As a homeowner, thinking outside the box, gadget-wise, can lead you to gizmos that solve your problems – even ones you didn’t know you had in more humane, sustainable, energy-efficient ways than ever before. Read on to find out about five such inventions.
It’s Humane!: Solar-Powered Gopher Repellent
If you ever have a problem with rodents like gophers, moles, voles or shrews intruding on your lawn, look no further. This humane repellent doesn’t hurt anyone (people or animals), it simply emits a high-pitched sound at regular intervals to disrupt the animals’ sleeping patterns. It discourages them from moving in by making your lawn inhospitable but without using traps or poison. The sound is too high for humans to hear it, and only travels underground so dogs aren’t disturbed, either.
It’s Tasty!: Outdoor Wine Glass Holders
They seem simple, but sometimes the most obvious things are the hardest to recognize. Like outdoor wine or champagne glass holders removing the need to balance a full glass on uneven ground. Next time you’re on a picnic, take along these portable items, stick them in the grass (or the sand, if you’re at a beach) and hang your stemmed glass on the hook.
It’s Easy!: One Touch Jar Opener
Who hasn’t struggled with a jar opener for the pasta sauce while the noodles boil over and the onions burn? For any cook that doesn’t have a sous-chef handy, don’t worry there’s now a one-touch jar opener for just that occasion. Conveniently sized and battery-operated, these little guys adjust to any jar size and have padded edges to protect the jars so you can reuse them.
It’s Handy!: iPad Fridge Mount
Increasingly, people these days are cooking with recipes from the Internet. With an iPad Fridge Mount, you don’t need to copy out the recipes, print them or worry about your device getting splashed or hit with dinner. The mount is easy to install no tools needed and easy to remove, so the iPad is as portable as ever. The mount can also go on walls or doors.
It’s Smart!: Automated Watering Controller
Unlike the other items on this list, which ranged from $10 to $30, the Blossom Smart Watering Controller sells on Amazon for just under $400. But it saves money, and conserves water, by monitoring the weather (so it can adjust its lawn/garden watering schedule for wetter or dryer days), and you control it through your smartphone. No new wiring, sprinklers or valves are needed.
If you need more info or want suggestions on neat home gizmos that work well in your neighborhood, give me a call – J.P. Cook – 602-320-4253.
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2126 W Red Fox Road
Phoenix, AZ 85085
$675,000
3
Beds
3
Baths
2,198
SqFt
Status
Active Under Contract
MLS #
6737901
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
This home checks all the boxes! Single level, elegant finishes, ideal floor plan, and more. This home in Fireside at Norterra is open, bright, and feels like new. With three bedrooms and an office, you have room to spread out. Enjoy cooking in the open concept kitchen complete with a fabulous walk in pantry and butler's pantry area to prepare meals. Special updates: New HVAC in 2024 and new water heater in 2023. The community offers a clubhouse, gym with full facilities, pool, spa, rock climbing wall, basketball court, playground, hiking trails,and more. Take advantage of the resort style living in north Phoenix. Come by and make this your home today.
1413 W Commerce Avenue
Gilbert, AZ 85233
$675,000
4
Beds
3
Baths
2,680
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6768302
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Welcome to Playa Del Rey! Gilberts Custom Ski-Lake community, bring your wake boards, jet skis and kayaks and teach your family to water ski. There is a 9-hole putt-putt at the entrance. This gated single-story home is situated one street away from the boat ramp. Some of the features in the semi-custom home include, 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, dual pane low E windows and shutters, beautiful hardwood flooring in the living room, Bay windows, All natural gas appliances, fireplace and furnace. 3 car garage and RV gate. Located right in the HEART of Gilbert with quick access to the 60 freeway for easy commuting, Bike 2 miles down canal to all the restaurants of downtown Gilbert.
29449 N 130th Drive
Peoria, AZ 85383
$675,000
3
Beds
3
Baths
2,351
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6745133
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
The search is finally over! This charming home features a 2-car garage, paver driveway, striking stone facade, and low-maintenance desert landscape. Venture into a living room with high ceilings, clerestory windows, a neutral palette, tile flooring, and a cozy fireplace. The kitchen comes with granite counters, plentiful wood cabinetry, recessed lighting, built-in appliances, a walk-in pantry, and a large island with a breakfast bar. The spacious main bedroom offers an ensuite with dual vanities, patio access, and his and hers closets. You'll also find a casita with separate access, perfect for visiting loved ones, game room, hobby room, or office. The backyard boasts a covered patio, an exterior fireplace, a built-in BBQ, and a sparkling pool. Make this gem yours today!
13139 N Northstar Drive
Fountain Hills, AZ 85268
$675,000
2
Beds
2.5
Baths
1,502
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6818570
Property Type
Townhouse
Price Type
--
This bright and open 2 bed 2 1/2 bath has just had a facelift! All fresh paint and carpet inside! New stainless appliances and new modern light fixtures. HVAC system and water heater also replaced. Look no further for a trouble-free home in a gated community! Home is close to the community pool. You will love the open floor plan and high ceilings. Garage is extra large and roomy. You will not be disappointed with this home!
8307 E Gary Road
Scottsdale, AZ 85260
$675,000
5
Beds
6
Baths
5,505
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6722753
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
New co-ownership opportunity: Own 1/8 of this professionally managed, turnkey home. Named for a tropical Yucatan oasis, Tulum Oasis features a great room with 17-foot wood ceilings and a two-sided fireplace. A floor-to-ceiling corner window wall floods the space with light and opens to the backyard pool, a gas fire pit, large grassy lawn, BBQ and dining space. The kitchen has a limestone backsplash, two islands and Sub-Zero and Wolf appliances. The dining room offers a view of a stone patio and fountain. The home includes a den and a flex space. All five bedrooms have ensuite baths. The primary suite features a cozy fireplace, a walk-in closet and a luxurious bathroom with a dual-sink vanity, stone tub and open walk-in shower. The home comes fully furnished and professionally decor
19817 N 67th Drive
Glendale, AZ 85308
$675,000
4
Beds
3
Baths
3,596
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6756330
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Fantastic Arrowhead Home! assumable VA loan at only 2.62%* sparkling salt water play pool* 4 bedrooms* 2.5 bathrooms* 3596 sq ft* gigantic upstairs bonus room* 3 car garage* 2 newer AC units 2023 & 2019* solar panels installed in 2022* pigeon proofing on solar panels- $159.31 a month* pool totally resurfaced 2023* new salt water pool dispenser & pool light 2024* new custom window coverings 2023* roof replaced entirely 2013* all stainless steel kitchen appliances* newer stove and dishwasher* custom stainless steel refrigerator* beautiful walk out balcony off master bedroom* fresh grey epoxy coated garage flooring* close to the new Children's Hospital* Abrazo Hospital* Arrowhead Mall* restaurants* shopping* schools* golf* Thunderbird park w/hiking and walking* top rated Deer valley Schools* highly desirable Arrowhead Ranch community* excellent location* home could be used as a vacation rental* fantastic home!!
1448 N Overlook Drive
Dewey, AZ 86327
$675,000
4
Beds
3
Baths
3,686
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6775131
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Beautiful Custom Home in Prescott Country Club with Spectacular Views! Private Cul-de-Sac Location! 4BR/3BA/2 Car Garage, 3686 SqFt. Courtyard Garden with Walkway to Double Door Entry Leads to Light and Bright Great Room and Family Room w/High Ceilings, Skylight and Large Picture Windows with Amazing Views! Kitchen and Informal Dining Area Include Electric Cooktop, Induction Oven, Whirlpool Refrigerator, Corian Countertops and Access to Private Patio w/Trex Decking and Pergola Overhang. Primary BR/Bath Features High Ceilings, Lighted Ceiling Fan, Walk In Closet and Sliding Door w/Access to Private Patio. Lower Level Features In Law Suite Including One Bedroom, Kitchenette, Craft Room, Workshop and Large Open Area for Entertaining or Game Room. New A/C, Solar Owned.
1891 N Tin Strap Trail
Prescott Valley, AZ 86314
$675,000
4
Beds
2.5
Baths
2,750
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6812206
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Outstanding Opportunity to own this UPDATED Spanish Style home in Desirable Stoneridge Subdivision with Excellent Curb Appeal & MOUNTAIN VIEWS!!! This home has 2750 Square Feet with 4 Bedrooms, 3 Bathrooms, 2 Car Garage, plus Den on a .18 Acre Lot *BACKING VACANT RANGELAND*, has Great Room Concept, 12' Tile, Luxury Vinyl & New Carpet throughout, Ceiling Fans, Skylights, Horizontal Blinds & Pleated Shades for window coverings. Kitchen has Oak Cabinetry w/Dove Tailed Drawers, Attractive Laminate Countertops, Pantry, Breakfast Bar, & White Appliances (Inc. Fridge). Large Master on main floor, Dual Sinks, Garden Tub, separate Walk-In Shower, & Large Walk-in Closet. Additional Features include 3Bedrooms with Full Bath (Tub/Shower) in Upstairs plus a huge Flex Room, S-Tile Roof, Laundry Room.. w/Laundry Sink, Upper Cabinetry, Washer/Dryer, Covered Rear Patio with Extended Paver Patio, Front Courtyard, Security Screen Door, Storage Cabinetry in Garage, 50 Gallon Hot Water Heater w/Recirc & did I mention Fenced Back Yard with EXCELLENT VIEWS!!!!!
26269 N 45th Place
Phoenix, AZ 85050
$675,000
4
Beds
3
Baths
2,131
SqFt
Status
Active Under Contract
MLS #
6778337
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Set on a large premium lot in Tatum Highlands, this home offers mountain and desert views with high ceilings that greet you at the entry and extend through the spacious living room. Featuring 4 bedrooms and 3 full baths—including a convenient main-floor bedroom and bath—this layout is ideal for flexible living. The upstairs master suite provides a private balcony, dual walk-in closets, and bath with separate tub and shower. The kitchen, complete with an island and breakfast bar, opens to a beautiful backyard oasis with a sparkling pool. Located close to Desert Ridge dining, major freeways, and scenic trails—don't miss the chance to explore this desert retreat!
17219 W Vacaville Street
Surprise, AZ 85388
$675,000
4
Beds
3.5
Baths
2,721
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6807974
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Elegance and charm come together in this classically beautiful Spanish design. Offering a two-car garage and curb appeal, you'll experience pride of ownership from the moment you pull up. The luxury tile flooring in the highly trafficked areas adds to the overall aesthetic. The kitchen features sleek KitchenAid appliances and opens to the great room, making it the ideal space for entertaining. The spacious primary bedroom offers a large walk-in closet and a generously sized bathroom. The secondary bedrooms also provide significant space. If you feel like getting away, you can head over to the spa, restaurant, or one of the three pools right on site! Make this home yours today!
35202 N 30th Drive
Phoenix, AZ 85086
$675,000
6
Beds
3.5
Baths
3,936
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6764623
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Discover this expansive 3,936 sq ft residence designed for MULTIGEN/large family living. This home offers both privacy and shared spaces, including a den, formal living room and an inviting great room perfect for gatherings. Large open kitchen with breakfast bar, granite counters and stainless-steel appliances. Spacious downstairs primary bedroom with ensuite bath includes luxury vinyl wood plank flooring, 2 separate vanities, soaking tub, walk-in shower and separate exit to patio. Upstairs includes small loft area, 4 bedrooms and bath AND a 2nd primary bedroom, 8x10 walk-in closet, dry bar, and private bathroom. 3 car tandem garage. Tankless gas hot water heater. Tree covered backyard is cool retreat to enjoy year-round. Enjoy mountain views, hiking, parks, shopping and near TSMC.
1157 E Liberty Lane
Gilbert, AZ 85296
$675,000
3
Beds
2
Baths
2,136
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6809245
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Assume this home's 2.375% mortgage! This beautifully-designed 3 bedroom, 2 bath home with a den in the heart of Gilbert sits on an oversized lot with a 3-car garage, RV gate, and a beautifully landscaped backyard. Inside, enjoy tile flooring throughout, neutral tones, a formal living and dining area, and a bright, open family room. The gourmet kitchen features stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, mosaic backsplash, updated cabinets, a walk-in pantry, and a bay window breakfast nook. The spacious master suite boasts a walk-in closet, dual vanities, a walk-in tiled shower, and elegant travertine accents. Step out to your lush oasis of mature trees, misted covered patios, fountain, built-in BBQ, & over $50k in a completely redone sparkling pool with waterfall & surrounding turf.