Entries by Barb Leclerc

What To Do In Arizona

As a native of this beautiful desert that over six MILLION people also call home, I am almost ashamed to admit I have not heard of at least a handful of some of these places! (Bearizona???) I feel like I have been living under a rock. With that said, I am now on the hunt for […]

Low Home Inventory Creates Bidding Wars

As housing inventories remain constrained in many markets, some buyers may face increased competition and more bidding wars heading into the spring selling season. (It’s already happening here in Arizona!) “It’s not uncommon to see 15 to 25 offers in some of the more desirable places in Oakland, and for homes to sell 35 percent […]

Enjoying A Productive Day

What’s the best way to start your day so that you really get things done? Laura Vanderkam studied the schedules of high-achievers. What did she find? Almost all have a morning routine. I’ve interviewed a ton of top experts about their productivity secrets: Tim Ferriss, Cal Newport, Dan Ariely, Charles Duhigg and others. But you’re […]

Better Days Ahead For The Housing Market

Home sales likely will remain subdued early on in the year before picking up in the second quarter and then maintaining a brisk pace for the rest of the year, predicts a new Reuters poll of economists. Housing activity has been bumpy so far. The National Association of REALTORS® reported this week that existing-home sales […]

A Dump Full Of Treasures

Cave Creek, Arizona is home to one of the most unique stores to find the most, UNIQUE treasures. It’s like a large flea market or the best yard sale you’ve ever been too. Make sure to pack an extra suitcase if you’re traveling to take back all the cool goodies you’ll find here. The Town […]

Gilbert Kid Competes On Food Network Show

Last summer, Cody Vasquez ate lunch with first lady Michelle Obama at the White House. The gastronomic 12-year-old had created a healthy recipe for shrimp tacos with a watermelon jicama salad, which won him the trip. Now, the Gilbert boy will make his national TV debut, appearing on a baking competition. He’s one of eight contestants […]

Renovations To Invest In And Avoid In 2015

Conventional wisdom tells us that any home renovation is a positive thing: money in is money out. Unfortunately, that’s not always the case. Some remodeling projects are a better investment than others, and the projects that yield the best return on investment can change from year to year. According to Remodeling Magazine’s 2015 Cost vs. […]

Welcome To Gilbert Arizona

With a family focus and welcoming feel, Gilbert has a high quality of community life fueled by a strong economy. Thriving in business and leisure activities, the community has become a Best Place to Live in the United States as ranked by CNN/Money Magazine. Gilbert has also been ranked the 2nd Safest City in the […]

Housing Market On The Up And Up

Housing starts for single-family homes surged to the highest level in more than six-and-a-half years, a promising sign at the end of 2014, the Commerce Department reported Wednesday. “The last piece of the economic puzzle is starting to come together now as housing construction is coming back. The housing market is continuing to heal,” Chris Rupkey, […]