Closing costs can be steep.  Origination fees, title insurance, recording fees and so on add up to a good chunk of money.   I guess the biggest question you need to ask  yourself is how long you plan on staying in your home to pay back these costs.  When you consider the monthly savings of a lower mortgage payment, will you recover these costs in the time frame you will be in your home?

Let’s say your closing costs are $5,500 and this equates to a $277 savings per month on your mortgage payment.  You would be able to “payback” the closings costs in approximately 20 months.  So, if you plan on staying in your home longer than that it would be wise to refinance.  Also, If you are one that is focused on paying the principal down and staying in your home until it is paid off, consider bi-weekly mortgage payments.  Then you are really going to make a dent in the principal.

Of course, there are more factors involved in deciding whether to refinance at a low interest rate but if you can determine how long you plan on staying in  your home and what the closing costs will be, you are at a good starting point to move forward or not.

1. What exactly is a reverse mortgage?

A reverse mortgage is a home loan that lets you convert a portion of the equity in your home into cash.  However, unlike a traditional home equity loan or second mortgage, (Home Equity Conversion Mortgage) HECM borrowers do not have to repay the loan until the borrowers no longer use the home as their principal residence or fail to meet the obligations of the mortgage.  You can also use a HECM to purchase a primary residence if you are able to use cash on hand to pay the difference between the HECM proceeds and the sales price plus closing costs for the property you are buying.

2. Can you qualify for FHA’s HECM reverse mortgage?

To be eligible for an FHA HECM, you have to be a homeowner 62 years of age or older, own your home outright, or have a low mortgage balance that can be paid off at closing with proceeds from the reverse loan, and it must be your primary residence.  You are also required to receive consumer information free or at very low cost from a HECM counselor prior to obtaining the loan.  You can find a HECM counselor online or by calling (800) 569-4287.

3. Can you apply for a HECM even if you did not buy your present home with FHA mortgage insurance?

Yes.  You may apply for a HECM regardless of whether or not you purchased your home with an FHA-insured mortgage.

4. What types of homes are eligible?

To be eligible for the FHA HECM, the home must be a single family home or a 2-4 unit home with one unit occupied by you, the borrower.  HUD-approved condominiums and manufactured homes that meet FHA requirements are also eligible.

5. What are the differences between a reverse mortgage and a home equity loan?

With a second mortgage, or a home equity line of credit, borrowers must have adequate income to qualify for the loan, and they make monthly payments on the principal and interest.  A reverse mortgage is different, because it pays you – there are no monthly principal and interest payments.  With a reverse mortgage, you are required to pay real estate taxes, utilities, and hazard and flood insurance premiums.

6. Will you have an estate that you can leave to heirs?

When the home is sold or no longer used as a primary residence, the cash, interest, and other HECM finance charges must be repaid.  All proceeds beyond the amount owed belong to your spouse or estate.  This means any remaining equity can be transferred to heirs.  No debt is passed along to the estate or heirs.  I was happy to read this part as this was my first question about these loans – i.e. what is left behind if someone dies?

7. How much money can you get from my home?

The amount you may borrow depends on:

You can borrow more with the HECM Standard option. In addition, the more valuable your home is, the older you are, and the lower the interest rate, the more you can borrow.  If there is more than one borrower, the age of the youngest borrower is used to determine the amount you can borrow.  You can refer to online reverse mortgage calculators for an estimate of the amount of funds you can borrow.

8. Should I use an estate planning service to find a reverse mortgage lender?

FHA does NOT recommend using any service that charges a fee for referring a borrower to an FHA-approved lender.  You can locate a FHA-approved lender by searching online at www.hud.gov or by contacting a HECM counselor for a listing.  Services rendered by HECM counselors are free or at a low cost.  To locate a HECM counselor go online or call (800) 569-4287 for the name and location of a HUD-approved housing counseling agency near you.

9. How do I receive my payments?

You can select from five payment plans:

10. What if I change my mind and no longer want the loan after I go to closing?  How do I do this?

By law, as with any mortgage loan, there is a three day right of rescission period.  You have three calendar days to change your mind and cancel the loan.  The process of canceling the loan should be explained at loan closing.  Be sure to ask the lender for instructions on this process.  Mortgage lenders differ in the process of canceling a loan.  You should ask for the names of the appropriate people, phone numbers, fax numbers, addresses, or written instructions on whatever process the company has in place.  In most cases, the right of rescission will not be applicable to HECM for purchase transactions.

Finding a Licensed Termite Inspector

1. The WDIIR inspection form should have the inspector’s license number at the bottom of the form next to the signature, the first two numbers of the license represents the year that the inspector was licensed.
2. Go to Office of Pest Management Pest Management Professional search (click here). You’ll be able to see what type of license the inspector has, how long the inspector has been with a company, and also if the inspector has completed CE hours.

Finding a Pest Control Business

1. Go to Office of Pest Management Consumer Resources section to conduct a Licensee Search (click here).
2. You can also go to Complaints History section to find out if there have ever been any complaints on a pest control company (click here).

The company information will tell you how long they have been licensed and what type of pest control they can perform and it will also give you a list of all licensed employees.

Find out if a house has been treated for termites

Check out the Termite Report Search (click here). Here you can enter as much or as little information and it will do a search for that property for the last ten years.

The report will tell you:

1. All WDIIR inspections will be recorded within 30 days of the inspection completed.
2. All properties treated with termites will be recorded. This report will display what type of treatment was done, what chemical was used and how many gallons were used.
3. This report will also give you the pest control company, licensee, and the date treatment was done.
4. You will also find pre-treatment information on this report.

Katydid Insect Museum

The Katydid Insect Museum is just a short ride to Glendale from Avondale.  This museum contains a wide assortment of insects, arachnids, reptiles and other fascinating creatures.  Katydid’s insect museum is a great place for bug-loving kids and the adults who tolerate their obsession.  The museum houses thousands of insect specimens, mounted in display cases and labeled, as well as lizards, spiders, and snakes.  The more adventurous (or crazy) visitors can even interact with some of the residents LIVE.  It only costs a dollar for admittance for children and those under six years old are free.  For more information, call 623-931-8718.

Arizona Fairgrounds

The Arizona fairgrounds are home of the annual Arizona State Fair.  The fairgrounds are located only a short 12 miles from Avondale.  The State Fair has attractions and vendors to please everyone.  Some of the attractions include a rodeo, a demolition derby and various types of racing.  There is a wide variety of food vendors and all kinds of exciting rides.  The fair runs from October 12th to November 4th and is open everyday except Mondays and Tuesdays.  For more information, click on the link above.

Wildlife World Zoo & Aquarium

Located immediately north of Goodyear in Litchfield Park, the Wildlife World Zoo has Arizona’s largest collection of exotic animals with over 2,400 individual animals representing more than 400 exotic and endangered species.  The state’s first Aquarium has now opened at the Zoo – 16501 W. Northern Ave., Litchfield Park.  For more information, their phone number is 623-935-WILD.

Goodyear Ballpark

While the Goodyear ballpark may not be quite the same as the University of Phoenix Cardinals Stadium, it’s still a fun place to visit with lots of events all year round.  The Right Field Pavilion has a picnic style atmosphere for the best views of the park and can accommodate up to 500 people.  Or you can enjoy a game from The Terrace, a private, covered area located on the third level behind Home Plate.  The Terrace provides a more casual atmosphere for groups up to 90 people.  Terrace packages include food and non-alcoholic beverages, cash bar service and private rest­rooms.  In addition to ball games, the park has a variety of events hosted by businesses around the valley such as Kids Run The Bases, every Saturday and Sunday where children are allowed to run the same bases their favorite ball players have run.  Check out the link above for more information on events at the Goodyear Ballpark.

Parks And Recreation

Avondale offers a variety of parks and hiking opportunities such as the hiking and mountain biking trails in the Estrella Mountain Regional Park that sits at the northern tip of the Sierra Estrella mountain range.  The park offers many trails that crisscross the foothills and plains.  You can also hike in White Mountain Park.  White Mountain Park has nearly 30,000 acres making it the largest regional park in Maricopa County.  Most of the park is made up of the rugged and beautiful White Tank Mountains on the Valley’s west side.  You can check out all of the parks in the Avondale area by clicking on the link above.

K1 Speed Indoor Go Cart Racing

K1 Speed Phoenix brings electric indoor go kart racing to the Phoenix, Scottsdale, Glendale and Peoria areas.  Whether you’re a diehard racing enthusiast or are interested in trying authentic, European-style kart racing for the first time, K1 Speed has it all.  The facility provides a genuine racing experience with 20hp electric karts that can reach speeds approaching 45mph and high-grip racing surfaces that allow drivers to push the limit through high-speed corners!  Needless to say, don’t be surprised if the adrenaline is flowing after your race.  For more information, click on the link above.

I hope this short list gives you some insight into just how much there is to see and do near Rancho Santa Fe in Avondale, Arizona.  Not to mention, Avondale is very close to many other active communities and to downtown Phoenix and Luke Air Force Base, home of the Thunderbolts, the Air Force’s primary F-16 pilot and maintenance training base.  The base often welcomes civilians to enjoy air shows and other festivities and meet the nation’s finest.

Enjoy Avondale!

1)  Heard Museum

The Heard Museum is unique not only in the exhibits that are displayed but also the style and grace with which it displays them.  The museum boasts more than 32,000 pieces of cultural and fine art.  There are permanent exhibits, like the famous Barry Goldwater collection of Kachina Dolls, as well as special exhibits year-round.  Some of the special annual events include the World Championship Hoop Dance Contest which is held each February, and the Heard Museum Guild Indian Fair and Market each March.  The museum also includes 11 exhibition galleries, free guided tours, outdoor sculpture gardens, a renowned café, art gallery, trading-post style shopping and more!  For more information call:  602-252-8848.

2)  Desert Botanical Garden

The Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix has one of the world’s finest collections of desert plants.  It is one of only 44 botanical gardens accredited by the American Association of Museums.  At the Desert Botanical Garden you will find 50 acres of beautiful outdoor exhibits.  Home to 139 rare, threatened, and endangered plant species from around the world, there is no finer place to enjoy desert beauty than the Desert Botanical Garden.  The Garden is located in Papago Park in Central Phoenix.  For more details contact:  480-941-1225.

3)  Boyce Thompson Arboretum

The Boyce Thompson Arboretum brings together plants from the Earth’s many and varied deserts and dry lands.  Approximately 3,200 different desert plants can be found within the arboretum, and most of them can be seen along the 1.5 mile main trail. During wildflower season, the Boyce Thompson Arboretum is especially beautiful, displaying all the wonderful colors of the desert. Are you a bird lover?  More than 250 species of birds have been recorded at the Boyce Thompson Arboretum.  You can also attend classes, nature walks, and guided tours.  There is fun for everyone!  For more details call:  520-689-2723.

 4)  The Phoenix Zoo

The Phoenix Zoo in Arizona is one of the younger zoos in the country.  Not only is it a successful zoo, but it is a privately owned, nonprofit zoo.  That means that it operates strictly without any government funding – the Phoenix Zoo is totally supported by donors and private organizations. Recognizing the important role that zoos must play, the Phoenix Zoo has been very active in wildlife conservation programs.  The Phoenix Zoo is open every single day of the year, including December 25th.  In the summer it is advisable to get there as early as possible, since many animals head for shade and hide during the heat of the day.  The zoo offers a camel rides, a giraffe encounter, a petting zoo, pedal boat rides and much, much more!  For more information call:  602-273-1341.

5)  Phoenix Children’s Museum

Acting on the principle that learning is a joy, the Children’s Museum of Phoenix’s mission is to engage the minds, muscles and imaginations of children and the grown-ups who care about them.  With hands-on, interactive exhibits designed for children ages birth to 10, the Museum focuses on learning through play, with emphasis on early childhood education and school-readiness.  The Children’s Museum of Phoenix is located at 215 N. 7th Street, Phoenix, Arizona.  For more information call:  602-253-0501.

6)  Childsplay

Childsplay theater sets out to create theater so strikingly original in form, content or both, that it instills in young people an enduring awe, love and respect for the medium, thus preserving imagination and wonder, those hallmarks of childhood which are the keys to the future.  There is a wide variety of performances and events that can be found on the link above.  For more information call:  480-921-5700.

7)  Arizona Science Center

The Arizona Science Center offers hands-on, eye-opening fun with more than 300 interactive exhibits, a state-of-the-art planetarium, five-story giant-screen theater, live demonstrations, and traveling exhibitions.  Explore 350 hands-on exhibits, a five-story theater and a planetarium in a unique setting.  Group rates and facility rentals available.  For more information, call 602-716-2000.

8)  Musical Instrument Museum

Metropolitan Phoenix’s newest museum opened in spring 2010, billing itself as the first in the world dedicated to the celebration of global instruments.  Upon entering the airy, acoustically thoughtful building, you’re issued a wireless headset.  When you approach a displayed instrument, voila—its sound plays clearly in your ears.  The museum emphasizes instruments that have been used for folk and tribal occasions, and the collection includes instruments from over 200 different countries and territories.  Unless you’re the world’s expert on this subject, we figure you’ll be seeing and hearing instruments you’ve never even thought of before. Musicians will especially dig the Experience Gallery, where you can touch and play exotic instruments.  For more information call:  480-478-6000.

9)  Tovrea Castle

Tovrea Castle was built about 70 years ago by Italian immigrant Alessio Carraro as a grand hotel, intended as the centerpiece of an upscale housing developement. Tovrea Castle was built without working plans, and the final structure bears little resemblance to the intended design.  Construction of the castle was interrupted frequently, sometimes for long periods of time, due to the extensive landscaping taking place in the 277 acres surrounding the building.  Hundreds of cacti were transplanted along with 2,600 truckloads of river stones, which were whitewashed and used for retaining walls, terraces, and edging for the roads and trails.  Mr. Carraro’s dreams were ended by the stock market crash of 1929, and he sold the castle to Edward Tovrea, a business man who owned a meat packing plant on adjoining acreage.  The castle was lived in by the Tovreas until Mrs. Tovreas’ death in 1969.  The house was opened to the public only once, for one weekend in 1984.  In 1993, the City of Phoenix bought the castle along with 40 acres, and is planning to restore the castle for use as a visitors center.  For more information call:  602-262-6412.

10)  Mystery Castle

This unusual piece of architecture, built from recycled bottles, granite and bricks in 1930, is a tribute from a father to his daughter. Located near South Mountain, you may take tours through the castle. Largely constructed of native stone, the 8,000-square-foot castle contains 13 fireplaces, 18 rooms and various features of interest. Southwestern antiques furnish this unique facility.  For more information call:  602-268-1581.

Image Credits

• Mystery Castle: MediaFury
• Musical Instrument Museum: Deb
• Boyce Thompson Arboretum: JFPescatore
• Heard Museum: Nick Bastian

1)  Just Roughin’ It Adventure Company

Just Roughin’ It Adventure Company is a full service backpacking and hiking guide company, leading tours in Grand Canyon, Yosemite, and Olympic National Parks, as well as Paria Canyon and the Superstition Mountains in Phoenix, AZ.  Guests are provided with top of the line backpacking and hiking gear.  And the food is NOT what you would expect on a camping trip.  Quality meals are prepared by an experienced and certified guide in the middle of the wilderness!  For more information call:  480-857-2477.

 2)  Chandler Center For The Arts

The Center is equipped with three theaters and a 2,000 square foot exhibition gallery.  With a total seating capacity of 1,500, the unique design of the Center allows for two rear sections of the main auditorium to rotate 180 degrees to become two more intimate performance spaces:  The 350-seat Hal Bogle Theatre and the 250-seat Recital Hall.  Patrons and artists alike have hailed the Center’s acoustics as being among the best in the country and the world.  The walls between the separate performance areas prevent sound interference, thus allowing up to three productions to run simultaneously.  You can enjoy music, dance, comedy, you name it!  For more information and events call:  480-782-2680.

3)  Jumpstreet

We have all seen kids and families jump on a trampoline just about everywhere, but have you seen them bounce from the walls?  Newly opened, jumpstreet is a family fun center  where kids and adults can jump on a trampoline, and then bounce off a WALL of trampolines!  Take in a great game of dodgeball or just some time to bounce off the walls and be a kid again.  You have to see it and try it for yourself!  For more information call:  480-270-8008.

4)  MVP Zone

MVP Zone is a premier indoor baseball/softball practice facility with batting cages in Chandler.  Featuring over 8,500 square feet of state-of-the-art training equipment, professional instruction and a wide variety of programs, The MVP Zone has something for every age group and skill level.  For more information call:  480-857-6000.

5)  Sweeties Candy of Arizona

Have a sweet tooth?  Looking for a tasty treat from the good old days?  Housing over 75,000 pounds of candy and over 3,000 different types, visitors of all ages will enjoy the newly opened sweet shop for a trip down memory lane or to discover a new favorite at Arizona’s largest and most comprehensive candy store.  There are sugar-free treats as well.  Family owned and operated for over 60 years, Sweeties Candy is not only inviting to children but allows adults to be a “kid in a candy store” once again!  For more information call:  480-899-4245.

6)  Xtreme Air Jump ‘N Skate Park

Xtreme Air is Arizona’s largest one-of-a-kind indoor entertainment park, featuring over 30,000 sq. ft. of air-conditioned space for families and kids of all ages.  This spectacular indoor entertainment center includes an indoor skate park for street style skate boarding and BMX bikes, 10,000 continuous feet of interconnected trampolines, with separate dodge ball/basketball bounce areas for youth and adult teams, one insanely large Velcro wall, and a fully-equipped arcade with video games and prizes.  The facility also features a coffee bar, parents lounge with WI-FI access, and clothing boutique.  For more information call:  480-409-4555. 

Currently many homeowners are unaware that their residential property taxes are lowered by a payment made from the State General Fund directly to the county in which the property is located. This payment is paid for Residential Properties Class Three of the property tax code, which generally includes owner occupied primary residences. This payment is commonly called the “homeowners rebate.”

Under the law, the process of receiving the rebate is complicated by requiring the homeowner to go through a cumbersome process of signing an affidavit beginning in 2012 and subsequent even numbered years, under penalty of perjury, that they live in the home or that the home is being utilized by a relative.

As outlined in the law, the affidavit is to be mailed along with the annual Notice of Full Cash Value to the owners of Class Three Property. The forms are to be completed and returned to the County Assessor within 60 days or the Residential Property will be reclassified as Class Four and the property taxes increased by as much as $600 depending on the home’s value.

Legislation’s Impact

Amongst many problems with the affidavit is that it presumes the homeowner is guilty until proven innocent. Many unsuspecting homeowners, unaware of the requirement or the consequences that the affidavit will be mailed along with the Notice of Full Cash Value, will miss the deadline to return the affidavit, resulting in their properties automatic reclassification of Class Four Property and the corresponding increase in property tax. The legislation creates a paperwork bureaucracy impacting approximately 1.8 million residential properties and increase costs to county governments in our state.

Action Points

• Repeal the affidavit requirement impacting homeowners, counties, and tax dollars
• Replace the affidavit with the requirement that county assessors target those properties that have a high probability of not being someone’s primary residence such as out-of-state owners, multiple properties in the same county, or those owned in the name of a business entity. Target the problem and not impact every homeowner in Arizona.
• Restore the previous penalty for those that receive the homeowner’s rebate illegally. The previous penalty was 2-times the amount of property taxes. The penalty was reduced to 2-times the amount of the rebate. The reduction in the penalty for those properties in the wrong class sends the wrong message. If you want property classified by class correctly, why lower the penalty?

Guest Author

Tom Farley, CEO of the Arizona Association of REALTORS.

Located in the northern part of Phoenix, there is a multitude of things to do near Stetson Valley.  Following is a list of 5 things you may enjoy:

1)  Arizona Desert Tours

For more than twenty years, Arizona Desert Tours has been guiding visitors through Arizona‘s back country.  Trained guides will teach you survival techniques while relating the lore of the area.  Enjoy the enchanting desert colors and scenery while touring. Services offered are 4×4 tours, cowboy cookouts, horse trail rides, gold panning, rafting, eco tours and corporate team building.  For more information call:  (602) 867-8162.

2)  Castles ‘N Coasters

Castles N’ Coasters is Arizona’s finest family fun and thrill park.  There’s roller coasters, miniature golf, go-carts, bumper boats, and much, much more.  Fun for the whole family!  The park is located at 9445 Metro Parkway East, Phoenix.  For more information call:  (602) 997-7575.

3) Arizona Science Center

Spend the day in the fantastic Planetarium, or enjoy the spectacular, informative IMAX films on a five-story screen, view enriching exhibits, or test out one of the over 300 hands on activities.  There are also special events to enjoy all year.  Whatever you choose, there is something for every member of your family.  For more information contact:  602-716-2000.

4)  Cave Buttes Recreation Area

As a designated City District Park site, the Cave Buttes Recreation Area will most likely provide a combination of passive and active recreation opportunities to residents within a five-mile radius or service area. Ball fields, swimming pools, and golf courses are some examples of active recreation facilities. Passive facilities could include multi-use trails, group picnic areas, playgrounds, or educational centers.  For more information call:  (602) 262-7901.

5)  North Mountain Park

At 2,104 feet and 2,149 feet in elevation respectively, North Mountain and Shaw Butte are landmark Phoenix peaks in their own right. This area offers more than summit climbs; an array of trails of all levels of difficulty offers something for everybody. At it’s highest point, North Mountain elevation is 2,104 feet.  Shaw Butte tops out at 2,149 feet.  The major plant species found in the park are typical of those found in the lower Sonoran Desert and include bursage, brittlebush, creosote bush, palo verde trees and saguaro cactus.  Overall, more than 300 species of plant life are found in the area.  For more information call:  602 262-7901.

Communities Near Stetson Valley

• Stetson Hills
• Rovey Farm Estates
• Sonoran Mountain Ranch
• All Stetson Valley homes for sale: click here

1)  Heard Museum

Every major city, and most minor ones, have museums.  The Heard Museum is unique, however, not only in the exhibits that are displayed, but the style and grace with which they are displayed.  Heard museum has more than 32,000 pieces of cultural and fine art.  There are permanent exhibits, like the famous Barry Goldwater collection of Kachina Dolls, as well as special exhibits year-round.  Some of the special annual events include the World Championship Hoop Dance Contest which is held each February, and the Heard Museum Guild Indian Fair & Market each March.  The museum is located at 2301 N. Central Ave. in Phoenix.  For further information contact:  602.252.8848.

2)  Desert Botanical Garden

The Desert Botanical Garden has one of the world’s finest collections of desert plants.  It is one of only 44 botanical gardens accredited by the American Association of Museums.  At the Desert Botanical Garden you will find 50 acres of beautiful outdoor exhibits.  Home to 139 rare, threatened and endangered plant species from around the world, there is no finer place to enjoy desert beauty than the Desert Botanical Garden.  The Garden is located in Papago Park in Central Phoenix.  For further information contact:  480 941.1225.

3)  Boyce Thompson Arboretum

The Boyce Thompson Arboretum brings together plants from the Earth’s many and varied deserts and dry lands.  Approximately 3,200 different desert plants can be found within the arboretum, and most of them can be seen along the 1.5 mile main trail. During wildflower season, the Boyce Thompson Arboretum is especially beautiful, displaying all the wonderful colors of the desert. Are you a bird lover?  More than 250 species of birds have been recorded at the Boyce Thompson Arboretum.  For more information contact:  520.689.2811.

4)  The Phoenix Zoo

The Phoenix Zoo has more than 1,000 animals on exhibit.  Because the Zoo makes a special effort to provide the animals with appropriate habitats, some of them may be a challenge to see.  Keep looking!  The zoo also offers many attractions such as the Safari Train, the Endangered Species Carousel, and pedal boat rentals.  The zoo is located at 455 North Galvin Parkway in Phoenix.  For further information contact:  602.273.1341.

5)  The Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art

The Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art focuses on modern and contemporary art, architecture and design.  There are five galleries that showcase changing exhibitions and works from the Museum’s growing permanent collection.  The Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art features an outdoor sculpture garden.  The Museum presents a variety of educational programs and special events for adults and families, including lectures, docent-led tours, workshops and classes.  For further information contact:  480-499-8587. 

6)  South Mountain Park

At over 16,000 acres, South Mountain Park and Preserve often is considered the largest municipal park in the country.  There are more than 50 miles of trails for horseback riding, hiking and mountain biking.  Dobbins Lookout, at 2,330 feet, is the highest point in the park accessible by trail.  If you aren’t into hiking, biking or riding, you can simply drive to Dobbins Point to get a fantastic view of the Valley of the Sun.  It’s just over 5 miles from Central Avenue to Dobbins Lookout.  The park is located at 10919 S. Central Avenue in Phoenix.

7)  Phoenix International Raceway

In 1964, when Phoenix International Raceway was carved out of the foothills of the Estrella Mountains, it was intended to be a new jewel in the crown of American open-wheel racing.  Today, PIR has a tradition that is unmatched in the world of racing.  If you love the excitement of racing cars then be sure and include the Raceway in your vacation plans.  For further information contact:  866-408-7223.

8)  Arizona Science Center

Spend the day in the fantastic Planetarium, or enjoy the spectacular, informative IMAX films on a five-story screen, view enriching exhibits, or test out one of the over 300 hands on activities.  There are also special events to enjoy all year.  Whatever you choose, there is something for every member of your family.  For further information contact:  602-716-2000.

9)  Out Of Africa Wildlife Park

Out of Africa Wildlife Park is an opportunity to see animals from all over the world, especially Africa.  Visitors enjoy an authentic replica of a real African Bush Safari.  Out of Africa is home to hundreds of wild-by-nature, animals.  Sit back and ride the tram while you enjoy a Safari experience.  Watch the giraffes, zebras, antelope and more in their natural setting.  The Park is open Monday through Sunday from 9:30 am to 5 pm year-round.  For further information contact:   928.567.2840.

1)  Desert Botanical Garden

Nestled amid the buttes of Papago Park, the Garden is home to the world’s largest and most diverse collection of succulent plants, including rare and endangered species from around the Southwest.  There are often special events such as the Las Noches de las Luminarias displayed during the holiday season each year and musical shows in the gardens.  The gardens are located on Galvin Parkway in Phoenix.  For further information, call:  (480) 941-1225.

2)  Dolly Steamboat

Enjoy a 90-minute “nature cruise” or “twilight dinner cruise” aboard the Dolly.  You’ll step back in time to America’s riverboat days.  The captain will share interesting facts about the historic Apache Trail, Canyon Lake, and the legend and lore of the Lost Dutchman’s gold.  The company is located in Apache Junction.  For more information, call:  (480) 827-9144.

3)  Arizona Museum of Natural History

One of the premier museums in the state!  “Dinosaur Mountain” is the largest dinosaur exhibit west of the Mississippi River.  See a constantly flowing 50-foot-high indoor waterfall and hear the thrilling roar of life-size, animated dinosaurs, including a saber-tooth cat and a Columbian Mammoth.  A mini-environment re-creates the Petrified Forest featuring a Cretaceous aquarium with live descendants of prehistoric creatures such as sturgeon and turtles who haven’t changed in 65 million years.  And much, much more!  The museum is located in Mesa.  For more information, call:  (480) 644-2230.

4)  Commemorative Air Force Aviation Museum

The Arizona Wing is the home of Sentimental Journey, the most authentically restored B-17 Flying today. Warbirds from WWII through Vietnam are also on display. Memorabilia from WWII can also be viewed. Warbird flights available or shop at our gift shop.  The museum is open daily.  For more information, call:  (480) 924-1940.

5)  The Phoenix Zoo

Whether you want to see the wide variety of animals, visit the petting zoo, do the “wild walk,” ride the Safari Train or the endangered species carousal, the Phoenix Zoo has it all.  There are also caverns, lagoons, and a discovery farm.  The Zoo is located at 455 N. Galvin Parkway in Phoenix, Arizona.  The entrance to the Zoo is off Galvin Parkway in the heart of Papago Park, between McDowell and Van Buren.  For further information, call:  (602) 273-1341.

6)  Golf!

Mesa is a golfer’s paradise with outstanding rates and all-inclusive or ala carte golf and vacation packages offered all year round.  Mesa is home to some of Arizona’s most renowned golf offerings designed by the best including Robert Trent Jones, Jr., Jack Nicklaus, and Pete Dye.  With more than 40 golf courses within a half-hour drive of downtown Mesa, the choices are endless.

7)  Mesa Arizona Temple

Since its dedication in 1927, the Mesa Arizona Temple for Latter Day Saints has greeted millions of visitors of all faiths from across the world.  This universal gathering place, which is set on 20 acres in central Mesa, hosts two nationally-recognized events each year including the World’s Largest Easter Pageant every spring and the Christmas Lights Display every winter, touted by Good Morning America as one of the best light displays in the country with more than 600,000 lights.

Communities Near Las Sendas

• Cachet at Las Sendas
• Red Mountain Ranch
• Madrid
• Map of Las Sendas homes for sale in Mesa, click here