December 2008

FEATURED PROPERTIES IN

33440 N. 64th St. Ventus Model Includes Gold Membership! $810,000

6671 E. Whispering Mesquite Tr. Aurora Model $739,000

CURRENT REAL ESTATE ACTIVITY IN TERRAVITA

SHERRY GAERTNER-TIBBETS YOUR TERRAVITA SPECIALIST! Count on Sherry’s 15+ 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. Let Sherry’s 24+ years of experience in the real estate market guide you in buying or selling your next home. Call or email Sherry today! “Terravita…I’ve either listed it, sold it or I’ve seen it! Sherry…The agent that’s moving Terravita homes!!”

Season is almost upon us, call us today to see what we can do for you whether it be buying or selling…it’s great timing for both! Office: 480.970.8181 • Cell: 602.369.6600 sherry@sgtfineproperties.com www.sgtfineproperties.com

Address Sq. Ft. / Bed / Bath CURRENTLY FOR SALE: 26847 E. Nightingale Star Cir. 1,609 / 2 Bed / 2 Bath 7191 E. Aloe Vera Dr. 1,670 / 2 Bed / 2 Bath 32926 N. 71st St. 1,409 / 2 Bed / 2 Bath 7152 E. Canyon Wren Cir. 1,670 / 2 Bed / 2 Bath 7171 E. Mighty Saguaro Way 1,723 / 2 Bed / 2 Bath 7032 E. Whispering Mesquite Trl. 1,385 / 2 Bed / 2 Bath 7129 E. Hibiscus Way 1,609 / 2 Bed / 2 Bath 6931 E. Bramble Berry Ln. 1,905 / 3 Bed / 3 Bath 7128 E. Bramble Berry Ln 1,409 / 2 Bed / 2 Bath 7186 E. Aloe Vera Dr. 1,670 / 2 Bed / 2 Bath 6687 E. Soaring Eagle Way 1,670 / 2 Bed / 2 Bath 7055 E. Brilliant Sky Dr. 1,385 / 2 Bed / 2 Bath 7066 E. Sleepy Owl Way 1,974 / 2 Bed / 2 Bath 6747 E. Eagle Feather Rd. 1,409 / 2 Bed / 2 Bath 32611 N. 70th St. 1,905 / 3 Bed / 3 Bath 32915 N. 70th St. 1,905 / 3 Bed / 3 Bath 6772 E. Whispering Mesquite Trl. 1,620 / 3 Bed / 3 Bath 32764 N. 71st St. 1,670 / 2 Bed / 2 Bath 6746 E. Amber Sun Dr. 2,006 / 3 Bed / 3 Bath 7122 E. Night Glow Cir. 2,300 / 3 Bed / 3 Bath 33152 N. 71st Way 1,955 / 2 Bed / 2 Bath 7111 E. Mighty Saguaro Way 2,515 / 3 Bed / 2.5 Bath 7116 E. Mighty Saguaro Way 2,320 / 3 Bed / 3 Bath 7108 E. Thirsty Cactus Ln. 2,515 / 3 Bed / 2.5 Bath 7157 E. Bramble Berry Ln. 1,974 / 2 Bed / 2 Bath 6758 E. Nightingale Star Cir. 2,300 / 2 Bed / 2.5 Bath 6608 E. Shooting Star Way 1,974 / 3 Bed / 2 Bath 6986 E. Soaring Eagle Way 2,358 / 3 Bed / 2.5 Bath 32788 N. 69th St. 1,974 / 2 Bed / 2 Bath 6962 E. Soaring Eagle Way 2,517 / 3 Bed / 2.5 Bath 6608 E. Sleepy Owl Way 1,908 / 3 Bed / 3 Bath 6936 E. Whispering Mesquite Ter. 1,620 / 3 Bed / 3 Bath 34113 N. 66th Way 2,423 / 3 Bed / 2.5 Bath 33001 N. 68th Pl. 1,955 / 2 Bed / 2 Bath 6924 E. Canyon Wren Cir. 2,444 / 2 Bed / 2.5 Bath 6788 E. Nightingale Star Cir. 1,640 / 3 Bed / 3 Bath 6871 E. Amber Sun Dr. 2,358 / 3 Bed / 2.5 Bath 6340 E. Marioca Cir. 2,850 / 3 Bed / 3.5 Bath 6106 E. Evening Glow Dr. 2,329 / 3 Bed / 2.5 Bath 6671 E. Soaring Eagle Way 2,200 / 3 Bed / 3 Bath 6658 E. Whispering Mesquite Trl. 3,011 / 3 Bed / 2.5 Bath 6674 E. Brilliant Sky Dr. 2,294 / 4 Bed / 3 Bath 6682 E. Whispering Mesquite Trl. 2,782 / 3 Bed / 2.5 Bath 6941 E. Night Glow Cir. 2,762 / 3 Bed / 2.5 Bath 6671 E. Whispering Mesquite Trl. 2,762 / 3 Bed / 2.5 Bath 6383 E. Marioca Cir. 3,011 / 3 Bed / 2.5 Bath 6867 E. Crimson Sky Trl. 3,438 / 4 Bed / 2.5 Bath 6929 E. Night Glow Cir. 2,459 / 2 Bed / 2.5 Bath 6433 E. Amber Sun Dr. 3,022 / 3 Bed / 2.5 Bath 33440 N. 64th St. 3,011 / 4 Bed / 2.5 Bath 6671 E. Amber Sun Dr. 2,762 / 3 Bed / 2.5 Bath 6729 E. Brilliant Sky Dr. 2,800 / 3 Bed / 3.5 Bath 6389 E. Evening Glow Dr. 3,120 / 3 Bed / 3.5 Bath PENDING: 32699 N. 70th St. 1,670 / 2 Bed / 2 Bath 6931 E. Mighty Saguaro Way 2,515 / 3 Bed / 2.5 Bath SOLD: 6960 E. Whispering Mesquite Trl. 1,620 / 3 Bed / 3 Bath

List Price $344,900 $369,900 $375,000 $379,000 $395,000 $399,000 $399,000 $399,900 $419,000 $420,000 $420,000 $425,000 $450,000 $469,900 $497,500 $499,000 $499,900 $499,900 $511,500 $520,000 $539,000 $540,000 $549,000 $550,000 $559,000 $559,900 $560,000 $588,500 $589,000 $593,500 $595,000 $599,000 $599,000 $599,000 $599,000 $599,950 $629,000 $635,000 $640,000 $645,000 $675,000 $675,000 $699,000 $719,000 $739,000 $769,500 $775,000 $779,000 $797,000 $810,000 $819,000 $824,900 $879,000 $399,000 $451,500 SOLD PRICE $440,000

HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM ALL OF US AT SGT FINE PROPERTIES! All information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed. The properties on this list have been listed/sold by various participants in the MLS.

Produced by Desert Lifestyle Publishing • 480.460.0996

December 2008

The Best Gift of All…You!

Living Green

Good for Your Health, Your Wallet & Our World

Simply Sophisticated Sol y Sombra’s Pear Tart

Terravita’s

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

Hot Real Estate Listings

Featuring Sol y Sombra Spanish Kitchen & Lounge 20707 N. Pima Rd. • Scottsdale 480.443.5399 • solysombra.com With the holidays fast approaching, gift givers often feel a sense of panic. Too many gifts to buy, too little time. However, there are alternatives to traditional gift giving that could bring you a sense of joy and fulfillment, and delight others in a wonderful spirit-of-the-season way. Consider giving the gift of “You” this year. Giving of yourself can be through community service, charitable donations, hand-crafted gifts or cards, spending time with people or even just rekindling relationships with long-lost or estranged loved ones. You may be surprised by how much more a gift from the heart is appreciated than a purchased item. Families and co-workers could agree to forego the usual gift exchange and instead volunteer at a local charity. Perhaps your goal is to bring some holiday cheer to the residents of a children’s hospital or an elderly care facility. Along with bringing baked treats or handmade gifts, arrange to sing carols, play the piano or even put on a theatrical play. Imagine the smiles and memories that will linger long after you’ve left. Since people aren’t the only ones who need love, consider volunteering at a pet shelter. Simply playing with the animals for several hours one afternoon can not only bring joy to attentionstarved animals, but is sure to brighten your day as well. Animal shelters might also need your help to find the animals forever

PEAR A LA PLANCHA Ingredients: 1/2 bottle white wine 2 large pears 1 vanilla bean (split in half and scraped) 1/4 cup sugar 3/4 cup goat cheese 3 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons heavy cream 1/2 bottle red port 1/4 cup Marcona almonds salt and pepper Procedure: 1. Peel the pears and leave them whole. Place them in a pot with the wine, sugar and vanilla bean. Simmer the pears in the liquid for approximately 10 minutes.* Let the pears cool in the white wine and vanilla bean mixture. 2. Put the goat cheese in a mixing bowl and add two tablespoons olive oil plus the two tablespoons heavy cream. Mix until smooth, season with salt and pepper. Pour the port into a small sauce pot and reduce until it has a syrup-like consistency. Reserve. Chop the Marcona almonds into small chunks.

CONTACT AN ORGANIZATION TO ASK ABOUT HOW YOU CAN GIVE THE GIFT OF YOURSELF THIS YEAR. HERE ARE A FEW SUGGESTIONS TO GET YOU STARTED:

3. Slice the pears in half lengthwise. With a small spoon or a melon baller, take the core out. Put the remaining olive oil in a large sauté pan. When the oil starts to get really hot, but before it smokes, place the pears in the oil. The pears are already cooked so you are just roasting the outside of them. Cook for five minutes and remove. Place the port syrup down on the plate first. Place the pear on top, put the goat cheese on top of the pear and sprinkle the almonds on top and around. * Pears can be hard or soft depending on how ripe they are. A hard pear might take 30 minutes on simmer. A very ripe pear will only take five minutes to be soft. Serves: 4

homes through adopt-a-thons or other events. A handmade gift or card is always appreciated and making them together with friends or family is a nice way to have a touching holiday experience. In fact, an experience in itself is another option in which some choose to give. It could be as simple as treating someone to a holiday lunch or extending an invitation to a holiday picnic, trip to the zoo or art museum, or special dinner or activity. This idea could work especially well for grandparents who often shower their grandchildren with “things.” Giving a Barbie Tea Set is nice, but throwing a real tea party and inviting the grandkids could be a lifelong memory that all could share. The holidays are a great time to be a good neighbor. Setting up luminaries in your neighborhood is not only beautiful and in the holiday spirit but can bring a sense of warmth and camaraderie to a neighborhood. Hosting a holiday block party is another way to bring your neighborhood together by getting to know one another better. You could also offer to help an elderly neighbor by doing yard work or helping to hang Christmas lights or holiday decorations. The gift of touch can be healing and more appreciated than you could imagine. A massage, brushing someone’s hair, giving a facial, even holding an elderly person’s hand while you visit is a way to make someone feel special and appreciated. Another way to give back this year is to choose a charity and ask that those who wish to give a gift to you donate to the charity instead. Not everyone is comfortable with this, so be wise with whom you suggest this to – if someone really wants to give you a gift, don’t insist. Be gracious and accept what he or she wants to give in the spirit in which it’s given. Since the holidays are a time for traditions, remember to practice and recognize this even if you choose to give in a non-traditional way. And however you give, make sure it’s meaningful, that it comes from the heart, and is a gesture that will be appreciated. This just may be your family’s most magical holiday ever!

Phoenix Children’s Hospital 1919 E. Thomas Rd. Phoenix, AZ 85016 602.546.1000 or phoenixchildrens.com There are many very real benefits to living in a green home, and every day, more and more Americans are discovering those benefits. That’s why green homes are expected to make up 10% of new home construction by 2010, up from 2% in 2005, according to the 2006 McGrawHill Construction Residential Green Building SmartMarket Report. Owning or renting a green home is good for your health, your wallet and our environment. A Healthier Home • Green homes’ use of toxin-free building materials helps combat indoor air pollution, which can be much worse than outdoor pollution. Unhealthy air inside can pose serious health risks for residents. • Natural ventilation in green homes, as well as use of mechanical ventilation systems to filter and bring fresh air inside and vent stale air outside, keep residents breathing easy. A Cost-Efficient Home • The net cost of owning a green home is comparable to – or even cheaper than – owning a standard home. If upfront costs are higher, it is often because many architects, homebuilders, engineers, plumbers and other industry professionals just don’t have the knowledge and experience to cost-effectively plan, design and build a green home. Finding a professional familiar with green-building techniques will save you money and ensure you’re getting the best-

quality work possible. • Month to month, people who live in green homes save money by consuming less energy and less water than standard homes. Over the years, that adds up to big savings. • A healthier home can mean fewer expensive doctor’s visits and fewer days of missed work. • Soon, it will cost less to insure a green home than a standard home. An increasing number of insurance companies are offering discounts on policies covering green homes. Similarly, several mortgage companies offer discounted loan rates for homebuyers buying green. • A green home is often more durable than most standard homes because of its high-quality building materials and construction processes, requiring fewer repairs. • The value of a green home is often higher than that of a comparable standard home, and the market demand for green homes continues to rise. The Solaire, a green residential high-rise in New York City, brings in rents 10% to 15% higher than market rates, and in Rocklin, Calif., the LEED-certified homes in the Carsten Crossings development outsold the competition 2-to-1. • Local, state and federal governments are increasingly offering tax breaks and other incentives for building LEED homes or adding green features to your home. An Environmentally Friendly Home • Residential cooling and heating alone make up 20% of the United States’ yearly energy use.

North Valley Assisted Living 15820 N. 20th St. Phoenix, AZ 85022 602.359.5136 or desertcomfortaz.com

Throw in household lighting, appliances and other electronic equipment, and homes are clearly a major source of energy consumption. Most of that energy comes from greenhouse gas producers like oil and coal, contributing to global climate change. Green homes use 40% less energy than comparable standard homes. • Some green homes further reduce our dependence on conventional energy sources as they generate some or all of their energy needs through alternative energy sources like the sun, wind, geothermal energy and biomass. • Efficient plumbing and bathing fixtures, drought-tolerant landscaping and waterconserving irrigation systems help green homes use less water than standard homes. • Far fewer natural resources are used in the construction of a green home. Many green building materials have significant recycled content. Some companies, for example, now make carpets and floor tiles from recycled tires and bottles. Green homes can also be constructed with salvaged materials from demolished buildings. Green homes use materials made from rapidly renewable materials, like bamboo, hemp, agrifibers and soybean-based products. And the use of wood that is certified by the Forest Stewardship Council helps promote socially and environmentally beneficial forestry practices.

Arizona Humane Society Campus for Compassion 1521 W. Dobbins Road Phoenix, AZ 85041 602.997.7586 or azhumane.org

• Building a standard 2,500-square-foot home creates approximately two tons of construction waste that ends up in landfills. Construction of a green home, however, should generate less waste – often much less.

DECEMBER 2008 Glendale Glitters Downtown Glendale, every Friday and Saturday in December 623.930.2000 or glendaleaz.com/events Historical Downtown Glendale is in the holiday spirit all through December! Each weekend has a special event planned such as Glendale Glitters Spectacular, Gingerbread Nights, Jingle Bell Rockin’ Nights and the Spirit of Holiday Giving. Each night includes festivities such as live musical entertainment, great food, horse-drawn carriage rides and visits from Santa Claus. Celine Dion Jobing.com Arena, Dec. 6th 623.772.3200 or jobingarena.com Stepping away from her four-year run at Caesar’s Palace in Las Vegas, Celine has decided to take her show on the road to promote her new album Taking Chances. Throughout Celine’s career, this talented songbird has been honored with more than 1000 awards and is the top-selling female artist of all time! Las Noches de las Luminarias Desert Botanical Garden, Dec. 11th - 23rd 480.941.1225 or dbg.org Looking for an alternative to a typical holiday light display? Then visit the Desert Botanical Garden and stroll through their paths lined with glowing luminarias. Many performers, including international recording artist Khani Cole and the Dickens Carolers, are on hand to put you in the holiday spirit throughout the night. The Nutcracker Symphony Hall, Dec. 12th - 28th 602.381.1096 or balletaz.org This classic ballet comes to life through Ib Anderson’s revered interpretation, and the unforgettable music by Tchaikovsky. This wonderful story enchants audiences as a little girl, Clara, falls into a magical dreamland in which her nutcracker comes to life. A battle with the Mouse King and the dance of The Sugar Plum Fairy are highlights. What a treat for the whole family! 21st Annual Fiesta Bowl Half Marathon / 5K Scottsdale Civic Center Plaza, Dec. 14th 602.277.4333 or raceplaceevents.com Put your athletic training to use at this annual half marathon and 5K event. Runners will wind through scenic Old Town Scottsdale and the community of Gainey Ranch. The top three winners in each division will receive awards and every participant will receive a unique commemorative medal.

Source: US Green Building Council www.greenhomeguide.com

POP! Children’s Museum of Phoenix, Dec. 31st 602.253.0501 or childrensmuseumofphoenix.com The ultimate New Year’s Eve extravaganza may be at a children’s museum, but this night is all about adults! Celebrate the beginning of a New Year and dance the night away on Phoenix’s largest dance floor. If dancing’s not for you, make your way to the swanky jazz lounge for some soothing music or enjoy the entertainment from a multitude of performing artists!