Mountain Park Ranch July 09

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July 2009

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FEATURED PROPERTIES

Representing Premier Properties & Fine Estates As your Ahwatukee neighbor and specialist, I am your REALTOR resource for buying and selling your next home. When you are buying or selling property in today’s market, it is important to have confidence in your real estate professional. My commitment is to provide you with the specialized real estate service you deserve. When you are an informed buyer or seller, you’ll make the best decisions for the most important financial transaction in your life. My clients are always informed of the trends in the marketplace with the use of the latest statistics and facts within your neighborhood.

15246 S. 40th Pl. • Mountain Park Ranch 2,229 Sq. Ft. / 4 Bed / 2 Bath • $359,900

CLASSY, PRISTINE, AND HIGHLY UPGRADED. Beautiful home in prime location in Mountain Park Ranch. Perfectly located next to shopping, lakes, greenbelt, trails, and MPR rec. center with heated pools, spas, tennis courts, and playground. Upgrades include: granite counters, s/s appliances, cherrywood cabinets, oil-rubbed bronze fixtures, wood flooring, tight berber, s/s hardware on doors and cabinets, upgraded ceiling fans, 2-inch wood blinds, upgraded plumbing fixtures throughout, built-in cabinets and epoxy floor in garage. Paradise perfect backyard complete with pebbletec pool, rock waterfall, grotto, and mature palm trees. Shows like a model home!

SELLING? I don’t want to list your property. I want to sell your property. I know how to price your home effectively so that it SELLS.

Resort “Staycations” Rock!

BUYING? I am privy to the best properties/values in the Valley and know of great deals before they even hit the market!

CALL ME TODAY!

It’s Cool to be Hot

3621 E. Coconino Pl. / Ahwatukee Custom Estates 4,211 Sq. Ft. / 5 Bed / 5 Bath • $1,099,000

1.15 acre hillside estate in a prime location in the Ahwatukee Custom Estates. This single-level architectural masterpiece has the perfect floorplan and is designed by world-renowned architect John B. Scholz. 30-ft. ceilings in foyer & living room, marble tile in entry, huge master suite with crown molding and sitting area with fireplace. Master bath with Jacuzzi tub. All secondary bedrooms have own baths. Wet bar with built-in cabinets & wine racks. Kitchen is complete with SubZero and island with cook top. Extremely huge backyard is a desert oasis with Pebble Tec pool & spa with rock waterfall and mature trees. There is enough room to build a media room/ guest house/sport court. ORIGINAL OWNERS, CHARMINGLY MAINTAINED!

PROPERTIES RECENTLY SOLD IN

GENO ROSS, CNE

602.751.2121 • RossG2121@aol.com Keller Williams Realty Sonoran Living 4621 E. Chandler Blvd. #160 • Phoenix, AZ 85048 Each office is independently owned and operated.

If your home is currently listed, this is not a solicitation for that listing.

Address Sq. Ft. / Bed / Bath List Price RECENTLY SOLD: 14610 S. 41st Way 1,438 / 3 / 2 $215,000 2761 E. Mountain Sky Ave. 1,887 / 3 / 2 $236,800 2709 E. Rock Wren Rd. 1,624 / 3 / 3 $237,000 2559 E. Indigo Brush Rd. 1,817 / 4 / 2 $235,000 2726 E. Desert Trumpet Rd. 2,120 / 4 / 2 $233,000 2719 E. Cathedral Rock Dr. 2,231 / 4 / 2.5 $235,000 4310 E. Graythorn Ave. 2,093 / 3 / 2.5 $248,000 15001 S. 40th Way 1,639 / 3 / 2 $225,000 13401 S. 40th St. 2,042 / 3 / 2 $290,000 14618 S. 34th Pl. 2,139 / 4 / 2 $324,500 15805 S. 28th Pl. 2,347 / 4 / 3 $336,200 15020 S. 39th Pl. 2,045 / 4 / 2.75 $330,000 15806 S. 31st Way 3,096 / 5 / 3 $375,000 4035 E. Goldfinch Gate Ln. 3,204 / 5 / 3.5 $390,000 3171 E. Rocky Slope Dr. 3,005 / 4 / 2.5 $466,250 14225 S. 32nd Pl. 3,683 / 5 / 3 $560,000 14250 S. Canyon Dr. 4,013 / 4 / 3 $850,000 Statistics gatheredisfrom MLS and do not private sales. All information deemed reliable butreflect not guaranteed. Allon information is deemed reliable by butvarious not guaranteed. The properties this list have been listed/sold participants in the MLS.

Produced by Desert Lifestyle Publishing • 480.460.0996

Relief for Homebuyers: Government Programs Offer Assistance Muddle it Up!: deseo’s Refreshing Summer Cocktail Mountain Park Ranch’s Hot Real Estate Listings

We are so fortunate to live in a resort town. Surrounded by some of the nation’s most luxurious hotel playgrounds, Valley residents might be apt to spend their summer vacation right here. Why trek off away to other locales when our own backyard has so much to offer? With most sun worshipers vacationing in the desert in the winter, the summer means more vacancies for Valley of the Sun resorts resulting in sometimes ridiculously low rates (as much as 2/3 less) in June, July and August. Why don’t you stick around and enjoy fabulous pools, pampering spa treatments, world-renowned golf courses and exquisite meals. The desert is the place to be this summer…at a resort, that is. We’ve listed some hotel hot spots in the Valley. Most summer specials are available now through Labor Day. Rates are subject to change based on availability, so confirm when you call. All information is deemed reliable but please confirm with the property you’re interested in.

Featuring deseo at the Westin Kierland Resort & Spa 6902 E. Greenway Pkwy. • Scottsdale 480.624.1000 or kierlandresort.com

MUDDLE MELON Ingredients: 6 1-inch cubes watermelon 1 lime wedge 6 mint leaves 1 1/2 oz Bacardi Grand Melon Rum or Smirnoff Watermelon Vodka 1/2 oz lime juice 1/2 oz simple syrup Preparation: In a tall glass, combine watermelon, lime and mint. With a muddler, smash until all juices are extracted from fruit. Add ice and remainder of ingredients. Shake and serve. *Muddling releases the flavors of an ingredient by gently crushing it in the bottom of a glass. Muddle devices can be wooden or siliconetipped and are usually found at any retail outlet that specializes in kitchen gadgetry or bar accessories.

ARIZONA BILTMORE RESORT & SPA arizonabiltmore.com • 602.955.6600 Considered the Grande Dame of Valley resorts, this Frank Lloyd Wright inspired property is a favorite of celebrities and US presidents. With an enviable location right in the heart of Phoenix, guests enjoy golf, spa, dining and spectacular service. Great for: Families/Couples/Girlfriend Getaways Nightly rate: $109 Kids’ programs: $35 half day, $65 full day Summer Specials: Stay 3 nights get 1 night free; $25 food/spa credit; 30% off salon/spa; 2 kids eat free. ARIZONA GRAND RESORT arizonagrandresort.com • 602.438.9000 With a recent $52 million renovation, this property offers tons of fun in their signature Oasis Water Park. With an eight-story tower with three slides and a wave pool, pool parties are all the rage! Great for: Families Nightly rate: $129 (Sun - Wed) Kids’ programs: half day is free Summer Specials: Stay 2 nights, get a $50 resort credit. THE BOULDERS RESORT theboulders.com • 480.488.9009 Bon Appetit magazine rates this as one of the top 12 romantic hotels in the US. With two renowned golf courses and the famous Golden Door Spa, guests will be pampered among the striking beauty of the Sonoran Desert. Great for: Couples/Golfers

There is some excellent news in mid-2009 for first-time homebuyers and those seeking refinance assistance. Earlier this year our government created several programs to help solve our national housing problems. The government’s initial effort was to help decrease the inventory of homes on the market by giving first-time homebuyers an added incentive to purchase a new home. A tax credit is now available for up to $8,000 for first-time homebuyers purchasing a primary home through December 1st of 2009. The fine print of the initiative reads that the tax credit is equal to 10% of the home’s purchase price not to exceed $8,000. When you combine the low down payment financing options offered by FHA and other loan programs, the tax credit essentially reimburses all or part of the homebuyer’s down payment. The program does have some income

Nightly rate: $99 Sun - Mon, $129 Fri - Sat Kids’ programs: None Summer Specials: Stay 3 nights at $129/night, get 4th night free; 25% off golf weekdays after noon; 40% off second spa treatment (same person, same day). FAIRMONT SCOTTSDALE fairmont.com/scottsdale • 480.585.4848 This family-friendly resort offers activities galore as well as luxury and serenity. Golfers will enjoy the course home to the FBR Open, spa-goers love the Willow Stream Spa. Kids enjoy the National Geographic Explorer Camp, teen hang-out and dive-in movies. Great for: Families/Couples/Guy’s Retreats Nightly rate: $199 Kids’ programs: $49 half day, $79 full day Summer Specials: $100 food/beverage credit. FOUR SEASONS RESORT fourseasons.com/scottsdale • 480.515.5700 At the foothills of Pinnacle Peak, this Southwestern-style property offers astonishing views with unparalleled service. Notably, kids’ programs are complimentary! Great for: Families/Couples Nightly rate: $195 - $250 Kids’ programs: Free Summer Specials: Stay 2 nights get a $100 food/ beverage credit. HOTEL VALLEY HO hotelvalleyho.com • 480.248.2000 With a location in trendy downtown Scottsdale,

restrictions. Single taxpayers with incomes up to $75,000 and married couples with incomes up to $150,000 qualify for the full tax credit. Incomes above those levels receive a benefit phase-out to the point where single taxpayers with incomes above $95,000, and married couples with incomes above $170,000 will not receive any tax credit. The homebuyer does need to be a first-time homebuyer. However, the law defines a “first-time home buyer” simply as a buyer who has not owned a primary residence during the three-year period prior to the purchase. The second program the government authorized this year is the Making Home Affordable initiative. This program is designed to help two segments of existing homeowners lower their monthly mortgage payments. The first part of the program is designed to help homeowners who have an existing Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac loan refinance even if they have little to no equity. The program allows for the existing first mortgage to be as high as 105% of the current appraisal value on the home. The program does not allow for the consolidation of a second mortgage, but it does ignore the existence of a second

guests can easily meander on over to the area’s shopping, art galleries, dining and nightlife. Be there or be square. Great for: Cool Hipsters Nightly rate: $99 Sun - Thurs, $129 Fri - Sat Kids’ programs: None Summer Specials: Session Saturdays with DJ PBody poolside, Free Sundays. INTERCONTINENTAL MONTELUCIA RESORT & SPA icmontelucia.com • 480.627.3200 With architecture and ambiance inspired by Andalusia in southern Spain, this lush resort offers an opulent setting with awe-inspiring views of Camelback Mountain. Dine at Prado, enjoy the Joya Spa, and lounge fashionably at the Kasbah Pool. Great for: Couples/Spa Addicts Summer specials include one Standard Room: Culinary Experience: $195 with $100 food credit Poolside Relaxation: $195 with poolside cabana and $50 food credit Ultimate Everything: $495 with unlimited spa, dining, welcome cocktail and treats JW MARRIOT DESERT RIDGE RESORT & SPA jwdesertridgeresort.com • 480.293.5000 In north Phoenix, this huge property impresses with multiple dining, recreation and spa options. Famous for their Lazy River and waterslide, golf packages and proximity to shopping/ entertainment. Great for: Families Nightly rate: $159 - $339 Kids’ programs: $30 half day, $65 full day

mortgage when calculating equity in the property. This is a tremendous opportunity for people to lower their interest rates and change over to a fixed-rate loan program even if they are upside down on their home. The second part of the Making Home Affordable initiative focuses on individuals who are struggling to make their mortgage payments. Qualifying loans do not have to be a Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac loan. If a homeowner is paying more then 31% of their income towards their mortgage payment, this program is designed to modify the loan’s interest rate to a low fixed-rate that brings it down to the 31% income level. The catch is that the homeowner’s mortgage company decides whether or not they will modify the mortgage. There are no guarantees. However, the government is offering financial incentives to lenders to modify loans that qualify under the Making Home Affordable guidelines. While these new loan programs do not help everyone desiring to buy a home or lower an existing mortgage

Summer Specials: Unlimited golf for two at Wildfire, breakfast buffet and 20% off retail starting at $249; Nickelodeon Kids packages offer entertainment and dive-in movies. THE PHOENICIAN thephoenician.com • 480.941.8200 Luxuriate in AAA Five-Diamond accommodations and amenities at the foot of Camelback Mountain. Dine at Il Terrazzo, pamper yourself at the infamous Center for Well-Being and golf to your heart’s content with their summer golf special. Great for: Luxury Travelers/Golfers Nightly rate: $149 Kids’ programs: $45 half day, $75 full day Summer Specials: Unlimited golf $199 for 2, breakfast/lunch to go. ROYAL PALMS RESORT & SPA royalpalmshotel.com • 602.840.3610 As a member of Historic Hotels of America, this resort rich in design and Old World charm is a beacon for travelers looking for romance. T. Cook’s, their highly acclaimed restaurant, and Alvadora Spa never disappoint. Great for: Romantic Getaways Nightly rate: $189 Kids’ programs: None Summer Specials: Summer Stay and Play credits - 1 night $50, 2 nights $100, 3 nights $200, 4 nights $250, 5+ nights $300.

JULY 2009 Wicked ASU Gammage, July 1st - 26th 480.965.3434 or asugammage.com Long before Dorothy drops in, Wicked is the “untold story” of the Witches of Oz. Beautiful and popular Glinda the good witch meets Elphaba. Smart and mysterious, Elphaba with emerald-colored skin is known for her wicked ways. This creative new addition to the classic Wizard of Oz story just may have you sympathizing with that horrible witch who antagonizes poor Dorothy! This captivating musical is winner of 15 major awards, including three Tony Awards and a Grammy for Best Musical Show Album. Don’t miss this one! Summer Spectacular Artwalk Downtown Scottsdale, July 9th 480.377.9366 or scottsdalegalleries.com Presented by the Scottsdale Gallery Association, this yearly art extravaganza is a great alternative to hiding indoors during our steamy July! Take a stroll while enjoying fabulous artist demonstrations, gallery show openings and live music. Make your mouth happy with all the delicious fare sampled from renowned area restaurants. It’s culture, cuisine and creativity all rolled into one! Monsoon Madness Queen Creek Founder’s Park, July 11th 480.358.3700 or queencreek.org What better way to beat the summer heat than slippin’ and slidin’ into this wet and muddy event! Bring the family out to soar down the inflatable water slide, glide along the 100-foot soap and slide, and of course you can’t miss Queen Creek’s signature Monsoon Mudslide. Once you’ve thoroughly worn yourself out, grab a bite to eat from a diverse selection of food vendors. Winter in July Phoenix Zoo, July 18th 602.273.1341 or phoenixzoo.org Chill out at the Phoenix Zoo as they bring in tons of snow for the animals as well as zoo visitors to enjoy. As part of a regular behavioral enrichment program, the zoo will dump fresh snow in the exhibits and treat the animals with frozen goodies and iced snacks! What fun for everyone! Arrive early, as the snow fun is scheduled for 7 am-11 am. Phoenix Mercury vs. Minnesota Lynx US Airways Center, July 22nd 602.514.8333 or wnba.com/mercury Who says girls can’t play sports? Not only do these ladies know how to play, they know how to win with two Conference Championships under their belts. Cheer on these women as they battle it out against the Minnesota Lynx and be entertained during half time by the Hip Hop Squad and Scorch the lovable mascot. Before the game the Lexus Club offers Wine Down Wednesday with wine tastings and specials.

payment, they are certainly a step in the right direction to reducing foreclosures and attracting homebuyers. For more information on these programs, contact your Realtor. They can refer you to a qualified mortgage lender to further assist you.

Cirque du Soleil presents Saltimbanco Jobing.com Arena, July 29th - Aug 2nd 623.772.3100 or jobingarena.com Like most Cirque du Soleil performances, the beauty and artistry of Saltimbanco is indescribable. This signature Cirque du Soleil show borrows from theatre, dance and music to introduce the audience to the heart of this dreamlike city. Fifty highly talented performers work in tandem to present a show like no other. Whether you’re a Cirque veteran or new to the art, audiences are sure to be amazed.