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Desert Homes Have Special Needs

When living in desert homes, expect your real estate to undergo a barrage of extreme weather – from scorching heat to nose-numbing cold weather.  As a result, homes designed for desert living should be constructed of materials that can withstand the hot, the cold, and everything in-between.

Perhaps one of the best materials for construction is concrete.  Concrete is inexpensive and durable, virtually maintenance free for home-owners who prefer spending their time taking in the adventures that desert living provides.  Concrete is also a wonderful sound-proof material, which could be a problem if coyotes are circling your abode waiting to whisk away your marinating steaks.

While building a concrete home may seem more expensive at first, this real estate is actually much less expensive in the long-run thanks to savings in monthly heating and cooling expenses.  Additional savings are realized through your home owners insurance policies because concrete is very durable and can survive earthquakes, tornadoes, fire, and other unfortunate disasters.

Another benefit of concrete homes is the absence of pests.  Where there is wood, there are termites. Where wood is absent, there are no termites, carpenter ants, or other foundation-nibbling insects.  In addition, the inside wall materials are non-toxic.  Often polystyrene foam is used which are free of fiberglass, formaldehyde, and asbestos.

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In addition to the design of a home, people living in Arizona desert country may also want to consider what kind of landscaping would be good beyond cactus and tumbleweeds.  Perhaps the best kind of tree would be a Chilean Mesquite which is very drought resistant and grows to 40 feet tall.  Another tree to consider for desert landscaping are the Afghan Pine which grows to 80 feet tall and uses little water once it is established.  Finally Mimosa trees and Desert Willow trees also provide wonderful shade and once the roots are in, not a lot of water is required.

As you consider water for your Arizona desert home, some tips that could be helpful are to find toilets that have 1-gallon-per flush, shower heads that only expend 2.75 gallons per minute, and 1.5 gallon per minute or less faucets.

With some serious planning and designing, building and living successfully in an energy-efficient desert home in Arizona can be affordable, satisfying, and an extraordinary real estate experience.

















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Winslow, Arizona is Such a Fine Sight to See

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Winslow, Arizona might not really be known for more than an old railroad town and then as a bump on the road along famous Route 66 except for a few strokes of a pen.   In 1972 – the year American Pie became so famous – Winslow was catapulted onto the world stage thanks to some delicious lyrics performed by a little band named the Eagles.

In the words of songwriters Jackson Browne and Glenn Frey,

Well, I'm a standing on a corner
in Winslow, Arizona
and such a fine sight to see
It's a girl, my Lord, in a flatbed
Ford slowin' down to take a look at me.

Winslow, Arizona went down in songwriters’ history and became forever etched in the minds of listeners everywhere.  Listeners could easily envision a scene: as dusk falls a traveler stops for awhile on his journey. Taking in the sights, smells, and sounds of the town, his eyes are pulled to a truck – a classic symbol of Americana – and to the driver. 

Today the town celebrates “Standin’ on the corner” day with a street festival in September.  If you want to become one of the 10,000 residents who enjoy food and music festivities, it won’t take a lot of money to buy real estate in Winslow.

The most expensive homes (not the expansive ranch properties) are priced at around $300,000.  Most homes, however, are priced under $150,000.  Most homes were built in the 1950’s, but some newer homes are also available.  Both the newer and older homes have wonderful features, from hardwood floors to big yards. Many also feature either wood-burning stoves or fireplaces to help keep the chill at bay during the Arizona nights.

Once you settle into your own real estate in Winslow, you can travel to the nearby meteor crater to see what kind of impact is made from debris falling from space. The stunning 4,000 foot in diameter crater (also known as Barringer Crater and Canyon Diablo Crater) is just 20 miles west of Winslow.

Sixty miles east of Winslow is the Petrified Forest and the Painted Desert, so both of those attractions would be fabulous places to bring your out-of-town guests.

Winslow is perhaps one of the most perfect towns in the U.S., rich with the spirit of the Old West and Americana.





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Tags: Arizona mortgage rates, home buying tools, average home value, real estate market trends