I was just sitting here organizing photos in my computer when something happened. I found three photos that span my last 40 years and how we change and how lucky I am to still have both my parents, at 89, and a wonderful daughter that works with me.  Happy Father's day to all the Dads out there. God bless your families!     Mom and Paula Smith in 1975                       Paula and Daughter Melissa in 1992 Paula, My Dad, My Mom, Daughter Melissa with Ty and Jet May 2011   06/18/2011

What is the best school in Prescott Arizona?   In addition to the wonderful 4-season climate, low crime rate, low taxes and friendly people, Prescott Arizona has a wealth of excellent schools from which to pick the best fit for your children. As we discovered when it was time to choose a school for our son (now 12), there are public, private and charter schools available.  Unbeknownst to us, there was a hidden gem among the choices, Mountain Oak Charter School. Most Waldorf schools are private and tuition can range from $10,000 to $20,000 per year. However Mountain Oak is a charter school and therefore is publicly funded. The Waldorf approach to education began in 1919 in Germany, when the owner of the Waldorf-Astoria cigarette factory asked esoteric philosopher Rudolf Steiner to start ... 06/08/2011

For my Prescott Arizona Pick of the Week, we have an amazing deal. 210 N Alarcon Street, Prescott AZ 86301 What makes this downtown Prescott Arizona Listing special reads like a laundry list:   1. Its right downtown just a short walk from the square and Whiskey Row.   2. Its Bank owned so the price is super low. (Main house is 1211 square feet and the duplex in back is another 1579 square feet) listed at $208,000!   3. Its in great shape. The front house has beautiful hardwood floors and in floor radiant hydronic heating (which costs plenty to install and is a wonderful way to heat).   4. It has tons of curb appeal.   5. It has built in income production with the two apartments in back.   So with all of this I can tell that we will have multiple offers by Monday and in all likelihood it... 06/04/2011

Prescott Arizona's Keller Williams Check Realty Makes Real Trends Top 500 Brokerage List!   While it may be no surprise that Keller Williams is dominating the Real Trends list of the top producing brokerages in the US, it is a surprise that the small community of Prescott Arizona has a brokerage in the "Big Leagues". In Fact Keller Williams Check Realty is the only brokerage in all of Northern Arizona to make the Real Trends list. Like Keller Williams International, our local Prescott AZ KW office leads the market in training and support for our agents. It's no accident that we have not only taken a commanding lead in the Prescott Area market, but also taken the lead in all of Northern Arizona.   Dave Conners enjoys learning new ways to lead the Prescott Arizona Real Estate Market. 05/25/2011

Who do I recommend for appliance repair in the Prescott Arizona area? Mike Buchta owner of Apache Appliance Repair, that's who.  I have been using and recommending his service for over three years. Mike is really quick, thorough and his price is always fair. Most recently Mike helped me to convert our natural gas dryer over to propane. He showed up at our house when he said he would and completed the work quickly and even did some additional maintenance to our dryer to save us from problems down the road. After the move, the dryer was not working right, Mike showed up quickly and found and fixed the problem at no cost. Its great to have contractors like Mike who stand behind their work. Its also great to be able support local small businesses.  If you have any issues with any household ... 05/25/2011

05/18/2011

Where did all the houses go? I have been showing property daily for two weeks and there is just nothing out there! Actually drove streets with my client to prove I was trying when he said he was going to go out on his own if I couldn't find him something. Now I will be writing letters to the neighborhood he likes, like the old days, to find him a house! Found a house for another client, wrote an offer ended up in a bidding war and lost the house in spite of being a cash close in 20 days offer. Our market is not matching today's news. Just proof again that real estate is local. Maybe also a reason to use a professional? 05/12/2011

Considered among the most vibrant areas of Arizona, Prescott sits in Yavapai County, just 80 miles from Phoenix. In the past few years, Prescott area real estate has seen a number of investors. Whether you are in search of golf homes, homes with views, luxury properties or equestrian estates, the Prescott area has a number of deals that will suit your criteria. There are many houses that are within convenient price ranges and you can easily find a house that will fit into your budget.  The Prescott area is surrounded by beautiful scenery and natural areas. As a resident you can enjoy some great panoramas of the Mingus and Bradshaw Mountains. The nearby Prescott National Forest has a number of hiking trails and also plenty of camping and fishing opportunities. The area also hosts some co... 05/04/2011

April Market Statistics for Homes Sold in The Ranch at Prescott AZ (edit/delete) April  Market Statistics for Homes Sold in The Ranch at Prescott AZ (Single Family Residences sold between 2/2011 and 4/20/2011)   Active Listings:23 Average days on market:219 Average price per square foot: $149   Units sold 4 and 3 pending Average days on market: 196 Average Price per square foot: $144   Compared To Feb - April 2010   Units sold:4 Average days on market: 186 Average Price per square foot: $162   Compared to 6 months ago when I last looked at the Ranch the days on market has dropped about 30% which is very significant. We have a much shorter listing period for well priced homes. The listings price has also dropped from and average of $160 per square foot down to $149 but the sales price ha... 04/20/2011

I have several listings in the area of Seligman, Arizona and make the trip from my home in Prescott Valley. These listings are a total change of pace for me and my opportunity to get out of the office. There are wild burros in the area. The area near Prescott and places in northern Arizona have a population of burros that remained after the mines gave out and the miners left. Prescott started out as a mining town as we had our own gold rush right after the civil war. I was especially struck by this one as there is a young one in the photo. Does anyone know what to call the baby burro? 04/14/2011

Our Make a Difference Workshop on April 9 and May 14, 2011 EMPOWERMENT  WORKSHOP This non-partisan workshop is to EMPOWER Constitutional Conservatives (true Patriots) to be effective in getting the CORRUPTION out of government. Help us defend the Constitution and the principles of limited government, individual responsibility, and free markets. Take a Stand with US!Topics include: What Can One Man Do? -- Joseph Spencer, author of a book by the same name. "Activism 101" -- Charly Gullett, author of Cooking Alinsky's Goose as well as other activism books. Understand how they took over the schools, media, culture, and government and fight back! Become a DELEGATE -- Ann and Ralph Heins. It does not "cost extra" to be a leader. Find out about the TRUE Power you have!Can you spend two hours ... 03/30/2011

Winter is almost here.  Winter always proves to be a challenging time for Realtors.  The influx of out-of- towners  goes down considerably.  On top of that, colder temperatures discourage people searching for homes.  So, what do we do as Realtors to keep things moving?  I am hiding in a closet till at least March.  No, not really.  I am doing what I always do, sell Prescott.  Prescott in winter is just as beautiful as summer or spring.  And nothing compares to the festivals in Prescott during the winter holidays.  Check out http://www.prescott.com/calendar for winter events in Prescott.   02/22/2011

The Ranch at Prescott is a planned community three miles east of downtown Prescott, Arizona. Entrance to the Ranch is from Highway 69 and Lee Blvd. The Ranch which nestles on the hillsides that border the Prescott National Forest was created in 1987 by developers Jim and Linda Lee. The Ranch is currently made up of eight units that contain about 950 home sites on the 1,000 acres of the former Bullwhacker Ranch.  Presently there are more than 500 homes with more being built each year. The ranch is full of rolling hills, pine trees and scenic views.  For outdoor minded people, fishing is just a few miles away at Lynx Lake.  Breathtaking mountains a few miles to the south offer all types of hiking.  There are great opportunties for cycling and mountain biking.  The Prescott Mall is not mor... 02/22/2011

Mountain Club, a neighborhood located 1.5 miles south of downtown Prescott AZ was founded in 1926 making it the oldest housing community in Arizona.  Mountain Club was started by a group of investors from the Phoenix area looking for a mountain retreat.      02/21/2011

The Ranch at Prescott is a planned community three miles east of downtown Prescott, Arizona. Entrance to the Ranch is from Highway 69 and Lee Blvd. The Ranch which nestles on the hillsides that border the Prescott National Forest was created in 1987 by developers Jim and Linda Lee. The Ranch is currently made up of eight units that contain about 950 home sites on the 1,000 acres of the former Bullwhacker Ranch.  Presently there are more than 500 homes with more being built each year. The ranch is full of rolling hills, pine trees and scenic views.  For outdoor minded people, fishing is just a few miles away at Lynx Lake.  Breathtaking mountains a few miles to the south offer all types of hiking.  There are great opportunties for cycling and mountain biking.  The Prescott Mall is not mor... 02/18/2011

Ken Cook Cowboy Poet and Real American Cowboy coming to Prescott, AZ Ken Cook, or as I call him Uncle Kenny, is a Real American Cowyboy.  He spent many summers of his youth and after college as hired on cowhand at Buckles Ranch.  Buckles Ranch happened to be my Great-Grandpa Frank E. Buckles' ranch, Ken's Grandpa. Ken Cook and his family, Aunt Nancy and my cousins, relocated not far away to the Hodson Ranch also in the Sand hills of Southern South Dakota.  Some of my cousins are following suit and choosing the ranching life for all of it boundless benefits, regardless of the tireless dedication being a true American Cowboy takes. In addition to ranching, Ken Cook is an excellent cowboy poet.  Now you may think I am biased, so check out a few reviews from people who haven't spent their ... 02/08/2011

When a person searches for building an environmentally conscious home (a green home or sustainable home), they normally look for the following; •1.   local contractors experienced in building green •2.   cooperation with the local government as far as zoning laws •3.   an area that has the natural resources (i.e. solar, water) to power a green home •4.   local resources to educate and influence local builders Prescott AZ fulfills all of the above concerns. •1.   There are several local contractors near Prescott that are involved with building green.  Goto http://ycca.org/v1/index.php/general-resources/green-building for a list of green contractors •2.   Yavapai County has added Section 441 and 442 to its zoning laws.  These sections give incentives to green contractors. Goto http://co.y... 02/07/2011

The YMCA located in downtown Prescott AZ is not like other YMCA's around the country.  This one is very well equipped, very clean, and very functional.  Prescott's YMCA is not just another place to "work-out", it is at the center of physical activity in Prescott.  "The Y" as it is known, is everything to Prescott. This facility has; •·        a nautical center with play pool, water slide, and 25 yard six lane lap pool open year around  •·        a fully equipped gymnastics area •·        a large gym with 6 basketball rims •·        a state of the art fitness area •·        aerobics studio •·        cycling room •·        outdoor running track •·        outdoor park for walking, boot camp, picnics, childcare, etc. •·        several meeting rooms •·        childcare facility •·        loc... 02/01/2011

"With five solar facilities operating or under construction, Prescott is becoming an important hub for solar development. It is an ideal location because of its abundant sunshine, cooler weather, available land and access to the transmission system." Solar plants near Prescott include a 194-kilowatt system at Embry Riddle Aeronautical University (completed in 2001), a small system on the roof of Prescott College (completed in 2004) and a 3.6-megawatt plant near the Prescott Regional Airport (completed in 2006). The newest plant, located three miles north of Prescott airport, will become active in fall og 2011 The plant is expected to generate more than 25 million kilowatt-hours (kWh) of clean energy in its first year of operation alone and approximately 653 million kWh over 30 years. Ea... 01/26/2011

     Prescott Dog Parks, my dogs have never been to one. I was watching my two Queensland Heelers fight the chickens for kitchen scraps, Zoe the female, no matter how full she is, no matter if it is something she would never eat, has to get in the middle of the chickens and claim her share. When they are done, she nips at their feet and herds them off. She would be so happy if they were cows! All her and her brother get is chicken duty and fence running, but they are happy.. Everyday a guy in a black van drives by with his Queensland Heeler to let our dogs bark at each other. Our dogs race back and forth in a cloud of dust, happy as can be barking at their mystery friend. They love an occasional fence visit from a horse and rider or a herd of antelope going down the street. On the other... 01/25/2011