Carefree Truth

Issue #412, July 31, 2015

 

 

 

Planning Director Stacey Bridge-Denzak explained that 1 temporary Open House sign is allowed on site, and up to 8 are allowed off site to direct potential buyers to the home's location.  In the past, they became visual clutter and obstructed traffic sight lines.  Some signs were placed within Carefree directing potential buyers to homes for sale in surrounding communities.  Because of these issues,  an ordinance was enacted requiring permit stickers for each sign placed within Carefree Town limits, at a cost of $5 a month per sticker. 

 

 

 

Many Realtors and some residents were present at the Planning and Zoning Commission meeting in May. Realtors pointed out that acquiring the stickers can be difficult based on their schedules, and Open Houses can come up on short notice.  Mrs. Denzak-Bridge said if this moratorium passes and is successful, a text amendment would be brought before  the Council in April, and it will be decided then if it should become permanent through a change in the Ordinance. Carefree is currently the only community that requires permits for Open House signs.

 

 

 

Mayor Les Peterson asked if the allowed number of signs would change, or if this is just relieving Realtors of the requirement to purchase the stickers.  Mrs. Denzak-Bridge confirmed that this would not change the number of signs allowed, the content, or the placement requirements.  Councilman Glenn Miller asked if balloons were allowed on the signs, saying he'd seen some with them.  Mrs. Denzak-Bridge replied that they are not allowed and that Town Marshall Kevin Stuckey removes them if he sees them.  

 

 

 

Paul Mercurio, a Broker with Berkshire Hathaway's Carefree office, said he's been selling homes in Carefree for 30 years.  There is no longer a "summer slump"; home sales are level year 'round now.  Not as many are looking during the summer months, but those who are looking are serious buyers.  He added that Open House signs are only out during actual Open Houses.  

 

 

 

Brenda Hall, representing the Scottsdale Association of Realtors, has been selling homes in the area for 16 years.  She said she loves selling homes in Carefree.  However, she often doesn't know she will be working an Open House until that Friday afternoon, after Carefree Town Hall has closed for the weekend. 

 

 

 

During the construction boom, many of the abuses discussed previously occurred at the hands of new home builders.   Ms. Hall said times have changed, Realtors are good about self monitoring, and the HOAs also monitor Real Estate signs.  

She also pointed out that there are fewer Open Houses held now, due to concerns over dangers highlighted in the news.  Less than 1% of houses for sale hold Open Houses.  

 

 

 

Ms. Hall added that Realtors act as ambassadors for Carefree, recommending places to shop and dine, and directing customers to those amenities.  This is advantageous for the local businesses as well as for the Carefree tax base.

 

 

 

Mayor Peterson stated that Carefree would like to have a good working relationship with the Realtors.  Perhaps the Town could supply a sheet listing the advantages of buying in Carefree, such as no local property tax, and Town-wide fire protection. 

 

 

 

Vice Mayor John Crane pointed out that the rules were put into effect because of abuses in the past, driving citizen complaints.  It is incumbent upon the Agents and Brokers to ensure that "people play by the rules".  The moratorium will expire in April.  The ordinance will only be changed at that time if people play by the rules during this trial period.  

 

 

 

Mayor Peterson noted that the moratorium was slated to begin on July 1st, asked why it had been put off until then, and asked if it could go into effect sooner.  Mrs. Denzak-Bridge explained that it had not yet been determined when it would come before the Council when that date was set, but that the Council could change it when making a motion.  Councilman Glenn Miller made a motion that included immediate commencement, which was seconded by Councilman Mike Farrar.  The Council voted unanimously to begin the moratorium the following day, June 3rd.

 

https://vimeo.com/user18676056/review/130000022/36816b6490

 

 

Lyn Hitchon

 

 

 

Prepared by Carefree Truth

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