To the east of Scottsdale, people can purchase a home for $0 down. The USDA Home Loan Program is an underused, yet, beneficial program for families leaving the city for the more tranquil and roomy rural or suburban environment.

Contrary to popular belief, the mortgage program’s housing options are not for tiny, rundown farmhouses. “The USDA program accounted for 40%-50% of sales in October and November for Scottsdale, Ariz.-based home builder Meritage Homes,” the company’s VP of Sales John Bargnesi said in a Wall Street Journal article in 2008. The USDA’s eligible properties include single-family homes, condominiums and brand new manufactured homes. In other words, qualified buyers don’t have to settle; they can get a dream home.

USDA LOAN BENEFITS AND ELIGIBILITY

The loan offers cheap closing costs, a low (.03%) monthly insurance fee and modest interest rates. It is one of the last $0 down mortgage programs.

Prospective buyers must meet certain criteria, however. First, they can’t have an income that exceeds 115% of the median income for the location of the home.

In terms of housing, the loan covers newer and older homes. Funds can also apply to homes needing repairs or improvement. Condominiums must be older, while manufactured homes must be newly built. The funds can also pay off legal fees, closing costs and title services. Buyers with an existing Guaranteed Rural Housing loan can refinance.

Applicants need a credit score above 640 to qualify. Although, a USDA lender might be willing to work with a lower score as long as the buyer can prove his ability to meet the financial obligation of the loan. According to the USDA, if one’s credit is below 640, the applicant cannot have a:

• Foreclosure in the past three years.
• Discharged bankruptcy within three years months.
• 30-day late bills within the past year.
• Accounts in collections within past year.
• Tax liens or delinquent government debts such as student loans.
• Outstanding collection accounts.
• Two or more late rent payments in the past year.

Families interested in a USDA eligible property may contact Luxe Real Estate Group agents or USDA loan experts about the loan and relocating to a rural or suburban area.

Jasmine Reese writes content about USDA home loans and rural living for USDA Loans.com, a company devoted to the development of rural and suburban areas.

When making the decision to purchase a new home, price and affordability are two of the largest factors that affect your decision to buy. Making sure that you are buying property that is within your means is one way to ensure that you will be able to stay in the home as long as you choose, and that you won’t be forced to foreclose and abandon your home, leaving you empty handed. Meticulous saving, planning and searching are all part of the process that eventually leads you to the home of your dreams, and you want to make sure that the time you spent searching and looking for the perfect home isn’t for naught. But what if you buy a home for a specific price and at a certain interest rates, and then home prices and loan rates drop dramatically? What are your options and can you save money?

Current homeowners who purchased their homes several years ago when prices were high and interest rates were elevated may be paying more for their homes than they are worth. Many may be feeling the strain of financial hardship and are wondering how they might be able to save money each month. One of the best places to look to save money on your home is your mortgage. If you are paying an interest rate that is higher than the industry standard, you may be eligible for a streamline refinance. A streamline refinance is a home loan refinance where the process has been expedited and requires no additional paperwork and often no home appraisal or other administrative hassles. Additionally, there are no out of pocket expenses, and all closing and administrative fees and costs are rolled into the sum of your mortgage, which makes it easy for you to pay them off little by little, one month at a time. No up-front costs mean more money in your pocket and you start saving immediately.

With all of the benefits of a streamline refinance, why wouldn’t you apply and see how much you can start saving on your home loan? Most homeowners will end up saving thousands of dollars throughout the life of their loan, money that can be saved or used elsewhere. Take advantage of the historically low interest rates and save yourself money on your home mortgage.

Guest post by Jessica Gingham at www.streamlinerefinance.net

819 N. 85th ST–Scottsdale, Arizona: Located in South Scottsdale, just minutes from the 101, Tempe and the new spring training facility, this cozy property occupies a desirable corner lot in a quiet Scottsdale neighborhood. To enter the home, you walk up a few steps and across patio to a gated entrance. Once inside the home, you’ll find a large living room with wood-burning fireplace; a kitchen with breakfast area; a formal dining room and office/den; three bedrooms and two baths. The low maintenance backyard has a covered patio, built-in BBQ and a storage area.

819 N. 85th ST Scottsdale, Arizona

This Fannie Mae owned home qualifies for Homepath Renovation financing. What does this mean? It means that a qualified buyer can obtain financing for the home purchase and light renovation. The loan terms are flexible and the down payment can be as low as three percent—the down payment funds can come from savings, a gift, grant or loan from a non-profit organization. For more information about this property or Homepath Renovation Financing, please call the Luxe Real Estate Group at 800.519.LUXE.

Nestled in the high desert of Scottsdale, Arizona, a dream home awaits a new buyer.  Amberwood Homes built this beautiful residence with a discriminating buyer in mind.  This property epitomizes Scottsdale luxury real estate.  From the hand-crafted, wrought iron and glass front door to the stone flooring and marble kitchen counters, this home is loaded with fine finishes.  When you walk through the front door and into the foyer, you see right through to the back yard and the beautiful mountain views that abound from every window.

This gorgeous estate is located at the end of a quiet street in the gated community of Montecito at Mirabel.  Although it is not part of the Mirabel master planned community, residents can purchase a social and/or golf membership at the Mirabel club [pending availability].  The bank that owns this property recently spent $27,000 in improvements which include a new walk-way made of attractive pavers and new Thermador appliances at the kitchen–included in the appliance package are new double-ovens, microwave, dishwasher, gas cook-top and a $9000 Thermador refrigerator.  All 6000+ square foot of this property is in near perfect condition–all that is needed is back yard landscaping and a pool/spa if desired.

For more information about this property or any other in the valley, please contact us 800.519.LUXE.

Bella Vita pool & spa

Located next to the ever popular Scottsdale greenbelt is a condo conversion project called Bella Vita–and, it is a “Beautiful Life” at this charming community.  The developer, Belleview Communities did a really nice job on the conversions–especially with the buildings and exterior amenities.  New roofs were placed on all the buildings; all buildings were painted; the pool/spa area was completely remodeled; a fitness center was added along with a remodeled clubhouse and the grounds were gated and immaculately landscaped.

The Scottsdale condo units, while not mind-blowing include new: water heater,  A/C unit, carpeting,  ceramic tile,  two-tone paint,  window coverings, ceiling fans, interior lighting, toilets, plumbing fixtures, cabinetry, bathroom accessories, kitchen sink, garbage disposal, appliances and full-size stacked washer and dryer.

The pricing at Bella Vita is well within reach for most Scottsdale condo buyers–one bedrooms start at $89,950 and two bedrooms start at $129,950.  The truly great thing about this community is that it is FHA approved [which is rare for condo projects these days due to the number of investor owned units and HOA delinquencies] and that the developer is currently offering a three percent contribution towards closing costs.  For anyone looking for a condo in Scottsdale, this place should be on your list.  Keep in mind that this is a new home community and as such, the sales agents at Bella Vita represent the builder.  You won’t pay a penny more if you use an agent to represent your best interests and we are very experienced in the condominium market.  Please give us a call at 480.948.6260 and we will schedule an appointment for you at Bella Vita or any other condo community!

Located in the charming, gated community of Arroyo Madera Estates, we have a short sale offering that is truly a rare find:  Interior location, two car garage with work sink and built-in storage, walk-in laundry room, vaulted ceilings, dual-pane windows, ceiling fans, kitchen with all appliances included, tiled dining area, great room with gas fireplace, quiet patio with nice landscaping and greenbelt view–just steps from the community pool & spa, two master suites plus a third bedroom–all with walk-in closets, half bath downstairs for guests, security screen door, huge loft area with built-in desk and cabinetry, window coverings, six panel doors and much more!  The community of Arroyo Madera Estates is ideally situated in Scottsdale. Residents can walk to the ever popular Scottsdale greenbelt which boasts miles of walking/biking paths and beautiful lakes–there is also great shopping and dining just minutes away.

Courtyard style entry

View to lush greenbelt

There is only one lender [Indy Mac] on this property and Indy Mac has a streamlined short sale process.  Listings rarely become available in this community and this property will surely sell quickly.

For more information about this property or short sales in Scottsdale , please contact the Luxe Real Estate Group at 480.948.6260.

Residents of Scottsdale Arizona real estate can benefit from improving home energy efficiency with tax breaks offered in the Stimulus Bill.  Owners of Scottsdale AZ luxury homes with large square footage, especially older homes, can tighten up their real estate during 2009 and 2010 and receive up to $1,500 in tax credits.  There are no income phase-outs; all principal homeowners are eligible.

Homeowners in some parts of the country may be trying to cut heating bills.  Arizona residents look to cut high air-conditioning bills.  Professional comprehensive home assessments are helpful tools to assist homeowners to choose the best project to deal with the hot Sonoran summers that directly affect energy bills in Scottsdale homes.

Compared to older, poorly tuned, or over-sized air-conditioning units, energy saving air conditioners cut cooling costs by over 20 percent.   Other effective home improvements include installing better windows, doors, and insulation, along with projects that seal the shells of homes.  For more information about recommendations for energy-efficient remodeling of real estate in Scottsdale, see the government’s Energy Star website.

The Stimulus Bill, formerly called The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, offers taxpayers tax credits of 30 percent of costs to improve the energy efficiency of their principal residences.  Credit is limited to the cost of materials for windows, doors, and insulation.  The legislation allows 30 percent of installation costs for appliances such as air conditioners, furnaces, heat pumps, and boilers that meet energy efficient guidelines.  The maximum total tax credit for both 2009 and 2010 combined is $1,500.

For example, if a project costs $5,000, the taxpayer could receive a tax credit of $1,500.  If a $300 project in 2009, then the tax credit would be $90 for 2009.  This homeowner would still be able to spend an additional $4,700 in 2010 and then claim another $1,410 when filing his/her 2010 return.

Those who want to go all green may consider this additional offer.  Another tax credit is on the table until 2016 for installing new energy systems such as solar water heaters, geothermal heat pumps, and wind energy systems.  This incentive includes up to 30 percent of the costs of materials and installation with no maximum limit!

Although previous legislation offered tax credits for these types of upgrades, the 2009 Stimulus Bill raised the credit amount from 10 percent to 30 percent.  Improvements must be “placed in service” between January 1, 2009 and December 31, 2010 with the exception of the energy systems mentioned in the previous paragraph.

For more information about the estate homes and luxury real estate in the area, contact the LUXE Real Estate Group at 1-888-900-LUXE.

Kierland Resort is unique among Scottsdale Arizona real estate.  Tucked amid the McDowell Mountains of central Scottsdale real estate, the Westin Kierland Resort & Spa is an Arizona landmark. Inspired by the theme “Treasuring the Essence of Arizona,” the resort pays tribute to Arizona history by displaying historical artifacts, artwork, and photography.

A pleasant mix of older Scottsdale homes surrounds the 730-acre master-planned Kierland Community that includes popular shopping destination at Kierland Commons, an exclusive 27-hole championship golf course, Agave Spa, Adventure Water Park, hundreds of luxury guest rooms, and much more.

The vacation oasis in the Sonoran Desert of Scottsdale AZ real estate features:

• Three world-class golf courses and Kierland golf club
• Tranquil spa with unique and rejuvenating treatments including oxygen facials at Agave Spa
• Tennis Courts
• Fitness facilities
• A spectacular outdoor pool complex with sand beach, 110-foot waterslide, and 900-foot river
• Year-round games and activities at Westin Kids’ club
• Organized activities and family events
• Top dining experiences
• Shopping with Key to Kierland Shopping at Kierland Commons

A self-guided walking tour leads guests through the depictions of Arizona history on display.  Descriptive plaques, each written with a Will Rogers bent by state historian Marshall Trimble, detail key moments of our past.  In the meeting and function area of the Resort are Discovery Hall, Expedition Hall, and Visionaries Hall where river explorers such as John Wesley Powell join

Arizona Indian chiefs and heads of state, those honored for creating the “Essence of Arizona.”
Arizona Culturekeepers in conjunction with the Arizona Historical Society and The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa to recognizes 10 Arizona pioneers of entrepreneurial spirit, civic leadership, and outstanding contributions.  The state celebrates its 100th birthday in 2012.

In addition to presenting Arizona history and offering 732 spacious Southwestern-style guestrooms with Heavenly Beds® and private balconies and terraces, the Kierland Resort hosts several events.  They include Scottish Pipes at Sunset, Saturday Night Scotch Tastings, Well Beyond, and concerts.

The “Scottish Pipes at Sunset” series features bagpiper Michael McClanathan and honors Scottish immigrants who helped develop Arizona’s railroads, mines, and towns.  “Summer Concert Series at Kierland Commons” features live performances on the plaza each Saturday evening while “Saturday Night Scotch Tastings” serve Johnny Walker Scotches.  “Well Beyond” Weekends feature experts from Mayo Clinic, which is located just northwest of the resort teaching life-long health.

Guests also access a full selection of FUN activities such as trips to the Grand Canyon and hot air balloon rides.  For information about the estate homes and luxury real estate in the area, contact the LUXE Real Estate Group at 1-888-900-LUXE.

Opportunity knocks for buyers in our beautiful Scottsdale AZ real estate market.  Until December 1, 2009, the U.S. government is offering an $8,000 tax credit to first-time homebuyers and to buyers of principal homes in Scottsdale and Phoenix, who have not owned primary homes in the last 3 years.  The tax credit applies to taxpayers throughout the nation.

It is truly a buyers’ market trumping the last eight years.  First-time buyers have the opportunity to buy Scottsdale real estate on scenic golf courses and homes in other neighborhoods that were previously out of reach.  Alternately, they may desire to purchase larger Scottsdale AZ homes in medium-priced neighborhoods, homes with more space such as an extra bedroom or office or garage.

Families looking for real estate in Scottsdale are also highly motivated by great prices for homes and loans.  With reduced sales prices, flexible sellers, and increased inventory, now is the time to buy.  Interest rates are still quite low and FHA loan products are enticing.  In February, the FHA Loan Limits in Maricopa County (Scottsdale, Phoenix and Mesa) increased to $346,250.  FHA conforming loan limits are $417,000.

Buyers with steady employment and reasonable credit scores can buy a home with as little as 3-percent down payment through the FHA.  In addition, the FHA opened up bridge vehicles that enable first-time buyers to borrow from tax-credit monies for down payments.  The tax credit also applies to purchasers who use revenue bond financing.

All principal residences are eligible.  That includes single-family homes, condominiums, townhouses, co-ops, and houseboats, which we do not see much of in the desert.

A tax credit is not a tax deduction. It is a dollar-for-dollar reduction in taxes.  If the homebuyers do not owe taxes, they will receive a refund after filing 2009 taxes.  Unlike other recent incentives, homebuyers who buy between January 1 and December 1, 2009 do not pay back this money unless they sell the qualifying homes within three years.

The tax credit starts phasing out for homebuyers with modified gross incomes above $75,000 ($150,000 joint), according to a formula.  Please consult your tax advisor for specific information.

For more information about the estate homes and luxury real estate in the area, contact the LUXE Real Estate Group at 1-888-900-LUXE.

Take note if you are or plan to be a real estate investor in Scottsdale, Phoenix, or any other part of Arizona.  On July 10, 2009, Arizona Governor Brewer signed legislation that as of September 30 changes the Arizona anti-deficiency law contained in the Arizona Revised Statutes – Section 33-814(G), the trustee’s sale statute.

Investors in trust property in Scottsdale or Arizona real estate need to find out how this ruling affects their situations, if at all, with regards to plans for foreclosures and short sales.  We strongly advise consultation with qualified tax professionals before deciding to do a short sale or foreclosure.  There are possible derogatory tax consequences resulting from Arizona  foreclosures, shorts sales, and loan modifications.

The current Arizona anti-deficiency rule keeps lenders from seeking a deficiency, or suing directly on the note, following a foreclosure or short sale of investment real estate in Arizona that meets certain criteria.  It is advisable for real estate investors to seek professional help analyzing each foreclosure or short sale to determine their rights and obligations.  The lender’s remedies under the Promissory Note and other loan documents spell out the terms.

Designed to limit the type of borrowers that will qualify for anti-deficiency treatment, the new Arizona law changes the criteria.   Criteria under the current laws are simple:  the anti-deficiency rules apply only if the foreclosed property is under 2 ½ acres and utilized as a single one-family or single two-family dwelling.

The current law goes something like this:  In Arizona, if a borrower fails to pay its loan, a lender can foreclose its Deed of Trust lien either judicially per A.R.S. 33-721 et. seq., or non-judicially by conducting a trustee’s sale per A.R.S. 33-801 et. seq.  If the foreclosure price does not pay a lender what it is owed, the lender may generally seek a deficiency against the borrower for the difference.  Arizona has anti-deficiency laws that bar a lender from seeking a deficiency in certain situations.  In both judicial foreclosures and trustee’s sales, anti-deficiency rules apply only if the property being foreclosed meets the criteria.

However, after September 29, 2009, there are additional criteria:  The trustor must have lived in the property for at least six consecutive months and must have a Certificate of Occupancy.  Investment properties sold at a trustee’s sale will not qualify for anti-deficiency treatment if the trustor has not lived in the property for the six consecutive months.  There are more details in the fine print.  Be aware.

For more information about the estate homes and luxury real estate in the area, contact the LUXE Real Estate Group at 1-888-900-LUXE.

New HERA regulations designed to improve mortgage disclosure take effect on July 30, 2009.  Through this legislation, buyers in the Scottsdale and Phoenix Arizona real estate markets will be better informed about the mortgage process in the future than in the past.

HERA stands for the Housing and Economic Recovery Act.  It assists borrowers by mandating full transparency.  The new rules encourage consistent lending practices among Scottsdale lenders and include controls to prevent deceptive and abusive lending practices.  Hoping to promote fair regulation of the Arizona real estate industry, all parties should benefit from the regulations.

All mortgage lenders and mortgage brokers in Scottsdale must comply with the regulation requirements.  One of them has to do with Truth in Lending (TIL).  Truth in Lending is a form mandated by federal law that specifies information that must be provided to borrowers on different types of loans.

The idea is that lenders provide one uniform set of price disclosures that are consistent from loan to loan and from lender to lender.  In theory, this would enable Scottsdale home buyers  to make apples-to-apples price comparisons across loan types and across lenders.

Mortgage companies in Arizona are looking positively about several changes heralded by HERA.

1. Saturdays will be counted as business days for all disclosure wait periods.
2. With the exception of the credit-report fee, upfront fees cannot be charged until the borrower receives the initial TIL from the lender.
3. Initial TIL is required on purchases and refinancing of primary residences and second homes and not for investment properties.
4. Initial TIL must be provided at least seven business days before the closing and signing date.
5. If the APR in increased by more than .125 percent, at least three business days before closing the TIL must be revised and reissued to the Scottsdale home buyer.

The appraisal cannot be requested until the Arizona home buyer  receives the initial TIL from the lender.  Lenders may not collect the appraisal fee until four business days after the lender issues the initial disclosure packet.  A copy of the appraisal must be provided to the borrower, although they may eliminate the three-business-day wait period by waiving their right to review it.

In today’s real estate market, escrows no longer close in 30 days.  Loans are more difficult to close and when all goes well, they take about 40-45 days.

For more information about the estate homes and luxury real estate in the area, contact the LUXE Real Estate Group at 1-888-900-LUXE.

Whether you purchase a Phoenix Arizona home for sale or Scottsdale golf real estate, take the family out to mingle costumed characters at the Arizona Renaissance Festival every winter in Apache Junction.  Harkening back to the celebrations held in European village during the 1500s-1600s, the Renaissance Festival features a medieval amusement park, a 12-stage theater, 30-acre circus, arts and crafts fair, jousting tournament, and a marvelous feast.

One of the most interactive entertainment venues available for residents of Phoenix and Scottsdale, the amusements and antics continue non-stop with comedy, music, dancing, circus performers, and jousting knights on horseback.   Games, rides, and the festival marketplace offer plenty of interesting options for all generations to experience.

Special events held during the 2009 festival, the 21st annual event, included performances by Artiste du Jour Paolo Garbanzo, winner of The International Jester competition and an invitation by The King and Queen to couples to celebrate the Age of Chivalry at the Renewal of Vows at the Festival Wedding Chapel.  The Medieval Babes in concert, Venetian Carnevale, wine lectures and tasting, Ahoy ye Landlubbers Treasure Hunt and Pirate Costume Contest, Fairyland Merriment, Celtic Nations Celebrations, Sexiest Knees in a Kilt Contest, Royals vs. Peasants, Princess Contest, Huzzahs, and so much more.

Games and rides, like DaVinci’s Flying Machine, Voyage to the New World, Butterfly Ride, Swan Swing, Dragon’s Climbing Wall, Dungeon Tour, Local Yokel’s Village, Dragon Tail Tower, Piccolo Pony, and Jacob’s Ladder, offer children and youth a day of fun activities.

Creativity abounds.  From glass-blowing demonstrations and crystal mining to metal works and unique jewelry and dramatic fashion, the marketplace is like nothing in the metropolitan area.  This is also the place to purchase unusual candles, home accessories, books, swords, pottery and ceramics, pewter, instruments, leather goods, and fanciful clothing.

A grand medieval feast, the culminating Pleasure Feast features six courses of fine foods and drink accompanied by raucous entertainment.  “Let the Feast Master’s boisterous serving wenches and tavern knaves dish up a roaring good time!” exclaims the advertisement.  There are two feasts each day.  The Fairhaven Feast Hall is also available for private events.

A great time for humorous family photos, there are also many opportunities available to dress in period costume or to pick up souvenirs.  Other services include Ancient Arts, Celestial Circus, Enchanted Images, Face and Body Painting, Family Name Histories, Fantasy Hair Weaving, Gypsy Eyes, Caricatures, and Body Art and other fascinating offerings.

For more information about the estate homes and luxury real estate in the area, contact the LUXE Real Estate Group at 1-888-900-LUXE.

Another boon to Scottsdale, Arizona real-estate values is the spring training facility at Scottsdale Stadium.  Located in vibrant downtown Scottsdale real estate next to Old Town, Scottsdale Stadium is the most popular venue to watch a baseball game in the Cactus League.

Spring training is a series of practices and exhibition games commonly used by Major League Baseball teams before the start of the regular season.  It allows new players to audition for roster and position spots and offers practice time for everyone.  Today, all major league teams use facilities in the warmer states of Arizona (the Cactus League) and Florida (the Grapefruit League).  Spring training lasts from the end of February through March.  Pitchers and catchers report a week or two before players from other positions arrive for team practice.

In modern training, teams that train in Arizona play other Arizona training teams in their exhibition games.  They also play teams from Arizona State University, minor league baseball clubs, intra-squad games, split-squad games, and B Games, which are unofficial Spring Training games.

The following teams are in the Cactus League in the Greater Phoenix area:  Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox, Cleveland Indians, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, Los Angeles Dodgers, Kansas City Royals, Milwaukee Brewers, Oakland Athletics, San Diego Padres, San Francisco Giants, Seattle Mariners, Texas Rangers, and in 2010 the Cincinnati Reds.  Two more clubs hold Spring Training in Tucson:  Arizona Diamondbacks, Colorado Rockies.

A modernized Scottsdale Stadium replaced the facility that housed several major league teams since World War II ended.  After residents of homes in Scottsdale approved an $8M bond issue in 1991, the 1946-era original stadium at the corner of Osborn and Drinkwater work began to demolish and replace Scottsdale Stadium.  A beautiful new design by HOK Architects provided a spacious concourse and 12,000 seats, including berm seating.  Field dimensions are left field, 360 feet; right field, 330 feet; center field, 430 feet with a 10-foot high outfield fence.

In 2006, another $23M, made available through Arizona Sports and Tourism Authority, Maricopa County Stadium District, and the City of Scottsdale, funded a walkway connecting the berms, full and half practice fields, and VIP seating for season ticket holders in the Charro Lodge pavilion and terrace in right field over the bullpen.  The Giants signed on until 2025 with an option to extend an additional ten years.

For more information about luxury real estate in the area, contact LUXE Real Estate Group at 1-888-900-LUXE.

Several PGA golfers own second homes in Scottsdale Arizona, or real estate in Greater Phoenix, for good reason: sunny practice time.  There are over 200 golf courses near beautiful Scottsdale real estate, including the TPC of Scottsdale.  We also have a wide selection of luxury homes in Scottsdale’s golf communities set in the Sonoran Desert with views of the majestic McDowell Mountains and city skyline.

Possibly trumping it all, Scottsdale hosts the FBR Open, formerly known as the Arizona Open and the Phoenix Open, at the Tournament of Players Club (PTC) of Scottsdale.  The FBR Open holds the record for having the highest spectator attendance of any golf event, with more than 500,000 in 2008.  Over the decades, the nationally televised event brought name recognition to the City of Scottsdale.

Held annually at the end of January, the 2009 schedule included Ladies Invitational, Practice Rounds for pros, Pro-Am and Celebrity-Am tourneys, Hoyt Family Foundation Dream Day activities, Junior Golf Clinic on Practice Range, CBS Outdoor Special Olympics Open on Putting Green, Opening Dinner, Shot At Glory on 16th Hole Stadium course, and Birds Nest entertainment before the FBR Open begins.

History of the FBR Open

The Phoenix Open began in 1932 with a $2,500 purse.  Ralph Guldahl of the United States took home $600 for his first place winnings.  After the 1935 events, the tournament was discontinued.  However, avid golfer Bob Goldwater Sr. determined to revive it.  He cajoled fellow Thunderbirds, a prominent civic organization in Phoenix, into helping him to get it going again.  Although they agreed, Goldwater printed the tickets, sold sponsorships, obtained the use of the Phoenix Country Club, and invited a few important friends to tee up.  They were Bing Crosby, Bob Hope, and Ben Hogan.

The 1939 Phoenix Open was a royal success and the show has gone on every year except during a wartime 1943 hiatus.  By 1946 and 1947, Ben Hogan took home $1,500 and $2,000 for first-place standings.

By 1955, the Arizona Country Club hosted the Open on alternate years.  Then, from 1975 to 1986, it remained exclusively at the Arizona Country Club.  In 1987, the tournament moved to its current home at the Stadium Course at the TPC of Scottsdale.   By that time, the purse had gone up to $600,000.

As of 2003, the tournament’s new title sponsor, the investment bank Friedman Billings Ramsey (FBR) joined the team.  When Kenny Perry took first place in 2009, the purse was $6,000,000 and Perry earned $1,080,000.

Spectator tickets are always available.  Sold for $25 a day, the Thunderbirds make room for everyone who wants to participate.  Portions of the proceeds go to funding the Phoenix activities of the Special Olympics.

For more information about luxury real estate in the area, contact LUXE Real Estate Group at 1-888-900-LUXE.

TPC Scottsdale is one of the finest venues on the PGA TOUR for players and fans alike.  Many folks now retiring to Scottsdale AZ real estate anticipate leisurely rounds of golf at The Tournament of Players Club of Scottsdale.  Some spotted the TPC tourneys on television during the FBR Open, formally called the Arizona Open and the Phoenix Open.

The younger set may select Scottsdale homes for their families after watching the FBC Open from the gallery on the 16th hole when they attended Arizona State University.

Regardless of how, tournaments at the TPC of Scottsdale draw record-breaking crowd and introduce golf enthusiasts to the idea of owning golf real estate in Scottsdale.  TPC of Scottsdale is part of a chain of Tournament of Players Club golf facilities built to accommodate tens and hundreds of thousands of spectators.

TPC of Scottsdale opened in 1986 with the Par 71, 7215-yard Stadium Course.  In 2007, the Par 71, 7115-yard Championship Course followed over 20 years later.  The 36 holes exhibit the strengths of the greats and encourage well-rounded playing skills.  All players here walk the fairways and enjoy the services normally reserved for the greatest players in the world.

Named as a Top 10 Public Golf Courses in Arizona by Golf Digest, Jay Morrish and Tom Weiskopf designed the Stadium Course that opened for play in 1986.  It was the first golf course in Arizona to be designated an Audubon International Cooperative Sanctuary and it has achieved that designation year after year.  The Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary System provides information and guidance to golf courses to preserve and enhance wildlife habitat and protect natural resources.

The newer Champions Course, designed by Randy Heckenkemper, is a collaboration of the City of Scottsdale, the Bureau of Reclamation, and the PGA TOUR.   The ultimate desert golf experience unfolds over Bermuda fairways, pristine greens, and challenging bunkers, natural ravines, and picturesque foothills, trumped by the last four holes.

The Champions Course includes a beautiful new modern clubhouse with expanded banquet and catering capabilities.  It is available for tournament receptions, business gatherings, and other special events.

The TPC is comprised of destination and private membership properties.  Membership in any PTC Club may earn playing privileges at other clubs in the TPC Network.  Tournament of Players golf courses host PGA TOUR, Champions Tour, and Nationwide Tour events.  The network of private and destination golf clubs maintain an excellent reputation.

TPC Scottsdale is located north of Frank Lloyd Wright Boulevard between Scottsdale Road and the Loop 101 Freeway (Pima Road).  For more information about luxury real estate in the area, contact LUXE Real Estate Group at 1-888-900-LUXE.