August 2008

REAL ESTATE ACTIVITY IN FEATURED PROPERTY:

SHERRY GAERTNER-TIBBETS YOUR TERRAVITA SPECIALIST! Count on Sherry’s 13+ years of living and selling the Terravita dream. Sherry knows Terravita like the back of her hand. She’s always attuned to what is on the market currently and the most recent sales that have occurred. Having been a social member as well as a golf member, Sherry appreciates and knows firsthand everything that Terravita has to offer. Sherry’s knowledge has entrusted over 100 clients in buying and selling Terravita homes. Sherry LOVES Terravita so therefore it makes her job exciting to be a part of bringing in new residents. The best part of Sherry’s job is not just becoming your Realtor and trusted advisor, but enjoying a lasting relationship with you. She looks forward to guiding you effortlessly in buying or selling your next home.

33857 N. 67th St. • 2318 Sq. Ft. • 3 Bed / 2 Bath • Offered at $800,000 This immaculate home has the best views of any home on the market now! Enjoy jaw-dropping views from across three fairways of The Boulders, the Terravita Clubhouse, the Continentals, Black Mountain, Winfield and Lone Mountain! This beauty offers fantastic curb appeal with a huge set-back. The extra-deep lot with low-walled aggregate patio courtyard is stunning and includes a new built-in BBQ with fire pit, Bunco seating and tranquil water feature. The interior is highly upgraded and includes surround sound, H2O softener and RO drinking water. Simply a dream home! Address Sq. Ft. / Bed / Bath CURRENTLY FOR SALE: 7191 E. Aloe Vera Dr. 1670 / 2 Bed / 2 Bath *6687 E. Soaring Eagle Way 1670 / 2 Bed / 2 Bath 7171 E. Mighty Saguaro Way 1723 / 2 Bed / 2 Bath *7123 E. Sienna Bouquet Pl. 1670 / 2 Bed / 2 Bath 6852 E. Whispering Mesquite Tr. 1409 / 2 Bed / 2 Bath 6747 E. Eagle Feather Rd. 1409 / 2 Bed / 2 Bath *6772 E. Whispering Mesquite Tr. 1620 / 3 Bed / 3 Bath 7004 E. Stone Raven Tr. 1903 / 3 Bed / 3 Bath 34125 N. 60th Pl. 2043 / 2 Bed / 2 Bath *6981 E. Soaring Eagle Way 1930 / 3 Bed / 2 Bath 6880 E. Nightingale Star Cir. 1974 / 2 Bed / 2 Bath *7140 E. Mighty Saguaro Way 2358 / 3 Bed / 2.5 Bath 6758 E. Nightingale Star Cir. 2300 / 2 Bed / 3 Bath 6936 E. Whispering Mesquite Tr. 1620 / 3 Bed / 3 Bath *6996 E. Mighty Saguaro Way 2460 / 3 Bed / 2.5 Bath 6046 E. Evening Glow Dr. n/a / 3 Bed / 2 Bath *6987 E. Shooting Star Way 2459 / 2 Bed / 2.5 Bath 6924 E. Canyon Wren Cir. 2444 / 2 Bed / 2.5 Bath 6971 E. Thirsty Cactus Ln. 2457 / 3 Bed / 3.5 Bath 6674 E. Brilliant Sky Dr. 2294 / 4 Bed / 3 Bath *6710 E. Brilliant Sky Dr. 2320 / 3 Bed / 3 Bath 6457 E. Amber Sun Dr. 2762 / 3 Bed / 2.5 Bath *6547 E. Whispering Mesquite Tr. 2850 / 3 Bed / 3.5 Bath *33857 N. 67th St. 2318 / 3 Bed / 2 Bath 6671 E. Amber Sun Dr. 2762 / 3 Bed / 2.5 Bath *6361 E. Senita Cir 3011 / 3 Bed / 2.5 Bath 6466 E. Evening Glow Dr. 3131 / 3 Bed / 2.5 Bath 6729 E. Brilliant Sky Dr. 2800 / 3 Bed / 3.5 Bath 6629 E. Evening Glow Dr. 3200 / 3 Bed / 2.5 Bath PENDING: 6888 E. Whispering Mesquite Tr. 1609 / 2 Bed / 2 Bath 33371 N. 71st St. 2358 / 3 Bed / 2.5 Bath *7122 E. Night Glow Cir. 2300 / 3 Bed / 3 Bath *33535 N. 70th St. 2562 / 4 Bed / 3.5 Bath SOLD: 32843 N. 70th St. 1974 / 2 Bed / 2 Bath $439,000 *7130 E. Aloe Vera Dr. 1974 / 2 Bed / 2 Bath $460,000 6536 E. Shooting Star Way 1670 / 2 Bed / 2 Bath $440,000 6620 E. Sleepy Owl Way 2378 / 3 Bed / 3 Bath $525,000 6133 E. Brilliant Sky Dr. 2329 / 3 Bed / 2.5 Bath $550,000 6975 E. Eagle Feather Rd. 2515 / 3 Bed / 2.5 Bath $720,000 6538 E. Crested Saguaro Ln. 3200 / 3 Bed / 3.5 Bath $880,000

August 2008

List Price $389,900 $420,000 $435,000 $450,000 $459,000 $475,000 $499,000 $499,000 $550,000 $559,000 $560,000 $575,000 $595,000 $599,000 $599,950 $600,000 $625,000 $635,000 $659,000 $700,000 $719,000 $735,000 $749,900 $800,000 $819,000 $835,000 $839,000 $910,000 $925,000 $439,000 $499,000 $575,000 $799,000

Refresh, Redesign, Remodel

$469,900- List Sold- 6/12/08 $479,000- List Sold- 6/27/08 $495,000- List Sold- 6/17/08 $535,000- List Sold- 6/12/08 $599,999- List Sold- 6/05/08 $729,000- List Sold- 6/10/08 $898,000- List Sold- 6/06/08

Smart Strategies for Sellers and Buyers

Living Your Life!

The Ultimate “To-Do” List

* Sherry’s personal listings. All information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed. The properties on this list have been listed/sold by various participants in the MLS.

Delicious & Decadent

Produced by Desert Lifestyle Publishing • 480.460.0996

98 South’s Lobster Salad

Office: 480.970.8181 Cell: 602.369.6600 terravitabroker@aol.com

www.TerravitaOnline.com Looking to Lease a Home? Interested in Renting Your Property? Our full-service agency handles it all from furnished or unfurnished, short-term or long-term. Contact Dennis Laubenstein at 602.430.0529. If your home is currently listed, this is not a solicitation for that listing.

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Life is so precious and we want to make the most of our time here. Our world offers wonders galore, and it’s the experiences in our lives that make up who we are and tell the story of how we spent our time here. While you may have your very own checklist of experiences and achievements you’d like to accomplish, perhaps a few of these suggestions may inspire you further:

Featuring 98 South Wine Bar & Kitchen 98 S. San Marcos Place • Chandler 480.814.9800 or 98south.com

• Watch every Oscar-winning film, in order, all 80 of them • Attend an Oktoberfest celebration in Germany • Build a house with Habitat for Humanity • Attend fashion shows at New York’s Fashion Week • Rent your absolute dream car for a weekend • Watch a butterfly hatch from its cocoon • Double-down at a blackjack table in Monaco • Experience a July 4th at our nation’s capital • Savor a mint julep at the Kentucky Derby • Run a marathon • Hand a large sum of money to a homeless family • Visit every state in America • Paint a self-portrait

LOBSTER SALAD Ingredients: 1 lb. lobster tail, cooked and chilled 1 head frissee lettuce, rinsed and core removed 1 pint diced strawberries 1 each diced mango 6 Tbsp. Champagne vinaigrette (see recipe below) 1/2 cup grape tomatoes, halved To plate salad: Mix frissee, strawberries and mango. Gently stir. Add dressing. Arrange sliced lobster tail on plates in equal amounts, approximately 4 oz. per salad. Garnish with tomatoes. CHAMPAGNE VINAIGRETTE Ingredients: 2 each shallots, sliced 1/2 cup Champagne 1/2 each fresh vanilla bean, split 1/2 cup Champagne vinegar 1 Tbsp. sugar 1 cup salad oil salt & pepper to taste Preparation: Sauté first five ingredients. Reduce by half. Discard vanilla bean and let mixture cool. Place in blender and add salad oil until thick. Serves: 4

Times certainly have changed. It wasn’t long ago when the Valley was considered a seller’s market, and buyers were often willing to compromise on amenities, location and even house size in order to become homeowners. Recently, however, the market has faced some challenges and many homeowners have found it difficult to sell their property. A solution for many is to remodel. Updating and making overall home improvements can put you in a position to sell your home quickly. “For many homeowners, remodeling is essential. The only way to get the price you want is to offer the customer what they want,” says Gary Carlson, owner of Carlson Homes and Carlson Design Group in Scottsdale, AZ. “With the number of homes on the market, if the house isn’t just what the buyer wants they’ll go on to the next, so it’s essential to put your best foot forward.” And your best foot forward could mean something as quick and easy as a fresh coat of paint. “None of us would buy a used car with a bad paint job,” he says. “It’s the same principle.” However, a significant overhaul may be necessary if the house has not been maintained or updated over the years. Yes, the cost of remodeling may be high depending on the work done, but Carlson says the seller could see a higher return on the house and possibly move it off the market faster. And remember, buyers have high expectations today. Your home can’t afford to be less than desirable. So where to begin? According to Carlson, an area of the house that often needs updating is the kitchen. “Many kitchens have Corian or ceramic counter tops, and granite slabs are preferred.

Even just changing the countertop and back splashes can make a big difference.” The same thing goes for appliances. Carlson suggests updating appliances with stainless steel. It’s a move that could make the difference between going into escrow or having the home languish on the market. Sellers may also want to consider flooring options and evaluate how well the kitchen space flows. Updating the bathrooms is also an absolute must (especially if the bathroom features cultured marble or pickle-stained cabinets — both are out of date, according to Carlson), and another way to add value to a home. “Buyers today are looking for different bathing experiences,” he says. So think luxurious, spa-like retreats with multiple showerheads, steam showers, perhaps even an extended vanity area. Another must? Creating a home that’s energy efficient. Says Carlson, “You want to make sure you’ve installed the correct insulation in walls, that the windows are energy efficient and the HVAC system is up to speed.” A trend that many potential buyers are interested in is whether you’ve remodeled with our environment in mind. If you can incorporate “green” materials and ecofriendly fixtures, you’ve “upped” your desirability quotient. Whether you’re remodeling to better prepare your home for sale or are considering purchasing a property that you’ll be updating, remodeling is an excellent investment — if done correctly. Here are some points to consider and mistakes to avoid: Budget: According to Carlson, one of the biggest mistakes is not setting a realistic budget. “You must be educated on what it costs to do the work,” he says. “If you are not

• Swim with dolphins • Memorize the U.S. Constitution • Marvel at Old Faithful • Splurge on a pair- or several of Christian Louboutin shoes • Ride a bucking bronco even if for just a second • Hike, ride or helicopter to the bottom of the Grand Canyon • See every painting in The Louvre • Go shopping on Rodeo Drive with your own personal stylist • Try ice fishing • Order dinner in Paris, in French • Write a song • Stay at a hotel where you have your own personal butler • Learn to sail a boat

• Ride a tandem bicycle with someone you love • Teach a child how to tie their shoes • Go to Carnival in Rio de Janeiro • Talk on a CB radio and use your own “handle” • Scuba or snorkel at the Great Barrier Reef • Observe a baby being born • Dress in costume at a Renaissance Festival • Have high tea at The Empress Hotel in Victoria, B.C. • Be a Big Brother or Big Sister to an at-risk youth • Send flowers to your favorite school teacher • Attend a space shuttle launch • Make a point to laugh every day

AUGUST 2008 Summer Spa Series Dolce Salon and Spa, Aug. 3rd 480.722.0500 or 2008.summerspaaz.com Glam-up for a good cause at the Summer Spa Series. The August event within the summer series, at Dolce Salon and Spa in Scottsdale, will include a mini-treatment plus demonstrations from professionals on makeup and hair. Also included, are the ever-popular goody bags and raffle drawings. All proceeds benefit the Fresh Start Women’s Foundation, a Valley charity assisting women in transition. Downtown Chandler ArtWalk Downtown Chandler, Aug. 6th 480.855.3539 or downtownchandler.org This “1st Wednesday ArtWalk” occurs monthly in the historic downtown section of Chandler on the covered sidewalks of San Marcos Place and Boston Street. The ArtWalk is free of charge and offers an excellent selection of fine art and crafts from various artists. The evening often includes wine tasting events, sidewalk cafes, art displays, spots for people watching, restaurant specials and unique shops with the local color and charm of the historic downtown district. “Flight” School Tapino Kitchen and Wine Bar, Aug. 7th, 14th, 21st, 28th 480.991.6887 or tapino.com Whether you are an expert wine connoisseur or a newbie to wine tasting, Tapino’s Flight School is something to try. Each week in August highlights a different theme, such as “Syrah from Around the World” and “Robert Parker’s Picks for Under $10.” In each class you will taste four pours of wine paired with four different types of cheese, followed with a discussion by a prominent wine distributor and the Chef/Owner of Tapino, James Porter.

realistic about what you are able to spend, it’s very difficult for the builder to deliver you what you want.” Contractors: The Phoenix area is flooded with contractors, but finding somebody who will not just do the job, but do it right and finish it, is key to a successful remodel. Carlson suggests checking with the Arizona Registrar of Contractors (www.azroc.gov) when it comes to finding a reputable contractor. “The Registrar is the buyer’s friend as much as it is the builder’s,” he says. Contractors on the site must meet several requirements — i.e. they must be licensed, have insurance, maintain a clean record and pass an exam. He also recommends inquiring with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and talking with friends, neighbors and your Realtor. In fact, the more you involve your Realtor, the better they can advise you on what improvements will help your home sell and which may be a waste of money.

Meeting Your Needs: Be sure to work with a company that will guide you along the way in terms of your needs. For instance, if you’ll be remodeling a home you plan to purchase, it may be wise to bring your contractor in to discuss your desires and how feasible they may be. If you’re selling your home, it may not be worth your time or dime to build an addition to the house. You may also want to work with a company that is familiar with the latest trends in home design. “I have ASID interior designers on staff that are trained to go into the home and figure out what’s going to make this home more marketable,” says Carlson. “Then we focus in on those things and those things only.” Remodeling can be challenging and often time consuming. But by doing your homework and finding a contractor with a solid reputation in the Valley, you can meet your goals — whether you’re trying to sell your house, remodel a fixer-upper, or simply looking to update your home — and find a tremendous amount of satisfaction with minimal hassle.

Lunch and Learn Sanctuary Resort & Spa, Aug. 9th 480.607.2300 or sanctuaryoncamelback.com Always wanted to be Martha Stewart in the kitchen? Here is your chance to learn from the best chefs in the business! Each session includes a three-course meal paired with wines, and lessons from the featured chef. On August 9th, Chef Wolfgang Von Weiser, the Executive Chef at the Bellagio Hotel in Las Vegas, will be preparing quite a meal! Specialty musical entertainment will also be on hand to complete the experience. Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers Jobing.com Arena, Aug. 20th 623.772.3200 or jobingarena.com If you were one of a billion people to see Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers perform at this year’s Super Bowl half time show, you know to expect a great performance! Since their first top ten hit “Don’t Do Me Like That” in 1979, these rock legends have been putting out hits for some 30 years! With special guest Steve Winwood, best known for his 80’s hits “Higher Love” and “Back in the High Life Again”, this should be quite a show! Arizona Cardinals vs. Denver Broncos University of Phoenix Stadium, Aug. 29th 623.433.7100 or universityofphoenixstadium.com Voted one of the top 10 sports facilities in the world by Business Weekly, this sports castle is quite a sight. With six levels to the stadium, a retractable roof, approximately 63,400 seats and 88 luxury lofts, the stadium is truly one-of-a-kind. So come cheer on our very own Arizona Cardinals and don’t worry about the heat — the awesome air conditioning system generates enough chilled air to cool 2,300 residential homes!