Let's start with the number one reason many move to the Valley of the Sun, weather.  Oh sure it gets into triple digits in the summer and we have all heard the jokes about it's a dry heat.  Well actually it is a very dry heat.  At times the temps reach the 115 range during the middle of the summer but that usually only lasts for about 25-40 days.  To be very honest, during the times of our peak heat other parts of the country are seeing temps between 90-100 with an ungodly amount of humidity.  I love the outdoors but can't tolerate high heat with high humidity, but I can always tolerate the 115-degree days here in Peoria.  Now let's talk about January!  On average we have 20-22 days above 60 degrees during the day and 5-8 over 70.  When watching the Weather Channel and I see the horrib... 03/02/2007

It's spring again and tickets are on sale for the San Diego Padres and Seattle Mariners spring training games.    Tickets range from $6 - $21 and can be purchased by visiting http://www.visitpeoriaaz.com/.  The season is as follows:March 1 - 1:05 pm, Seattle Vs San DiegoMarch 2 - 1:05 pm, San Diego vs. SeattleMarch 3 - 1:05 pm, Seattle vs. San DiegoMarch 4 - 1:05 pm, San Diego vs. OaklandMarch 5 - 1:05 pm, Seattle vs. ChicagoMarch 6 -  7:05 pm, San Diego vs ArizonaMarch 7 - 1:05 pm, Seattle vs. San FranciscoMarch 8 - 1:05 pm, San Diego vs ChicagoMarch 9 - 1:05 pm, Seattle Vs. ColoradoMarch 10 - 1:05 pm, San Diego Vs. ColoradoMarch 11 - 1:05 pm, Seattle Vs. ChicagoMarch 12 - 7:05 pm, Seattle Versus OaklandMarch 13 - 1:05 pm, Seattle vs. Milwaukee March 14 - 1:05 pm, San Diego vs TexasMar... 02/26/2007

      First and foremost do get pre-qualified.  Good Realtors will not show you homes until you have been pre-qualified for a loan/mortgage.  Ask your Realtor for advice in accomplishing this easy task.Ø      Do select a Realtor that is familiar with the area you're interested in.Ø      Don't select Uncle Charlie (family) to be your Realtor because he is family.  Buying and selling real estate is an emotional thing to do.  Only select Uncle Charlie because he is good at what he does and thoroughly understands your area.  Remember buying and selling real estate is a business transaction and should always be treated as such.  A Family member can certainly muddy the water.Ø      Do look at homes 10-20% below or more of what you are qualified for.  Lenders use a formula that will stretch yo... 02/15/2007

  I am truly excited about just completing a new web page of Trilogy at Vistancia in Peoria, Arizona.  Trilogy at Vistancia is an active adult gated community with to many amenities to mention here.  The community has a championship 18 hole golf course called Trilogy.  Hopefully you find that this web page is rich in content with colorful photos answering nearly all questions one could have about this community.  To see this new web page please click the link below.www.donrichhomes.com/Trilogy_at_Vistancia/page_1687507.html  02/09/2007

A new park is set for its grand opening at Vistancia on February 10.     The park is 15 acres and adjacent to the elementary school north of the Discovery models.     The land is currently owned by Sunbelt Holdings and is being developed to be unique and a step above the ordinary childrens playground.   A 20 acre neighborhood park is in the planning phases at WestWing community. A new 50,000 square foot recreation center is in development at 88th Avenue and Thunderbird Road.    This will overlook a lake at the Rio Vista Community Park.     This community center will have a gym, classrooms, and indoor track, computers and a conference room.     The city is still working on the facility and developing policies on membership and rental fees.      The city of Peoria hopes to have the new re... 01/29/2007

The new Peoria Center for the Performing Arts is near completion and it expected to open February 10.   The new Performing Arts Center is at the corner of 83rd and Peoria Avenues and will seat 280.    The first production in the new 20,000 square foot facility is "Tea for Three."    Features of the new Peoria Center for the Performing Arts include a hovering roof .     This is an affect designed by the architectural firm Westlake Reed Leskowsky by having lighting shine between the roof and masonry around the perimeter of the lobby.    In addition the Center boasts a Floating Floor - a floor with a cable wire rigging system that was designed to be safe and gentle on dancers' feet.www.donrichhomes.com This new addition is a welcome addition to the Peoria downtown area.     01/29/2007

I've spent my morning looking at sales data for resale homes in the valley.  These statistics confirm what is being said in many real estate news sources - that the quantity of homes being sold in our area has diminished, but that the actual home prices have dipped only slightly.    Following are some of the data I was able to pull together.Peoria - The median home value dropped from $270,000 in the third quarter of 2006 to $260,000 in the fourth quarter.    This is only a slight drop.    The median home value for Peoria at the end of 2005 was $266,000 so in effect prices have remained relatively level.   However I need to point out that the median home values at then end of 2004 was $188,000 so on average homes in Peoria have increased in value $72,000 or 38% (since 2004).   The actual... 01/28/2007

I visited Trilogy at Vistancia today.  Although I also live in Peoria I had not been out to Trilogy at Vistancia for a few months.    Most of my more recent visits had been to the Discovery Center - the non active adult portion of the community.       I must pass on what a gorgeous community Trilogy is.   I drove by the golf course to the Kiva Club, their recreation facility, and the views were picturesque.    The greens are a lush green with a rolling brooks throughout.   For a minute there, I forgot I was in a desert state.   I must pass on that I was awed.   Of course I had my camera and will be adding some pictures to my Trilogy at Vistancia page on http://www.donrichhomes.com/.    I also drove through the Blackstone area.    This is a portion of Vistancia with the Blackstone Countr... 01/17/2007

  The home page for the Peoria Chamber of Commerce is: http://www.peoriachamber.com/Click on one of the three Chamber Links buttons on the left side of the web page to access useful information on lodging, business listings, dining, health care, things to do, etc.Another useful site ishttp://www.visitphoenix.com/Click on the Visitor Info tab on the top menu bar, then click on Map to reach interactive maps to:Arizona Metro Phoenix Downtown Phoenix Civic PlazaClick on Request a Guide to select from 5 complimentary printed guides that can be mailed at no charge:Greater Phoenix Explorer/Visitors Guide Greater Phoenix Dining Guide Relocation Guide (96 pages) Official Arizona Golf Guide & Directory Best of Arizona Golf Map We hope you enjoy browsing through your Electronic Relocation Guide an... 11/04/2006