How’s the Real Estate Market, Really?
I am always surprised when I am asked “Is the real estate market picking up a little?” Then I realize that most folks get their information from the mainstream media. No wonder there’s so much missinformation about real estate. I am here to give you the facts on real estate in Maricopa County. This is where we live and this is where we own real estate. We are not the rest of the country! The following statistics are from the Arizona Regional Multiple Listing Service (ARMLS) which are available to the public on ARMLS. com. They are for single family residential units. 2010 figures are through June. In 2009, 93,308 units were sold. How does this figure compare to previous years? 2009 was ranked 3rd behind 2004 and 2005. Remember those boom years? 2010 is on track to outpace 2009. We have already sold 48,337 units. Our median and average prices are above those of last year as well. Our current inventory is under 30,000 units. We don’t even have a 6-month supply of inventory. A 6-month supply of inventory is considered a neutral market. Anything below that is a seller’s market. So where are all of the sellers? I am working with buyers and it is increasingly difficult to find homes. Properties are getting multiple offers and many times selling for over list price. So where are all the sellers? Apparently they are listening to the main stream media telling them that the real estate market is bad. Bad where? Surely not in Maricopa County, Arizona. Lots of homes are selling here! So now you say, “Those numbers are skewed because of the tax credits.” Yes, the tax credits have expired. Yes, they did push some homebuyers to purchase sooner rather than later. But now we have mortgage rates at historical lows with homes more affordable than anytime in the past decade. There are qualified buyers out there! What about taking advantage of the low interest rates and low prices? Have you considered investing in real estate? 5 or 10 years from now you may be saying “I wish I had been wise enough to invest in real estate when prices were so low!” Call me to discuss the possibilities! If you are considering selling your home or want to know what home values are in your neighborhood, call me for a no-obligation market analysis. I WILL TELL YOU THE TRUTH. This is NOT 20052007. This is 2010 and homes need to be priced for 2010. Homes are selling at record pace. Your home will sell with the RIGHT PRICE, the RIGHT MARKETING and a REALTOR® who uses the RIGHT TECHNOLOGIES to get the job done. I want to be that REALTOR® for you! Call me at 480.215.0959 or email at WKirtland@FineProp.com.
Arizona Homeowner September / 2010
Yearly Market Comparison Jan-June 2009 vs. Jan-June 2010 NUMBER OF SOLD LISTINGS 2009 2010 DIFF CHG January............................4,675............................. 5,671.............................. 996..........................21.3% February...........................5,421............................. 6,429........................... 1,008..........................18.6% March...............................7,561............................. 8,826........................... 1,265..........................16.7% April.................................8,480............................. 9,180.............................. 700............................8.3% May.................................9,147............................. 8,985.............................-162...........................-1.8% June.................................9,200............................. 9,246................................ 46............................0.5%
44,484........................... 48,337........................... 3,853..........................10.6%
2009 2010 DIFF CHG January................$ 841,604,776............... $ 997,784,169.............. $156,179,393..........................18.5% February.............$ 931,931,916............ $ 1,125,347,363.............. $193,415,447..........................20.7% March..............$ 1,200,115,339............ $ 1,571,847,740.............. $371,732,401..........................30.9% April................$ 1,345,720,436............ $ 1,577,616,748.............. $231,896,312..........................17.2% May................$ 1,492,091,098............ $ 1,595,196,156.............. $103,105,058............................6.9% June................$ 1,569,478,866............ $ 1,662,302,715................ $92,823,849............................5.9%
When not working with clients she spends time furthering her real estate education. In 2009 she completed courses to become an “Accredited Buyer’s Representative,” a “Certified Distressed Property Expert,” a “Certified Negotiation Expert,” a “Short Sale and Foreclosure Resource,” and other additional courses.
2009 2010 DIFF CHG January.......................... $130,000............................$123,000........................... $-7,000.............................. -5.4% February......................... $125,000............................$125,000....................................$0................................0.0% March............................. $119,627............................$128,288.............................$8,661................................7.2% April............................... $115,000............................$128,275...........................$13,275..............................11.5% May................................ $119,700............................$130,000...........................$10,300................................8.6% June............................... $125,000............................$127,000.............................$2,000................................1.6%
$7,380,942,431............. $8,530,094,891........... $1,149,152,460..........................16.7%
MEDIAN SALE PRICE
Source: ARMLS. Information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Data maintained by ARMLS may not reflect all real estate activity in the market.
Homeowner Tip of the Month
RE/MAX Fine Properties 21000 N. Pima Rd., Suite 100 Scottsdale, AZ 85255 eFax: 480.355.9514 WKirtland@FineProp.com If you know of anyone who may be interested in receiving this newsletter, please send me an email or give me a call. I am always happy to add more subscribers to the list. If your home is currently listed, this is not a solicitation for that listing.
To Your Home Decor
DOLLAR VOLUME OF SOLD LISTINGS
Wendy is a full-time Realtor who pours her heart and soul into serving her clients’ best interest. Whether listing and selling your home for the best price in the shortest amount of time or finding the perfect home to suit your needs, she is tireless in her efforts.
WENDY KIRTLAND
Adding
TENNIS, ANYONE? Do you have tennis balls just sitting around losing their bounce? Here are some creative ways to use them without ever setting foot on the court. • Cut an X in a tennis ball and slip it over the end of an old broom handle. Rub the ball over scuff marks on your wood or hard surface floors, and voila...they’re gone...with no bending, stooping or scrubbing! • Got a light bulb that broke off in the socket? Carefully clear away any remaining shards of glass, then gently push a tennis ball against the light socket and twist to remove the bulb’s embedded stem. • Cut an X in a tennis ball and slip it over the head of a hammer. Now you’re less likely to ding up fragile or expensive wood. • Cut a tennis ball in half and use one of the sides to open those stubborn jars. • In the garage, hang a tennis ball on a string from the ceiling so that the ball touches the top left corner of your car’s windshield. Now you have a marker and know exactly how far to pull the car in every time!
Produced by Desert Lifestyle Publishing • 480.460.0996 • www.DesertLifestyle.net
best valley spots to “get mugged!” Metro Microbreweries
brewtastic bbq
Gordon Biersch’s Märzen Sauce Ribs
Event Calendar September 2010 Phoenix Cooks JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort, September 4th phoenixcooks.com Indulge in delectables from over 50 local restaurants and sample from boutique wineries and microbrews. Mingle with top Valley chefs, watch cooking demonstrations on three Performance Kitchen Stages and learn in an intimate and interactive environment how to cook like a top chef! Plus, win raffle prizes fit for a foodie with 100% of the proceeds benefiting Phoenix Children’s Hospital.
Ravioli Workshop Sur la Table, September 11th 480.998.0648 | surlatable.com Cooking classes at the Kierland Commons location have proven to be in high-demand. Take a break from the heat and join Anne-Marie Bianco as she instructs this hands-on class dedicated to everyone’s favorite Italian pasta – ravioli! Make reservations in advance as the classes generally fill quickly. Arizona Restaurant Week Local Restaurants, September 18th – 26th 602.307.9134 x16 | arizonarestaurantweek.com Always wanted to try that new local restaurant or anxious to revisit an old favorite? Foodies unite! During this week-long event, 150 restaurants will offer a three-course meal of signature dishes for $19, $29 or $39 per person. Look for the wine glass icon next to a restaurant listing which indicates a drink is included in the price. Some fabulous restaurants participating this year include Modern Steak, Ocean Prime and Ruth’s Chris. Ballet under the Stars Various Locations, September 22nd – 26th 602.381.1096 | balletaz.org Spend a relaxing evening under the gorgeous Arizona sky as Ballet Arizona continues its annual season-opening tradition with Ballet under the Stars. The entire family can enjoy a combination of classical and contemporary works in a casual setting for free. Performances are scheduled for Glendale, Sun City West, Phoenix, Fountain Hills, and Tempe. Bring a blanket, plenty of cool drinks and soak up some culture! It’s in the Bag Phoenix Art Museum, September 24th 602.257.1222 | phxart.org Bring your gal pals to this ultimate girls’ night out. Enjoy signature cocktails, appetizers and live entertainment to dance the night away. The highlight of the evening is the silent and live auctions where each item up for bid is featured in a thematic bag such as a designer handbag with theatre tickets and a gift card, or a backpack filled with the latest hiking gear.
Ever feel like your home is a little hum-drum? A little too beige and white? A little short on drama and flair? Well, go ahead and spice things up with these yawn-defying décor tips. We guarantee if you go for the bright orange throw pillows over the tried-and-true tan just this once, you really won’t regret it. Before long, your abode will feel energized and alive—and so will you! Don’t be afraid of bold and bright colors. The easiest way to get drama in your home is to add some fiery color. Red, oranges, yellows, and even purples and pinks will add that dramatic flair you crave. Don’t want to commit to a red room just yet? Leave your walls neutral and add some red splashes to your room. Think accent chairs and occasional tables that don’t necessarily play center stage, a strategically placed boldly colored lamp or a bright vase. A touch of vibrant color in even the most mundane of spaces will enliven the environment. For those truly color-shy, try the drama of an all black-and-white or black-and-brown room. Or try going completely neutral on your walls to let your furniture pop. Another new trend? Instead of leaving your ceiling white, add some drama and draw the eye up by painting your ceiling a cool color, such as gray, violet, or powdery blue. It will automatically make your ceiling look higher. Welcome wallpaper into your home. Tired of paint? Bold-patterned wallpaper will add some serious excitement to your rooms, without having to make a very long commitment. The perfect place to try out some bold paper: bathrooms, entryways, and hallways. The bolder the better—here’s where geometrics, iridescents, large prints, and florals play out and give your home the decorator touch you’re looking for. Focus on scale and size (as in supersize!). Think big when you want dramatic décor. Although a collection of small vases on a side table or plates hung on a wall can look beautiful, one or two oversized vases or jumbo plates will pack more power than their tiny counterparts. And don’t forget the visual impact of height. Tall vessels with leggy branches of willow or long natural reeds will draw the eye and focus the space. Although a low tray or glass bowl will look attractive, a tall vase filled with lemons or seashells will create more of a dramatic impact. Select artwork that wows. Never underestimate the power of a very large-scale painting, print, or piece of art hung prominently over a mantle or dining table. The visual impact of one large canvas can provide major drama, often missed with more typically sized pieces. That said, a collection of smaller, similarly framed pieces of art or framed photos can give the same visual punch. And don’t forget that mirrors are a wonderful way to open up spaces and give a room instant brightness. Seek out shimmer. Nothing says drama more than large shimmering candlesticks or a crystal vase. Just remember that a little shimmer goes a long way. Use it as an accent and use it sparingly for optimum impact. Do the unexpected. Really want to add some drama? Go against your signature style now and again. If you usually go for rustic and natural looks, add something a bit more elegant into your mix of home décor. A toned-down crystal chandelier in a more rustic setting is guaranteed to pop, as is an earthy, wooden side table in an otherwise contemporary setting. Don’t be afraid to mix things up and be eclectic—you don’t want your home to look like a catalog or like it all came from one store.
Your Home
Dave’s Electric Brewpub | Tempe 480.967.5353 | daveselectricbrewpub.com Proprietor “Electric Dave” was the first in the state to apply for a microbrewery license 22 years ago. Today, four beers are made at the brewery in Bisbee—lager, IPA, pale ale, and oatmeal stout— and sold at the brewpub in Tempe. You’ll find traditional salads, sandwiches, and pub food. Four Peaks Brewing Company | Tempe 480.303.9967 | fourpeaks.com The brewery is in Tempe, the Four Peaks Grill & Tap is in North Scottsdale, but both offer handcrafted beers and pub food. Be sure to try the award-winning Kilt Lifter Scottish-Style Ale. If you head to the brewery, be sure to admire the architecture. The brewery is housed in a turn-of-the-century brick building once home to Pacific Creamery and Borden’s Creamery.
Papago Brewing | Scottsdale 480.425.7439 | papagobrewing.com With 30 beers on tap and daily changes, this is the place to go to try out some new microbrews. On tap are a mix of Papago brews and others showcasing microbreweries around the world. Pinnacle Peak Patio Steakhouse & Microbrewery Scottsdale | 480.615.1113 | pppatio.com This Western-themed microbrewery and restaurant has been around since 1957. It was originally a general store and rest stop for travelers. This joint is all about steak, chicken, and ribs served alongside several ales and seasonal brews. Oh, and live country music is served up nightly. Can you say authentic old Arizona? Rock Bottom Brewery Glendale, Phoenix, Ahwatukee, Scottsdale rockbottom.com This chain offers a range of brews all made on-site. Winner of numerous awards, this is technically a bigger brewery but since each brewery makes their own unique beers with unique recipes, we think it’s well worth mentioning. SunUp Brewery | Phoenix 602.279.8909 | sunupbrewing.com Offering seven different microbrews, SunUp was formerly the Sonoran Brewhouse. All the brews are made on-site—try the Armadillo Red Ale or the Vanilla Porter for some unique tastes.
Wondering what kind of beer to order next time you’re out at a microbrewery? Here’s how to tell a pilsner from an IPA. American Pilsner: Light in color, thin-bodied (Coors and Bud) Lager: Broader category of light-colored beer (Heineken, Corona) Pale Ales: A large family of golden-to-amber ales traditionally applied to bottled beer; American and English pale ales balance smooth malt and bright hops (Fat Tire, Bass) IPA (India Pale Ale): Generally stronger, paler, and “hoppier” than other pale ales; also boasts a higher alcohol content (Harpoon) Weizen: Unfiltered German wheat ale, also known as Hefeweizen (Samuel Adams Hefeweizen) Brown ale: A malty sweet beer, amber to brown in color (Newcastle, Sierra Nevada Brown) Porter: The first black beer of England; stout is stronger (Anchor Porter) Stout: Very dark and thick with a roasted flavor (Guinness) Sources: barticulate.com; craftbeer.com
Märzen BBQ Sauce Ribs
Local Flavor!
The Banner Health Pro-Am Golf Tournament Superstition Mountain Golf Club, September 10th 602.747.4483 | superstitionmtngc.com Golfers! Come hit the links at one of the country’s most revered golf courses at this annual event in support of Banner Health School-Based Health Centers. Individuals, foursomes and even corporate teams are invited to play. Sponsorships are also available.
Who doesn’t love a good cold mug of beer? Even better if it’s a microbrewed batch that tastes fresh and unique. But what makes a microbrewery, well, a microbrewery? Its size, of course. Generally speaking, a microbrewery produces less than 15,000 barrels per year, setting it apart from the beer giants. A brewpub, on the other hand, is a pub attached to a brewery where the craft beer is made and sold. If you love pale ales, lagers, and plain old pilsners, you’ve come to the right city. The Phoenix-metro area is home to several microbreweries and brewpubs. Here are a few favorites.
Gordon Biersch Brewery Restaurant Tempe, Glendale, Scottsdale, Gilbert gordonbiersch.com Serving handcrafted German lagers brewed on the premises, this brewery began some 20 years ago in Palo Alto, California, by two guys, Dan Gordon and Dean Biersch. Now a chain operating throughout the country, Gordon Biersch offers world-class brews and cuisine in an upscale setting.
RIBS: 5 lbs. baby back pork ribs, each slab cut into thirds 3 (12 oz.) bottles of Gordon Biersch Märzen beer 4 1/2 cups water
Featuring Gordon Biersch Brewery & Restaurant Tempe, Glendale, Scottsdale and Gilbert gordonbiersch.com
SAUCE: 1/4 cup oil 1 large onion 1/4 cup chopped garlic 1 qt. of your favorite BBQ sauce (Cattleman’s is preferred) 1/4 cup molasses 1/4 cup pureed canned chipotle chilis 1 bottle of Gordon Biersch Märzen Makes about 6 cups
Place ribs in a large pot. Cover with 50/50 mixture of Gordon Biersch Märzen and water. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, for 30 minutes. Turn off heat and let ribs cool to warm temperature. Meanwhile, you can prepare the sauce. In a large pot, sauté onions and garlic in oil until translucent. Deglaze the pan with the bottle of Gordon Biersch Märzen. Stir in your favorite BBQ sauce, molasses and chipotle chilis. Heat to simmering. Simmer over low heat, uncovered, for 30 - 60 minutes. When ribs are cool, drain off and discard liquid. In a large container, pour all BBQ Sauce over ribs and marinate in fridge a couple of hours or overnight. To finish, grill ribs over high flame until the sauce has caramelized on the outside of the ribs. Dip in the BBQ sauce remaining in the container a couple of times while grilling. Total grilling time approx. 5 minutes per side. Serve with additional sauce if desired.
Event Calendar September 2010 Phoenix Cooks JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort, September 4th phoenixcooks.com Indulge in delectables from over 50 local restaurants and sample from boutique wineries and microbrews. Mingle with top Valley chefs, watch cooking demonstrations on three Performance Kitchen Stages and learn in an intimate and interactive environment how to cook like a top chef! Plus, win raffle prizes fit for a foodie with 100% of the proceeds benefiting Phoenix Children’s Hospital.
Ravioli Workshop Sur la Table, September 11th 480.998.0648 | surlatable.com Cooking classes at the Kierland Commons location have proven to be in high-demand. Take a break from the heat and join Anne-Marie Bianco as she instructs this hands-on class dedicated to everyone’s favorite Italian pasta – ravioli! Make reservations in advance as the classes generally fill quickly. Arizona Restaurant Week Local Restaurants, September 18th – 26th 602.307.9134 x16 | arizonarestaurantweek.com Always wanted to try that new local restaurant or anxious to revisit an old favorite? Foodies unite! During this week-long event, 150 restaurants will offer a three-course meal of signature dishes for $19, $29 or $39 per person. Look for the wine glass icon next to a restaurant listing which indicates a drink is included in the price. Some fabulous restaurants participating this year include Modern Steak, Ocean Prime and Ruth’s Chris. Ballet under the Stars Various Locations, September 22nd – 26th 602.381.1096 | balletaz.org Spend a relaxing evening under the gorgeous Arizona sky as Ballet Arizona continues its annual season-opening tradition with Ballet under the Stars. The entire family can enjoy a combination of classical and contemporary works in a casual setting for free. Performances are scheduled for Glendale, Sun City West, Phoenix, Fountain Hills, and Tempe. Bring a blanket, plenty of cool drinks and soak up some culture! It’s in the Bag Phoenix Art Museum, September 24th 602.257.1222 | phxart.org Bring your gal pals to this ultimate girls’ night out. Enjoy signature cocktails, appetizers and live entertainment to dance the night away. The highlight of the evening is the silent and live auctions where each item up for bid is featured in a thematic bag such as a designer handbag with theatre tickets and a gift card, or a backpack filled with the latest hiking gear.
Ever feel like your home is a little hum-drum? A little too beige and white? A little short on drama and flair? Well, go ahead and spice things up with these yawn-defying décor tips. We guarantee if you go for the bright orange throw pillows over the tried-and-true tan just this once, you really won’t regret it. Before long, your abode will feel energized and alive—and so will you! Don’t be afraid of bold and bright colors. The easiest way to get drama in your home is to add some fiery color. Red, oranges, yellows, and even purples and pinks will add that dramatic flair you crave. Don’t want to commit to a red room just yet? Leave your walls neutral and add some red splashes to your room. Think accent chairs and occasional tables that don’t necessarily play center stage, a strategically placed boldly colored lamp or a bright vase. A touch of vibrant color in even the most mundane of spaces will enliven the environment. For those truly color-shy, try the drama of an all black-and-white or black-and-brown room. Or try going completely neutral on your walls to let your furniture pop. Another new trend? Instead of leaving your ceiling white, add some drama and draw the eye up by painting your ceiling a cool color, such as gray, violet, or powdery blue. It will automatically make your ceiling look higher. Welcome wallpaper into your home. Tired of paint? Bold-patterned wallpaper will add some serious excitement to your rooms, without having to make a very long commitment. The perfect place to try out some bold paper: bathrooms, entryways, and hallways. The bolder the better—here’s where geometrics, iridescents, large prints, and florals play out and give your home the decorator touch you’re looking for. Focus on scale and size (as in supersize!). Think big when you want dramatic décor. Although a collection of small vases on a side table or plates hung on a wall can look beautiful, one or two oversized vases or jumbo plates will pack more power than their tiny counterparts. And don’t forget the visual impact of height. Tall vessels with leggy branches of willow or long natural reeds will draw the eye and focus the space. Although a low tray or glass bowl will look attractive, a tall vase filled with lemons or seashells will create more of a dramatic impact. Select artwork that wows. Never underestimate the power of a very large-scale painting, print, or piece of art hung prominently over a mantle or dining table. The visual impact of one large canvas can provide major drama, often missed with more typically sized pieces. That said, a collection of smaller, similarly framed pieces of art or framed photos can give the same visual punch. And don’t forget that mirrors are a wonderful way to open up spaces and give a room instant brightness. Seek out shimmer. Nothing says drama more than large shimmering candlesticks or a crystal vase. Just remember that a little shimmer goes a long way. Use it as an accent and use it sparingly for optimum impact. Do the unexpected. Really want to add some drama? Go against your signature style now and again. If you usually go for rustic and natural looks, add something a bit more elegant into your mix of home décor. A toned-down crystal chandelier in a more rustic setting is guaranteed to pop, as is an earthy, wooden side table in an otherwise contemporary setting. Don’t be afraid to mix things up and be eclectic—you don’t want your home to look like a catalog or like it all came from one store.
Your Home
Dave’s Electric Brewpub | Tempe 480.967.5353 | daveselectricbrewpub.com Proprietor “Electric Dave” was the first in the state to apply for a microbrewery license 22 years ago. Today, four beers are made at the brewery in Bisbee—lager, IPA, pale ale, and oatmeal stout— and sold at the brewpub in Tempe. You’ll find traditional salads, sandwiches, and pub food. Four Peaks Brewing Company | Tempe 480.303.9967 | fourpeaks.com The brewery is in Tempe, the Four Peaks Grill & Tap is in North Scottsdale, but both offer handcrafted beers and pub food. Be sure to try the award-winning Kilt Lifter Scottish-Style Ale. If you head to the brewery, be sure to admire the architecture. The brewery is housed in a turn-of-the-century brick building once home to Pacific Creamery and Borden’s Creamery.
Papago Brewing | Scottsdale 480.425.7439 | papagobrewing.com With 30 beers on tap and daily changes, this is the place to go to try out some new microbrews. On tap are a mix of Papago brews and others showcasing microbreweries around the world. Pinnacle Peak Patio Steakhouse & Microbrewery Scottsdale | 480.615.1113 | pppatio.com This Western-themed microbrewery and restaurant has been around since 1957. It was originally a general store and rest stop for travelers. This joint is all about steak, chicken, and ribs served alongside several ales and seasonal brews. Oh, and live country music is served up nightly. Can you say authentic old Arizona? Rock Bottom Brewery Glendale, Phoenix, Ahwatukee, Scottsdale rockbottom.com This chain offers a range of brews all made on-site. Winner of numerous awards, this is technically a bigger brewery but since each brewery makes their own unique beers with unique recipes, we think it’s well worth mentioning. SunUp Brewery | Phoenix 602.279.8909 | sunupbrewing.com Offering seven different microbrews, SunUp was formerly the Sonoran Brewhouse. All the brews are made on-site—try the Armadillo Red Ale or the Vanilla Porter for some unique tastes.
Wondering what kind of beer to order next time you’re out at a microbrewery? Here’s how to tell a pilsner from an IPA. American Pilsner: Light in color, thin-bodied (Coors and Bud) Lager: Broader category of light-colored beer (Heineken, Corona) Pale Ales: A large family of golden-to-amber ales traditionally applied to bottled beer; American and English pale ales balance smooth malt and bright hops (Fat Tire, Bass) IPA (India Pale Ale): Generally stronger, paler, and “hoppier” than other pale ales; also boasts a higher alcohol content (Harpoon) Weizen: Unfiltered German wheat ale, also known as Hefeweizen (Samuel Adams Hefeweizen) Brown ale: A malty sweet beer, amber to brown in color (Newcastle, Sierra Nevada Brown) Porter: The first black beer of England; stout is stronger (Anchor Porter) Stout: Very dark and thick with a roasted flavor (Guinness) Sources: barticulate.com; craftbeer.com
Märzen BBQ Sauce Ribs
Local Flavor!
The Banner Health Pro-Am Golf Tournament Superstition Mountain Golf Club, September 10th 602.747.4483 | superstitionmtngc.com Golfers! Come hit the links at one of the country’s most revered golf courses at this annual event in support of Banner Health School-Based Health Centers. Individuals, foursomes and even corporate teams are invited to play. Sponsorships are also available.
Who doesn’t love a good cold mug of beer? Even better if it’s a microbrewed batch that tastes fresh and unique. But what makes a microbrewery, well, a microbrewery? Its size, of course. Generally speaking, a microbrewery produces less than 15,000 barrels per year, setting it apart from the beer giants. A brewpub, on the other hand, is a pub attached to a brewery where the craft beer is made and sold. If you love pale ales, lagers, and plain old pilsners, you’ve come to the right city. The Phoenix-metro area is home to several microbreweries and brewpubs. Here are a few favorites.
Gordon Biersch Brewery Restaurant Tempe, Glendale, Scottsdale, Gilbert gordonbiersch.com Serving handcrafted German lagers brewed on the premises, this brewery began some 20 years ago in Palo Alto, California, by two guys, Dan Gordon and Dean Biersch. Now a chain operating throughout the country, Gordon Biersch offers world-class brews and cuisine in an upscale setting.
RIBS: 5 lbs. baby back pork ribs, each slab cut into thirds 3 (12 oz.) bottles of Gordon Biersch Märzen beer 4 1/2 cups water
Featuring Gordon Biersch Brewery & Restaurant Tempe, Glendale, Scottsdale and Gilbert gordonbiersch.com
SAUCE: 1/4 cup oil 1 large onion 1/4 cup chopped garlic 1 qt. of your favorite BBQ sauce (Cattleman’s is preferred) 1/4 cup molasses 1/4 cup pureed canned chipotle chilis 1 bottle of Gordon Biersch Märzen Makes about 6 cups
Place ribs in a large pot. Cover with 50/50 mixture of Gordon Biersch Märzen and water. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, for 30 minutes. Turn off heat and let ribs cool to warm temperature. Meanwhile, you can prepare the sauce. In a large pot, sauté onions and garlic in oil until translucent. Deglaze the pan with the bottle of Gordon Biersch Märzen. Stir in your favorite BBQ sauce, molasses and chipotle chilis. Heat to simmering. Simmer over low heat, uncovered, for 30 - 60 minutes. When ribs are cool, drain off and discard liquid. In a large container, pour all BBQ Sauce over ribs and marinate in fridge a couple of hours or overnight. To finish, grill ribs over high flame until the sauce has caramelized on the outside of the ribs. Dip in the BBQ sauce remaining in the container a couple of times while grilling. Total grilling time approx. 5 minutes per side. Serve with additional sauce if desired.
How’s the Real Estate Market, Really?
I am always surprised when I am asked “Is the real estate market picking up a little?” Then I realize that most folks get their information from the mainstream media. No wonder there’s so much missinformation about real estate. I am here to give you the facts on real estate in Maricopa County. This is where we live and this is where we own real estate. We are not the rest of the country! The following statistics are from the Arizona Regional Multiple Listing Service (ARMLS) which are available to the public on ARMLS. com. They are for single family residential units. 2010 figures are through June. In 2009, 93,308 units were sold. How does this figure compare to previous years? 2009 was ranked 3rd behind 2004 and 2005. Remember those boom years? 2010 is on track to outpace 2009. We have already sold 48,337 units. Our median and average prices are above those of last year as well. Our current inventory is under 30,000 units. We don’t even have a 6-month supply of inventory. A 6-month supply of inventory is considered a neutral market. Anything below that is a seller’s market. So where are all of the sellers? I am working with buyers and it is increasingly difficult to find homes. Properties are getting multiple offers and many times selling for over list price. So where are all the sellers? Apparently they are listening to the main stream media telling them that the real estate market is bad. Bad where? Surely not in Maricopa County, Arizona. Lots of homes are selling here! So now you say, “Those numbers are skewed because of the tax credits.” Yes, the tax credits have expired. Yes, they did push some homebuyers to purchase sooner rather than later. But now we have mortgage rates at historical lows with homes more affordable than anytime in the past decade. There are qualified buyers out there! What about taking advantage of the low interest rates and low prices? Have you considered investing in real estate? 5 or 10 years from now you may be saying “I wish I had been wise enough to invest in real estate when prices were so low!” Call me to discuss the possibilities! If you are considering selling your home or want to know what home values are in your neighborhood, call me for a no-obligation market analysis. I WILL TELL YOU THE TRUTH. This is NOT 20052007. This is 2010 and homes need to be priced for 2010. Homes are selling at record pace. Your home will sell with the RIGHT PRICE, the RIGHT MARKETING and a REALTOR® who uses the RIGHT TECHNOLOGIES to get the job done. I want to be that REALTOR® for you! Call me at 480.215.0959 or email at WKirtland@FineProp.com.
Arizona Homeowner September / 2010
Yearly Market Comparison Jan-June 2009 vs. Jan-June 2010 NUMBER OF SOLD LISTINGS 2009 2010 DIFF CHG January............................4,675............................. 5,671.............................. 996..........................21.3% February...........................5,421............................. 6,429........................... 1,008..........................18.6% March...............................7,561............................. 8,826........................... 1,265..........................16.7% April.................................8,480............................. 9,180.............................. 700............................8.3% May.................................9,147............................. 8,985.............................-162...........................-1.8% June.................................9,200............................. 9,246................................ 46............................0.5%
44,484........................... 48,337........................... 3,853..........................10.6%
2009 2010 DIFF CHG January................$ 841,604,776............... $ 997,784,169.............. $156,179,393..........................18.5% February.............$ 931,931,916............ $ 1,125,347,363.............. $193,415,447..........................20.7% March..............$ 1,200,115,339............ $ 1,571,847,740.............. $371,732,401..........................30.9% April................$ 1,345,720,436............ $ 1,577,616,748.............. $231,896,312..........................17.2% May................$ 1,492,091,098............ $ 1,595,196,156.............. $103,105,058............................6.9% June................$ 1,569,478,866............ $ 1,662,302,715................ $92,823,849............................5.9%
When not working with clients she spends time furthering her real estate education. In 2009 she completed courses to become an “Accredited Buyer’s Representative,” a “Certified Distressed Property Expert,” a “Certified Negotiation Expert,” a “Short Sale and Foreclosure Resource,” and other additional courses.
2009 2010 DIFF CHG January.......................... $130,000............................$123,000........................... $-7,000.............................. -5.4% February......................... $125,000............................$125,000....................................$0................................0.0% March............................. $119,627............................$128,288.............................$8,661................................7.2% April............................... $115,000............................$128,275...........................$13,275..............................11.5% May................................ $119,700............................$130,000...........................$10,300................................8.6% June............................... $125,000............................$127,000.............................$2,000................................1.6%
$7,380,942,431............. $8,530,094,891........... $1,149,152,460..........................16.7%
MEDIAN SALE PRICE
Source: ARMLS. Information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Data maintained by ARMLS may not reflect all real estate activity in the market.
Homeowner Tip of the Month
RE/MAX Fine Properties 21000 N. Pima Rd., Suite 100 Scottsdale, AZ 85255 eFax: 480.355.9514 WKirtland@FineProp.com If you know of anyone who may be interested in receiving this newsletter, please send me an email or give me a call. I am always happy to add more subscribers to the list. If your home is currently listed, this is not a solicitation for that listing.
To Your Home Decor
DOLLAR VOLUME OF SOLD LISTINGS
Wendy is a full-time Realtor who pours her heart and soul into serving her clients’ best interest. Whether listing and selling your home for the best price in the shortest amount of time or finding the perfect home to suit your needs, she is tireless in her efforts.
WENDY KIRTLAND
Adding
TENNIS, ANYONE? Do you have tennis balls just sitting around losing their bounce? Here are some creative ways to use them without ever setting foot on the court. • Cut an X in a tennis ball and slip it over the end of an old broom handle. Rub the ball over scuff marks on your wood or hard surface floors, and voila...they’re gone...with no bending, stooping or scrubbing! • Got a light bulb that broke off in the socket? Carefully clear away any remaining shards of glass, then gently push a tennis ball against the light socket and twist to remove the bulb’s embedded stem. • Cut an X in a tennis ball and slip it over the head of a hammer. Now you’re less likely to ding up fragile or expensive wood. • Cut a tennis ball in half and use one of the sides to open those stubborn jars. • In the garage, hang a tennis ball on a string from the ceiling so that the ball touches the top left corner of your car’s windshield. Now you have a marker and know exactly how far to pull the car in every time!
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