Arizona Ascent November 2024 Issue

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EDITOR’SNOTE

WelcometotheNovember2024issueof ArizonaAscent!We'remorethanamagazine —we 'reyourpartnerinnavigatingArizona's realestatelandscape,aguidetoempower, educate,andactivateyourpotentialasyou shapeyourjourneyhere.

Thismonth'seditionembodiesourmission toprovideinsightsandtoolstoempower youonyourrealestateodyssey.With mortgageratesrisingto6.91%andmarket conditionsshiftingacrossArizona,we're committedtoofferingtheknowledgeyou needtomakewell-informed,impactful decisions.

Whentaxseasoncomesaround,we'rehereto educatebyuncoveringopportunities,like Arizona'sCharitableTaxCredit,thatturntax obligationsintomeaningfullocalsupport.

We'realsothrilledtohighlighttheOldArizonaTerritoryMuseumopeningin Tonopah.ThisprojectisatributetoArizona'srichhistory,housingover5,000 artifactsandprovidingauniquelookatourpast.

WefeatureKBXPHXFitnessKickboxing,alocalfitnesscommunityledbyJade HwangandJohnKarstadt,whereempowermentgoesbeyondphysicalfitness tofosterresilienceandconnection.JustasKBXPHXactivatesasenseof purposewithinitsmembers,ArizonaAscentactivatesyouraspirations helping youbuildconnections,seizeopportunities,andthriveinArizona.

Asyoureadthroughthisissue,weinviteyoutoembraceourempowerment, education,andactivationmission.Let'sco-createafuturewhereevery Arizonanhastheknowledgeandinspirationtosucceed.Shareyourthoughts, suggesttopics,andjoinusinshapingastronger,morevibrantArizona.

Onwardandupward, JakiUnderwood Editor-in-Chief

E R 2 0 2 4 | I S S U E 0 9

MARKETREPORT

November2024Update:Rising MortgageRatesandShiftingDemand

Asmortgageratesclimband marketdemandebbsandflows, Arizona'srealestatelandscapeis undergoingsubtleshifts.Withthe 30-yearfixedratebackupto 6.91%thisweekfromlastweek's 6.68%,buyersandsellersare feelingtheimpact.Localhousing demand,measuredbythe Cromford®MarketIndex(CMI), variessignificantlyacross Arizona WhilePhoenixandafew neighboringcitiescontinueto showresilience,otherareasare seeingsofterdemand,reflecting theuniquedynamicsshaping theValley'shousingmarket.

RisingMortgageRates CreateNewBuyerPressures

Therecentriseinthe30-year fixedrateto6.91%mayfeellikea setback,especiallyforbuyers aimingformoreaffordable borrowing.Withratestrending upward,housingaffordabilityis increasinglystrained,which mightpromptsomepotential buyerstoholdofforadjusttheir plans.However,higherrates couldmeanalesscompetitive environment,possiblyofferingan openingtheymightnothavehad duringthemarket'smostfrenzied period.

ParadiseValley:ALuxuryMarketPause

ParadiseValleyisseeingasignificant cooling-offperiod,witha30%dropinits CMIoverthelastmonth,suggestingashift intheluxurymarket.Thisreflectschanging prioritiesamonghigh-endbuyersora naturaladjustmentafterseveralyearsof rapidpriceappreciation.Buyersinthe luxurymarketmightfindthemselvesina betternegotiatingposition,whilesellers maybenefitfromsettingcompetitive pricingthatalignswiththeserecentshifts.

SouthwestCitiesFaceDeclines, ButOpportunityRemains

Avondale,Goodyear,andBuckeyeare experiencingadeclineinCMI.This softeningsuggeststheareaisfeelingthe impactofbroadermarketconditions,with buyerdemandcoolingsomewhat.For buyers,theseareasmightrepresentan opportunitytoexploremoreaffordable optionsaspricesadjust.Thesellersare goingtoconsidertimingorcarefully preparingforslightlylongermarkettimes.

GainsinTempeandCaveCreekShowSelectiveDemand

NotallpartsoftheValleyareexperiencingdeclines.TempeandCaveCreekposted solidgainsofover7%inCMI,signalingcontinueddemandintheseareas.This meansthatbuyersarestillattractedtospecificlocations,oftenduetotheir amenities,access,orlifestyleadvantages.Sellersinthesecitiesmayseemorevital interest,whilebuyersshouldbereadyforacompetitivemarketenvironmentin theseareas

TakeawaysforNovember2024’sMarket

Thecurrentmarketremindsushowhighlylocalizedrealestateconditionscanbe, downtoneighborhoodsandpropertytypes.Buyersandsellersshouldclosely monitormortgageratetrendsandcity-specificdemandmetricsliketheCMIto makeinformeddecisions.Whileshiftingconditionsmayrequireextraflexibility,being proactivecanrevealopportunitiesthatalignwithyourrealestategoals.

Arizona’srealestatemarketisalwaysevolving,andwithasolidgraspoftheselocal andbroadershifts,youcanbepreparedtomakeconfidentmoves,whetherbuying orsellingintheValley’sdynamicmarket.

OutdoorAdventuresAwait

Beyonditsthrivingeconomy, Goodyear'snatural landscapeandrecreational amenitiesmakeitayearroundplaygroundforthose whocraveoutdoor adventures.Fromthestateof-the-artGoodyear Ballpark springtraining hometotheCincinnatiReds andClevelandGuardians tothescenic20,000+acres ofrecreationalparksand56 milesoftrailsforhiking, mountainbiking,and horsebackriding.Goodyear's attractionsinviteyouto explore.

Forgolfenthusiasts, theGolfClubof Estrella,aNicklaus Designcourse,offers challengingplay againstbreathtaking desertviews.

RoomtoGrow

Withover4,000acresofland readyfordevelopment, Goodyearpresents boundlesspotentialfor investors.Thecity's constructionactivity evident fromthe6,777single-family homepermitsissuedfrom 2019to2023 signifies confidenceinitsrealestate market.Withamedianhome valueof$398,993anda mediangrossrentof$1,642, Goodyear'shousingmarketis idealforthoseseekingrental incomeorlong-term appreciation.

DiscoverYourNext ChapterinGoodyear

Whetheryouenvisiona freshstartorsimplya placethatfeelslike home,Goodyear welcomesyouwith openarms.Thecity's seamlessblendof communityspirit, economicvitality,and naturalbeautycreates aninvitingdestination withendless possibilities.Explore Goodyearanduncover alifestyleaswarmas theArizonasun your nextchapterawaits.

FEATUREDARTICLE

HowtoMakeaBigDifferencewith Arizona’sCharitableTaxCredit

Whentaxseasonrollsaround,most peoplethinkofpaperwork,deadlines,and thestressofmanagingtheirstatetaxbill. Butwhatiftherewasawaytoturnthat obligationintosomethingmeaningful somethingthatcouldbenefityour community,withoutspendinganyextra money?Arizona’sCharitableTaxCredit offersthatveryopportunity,allowing residentstoredirectaportionofwhat theyowetothestateandsupportlocal charitiesinstead.

ThisuniquetaxcreditletsArizona taxpayerscontributetoorganizations thatprovidevitalservices suchasfoster care,shelters,andcommunityhealth programs.It’sawin-win:youreduceyour taxliabilitywhiledirectlybenefitingthe community.

HowDoesItWork?

Theconceptissimple:insteadof sendingallyourstatetaxdollarstothe government,youcanchoosetogivea portiontoaqualifyingcharitable organization(QCO)oraqualifying fostercarecharitableorganization (QFCO).Forthe2024taxyear, individualscandonateupto$470toa QCO,andcouplesfilingjointlycan giveupto$938.Contributionsto QFCOshavehigherlimits:$587for individualsand$1,173forcouples.In total,amarriedcouplecouldreduce theirtaxliabilitybyupto$2,111allwhile helpingArizonacharities,

Thekeyadvantageofthe CharitableTaxCreditisthatit providesadollar-for-dollar reductioninyourstatetaxes.This isdifferentfromafederal deduction,whichonlylowers yourtaxableincome Withthis credit,everydollaryoudonate reducesyourtaxbilldirectly In otherwords,itdoesn’tcostyou anythingbeyondwhatyou alreadyowe you’resimply redirectingyourtaxestoacause ofyourchoice

WhyMorePeople ShouldTakeAdvantage

Despiteitsbenefits,many Arizonansremainunawareof theCharitableTaxCredit, missingoutonanopportunity tomakearealimpactwithout extracost.Essentially,youcan turnyourstatetaxobligation intoacontributionthathelps feedthehungry,housethe homeless,orprovidecareto childreninfostercare.

Withmorewidespread awareness,thepotentialfor goodisimmense.Ifmore taxpayerstookadvantageof thecredit,Arizonacharities couldreceiveincreased support,resultinginstronger localcommunities.

What’sNewfor2024?

Asweapproach2024,it’sworthnotinga fewupdates.Arizonahasmadesmall adjustmentstotaxbracketstoaccount forinflation,whichcouldresultinaslight reductioninwhatyouowe.Additionally, thestandarddeductionamountshave increased,aligningmorecloselywith federallevels Thesechangescouldhelp loweryouroveralltaxableincome,but theCharitableTaxCreditremainsoneof themostpowerfulwaystoreduceyour taxbillwhilemakingadifference.

HowtoMaketheMostofIt

Takingadvantageofthiscreditiseasy. Startbychoosingaqualifyingcharity orfostercareorganization.Makeyour donationbeforetheendoftheyear, andclaimthecreditonyourArizona statetaxreturn.Yourdonationwill reduceyourstatetaxbilldollar-fordollar.

Youcanchooseacausethat resonateswithyou,knowingthat yourtaxdollarswillbedirected towardmeaningfulwork whether it’sfeedingthoseinneed,providing shelter,orsupportingcommunity health.

TheBiggerPicture Arizona’sCharitableTaxCreditisn’t justafinancialstrategy;it’saway toshapethefutureofyour community Withsomanylocal needs—hunger,homelessness, childreninfostercare—thiscredit empowersyoutodirectyourtaxes towheretheycanhavethe greatestimpact.

Astaxseasonapproaches, considerusingthisprogramto reduceyourtaxliabilityand supportthecausesthatmatter most.Bydoingso,you’renotjust savingmoney you’recontributing toahealthier,strongerArizona.

TonopahIsRedefiningRecreational Tourismwitha"TombstoneMeets Yellowstone"Multi-ActivityExperience

Tonopah,ahidden historicalgemnestledin theWestValleyofArizona, just20milesoutsideof fast-growingBuckeye,is poisedtoredefine recreationaltourismwitha five-phasedplanalready inmotiontocreateanOld WestFrontierexperience forallages.Major attractionswillincludeoffroadingtrails,amuseum,a bisonranch,gold-mining activities,andaghosttown adventurepark.

Whiletheprojecthas beenindevelopmentfor nearlytwoyears,Phase TwokickedoffonOctober 25th,2024withthegrand openingoftheOld ArizonaTerritoryMuseum filledwithover5000 artifacts.Thismilestone marksthebeginningofan excitingchapterin preservingArizona'srich history,offeringan authenticsliceoftheOld West,andcreatinga uniqueblendofhistoric andoutdooradventures.

Inarecentinterviewwith TommyDee,alocal representativeoftheOld ArizonaTerritory PreservationSociety,we gotaninsidelookatthe vision,milestones completed,andwhat's aheadforthisrecreational powerhouse.

Anoutlineoftheproject includes:

TourismandOffRoadingAdventures: Selfandguidedtours alonghistoric stagecoachtrails

TheOldArizona TerritoryMuseum:A hands-onexperience ofover5000artifacts BisonRanchand Agritourism:Alive ranchfeaturing seasonalbisoncalves andranchingheritage experiences GoldMining Experience:An authenticgoldpanningadventure alongcreekbeds completewithhistoric diggingequipment.

TNTGhostTown AdventurePark:Old West-style entertainmentand interactive experiences includingsaloons, shows,andshooting galleries.

TheBackstory:AVision forHistorical

Significanceand Preservation

Withapopulationof roughly2500residents, Tonopahiscurrently knownasaquickstop onthedriveto Californiaformost Arizonaresidents But asneighboring Buckeyecontinuesan impressivegrowth spurt,Tonopahis expectedtomatchor exceedasimilar trajectoryinthenext8 to12years However,unlike Buckeyeand neighboringcitieswho arefocusedon residentialand industrialgrowth, Tonopahhasa differentvisionfor recreationalgrowth andwithgoodreason.

Withunmatchedclaimsto arichpartofArizona's history,Tonopah possessestreasuresofthe frontierpastincludingthe 1849GoldRush,the WestwardExpansion,and NativeAmericanculture Soinsteadofsimply tearingdownand forgettingtheerasgone by,Tonopahisinvestingin anattractionthathonors andpreservesthishistory.

LedbytheOldArizona TerritoryPreservation Society,agroupofthrillseeking,offroad enthusiastspassionate aboutpreservation—this projectandfurther upcomingattractionsare settobecomeamust-see experienceforresidents, tourists,families,school groups,outdoor adventurers,andhistory enthusiastsalike.

AsTommyDeestates, "Whatwe'rebuildingis different.We'renotjust tellingstoriesfromhistory books;we'reshowing peopletheunfiltered truthoftheOldWest Arizona'spastisfullof storiesthataren'ttaught inschoolsorcelebrated inpopculture."

Withambitiousplansfor futureseasonalevents, guidedtours,and workshops,Tommyhopes tofosteraspacewith uniqueandunforgettable experiences.

CompletedPhase1: Off-Roading AdventuresOn HistoricalStagecoach Trails

Thefirstphaseofthisproject beganwithoff-roading adventuresforvisitorsto takeselforguidedtoursof 100year-oldtrailsthat featuretheArizona landscape,ruinsites,5000 year-oldlandmarks,and Stagecoachtrailsof centuriesago.

These3-5hour,heartpoundingtourstake customersaboardaturbochargedUTVwithan experiencedguideona journeybacktothe1800s, whereGhostTownsand GoldMinesoncethrived. Themoreexperiencedoffroadingcommunitycan bringtheirownvehicles andexplorethetrailsat theirownpace.Thisoffroad adventurefeatureshistory notseeninanyotherpart ofArizonaandisalsothe largestdesignatedoffroadingareaintheWest Valley

CompletedPhase2:TheOld ArizonaTerritoryMuseum

LocatedinthehistoricFrontier HouseatIndianSchoolRoad and411thAvenue,the museum(ortheTruthHouse asitsfoundersaffectionately callit),isadedicationto preservingthestoriesand artifactsthatillustratethe multifacetedhistoryofthe ArizonaTerritory.

Theabandonedhouse turnedmuseumhasa historyofbeinghaunted, andhasnowbeen restoredtoshowcaseover 5,000artifacts,including interactiveexhibits,where visitorscanexplorepivotal momentsliketheApache WarsandtheGoldRush, uncoveringtalesof resilienceandcultural exchange.

Thismuseumreflectsa significantdeparturefrom typicalArizonaattractions likeTombstone,which TommyDeereferstoasa "Hollywoodstagesetup", andinsteadfeaturesa moreauthentichistorical experience.

Themuseum'sexhibits focusonoftenoverlookednarratives, providinginsightsintothe complexhistoryofthe AmericanWest.

Highlightsinclude:

ApacheWars:Alook intotheconflicts betweenNative AmericantribesandU.S. militaryforces

TheGoldRushand RangeWars:An explorationofthestories ofthosewhoflockedto Arizonaforfortune duringtheGoldRush, alongwithexploring landownership complexitiesthrough TheRangeWars

TheCottonCampsand TheGreatMigration: Exploringagricultural historyanditseconomic impact

TheArizonaSwamps: Showcasingtheunique andoftenoverlooked ecosystemsand biodiversityoftheregion Thisimmersive historicalexperienceis designedtofostera deeperunderstanding ofArizona'sheritage whilehonoringthe storiesofthosewho shapedthestate.

“We'reshowingpeople whatittooktosurvive here storiesofconflict, resilience,andcultural blend.It'sabout honoringthebravery andgritofthosewho camebefore,whether theywereindigenous communitiesorearly settlers.”addedTommy Dee.

Themuseumkickedoffits openingwithavibrant celebrationandhaunted house,andisnow officially opensevendaysaweek. Guidedtoursledby knowledgeablestaffwho providedeeperinsightsintothe exhibitsandthestoriesbehind themareincludedwith admission.

FuturePhase Developmentand EconomicImpact

Withtwophasesundertheir beltandthreemoretocome, thisprojectissuretochange theeconomyandgrowthof Tonopahinbigways For realtorsandinvestors, Tonopah’sgrowthpresentsa uniqueopportunityaswell. PositionednearBuckeye, Arizona'sfastest-growing community,Tonopahispoised tocapitalizeontheregion's expansionwhilemaintainingits commitmenttorecreationand preservation.

Phase3:BisonRanchandAgritourism:A liveranchfeaturingseasonalbisoncalves andranchingheritageexperiences.

Phase4:GoldMiningExperience:An authenticgold-panningadventurealong creekbedscompletewithhistoricdigging equipment.

”We'retryingtobuildan ecosystemouthere.Thejobs,the tourism,andthepreservation workallgohand-in-hand.It's abouthonoringthepastwhile shapingafutureforTonopah. Visitorswillnotjustpassthrough butstopandengagewiththe community,creatingan economicrippleeffect,"stated Dee.

Theupcomingphaseswill includeseveralnewattractions including”:

Phase5:TNTGhostTownAdventure Park:OldWest-styleentertainmentand interactiveexperiencesincludingsaloons, shows,andshootinggalleries

TheOldArizonaTerritoryPreservationSociety currentlyhassixsponsorsincluding CommerceStateTrustCompany,VS RemovalandWaste,BSMConstruction,TNT Ghosttours,BrothersSidebySideRentals, andDrainJet.

Theyareactivelylookingforadditionalboard membersandsponsors,sointerestedparties areencouragedtocontactTommyDeeat oatps1863@gmail.comorvisitwww.oatps.com formoreinformation.

CelebratingMaricopaCounty'sRising Stars:SmallBusinessImpactAwards

Inavibranteconomylike MaricopaCounty’s,small businessesarethe lifebloodofinnovation, economicgrowth,and communityengagement. Torecognizeand celebratethe contributionsofthese dynamicenterprises, ArizonaAscentMagazine isproudtoannouncethe launchoftheinaugural ArizonaAscentSmall BusinessImpactAwards.

ShiningaSpotlighton LocalAchievement

TheSmallBusinessImpact Awardsaimtohonorthe smallbusinessesthat

aremakingabigdifference inMaricopaCounty.By highlightingcompaniesthat haveachievedremarkable growth,employedcreative businessmodels,and demonstratedastrong commitmenttotheir communities,theseawards willcelebratethe achievementsof entrepreneurswhoarenot onlyscalingtheir businessesbutalso impactingthelivesofthose aroundthem.Fromtech startupsandretailpioneers tocommunity-driven enterprises,theawardswill representadiversearrayof industriesthatcontributeto thecounty’sflourishing businesslandscape.

Thisyear,theselection committeewillbe lookingatasetof specificcriteriato identifyMaricopa’smost promisingbusinesses.

Amongthekeyfactors consideredwillbe: BusinessGrowthand Scalability: Companiesthathave experienced significantgrowthin revenue,market presence,or workforcesize. Innovationin ProductsorServices: Businessesbringing freshandunique ideastothemarket thatsetthemapartin theirindustries Community Engagementand Impact:Enterprises makingapositive differenceintheir communitiesthrough outreach,charity,or directinvolvement. Entrepreneurial Leadershipand Vision:Leaders demonstratingthe ambition,foresight, andstrategicthinking thathelpelevatetheir businessesandthe community.

BUSINESSSPOTLIGHT

KBXPHXstandsasa beaconofstrength, community,and resilience.Foundedby martialartistsJade MunroeandJohn Karstadt,thiskickboxing gymhasquicklybecome asanctuaryforthose seekingphysicalfitness andasupportiveand empoweringcommunity

TheGenesisofKBXPHX

Jade’sjourneytoArizona isrootedinalifelong passionformartialarts. Bornandraisedonthe EastCoast,Jadestarted martialartstrainingvery young.Inspiredbya friendandfellowmartial artist,JohnKarstadt, Jadeventuredwestto establishakickboxing studiothatmarriesthe rigorousdisciplineof martialartswitha welcomingand enjoyableenvironment.

BuildingaCommunity

Fromtheoutset,the communityhasbeenat theheartofKBXPHX

TheKBXExperience

"Wewantedtointroduce theprinciplesofmartial artsinawaythatwasfun andaccessible,without theintimidationof competitionsortests," Jadeexplains.Thisvision ledtoKBXPHX,agym wherefitnessisabout physicalprowessand buildingasupportive community

"WhatI'vealwaysloved aboutmartialartsisthe senseoffamilyitcreates. Wewantedtobringthat samespirittoKBX,"Jade shares.Thisphilosophy hastranslatedintoa vibrant,inclusive communityknownasthe KBXfam

Onemembersharestheir experience:"WhenIjoined KBX,Ifoundnotjusta placetogetfit,buta communitythatsupports andupliftseachother. Theemphasison communityispalpable fromthemomentyou walkthroughthedoor"

AtKBK,theapproachto fitnessisholistic, focusingonmind,body, andoverallwellness Jadeemphasizes,"It's notjustaboutgettingin shape.It'sabout adoptingalifestylethat energizesyou,builds confidence,andallows youtoexperiencelife fully."

ClassesatKBXare designedtomeet individualswherever theyareontheirfitness journey.Whetheryou areabeginneroran experiencedmartial artist,thesupportive environmentensures everyonecanthrive "

LookingAhead

“ “

"Weencourageabalanced lifestyleratherthanextreme measures.It'saboutgrowing strongergraduallywith consistency,"saysJade

OvercomingChallenges

KBX'sjourneyhasnot beenwithoutitshurdles Thegymopenedinlate 2019,justmonthsbefore theCOVID-19pandemic hit."Wehadtocloseour doorsbyMarch2020and moveouroperations online.Itwasa challengingtime,butit alsoallowedusto innovateandstrengthen ourcommunity,"Jade recalls.

TheresilienceoftheKBX communitywascrucial duringthisperiod Membersstayed connectedthroughonline classes,outdoor workouts,andvirtual events."Thesupportfrom ourcommunitywas incredible.Itwastheir encouragementthatkept usgoing,"Jadereflects.

GivingBacktothe Community

Post-pandemic,KBXPHX hasbecomeevenmore ingrainedinthelocal community.Theyoffer freeself-defenseand safetyworkshopsatASU, MesaCommunity College,andthe ScottsdaleSeniorCenter. Recently,theyhosteda self-defenseworkshop forDomesticViolence AwarenessMonth,partof thePaintPhoenixPurple campaign

"Ourgoalistoempower peoplewithknowledge andresources,helping themlivesafer,fuller lives,"Jadestates.This commitmentto communityservice underscoresKBX'score values.

Thefuturelooksbright forKBXPHX Jade envisionsexpanding theirreachbycertifying instructorsacrossthe countryandglobally. "Wewantour programmingand philosophytobe accessibleeverywhere. ImaginetakingaKBX classinKansasCityor ontheEastCoast,"Jade envisions.Plansalso includemoreevents, retreats,andintensive trainingprogramsto unitethecommunity. "We'reexcitedtospread ourwingsandcontinue growing,"Jadesays

JointheKBXPHXFamily

KBXPHXwelcomes everyonetotrytheirfirst classforfree,regardlessof experiencelevel.Classes areavailableforallages, fromeightto80 "Wemeet youwhereveryouareon yourjourney,"Jadeassures KBXPHXstandsasa testamenttothestrength ofthecommunityandthe spiritofperseverance. Undertheleadershipof JadeMunroeandJohn Karstadt,itcontinuesto inspireanduplift, significantlyimpactingthe livesofitsmembersand thebroaderTempe community.

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