🧑‍🎄 Holiday events & the best Christmas lights 🚨

I hope you had a nice Thanksgiving holiday. Christmas & the holidays are in full swing with a ton of events and activities happening over the next two weeks.

Don’t forget to take time for you and your family between now and the end of the year, it is easy to get caught up in all that has to be done and running here and there, and not taking a moment to enjoy the season.

In this newsletter:

Thanks for being here, have a great weekend!

~ Looking to get out and experience some holiday cheer this month? I’ve put together a list of all the best holiday events happening in the NW Valley & across the rest of Phoenix Metro.

~ It’s that time again! The 4th Annual Arrowhead Holiday Lights Map is here.

In past years I tried to get as many spots on the map as I could, but last year, as much as I want to show off the light displays in Arrowhead Ranch, there were just too many good ones!!

This year, the map contains the best of the best holiday light displays, and they do not disappoint!

See the map & info at ArrowheadHolidayLightsMap.com

Here are today’s national averages for Conventional 30 year fixed rate, FHA 30 year fixed rate & VA 30 year fixed rate loan programs, from Mortgage News Daily.

Rates have been volatile but they still haven’t changed much, lol.

Do you have hobbies that require a lot of room, and you’d rather spend your money on the hobby, instead of a place to house your hobby? This house in Peoria has a 2 car on a cul-de-sac lot that indcludes a free-standing 3 car garage / workshop.

This unique Peoria home offers incredible space, versatility, and comfort, perfect for anyone seeking both functionality and charm. Situated on a large corner lot in a quiet cul-de-sac, this property boasts a build-out that adds approximately 600 sq. ft. of additional living space, giving you plenty of room to spread out and enjoy. The backyard is a true highlight, featuring not one, but two additional two-car garage shops—each equipped with its own AC window unit to keep you cool and comfortable during Arizona's warm summers. Whether you need extra storage, a workshop, or a creative studio, these spaces offer endless possibilities. With its prime location, ample upgrades, and rare features, this property is a must-see for buyers looking for a home that stands out from the rest.

See all the details here.

Listing provided by Brandon Howe with Howe Realty

Referrals are the backbone of any realtors business, and mine is no different. Many of you have sent your friends & family my way over the years, and it is always fun to get that call ‘they said you’re the best, so I’m calling to get your help!’

If you know anyone thinking of buying or selling in 2026, I’d love the opportunity to connect with them and see how I can help.

Speaking of hobby garages…this cool house has room for up to 30 cars and allows you to see the contents of your garage, from inside the house!!! Oh and that garage just happens to have a sweet bar set up.

It's FINALLY here! The ultimate garage home! One Bedroom and 3 Garage Buildings (over 6,000sf of garages) to display over 30 cars without lifts. This home, sitting on over 6 total acres, is just 4 minutes from downtown Cave Creek and your horses are welcome too. You'll have everything that you need and the space to put everything that you want! Just add a car collection and some friends. The home is simple and classy, with a huge window looking at your toys in the garage. The main garage has a warm bar / social area with TV and large back bar for servicing your garage events. Garage #2 is wide open and tall if you want lifts. It has a room for parts and tools to keep your space tidy. Garage #3 is the working garage, for dirty jobs and heavy equipment. This home is discreet and secure.

Check out all the details here.

Property listed by Peter Zaidan with Russ Lyon Sotheby's International Realty

This week’s ‘Should we move here?’ is from outside of Missoula, Montana, near the Idaho border.

A couple summers ago, my wife went on a mission trip to a ranch north of Missoula, and and after she finished, I met up with her and we spent a few days in a tiny little cabin near Lolo Pass, and I totally fell in love with the area.

Missoula is known for having spendy home prices, and outside of town is not much different. That said, it is such beautiful country and worth the premium.

Welcome to 11625 Hwy 12 W in Lolo-a rare and remarkable Montana retreat where nature, privacy, and convenience come together. Spanning over 45 acres in two deeded parcels, this property features more than 1,250 feet of both sides of fishable Lolo Creek- Surface Water is Mormon Creek, offering the ultimate creekside living experience. Enjoy the sound of rushing water, cast a line, or simply relax by the creek-all in your own backyard. One side of the property borders the historic Fort Fizzle site, while the other acreage meets Forest Service land, providing endless access to public trails, hunting, hiking, and wildlife watching. This is the ideal setup for the outdoor enthusiast who wants to enjoy nature without sacrificing proximity to town-just under 15 minutes to Missoula. Approximately 9 acres of level, cross-fenced pasture are perfect for horses or livestock, while the remaining wooded acreage is rich with wildlife and recreational opportunity. The property is currently being used to keep bees, adding to its potential as a self-sustaining homestead or hobby farm. The 2,400+ sq. ft. walk-out 3 BR home with two bonus rooms has been largely remodeled with new paint throughout , new bathrooms, windows, revamped kitchen, all new electrical and plumbing, and a spacious deck to enjoy the breathtaking surroundings. Additional features include a 3-car detached garage, sheds for all your storage needs. Sellers are offering a flooring credit of $10,000. With excellent year-round access, reliable cell service, and a location that blends seclusion with convenience, this one-of-a-kind property truly offers the best of Montana living. Fish, hike, explore, and unwind-all from your own private haven.

See all the pics & details here.

Last week’s trivia question was ‘What was the original name of the Central Arizona Project?’

As popular as Fred The Canal was, the correct answer was: Granite Reef

The main canal of the Central Arizona Project was originally called the Granite Reef Aqueduct.

This was the project’s early name during planning and engineering stages, referring to the canal’s path beginning near the Granite Reef Diversion Dam on the Salt River.
When the system was finalized and branded under the broader CAP program, the Granite Reef Aqueduct became known simply as the Central Arizona Project Canal (or CAP Canal).

We had a great turn out the Saturday after Thanksgiving, and our next group hike is this weekend! We’ll be meeting up on Saturday, December 13that 8am, to do the Desert Tortoise & Dixie Mountain Loop Trail in North Phoenix, near Norterra.

We’ve added many new dates & trails to the calendar, check out the website to see where we’re hiking through January.

This club is meant for everyone, from seasoned hikers, to out of breath beginners like me. So if you want to hit the trail and enjoy the outdoors, check out our website at ArrowheadHikingClub.com or find us on Facebook.