Federal Tax Credit for First Time Home Buyers is Contingent on Closing Home Sale by November 30th.
Time is running out for home buyers looking to purchase their first home and qualify for the $8,000 Federal tax credit. According to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) first time home buyers looking to purchase a new home in 2009 and take advantage of the $8,000 first time home buyer tax credit, should do so immediately in order to qualify. The Federal tax credit is contingent upon closing the home sale prior to the November 30th deadline. full story..
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Staging on a Budget
Was reading Realtor Magazine and found these Great Ideas on home staging I wanted to share.
REALTOR® Magazine asked readers of our Daily Real Estate News e-mail to send in their best tips for sprucing up listings on the cheap. Here are some of the quick, creative ideas that poured into our inbox.
Ideas for:
•Living Room
•Bedroom
•Bathroom
•Color and Lighting
•Kitchen
•De-cluttering
•Exteriors
•Special Touches
LIVING ROOMS
Create a Focal Point
"Pick out the most visible corner and put a large plant—I've found that silk trees work best. Set up a spotlight behind it so it lights up the leaves and throws an interesting shadow on another wall. It really makes a difference in a person's perception of the space, especially if it's a large room without too much natural lighting."
—Izabela Stone, Keller Williams Realty, Apollo Beach, Fla.
Set Up a Chat Room
"Be sure that the living room furniture is positioned for conversation as well as entertainment. Potential buyers should be able to easily envision sitting in a space where they can easily talk without having to move a chair or turn completely around."
—Rana Lindhorst and Troy Schmidt, Prudential One Realty Centre, Edwardsville, Ill.
Get Rid of Carpet Dents
"Furniture often leaves indentations in the carpet. When a piece of furniture is moved, I tell my clients to put medium-sized ice cubes in the imprints. As the ice melts, it causes the compacted carpet to expand and erase those imprints."
—Shawn Moss, Century 21 C.R. O'Neil & Co.
Accent Special Features
"Place an accent by a home's feature, such as an attractive plant near a fireplace to draw the eye to it or a tall palm or two in place that directs the buyer toward another part of the home or suggests a separation of areas. This also ensures that someone often enters the home to care for it."
—Susan Cramer, HomeSmart Real Estate, Temecula, Calif.
Invoke the Outdoors
"Use a little nature in each room. I create a flow throughout the home using cuttings, flowers, dried flowers, whatever will work. Simple things, such as twigs to spell out a word or a small cutting tied with raffia around a pillow on a bed, draw the eye into the room but don't overpower it. I have even used a branch cutting to make a 'tree' in an empty corner. I try to use one piece of nature in each room to create an ongoing theme throughout the home. It works with any type of decor, whether it's modern or traditional. One important note: Always check for insects!"
—Lauren Scurlock, North Star Real Estate Inc., Virginia Beach, Va.
and of course here is mine, Linda Wieczorek Arizona Elite Properties., Phoenix AZ
Outdoor Space Takes Centre Stage in Phoenix AZ
Playing up the outdoor space can increase the use able square footage as well as highlighting a lifestyle, when I am out showing property it's is the out door living that wows me and most of my clients.
1st When a client drives up to your home, you want them to feel invited, to feel excited to view the inside of your home,and that happens by having a clean front yard.. Add a few flower pots,a door mat, hose the front sidewalk, get rid of the weeds, hose the house off, it gives the front of the home a fresh look. Just a little elbow grease goes a long way.
Personalize your outdoor living space with items such as: Yard art (fountains. unique walking stones, stakes, sculptures, wind chimes, weather vanes, flags and colorful windsocks. Use trellis and garden arbors or Stepping-stones to break up and to connect other areas of the space. Welcome birds by utilizing birdhouses and decorative feeders. Don’t forget to use colorful plants in the ground, pots, railings, window boxes, and/or hanging baskets.
Evening lighting will always add interest and drama so use candles throughout your seating space and string lights to accent an arbor, railing, umbrella, or put them in your trees for light and sparkle. There are solar lights that can be used as a floodlight to highlight trees or garden statuary or fountain. Also use solar lighting to line a walking path, pathways, around gardens, railings and window boxes. These are inexpensive and free to operate. A little goes a long way.
Fireplaces help to warm the space in many ways and are available in many different styles, from built-ins to small mobile types. These help to extend your comfort into the evening hours and add a lot of ambiance.
REALTOR® Magazine asked readers of our Daily Real Estate News e-mail to send in their best tips for sprucing up listings on the cheap. Here are some of the quick, creative ideas that poured into our inbox.
Ideas for:
•Living Room
•Bedroom
•Bathroom
•Color and Lighting
•Kitchen
•De-cluttering
•Exteriors
•Special Touches
LIVING ROOMS
Create a Focal Point
"Pick out the most visible corner and put a large plant—I've found that silk trees work best. Set up a spotlight behind it so it lights up the leaves and throws an interesting shadow on another wall. It really makes a difference in a person's perception of the space, especially if it's a large room without too much natural lighting."
—Izabela Stone, Keller Williams Realty, Apollo Beach, Fla.
Set Up a Chat Room
"Be sure that the living room furniture is positioned for conversation as well as entertainment. Potential buyers should be able to easily envision sitting in a space where they can easily talk without having to move a chair or turn completely around."
—Rana Lindhorst and Troy Schmidt, Prudential One Realty Centre, Edwardsville, Ill.
Get Rid of Carpet Dents
"Furniture often leaves indentations in the carpet. When a piece of furniture is moved, I tell my clients to put medium-sized ice cubes in the imprints. As the ice melts, it causes the compacted carpet to expand and erase those imprints."
—Shawn Moss, Century 21 C.R. O'Neil & Co.
Accent Special Features
"Place an accent by a home's feature, such as an attractive plant near a fireplace to draw the eye to it or a tall palm or two in place that directs the buyer toward another part of the home or suggests a separation of areas. This also ensures that someone often enters the home to care for it."
—Susan Cramer, HomeSmart Real Estate, Temecula, Calif.
Invoke the Outdoors
"Use a little nature in each room. I create a flow throughout the home using cuttings, flowers, dried flowers, whatever will work. Simple things, such as twigs to spell out a word or a small cutting tied with raffia around a pillow on a bed, draw the eye into the room but don't overpower it. I have even used a branch cutting to make a 'tree' in an empty corner. I try to use one piece of nature in each room to create an ongoing theme throughout the home. It works with any type of decor, whether it's modern or traditional. One important note: Always check for insects!"
—Lauren Scurlock, North Star Real Estate Inc., Virginia Beach, Va.
and of course here is mine, Linda Wieczorek Arizona Elite Properties., Phoenix AZ
Outdoor Space Takes Centre Stage in Phoenix AZ
Playing up the outdoor space can increase the use able square footage as well as highlighting a lifestyle, when I am out showing property it's is the out door living that wows me and most of my clients.
1st When a client drives up to your home, you want them to feel invited, to feel excited to view the inside of your home,and that happens by having a clean front yard.. Add a few flower pots,a door mat, hose the front sidewalk, get rid of the weeds, hose the house off, it gives the front of the home a fresh look. Just a little elbow grease goes a long way.
Personalize your outdoor living space with items such as: Yard art (fountains. unique walking stones, stakes, sculptures, wind chimes, weather vanes, flags and colorful windsocks. Use trellis and garden arbors or Stepping-stones to break up and to connect other areas of the space. Welcome birds by utilizing birdhouses and decorative feeders. Don’t forget to use colorful plants in the ground, pots, railings, window boxes, and/or hanging baskets.
Evening lighting will always add interest and drama so use candles throughout your seating space and string lights to accent an arbor, railing, umbrella, or put them in your trees for light and sparkle. There are solar lights that can be used as a floodlight to highlight trees or garden statuary or fountain. Also use solar lighting to line a walking path, pathways, around gardens, railings and window boxes. These are inexpensive and free to operate. A little goes a long way.
Fireplaces help to warm the space in many ways and are available in many different styles, from built-ins to small mobile types. These help to extend your comfort into the evening hours and add a lot of ambiance.
Friday, April 24, 2009
Stunning Beauty in "Gay Friendly Willo Neighborhood in Phoenix"
For information on the Gay Friendly Neighborhood in Phoenix give me a jingle 602-391-8246 or E-mail Linda Wieczorek
Featured properties on this web site may not necessarly be listed by Linda Wieczorek. They represent homes Linda Wieczorek has previewed and selected for her Fine Homes of Phoenix buying clients and visitors to AZPrideProperty.com
Featured properties on this web site may not necessarly be listed by Linda Wieczorek. They represent homes Linda Wieczorek has previewed and selected for her Fine Homes of Phoenix buying clients and visitors to AZPrideProperty.com
Gay and Lesbian Retirement
Many gays and lesbians reject the traditional retirement community lifestyle. After years of living freely, they don’t want to move back into the closet. So make way for the following alternatives:
Marigold Creek which is a new retirement community for gays, lesbians and their family and friends. Marigold Creek is located In Surprise, Arizona, which is 30 minutes from Phoenix. Close to Sun City West on Phoenix’s rapidly growing west valley. Marigold Creek is a welcoming and "straight-friendly" community.
1. They offer the choices of 2 or 3 bedroom Single Family Homes or Patio Homes with Casitas available for an additional charge.
2. They offer 1 to 3 bedroom Condos, all of these in a “Contemporary Southwestern” design.
3. The property is owned by Out Properties and is a gay-owned and operated
Realetate development company with many years of experience in building luxurious, lifestyle properties.
4. A Green Community, and pet friendly community complete with a dog run and bath area.
5. Marigold Creek is specifically designed to cater to the wishes of the “gayby boomer” generation.
6. Walking Trails - Persuades you to “break a sweat” with the breath-taking beauty that surround you.
7. Coffee Kiosk - serves fine coffees, teas and other beverages in a cozy gathering place.
8. Travel Club - Coordinates trips to exciting destinations for you, your loved ones and neighbors who share your love for seeing new places and faces.
Activities Director - Plans enjoyable outings and programs that suit your active lifestyle.
9. Gated Entrance - Contributes to the safe, secure and full-acceptance atmosphere that makes Marigold Creek such a unique place.
10. Poolside Bar and Grill - Features delicious snacks and refreshing beverages so you can make the most of your time in the sun.
11. Daytime Spa and Salon - Provides the finest relaxation and beauty treatments without ever leaving the comfort of Marigold Creek.
12. Concierge Service - Supports the entire living experience, from securing tickets to area events to helping you find the best dry cleaning services in the area.
13. Fitness Center - Features state-of-the-art equipment in the ideal environment for staying fit.
14. Spiritual Center - Provides a relaxing and meditative space for residents of all faiths and devotions.
15. Theatre & Cabaret - And we love the theatre, Engages the community with live entertainment and movies. Showcases the residents with the Annual Talent Show!
How do I secure a home at Marigold Creek or view the community?
Contact Linda Wieczorek, 602-391-8246 or e-mail me.
Rainbow Vision has developed gay and lesbian retirement communities in Santa Fe, New Mexico and Palm Springs, California.
Currently under development, Paradise One Condominiums is part retirement community and part upscale condominium, “a progressive community that is as Straight-Friendly as it is Gay Friendly.”
Stonewall Communities’ vision is to develop and offer a range of options for older GLBT people. Stonewall Audubon Circle, currently under development, will be open to anyone regardless of race, colour, national origin, religion, familial status, age, handicap, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression.
The Resort on Carefree Boulevard bills itself as Southwest Florida’s premier lesbian destination, with a mixture of full-time and holiday residents ranging in age from 40 to 85 years, both working and retired.
Despite its name, Finnish Mummolaakso (’Grandma Valley’) is a solidarity group open to women of all ages, with most members aged between 30 and 60. The organisation aims to provide healthcare and terminal care for lesbians and bisexual women, with the ultimate aim of providing retirement housing services, too.
F
For information and any of these communities contact Linda Wieczorek
First Time Home Buyers & Investors... Now is the time to buy in Phoenix
Things have changed in the Phoenix market in the last month, it is NOW time to buy. All you first time buyers who've been on the fence, there are some Great Homes out there just waiting for you. The interest rates are down and plentty of inventory. I have been working with investors who are busy building their real estate portfolios. it is time for you.
Several market indicators suggest the Greater Phoenix market is rebounding, primarily in the under $200,000 price range. This is not to say prices are going to go up soon... that would be wishful thinking and I'd be stupid to suggest it. However, prices in the under $200,000 market are stabilizing and that market is pretty darn hot right now.
To sum things up, if your thinking about that first home, investment property or just getting back into home ownership in the under $200,000 range you may want to move forward. At the top-right portion of my Blog there is a sweet home search tool. We invite you to take a look, dream a bit and maybe you'll find something that really excites and surprises you.
Have a great weekend. If you have any questions, we're here for you. We love to help first time home buyers and investors have the real estate experience of their life.
Contact Linda NOW
The city of Phoenix has kicked off their first Neighborhood Stabilization Program
To find out if you are eligible for federal money to help purchase an Arizona foreclosure home, go to yourwayhomeaz.com.
The new site lists information on the state's neighborhood stabilization programs, which target areas hardest hit by foreclosures.
Most of the programs offer down-payment money to home buyers.
The programs are funded by the $121 million that the state, Maricopa and Pima counties, six Valley cities and Tucson recently received from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
Home buyers can qualify for money from more than one program in some communities. The money must be spent before 2011.
"Homeownership Assistance" assisting buyers of foreclosed homes, townhouses or condominiums with $15,000 in down payment and closing cost assistance. Why not give it a try!!!
If you are interested in finding out how to purchase a foreclosed property using this program Call Linda at 602-391-8246 or send me an e-mail.
The new site lists information on the state's neighborhood stabilization programs, which target areas hardest hit by foreclosures.
Most of the programs offer down-payment money to home buyers.
The programs are funded by the $121 million that the state, Maricopa and Pima counties, six Valley cities and Tucson recently received from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
Home buyers can qualify for money from more than one program in some communities. The money must be spent before 2011.
"Homeownership Assistance" assisting buyers of foreclosed homes, townhouses or condominiums with $15,000 in down payment and closing cost assistance. Why not give it a try!!!
If you are interested in finding out how to purchase a foreclosed property using this program Call Linda at 602-391-8246 or send me an e-mail.
Monday, April 20, 2009
Guide to Gay old Phoenix
The Valley's lesbian and gay community is large and thriving, especially in the area of downtown Phoenix. With more than 30 gay bars - more per capita than anywhere in the United States - a growing number of gay-friendly churches, heavily gay residential neighborhoods and plenty of resources and publications that cater to the lesbian and gay demographic, the Valley offers a positive environment to live and work.
There's gay-specific bowling (International Gay Bowling Organization [igbo.org], gay square dancing (Desert Valley Squares [www.iagsdc.org/desertvalleysqs]) and gay hiking and camping (Desert Adventures [www.desertadventures.org].
Gay-borhoods and business
Most of downtown Phoenix's historic neighborhoods, especially Coronado, Encanto and Willow, have a heavy gay and lesbian presence. The Greater Phoenix Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce reported in 2004 that the ZIP code with the highest gay population is 85013, the area fanning out from Central Avenue and Camelback Road. The gay-owned Clarendon Hotel+Suites, incidentally, is in the 85013 ZIP.
Unique on Central (4700 N. Central Ave.; 602-279-9691; www.uniqueoncentral.com) sells gay and lesbian paraphernalia - videos, jewelry and adult items.
As for the arts, Stray Cat Theatre and Nearly Naked Theatre produce quite a bit of gay fare but are not specifically gay, while The Alternative Theatre Company (www.thealternativetheatreco.com) produces exclusively gay works and bills itself as the state's "only gay and lesbian theater company."
Bars and Restaurants
Nightclubs of every genre exist in the Phoenix area. Here's a sampling:
Cash Inn Country
2140 E. McDowell Rd., Phoenix
(602) 244-9943
www.cashinncountry.com
Country dance bar.
Charlie's
77 W. Camelback Rd., Phoenix
(602) 265-0224
www.charliesphoenix.com
Twenty years old and always hoppin', filled with fresh-faced cowboy types.
Phoenix La Roca Bar
4129 N. 7th Ave., Phoenix
(602) 248-8559
www.phoenixlaroca.com
The only gay hookah bar in town.
A League of Our Own
40 E. Camelback Rd., St. 102
(602) 252-2354
Supper club with live jazz, sometimes performed by the always fabulous Margo Reed.
Club Vibe
3031 East Indian School Rd.
(602) 224-9977
www.clubvibe602.com
Lesbian bar formerly known as "Ain't Nobody's Bizness."
Amsterdam
718 N. Central Ave.
(602) 258-6122
www.amsterdambar.com
Upscale martini bar.
BS
7125 E. 5th Ave., Scottsdale
(480) 945-9028
Casual sports bar with lots of regulars and THE place to be on Halloween.
Pat O's Bunkhouse Saloon
4428 North 7th Ave., Phoenix
(602) 200-9154
www.bunkhousesaloon.com
$1 drinks on Thursday nights for men in their underwear.
Pumphouse II
4132 E. McDowell Rd., Phoenix
(602) 275-3509
www.pumphouseii.com
Karaoke and drag shows, no pretension.
Roscoe's
4531 N. 7th St., Phoenix
(602) 285-0833
www.roscoeson7.com
Lively sports bar.
Wild Card
801 N. Arizona Ave., Chandler
(480) 857-3088
The east Valley's only lesbian bar.
Gay-friendly churches
Within the past decade, more and more churches are becoming "affirming," meaning that they incorporate into their mission the concept that all worshippers, regardless of xx or sexual orientation, are welcome. The United Church of Christ is, as a whole, is known for being gay-supportive, as are the Unitarian Universalists. The clergy group No Longer Silent (nolongersilent.org) is made up of representatives from two prominent "gay churches," Community Church of Hope and Gentle Shepard (www.gsmcc.org), and offers support to gays and lesbians.
Here are some welcoming churches, plus a motto or a bit about the philosophy of each:
Trinity Episcopal Cathedral
100 W. Roosevelt, Phoenix
(602) 254-7126
www.trinitycathedral.com
"Radical hospitality, radical equality, radical love."
Grace Lutheran
1124 N. 3rd St., Phoenix
(602) 258-3787
www.graceinthecity.com
Known as "The Pancake Church" for its pancake-breakfast outreach to the homeless.
Valley Unitarian Universalist Church
6400 W. Del Rio St., Chandler
(480) 899-4249
www.vuu.org
"A welcoming community that honors diversity in all its forms."
Olive Tree Christian Fellowship at Palo Cristi Presbyterian
3535 E. Lincoln Dr., Paradise Valley
(602) 955-6080
www.palocristipres.org
"We welcome and encourage all people to join us in knowing Jesus Christ and learning about our faith."
Asbury United Methodist
1601 W. Indian School Rd., Phoenix
(602) 279-2369
www.aplaceforallpeople.com
"A place for all people to become disciples of Jesus Christ."
Casa de Cristo Evangelical Church
1029 E. Turney Ave., Phoenix
(602) 265-2831
www.casadecristo.org
"Christ-centered, Bible-based, spirit-filled, open and affirming."
Christ of the Desert Catholic of the Antioch at Faith Evangelical Lutheran Church
801 E. Camelback Rd., Phoenix
"We welcome all to our altars regardless of race, gender, marital or economic status, sexual orientation or denominational affiliation."
Community Church of Hope
4121 N. 7th Ave., Phoenix
(602) 234-2180
www.communitychurchofhope.com
"A diverse group of people who are God-centered and Christ-driven, seeking to provide God's hope and love to all."
Scottsdale Congregational United Church of Christ
4425 North Granite Reef Road
Scottsdale, Arizona 85251
(480) 946-2900
www.scucc.com
"An open and Affirming community of Christians who gladly welcome into our midst any person who seeks Christian fellowship regardless of race, age, gender or sexual orientation."
Via de Cristo United Methodist Church
20199 N. 78th Place, Scottsdale
(480) 515-4490
www.viadecristo.com
"Open hearts, open minds, open doors"
Healing Waters Ministries
225 West University Drive, Suite 105, Tempe
(480) 894-8681
www.hwmaz.com
"A Non-Denominational Christian church for lesbians, gays, bisexuals, transgenders and heterosexuals."
Resources and publications
• OutlookAz Magazine (www.outlook-mag.com) is the Valley's premiere gay publication. The magazine says it is "edgy, upscale" and "offers a clever mix of lifestyle elements targeted to the sophisticated reader."
• Echo Magazine (www.echomag.com) is a well-respected gay-centric news magazine that has been around since 1990 and focuses less on nightlife than issues.
• The Greater Phoenix Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (www.gpglcc.org) is a non-profit that focuses on networking within the Valley.
• For entertainment and events, check out www.visitgayarizona.com, www.gayarizona.org and www.funmaps.com.
Events
The pre-eminent lesbian and gay event in the state is the Arizona Pride Festival, also known as the "Party in the Park." Held the second weekend of April each year at Phoenix's Steele Park, it has drawn close to 20,000 people in recent years. (www.azpride.org)
Other annual events include the following:
• OutFar Lesbian & Gay Film Festival, February (outfar.org)
• Road Runner Regional Rodeo and the Sierra Stampede in Sierra Vista, January.
• Rainbows Festival, October in Phoenix's Heritage Park. (rainbowsfestival.com).
• AIDS Walk Arizona, November. By Carrie Miner
There's gay-specific bowling (International Gay Bowling Organization [igbo.org], gay square dancing (Desert Valley Squares [www.iagsdc.org/desertvalleysqs]) and gay hiking and camping (Desert Adventures [www.desertadventures.org].
Gay-borhoods and business
Most of downtown Phoenix's historic neighborhoods, especially Coronado, Encanto and Willow, have a heavy gay and lesbian presence. The Greater Phoenix Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce reported in 2004 that the ZIP code with the highest gay population is 85013, the area fanning out from Central Avenue and Camelback Road. The gay-owned Clarendon Hotel+Suites, incidentally, is in the 85013 ZIP.
Unique on Central (4700 N. Central Ave.; 602-279-9691; www.uniqueoncentral.com) sells gay and lesbian paraphernalia - videos, jewelry and adult items.
As for the arts, Stray Cat Theatre and Nearly Naked Theatre produce quite a bit of gay fare but are not specifically gay, while The Alternative Theatre Company (www.thealternativetheatreco.com) produces exclusively gay works and bills itself as the state's "only gay and lesbian theater company."
Bars and Restaurants
Nightclubs of every genre exist in the Phoenix area. Here's a sampling:
Cash Inn Country
2140 E. McDowell Rd., Phoenix
(602) 244-9943
www.cashinncountry.com
Country dance bar.
Charlie's
77 W. Camelback Rd., Phoenix
(602) 265-0224
www.charliesphoenix.com
Twenty years old and always hoppin', filled with fresh-faced cowboy types.
Phoenix La Roca Bar
4129 N. 7th Ave., Phoenix
(602) 248-8559
www.phoenixlaroca.com
The only gay hookah bar in town.
A League of Our Own
40 E. Camelback Rd., St. 102
(602) 252-2354
Supper club with live jazz, sometimes performed by the always fabulous Margo Reed.
Club Vibe
3031 East Indian School Rd.
(602) 224-9977
www.clubvibe602.com
Lesbian bar formerly known as "Ain't Nobody's Bizness."
Amsterdam
718 N. Central Ave.
(602) 258-6122
www.amsterdambar.com
Upscale martini bar.
BS
7125 E. 5th Ave., Scottsdale
(480) 945-9028
Casual sports bar with lots of regulars and THE place to be on Halloween.
Pat O's Bunkhouse Saloon
4428 North 7th Ave., Phoenix
(602) 200-9154
www.bunkhousesaloon.com
$1 drinks on Thursday nights for men in their underwear.
Pumphouse II
4132 E. McDowell Rd., Phoenix
(602) 275-3509
www.pumphouseii.com
Karaoke and drag shows, no pretension.
Roscoe's
4531 N. 7th St., Phoenix
(602) 285-0833
www.roscoeson7.com
Lively sports bar.
Wild Card
801 N. Arizona Ave., Chandler
(480) 857-3088
The east Valley's only lesbian bar.
Gay-friendly churches
Within the past decade, more and more churches are becoming "affirming," meaning that they incorporate into their mission the concept that all worshippers, regardless of xx or sexual orientation, are welcome. The United Church of Christ is, as a whole, is known for being gay-supportive, as are the Unitarian Universalists. The clergy group No Longer Silent (nolongersilent.org) is made up of representatives from two prominent "gay churches," Community Church of Hope and Gentle Shepard (www.gsmcc.org), and offers support to gays and lesbians.
Here are some welcoming churches, plus a motto or a bit about the philosophy of each:
Trinity Episcopal Cathedral
100 W. Roosevelt, Phoenix
(602) 254-7126
www.trinitycathedral.com
"Radical hospitality, radical equality, radical love."
Grace Lutheran
1124 N. 3rd St., Phoenix
(602) 258-3787
www.graceinthecity.com
Known as "The Pancake Church" for its pancake-breakfast outreach to the homeless.
Valley Unitarian Universalist Church
6400 W. Del Rio St., Chandler
(480) 899-4249
www.vuu.org
"A welcoming community that honors diversity in all its forms."
Olive Tree Christian Fellowship at Palo Cristi Presbyterian
3535 E. Lincoln Dr., Paradise Valley
(602) 955-6080
www.palocristipres.org
"We welcome and encourage all people to join us in knowing Jesus Christ and learning about our faith."
Asbury United Methodist
1601 W. Indian School Rd., Phoenix
(602) 279-2369
www.aplaceforallpeople.com
"A place for all people to become disciples of Jesus Christ."
Casa de Cristo Evangelical Church
1029 E. Turney Ave., Phoenix
(602) 265-2831
www.casadecristo.org
"Christ-centered, Bible-based, spirit-filled, open and affirming."
Christ of the Desert Catholic of the Antioch at Faith Evangelical Lutheran Church
801 E. Camelback Rd., Phoenix
"We welcome all to our altars regardless of race, gender, marital or economic status, sexual orientation or denominational affiliation."
Community Church of Hope
4121 N. 7th Ave., Phoenix
(602) 234-2180
www.communitychurchofhope.com
"A diverse group of people who are God-centered and Christ-driven, seeking to provide God's hope and love to all."
Scottsdale Congregational United Church of Christ
4425 North Granite Reef Road
Scottsdale, Arizona 85251
(480) 946-2900
www.scucc.com
"An open and Affirming community of Christians who gladly welcome into our midst any person who seeks Christian fellowship regardless of race, age, gender or sexual orientation."
Via de Cristo United Methodist Church
20199 N. 78th Place, Scottsdale
(480) 515-4490
www.viadecristo.com
"Open hearts, open minds, open doors"
Healing Waters Ministries
225 West University Drive, Suite 105, Tempe
(480) 894-8681
www.hwmaz.com
"A Non-Denominational Christian church for lesbians, gays, bisexuals, transgenders and heterosexuals."
Resources and publications
• OutlookAz Magazine (www.outlook-mag.com) is the Valley's premiere gay publication. The magazine says it is "edgy, upscale" and "offers a clever mix of lifestyle elements targeted to the sophisticated reader."
• Echo Magazine (www.echomag.com) is a well-respected gay-centric news magazine that has been around since 1990 and focuses less on nightlife than issues.
• The Greater Phoenix Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (www.gpglcc.org) is a non-profit that focuses on networking within the Valley.
• For entertainment and events, check out www.visitgayarizona.com, www.gayarizona.org and www.funmaps.com.
Events
The pre-eminent lesbian and gay event in the state is the Arizona Pride Festival, also known as the "Party in the Park." Held the second weekend of April each year at Phoenix's Steele Park, it has drawn close to 20,000 people in recent years. (www.azpride.org)
Other annual events include the following:
• OutFar Lesbian & Gay Film Festival, February (outfar.org)
• Road Runner Regional Rodeo and the Sierra Stampede in Sierra Vista, January.
• Rainbows Festival, October in Phoenix's Heritage Park. (rainbowsfestival.com).
• AIDS Walk Arizona, November. By Carrie Miner
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)