Welcome to the November 2024 edition of "Things to Do in Arizona!"



This is a wonderful time of the year with the beginning of the holiday season!

Here are some more fun things to do in November - I think there is something for everyone - there are plenty of festivals, parades and holiday events!


I trust you'll find an event that resonates with your interests.


OK - it’s time for some shameless self-promotion.  I am a full-time real estate agent and I have been helping people to buy and sell real estate for over 30 years.  Please call me with any of your real estate needs.  My experience extends from the first time homebuyer to working with the savvy investor.. For a comprehensive list of available homes, visit www.OnlineArizonaHomes.com.



I wanted to share some exciting news -  the "Things to Do in Arizona Facebook Group” is continuing to grow!   In this group members can add content, ask questions, give suggestions and more.  We hope that together in the group we will be able to share even more ideas for exploring this amazing state.  We would love for you to join the group - click here to join!

 

 I love getting feedback, so please let me know if you enjoyed any of these activities or if there are others that you think I should include.  Have a fantastic September!

 


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Event dates, times and locations are subject to change. Some events require tickets or may charge fees for attendance. Please check with event organizers before attending.

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September 29th - November 2nd - Glowing Pumpkins:  A Phoenix Jack-O-Lantern Adventure -- Riverwalk at Rawhide - This Halloween, get ready to explore a world of jack-o-lanterns with Glowing Pumpkins! Wander through a magical trail with 5,000+ hand-carved art pumpkins and lit sculptures of Halloween characters, dinosaurs, superheroes, and pop culture icons, all enveloped by a symphony of music, sounds, and special effects. This family-friendly event has something for everyone—get your tickets for Glowing Pumpkins: A Phoenix Jack-o-Lantern Adventure and prepare to make it your new annual Halloween tradition!  Various prices - 6;00 - 10:30 PM  https://feverup.com/m/194361



October 31st  - November 3rd -  21st Annual Page Lake Powell Hot Air Balloon Regatta -Page - Each year thousands of people come to watch 70 beautiful balloons lift off and  float over the Lake Powell area with its amazing red rock vistas.  Plan to stay to watch the Balloon Glow and stroll through the Street Fair, https://events.cityofpage.org/balloon-regatta-2/



October 31st  - November 3rd -  35th Annual Arizona Classic Jazz Festival - Chandler -  Historic downtown Chandler comes alive for this the 34th annual festival. An all event badge is $140.00 and the prices vary for each day.  Badges can be bought at the door. 480-620-3941 or http://www.azclassicjazz.org/jazz-festival.html




Ongoing through November 30th Take a Hike! 2024 Hiking Spree   - Prescott - Highlands Center for Natural History - It's time to get those hiking boots out again!  Explore the top ten trails around Prescott!  If you hike 8 out of the 10 trails between September - December you will be eligible to buy a collector's medallion! Free. https://highlandscenter.org/hiking-spree/



Ongoing to November 10th  - Fall Butterfly Exhibit - Phoenix - Desert Botanical Gardens - Butterflies are back and better than ever at the 3,200 square foot Butterfly Pavilion located near the Harriet K. Maxwell Desert Wildflower Loop Trail. The new Exhibit features hundreds of live, fluttering butterflies among the desert landscapes and stunning views of the Papago Butte, as well as a caterpillar nursery and emergence chamber. It promises to be delightful, magical and educational for children and adults.   Included with paid admission.  9:30 am - 5:00 pm daily.

 https://dbg.org/visit/butterfly-pavilion/



Ongoing - Walk With Wildlife Tours - Southwest Wildlife Conservation Center - Scottsdale - Here at the Southwest Wildlife Conservation Center, we offer multiple tour options. From our everyday Walk With Wildlife Tours, to our Full Moon Experience, we have something for everyone. Whether you're an Arizona resident or visiting over the holidays, we offer year-round tours at many times throughout the day. These tours all offer a slightly different experience, all while learning about our amazing native Arizona wildlife. These guided tours offer you an up-close view of our permanent sanctuary residents along with a guided story of how they arrived at our center. 

Space is limited - plan ahead and book your tour today! If all dates are full, make sure to join our waitlist. If a cancellation occurs and a spot opens, you will be automatically notified and given the opportunity to sign up. 

These guided tours last up to two hours and are not ideal for children under the age of five. If you're looking for a family friendly Arizona activity with young children, we recommend checking out our Southwest Wildlife Family Day. 


Black Bears
Bobcats
Coatimundi
Coyotes
Coues Deer
Grey Fox
Javelina
Kit Fox
Mexican Grey Wolves
Mountain Lions
Mule Deer
Red Fox
Ringtail
Tickets are $35 per person above age 13, $25 for kids 3-12, and $10 for kids under 3. https://www.southwestwildlife.org/book-a-tour/tours/walk-with-wildlife-tour.html



Ongoing - January 5th - Tianyo Lights Festival - Phoenix/Glendale - Camelback Ranch -  Experience an enchanting night at the Tianyu Lights Festival in Phoenix! Wander through breathtaking luminous art installations and immerse yourself in four captivating themes: Illuminated Forest, Fairy Tale Wonderland, Panda-land, and Ocean World. Indulge in delicious foods and beverages at our Food Court, and complete your visit with a trip to the Marketplace, where you’ll find unique, handcrafted treasures. Tickets $18.00 and up.  Wednesday - Sunday 5:30pm - 10:30pm  https://tianyuculture.us/phoenix/?a




Ongoing - January 20th - Lightbloom- Phoenix - Desert Botanical Garden - LIGHT BLOOM by HYBYCOZO is a limited-time exhibit where nature and light converge. This mesmerizing display invites you to explore the Garden transformed by stunning geometric light installations that illuminate the beauty of the desert landscape in a new way. As the sun sets, LIGHT BLOOM comes to life, casting intricate shadows and vibrant hues across the Garden. Wander the trails and let the enchanting installations transport you to a magical realm where the natural world meets the abstract.  Included with the price of admission.  https://dbg.org/events/light-bloom/2025-01-20/



November 1st  - Artlink First Friday Phoenix - Downtown Phoenix - Enjoy the spirit and culture of downtown Phoenix as you mingle with thousands of other residents and visitors. Tour art galleries, venues, and related spaces from 6:00 to 10:00 p.m. every First Friday of the month. (Note: each art space has their own hours.) There is even a First Friday Trolley to help you get around!   Free. https://artlinkphx.org/first-fridays/


November 1st  – First Friday Artwalk – Flagstaff- Downtown Flagstaff.  This is one of Northern Arizona’s premier arts events.  On the first Friday of each month the art galleries and businesses of downtown Flagstaff stay open from 4-8pm.  There are special arts exhibits, live music and more.  https://downtownflagstaff.org/events/first-friday-art-walk




November 1st   - First Friday in the Galleries - Sedona - On the 1st Friday of each month, from 5:00 - 8:00 pm, members of the Sedona Gallery Association offer a unique monthly showcase highlighting artists, special exhibits, and art events. These special art receptions give locals and Sedona visitors alike the opportunity to enjoy light refreshments while beginning their weekends with an exploration of Sedona’s exciting art scene. https://visitsedona.com/events-calendar/first-friday-in-the-galleries/


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Didn’t find anything of interest for this week – Check out the Facebook page Things to do in Arizona for even more ideas and updates.

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November 3rd - First Friday Live - Celebrating 2024 - Dance Party - Phoenix Herberger Theater PLaza -  Join us for FREE outdoor performances on the Herberger Theater Plaza!

Kick off the New Year and join us for First Friday Live, hosted by the energetic and entertaining comedian, Lee Bradley! Featuring live music from DJ AKSHEN as he brings his turntable skills back to the Pavilion Stage! Plenty of fun for the whole family with a community live art project by Metropolitan Arts Institute and interactive art activities for the kids!Art Gallery Openings:

expressiveVISIONS Exhibit featuring Gary Vulcano - Main Gallery
Featured Artists Exhibit - Bob's Spot Gallery
We are also holding a food drive for St. Mary’s Food Bank. Please bring donations of nonperishable food (click here to see most needed items) and help us give back to our community!  https://herbergertheater.org/events/first-friday-live-celebrating-2024/




November 1st - November 3rd– 31st Annual Carefree Fine Art & Wine Festival - Downtown Carefree - This is one of the area’s premier fine arts festivals featuring more than 165 artists.  There are paintings in all mediums, bronzes, photography, pottery, glass, wood and mixed media.   Live musical entertainment is provided throughout the day as well as wine & microbrew tastings.   $5, 10 am - 5 pm, 480-837-5637 or https://thunderbirdartists.com/carefree-arizona-fine-art-wine-festival-november




November 1st -  November 3rd -  38th Annual Tucson Celtic Festival and Scottish Highland Games - Tucson - Rillito Raceway Park - Come to enjoy a weekend of Celtic fun including Kilted bagpipe bands, live music, athletic competitions, dancing and great  food and drink,  $, 520-807-9509 or http://tucsoncelticfestival.org/






 November 1st -  November 3rd  -  Annual All Souls Procession - Tucson - This is a grassroots event for anyone who wants to participate in celebrating  and mourning the lives of loved ones who have passed. There is a two-mile procession that ends in the finalizing action of burning a large urn filled with prayers, offerings and wishes for those who have passed. 520-770-1533 or http://www.allsoulsprocession.org or http://www.visitTucson.org




November 2nd - 9th Annual Mariachi Festival - Bisbee - Mariachi fever is about to hit our community again with all the colorful festivities and beautiful passion that comes along with it. This will be the ninth annual mariachi Festival and is shaping up to be the very best. The organizers have booked some of the finest Mariachi performers in the business.  Included in this year’s festival will be culinary craftsman from throughout the state who will be selling delicacies with a Mexico flair, traditional barbecue, and other fine food items as well as other vendors with their unique trinkets, snacks, and souvenirs. There will also be an inflatable slide for the kids, face painting, and dancing. We have opened up this year’s event for vendors who will be serving craft beer, soft drinks, coffee, kettle corn, salsa, ribs, popsicles and water. Adults $15.00 10am - 7pm  www.bisbeemariachifestival.com



November 2nd – November 3rd– Annual Litchfield Park Festival of the Arts  - Downtown Litchfield Park – This festival is one of the oldest in Arizona and its popularity continues in part because of the high quality and variety of artisans and craftspeople featured at this fair as well as the excellent entertainment including Hawaiian music and Native American hoop dancers.  With abundant food offerings and wine tastings it is an event not to be missed.  Free admission and parking.  9am – 5pm. https://www.litchfieldpark.gov/1285/Fall-Festival-of-Arts



November 8th - November 17th - 12th Annual Canal Convergence - Reflections - Scottsdale Waterfront - Throughout all 10 days of Canal Convergence, Scottsdale Public Art will present a range of educational activities, hands-on workshops and family-friendly events at the Scottsdale Waterfront and various locations around Scottsdale. - Free -  Nov. 8-9th 6-10pm, November 10th - 14th 6-9pm, November 15th - 16th 6-10pm, November 12th 6-9pm.  https://canalconvergence.com/



November 8th - December 30th - Polar Express - Williams - Grand Canyon Railroad - Anyone with children will want to put this on their holiday bucket list.  On select days during November and December you will board the Polar Express and enjoy a train ride to the “North Pole” where Santa and his reindeer are waiting to give a gift to those who “believe”.  Enjoy hot cocoa and cookies while listening to the timeless story and sing carols on the return trip.  Select days throughout November and December .  $43.99 -97.99,  5:30 & 7:30 pm, 800-843-8724 or http://www.thetrain.com



November 8th - November 10th -    Annual Fountain Festival of Arts & Crafts - Fountain Hills - This is one of the largest arts and crafts festivals in the Southwest.  Fountain Hills with its lovely lake and fountain is the home to this competitive, juried  arts & crafts fair featuring over 500 artisans, live music, food vendors and a beer garden.  Free, 10 am - 5 pm, 480-837-1654 or http://www.fountainhillschamber.com




November 8th -  November 10th – 45th Annual Bluegrass Festival & Fiddle Championship - Wickenburg - Bowman Rodeo Grounds - Kick back and tap your toes while these musicians compete in 13 categories for  prize money.  Daily $, Friday 1-5:30 pm, Saturday and Sunday  entertainment from  9 am - 4:30 pm, 928-684-5479 or 800-942-5242 or https://www.wickenburgchamber.com/bluegrass-festival



November 9th -  20th Annual Daisy Mountain Veterans Day Parade - Anthem - Billed as Arizona's largest Veterans Day Parade!  There will be a flyover at 10am to start the parade.   http://www.daisymtnvets.org




November 9th - 18th Annual Phoenix Fall Festival - Phoenix - Margaret T Hance Park - Activities include:

Celebrate what makes Arizona special! The Arizona Fall Festival is the ultimate gathering of locals and businesses from across the valley, making it the largest certified local event around. This free, family-friendly and dog-friendly festival showcases everything we love about Arizona.

What started 18 years ago with just 27 vendors at the Duck and Decanter parking lot, has blossomed into a vibrant celebration featuring over 200 vendors! It’s the biggest community event at Margaret T. Hance Park and a testament to Arizona’s diverse culture and thriving local economy.

10:00am - 4:00pm  https://localfirstaz.com/events/arizona-fall-festival



November 9th - 18th Annual Phoenix Fall Festival - Phoenix - Margaret T Hance Park - Activities include:  Celebrate what makes Arizona special! The Arizona Fall Festival is the ultimate gathering of locals and businesses from across the valley, making it the largest certified local event around. This free, family-friendly and dog-friendly festival showcases everything we love about Arizona.

What started 18 years ago with just 27 vendors at the Duck and Decanter parking lot, has blossomed into a vibrant celebration featuring over 200 vendors! It’s the biggest community event at Margaret T. Hance Park and a testament to Arizona’s diverse culture and thriving local economy. 10:00am - 4:00pm  https://localfirstaz.com/events/arizona-fall-festival



November 16th - 17th- 9th Annual Phoenix Pizza Festival - Phoenix, Margaret T. Hance Park - t thet

🍕 Slices, whole pizzas, unique pizza themed creations and other food from a variety of local food vendors

🎸 Live bands

🍺 Local craft beer from Pedal Haus Brewery

🍷 Wine

🍹Cocktails in a can

🎯 Lawn Games

🎉 Kid's zone sponsored by Legacy Traditional Schools

🐶 Small Dog friendly event - under 25 lbs. and on a leash

🎟 Tickets sell out every year, so get yours now!

☀️ The event is two days (with shorter hours on Sunday).

-----Admission price is for a single day and your ticket is non-transferrable and non-refundable (no chargebacks).

-----Admission is for entry to the festival only, it does not include food & drink.

   11am - 6pm Saturday and 11am - 4pm Sunday - Admission is $16.00 online.  Children 5 and under are free.  Food and beverages are sold separately.  https://www.phoenix.pizza




November 16th - November 17th - La Encantada Fine Art Festival -La Encantada Shopping Center - Tucson The La Encantada Fine Art Festival series has grown to become one of the most juried fine art festivals in Southern Arizona.  Hosted on three separate weekends throughout the year, the festival curates a diverse group of emerging and established sculptors, jewelers, painters, and mixed media artists.  With limited exhibit space made available at each festival, each event will focus on a rotating group of display fine artisans. Saturday 10am - 5pm, Sunday 10am - 4pm  Free - https://www.saaca.org/laefineart.html



November 16th - 12th Annual Desert Discovery Day - Jewel of the Creek Preserve - Cave Creek  - Unplug and enjoy a day of digital detox, fresh air, fun, and adventure!

Desert Foothills Land Trust presents the 11th annual Desert Discovery Day, a fun-filled day of adventure and educational activities in a natural desert setting. Discover the Sonoran Desert, learn about all its dwellers, past and present, and interact with native wildlife. 10am - 2pm - Free!  https://www.dflt.org/desert-discovery-day

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November 16th - Dog Days in the Garden - Desert Botanical Gardens - Phoenix. Bring your furry friend to Dog Days at the Garden for the “ultimutt” nature experience. Explore the beauty of the Sonoran Desert and stroll the Garden’s five thematic trails Saturday mornings.

 - This is from 8am - 11am only https://dbg.org/events/dog-days-spring-2024/2024-09-28/




November 16th - Arizona Barrels, Bottles and Brews - Scottsdale - Salt River Fields at Talking Stick - The AZ Barrels, Bottles & Brews highlights the state’s biggest and best craft breweries, distillers, and vintners and will feature samples and products produced exclusively in Arizona. Over 25 breweries, wineries, and distilleries will take over the Center Field concourse area and will be serving up tastes of their award-winning creations. Walk the concourse, play lawn games, and sip and savor a true taste of Arizona this November!  2-5pm - general admission $60, VIP- $85, designated driver- $19 - https://azbottlesandbrews.com/




November 16th - December 29th - Illumination - Rockin’ Christmas - Glendale - This is said to be the Southwest’s largest drive-through holiday attraction.  Turn up the holiday spirit with Rockin’ Christmas produced by World of Illumination. In this mile-long symphony of sight and sound hosted by MC Mic, you’ll see everything from life-sized musical notes to retro Santa spinning it old school. Featuring millions of colorful lights and hundreds of animated displays, the world’s largest animated drive-through audio-visual experience is a mesmerizing event that will rock your holidays.…if you’ve been nice!  It opens at 6:00 pm every night  -  Daily (some exceptions) 6-10pm  Tickets are per vehicle  - buy your tickets online ahead of time. https://www.worldofillumination.com/glendale-arizona-desert-diamond-casino




November 18 - December 31st - Illumination - Enchanted Safari  - Tempe - This is said to be the Southwest’s largest drive-through holiday attraction. Gear up for one wild holiday adventure with your host, Toukie Toucan! Trek over land, sea and air to hear the jingle of the jungle at Enchanted Safari produced by World of Illumination. A host of exotic animals will be there to greet you from peacocks to piranhas. Soar among the clouds as you fly with reindeer then outrun a T-Rex as you whiz past a land lost in time. Come face 

to face with the King of the Jungle and beware of the Tunnel of Tentacles where you’ll fend off sharks and jellyfish trying to steal your holiday spirit. Your journey ends at Santa’s Bazaar, where all your new animal friends will be decking the halls! Be sure to buckle up — it’s a jungle out there.  It opens at 6:00 pm every night  -  Daily ( some exceptions) 6-10pm.  Tickets are per vehicle  - buy your tickets online ahead of time.  https://www.worldofillumination.com/tempe-arizona





November 22nd - 24th & November 29th - 30th - Dec. 1st  - Hidden in the Hills - 28th Annual Artist Studio Tour & Sale - Various locations throughout Cave Creek, Carefree & North Scottsdale - During this self-guided tour you have the opportunity to visit 174 artists and 44 studios belonging to members of the Sonoran Arts League.  This is your opportunity to talk with the artists, find out about their creative processes and purchase fine art from the artists themselves. This is one of our personal favorites!!  You can use the interactive website to preview the art and design your own custom tour map!! Open daily from 10am - 5pm. https://sonoranartsleague.org/hidden-in-the-hills/


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Didn’t find anything of interest for this week – Check out the Facebook page Things to do in Arizona for even more ideas and updates…  Or join our 60,000+ member group.

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November 23rd -   Annual Christmas Parade - Come to  Winslow  - the home of  AZ's largest Christmas parade.  Winslow has the distinction of having the longest-running Annual Christmas Parade in northern Arizona and as you may or may not know, it’s a blast! Thousands come to Winslow from all over the state of Arizona to enjoy and/or participate in the festivities of the day. food, arts, crafts, toys, clothing, jewelry, and more are available for your enjoyment starting in the morning and throughout the day. That being said…the highlight of the day, of course, is the parade itself. Santa Claus will be visiting with us on parade day too! Young children can meet with him to get a “goodie bag” and let him know what’s on their Christmas wish lists. He’ll be at the Winslow Visitor Center.  Free,8am - 5pm, 928-289-2434 https://winslowarizona.org/christmas-parade/




November 23rd - Annual Festival of Lights Kick-off Party - Desert Foothills Park, Phoenix.   Ahwatukee’s biggest community celebration, Light Up Ahwatukee's Holiday Festival is back this November. This year's festival will take place on Saturday, November 23rd, 2024 - the week prior to Thanksgiving at Desert Foothills Park. The family-friendly festival is a great way to kick-off the holiday season and get into the Christmas spirit. https://lightupahwatukee.org/



November 24th -  Thanksgiving Day Parade - “Best of 1984” 40th Anniversay Parade - Fountain Hills - Saguaro Blvd -Why watch a parade on TV when you could be attending the state's only Thanksgiving Day parade (and the only Thanksgiving Day Parade west of the Mississippi!) with up to 75 units including bands, floats & marching units!  Free, 9 am, 480-837-1654 or https://www.experiencefountainhills.org/events/2024/thanksgiving-day-parade



November 27th – January 12, 2025 –  Annual Zoolights – Phoenix Zoo – This is an Arizona tradition not to be missed!.  With over 3.7 million lights and 700 lighted sculptures throughout the zoo this is truly a wonderful way to spend the evening.  5:30 – 10:30 nightly.  You can purchase tickets online. $ 602-273-1341 or  http://www.phoenixzoo.org.





November 29th -  The Annual Fantasy of Lights Opening Night Parade and Tree Lighting - Tempe - Mill Avenue District - Start celebrating the holiday season with this opening night parade and tree lighting  Tempe will be all decked out with thousands of sparkling lights and lighted displays.  Free.  4-9 pm. 480-894-8158 or http://www.downtowntempe.com




November 29th -30th -  Annual “Chairs of Bisbee” Art Chair Auction and Home Tour - Greenway School Cafeteria -We endeavor to concentrate on homes of an historic nature, and many of the homes have been remodeled with more modern touches. Some of the homes have been newer, but interesting homes. Also, this year, we are including some historic buildings and places. There is always sure to be something to arouse the interest of everyone who takes the tour. Home Tour tickets are $20.00 and are good for both days of the tour.  Chairs, painted and decorated, in a variety of mediums, by local artists will be available for silent auction bids both days.   Friday 9am - Sat. 4 pm, 520-432-3554 or 888-224-7233 or https://www.bisbeewomansclub.com/home-tour-chair-auction





November 29th  -November 30th - December 1st - Hidden in the Hills - 28th Annual Artist Studio Tour & Sale - Various locations throughout Cave Creek, Carefree & North Scottsdale - During this self-guided tour you have the opportunity to visit 174 artists and 44 studios belonging to members of the Sonoran Arts League.  This is your opportunity to talk with the artists, find out about their creative processes and purchase fine art from the artists themselves. This is one of our personal favorites!! You can use the interactive website to preview the art and design your own custom tour map!! Open daily from 10am - 5pm.  www.HiddenInTheHills.org.




November 29th - December 30th - Mesa Temple Christmas Lights and International Nativity Display -  The Mesa Temple Christmas Lights return this year to  101 S. LeSueur, for 38 spectacular nights – from Nov. 29 through Dec. 30. The lights are on nightly from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.

The event – previously called one of the “must-see holiday lighting extravaganzas in the United States” – has drawn over a million visitors annually from across Arizona and far beyond to partake of the Christmas spirit on these temple grounds. This event, one of the largest known volunteer-driven Christmas lighting displays in the country, has been a beloved community tradition in the area since 1979.  https://mesatemple.org/




November 30th – January 1st, 2025- 32nd Annual Arizona's Largest Gingerbread Village - Prescott - Prescott Resort & Conference Center - View over 100+ edible & enchanting castles, estates, houses in a winter wonderland. Free, 928-776-1666 or https://www.prescottresort.com/


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If there is an event that you think we should know about email me at David@OnlineArizonaHomes.com




That's a wrap for now! Don't forget to join the  "Things to do in Arizona Group”!   Engage with the community by commenting, sharing your discoveries, reviewing others' finds!


If you or someone you know is exploring real estate options, I'm here to assist. Discover properties and valuable real estate insights in the Greater Phoenix Metropolitan area on my website. Feel free to reach out via call or email.

Wishing you a fantastic November!


Warm regards, David


P.S. Know someone who'd appreciate our monthly events roundup? Ask them to drop me an email, and I'll gladly add them to our list.


.

David Thomas, Realtor®


ABR, ePro, CDPE, SFR (Short Sale and Foreclosure Certification)
HomeSmart Elite Group
602-763-6363

David@OnlineArizonaHomes.com
www.OnlineArizonaHomes.com