Prescott Frontier Days Rodeo
June 25th, 2008 categories: Just For Fun, Prescott Homeowners, Prescott Nights
Frontier Days Rodeo
In 1888, when Prescott was the capital of the Arizona territory, a group of Prescott businessmen dreamed up a 4th of July cowboy contest featuring the areas best cowboys and ranchers. The cowboys competed for small cash prizes and bragging rights at the local Whiskey Row Saloons. This year Prescott will celebrate the 121st annual Prescott Frontier Days Rodeo, and every year the rodeo get bigger and the cowboys get better! This is a great event that the entire family will enjoy.
This year’s dates for the rodeo are June 30th to July 5th.
Rodeo performances are at 7:30 PM nightly, and 1:30 PM July 4th and July 5th.
Frontier Days Events:
Frontier Days Rodeo: June 30th to July 5th. Performances are nightly beginning at 7:30 PM. Afternoon performances at 1:30 on July 4th and 5th.
Get your tickets in advance at RODEO TICKETS
Prescott Rodeo Grounds
840 Rodeo Drive
Prescott, Az. 86305
(928) 445-3103
The Kiwanis Kiddie Parade: July 4th at 8:30 AM at Cortez and Goodwin Street
Colorful little cowboys, cowgirls and costumed pets too! Last year, there were 400 entrants. Bring the family.
The Frontier Days Parade: July 5th at 9:00 AM at the Courthouse Plaza
This year there will be more than than 200 entries including the Rodeo Royalty Court, floats, church and civic groups and High School Marching Bands.
The Prescott Frontier Days Fine Arts and Crafts show: July 4th - 6th at the Courthouse Plaza.
The World’s Oldest Rodeo will be inducted into the Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame on July 12th, 2008. Prescott Frontier Days has extensive history. To learn more, click Frontier Days History
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When It Rains, It Pours
June 23rd, 2008 categories: Just For Fun, Prescott Homeowners
When it rains in Prescott, it can really pour.
Prescott is the only place I know of where it can rain in your front yard, but not the back. I’ve always thought that the weather service should have two or three locations that measures Prescott rainfall totals because it can vary so dramatically from one end of town to the other.
Currently, rainfall totals for Prescott are measured at the Prescott Airport located at Hwy 89 and Willow Creek Road.
If you are one of those people who are interested in rainfall totals for your neighborhood, here’s an interesting web site; RainLog.org
You can become a member and log rainfall totals for your specific neighborhood, or simply check in and see how much rain has fallen in the Prescott area.
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Prescott Arizona is a Buyer’s Market
June 17th, 2008 categories: Home Buyers, Home Sellers, Market Update
The Prescott, Arizona Real Estate market is a buyers market.
Some sellers are still having a difficult time accepting this, but it’s true. The days of asking more than the house is worth and getting offers, are over. Some sellers still like to tack 20% on to the list price to “see what happens“. I don’t know how else to say it, but that strategy is nothing more than a waste of time.
In order to sell your home in this market, sellers need to be realistic and prepared to accept 20% to 25% less than what it was worth a year to two ago.
Here are some pricing and survival tips for today’s market
1. Establish a list price and then take 10% to 15% off of that.
2. If you don’t believe your Realtor’s opinion of value, call an appraiser.
3. Do not be offended by low offers. It’s part of working in a buyers market, and it’s nothing personal. In a buyers market, buyers know that this is the chance to get a great deal. It’s human nature.
4. If you get an offer on your home, even a low offer, consider yourself lucky. Do not reject any offers on your home. Come back with a reasonable counter offer. The offer you get today may be better than the offer you get 2 months from now. Take them all seriously.
5. If your home is not getting any showings, it’s the price. If your home is getting showings and no offers, it’s the price. Home buyers are educated consumers and they know value. If your home is perceived to be over priced by buyers, they just move on to the next property.
6. This market is what it is, and sellers need to accept that. If you need or want to sell, price your home accordingly. You may end up getting a little less than you had hoped, but at least you’re moving on with your future plans.
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Foreclosure Crisis: Do Not Leave Your Pets Behind
June 16th, 2008 categories: Prescott Homeowners
As more and more homeowners face foreclosure, many pets are becoming victims of the housing crisis as well. Across the nation, dogs and cats are arriving at shelters in record numbers as their owners move to rentals that do not accept pets, or relatives that do not welcome pets. In some cases, people are leaving animals behind in homes they are abandoning.
No one likes to think of leaving their pet in a shelter, but it’s far more humane than merely abandoning them. If keeping your pet is absolutely not an option, plan ahead. Find a “no kill” shelter that will foster your pet until a new home is found.
Click on the links below for information on pet adoption agencies in the Prescott area.
United Animal Friends
Miss Kitty’s Cat House
Yavapai Humane Society
Abandoning your pet should NEVER be an option.
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Protecting Your Prescott Home From Wildfires
June 11th, 2008 categories: Home Sellers, Prescott Homeowners
With summer lightning storms and high temperatures quickly approaching, it’s important to be sure your home has adequate defensible space in case of a wildfire.
Countless wildfires and forest fires happen every year in the United States, with peak season running from April through October. Annually, wildfires claim hundreds of thousands of acres, resulting in the evacuation of millions of people. Thousands of homes go up in flames, causing damage estimated in the billions.
Wildfire will find the weakest link in the defence measures you have taken on your property. The primary determinants of a home’s ability to survive a wildfire are its roofing materials and the quality of the defensible space around it. Every small step you take will make a difference and determine whether or not your home will survive a wild fire.
Here are some steps to take to create defensible space around your home:
1. Remove excess vegetation, thin trees and shrubs within the defensible space.
2. Be sure your roof and gutters are clean from leaves and pine needles.
3. Trim branches that hang over the roof. Be sure all branches are clear of the chimney.
4. Chimney screen must be in good condition.
5. Grass and weeds must me kept mowed to a low height.
6. Attach garden hoses to all of your outdoor hose bids.
7. Wood should be piled away from the house, out of the defensible space.
8. Remove all leaves, grass and debris from underneath trees to prevent the fire from spreading to the tops of trees.
9. Replace large shrubs with smaller shrubbery or succulents.
10. If your roof is not made of fire retardant materials, consider replacing it with one that is.
For more information on creating defensible space, click here: defensible space
We have been very fortunate in Prescott in regards to wildfires. The last wildfire Prescott experienced was the “Indian Fire” which started on May 15, 2002. It was the most significant fire in Prescott over 100 years. 5 homes were destroyed along with 1365 acres of vegetation. Due to the USFS fuel reduction, quick coordinated initial attack by the USFS, Prescott Fire Department, Central Yavapai Fire District, and the cooperation of the Prescott Police Department, Yavapai County Sheriff’s office and Yavapai Division of Emergency Management and numerous volunteers the fire was contained in five days. Let’s be fire wise and keep our community safe.
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Arizona Monsoon
June 10th, 2008 categories: Just For Fun, Prescott Homeowners
The Arizona Monsoon is just around the corner, and the corner is even closer this year than last. Prior to 2008, the Monsoon Season was considered to have started when there were three consecutive days when the dew point averaged 55 degrees or higher. In 2008, the National Weather Service decided to take the guesswork out of the start and end date of the Monsoon Season. Beginning in 2008, June 15th will be considered the first day of Monsoon Season, and September 30 will be the last. This decision was made so more emphasis would be placed on safety, and not the definition of Monsoon Season.
According to the Daily Courier, this Monsoon may be more severe than recent years bringing heavier rains and more damaging lighting. Monsoon storms can be awe-inspiring to experience, but life threatening if you’re caught outdoors. Here are some safety tips.
1. If you see a sign that says “Do Not Cross When Flooded“, take it seriously! It takes only a few feet of moving water to move your car, even if it’s an SUV. If you do get caught in flood waters, try to climb out on to the roof of your car and wait for help. Use your cell phone to call 911.
2. If you’re driving, slow down. Rain storms limit visibility and make the roadway slick.
3. Lightning Strikes are beautiful to watch, but dangerous. On average, 67 people per year are struck and killed by 
lightning in the United States. If you’re caught outside, stay away from open fields, high points of land, trees or other tall objects, standing bodies of water and all metal objects. Click HERE for more information on lightning safety.
4. Monsoon storms can produce severe hailstorms. Those of you who lived here in 1999 probably remember the hail storm that struck Prescott Valley. If you get caught in a hail storm, find shelter immediately. Avoid windows and skylights. If possible, move your vehicle to to a sheltered area.
5. Take care of your Pets during Monsoon Season. Thunderstorms can be very frightening to your pets. If you know that a storm is on the way, bring them inside, or make sure they are in a safe, secure area. Their first instinct may be to run, and you don’t want them running onto a busy roadway.
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Exploring Prescott’s Natural Beauty
June 4th, 2008 categories: Just For Fun
Willow Lake or Watson Lake are great places to take your canoe or kayak.
Prescott is beautiful in the spring, and there are many places to hike, walk your dog or ride a bike. Horses, dogs and bikes are welcome on the trails at Willow Lake.
If you enjoy watching birds, Willow Lake is home to many species of birds including eagles, falcons, hawks, a variety of ducks and blue Heron.
Click on the link below for more information on Prescott Parks and Recreation
Prescott Parks
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Selling Your Prescott Home In Today’s Market
June 3rd, 2008 categories: Home Sellers
In a Buyer’s market, Sellers need to do everything possible to make their home stand out among the competition. You want buyers to be excited about getting inside your home, and remember it for all of the right reasons. Here are some tips.
Curb Appeal is more important than ever…
When Buyers have 25 to 30 homes to choose from in any particular price range, you need to make your home stands out! A clean, fresh first impression is priceless. Make sure that your front yard is neat, clean and inviting to potential Buyers. Repair cracks in the driveway, touch up the exterior paint, plant some flowers.
De-Clutter
It’s important that buyers see the home and not be bombarded with your personal belongs. Be sure that your home decor is neat and simple. In this case, less is more!
A Little Touch Up And A Little Paint
Painting is relatively inexpensive, and creates a big impact. Fresh, clean rooms make a great first impression. If you’re re-painting, use warm neutral colors. In a buyers market, it’s important for your home to be in “move-in condition”, or as close to it as possible.
Bathrooms And Kitchens
These rooms sell houses. Make sure these rooms are crisp and clean. If your cabinets are tired and out of date, a coat of paint and new pulls can make them look like new. Keep the counter tops in both kitchen and bath free from clutter, it makes the room look bigger. If you’re going to spend money upgrading, these are the room that produce the best return on your investment.
The Back Yard
People love to hang out in the back yard. The same rule applies for the back yard as the front. Plant some flowers, make sure everything is neat, trimmed and inviting. You want potential buyers to see themselves having a summer BBQ in your back yard.
If your home has curb appeal inside and out, it will greatly increase your chances of getting offers and ultimately sold!
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May 27, 2008 Real Estate Market Update
May 27th, 2008 categories: Market Update, Prescott Market Statistics
Current sales statistics are holding steady in some areas, and declining in others. Although sales seem to be picking up a little, the absorption rates for most of Prescott and the Tri-City area is over two years. The absorption rate determines how long it will take for existing homes on the market to be absorbed by buyers at the current rate of sale. Below is the market update for the month of May, 2008. To compare sales statistics for March or April, click on the links: March, April.
Prescott Sales Statistics as of May 27, 2008
| Price Range | Residential Properties On The Market | Residential Sales Last Month | Absorption Rate # Of Months It Will Take To Sell |
|---|---|---|---|
| $300,000 and below | 188 | 12 | 15.67 |
| $300,001 to $500,000 | 449 | 16 | 28.06 |
| $500,001 to $800,000 | 324 | 9 | 36 |
| $800,0001 to $1,000,000 | 72 | 2 | 36 |
| $1,000,001 & above | 87 | 4 | 21.75 |
| Totals | 1,120 | 40 | 28 |
Prescott / Tri City Absorption Rates By Area
See below for area definitions (110 - 150)
| Area | Residential Properties On The Market | Residential Sales Last Month | Absorption Rate # Of Months It Will Take To Sell |
|---|---|---|---|
| 110 | 151 | 9 | 16.78 |
| 120 | 377 | 15 | 25.13 |
| 130 | 156 | 2 | 78 |
| 140 | 178 | 7 | 25.43 |
| 150 | 104 | 4 | 26 |
| Williamson Valley | 193 | 4 | 48.25 |
| Prescott Valley | 695 | 23 | 30.22 |
| Chino Valley | 287 | 12 | 23.92 |
| Dewey | 165 | 3 | 55 |
| P.C.Club/ Quailwood | 101 | 7 | 14.43 |
| Totals | 2,407 | 86 | 27.99 |
Area 110: North of Gurley/Thumb Butte, West of Willow Ck Rd including Longview
Area 120:North of Gurley, East of Willow Creek Road, West of Hwy 89
Area 130:East on Hwy 69 from Hwy 89 & 69 Junction, East of Hwy 89
Area 140: South of Gurley, East of Park/White Spar, West of the Ranch
Area 150: South of Gurley, East of Park/White Spar
As always, please feel free to contact me with any questions.
Regards,
Sherry Huffman
Realtor-Associate
The Huffman Group, Realty Executives
928-533-1833
928-441-1201 e-fax
sherry@thehuffmangroup.com
www.theHuffmanGroup.com
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Is The Housing Crisis Over? You Decide
May 8th, 2008 categories: Prescott Real Estate Trends, Real Estate News
I thought this was an interesting article written by Cyril Moulle-Berteaux, managing partner with Traxis Partners LP, a hedge fund firm based in New York. This article was published in the Wall Street Journal on May 6, 2008.
The Housing Crisis Is Over
May 6, 2008; Page A23Wall Street Journal
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