Mortgage Insurance And Title Insurance Explained

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Mortgage Insurance
Mortgage insurance is a coverage that a lender requires for a borrower who makes a relatively small down payment. You, as the borrower, have little equity in the property at the time of the home purchase. The insurance is for the protection of the lender in case there is a default on the loan. Because of this insurance, you can afford to purchase a home without making a considerable down payment. The cost of mortgage insurance is based on the amount you borrow. Lenders generally charge between one half of one percent AND one percent of the loan amount. It is calculated as an annual premium and divided by 12 for a monthly cost, which is included in your mortgage payment. Let’s say you buy a home for $200,000, the balance of $180,000 is multiplied by .005 to arrive at the cost of mortgage insurance. The result is $900, which is then divided by 12 for a monthly cost of $75.00. The homeowners protection act states that mortgage insurance must be automatically cancelled when the loan to value reaches 78%. This is calculated on the homes price when purchased. A borrower can send a written request to cancel PMI when the loan has reached 80% LTV.

Title Insurance
Title insurance helps the home buying process by allowing both the home buyer and the financing agent to proceed with assurance that the property is eligible to be sold. It protects against the risk that there are potential claims against the property that nullify the sale after the fact whether its from willful fraud perpetrated by the seller or unknown heirs who suddenly discover they may be your new home’s rightful owner. A title company (other states may use an attorney) performs research to ensure that the deed is valid and that there aren’t any other claimants on the property or mistakes in the record that could prove troublesome at a later date. Once that is complete, an insurance policy will pay to defend you in court if the validity of the title is ever challenged and compensate you for your equity in the property if you lose such a case.

As a third generation real estate agent and native of Arizona, I am passionate about helping you and your loved ones achieve your real estate goals. If you are buying or selling in Gilbert or any of the East Valley cities, trust that I will go the extra mile to ensure a smooth and successful transaction.

How To Set Your 2015 Goals

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Many of us believe life will be better by reaching those goals, so we make our plans, put our nose to the grindstone, and work our butts off until we’re there.
But for many, we reach our goals and discover they were the wrong goals and the wrong path to get there. No one taught us how to set goals that would give us the life and the career we wanted.

Here’s how to set the right goals for the life you actually want:

1. STOP SETTING GOALS FOR THE WRONG REASON

The first step to setting goals that will bring you an awesome life is to stop setting goals that will bring you a sucky life. Most goals are about a destination. “I want a million dollars.” “I want enlightenment.” “I want a truck.” If you tend to set your goals based on the destination, and don’t consider the journey, try switching it around.

2. CHOOSE A GOAL TO CREATE A JOURNEY

Instead of setting life goals, think about setting a life direction. Figure out the things that would create a fun, meaningful, compelling journey. Ask yourself:
How do I want to spend my time?
What daily activities make me want to leap out of bed?
What do I want to learn?
Who do I want to hang out with? Talk with? Collaborate with?
Now set your goal. Choose one that will create the journey you just designed.
In fact, the specific goal you set is almost arbitrary—it’s simply setting a direction so the pursuit itself gives you the life that you want. With the right journey, it won’t even matter if you reach your goal.

3. IF THE GOAL DOESN’T WORK, CHANGE IT

As you can see, the goal is really just a way of making sure we take a meaningful journey. Some journeys are so much fun, people stay on them forever. Take for instance what many actors say, “Why would I retire? What I do isn’t work; it’s pure fun!”

But if your job involves staring at a screen and filing TPS reports, you may not share that sentiment. As much press as persistence gets, keep in mind that you can always change your direction. Your goal is there to shape your life in a way that delights you, not enslaves you. If the pursuit of the goal is draining your life, then why keep it?

We adopt goals for one reason and one reason only: to change our lives. Rather than adopting a goal you hope will change your life once you reach it, do it the other way around. Choose the journey that for you would be awesome—the activities, personal growth, and friends. Then choose a goal that acts as a compass to give you that life as part of the journey.

And if you ever feel your direction needs changing, change goals. Because it’s not about where you end up, it’s about the life you live on the way. Your life is too precious to settle for less than extraordinary.

(Source:fastco.com)

 

 

As a third generation real estate agent and native of Arizona, I am passionate about helping you and your loved ones achieve your real estate goals. If you are buying or selling in Gilbert or any of the East Valley cities, trust that I will go the extra mile to ensure a smooth and successful transaction.

25 Phoenix Vintage Boutiques

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Somebody said recently that vintage is the new black. Well, Phoenix vintage hounds, you’re in luck. Our city has vintage shops for just about any collectible — from antique books to vintage clothes, garden tools to Christmas decorations. Aside from the Savers, Salvation Army’s and Goodwill’s (which are great for finding some awesome deals) try touring some of these one-of-a-kind vintage shops around the valley.

Best Monthly Vintage Sale: Sweet Salvage
Every month, we strive to make a little more room in our apartment in hopes of squeezing in a new vintage find from Sweet Salvage. The décor shop opens its doors every third Thursday through Sunday with a new theme (the second-ever, held around Halloween, was “mad scientist”) and fresh merchandise.

Best Vintage Christmas Stuff: Zinnias on Melrose
We didn’t used to own a set of Santa Claus salt-and-pepper shakers or a Frosty the Snowman slushy maker, but we do now, thanks to Zinnias at Melrose, our favorite spot in town for vintage holiday gewgaws and all things Christmas.

Best Antique Shop for Vintage Carnival Chalkware: Antique Centre
Lots of people go to Scottsdale for its better restaurants and uptown department store shopping, but we go there for plaster Kewpie dolls. Antique Centre is the best place to find vintage carnival chalkware, those oddly painted statues that were given away as prizes at carnival dime-tosses in the ’30s and ’40s.

Best Thrift Store for Vintage Furniture: White Dove Thrift
Outside of a plain old antiques store, this is the place where the best local collection of slightly tarnished vintage furniture resides. Every stick of Stickley is waiting for you to discover it and bring it home; and next time you drive past this Seventh Avenue destination and see a moving van out front, pull in!

Best Annual Parking Lot Sale of Vintage Goods: Antique Gatherings
What we wanted more than anything was a pair of gigantic vintage Drexel china cupboards to cram all of our dishes into. Alas, everyplace we saw them (they’re pretty common but still very lovely), there was only one and it was way too expensive. Then we headed over to Antique Gatherings for its semi-annual Spring Parking Lot Sale, because we always find something there that makes us want to scream with joy. And there they were: two big Drexel cupboards with teeny tiny price tags on them.

Best Thrift Store for Vintage Dishware: Flo’s on 7th
The best thing about our new set of Brockware Chanticleer dishware is that we got it for next to nothing, because we shop at Flo’s. The buyers there seem to know what they have — often, dishes and serving pieces will be tagged with the set’s current eBay value — but they’re not doing that weird thing where they lock it all up in a case and over-price it.

Best Vintage Lighting Fixtures: Stuff Antiques
Staring at the ceiling is a good idea at Stuff Antiques, a place that’s really all about the best in period lighting. Joe, the owner, clearly is obsessed with fine examples of exceptional period lamps and light fixtures; his place is filled to the rafters with stunning examples of Victorian, Arts and Crafts, Art Deco, and Midcentury Modern pieces.

Best Thrift Store Antique Department: Westside Christian Charity
We secretly hate those glass cases in thrift stores, where the “good stuff” has been locked away because someone in a backroom has decided that a headless Shirley Temple doll with a torn dress is valuable and should cost $40. And there’s never anyone around with a key to show us the thing we want, anyway. But at Indian School Thrift, we love the glass cases — because they’re just one part of a whole department of neatly arranged, actually vintage things for sale.

Best Thrift Store Nobody Knows About: Eve’s Treasures
It’s the glassware that we love the best. No, wait. It’s the stunning selection of hardcover books for sale here. Or is it the whole roomful of vintage record albums that keep drawing us back, over and over again, to this cute little best-kept-secret of a thrift shop?

Best MidCentury Modern Furniture: Modern Manor
If you spend considerable time on Craigslist employing search terms like “teak,” “Danish,” and “Eames,” pause your rapidly moving fingers. Now, instead of compulsively hitting refresh on that shady search page again, redirect your eyes to Ryan and Kylie Durkin’s website for a look at their mod treasures.

Best Thrift Store for Cheap Gifts: Assistance League Thrift
We admit it: There’s a box in our closet where we keep inexpensive gifts we’ve scored at Assistance League Thrift, one of the best thrift shops in town for still-in-the-box re-giftables. Recently, we’ve found a cute box of vintage stationery for a dollar; a still-wrapped-in-plastic potpourri candle; and a neat spice rack (also still in its original box) shaped like a giraffe that we know will make the perfect last-minute hostess gift.

Best Vintage Clothing on a Budget: Butter Toast Boutique
Nobody pulls off the hippie-chic look quite like Butter Toast owners Traci Nelson and Jasmine Jarrett do. At once effortless and thoughtfully put together, theirs is a look that is easy to attempt but can be tough to pull off.

Best Place to Buy Antiques on a Budget: Antique Marketplace (MY FAV!!!)
It just keeps growing, like Topsy. Antique Marketplace, which savvy shoppers remember as the old Historic District Antiques on Seventh Avenue, continues to gobble up the other storefronts around it, expanding more and more every time we drop in. That’s a good thing, because we always find something amazing, at an amazingly low price, when we do.

Best Place to Buy High-End Antiques: Phoenix Lamp Repair
We know where to go for fancier antiques for our great old house, and now we’re going to tell you — in good part because you may not know that this wonderful old shop even sells antiques. They do — and good ones, besides.

Best Place to Buy Vintage Clothing: Antique Sugar at Zinnia’s
Shopping for vintage duds can prove an iffy endeavor in Phoenix, where some stores couldn’t be bothered to give a hoot about their products. That’s especially true when delving into racks and stacks ends with shoppers exiting in the midst of a dusty sneezing fit. In the case of Melrose district vintage staple Antique Sugar, the clothing couldn’t be ignored by the shop owners or vintage lovers long enough for mites to collect — it’s simply too desirable.

Best Mobile Vintage Shop: Merry May Shoppe
Yeah, yeah. We know all about food trucks. But there’s a new brand of shops on wheels we’re excited about: clothing trucks. And we have Ashley Eaton to thank for our newfound obsession.

Best Vintage Jewelry: Vintage By Misty
Misty Guerriero travels the world in search of to-die-for vintage fashion and furniture to fill up Vintage By Misty. London, Paris, Israel, and Spain all make her list of shopping destinations. Where Guerriero’s eye for the eye-catching serves her best (in our humble opinion) is in her selection of fabulous baubles, as evidenced by the shop’s impressive variety of accessories.

Best Splurge-Worthy Vintage Clothing: Fashion by Robert Black
With the frequency that designers use the word “couture” to describe their work, you’d think the stuff magically grew on mannequins. The term actually is short for haute couture, a French descriptor for handmade, custom high fashion that is really, really expensive. And if you’re in the market for it, there’s one Valley standby that always has it stocked: Fashion by Robert Black.

Best Designer Consignment Store: Poor Little Rich Girl
Label lovers who get giddy over good deals on quality products, we’re about to let you in on a little shopping secret of ours. Instead of getting bogged down by aimless shoppers and too much filler at places like T.J. Maxx, head to discount department store alternative Poor Little Rich Girl.

Best Used Clothing for Kids: Love Child
The only thing more adorable than a little girl’s party dress is a little girl’s party dress at a screaming bargain. And that’s what you’ll find — rack after rack of ’em, in fact — at Love Child.

Best Antiques Mall: Brass Armadillo
We’re clumsy. And so, when we recently knocked over and smashed a vintage Dr Pepper bottle while visiting a friend’s very vintage home, we were mortified but not surprised. We also weren’t worried about replacing this rare article — we just grabbed our phone and dialed Brass Armadillo, because if anyone had one, we knew they would.

Best Vintage Textiles: Retro Ranch
Ramie. Baft. Bombazine. We’re addicted to reading the labels on vintage clothing, and some of the best label-reading (not to mention shopping) that we’ve done lately is at Retro Ranch, one of Seventh Avenue’s best-known vintage stores.

Best Boutique Thrift Shop: Sunset Clothing Xchange
On the flipside of Mucho Gusto, on University Drive, sits Sunset, a boutique thrift shop where, after a few of those hibiscus margs, we tend to go a little berserk. Not that it’s unwarranted. It’s quite the opposite.

Best Antique Shop for Gardening Supplies: Qcumberz
We didn’t know we needed a vintage hand rake until we saw a nicely weathered green one hanging on the wall at Qcumberz, a longtime favorite of local antique fans.

Best Place to Buy an Antique Bathtub: Antique Trove
We wanted an old claw-foot tub, and we looked in all the usual places. Pretty much every antique dealer rolled his eyes and wrung his hands and sent us away, empty-handed. And then we went to Antique Trove, which lives up to its name, always. Treasures everywhere, and all of it so nicely displayed and lit.

(Source: Phoenixnewtimes.com)

 

 

As a third generation real estate agent and native of Arizona, I am passionate about helping you and your loved ones achieve your real estate goals. If you are buying or selling in Gilbert or any of the East Valley cities, trust that I will go the extra mile to ensure a smooth and successful transaction.

10 Markets Where Baby Boomers Will Be Buying

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Observing the migratory of baby boomers is a recurring theme in real estate research. Where this large generation winds up will affect real estate, local economies and the cost of living. The National Association of REALTORS® recently analyzed a number of data points to find out which housing markets are most likely to get a bump from the boomer generation, and their research pinpointed 10 cities ready to benefit from an influx of boomers.

“These metro areas are attractive to baby boomers because of their housing affordability, lower tax rates and welcoming business environment,” NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun said.

  1. Albuquerque, NM
  2. Boise, ID
  3. Denver, CO
  4. Fort Myers, FL
  5. Greenville, SC
  6. Orlando, FL
  7. Phoenix, AZ
  8. Raleigh, NC
  9. Sarasota, FL
  10. Tucson, AZ

 

 

 

As a third generation real estate agent and native of Arizona, I am passionate about helping you and your loved ones achieve your real estate goals. If you are buying or selling in Gilbert or any of the East Valley cities, trust that I will go the extra mile to ensure a smooth and successful transaction.

2015 Hottest Housing Markets

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We’re closing out the best year in the U.S. economic recovery since the recession hit in 2008. For the most part, the housing market has rebounded. And plenty of places are reaping the benefits. Where can you find these hot housing markets? Realtor.com® Chief Economist, Jonathan Smoke, offered up his top 10 picks for 2015—the places where we can expect to see strong housing growth, affordable prices and fast-paced sales.“The markets on this list range from big cities with older housing stock to big and mid-size cities with substantial levels of new construction to up-and-coming markets appealing to young professionals for their job growth and high affordability,” Smoke said. Some of the cities on the list are familiar to anyone who’s kept an eye on real estate trends, but there are a few surprises in the mix.

Atlanta
One of the cities hit hardest by the bubble bursting a few years ago, Atlanta took longer than other markets to recover from the housing crash. But now, the sprawling metropolis is showing signs of rebounding. Over the next five years, the Atlanta market is expected to see 7% growth in total households, Smoke says.At the center of transportation throughout the Southeast, Atlanta is also experiencing strong employment growth and its income is on par with the the rest of the nation.Plus, Atlanta is still affordable—especially compared to other markets—despite predictions of increasing prices. City home sales are forecast to be up by 11% in 2015 as household growth, job growth and affordability work together to speed up the housing market recovery.

Dallas
Dallas has been a top performer and is expected to remain one of the best markets in 2015, Smoke says. Although it’s home to 20 billionaires, the city hasn’t had its real estate market thrown out of whack by big money.The Southern city is on pace to set a new employment record in 2014, the market is affordable, and it continues to draw an influx of new households.Everything’s bigger in Texas, and huge new homes are springing up all over Dallas.The city’s strong new construction market helps to contain any worry of housing supply pressure. Smoke predicts a 3% growth in home prices in 2015 and 7% growth in home sales.

Denver
Although it’s freezing in the winter, this mountain metro is the hottest when it comes to real estate. Denver is on track to see the largest percentage increase in home sales—14%—of any major market, according to Smoke. It’s had one of the stronger local economies since the recovery began and is now setting new records for jobs.Home prices are fully recovered, and the Mile High City will likely end 2014 with more home sales than 2013. The market’s biggest looming concern is declining affordability: Smoke predicts 3% growth in home prices in the next year

Des Moines
While Des Moines might seem like an odd fit for a list of the hottest metros in America, Smoke sees encouraging signs.Its high affordability and high levels of home ownership among millennials set the stage for strong housing performance next year, he says.In fact, Iowa’s capital has been called everything from “The Best Place For Business” by Forbes to “The Wealthiest U.S. City” by the “Today Show.”As further proof, the local economy continues to click along quite nicely. The city is seeing record levels of employment, Smoke added, and the unemployment rate is well below the national average.

Houston
No surprise here: Houston, which has been a top housing market performer, is expected to remain on top in 2015. The energy industry that fuels the city’s economy continues to spur expansion and jobs.That’s because Texas’ most populous city is on pace to set a new employment record in 2014—and with predicted 4% employment growth in 2015, there’s no sign of a slowdown.The market remains affordable. But due to recent price increases, housing prices are becoming a challenge—especially relative to other Texas cities.Even so, Houston is expected to see robust housing growth, largely due to its strong new construction sector.

Los Angeles
Home to the entertainment industry, Los Angeles is still in the midst of recovery from the recession. With so many luxurious residences, the city ranks as one of the least affordable cities in the nation.But that can’t keep it off our list.Jobs lost during the recession are flowing back into America’s second-largest city—forecasted growth for the metro shows that employment will get back to pre-recession numbers in 2015.And increasing home prices aside (they’re expected to rise by 4%), the city of bright lights and big stars continues to grow and thrive. Smoke predicts home sales in the city will grow by 6% in 2015.

Minneapolis
A diverse economy and strong housing affordability lands Minneapolis on our list. The Twin Cities area continues to show low unemployment and is setting new records for jobs in 2014.The combination of the booming job market and affordable housing makes the city of lakes a hot spot for millennials.In fact, it’s the second-largest market in the nation among home-owning millennials. The Minneapolis area is also seeing strong growth in new construction, which helps provide supply to meet the increased demand.

Phoenix
Phoenix consistently hammers home market growth through new construction. Because it’s one of the top five markets for new construction, the sprawling desert city continues to see an increase in overall population and household growth.Household growth is anticipated to increase by 7% over the next five years, according to Smoke.And although the market hasn’t fully recovered from the recession, it continues to be relatively affordable and income is expected to grow at a higher pace in 2015.

San Jose, CA
San Jose’s economic and housing growth put it squarely in the big leagues—even out-performing San Francisco, its arguably more picturesque sibling to the north.San Jose, with its location in the heart of Silicon Valley and its world-class technology companies, is setting new records for jobs. Unemployment remains low, housing prices have fully recovered, and 2014 is on pace to see more transactions than 2013—bucking all national trends.The 5-year household growth is forecasted to be 6%—double the national rate. Affordability remains a huge challenge, but income growth has been strong and is forecasted to be higher again in 2015. Smoke predicts home price growth to be positive but at a more moderate pace of 2%. Home sales should grow 7% in 2015, he added.

Washington, DC
The nation’s capital didn’t suffer as much during the recession as other cities, but the government sequester in 2013 and early 2014 substantially slowed employment growth, enabling other markets to out-perform the town where politics are always on display.Now that the bureaucracy is open for business and contributing to economic growth, the forecast for Washington is improving, Smoke says.And it’s not a built on a house of cards—the District ranks third overall in projected growth of home-owning households over the next five years.Home sales should rebound next year as well—after a 2% decline in 2014, home sales are expected to surge 10% in 2015.

 

 

 

As a third generation real estate agent and native of Arizona, I am passionate about helping you and your loved ones achieve your real estate goals. If you are buying or selling in Gilbert or any of the East Valley cities, trust that I will go the extra mile to ensure a smooth and successful transaction.

Spice Up Your Hot Chocolate

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Looking for ways to spice up your hot chocolate this winter season? Here are 10 amazing tips! Share your experience with me here!! I’ve tried #1 and #6! Which ones have you tried and loved?

3D Bathroom Floor Designs That Will Blow Your Mind

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I am speechless….almost! Can you imagine walking into this very morning? Half awake, fumbling to get to the light switch, eyes not fully adjusted and looking down to see this?? It would definitely be a hit with guests…and of course the kids! Would you get this creative with your bathroom?

 

 

 

As a third generation real estate agent and native of Arizona, I am passionate about helping you and your loved ones achieve your real estate goals. If you are buying or selling in Gilbert or any of the East Valley cities, trust that I will go the extra mile to ensure a smooth and successful transaction.

8 Reasons To Purchase A Home In The Winter

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Summer may be real estate’s busy season, but winter offers great opportunities for buying a house, especially for renters looking to become homeowners, growing families trading up to larger houses and baby boomers seeking homes to fit their evolving lifestyles. Not to mention, home buying in Phoenix in the fall/winter months are ideal as we do no have shovel any snow or worry about road closures due to icy roads. Just plenty of sunshine. Generally speaking, your housing choices during the late fall are still healthy. October and November are great months to go house hunting. December is usually sparse, market-wise, but if that fits your timeline, you could luck out.The benefits to buying a house at the end of the year include the following:

1. Tax savings
If you close by December 31, you can deduct mortgage interest, property taxes, points on your loan and interest costs. These deductions are significant, especially in the early years of your loan when you’re paying off a lot of interest.

2. Motivated sellers
Many sellers want to enjoy tax savings on the next home they purchase. They may accept lower bids in order to meet Uncle Sam’s deadlines.

3. Builder incentives
If you’re buying a house that is brand new, there’s a good chance builders may push to close the books on their year—and meet quotas. They may offer upgrades or little extras to sell houses before the calendar turns.

4. Available movers
Many moving companies are booked six weeks or more in advance during the busy summer months. In the fall and winter, it’s normally easier to secure the services of a moving company or rental equipment on shorter notice.

5. Paying toward something you own
If you’re renting, your monthly check goes toward something that will last you a month: You’ll never see any return on that money. When you buy a house, your monthly mortgage payment goes toward an investment—and ultimately a roof that’s yours.

6. Consistent payments
Landlords can increase your rent. Once you secure a mortgage, you can rely on consistent payments if you have a fixed-rate loan

7. Freedom to renovate
Modernize your kitchen, paint your home’s exterior neon orange, change your fixtures or replace your carpeting; whatever inspires you, no one can tell you, “No!”

8. Gaining equity
In the beginning, most of your payment goes toward interest. But gradually more will go toward paying off your principal, meaning you build up equity —or savings—in your home. Another factor in equity is appreciation: As home values rise, so does your rate of equity.

(Source: Realtor.com; Updated from an earlier version by Michele Dawson)

 

 

 

As a third generation real estate agent and native of Arizona, I am passionate about helping you and your loved ones achieve your real estate goals. If you are buying or selling in Gilbert or any of the East Valley cities, trust that I will go the extra mile to ensure a smooth and successful transaction.

2014 Holiday Events In Metro Phoenix

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From Junie B. Jones in Jingle Bells, Batman Smells, to the ever famous Phoenix Zoo lights, you will find a wide variety of holiday events throughout the valley. Here is a sampling of what the holiday season has to offer in 2014.

Chandler Tumbleweed Tree Lighting, Parade of Lights and Santa’s House
The Chandler tradition, in its 58th year, features a 25-foot-tall wire frame covered in nearly 1,000 tumbleweeds painted white, dusted with glitter and decked with 1,200 lights. Dance and performing-arts groups and an ugly-sweater contest will entertain you as you await the 7 p.m. Parade of Lights, followed by the tree lighting by Mayor Jay Tibshraeny and City Council members at 8 p.m. Santa’s House will offer free pictures with Santa and entertainment on various dates through Dec. 20.Details: 4:30-9 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6; on display through Sunday, Jan. 11. Downtown Chandler and Dr. A.J. Chandler Park, 3 S. Arizona Ave. Free. 480-782-2735, chandleraz.gov/tumbleweedtree.

‘The SnowCat’
An ancient Asian parable lends its title of this family show, a mix of music, storytelling and visual art created by Arizona jazz flugel hornist and composer Dmitri Matheny. Details: 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 13. Chandler Center for the Arts, 250 N. Arizona Ave. $8. 480-782-2680, chandlercenter.org.

‘A Christmas Carol’
Traditional noels add musical cheer to Hale Centre Theatre’s 11th annual staging of Charles Dickens’ classic tale, in which the original holiday humbug, Ebenezer Scrooge, learns the true meaning of Christmas after a late-night horror show put on by the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future.Details: Thursday, Dec. 4, through Wednesday, Dec. 24. Hale Centre Theatre, 50 W. Page Ave., Gilbert. $16-$28. 480-497-1181, haletheatrearizona.com.

‘Christmas with the Nelsons’
Ricky Nelson’s twin sons, Matthew and Gunnar, offer a multimedia evening that blends elements of their touring “Ricky Nelson Remembered” show with seasonal tunes.Details: 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 12. Higley Center for the Performing Arts, 4132 E. Pecos Road, Gilbert. $34-$60.20. 480-279-7194, higleyarts.org.

The Alley Cats: ‘Jingle Bell Rock’
These doo-wop revivalists got together at Fullerton College in California and landed their first professional gig at Disneyland’s “Blast to the Past.” These days, they’re Jay Leno’s opening act in Las Vegas. They’ve also won two Contemporary A Cappella Society awards: best album for “The Doo-Wop Drive-In Live” and best song for “What’s Your Name.”Details: 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 14. Higley Center for the Performing Arts, 4132 E. Pecos Road, Gilbert. $22-$43.40. 480-279-7194, higleyarts.org.

Glendale Glitters
Meander through 16 blocks of historic downtown Glendale, which will be transformed into a winter wonderland illuminated by 1.5 million lights for the 21st year. Themed events will be featured 5-10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays through Saturday, Dec. 20. Lights will be on through the Glitter & Glow Block Party on Saturday, Jan. 11; there will be free shuttles 4:15-10:15 p.m. to the block party from the parking lot at Glendale Community College, 6000 W. Olive Ave.Details: 5-11 p.m. nightly through Saturday, Jan. 10. Glendale and 58th avenues. Free. 623-930-2299, glendaleaz.com/glitters.

Mesa LDS Temple
The annual Southeast Valley tradition will feature palm trees wrapped from top to bottom in thousands of lights, a nativity scene and illuminated gardens. Messages can be heard in English and Spanish, and local music groups and individuals will perform for 30 minutes at 7 p.m. Dec. 1-25. Early arrival is recommended for these concerts; space is limited.Details: 5-10 p.m. nightly through Wednesday, Dec. 31. 525 E. Main St. Free. 480-964-7164, mesachristmaslights.com.

‘Miracle on 34th Street’
Meredith Willson, creator of “The Music Man,” adapted this classic Christmas flick for Broadway in 1963 as “Here’s Love.” Now, it’s back to the original title, but it’s the same song-and-dance retelling of the modern parable about a department-store Santa who claims to be the real thing.Details: Through Thursday, Dec. 25. The Palms Theatre, 5247 E. Brown Road, Mesa. $47-$54 including meal; $22 ages 18 and under; $30-$35 show only. 480-924-6260, thepalmstheatre.com.

‘Elf’
A boy grows up at the North Pole to be Santa’s tallest little helper in this 2010 Broadway musical based on the hit film comedy starring Will Ferrell. The finale features the ensemble tap-dancing on its their knees, as no actual elves auditioned for the show.Details: 7:30 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday, Dec. 2-3. Mesa Arts Center, 1 E. Main St. $40-$80. 480-644-6500, mesaartscenter.com.

Dave Koz & Friends Christmas Tour
The smooth-jazz sax man has made a tradition out of his seasonal tour. This year, he’s joined by ’80s survivor Christopher Cross, jazz singer Maysa and and guitar whiz/vocalist Jonathan Butler.Details: 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 17. Mesa Arts Center, 1 E. Main St. $52-$82. 480-644-6500, mesaartscenter.com.

An Irish Christmas
This year’s special guests include Kevin Horton and “Riverdance” and “Magic of the Dance” stars Ciaran Maguire and Collette Dunne, known as “the fastest feet in the business.” The show promises “dancing through the generations over brooms, on half doors, around butter churns and shoemakers, into the world of mythology and out again; singing that spins itself out of the mists and into the familiar ‘Silent Night,’ ‘Little Drummer Boy’ and ‘Carol of the Bells,’ and superb music of the pipes, flutes, fiddles, button accordion and bodhráns.”Details: 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 20. Mesa Arts Center, 1 E. Main St. $33. 480-644-6500, mesaartscenter.com.

Symphony of the Southwest
Selections from Tchaikovsky’s “Nutcracker” suite highlight the holiday program by this community orchestra formerly known as the Mesa Symphony Orchestra.Details: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13. Mesa Arts Center, 1 E. Main St. $19. 480-644-6500, mesaartscenter.com, symphonyofthesouthwest.org.

Christmas Lights at Red Mountain Community Church
You can’t miss 500,000 lights illuminating this church if you’re traveling Loop 202/Red Mountain Freeway at about Recker Road. Stop and see the lights up close, including lighted animals, a horse-drawn sleigh and wagon. Hot chocolate and cookies are served Friday and Saturday nights. When you arrive, a sign will provide the FM dial position where you’ll hear narration. Lights will remain on through Dec. 30 but may be off if it rains.Details: 5-10:30 p.m. nightly through Dec. 30. 6101 E. Virginia St., Mesa. 480-807-5868, rmcchurch.org/events.

Salt River Brass
Founded in 1988, the Tempe-based community ensemble’s annual holiday pops program mixes popular tunes, such as “Jingle Bells” and “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” with classical selections, such as Bach’s Toccata and Fugue in D minor, Shostakovich’s “Festive Overture” and Biebl’s “Ave Maria.” That’s Franz Biebl, the 20th-century German composer, not Justin Bieber.Details: 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 14. Mesa Arts Center, 1 E. Main St. $15-$22. 480-644-6500, mesaartscenter.com, saltriverbrass.com.

Phoenix Zoo Lights
The Phoenix Zoo will be lit with 3.8 million lights and 700 dazzling displays. Music in Motion shows featuring tunes from the movie “The Polar Express” and “Carol of the Bells” by Arctic Express are new this year. A 300-pound block of ice will be sculpted into an animal on select nights. Available for an additional fee are a new multisensory 4-D theater with fog, snow and wind; a carousel; wagon rides; and the Stingray Bay touch tank. Alcoholic beverages are offered Friday and Saturday nights. Avoid the crowds and go Mondays-Wednesdays, before Dec. 14 or visit in January.Details: 5:30-10:30 p.m. nightly through Sunday, Jan. 11. 455 N. Galvin Parkway. $8-$12 value tickets (some dates excluded)CQ, $14-$18CQ “any night” tickets, free for 2 or younger; additional fee for activities. 602-273-1341, phoenixzoo.org/zoolights.

Las Noches de las Luminarias
Following the Hispanic Christmas tradition, brown bags containing lighted candles line the garden’s paths, creating a peaceful and romantic glow amid the saguaros and other desert flora. Mariachi Pasión, Pick and Holler, the Sahnas Brothers and handbell ringers are among the performers you’ll hear throughout the garden each night. Bars are stationed around the garden for those 21 or older. Dine at Gertrude’s restaurant; a buffet and cafe also are available.Details: 5:30-9:30 p.m., Nov. 28-29 and Friday-Saturday, Dec. 12-13; Friday-Sunday, Dec. 19-23 and 26-30. Dec. 5-6 is for garden members only. Desert Botanical Garden, 1201 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix. $10-$30. 480-481-8188, dbg.org/luminaria.

APS Electric Light Parade
The streets of central Phoenix will be filled with floats, each covered in 2,000 dazzling lights in a Holidays in Toyland theme. You’ll also see marching bands, lighted balloons, performance units and Santa. Grab a seat early along the parade route, which starts at Central and Montebello avenues, travels south to Camelback Road, then east to Seventh Street, where it turns south again and ends at Indian School Road. Blankets, chairs and coolers are permitted, but glass containers, pets and alcohol are not allowed. If you take the light rail, exit Central/Camelback. Get a sneak peek at motorized entries lit up for judging just north of the church 5-8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5; kids can enjoy activities and meet Santa Claus.Details: 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6. Parade begins at North Phoenix Baptist Church, 5757 N. Central Ave. Free. 602-534-3378, phoenix.gov/parks.

Ballet Arizona: ‘The Nutcracker’
Artistic director Ib Andersen, among the last protégés of the great choreographer George Balanchine, reconceived his company’s annual holiday treat in 2006. The $1.8 million production, of course, features lovely dancing, but the emphasis is on spectacle, with 260 costumes, 25 backdrops, 200 pounds of falling “snow” and 100,000 Swarovski crystals to make the blizzard really sparkle. Reviewing the new version’s premiere, The Republic’s Richard Nilsen raved, “Over and over, some coup de theatre leaves the audience gasping, as when the entire back of the stage drops away in a skein of floating red silk to reveal the Sugar Plum Fairy behind.”Details: Friday, Dec. 12, through Sunday, Dec. 28. Symphony Hall, 75 N. Second St., Phoenix. $15-$168. 602-381-1096, balletaz.org.

Festival of Lights Display
Thanks to the dedicated efforts of volunteers and the Ahwatukee Foothills community, more than a million miniature white LED lights again will illuminate the desert landscape and treetops along Chandler Boulevard through New Year’s Day.Details: Display 6-11 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 29, nightly through Wednesday, Jan. 1. Along Chandler Boulevard from 24th Street to Desert Foothills Parkway, Phoenix. Free. folaz.org.

Holiday Festival and Parade
The Boys & Girls Clubs of the East Valley Queen Creek branch and the Kiwanis Club of Queen Creek host this annual festival and parade. The festival kicks off at 2 p.m., followed by a parade at 3 and tree lighting ceremony at 6. More than 80 vendors, a petting zoo, food and Santa Claus will be featured.Details: 2-7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6. Queen Creek Library, 21802 S. Ellsworth Road. Free. 480-313-3329, queencreekparade.org.

Loop of Lights
More than 80 households in one San Tan Valley subdivision decorate with displays that range from small to those covering a property. A Neighborhood Loop Light Parade is 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 19, unless it rains. The loop will close to vehicle traffic Dec. 13-25 (with some exceptions), but parking is offered at nearby schools on Pecan Creek Drive. A new trolley shuttle will transport you from nearby J.O. Combs Middle School on select nights and booths operated by “Loopateers” will feature Santa and such snacks as popcorn and hot cocoa. Donations are encouraged and will go to Johnjay and Rich’s Christmas Wish program.Details: 6:30-9:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5-Wednesday, Dec. 25; parade 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 19. Waverly Subdivision, Pecan Creek Drive and Carolina Avenue, San Tan Valley. Free. loopoflights.com.

Fantasy of Lights Boat Parade
Stake out your spot on the shores of Tempe Town Lake for this event featuring as many as 50 boats decorated in dazzling holiday-light displays. Park sidewalks and paths will be lit by more than 1,000 luminaria, preparing for Santa Claus’ big arrival at 6 p.m., followed by the boat parade at 7. Fireworks will top off the evening. No viewing will be allowed from the Mill Avenue Bridge. There will be food and beverage vendors.Details: 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13. Tempe Beach Park, Mill Avenue and Rio Salado Parkway. Free for spectators. 480-355-6060, downtowntempe.com.

Mannheim Steamroller
The project began as an alias for producer/composer Chip Davis, whose calling card at that point was earning a co-writing credit on “Convoy,” a novelty hit about CB radio slang by C.W. McCall. But this new project was nothing like country — a blend of classical, light jazz and rock. The first Steamroller album, “Fresh Aire,” hit the streets on Jan.1, 1975, going on to be certified gold. But it wasn’t until Davis hit on the idea of taking that approach to Christmas that things really started taking off with “Christmas” becoming the first of four multiplatinum seasonal efforts.Details: 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 26. ASU Gammage, 1200 S. Forest Ave., Tempe. $36-$101. 480-965-3434, ticketmaster.com.

Pollack Tempe Cinema Shopping Center
Valley real-estate mogul Michael Pollack promises, “This year’s holiday display will absolutely be the most outrageous and over-the-top display I have ever done at my Tempe Cinemas.” Hundreds of thousands of festive LED lights and several large animations will be lighting up the southeastern corner of McClintock Drive and Elliot Road nightly through Jan. 1.Details: Through Jan. 1. 1825 E. Elliot Road, Tempe. 480-345-6461, pollacktempecinemas.com.

‘Junie B. Jones in Jingle Bells, Batman Smells!’
America’s favorite first-grade brat is back at Childsplay, Tempe’s acclaimed professional theater for young audiences. Based on the popular picture books by the late Barbara Park, this kiddie comedy finds Junie faced with a tough decision when she reaches into the Secret Santa hat and pulls out the name of her archenemy, Tattletale May.Details: Through Sunday, Dec. 28. Tempe Center for the Arts, 700 W. Rio Salado Parkway. $12-$25. 480-350-2822, childsplayaz.org.

12th annual Organ Christmas Concert
Kimberly Marshall, Arizona State University’s Goldman professor of organ and the 1985 winner of the St. Albans Competition, shows off her keyboard skills — and those of her students — at Organ Hall, home to a Fritts & Co. organ with 1,900 pipes, as well as an Italian Baroque organ built by Domenico Traeri in 1742.Details: 2:30 and 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6; 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 7. Organ Hall, ASU School of Music, Mill Avenue and Gammage Parkway, Tempe. $8-$19. 480-965-6447, music.asu.edu/events.

Phoenix Symphony
Handel’s ‘Messiah’New music director Tito Muñoz takes his first turn leading the orchestra and the Phoenix Symphony Chorus in annual performances of this oratorio about the life of Jesus by Baroque composer George Frideric Handel. “HAAAAA-le-lu-jah!”Details: 602-495-1999, phoenixsymphony.org.7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec.10. Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts, 7380 E. Second St. $29-$49.7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec.12. Mesa Arts Center, 1 E. Main St. $25-$49.7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec.13. Camelback Bible Church, 3900 E. Stanford Drive, Paradise Valley. $39.3 p.m. Sunday, Dec.14. Pinnacle Presbyterian Church, 25150 N. Pima Road, Scottsdale. $49.

A Phoenix Boys Choir Holiday
The acclaimed chorus, which has been performing since 1949, performs the multicultural “A World of Carols,” Handel’s “Hallelujah” chorus and an enactment of the classic poem “A Visit From St. Nicholas,” aka ” ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas.”Details: $18-$28. 602-264-5328, ext. 21; boyschoir.org.7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec.13. St. Theresa Catholic Church, 5045 E. Thomas Road, Phoenix.6:30 p.m. Monday, Dec.15. American Lutheran Church, 17200 N. Del Webb Blvd., Sun City.7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec.19. Mesa Arts Center, 1 E. Main St.7:30 Saturday, Dec.20. Camelback Bible Church, 3900 E. Stanford Drive, Paradise Valley.5 p.m. Sunday, Dec.21. Chaparral Christian Church, 6451 E. Shea Blvd., Scottsdale.

Orpheus Male Chorus of Phoenix: ‘Holidays with Orpheus’
The chorus is older than the state, having made its debut in 1900. The group now boasts more than 75 members. The group’s holiday shows usually include such familiar fare as “Carol of the Bells” and “Sleigh Ride.”Details: $15-$20; free for age 12 and younger. 602-271-9396, orpheus.org.7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 9, Velda Rose United Methodist Church, 5540 E. Main St., Mesa.3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 14, Camelback Bible Church, 3900 E. Stanford Drive, Paradise Valley.7:30 p.m. Tuesday, All Saints Lutheran Church, 15649 N. Seventh St., Phoenix. $15-$20; free for age 12 and younger. 602-271-9396, orpheus.org.

Ballet Etudes: ‘The Nutcracker’
Founded in Gilbert in 1986, Ballet Etudes is the best-known of several dance schools that mount an annual production of Tchaikovsky’s Christmas classic.Details: balletetudes.net. Friday, Through Sunday, Dec. 7. Chandler Center for the Arts, 250 N. Arizona Ave. $25-$29. 480-782-2680, chandlercenter.org.7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 12; 2 and 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13; 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 14. Mesa Arts Center, 1 E. Main St. $23-$28. 480-644-6500, mesaartscenter.com.

Vestar Holiday Displays
Holiday displays and entertainment are offered for shoppers tackling their lists at these three Vestar-managed properties: Tempe Marketplace at Loop 202 and McClintock Drive; Desert Ridge Marketplace at Loop 101 and Tatum Boulevard in Phoenix; and Westgate Entertainment District at Loop 101 and Glendale Avenue in Glendale. Huge trees are decorated and will be lit at all three through New Year’s Day. Falling snow, a snow day, Menorah lighting, ice skating, carriage rides, live music, story times and coat drives for charities are among the activities depending on the center you visit.

 

 

 

As a third generation real estate agent and native of Arizona, I am passionate about helping you and your loved ones achieve your real estate goals. If you are buying or selling in Gilbert or any of the East Valley cities, trust that I will go the extra mile to ensure a smooth and successful transaction.