Consider visiting downtown Glendale with its Glendale Glitters programs on Friday and Saturday evenings (6pm to 10pm), Dec. 3-18.   It will be aglow with 1.5 million sparkling holiday lights, and Murphy Park will be filled with entertainment, arts and crafts, delicious food and horse-drawn carriage rides. Each weekend has a special theme with all kinds of fun for all ages.

Another place to see lights is Zoolights at the Phoenix Zoo.  This runs nightly through January 9, 2011 from 6:00pm to 10:00pm.  Tickets cost $10.00 per person for Sunday through Thursday nights and $12.00 on Friday and Saturday.  There is a discount for Zoo members.  Kids age 2 and younger are free.  Fry’s has discounted tickets for sale.

One of our favorites is Las Noches de las Luminarias at the Desert Botanical Garden.  Stroll through the garden which is lit by lights and luminarias.  Stop at the many different spots to listen to musical performances.  There is place to get refreshments.  I do recommend that you purchase tickets in advance as some nights sell out.  You can purchase tickets on-line.  This event is mostly attended by adults.  However, if you have a child or teenager who enjoys sitting quietly and listening to music, they will enjoy it too.

Downtown Tempe is hosting the Fantasy of Lights in the Mill Avenue district.   From November 27 to December 10, you can enter their Window Wonderland contest for a chance to win a $250 shopping spree.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has a beautiful lights display at the Arizona Temple in Mesa.  This runs from 5:30pm to 10:00 pm daily and is free.   There is usually a half-hour outdoor concert at 7:00 pm.  The Temple is located at 525 E Main St in Mesa.

One way a REALTOR can save money (which means his/her services can cost the consumer less) is to take the photos himself. A professional photographer can cost hundreds of dollars. Now if you want professional photos, just ask your agent. Otherwise your agent will probably take the photos, do some editing and put them up on the Internet and multiple listing service.

Here’s two shots I took of a recent townhome listing.  The one above was taken in the street.  The tree in front casts some shadows. It was around noon when it was taken. Also, the windows to the left are not part of this townhome. The shot below is a bit closer. The bald spot in the grass stands out a bit more. Which one do you like better? I’m thinking I’d like the top one if I re-shot it in the morning with more lighting under the tree.

Here’s another couple photos of the living room. The top photo shows the saltillo tile nicely.  The bottom shot is taken from the landing of the stairs. It’s darker and I don’t like the stair rail in the shot. Which do you prefer?

Finally, this shot of the master walk in closet. What do you notice first? The leopard coat or all the clutter? I didn’t use this shot. A lot of agents would just throw it in the mix. I’ll keep it, just in case someone might want ask to see a photo of the closet. If I decided to use a closet shot, I think I’d re-shoot without the clothes, luggage, vacuum and other items. What would you do?

Again, a professional photographer would come in and stage the home. Bring lighting and take stunning pictures. At a much higher price. This cost would be passed on to the seller.   This is a nice townhome in Mesa.  It’s selling for $50,000. If you’d like to see all the photos and the mls listing for it, click here.

Beautifully remodeled two bedroom condo for sale in Woodglen Square community in Mesa, Arizona.  It has new carpert and tile, new kitchen cabinets, granite counters and stainless steel appliances.  Bathrooms were remodeled too.  For more information visit – Woodglen Square Condo.  If you would like to see this property  give your REALTOR MLS number 4358940 or give us a call at 480-917-1922.

We have set up a blog just for our newest listing in the Mesa community of the Village at Hawes.

Three Bedroom, Two Bath, Model Patio Home – Mesa, AZ

See pictures of the patio home and the community.  Read about the community and the home by clicking on the link above.  There is a private courtyard at the entrance with custom glass front door.  There are also french doors from the living room to the courtyard.

The kitchen is really beautiful with granite counter tops, stainless steel appliances, and a stone tile backsplash.  The home was once a model for the community with custom touches throughout.

For More Information – www.mesaoldwestdays.com

Himalayan Quest on October 28, 2009 at 7:30pm

Polar Obsession on December 2, 2009 at 7:30pm

Hunting Dinosaurs on January 27, 2010 at 7:30pm

Army Ants & Flying Frogs on March 17 at 7:30pm

For more information and to purchase tickets – Mesa Arts Center – National Geographic Series.

Chandler, AZ – The Official City of Chandler, AZ Government Twitter

Mesa, AZ – Official Web site of the City of Mesa, Arizona municipality

Tempe, AZ – Tempe Gov

Phoenix Public Transit – Phoenix Metro Bus

Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport

Gammage Auditorium , ASU Tempe Campus - hosts a Broadway series as well as numerous other performances

Hale Theater , Gilbert - hosts children’s theater as well as family and adult plays.

Broadway Palm Dinner Theater , Mesa – where you can eat dinner and see a show

Tempe Center for the Arts, Tempe – hosts a variety of programs including the well know Childsplay productions, dance productions, and a variety of other plays and programs

Mesa Center for the Arts, Mesa – see Southwest Shakespeare Company, East Valley Children’s Theater, Ballet Etudes, Symphony of the Southwest, and more

Chandler Center for the Arts, Chandler – hosts a free summer concert series and a variety of performances throughout the year

Scottsdale Center for the Arts, Scottsdale – see the popular “Late Night Catechism” or any of the other great program

Phoenix Theater, Phoenix – hosts a season of popular plays

Great Arizona Puppet Theater, Phoenix – presents great puppet shows geared mainly towards elementary age children.  They also offer a Puppet Slam program for adults.

Actors Theater, Phoenix – present a variety of plays mostly geared towards adult audiences

CNN/Money Rankings of Best Places to Live in 2008:

Gilbert, AZ - 28
Chandler, AZ – 30
Scottsdale, AZ – 47

Sustainability Rankings 2008:

Mesa, AZ – 50

Best Sports Cities Ranking - Sporting News 2008:

Phoenix/Tempe – 6