TheMReport — News and strategies for the evolving mortgage marketplace.
Issue link: http://digital.themreport.com/i/328038
Th e M Rep o RT | 9 El Paso, Texas Annual % of average possible sunshine: 84% Average June temperature: 81.5 degrees Median home price: $114,500 Hot home: West Texas might be the last place you'd expect to find any great Italian influence, but there's at least a little bit in the design of this 10,000-plus-square- foot, $7.5 million home. Featuring a saltwater pool, three outdoor fireplaces, and a beautiful view of the mountains, this estate "offers it all," says its listing agent. Fresno, California Annual % of average possible sunshine: 79% Average June temperature: 77.2 degrees Median home price: $161,600 Hot home: A water park (with a grotto), a swim- up bar, a small the- ater—this $2.349 million listing is like living on a cruise liner. The beautiful kitchen, home bar, and grand backyard are just the icing on the cake . . . and did we mention the batting cages? Reno, Nevada Annual % of average possible sunshine: 79% Average June temperature: 67.7 degrees Median home price: $201,700 Hot home: For $18.5 mil- lion, you can own what might be the biggest home in the Biggest Little City in the World. Situated near the heart of Reno, this 19,500-square- foot estate still manages to feel secluded, thanks to its location on a high plateau. If the heat gets to be too much, escape to one of the many ski resorts nearby. Flagstaff, Arizona Annual % of average possible sunshine: 78% Average June temperature: 65.6 degrees Median home price: $276,100 Hot home: The nearly $5 million price tag on this estate may not astound like a few of the others on this page, but the listing itself is no less im- pressive. Featuring two log homes on nearly 72 acres, it's a true getaway for any buyer. Sacramento, California Annual % of average possible sunshine: 78% Average June temperature: 71.4 degrees Median home price: $237,300 Hot home: More than 80 years old, this idyllic Tudor located in East Sacramento is practically a landmark—at least, in the eyes of the seller. With three bedrooms, two and a half bath- rooms, and a "glistening pool and spa," this $1.295 million listing is certainly a standout in the neigh- borhood. Sources: Information acquired from Zillow, NOAA.gov, and Weatherbase.com. Top 10 Sunniest Cities Yuma, Arizona Annual % of average possible sunshine: 90% Average June temperature: 83.7 degrees Median home price: $116,700 Hot home: Living in Arizona, one thing's for sure: You're going to want a pool. Thankfully, this 2,229-square-foot terrace home with a view of the nearby val- ley has just what you need, along with a spa for more temperate days. Listed at $343,900, this four-bed, two-bath is described by its seller as "very relaxing and private." Redding, California Annual % of average possible sunshine: 88% Average June temperature: 75.9 degrees Median home price: $207,600 Hot home: Just looking at the long driveway, you already suspect this $539,000 is going to be worth the cost. Once you see the mountains to the west, you know. Aside from the view, this Tuscan-designed home features a gourmet kitch- en with granite counters and custom cabinetry as well as an executive master suite with a see- through fireplace. Las Vegas, Nevada Annual % of average possible sunshine: 85% Average June temperature: 86.7 degrees Median home price: $165,600 Hot home: Sin City isn't known for modesty, but if ever there were a home worth breaking the bank for, it would be the Primm Compound: a 21,000-square-foot home built on a nearly 10-acre lot, complete with five buildings and more than 50 total rooms. It's listed at $16.5 million—about one-tenth of what the Ocean's Eleven crew walked away with. Phoenix, Arizona Annual % of average possible sunshine: 85% Average June temperature: 90.8 degrees Median home price: $160,300 Hot home: "La Casa Que Canta: The House of Song." If the name alone doesn't get your attention, maybe this Spanish Colonial's diverse cultural influ- ence will prove more interesting. Featuring design elements from Spain, Italy, Morocco, India, and Mexico, this nearly 19,500-square-foot home is going for $13.75 million. That's nearly $1 million for each of the 16 fireplaces. Tucson, Arizona Annual % of average possible sunshine: 85% Average June temperature: 84.8 degrees Median home price: $129,700 Hot home: Located in the Ventana Canyon Mountain Estates com- munity, this $7 million estate features top-of-the- world views, spacious terraces, a tiled pool and spa (complete with a bridge walkway across), and even a rare cactus garden. At more than 7,750 square feet, it's a fantasy home straight from the Old West.