Simplysold

08/04/2025

WalletHub compared the relative start-up opportunities that exist in 100 large U.S. cities across three key dimensions: 1) Business Environment, 2) Access to Resources and 3) Business Costs. Since one in every five startups doesn’t make it past the first year, it’s important for new business owners to live in a city where start-ups can succeed. Using 19 key metrics, including the five-year business-survival rate, labor costs and office-space affordability, Phoenix metro area cities came out on top....

WalletHub compared the relative start-up opportunities that exist in 100 large U.S. cities across three key dimensions: 1) Business Environment, 2) Access to Resources and 3) Business Costs. Since on

07/17/2025

I wrote a previous blog about a dog called Judy in Asia during WW2 in The Canine POW, but this Judy’s story is from Israel, during the British occupation post war. Judy and her brother Punch belonged to two British officers who shared a house in a Jerusalem suburb within a protected compound. On one evening in August 1946, the two men were relaxing at home with the dogs with the front door open....

I wrote a previous blog about a dog called Judy in Asia during WW2 in The Canine POW, but this Judy’s story is from Israel, during the British occupation post war. Judy and her brother Punch belong

07/01/2025

Build to rent homes are single-family residences in a subdivision-like setting that were constructed for rent only. The build to rent sector, which not too long ago didn’t exist, reached a new all-time high in 2024. With 4,460 units built, Phoenix surpassed all other metros by a large margin. The other cities in the top five were Houston, TX (2,505 new units); Charlotte, NC (1,415 new units); Jacksonville, FL (1,201 new units); and Huntsville, AL (1,098 new units)....

Build to rent homes are single-family residences in a subdivision-like setting that were constructed for rent only. The build to rent sector, which not too long ago didn’t exist, reached a new all-

06/17/2025

In Part 1, I gave three bathroom refresh ideas, and here are 3 more: Install a new Mirror. New mirror styles come out frequently. You can also try different size together with redoing lighting. The latest mirrors hide lighting (and tech) behind the glass for a clean modern look; Update Lighting. Nothing is worse than a dark bathroom, and few things look worse than old and out of date lighting; …...

06/03/2025

There are several ways to show a home that is listed for sale “virtually”. Two are a virtual open house and a virtual tour. Here are the differences between them: Virtual Open House. A virtual open house is a live scheduled event at a designated time where an agent is physically present at the listing and gives a tour of the property using Zoom or other meeting software....

05/16/2025

Scottsdale is the most pet-friendly city in America according to WalletHub. This is not the first time, as previously related in Scottsdale is the Most Pet Friendly City. Why does Scottsdale continue to top the national list? Reasons include the very high number of pet related businesses (including veterinarians) and dog-friendly shops per capita, and the eighth-most dog-friendly restaurants per capita....

Scottsdale is the most pet-friendly city in America according to WalletHub. This is not the first time, as previously related in Scottsdale is the Most Pet Friendly City. Why does Scottsdale continue

04/30/2025

Gen Xers are those born between 1965 and 1980, which means the oldest are turning 60 this year and may be ending their working career. ChamberofCommerce.org created a list of which cities are the most ideal places for Gen Xers to retire. The criteria used measured housing affordability, cost of living, tax friendliness, life expectancy, access to healthcare, migration, and crime rate....

https://www.simplysoldaz.com/best-cities-for-gen-x-retirement/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=jetpack_social

04/15/2025

In Solar Tax Credits Are Disappearing! and Solar Tax Credits Are Reappearing! I broke down the ups and downs in the amount and time limit of the availability of solar tax credits. They were to be phased out completely in 2024 but were extended to 2032 and increased from 26% back to 30%. As before, the solar tax credit will be reduced by the sum of any credit for a plug-in hybrid or electric vehicle purchased that same year the solar system was installed, operable and ready for inspection....

In Solar Tax Credits Are Disappearing! and Solar Tax Credits Are Reappearing! I broke down the ups and downs in the amount and time limit of the availability of solar tax credits. They were to be pha

03/29/2025

Accessory dwelling units, also known as casitas in the Phoenix metro area, are in the news because they have been “legalized” in Arizona in an effort to ease the housing affordability and inventory crisis. ADU construction has been on the rise since the pandemic, growing at a rate of 9% or 100,000 units per year. Besides filling a need, ADUs may add value when you sell your home....

Accessory dwelling units, also known as casitas in the Phoenix metro area, are in the news because they have been “legalized” in Arizona in an effort to ease the housing affordability and invento

03/14/2025

Home buyers prefer updated bathrooms. And bathrooms get a lot of use, so can get shabby and tired. You could do a complete remodel, but what if that isn’t needed or one isn’t in your budget? Here are six ideas: Repaint. Never a bad idea for any room - you might want to use a moisture resistant paint for better adhesion and to prevent mold; …...

Home buyers prefer updated bathrooms. And bathrooms get a lot of use, so can get shabby and tired. You could do a complete remodel, but what if that isn’t needed or one isn’t in your budget? Here

03/01/2025

This isn't the first time the Valley has landed at the top of the rankings for economic growth. The Site Selection county survey cited in Part 1 follows recent reports that have listed the Phoenix market as the top in the U.S. for industrial and manufacturing. Since 2020 metro Phoenix has been named No. 1 for manufacturing growth by global real estate firm Newmark Group Inc....

This isn't the first time the Valley has landed at the top of the rankings for economic growth. The Site Selection county survey cited in Part 1 follows recent reports that have listed the Phoenix ma

02/19/2025

During the First World War some soldiers in the front lines sought out the assistance and comfort of four-legged friends. Cats, dogs, foxes, goats, lion cubs, and even raccoons also served soldiers as pets and mascots throughout the war. Some animals, such as dogs (read about those that provided humanitarian care in Medical Dogs) and carrier pigeons, carried out official duties....

Cats as Trench Mates in WW1. by [email protected] | Feb 19, 2025 | Animal Stories (mostly Dogs in the Military) | 0 comments During the First World War some soldiers in the front lines sought out the assistance and comfort of four-legged friends. Cats, dogs, foxes, goats, lion cubs, and even racc...