With so much information readily available online, clients sometimes ask me, “Why should we hire a real estate agent?” They wonder, and rightfully so if they couldn’t buy or sell a home through the Internet or regular marketing and advertising channels without representation, without a real estate agent. Some do OK; many don’t. So if you’ve wondered the same thing, here are 10 reasons why you might want to consider hiring a professional real estate agent.

1 Education & Experience

You don’t need to know everything about buying and selling real estate if you hire a real estate professional who does. Henry Ford once said that when you hire people who are smarter than you are, it proves you are smarter than they are. The trick is to find the right person. For the most part, they all cost roughly the same. Why not hire a person with more education and experience than you? We’re all looking for more precious time in our lives, and hiring pros gives us that time.

2 Agents Are Buffers

Agents take the spam out of your property showings and visits. If you’re a buyer of new homes, your agent will whip out her sword and keep the builder’s agents at bay, preventing them from biting or nipping at your heels. If you’re a seller, your agent will filter all those phone calls that lead to nowhere from lookie loos and try to induce serious buyers to write an offer immediately.

3 Neighborhood Knowledge

Agents either possess intimate knowledge or they know where to find the industry buzz about your neighborhood. They can identify comparable sales and hand these facts to you, in addition to pointing you in the direction where you can find more data on schools, crime or demographics. For example, you may know that a home down the street was on the market for $350,000, but an agent will know it had upgrades and sold at $285,000 after 65 days on the market and after twice falling out of escrow.

4 Price Guidance

Contrary to what some people believe, agents do not select prices for sellers or buyers. However, an agent will help to guide clients to make the right choices for themselves. If a listing is at 7%, for example, an agent has a 7% vested interest in the sale, but the client has a 93% interest. Selling agents will ask buyers to weigh all the data supplied to them and to choose a price. Then based on market supply, demand and the conditions, the agent will devise a negotiation strategy.

5 Market Conditions Information

Real estate agents can disclose market conditions, which will govern your selling or buying process. Many factors determine how you will proceed. Data such as the average per square foot cost of similar homes, median and average sales prices, average days on market and ratios of list-to-sold prices, among other criteria, will have a huge bearing on what you ultimately decide to do.

6 Professional Networking

Real estate agents network with other professionals, many of whom provide services that you will need to buy or sell. Due to legal liability, many agents will hesitate to recommend a certain individual or company over another, but they do know which vendors have a reputation for efficiency, competency, and competitive pricing. Agents can, however, give you a list of references with whom they have worked and provide background information to help you make a wise selection.

7 Negotiation Skills & Confidentiality

Top producing agents negotiate well because, unlike most buyers and sellers, they can remove themselves from the emotional aspects of the transaction and because they are skilled. It’s part of their job description. Good agents are not messengers, delivering buyer’s offers to sellers and vice versa. They are professionals who are trained to present their client’s case in the best light and agree to hold client information confidential from competing interests.

8 Handling Volumes of Paperwork

One-page deposit receipts were prevalent in the early 1970s. Today’s purchase agreements run ten pages or more. That does not include the federal- and state-mandated disclosures nor disclosures dictated by local custom. Most real estate files average thicknesses from one to three inches of paper. One tiny mistake or omission could land you in court or cost you thousands. In some states, lawyers handle the disclosures, thank goodness!

9 Answer Questions After Closing

Even the smoothest transactions that close without complications can come back to haunt. For example, taxing authorities that collect property tax assessments, doc stamps or transfer tax can fall months behind and mix up invoices, but one call to your agent can straighten out the confusion. Many questions can pop up that were overlooked in the excitement of closing. Good agents stand by ready to assist. Worthy and honest agents don’t leave you in the dust to fend for yourself.

10 Develop Relationships for Future Business

The basis for an agent’s success and continued career in real estate is referrals. Few agents would survive if their livelihood was dependent on consistently drumming up new business. This emphasis gives agents strong incentives to make certain clients are happy and satisfied. It also means that an agent who stays in the business will be there for you when you need to hire an agent again. Many will periodically mail market updates to you to keep you informed and to stay in touch.

SOURCE

Jeff Barchi has been a REALTOR® and one of the best real estate agent Arizona expert and managing homes for sale in the Greater Phoenix area since 1999. He is ranked in the top 1% of all real estate agents in Arizona in Greater Phoenix, two-time winner of top 40 Realtor AZ under 40 awards, and the top 2% of all agents nationwide. In 18 years Jeff, as a leading Arizona real estate agent, has participated in approximately 900 transactions, i.e. homes for sale in Arizona, averaging approximately 50 per year. To put this number in perspective, the average Realtor AZ closes 11 transactions per year. If you are looking for the best real estate agent Arizona expert, Jeff Barchi is your guy. His real estate firm has been praised as the best Phoenix real estate agency, he has been a very successful Scottsdale real estate agent and Paradise Valley Realtor.

January 3 | Willie Nelson

With a career spanning six decades, the iconic Texan is the creative genius behind such classic recordings as “Crazy,” “Hello Walls,” “On the Road Again” and “Good Hearted Woman.” 7:30 p.m. $67-$127. Celebrity Theatre, 440 N. 32nd St., Phoenix, celebritytheatre.com, 602-267-1600.

January 12-13 | Frankie Valli

The trademark falsetto who came to fame in 1962 as the lead singer of The Four Seasons is hotter than ever thanks to the success of Jersey Boys, which chronicles the life and times of Valli and his legendary group. Fans can expect to hear such hits as “Sherry,” “Big Girls Don’t Cry,” “Walk Like a Man” and “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You.” 8 p.m. $66-$126. Celebrity Theatre, 440 N. 32nd St., Phoenix, celebritytheatre.com, 602-267-1600.

January 13-21 | Start Your Engines

Some of the world’s premier collector automobiles take center stage at the 47th annual Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction. Call for times and ticket prices. WestWorld of Scottsdale, 16601 N. Pima Rd., Scottsdale, barrett-jackson.com, 480-421-6694.

January 13-March 25 | Celebration of Fine Art

This annual juried invitational gathering features 100 renowned and emerging artists from across the country who show and sell their gallery-quality work in an intimate studio setting. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Season pass: $10, adults; $8, seniors and military; free, children 11 and younger. Hayden Road and Loop 101, Scottsdale, celebrateart.com, 480-443-7695.

January 18-21 | Follow Your Heart

This Disney on Ice spectacular features beloved stories and characters from Finding Dory, Inside Out, Frozen and Toy Story. Th, 7 p.m.; F, 10:30 a.m. and 7 p.m.; Sa, 11 a.m., 3 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.; and Su, noon and 4 p.m. Tickets start at $20. Talking Stick Resort Arena, 201 E. Jefferson St., Phoenix, ticketmaster.com, 800-745-3000.

SOURCE

Jeff Barchi has been a REALTOR® and one of the best real estate agent Arizona expert and managing homes for sale in the Greater Phoenix area since 1999. He is ranked in the top 1% of all real estate agents in Arizona in Greater Phoenix, two-time winner of top 40 Realtor AZ under 40 awards, and the top 2% of all agents nationwide. In 18 years Jeff, as a leading Arizona real estate agent, has participated in approximately 900 transactions, i.e. homes for sale in Arizona, averaging approximately 50 per year. To put this number in perspective, the average Realtor AZ closes 11 transactions per year. If you are looking for the best real estate agent Arizona expert, Jeff Barchi is your guy. His real estate firm has been praised as the best Phoenix real estate agency, he has been a very successful Scottsdale real estate agent and Paradise Valley Realtor.

Investing in Arizona no longer means dubious retirement projects in the desert – a kind of Florida West with sand instead of swamp. You can find those too, if you like taking a flyer, but Phoenix and Tucson have grown up and offer investors a range of possibilities. In addition to the big cities, Prescott does cater to retirees, Flagstaff has a younger demographic, and Yuma has a heavily immigrant population; all have different housing needs.

The strongest economic growth, and therefore strongest demand for housing, is in Phoenix, where jobs are being added at twice the national rate – many of them in healthcare, retail, and the large finance sector. Job growth has also been strong in Prescott, mostly in the retail and healthcare sectors as you would expect from the retiree population. Growth in Tucson, on the other hand, has recently been slow. Flagstaff depends heavily on the cyclical tourist trade.

Home prices in all Arizona markets rose and fell sharply in the boom and bust; but afterwards prices in Phoenix – and somewhat in Prescott – went through a mini-boom of speculation in foreclosed properties. It looks like those have now been flushed through the system, so we can take at face value the recent price increases – strongest in Phoenix, Flagstaff and Prescott, weaker in Tucson and Yuma. I expect Phoenix prices up at least 25 percent over the next three years, which means you shouldn’t wait if you plan to buy there. Prices have been strongest in Phoenix itself, slightly weaker in the southeast suburbs.

Flagstaff, Tucson and Phoenix have a high proportion of renters, almost 40 percent, but because home prices in the former two are high compared to rents, investing in single-family properties to rent them out is most feasible in Phoenix – where the ratio is much more favorable and where housing needs encourage splitting single-family homes into multiple rental units. The relatively lower pay in the growing retail and healthcare sectors will expand renting in future years.

Mortgages are a good investment right now. Because home prices will keep rising the next few years, the equity cushion for new mortgages will grow quickly; yet prices are in balance with local incomes, so the risk of default will stay average. Construction loans also will have average risk in the growing markets, especially Phoenix, where I expect 60,000 new single-family homes built over the next three years and 60,000 apartments. In Prescott I expect a modest 5,000 homes built and in Tucson 5,000 apartments. In Flagstaff and Yuma I expect less than a thousand new housing units, mainly apartments.

Because of the rapid population growth, investments in retail stores and restaurants are favorable in Phoenix; the suburbs in Pinal County are greatly underserved for both. Such investments in Flagstaff face stronger competition and the cyclicality of tourism. The retail sector has been flat in Prescott and has actually shrunk in Tucson. The large growth of finance and healthcare in Phoenix will probably call for more office space.

SOURCE

Jeff Barchi has been a REALTOR® and one of the best real estate agent Arizona expert and managing homes for sale in the Greater Phoenix area since 1999. He is ranked in the top 1% of all real estate agents in Arizona in Greater Phoenix, two time winner of top 40 Realtor AZ under 40 award, and the top 2% of all agents nationwide. In 18 years Jeff, as a leading Arizona real estate agent, has participated in approximately 900 transactions, i.e. homes for sale in Arizona, averaging approximately 50 per year. To put this number in perspective, the average Realtor AZ closes 11 transactions per year. If you are looking for the best real estate agent Arizona expert, Jeff Barchi is your guy. His real estate firm has been praised as the best Phoenix real estate agency, he has been a very successful Scottsdale real estate agent and Paradise Valley Realtor.

Perhaps it’s a poorly kept secret, but Phoenicians don’t have to simply dream of a white Christmas – they can experience it. Plenty of places offer a chance to play or stroll in the snow, some real and trucked in from destinations statewide, some made on-site.

The Valley is a bit spoiled with 60- to 80-degree winter seasons, but for snowbirds longing for just a glimpse of life back home or kiddos who can’t sit still for a two-hour car ride up north to build snowmen, here are eight snowy destinations in the metro Phoenix area. From your neighborhood outdoor shopping mall to the Arizona Science Center and an island in the middle of the desert, there’s no shortage of places to see flakes fall.

Christmas at The Princess

The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess Resort offers a packed holiday calendar through Sunday, December 31, at its North Scottsdale location – where it started looking a lot like Christmas during the eighth annual tree lighting ceremony on Wednesday, November 22. Light snowfall sets the scene as the resort’s Fragrance Garden transforms into the Nativity Garden, complete with a 10-minute, 88-foot light and music show narrating the Christmas origin story. The grounds have everything covered, from the Copper Canyon Christmas Village Light Show to the Build-A-Bear Workshop to something called S’mores Land.

Event hours vary through December 31, at 7575 East Princess Drive. Admission is $20 per person for those ride-sharing or walking in, $55 for self-parking, and $85 for valet service (general admission includes up to six attraction wristbands per vehicle, and cash is not accepted – FYI). Visit the Scottsdale Princess website for a complete list of seasonal events, or call 480-585-4848.

CitySkate at CityScape

It may not be Rockefeller Center, but downtown Phoenix is getting its own outdoor ice skating rink for the eighth year in a row. CitySkate returned Thanksgiving weekend with a jam-packed grand opening celebration, while the remainder of the season includes Santa visits, movie nights, a hot cocoa stand, and more. Hours are 5:30 to 11 p.m. Monday to Thursday and 3 to 11 p.m. Friday to Sunday from November 24 to December 17. Hours are 3 to 11 p.m. daily from December 18 to Sunday, January 7, when the rink closes for the season.

The ice rink is located on Central Avenue, which will remain closed off between Washington and Jefferson streets while CitySkate is open. Weekend general admission is $15 and includes skate rental. Express skating passes are available for $30, online only. Free to watch the tree lighting, play in the snowfall, and partake in festivities. Visit the CitySkate website or call 602-550-9561 for more information.

Winter Wonderland Express at Enchanted Island

All aboard this annual holiday train when the Christmas caboose rolls along its Encanto Park track to a snow-filled Enchanted Island destination. The island will feature an Instagram-ready human-sized snow globe to pose with, sled-riding, and even a “Sled Train Ride” pulled over the snow-covered grounds by an ATV. Plus, since it’s so close to Christmas, little ones can visit with Santa Claus and share their wish lists at the North Pole – complete with free hot cocoa and candy canes.

The Winter Wonderland Express features 25 tons of snow and runs from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday, December 16, and Sunday, December 17, at Enchanted Island Amusement Park at Encanto Park, 1202 West Encanto Boulevard. Train rides cost five tickets (unlimited ride wristbands are available). Tickets are $1.25 per ride or $22.50 for 20 tickets; other discounts available. Santa comes down from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Both days and visits are free; the light show runs from 4:30 to 7 p.m. each day. Call 602-254-1200 or visit the Enchanted Island Amusement Park website for details.

Snow Week at Arizona Science Center

By now, one should know that snow isn’t a sparkly phenomenon, but rather an atmospheric occurrence. For those interested in learning more – and for others who just want to play in it – the Arizona Science Center offers Snow Week, an opportunity to learn the science behind snow and how to make the perfect snowball. (Sort of.) The seven-day event takes over Heritage and Science Park, blanketing the green grass with nearly 75 tons of ice and snow. Enjoy daily demos, sculptures, and gingerbread houses. The fun continues inside the Center with the featured “Pompeii: The Exhibition” – featuring over 200 artifacts from the Roman city of Pompeii that was covered by the Mount Vesuvius eruption in 79 A.D.

Bundle up and head to Heritage and Science Park from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily starting Tuesday, December 26, through Sunday, December 31, at Arizona Science Center, 600 East Washington Street. Snow play is free, museum admission is $18 with discounts available for members, children, and seniors. Call 602-716-2000 or visit the Arizona Science Center website for more information.

SOURCE

Jeff Barchi has been a REALTOR® and one of the best real estate agent Arizona expert and managing homes for sale in the Greater Phoenix area since 1999. He is ranked in the top 1% of all real estate agents in Arizona in Greater Phoenix, two-time winner of top 40 Realtor AZ under 40 awards, and the top 2% of all agents nationwide. In 18 years Jeff, as a leading Arizona real estate agent, has participated in approximately 900 transactions, i.e. homes for sale in Arizona, averaging approximately 50 per year. To put this number in perspective, the average Realtor AZ closes 11 transactions per year. If you are looking for the best real estate agent Arizona expert, Jeff Barchi is your guy. His real estate firm has been praised as the best Phoenix real estate agency, he has been a very successful Scottsdale real estate agent and Paradise Valley Realtor.

Aside from calling itself the “West’s Most Western City,” Scottsdale also prides itself as being the most livable city in the Phoenix-metro area. If you weren’t already convinced of that, the website Livability recently named it as the only city in Arizona to make its “Top 100 Best Places To Live” list this year (where it came in at number 40, making the top 50), where it joined five previous list rankings. The city scored well in areas such as education, creating a cohesive community, and the collection of amenities that make the city stand out above many others. It also has a reputation for being a safe, cultured, clean city, something that can be a pretty rare find for a place with a population of nearly 227,000.

If you weren’t already convinced of Scottsdale’s livability status, here are a few things that we think helps the city to shine. Who knows? It may even convince you to one day move there.

1. Residents in Scottsdale are well-educated.

According to data from the American Community Survey in 2015, roughly 96% of Scottsdale residents had a high school diploma and more than half had a bachelor’s degree. Plus, three of its high schools made the state’s top 20 list of best high schools according to U.S. News.

2. Scottsdale is well-known for its dedication to the arts.

Museums, art galleries, culture nights, and one of the top places in the state to see art house films. One of its signature examples of this is the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art, otherwise known as SMoCA, which not only serves as the home of contemporary art exhibits but also brings art to the public with free events.

3. It’s also a great place to kick back and relax by visiting one of their many, many spas and resorts.

There’s so many to choose from, you probably won’t know where to start.

4. The Scottsdale Greenbelt is a city perk and a perfect spot to go for a run or walk the dog.

The wash-turned-flood retention area doubles as a recreation area when it’s not raining and manages to keep the city looking its best for residents and visitors alike.

5. Scottsdale combines scenic desert views with the luxurious conveniences of city life.

Surrounded by exquisite mountains, the sights and outdoor activities that you can find in Scottsdale are numerous! There’s nothing that quite beats taking a hiking in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve then heading out for a delicious brunch. That actually takes us to our next point…

6. You can find award-winning restaurants, local favorites, and everything in between.

In a city with more than 800 restaurants, it’s not difficult finding a favorite.

7. Scottsdale has a vibrant downtown scene.

One of the best parts of moving to a new town or city is finding that the downtown or main street area is alive. That’s what you’ll find here where Old Town is a lively destination for residents and visitors alike.

SOURCE

Jeff Barchi has been a REALTOR® and one of the best real estate agent Arizona expert and managing homes for sale in the Greater Phoenix area since 1999. He is ranked in the top 1% of all real estate agents in Arizona in Greater Phoenix, two time winner of top 40 Realtor AZ under 40 award, and the top 2% of all agents nationwide. In 18 years Jeff, as a leading Arizona real estate agent, has participated in approximately 900 transactions, i.e. homes for sale in Arizona, averaging approximately 50 per year. To put this number in perspective, the average Realtor AZ closes 11 transactions per year. If you are looking for the best real estate agent Arizona expert, Jeff Barchi is your guy. His real estate firm has been praised as the best Phoenix real estate agent, he has been a very successful Scottsdale real estate agent and Paradise Valley Realtor.

Thinking of selling your home sometime next year? Why wait? Existing home sales have increased from November to December an average of 4.5% in the past three winters. That means even though there are fewer homes on the market, buyers are out there buying at a steady, if not increased, pace. That’s great news for you winter sellers!

If you’ve got a home on the market right now, you might feel like the Grinch stole your Christmas. Everyone knows winter is the season of giving and spring is the season of selling. Plus, working home showings into a busy holiday schedule is like trying to shove a 20-foot tree into your living room.

If you’re ready to sell your house, you don’t have to wait. Selling during the holidays doesn’t have to spell disaster. You may be surprised that there are actually advantages to selling your home in the winter! Here are some of our favorites.

The Internet Has No Seasons

Traditional home buying and selling seasons have evolved as a result of instant internet access to property listings. While spring is still the hottest home-buying season, serious home buyers are always on the lookout, checking out the latest listings on their tablet before bed or while waiting for their kid’s football game to end.

Today’s buyers do the bulk of their home searches online, and that’s especially true when the weather outside is not so cheerful. This means your online listing and photos are especially important. Make sure you use high-quality photos that show off your home’s selling points. Photos of the exterior in all seasons can help, as can including a video tour and night shots of the exterior with all the lights on.

Make sure you work with an experienced real estate agent to get your listing up-to-snuff for online house hunters.

Competition Dries Up

Come spring, sellers will flood the market and your home will be just another fish in a great big pond. But right now, you’ve practically got the market to yourself.

Since 2014, existing home inventory has fallen an average of 15% from November to December. That’s 15% less competition on the market if you list your home during the winter! Buyers have fewer homes to choose from, which means you could sell your house faster.

Buyers Mean Business

Most folks want to curl up under a blanket next to a warm fire on a cold winter day. If a buyer is trudging around in freezing weather to look at your home, they must be serious. That’s because many winter buyers are working against a deadline, whether it’s an expiring lease, relocation, or a contract on their current home.

Getting Tax Breaks Before Year-End

Winter home buyers may also be motivated to capture the tax benefits of buying a home before year-end.

Home buyers can write off some of the expenses of their home purchase on their taxes. There are usually multiple tax benefits of owning a home they can take advantage of, too. Typically, a homeowner can count on the following being tax-deductible:

• Mortgage interest
• Private mortgage insurance (PMI) premiums
• Real estate taxes

3 Tips to Setting the Buying Mood

Nothing says welcome home quite like walking out of the cold into a nice, warm house that’s dressed up for the holidays. Admit it: Your home looks goo-ood this time of year!
It’s easier to make a house feel like home in the wintertime. Here are a few tips to help you set the buying mood.

• Keep it simple. Decorations should accent—not overpower—a room. Less is more. You don’t want your Christmas tree to take up half the living room.
• Crank up the cozy. Light a fire in the hearth, play soft holiday music in the background, and prepare fresh-baked goods or mulled cider for guests.
• Shine a light outside. Winter days get dark early. Brighten your home’s exterior with outdoor spotlights. A few holiday lights are okay.

SOURCE

Real estate agent Jeff Barchi can help you find a home in Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Paradise Valley. With Home Seller AZ real estate company, you don’t only get a great selection of Arizona real estate properties for your future home, you get expert advice. Jeff Barchi is here to help you find your dream home. He has been an Arizona real estate agent and Realtor® since 1999. With his vast experience and amazing team, he heads one of the leading real estate companies in Arizona that covers Phoenix, Scottsdale and Paradise Valley areas. You can be sure that hiring him as your home seller can land you the home you and your family deserve.

You’ve already prepped your home for fall with our fall checklist, but did you know that you can also winterize your décor? The transition from fall to winter is an opportunity to update and redecorate your home’s interior while getting it ready to handle shorter days and colder temps. Just as with your winter wardrobe, the key to making your home warmer and more functional for the winter months is by adding layers.

Layer Your Window Treatments

Bamboo shades have a beautiful tropical feel, great for those easy, breezy summer days. But the perfect solution for summer window treatments is not necessarily the best option for homes in the winter, especially in northern climates. With cold temperature looming ahead, consider replacing those woven woods with energy efficient cellular shades. Double or triple honeycomb cell shades provide an extra layer of insulation to your windows. Choose a style that brings color and personality to your room’s décor, and they’ll give you an airy and bright look when the summer rolls around again.

Hanging drapery panels is another way to add layers and warmth — and you can add them as a complement to your existing blinds or shades. Options include stationary panels or curtains that open and close, and they’re available in countless patterns and colors. Look for fabrics and trims that coordinate with the sofa or chair upholstery in the room.

Layer Your Accessories

For an inexpensive yet dramatic way to redecorate for winter, add to your accessories. You can try out different colors, textures, fabrics, and elements without making a major purchase. They can be moved from room to room and easily packed away when the season changes to spring.

One of the best (and inexpensive!) winter design tricks is to layer your sofa with lots of throw pillows. Depending on your design aesthetic, accent pillows can complement or contrast with the other colors in the room. Don’t forget to cozy-up your bed with a variety of sizes, textures, and colors as well. You’ll warm up the room both figuratively and literally.

Winter is the time to stay home and snuggle in front of the fireplace. Throw blankets add a functional and aesthetically pleasing layer to any room. Place a warm, chunky, knit afghan or faux fur coverlet on the back of your sofa, add a cup of tea and settle down with a good book in your winter-ready room.

Layer What’s Underfoot

Chilly feet and icy toes are a hallmark of winter, but they don’t have to be. Adding an area rug to a bare floor in the living room and bedroom is a warm and comfy way to transition from summer to winter. An area rug is a great solution because it can become a permanent fixture, or it can be temporary and portable — you can easily move it from room to room or house to house, or just choose a new one next season. Already have wall-to-wall carpet? It’s perfectly ok to layer a rug over wall-to-wall carpeting for more depth and visual interest.

Welcome the winter into your home with layers of warmth and texture, and you’ll rejuvenate your décor while staying cozy at the same time.

SOURCE

Jeff Barchi has been a REALTOR® and one of the best real estate agent Arizona expert and managing homes for sale in the Greater Phoenix area since 1999. He is ranked in the top 1% of all real estate agents in Arizona in Greater Phoenix, two-time winner of top 40 Realtor AZ under 40 awards, and the top 2% of all agents nationwide. In 18 years Jeff, as a leading Arizona real estate agent, has participated in approximately 900 transactions, i.e. homes for sale in Arizona, averaging approximately 50 per year. To put this number in perspective, the average Realtor AZ closes 11 transactions per year. If you are looking for the best real estate agent Arizona expert, Jeff Barchi is your guy. His real estate firm has been praised as the best Phoenix real estate agent, he has been a very successful Scottsdale real estate agent and Paradise Valley Realtor.

When the holiday season arrives, Phoenix comes alive with Southwestern hospitality and warmth. One of the unique holiday events in the Valley happens at the Desert Botanical Garden at the annual Las Noches de las Luminarias festival. More than 7,000 luminaries are set out along the garden pathways, turning the grounds into a wonderland of light and shadow. Strolling musicians, hot apple cider, and gourmet bites only add to the wonder of it all.

For another winter wonderland in the desert, head to downtown Phoenix for the annual CitySkate Ice Rink at the CityScape shopping, dining, and entertainment complex. Strap on your ice skates and take a spin on the smooth ice rink, then enjoy holidays cookies and listen to holiday carolers.

One of the biggest block parties in Arizona happens every holiday season in historic downtown Glendale during Glendale Glitters. Every weekend in December, the downtown quarter turns into a pedestrian-only area with street vendors, live music, and holiday shopping in the city’s antique shops. The annual culminates with a post-Christmas all-weekend bash featuring hot air balloons on the streets and live music on every corner.

For a uniquely Phoenix holiday event, check out Holidays at the Heard. The annual Southwestern tradition celebrates the spirit of the holidays and native cultures at the Heard Museum in central Phoenix. The event starts the day after Christmas and continues for a week, giving visitors a chance to explore authentic American Indian culture, including live music and dance.

A WINNIE THE POOH CHRISTMAS TAIL

“A Winnie the Pooh Christmas Tail” has become a favorite annual holiday tradition for many Phoenix families. The play, a production of the Valley Youth Theatre, has been presented annually for nearly 20 years. The play is a thoughtful exploration of friendship and loyalty, starring everyone’s favorite creatures from the 100 Acre Wood. Kids will love seeing stage incarnations of Christopher Robin, Piglet, Pooh, Rabbit, Tigger, Owl, Kanga and Roo and other woodland creatures as they search for Eeyore’s lost tail. The show is presented throughout the month of December. Tickets sell out fast for weekend performances, so be sure to reserve your seats early.

HANDEL’S MESSIAH AT THE PHOENIX SYMPHONY

Handel Messiah’s is an annual Christmas tradition around the world, bringing the popular “Hallelujah” chorus to lovers of classical Christmas music. The Phoenix Symphony, along with the Phoenix Symphony Chorus, puts on a rousing rendition of the classic every December. The top-notch symphony, one of the best in the Southwest, puts on the holiday concert every December at venues and churches located across the Valley. Music Director Laureate Michael Christie leads The Phoenix Symphony and Phoenix Symphony Chorus for a beautiful production of this spiritual classic. Be sure to check for specific times and venues, as the schedule changes every year.

LIGHTS OF THE WORLD

Inspired by the traditional lantern festivals of China, Lights of the World is a holiday-themed light and lantern festival that is being billed as the biggest in North America. The event, which runs through the early New Year at the Arizona State Fairgrounds, features dazzling lantern displays that highlight different cultures and civilizations around the world. More than 10 million lights make up the entirety of the displays. Apart from eye-dazzling light displays, Lights of the World also features carnival rides and games, and daily performances that run the gamut from acrobatics to live music. This family-friendly light festival was designed to appeal to visitors of all ages.

CITYSKATE ICE RINK AT CITYSCAPE

Nothing says winter in the city like a freshly surfaced ice skating rink decorated with twinkling holiday lights. That’s what visitors will find at the annual CitySkate at CityScape Phoenix event, which arrives in downtown Phoenix every year in December. Guests can rent ice skates and take a spin around the rink, snack on holiday treats like cookies and hot cocoa, enjoy the twinkling lights, and listen to the sweet sounds of holiday carolers – all in the heart of downtown Phoenix. The ice skating rink is located at the CityScape center and stays open until January. The ice skating rink is conveniently located near downtown shops and dining.

LAS NOCHES DE LAS LUMINARIAS

The elegant grounds of the Desert Botanical Gardens glow with candlelight during this famous winter event. Late in the year (usually in December), volunteers line garden pathways with more than 7,000 luminaries, creating an otherworldly spectacle that draws sell-out crowds. Musicians perform throughout the evening (including strolling mariachis), and light refreshments are served. Hungry guests can purchase gourmet bites or reserve a table at the garden’s restaurant for holiday-themed meal with all the trimmings. Non-member tickets go on sale in early October and sell out quickly, so plan ahead! This is one of the most unique holiday celebrations in the Phoenix area.

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