Prescott's Best Homes Real Estate Blog

Nov. 14, 2022

What Makes a Real Estate Agent "Great"

 

When purchasing a home, there are many things to consider, such as location, price, and size. A qualified realtor can help you find the right home for your needs and budget. They can also provide advice on inspections, financing, and closing costs. When it comes time to sell your home, you want to ensure you have the best chance of getting the most money. Making the most significant profit is where having a qualified real estate agent comes in. A great realtor can help you price your home correctly and market it in a way that will entice buyers. 

 

Thousands of people have a real estate license, but essential details separate the "great" from the merely "qualified". Here’s what every great agent should promise you:

 

Available when you need them: Full-Timer Realtors work full-time for you. Those with in-depth real estate experience have graduated from the part-timer status to the ability to support themselves with their income in real estate.

 

A network of industry contacts: A great agent will have a vast network of contacts in the real estate industry, which can help sell your home or find the perfect property. A true professional is also open to working with lenders, insurance brokers, inspectors, and other companies that make you feel most comfortable. Real Estate professionals may recommend those they know and trust, which is incredibly helpful, but a great agent will never confine you to their network of associates. They’ll also let you know if someone you recommend may not meet their professional standards.

 

Honesty and integrity: A professional real estate agent is engaged, concerned, and will give you the best counsel when it comes to serving your needs. Sometimes, this advice may not be easy to hear, especially regarding pricing, budget, or repairs. An agent who doesn’t give advice may well be checked-out and giving you less-than-ideal representation.

 

In-depth knowledge of the market: A great agent will have an intimate knowledge of the market, including trends, prices, and neighborhoods. This knowledge can be vital in helping you make the right decisions about buying or selling a home.

 

Strong negotiation skills: A great agent will be a skilled negotiator, able to get you the best possible price for your home or help you find the perfect property at a fair price.

 

Strong communication skills: Communication is fundamental to a working relationship. A great agent knows that a buyer or seller may have questions and concerns that need addressing as soon as possible. Be respectful of your agent’s schedule, but you should never feel that your real estate agent is missing in action.

 

Patience: Buying or selling a home can be a stressful process. A great agent will be patient with you and help to make it as smooth and stress-free as possible.

 

If you’re in the market to buy or sell a home, it’s essential to have a qualified realtor. We can provide you with all the resources and information you need to make informed decisions about one of the most significant investments of your life. Contact me today for more information on how I can help you achieve your real estate goals.

 

John Gorden

(928) 308-0101

Posted in Selling Your Home
Oct. 11, 2022

Why Prescott is So Popular

 

 

 

There's no doubt that Prescott, Arizona, is a beautiful place. Nestled in the mountains, this northern Arizona town is truly a sight to behold. But there's more to Prescott than just its good looks. Here are four reasons why people are flocking to this vibrant community.

 

1. The Weather is Perfect

 

Prescott has the perfect climate for you, whether you're a fan of hot summers or cool winters. The average high temperature in July is only 86 degrees, while the average low in January is a chilly 27. These temperatures make Prescott an ideal place to live for people who want to avoid extreme weather conditions.

 

2. An Abundance of Outdoor Activities

 

If you love being outdoors, Prescott is the place for you. From hiking and camping to fishing, mountain biking, and golfing, there are endless opportunities for outdoor fun. And with four mild seasons, you can enjoy these activities year-round.

 

3. A Growing Arts Scene

 

Prescott is home to a growing arts community. The town offers several art galleries and a performing arts center. Prescott is also home to the annual Prescott Jazz Festival, which attracts top jazz musicians from all over the country.

 

4. A Friendly Small-Town Feel

 

Despite its growing popularity, Prescott has maintained its small-town feel. The community is close-knit and friendly, and you'll often see people enjoying the town's many shops and restaurants.

 

Popular Prescott Events

 

  1. Prescott Frontier Days: This event celebrates the city's western heritage with rodeos, concerts, and other activities. 
  2. Prescott Jazz Festival: This annual event features some of the best jazz musicians from around the world.
  3. Prescott Comic Con: This pop culture event is a must-attend for comic book and cosplay fans.
  4. Prescott Fine Arts and Wine Festival: This event features wine tastings, art exhibits, and live music.
  5. Prescott Balloon Classic: This annual event is a great way to see the city from above as hot air balloons fill the sky. 

 

Things to Do in Prescott

 

In Prescott, Arizona, you will find countless activities to do, including horseback riding, golfing, kayaking, fishing, hiking, camping, mountain biking, local breweries, restaurants, and shopping. Living in Downtown Prescott means living just steps from the Old Town Square, providing a feeling of nostalgia mixed with modernity. You can also find a more private and secluded lifestyle in the rolling hills of the Prescott National Forest.

The historic downtown district of Prescott is nothing short of charming. Old Town Prescott feels like it was pulled right from the Wild West, showcasing an old-fashioned town square with a beautiful historic courthouse and quaint storefronts selling new and old items. 

 

Prescott is home to Embry Riddle Aeronautical UniversityYavapai College, and Prescott College. The community has been referred to as "Everybody's Hometown" because it is a fabulous place to retire and raise a family and a great place to call "Home."

There are around 43,000 people in Prescott, and the surrounding "Quad-City" area of Dewey-Humboldt, Chino Valley, and Prescott Valley and the smaller towns of Mayer, Paulden, and Wilhoit, comprise around 103,000 people.

 

About Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate

 

Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate is a dynamic real estate brand that offers a full range of services to brokers, sales associates, and home buyers and sellers. The growing Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate network includes more than 12,000 independent sales associates and approximately 360 offices serving home buyers and sellers across the U.S., Canada, Jamaica, and the Bahamas. In 1978, Meredith Corporation, one of the nation's leading media and marketing companies and publishers of Better Homes & Gardens magazine, launched the former Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Service. Meredith Corporation owned and operated the company for 20 years and grew the business into a highly respected name in the real estate industry. Using innovative technology, sophisticated business systems and the broad appeal of a lifestyle brand, Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate embodies the future of the real estate industry while remaining grounded in the tradition of home. 

If you're looking for a beautiful, welcoming community to call home, Prescott, Arizona, is the perfect place. You won't be disappointed! Come see why this vibrant town is so popular.

John Gorden

(928) 308-0101

Posted in Prescott, AZ
Sept. 14, 2022

Clever Design Upgrades to Help Sell Your Home

Home upgrades to sell your home

 

How to Make Your Home Stand Out for Less

 

If you want to sell your home, you may consider some design upgrades. After all, a fresh coat of paint or hardware can significantly affect how potential buyers view your home. But before you start spending money, it's essential to consider what will help you sell your house. Here are a few clever design upgrades to help you get the most out of your property.

 

What is it about a home that catches a buyer's eye? What makes a home "feel right"? When two homes are comparable, why will one edge the other out?

 

The difference is in the details. Small little touches will give a home a significant edge in the market. Below is a list of a few clever design upgrades that will provide your home with an overall feeling that it is of higher quality than the competition:

 

  • Custom Home Address: A custom home address plaque is a commonly overlooked upgrade by homeowners. It is an affordable killer upgrade that will add curb appeal to the home. For between $50 and $100, create the plaque to include the home's numbers and the street name spelled out. Use Pinterest to research the design that will best fit your home.  
  • Upgrade Light Switch Plates: Freshen up each room in the house by splurging a few extra bucks to swap out old switch plates. Upgrading dirty, chipped, or cheap-looking switches are a fantastic way to spruce up the look of your home. In the bathroom and kitchen, match the color of your new switch plates to the tile.  
  • New Cabinet and Drawer Hardware: Modern drawer handles work wonders in rejuvenating tired or outdated cabinets. Concentrate first on the kitchen because it is the home's central location, then look for options to upgrade the bathroom.  
  • Paint the Front Door: The front door is the first thing buyers will see. Create a welcoming environment with some extra plants, and add a fresh look by painting the front door.  
  • Dimmers in Major Rooms: Create a bright and warm environment with lighting. Utilize natural lighting by opening your blinds and updating light fixtures. A simple solution is increasing the wattage in your lamps and fixtures. On the other hand, adding dimmer switches in major rooms creates a little sense of luxury. If you're looking to install the dimmers yourself, Home Depot has a quick tutorial. Click here to view their YouTube Video.   
  • Neutral Paints: Bold paint colors can throw off potential buyers. Instead, freshen up the design of your home by sticking with light neutral wall colors. Light colors add freshness and style. 
  • Crown molding: Tasteful crown molding can make a plain room feel high-quality. The key is adding molding, which doesn't seem flashy or inappropriate given the room's size and decor. Better Homes and Gardens has a great tutorial on How To Transform a Room with Crown Molding.

 

You might not be able to quantify the exact return these clever upgrades will net you, but you can bet they will help your home stand out from sellers who won't take the time to make some simple changes. Remember, success is in the details!

 

If you are looking to sell your home, consider giving it a little refresh with these clever upgrades. These small changes can significantly impact the market and help get your house sold fast. If you want more advice or want to talk about selling your home, don't hesitate to call me – I would be happy to chat with you!

 

John Gorden

(928) 308-0101

Posted in Selling Your Home
Aug. 11, 2022

Simple Fixes Before You Sell Your Home

 

Pre-listing Home Improvements

 

When you're getting your house ready to sell, there are some easy fixes you can do to help it sell faster. Even the most minor details count, especially when buyers are looking to purchase a home. Lots of everyday wear and tear that you don't even notice can deter potential buyers. Here's my list of simple improvements you can do to help your home sell faster:  

 

Spruce Up Your Baseboards: Day-to-day wear and tear can mess up your baseboards. Repainting the baseboards after repairing scratches with putty can make the border of any room look new. Click here to view an article by Abby Lawson that gives simple steps to freshen up your baseboards.

 

Fill in Nail Holes: Part of interior repainting should be careful attention to nail holes from pictures, shelves, and other wall-mounted objects. Click here to learn about multiple DIY ways to fill in nail holes. 

 

Review the roof: Do you have missing shingles or broken tiles? Do some cleaning and spot replacement. Missing shingles could cause mold and moss to grow. 

 

Reinforce your gutters: To reduce staining, damage, and keep water off of the siding of the home, reinforcing your gutters is vital. Clean them out, dry them out, then caulk them to prevent leaks. 

  

Replace Bad Vinyl Floors: Vinyl flooring is durable and stands up to heaving foot traffic. However, when cracked or cut, it can look dingy. Along with this, a cracked vinyl floor may cause the buyer to believe that there is water damage. 

 

Carpet Cleaning: Unless your carpets are in total despair, cleaning your carpets can bring new life into your home rather than replacing them. While you can hire a professional for a reasonable fee, another option for carpeting cleaning is stopping by your local grocery store or hardware store and renting a machine.  

 

Repair Dripping Faucets: Buyers will turn faucets on and off. Therefore, before listing, you do the same. Turn on and off your faucets in the kitchen, bathroom, tubs, showers, and even outside hose bibs.  Buyers will view dripping faucets as future headaches. Call a plumber, or even consult YouTube for repair instructions. 

 

Reseal Wobbly Toilets: If the toilet bowl moves when you sit on it, there are rusted, or the bathroom floor is damp and discolored around the commode, replace the toilet or at the very least reseal it. 

  

Clean up your yard and landscaping. Pull weeds, trim bushes and trees, and add fresh mulch or flowers. First impressions matter, so make sure your yard is looking its best.

 

Give your front door a makeover. A new coat of paint or a new doormat can go a long way in giving your home a fresh look.

   

Freshen up your paint. A fresh coat of paint can brighten up any room and make it feel cleaner and inviting.

 

Make sure your home smells fresh and clean. Open the windows, light some candles, or bake some cookies before showings. Bad odors can turn off potential buyers, so make sure your home smells its best.

  

These simple tips can help your home sell faster and for a higher price. Buyers are looking for move-in-ready homes, so to be competitive make sure your home is in tip-top shape before putting it on the market.

 

After finishing these minor improvements, contact me to list your home to sell. These repairs are a significant step to a quick sale.

 

John Gorden

(928) 308-0101

Posted in Selling Your Home
July 12, 2022

Top 10 Open House Foods

Open House Food To Impress Buyers

If you're hosting an open house, you'll want to ensure you have some food available.  Here are 10 open house food ideas that will make your open house a success:

 

1.  Finger foods.  Finger foods are always a hit at any party, and an open house is no exception.  Consider offering some bite-sized appetizers that your guests can quickly grab and go.

 

2.  Fresh fruit.  Having some fresh fruit available is a great way to ensure your guests have something healthy to nibble on.

 

3.  Veggies and dip.  Another healthy option that your guests are sure to love is veggies and dip.  Offer a variety of chopped veggies, along with a variety of dips.

 

4.  Cheese and crackers.  Cheese and crackers is another classic open house food option that your guests are sure to love.  Be sure to offer a variety of cheeses, as well as some gluten-free crackers for those with dietary restrictions.

 

5.  Sandwiches.  Sandwiches are always a good option if you want to offer something a little more substantial.  You can either make them ahead of time or have everything set up so your guests can build their own.

 

6.  Soup.  Soup is another excellent option for an open house, especially if it's chilly outside.  Set up a crockpot with your favorite soup and let your guests help themselves.

 

7.  Chili.  Chili is another great option for an open house, especially if you're expecting a lot of people.  Set up a crockpot with your chili and let your guests help themselves.

 

8.  Dessert.  No open house is complete without some dessert!  Offer a variety of cookies, brownies, or other sweets for your guests to enjoy.

 

9.  Coffee and tea.  Make sure you have coffee and tea available for your guests and some sugar and milk if they want it.

 

10.  Water.  Don't forget the most important beverage of all: water!  Be sure to have plenty of water for your guests to stay hydrated.

 

By following these open house food ideas, you're sure to make your open house a success!

 

Selling homes is my specialty!  When you are ready to sell, give me a call, and together we can make your home sale a smooth and successful process!  John Gorden, 928-308-0101

 

Posted in Selling Your Home
June 15, 2022

6 Things Buyers Forget to Check During a Home Search

Homes for sale in Prescott Arizona

Home Hunting Tips

Do you think you have found the perfect home? Hold on and reevaluate; it might not be as perfect as you think.

Six little details can turn an ideal house into a purchase you may regret. Before you make your offer, take into account these six small but surprisingly essential details:

#1: Check Your Cell Reception

Does your future dream home have cell reception? Check your signal when you’re on the property and see if it has dead spots, poor/limited data connections, or flat-out “NO SERVICE” messages. Poor reception is critical if you telecommute or had planned on skipping a landline entirely. While you can try and live on VoIP connections, WiFi, and other options, the hassle of a hole-in-cell coverage can wear on you.

#2: Calculate Your Commute

It’s a sunny Saturday afternoon, and you decide to see how long the drive is from your potential dream home to your office. It doesn’t seem too bad. Now try it during rush hour on a Monday (in bad weather if you can swing it). You might be surprised how school zones, backed-up interstate ramps, new construction, and peak transit schedules extend that commute. These obstacles apply to urban commutes as well. So, even if you don’t drive to work, you’ll want to evaluate the commute in real-world conditions.

#3: Check the Delivery Zone

Did you just now find out that there’s no food delivery to your new address? Don’t assume that just because you’ve seen pizza delivery cars whipping through the neighborhood means they stop there. Restaurant delivery areas vary, so if you can, check out what the local food delivery options are ahead of time. Look up a few places, call them, and verify they deliver to your address. 

#4: Do a 24/7 Check

The home may be in a quiet and peaceful neighborhood on a Saturday afternoon, but what was it like on Friday night? What kind of traffic is there in the mornings? There may be an excessive number of children playing in the street in the afternoons after school. It is wise to do a drive-by at various times of the day and multiple days of the week to ensure you don’t have surprises pop up.

#5: Give it the Sniff Test

Do you smell sewage, gas, or anything equally unpleasant? Sewage systems in older homes can get clogged or damaged by tree roots. Luckily, some sewer or plumbing companies can send a camera through the pipes to detect any breaks or blockages. 

How does it smell outside? Some neighborhoods have distinct odors from nearby farms, landfills, water treatment plants, and industrial parks. It is vital to give it the sniff test inside and out.

#6:  Touch EVERYTHING

Buying a house is a big step, possibly one of the biggest, and you need to know how everything works firsthand. Turn on every faucet and light switch, open every window and door, and flush the toilets. Don’t forget to taste the water. There are water treatment options, but water quality is something you will want to know before becoming a homeowner.

Markets can be super competitive, but remember that you’re planning on living in this new house for a considerable time. Perhaps your priorities don’t include these six details, but they might be important to other buyers when you’re ready to sell.

As a realtor, I truly respect the time it takes to find the best home that meets your needs. I diligently do my homework for you to find what you are looking for. Contact me at (928) 308-0101, I’d be happy to show you around homes for sale in the Prescott area.

John Gorden Prescotts Best Homes

 

 

Posted in Buying a Home
May 10, 2022

How to Budget When Buying a Home

Saving money to buy a home 

 

When you're buying a home, there are many things you need to consider in your budget. Many expenses can add up quickly, from the down payment to closing costs. (Tip: This is where a realtor makes life easy for you, tap into their knowledge and experience to know what to prepare for!) Being prepared with your budget is vital when buying a home.

 

If you're not sure where to start, here are a few tips from experts:

 

1. A Down Payment

 

The first and most apparent expense you'll need to budget for when buying a home is a down payment. How much you'll need to save will depend on the price of the home you're interested in and the type of mortgage you qualify for, but typically, you can expect to need at least 3-5% of the purchase price.

 

The National Association of Realtors (NAR) says:

 

"One of the biggest misconceptions among housing consumers is what the typical down payment is and what amount is needed to enter homeownership. Having this knowledge is critical to know what to save . . ."

 

2. Earnest Money

 

Earnest Money are funds you pay as a show of good faith when you make an offer on a house. This deposit works like a credit. You're using some of the money you already saved for your purchase to show the seller you're committed and serious about their house. It's not an added expense, it's just paying some of your down payment up front. 

 

2. Closing Costs

 

In addition to your down payment, you'll also need to budget for closing costs. Closing costs are the fees associated with finalizing your mortgage and purchasing your home. These can vary depending on the lender you use and the state you're buying in, but they typically range from 2-5% of the purchase price.

 

3. Moving Expenses

 

Once you've purchased your home, you'll need to budget for the cost of actually moving into it! This can include hiring professional movers, renting a truck, and buying packing supplies. Depending on the distance you're moving and the size of your home, this can cost anywhere from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars.

 

4. Home Repair and Maintenance

 

Finally, you'll need to budget for ongoing home maintenance and repairs. Your home may be move-in ready, or it may need some TLC. Saving money for things like painting, landscaping, and cleaning are important.

 

Buying a home is a big financial decision, but if you budget carefully, it can be a very rewarding one! Knowing what to budget for in the homebuying process is essential. By taking the time to save for a down payment, closing costs, moving expenses, and repairs and maintenance, you'll be in good shape to become a homeowner. To make sure you understand these and any other expenses that may come up, give me a call and I can help you on what to expect when you buy a home.

 

John Gorden
(928) 308-0101

Posted in Buying a Home
April 19, 2022

Horses Love Living in Prescott

Horse properties in Prescott

Prescott is Great For Horses

Prescott offers miles and miles of trails for you and your horse to enjoy, but it also provides an incredible variety of equestrian communities and properties to give them a place to call home. Prescott takes loving horses to a new level. 

Below is information on some of the equestrian communities in the Prescott area. Although this isn’t an exhaustive list, there are numerous areas in the quad cities of Prescott, Prescott Valley, Chino Valley, and Dewey-Humboldt that offer spectacular horse properties.  

See this list of available horse properties in the Quad Cities here.

Prescott Prairie, Prescott Valley

Prescott Prairie in Prescott Valley, Arizona, is located on the north side of the Coyote Springs community near the base of Mingus Mountain. Prescott Prairie offers a peaceful country lifestyle with all the amenities of city life. This upscale community provides newer custom site-built homes in a private neighborhood. The minimum acreage in this community is 2 acres, so you have lots of room for horses, gardening, or a guest home.  This rural community is conveniently located only a few miles from schools, shopping, and dining in Prescott Valley.  

There are still multiple lots left to choose from for you to build your dream home. The tremendous surrounding mountain views, paved streets, and underground utilities are just a few reasons people fall in love with this community.

Prescott Prairie Properties For Sale

 

Prescott Ridge, Prescott Valley

One of the premier locations in the Prescott Valley area is the gated community of Prescott Ridge. This beautiful development is surrounded by spectacular daytime vistas and nighttime starlit skies that take one’s breath away. Featuring 10 to 54-acre parcels, which are covered by juniper trees and pinon pines, you can choose between open spaces of land for sale as well as secluded/private lots.

Prescott Ridge is a fantastic location for horse owners or someone searching for that little piece of paradise for their new home. This upscale gated community also offers underground utilities, paved roads, value protecting CC&R’s, and horse privileges.

Prescott Ridge Properties For Sale

 

American Ranch, Prescott

American Ranch is a prestigious community located just a few miles north of Prescott in the Williamson Valley corridor. This popular World Class Master Planned Equestrian Community neighbors the Prescott National Forest. There are approximately 240 homesites in the American Ranch community. 

Homes are custom built, and they take advantage of the breathtaking mountain views and sit on 1 to 5-acre parcels. Residents enjoy a $3 million Equestrian Center, fitness/exercise center, outdoor heated pool, spa, tennis, basketball, and a catch and release bass fishing lake!

American Ranch Properties For Sale

 

Coyote Springs, Prescott Valley

Coyote Springs is on the north side of 89A, north of Prescott Valley. Coyote Springs is a rural community with a minimum of 10 acre homesites. Homes in the Coyote Springs Corridor are within minutes of schools, shopping, the Prescott Valley Event Center, and the new Yavapai Regional Medical Center East Campus.  

 

Coyote Spring Properties For Sale

 

If you need more info, tap into my experience. If you would like more information, let me know, I would love to help you out! I love Prescott and all it has to offer.

John Gorden

(928) 308-0101

 

Posted in Prescott, AZ
March 16, 2022

Growing Prescott Valley Subdivision

Granville Subdivision

Granville, Prescott Valley, AZ

 

Granville is a thriving community on Glassford Hills Road in Prescott Valley, Arizona. This growing community has large homesites and incredible amenities, including a fabulous clubhouse, meeting rooms, total gym, parks, tennis, basketball, pool and spa, and trails. Granville is just a couple of miles from the new Yavapai Regional Medical Center East Campus, schools, shopping, and dining. The Granville Elementary School is located in Granville. Hikers are lucky; the Iron King Trailhead is located in this popular subdivision.

 

 

>>View Homes For Sale in Granville

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

About Prescott Valley

 

Prescott Valley, Arizona, is a family-oriented community that sits at an elevation of 5,000 feet and is located 85 miles north of Phoenix.

 

Strong in economic development, the community attracts retailers and restaurants such as Kohl's, Dick's Sporting Goods, T.J. Maxx, Sprouts, Culvers, Chick-fil-A, Buffalo Wild Wings, and a host of independent food and shopping choices.

 

There is no shortage of places to spend your leisure time. Attractions such as Fain Park, Mountain Valley Splash Pool, and special events such as Prescott Valley Days, Balloon Glow, or the Christmas Valley of Lights will keep you entertained all year long.

 

Families and retirees have chosen to buy homes and relocate to Prescott Valley because of its strong work ethic, quality educational system, family values, and great year-round weather. Can you tell that we love Prescott Valley?

 

About BloomTree Realty

 

When you hire a BHGRE Agent, you are not hiring just one agent; you are hiring a company with a committed group of professionals who support each other. You are hiring a dedicated leadership team committed to attracting and training the best agents and supporting the community in which we all live.

 

About John Gorden

 

John’s Real Estate education has taken him through both Residential and Commercial Real Estate transactions. Trained as an Accredited Buyers Representative with the National Association of Realtors, this ABR designation lets him share positive insights with Buyers regarding the potential purchase of Real Estate. In addition, John holds a CNE which is a Certified Negotiation Expert by the National Association of Realtors. On the commercial side, John holds a CCSS “Certified Commercial Sales Specialist” awarded by the commercial Real Estate Institute.

 

John Gorden

(928) 308-0101

Posted in Buying a Home
Feb. 17, 2022

History of Prescott Valley

Prescott Valley Arizona History

PRESCOTT VALLEY, ARIZONA

Prescott Valley, Arizona, is a thriving family-oriented community that sits at an elevation of 5,000 feet and is located 85 miles north of Phoenix and a few minutes east of historic downtown Prescott. Prescott Valley was the seventh fastest-growing place among all cities and towns in Arizona between 1990 and 2000 and presently has approximately 48,000 people calling it home. 

Strong in economic development, the community attracts retailers and restaurants such as Kohl's, Dick's Sporting Goods, T.J. Maxx, Chick-Fil-A, Sprouts, Hobby Lobby, Culvers, Popeyes, Buffalo Wild Wings, and a host of independent food and shopping choices.   

There is no shortage of places to spend your leisure time in this vibrant town. Visit Fain Park for a picnic and fishing, enjoy the Mountain Valley Splash Pool, and take in special events such as Prescott Valley Days, Balloon Glow, as well as the Christmas Valley of Lights.  

Many people have chosen to buy homes and relocate to Prescott Valley because of its strong work ethic, solid educational system, family values, and positive outlook under sunny Arizona skies. The mild climate, convenient location, and surrounding lakes, fishing, and hiking trails make this popular community attractive for families and retirees.

 

PRESCOTT VALLEY'S HISTORY

Gold in Prescott Valley: The Walker party discovered gold along Lynx Creek in 1863. In the 1930s, a gold dredging operation, the Doodle Bug Diggings, was farther east in Lynx Creek Canyon. The Lynx Creek placers produced a recorded 29,000 troy ounces of gold. Estimates of actual production range up to 80,000 troy ounces, which would be worth about $85 million at today's prices. 

Name Change: Prescott Valley was formerly known as Lonesome Valley. The area was settled by ranchers in the 1880s, raising beef to supply the miners and new settlers. The Fain family still ranch in the valley. 

Fain Park: Thomas Gibson Barlow-Massicks arrived in the area in the early 1890s and built the historic "castle" that still stands in Fain Park. Messick's had a hydraulic gold mining operation in Lynx Creek Canyon and built the company mining camp of Massicks, Arizona just east of his Victorian home, the Castle. The fireplace with chimney just inside the Castle's fence is all that remains of the Massicks's store. 

Incorporation: In the mid-1960s, a real-estate company from Phoenix purchased land 10 miles east of Prescott, known as Lonesome Valley. In 1966, representatives from Prescott Valley Inc. began traveling to the Midwest to sell home lots. By 1978, more than 1,500 residents lived in the unincorporated area now known as Prescott Valley. In 1978, 80% of the voters of Prescott Valley voted for incorporation as a town.

HOUSING INFORMATION

If you would like information on the real estate market in Prescott Valley, let me know, I would love to help!  John Gorden (928) 308-0101.

>>  See Homes For Sale in Prescott Valley <<

 

Posted in Prescott News