowledge, and determination to serve our clients with the utmost respect and integrity.

Our thoughts go out to everyone out there going through the same emotional, draining, and terrible battle that we witnessed Kathleen go through over these past years. You are loved and you are prayed for – stay strong!

One of the greatest fall festivities in any town is going to a pumpkin patch and Prescott is no different! 

Though we might be a bit biased, we are in love with our very own pumpkin festival held at Mortimer Farms every year. This year the festival is being held from September 28^th to October 28^th every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Rain or shine, the pumpkin festival is open! Hours are Friday from noon to 9PM, Saturday from 9AM to 9PM, and Sunday from 9AM to 6PM. People travel from all over to come and enjoy our little Pumpkin Festival that’s packed with fun for the whole family.

The centerpiece of this festival is the corn maze which is an astounding fifteen acres! The corn maze this year pays tribute to the American Flag and those who protect, and serve America. It is a labyrinth of twist and turns, and dead-ends, and will be a fun challenge for kids of all ages.

As for other activities, they have something that will fit everyone’s interests! There are hay rides that tour the farm with farmer Buzz who is a plethora of stories and history about the area. Wild shows for the thrill seeking enthusiast include illusionists, amazing trained animals, fire dancers who perform every Friday and Saturday, contortionists, aerial shows, magic shows, mini dog races, circus performers, pig races, Karaoke, and more. There’s also Gem mining, zip lines, tractor tire swings, pumpkin jump, craft vendors, an obstacle course, and that’s just to name a very few. Farm animals also adorn this pumpkin patch from chickens to goats, sheep, and Pedro the donkey. The list is endless of the fun activities and interesting things there are to see and do at Mortimer farms.

Along with activities, there is also plenty of food to choose from. There’s your traditional farm table food, a deli, a bakery, Fry Bread, BBQ, Philly cheese steaks, a snack vendor, kettle corn, dip n dots, nachos, and more!  Not only that, but those looking to attend one of the barn dances occurring on Friday night can now also enjoy dinner for an extra ten dollars. Friday night includes the barn dance, dinner at the barn, magic at night, and fire dancers, making it an ideal and fun date night.

Are you excited to go yet? Us too! For more information on admission prices and all the events going on at Mortimer Farms Pumpkin Festival this year, you can visit their website by clicking here.

Don’t miss out on this family friendly Fall festivity. We hope to see you there!

Prepare to be thoroughly impressed by this Mediterranean-Style single level home. Situated on a .41 acre lot, this home has room to spare. Surrounding the home is easy low-maintenance landscaping, including grass, a putting green, and a beautiful water feature. Along with all those things, the home backs to State Land, giving it an even more open feel than it already has, truly making it one of the most private and picturesque settings in Pinon Oaks.

As you go inside, soaring ceilings welcome you in and the tall picture windows bring in an abundance of light to illuminate this luxurious home. The many windows not only bring in light, but also give you spectacular views of the surrounding landscape with dramatic views of the San Francisco Peaks, the Granite Dells, and the rolling grasses of State land.

On the inside, calm neutral colors with pops of color for interior design make this home both modern and fell like home at the same time. It has 3 bedrooms plus an office and a playroom/potential bedroom. The deluxe master bedroom has its own private viewing deck, gas fireplace, and his and hers separate bathrooms each with their own shower, vanity, closet and water closet room.

The home is all on one level with 4038 square foot. It boasts a 4 car garage and 2 driveways for all the toys, or room to park when having company over. Custom touches adorn this home from top to bottom. Marble flooring, crown molding, jetted tub, lavish master bathroom, large walk-in closets, a butler’s pantry, spacious laundry room with counters and utility sink, outdoor kitchen, putting green, tons of storage, and so much more. Exceptional kitchen features include Viking Pro gas range with 4 burners, griddle and grill feature, proofing rack, pot filler, granite counter tops, full size separate fridge and freezer plus a dual zone wine fridge. This house a dream!

Are you interested in this dazzling home? Check out our Matterport 3-D video under “3-D Tours” at the top of the page. Or, even better, call our office and set up your showing appointment today! 928-771-1111. Or, you can e-mail the listing agent, Daniel Yamauchi, at daniel@kathleeny.com.

 On October 4, The Laurie Moore team with Fairway Independent Mortgage took the time to hold a forum to discuss the question that has been looming on everyone’s minds lately: Are we headed for another housing recession?

 

Around 2007-2009 the U.S. had one of its biggest housing market crashes ever. Though the crash was due to multiple things, the carnage in the aftermath of the crash was in large part due to Lenders taking more risks in lending people money without qualifying them for what they could actually afford. After the crash, people could no longer pay their lofty mortgage payments and lenders had dug themselves, as well as their borrowers, into a very deep hole. This led to vast amounts of foreclosures as many had to cut their losses and walk away from their homes, left trying to pick up the pieces of what remained of their lives. This crash led to a recession which has been called the worst recession since World War II.

 

So, what does the word recession really mean? Well, it’s defined as “a period of temporary economic decline during which trade and industrial activity are reduced, generally identified by a fall in GDP in two successive quarters” (Merriam-Webster Dictionary – Laurie Moore Team). According to the Wall Street Journal (from a survey of economists) and Pulsenomics (from another survey of economists and analysts), the next predicted recession is said to occur in 2020. The Wall Street Journal stated, “The economic expansion that began in mid 2009, and already ranks as the second longest in American history, most likely will end in 2020 as the Federal Reserve raises interest rates to cool off an over-heating economy. “ The Wall Street Journal also went on to say, however, that recessions are notoriously hard to predict and that forecasters saw chances of recessions back in 2011, and in 2016, yet both turned out to be false alarms. 

The predictions of the year a recession will most likely take place varied between both companies mentioned above. The Wall Street Journal survey of private-sector economists predicts a 59% chance of slowdown occurring in 2020, while only an 8% chance the year before and a 22% chance the year after. Pulsenomics survey of economists, investment strategies, and real estate market analysis predicts a 48% chance of slow down in 2020, with a 24% chance the year before and a 14% chance the year after.

 

According to their predictions, we still have a few more years left of the economy’s current expansion, and even if we have another recession, it will not be nearly as bad as it was in 2008. Why? The financial system is more resilient now, which will help the housing system not fall in the next economic storm. Factors that ARE predicted to be a part of the next economic trouble are Market Policy, Trade Policy, and possibly a Stock Market correction. On this ranking of triggers for the next economic slowdown, the housing market was ranked 9^th in probability to be a trigger. That’s good news! What is also good news is that they predicted that home values will continue to appreciate through 2022.

With houses appreciating so much in the past few years, it would be very easy to compare this to the last recession in 2007-2009 when housing prices were rising rapidly right before the crash. However, the two situations are immensely different. Today, there is a pent up buyer demand, meaning there are many people looking to buy now that the market has stabilized and begun to appreciate. The current inventory of houses is also low, well below the normal of 6 months in most areas and price ranges. This means there is not a glut of inventory like previously and if we do have a weakening of the housing market, it will simply return to normal rather than be in a peaking state.

 

4 Reasons Why We Are Not Headed Towards Another Housing Bubble:

 

1. Home Prices: While prices have reached the same levels as they did in 2006 in many markets across the country, with inflation they should be much higher than what they actually are now.

2. Mortgage Standards: The standards on lending today are nowhere near as lenient as they once were when the crash happened.

3. Foreclosure Rates: “A major cause of the housing crash last decade was the number of foreclosures that hit the market. They not only increased the supply of homes for sale, but were also sold at 20-50% discounts, which helped drive down all home values” (Laurie Moore Team).

4. Housing Affordability: Home affordability today is far better than the last housing boom. The mortgage payments homebuyers have committed to paying still remain much lower than pre-crisis peaks. Even though the price of homes may seem to be getting high, the actual cost is still below historic norms.

 

In conclusion, while a slight economic slowdown seems inevitable, it will not be anything near as bad as the market bubble bursting like before. The key words here are an ECONOMIC SLOWDOWN and NOT a Housing Crisis.