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A Lifestyle Guide to Fountain HIlls & Northeast Scottsdale fall 2011
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Fall 2011
fall 2011
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On the cover
Citrus tree seminars
A new custom home is being built for Dan and Jan Mershon on Viento Court in Fountain Hills. The views from the home are unsurpassed.
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Urban Garden
The Verdes
Home, Fall 2011 is a publication of Western States Publishers, Inc. • P.O. Box 17869 • Fountain Hills, AZ • 85269 • Editor: Linda d McThrall M Th ll • M Many off th the stories t i iin thi this edition diti are paid advertisements. For more information, call (480) 837-1931 or visit www.fhtimes.com/homeguide.
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Fall 2011
Under construction
Helicopter views accent awesome Crestview home By Barb Charzuk Classic car collector Dan Mershon and his wife Jan are literally high on Fountain Hills. After 30 years of connecting motorists with cars of their dreams, the Springfield, Ohio couple is seeing their vision of a custom home bloom on the Crestview summit. Even three or four months before occupancy, the minimalist contemporary design on Viento Court grabs attention for a couple of reasons. First, it perches on the top of the hill and, from a distance, appears to cling to the cliff’s edge. Secondly, builders have been breaking ground on few new home constructions, a reminder that the housing market remains depressed. The town has issued six building permits for single-family homes and one duplex this year. The Mershons shared a snapshot of their home. The 5,000-square foot house on a 2.36-acre lot features floorto-ceiling glass walls to maximize the 270-degree views facing the town, Fountain, Greater Phoenix and Scottsdale.
Bonnie Tuttle of Tuttle Designer Homes is the architect. “We gave her an idea of what we wanted, and she nailed it,” said Dan. Greager Custom Homes, a town contractor for 18 years, is the builder. The design includes four bedrooms and an optional fifth one; five bathrooms, a glass corner office; fitness room; four-car garage for Dan’s Ferrari and Lamborgini, and a separate twocar garage for Jan. Living space in a great room opens onto covered patios overlooking awesome vistas. Mershon has sold Corvettes and classic vehicles since 1981. After 30 years in the business, he says he is still a car nut. “From a black Model T to a yellow Enzo Ferrari, I’ve owned and loved them all.” He regularly attends the BarrettJackson Automotive Auctions in Scottsdale in January; Hershey and Carlisle, PA shows, and Concours d’Elegance events in Pebble Beach, CA and Amelia Island, FL. Sonoran Lifestyle Real Estate agents Suzanne and Bob Nann met
From a distance, the house appears to be perched on the edge of the cliff. The Mershons hope to move into the house by February. the Mershons at their company’s sales booth during the January 2006 Barrett-Jackson Automotive Auction. Also car enthusiasts, the Nanns, sold a condominium on Panorama Drive to the Mershons. The couple has been winter residents for nearly seven years. Their daughter, Danyel, is a senior at Arizona State University. Son Shelby
works in the family dealership that sells about 350 vehicles annually. They have two grandchildren and another expected in January. “We are very private people,” said Jan, explaining that their new home will be a relaxing destination for them to escape Ohio winters and share with their family. (cont. on page 4)
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Fall 2011
Easy ideas make home smell great
And yet, another view spotlights Scottsdale, bordering Fountain Hills. Architect Bonnie Tuttle designed the home to maximize the 270-degree vistas, said Dan Mershon.
Crestview (cont. from page 3)
They looked at least 150 houses listed on the market before deciding new construction was the route for them. Dan remembers returning time and time again to the Crestview hill and admiring the panorama vistas
that he couldn’t find in an existing house. Once again, he turned to the Nanns who handled the sale of the Crestview lot and learned the prime building site had not sold. “My husband does not like living in a hole,” said Jan in a telephone interview from her Springfield home. One of his extracurricular activities is flying a helicopter on a calm Sunday afternoon.
Master Gardeners schedule fruit-growing clinics in Valley Gardeners can learn how to grow the best fruit ever at two citrus clinics scheduled for January. The University of Arizona Cooperative Extension Maricopa County Master Gardeners will teach participants about the growing citrus. Leading experts, including university faculty and local professionals also will talk about growing apples, peaches, dates and other fruit crops. The East Valley Citrus Clinic will be held Saturday, Jan. 21, 2012, at the Greenfield Citrus Nursery, located at 2558 E. Lehi Rd., in Mesa. A second clinic will be held in the northwest valley Saturday, Jan. 28. Information on that event is available online at www.maricopamastergardener.com/citrusclinic.htm. Clinic topics include tasting the newest and traditional citrus varieties, a display and overview of approximately 100 citrus varieties, how to
fertilize and irrigate trees, integrated pest management, disease identification and management, how to plant trees, how to prune citrus and deciduous fruit, and how to choose lowchill deciduous fruit varieties. Tickets can be purchased in advance for $8 or at the gate for $10 the day of the event. Advanced ticket purchases can be made via credit card online at www.maric o p a m a s t e r g a rd e n e r. com/citrusclinic.htm or by cash or check only at the University of Arizona Cooperative Extension, Maricopa County office at 4341 E. Broadway Rd., Phoenix, AZ from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Tickets for the East Valley Citrus Clinic also can be purchased at Greenfield Citrus Nursery during normal business hours. Maps and directions for both locations are available online.
Standing in what will become the great room centerpiece of the residence, Dan motioned to the sweeping views. “This says it all. It already feels like home.”
Most people want their living spaces to smell clean and fresh. Here are some inexpensive ideas for nice aromas in the home: * Use a chunk of cedar or sandalwood in drawers and closets for a fresh woodsy smell. * Simmer some cinnamon sticks and water in a pot on the stove. * Dab a favorite essential oil onto a piece of fabric and stash it wherever you want a pleasant smell -- even in the car. * Toss a used dryer sheet in the linen closet to keep sheets and towels smelling freshly washed. * Keep plants inside the home. They’ll filter the air and provide a pleasant aroma. * Use lemons to clean the sink and kitchen surfaces for a fresh, citrus smell. * Bake some cookies or another dessert for a wonderful aroma. * Push cloves into an orange. Hang the clove-studded orange on a string and place in a corner.
FireRock Country Club welcomes new GM Geary Goss has been hired as the new general manager of FireRock Country Club. He was selected from more than 100 candidates who responded to the national search. Goss has 24 years of experience as general manager of country clubs in Arizona, California and Texas. He most recently was general manager of Lochinvar Golf Club in Houston. “I’m excited to lead the staff at FireRock Country Club, and I look forwardto enhancing the distinguished services we offer to our members,”
said Goss. FireRock Country Club opened in 1990 as the only private country club in Fountain Hills. It has gained national attention with the Tu s c a n - i n s p i r e d clubhouse and Gary Geary Goss Panks-designed golf course. For more information about FireRock Country Club, call (480) 8368100.
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Fall 2011
Casual Southwestern lifestyle at FireRock FireRock Country Club is the only private golf course in Fountain Hills. Opened in February 2001, the 18hole, par 72 championship golf course is one of the most exclusive, highly acclaimed courses in the Valley for its challenging terrain, amazing mountain views and spectacular red-earth Sonoran Desert. FireRock is a member of the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary System, sponsored by Audubon International. The system helps golf courses enhance wildlife habitat and protect natural resources for the benefit of people, wildlife and the game of golf. Designed by award-winning architect Gary Panks, the course offers challenging play for all skill levels.
Fairways wind through narrow canyons while luxurious homes command the surrounding ridge-tops. Abundant native vegetation lines the emerald green fairways on each hole giving players a truly memorable and rewarding experience. At the heart of this guard-gated community, is the 29,000 square-foot clubhouse with formal and casual dining, expansive patio dining and a full-service lounge, all for the member’s enjoyment. The clubhouse provides the perfect setting for nearly any gathering, from birthday parties and weddings to elegant dinners and festive celebrations; the culinary staff creates exquisite fare complemented by unsurpassed service.
FireRock Country Club’s 29,000-square foot clubhouse features formal and casual dining, expansive patio dining and a full-service lounge. Beyond golf, members enjoy tennis, swimming and staying in shape in the fitness center staffed with personal trainers to ensure their workout fits their needs. Because no two members are alike, FireRock offers a variety of
memberships, including golf, sports, social and dining. Style and luxury are paramount at FireRock Country Club. To experience this special community, call FireRock membership at (480) 836-3435.
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Fall 2011
Make decorating changes to reflect the season Some would say the Sonoran Desert has two seasons – a hot summer and a very nice winter. But it just might be possible to squeeze a few more seasons out of the year with creative decorating and painting. By planning ahead, you can make it easy to modify your surroundings to be seasonally -- or even holiday --appropriate. To accommodate changing décor, you should paint your walls a light neutral color, such as off-white, pale taupe, or a subtle grey, advises Debbie Zimmer, color expert at the Paint Quality Institute. “To help guide your color selection, think of your wall color as a blank canvas against which to feature your seasonal items,” she says. Once your wall color is in place, you can focus on other elements in the room that can be rotated in or out as the seasons dictate. Inexpensive area rugs are great in this regard even when placed on top of wall-to-wall carpeting, as are easy window treatments that can simply be thrown over decorative curtain rods. Even a small area rug with red or gold in the pattern will warm up a
room in winter; when spring arrives, replace it with a light green rug. You’ll be surprised how big a difference this one change will make. “When it comes to interior decor, it’s always best to repeat key colors to create a cohesive color scheme,” says
Zimmer. So, take your area rug to a fabric store and find a bolt of material that matches color-wise. Pay attention to the weight: Heavier fabrics work well in fall and winter, while sheers are best for spring and summer. If you want to go further, consider purchasing inexpensive slipcovers in “warm” (deep red, orange, or gold) and “cool” (light blue or green) colors to use in colder and warmer months, respectively. A more economical way to achieve a similar result is to rotate warmand cool-colWarm earth tones bring the beauty of fall from the outdoors ored pillows in. Decorating can reflect the season with just a few changes or cushions at different times here and there. Bring in your best written Hunter Douglas quote...we will meet or beat it!
Switch fan direction
Though ceiling fans are most associated with warm-weather seasons, most can be effective throughout the winter months as well, helping circulate warm air throughout a room in much the same way they circulate cool air during the warmer weather. Most of today’s fans have a switch near the motor housing that alters the direction in which the fan’s blades turn. When a ceiling fan is used in the summer, its blades push the air downward, moving cool air around the room. The air blowing around the room is what cools people within the room. When the blades’ direction is altered, the blades then push the air upward toward the ceiling. This drives the hot air, which typically rises to the top, down toward the edges of the room. This helps circulate warm air throughout a room, making for more even heating. What’s more, this improved heat circulation helps combat window sweating that results from condensation on the glass when hot air is not effectively circulated throughout a home. Now all we have to do is wait for the cooler days so we can reverse our fans.
of the year. Another easy way to render a room more seasonal is with accent pieces placed on the mantel, on shelving, or on other furnishings. One way to do this is to display items with seasonally-appropriate accent colors; or go allin and display collections of seashells in the summer and pine cones in the winter. Of course, you can always set out fresh flowers or cuttings that bespeak the season. In the interest of seasonal decorating, don’t forget that art can imitate life. To that end, you can hang representational paintings or illustrations to reprise the seasonal items you have on display. As an example, think about repeating the fresh flower cuttings in a room with botanical prints of the same plant. “If you’re especially ambitious, you might even dare to do more with your paint color,” says Zimmer. “Not that you’d want to repaint an entire room with each new season, but you actually might be willing to repaint a small accent wall once or twice a year. “Assuming that the wall is easy to access, you could complete the job in just a few hours – a small price to pay if you’re really seasonally-driven.”
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Fall 2011
FH ‘Greening’ group planning urban garden Fountain Hills Downtown Greening Committee is in the process of developing an Urban Demonstration Garden and Learning Center. A sub-committee of the Greening of Downtown made a presentation to the Fountain Hills Town Council in September, offering a proposal for the project. Debbie Yin, who chairs the sub-
garden would include a vertical wall to produce food, along with horizontal raised bed gardens, baskets and succulent wall art. A learning center also is part of the plan. The demonstration kitchen/ learning center could be used for wellness programs, education and entertainment. The final piece is research and development, Yin said.
Garden Center Concept committee, said her group has been working most of the last two years to develop the concept. Working from an idea spawned by Fountain Hills Realtor Mary Ann Michaels, the group has proposed a three-part plan. The concept plan includes a stateof-the-art urban garden, which could be used by the public for ideas and educational purposes. The working
“We want to work collaboratively with a variety of people on this piece,” she said. “We hope to work with ASU, the Biosphere in Tucson, banks, entrepreneurs and others to bring this all together.” The subcommittee has been given a directive from the Town Council to continue to move forward with the project. The organization currently is
working on a business plan and budget to ultimately present to the council. “We want to have everything as precisely in place as possible before presenting the plan to the council,” Yin said. One of the hopes of the group is to use a 1.8 acre plot of land to develop the garden and learning center. The land, located south of the Community Center, is owned by the town. The property is in the town’s master plan as a performing arts center. It would be possible for the garden to remain at the site until work begins on the performing arts center. It is one piece of the proposal the council will be considering. The project was compared to community gardens in Longmont, Colo., Boston and New York City, on a smaller scale. The major components of the garden include low-water use in small-space gardens, vertical wall gardens, horizontal raised gardens and succulent wall gardening. The learning center would be utilized to develop educational and wellness programs, cooking classes and seminars, provide artisan displays, be used as a gathering place and to build partnerships. The goal of the committee is to make Fountain Hills “the destination and go-to place” in Arizona when
Debbie Yin
thinking “green.” The strategic plan is to provide healthy, local produce and state-of-the-art excellence in gardening practices. It also includes the goal to promote innovative urban gardening practices. Jerry Butler is chair and project leader for Greening of Downtown. For more information, visit www. fountainhillscca.org/UrbanDevelopmentGardenandLearningCenter. Greening of Downtown was organized in 2009 and has been evolving and creating improvements throughout the community since then. Among its completed projects are planting 94 trees in Fountain Park, installing two gardens, putting up three commemorative columns and enhancing two islands in Fountain Lake. For 2011, the group plans to complete event area landscaping, plant sidewalk shade trees, enhance Duck Island and landscape park bench areas. The committee also plans to landscape Centennial Circle at the Community Center.
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Fall 2011
Eagles Nest busy with building activity Eagles Nest, the gated custom lot community on the eastern slopes of the McDowell Mountains in Fountain Hills, is experiencing a good amount of building activity. “To date, a total of 11 luxury custom homes have been built in this exclusive, gated community,” said Shelley Johnson, spokesperson for MCO Properties. “In addition, we have one home in the design phase and six homes under construction.” With inspiring views of the surrounding mountain ranges and close proximity to McDowell Mountain Regional Park and its outdoor recreational opportunities, Eagles Nest provides families with sophisticated living and plenty of adventurous recreational options. Developed by MCO Properties, the 244 custom lots within Eagles Nest are positioned in an estate-like setting, ranging in size from one acre to 21 acres. “The caliber of custom home builders and designers that are building in Eagles Nest is impressive,” said Johnson. “Richard Sinagoga of RS Homes built two estatesized custom homes in Eagles Nest.
RS Homes of Scottsdale, Arizona has been the winner of the Home Builders Association “Custom Home of the Year” award for the past five years. Development of custom homes at Eagles Nest has been taken to a new level.” Eagles Nest boasts a natural desert setting with native wildlife, abundant desert foliage, hiking trails and rolling terrain. Eagles Nest provides a pub- Custom homes are popping up in the gated custom lot community of Eagles Nest. Eleven luxury lic pedestrian homes have been built in the estate-like setting with magnificant mountain and desert views. hiking trail for those wishing to connect up to trails To learn more about Eagles Nest ing.com or call an Eagles Nest sales in the McDowell Mountain Regional visit the Website at EaglesNestLiv- associate at (480) 837-1005. Park system.
Create sustainable kitchens and bathrooms
Not that long ago, the “green” bathroom or kitchen conjured images of avocado appliances or sea foam colored toilets. Today, however, “green” takes on an entirely different connotation. Kitchens and baths that employ environmentally conscious products and procedures are growing in popularity. Individuals inclined toward green
spaces may wonder just how to achieve a sustainable kitchen or bath. The concept lies in rooms that use less water and energy than traditional rooms. Getting started could involve choosing fixtures that require less water usage. Low-flow faucets and showerheads and reduced-capacity toilets can go a long way toward saving wa-
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ter. Using these conservation fixtures does not mean a homeowner has to sacrifice creature comforts. New technology means that despite reduced water use, the fixtures still provide ample pressure for showering and hand-washing and adequate flushing power. If a toilet was installed prior to 1994 it should be replaced with a more efficient model. Being sustainable means more than just reducing water, however. Other changes can be employed all at once or gradually. Recycled glass tile as a backsplash or in a shower surround is an idea. It utilizes glass that has been recycled and is a smart, ecofriendly option. Consider flooring made from recyclable or sustainable materials. Bamboo quickly replenishes itself in the wild, making it a truly green item. However, vinyl flooring made from composite recycled materials is also practical. In terms of saving energy, lower the thermostat on the water heater. Not only will this reduce the chance of scalding, but it saves energy to heat
water. Replacing inefficient lighting fixtures can go a long way toward saving energy, too. Shop for attractive, yet efficient, fixtures that employ CFL bulbs or even LEDs. When shopping for bathroom and kitchen essentials, such as towels, toilet tissue and cosmetic products, be conscious of the way these products are made and manufactured. Choose recyclable paper products whenever possible. Be sure to have a recycling pail in both the kitchen and the bath to collect items that shouldn’t be trashed, but recycled. This includes cardboard toilet paper tubes, plastic product bottles and more. Green appliances call to mind energy-efficient dishwashers and refrigerators. But green can extend to the stove, too. Induction cooktops provide faster heating times and more efficient cooking than gas or electric alternatives. Induction enables 90 percent of the heat generated to go directly into the cooking vessel. Induction cooktops work with magnets, making them a safer choice for families.
HOME / 9
Fall 2011
The Verdes
Verde golf clubs have new amenities, activities As of July 1 this year the membership at Tonto Verde took ownership of their own golf club. The transition from ownership by the developer to residents went smoothly and the club got off to a good start bringing in 30 new members with a special promotion over the summer. There are compelling reasons why Tonto Verde is the golf club attractive to many people. Most significant is that the club is debt free and financially sound. Dues are competitive with other area premiere clubs that don’t offer the TVGC value of 36 championship, scenic holes and use of private carts. The club memberships are limited so that playing access is purposefully managed. In addition, Tonto Verde’s Santa Fe style clubhouse notably won first place in the 2010 Golf Inc. Magazine’s competition for the renovation category. Members enjoy chef prepared dining and use of modern exercise and pool facilities. The golf club provides enjoyment for members and their friends to challenging play on a beautiful 18hole putting green designed by Gary Panks with mountain views and two lakes. There is also access to the putting, chipping and driving range with the use of complimentary practice balls. Also on July 1, Al Vallecorsa took over as director of golf for Tonto Verde Golf Club. Vallecorsa has much of his experience in bringing new clubs on line and helping those with financial issues. While Tonto Verde fits neither of those situations, he believes his strong financial background helped set him apart from other candidates seeking the job. Vallecorsa is a graduate of the University of Arizona, where the competition for the golf team was just too good. He attended Brophy Prep High School in Phoenix and played on the golf team there, and even that school has produced some PGA Tour players. Vallecorsa began working at the Camelback Golf Club, associated with the five-star Camelback Inn in Phoenix, when he was in high school. He continued working there through college and it was his first job after graduation. His career has taken him to Desert Forest in Carefree, Troon, Flagstaff Ranch, a club he helped start from the beginning of the construction phase.
He moved on to serve as general manager at Pinewood Country Club in Munds Park and had to deal with getting the club back on its feet after a disastrous flood. Vallecorsa most recently worked at the Hassayampa Golf Club in Prescott, where he served as general manager and director of golf. Just down the road, Tonto Verde’s older sibling community, Rio Verde, is also offering a special promotion for new members. Rio Verde Country Club recently unveiled its new Ambassador Preview Program that is offering reduced rates and additional membership opportunities for its private golf club. A total of seven different membership options are currently available, ranging from annual membership
programs to preview membership opportunities. In addition, all of the membership programs are being offered with significantly reduced initiation fees. “Our Ambassador Preview Program has a variety of different options to choose from, including programs for those who are ready to become a fulltime member, as well as some preview options for those who want to take a test-drive before making the longterm commitment,” said Jay Critcher, general manager of Rio Verde Country Club. The Ambassador Preview Membership offers a one-year trial membership opportunity, with a commitment only to pay monthly dues for the 2012 calendar year. Upon completion of the year-long trial membership, the
Preview Member will have the option to join the club and become a full (regular) member by paying the initiation fee. Along with the Ambassador Preview Membership, there are three regular membership options available. The Resident Membership is available to residents living in the Rio Verde community. The NonResident Membership has the same pricing as the Resident Membership, except it is available to those living outside of the Rio Verde community, and includes the use of club golf carts. The Individual Membership, which is available to both resident and non-resident single-golfer households. Pricing details are available by contracting Rio Verde Country Club.
‘Green’ lifestyle not hard to achieve There are numerous ways a person can enhance a green lifestyle. While these changes help protect the planet, they’ll also help keep a few extra dollars in your wallet. 1. Conserve water: Install low-flow faucets, showerheads and toilets that reduce the consumption of water in the household. If it’s not quite time to install new fixtures, turn off the tap between washing dishes or brushing your teeth. 2. Install motion-detecting lights: Motion-detector lights can be installed in different rooms of the home and outdoors. Lights will automatically turn on and off depending on the activity in the area, reducing the chances of a light being left on inadvertently and wasting money and energy. 3. Use solar: You may have been toying with the idea of solar panels
for years. They can be installed on the roof or in the yard to power various components of the household. Today it is possible to buy used solar panels at a savings. 4. Insulate your home: Aluminumclad storm doors in the entryway of your home can buffer against harsh weather conditions. While you’re creating a more air-tight space, caulk around windows and doors. 5. Replace air filters: Your HVAC system likely has filters inside that trap dirt and contaminants. Replacing the filters leads to cleaner indoor air and helps the unit run more efficiently. 6. Use power strips: Stock up on power strips and plug all of your peripherals and computer equipment into these strips. This way when you want to power down everything completely, you simply turn off the power
button on the strip. 7. Install fans: Fans aren’t just useful in the summer. In the winter, the blades can be set to rotate in the opposite direction and help draw warm air into the room, heating more efficiently. 8. Set up rain barrels: Put rain barrels at the downspouts of your home’s gutter system. These barrels collect water that can be used to water indoor and outdoor plants, or even wash the car. Some feature a spigot to which you can directly connect a garden hose. 9. Plant trees: Trees are good for the environment in many ways, producing necessary oxygen for life and offering food and living areas for wildlife. Trees can also shade a home during the warm weather, helping reduce energy consumption.
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10 / HOME
Fall 2011
Virginia executive heads Scottsdale Realtors group Rebecca F. Grossman has been hired as the next CEO of the Scottsdale Area Association of Realtors (SAAR). She came aboard Oct. 3 to succeed Robert W. Peirce, Jr., who has headed SAAR for 17 years. He will retire at the end of the year. “The SAAR family warmly welcomes Rebecca, her husband, Frank, and their black Lab, Bear. We are confident she will distinguish herself in this role for many years to come as she guides our board, membership and staff to the next level of professionalism and performance,” said Peirce. Grossman comes from the Virginia Peninsula Association of Realtors where she has been CIO for 17 years. She also has been executive director of the Peninsula Real Estate School during that time. When SAAR announced her selection, Grossman was described as a “skilled communicator, instructor and leader in the association executive ranks.” Most recently, Grossman received the Dr. Almon (Bud) Smith Leadership
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Society award that recognizes association executives who have contributed to the overall excellence of the industry. She is past chairperson of the National Association of Realtors’ association executives, and has been a member of the Real Estate Information Network Managers Council since 1998. Active in her community, she has been a director of the Virginia Peninsula Chamber of Commerce since 2008, a Langley Civic Leaders Association member since 2008, and a member of the Hampton Bay Days Committee since 2004.
Down payment remains obstacle to ownership More than half of renters who wish to buy a home say they are unable to because they’re not able to save enough for a down payment, according to Trulia’s Fall 2011 American Dream survey. Lack of a down payment proved to be the biggest obstacle for young adults (18-34 year olds), as 62 percent cite it as the reason they have been unable to buy a home. Among those aged 35-54, the bigger concern was qualifying for a loan and having a poor credit history, the survey found. “From saving enough for a down payment to qualifying for a mortgage and having a poor credit history, today’s aspiring home owners face many financial obstacles in order achieve
There’s an app for that Not that long ago, publications ran stories about useful Websites. Now we have “apps,” sort of miniWebsites with tools and information on all kinds of topics, including home improvement. App is an abbreviation for applications and basically is a piece of software. It can run on a variety of electronic devices, but it is primarily known for its use on smart phones, such as iPhones, Blackberries and Androids. Having these phones enables the user to carry around a library full of information. For instance, with just a little searching on Google, here is a list of apps you can check out to help with a variety of do-it-yourself home projects: Sherwin Williams ColorSnap The Handman App Kenmore Zillow
ServiceMagic Wikihow Flashlight Home Improvement Checklist Star Home Inventory Home Improvement Glossary Home selling checklist Household hints top tips Home first aid Home budget Level and ruler Dream home Some of the apps are free, while others range from 99 cents to around $10.When researching apps, check out the reviews. Feedback from other users is valuable. You don’t want to spend money on something that doesn’t work well. In any case, it really does seem like there is an app for just about anything you can imagine. So go ahead and use your imagination to find an app for that.
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their American Dream of home ownership,” says Jed Kolko, Trulia’s chief economist. “These obstacles keep some would-be home owners from taking advantage of low mortgage rates. On the other hand, they prevent some people from buying homes they can’t really afford. Government home ownership policies can target some of these obstacles to home ownership, but only stronger economic recovery will help households facing multiple obstacles become better able to buy homes.” Home Ownership Still Ranks High Despite the sluggish real estate market, Americans aren’t turned off to home ownership. In fact, 70 percent of Americans say home ownership is part of achieving the American Dream, according to Trulia’s survey. Fifty-seven percent of current home owners say owning a home is among the best long-term investments they could make, and 80 percent of home owners said they plan to buy another home in the future. Source: REALTOR Magazine Daily News
Brrr...
Do you know the difference between actual air temperature and the windchill temperature? Air temperature is the thermostat reading of the temperature outdoors. Windchill temperature is what it feels like to the body when the wind is blowing. According to the National Weather Service Office of Climate, Water and Weather Services, as the wind increases, it draws heat from the body, decreasing skin temperature and eventually the internal body temperature. Therefore, the wind makes it feel much colder. This phenomena is not often one those in the Desert Southwest worry about.
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HOME / 11
Fall 2011
Create a spacious home with these 7 decorating tips Who wants to live in a cramped, cluttered house? Not you and not prospective homebuyers either. Make your home more livable for yourself and more appealing to others when you take these seven tips: Purge Your Clutter
A cluttered room feels cramped and uncomfortable. If your whole house is cluttered, it probably isn’t very inviting to visitors. Get rid of as much clutter as possible, and investigate some good storage options for the rest of your stuff. 2. Paint Walls and Ceilings Dark paint colors make a room feel like the walls and ceilings are closing in. Busy patterned wallpaper has the same effect. Instead, paint your walls in light colors such as white, cream or pale yellow. The ceiling should be plain white to give the illusion of height 3. Extend Your Floors Do you have throw rugs all over your floors? If so, your rooms probably look even smaller than they really are. Visually, you want your floors to create an unbroken line, and rugs break up that line. Choose light-colored wooden flooring with a high gloss, or neutral colored carpeting. 4. Choose monochrome furniture
When it comes to picking the best furnishings for a small house, the idea is to create visual uniformity within each room. Instead of having several mismatched pieces of furniture, buy matching sets in pale cream or cool greens and blues. 5. Shed Some Light on the Matter Adding light sources is one of the quickest and easiest ways to make a small house seem more spacious. You can light up a dark family room with floor lamps, brighten a dingy study with a cheerful desk lamp and open up a narrow hallway with track lighting. 6. Show Off Your Windows Increase the impact of natural sunlight by trading in your heavy, darkcolored drapes for sheer or light-colored curtains. The longer the curtains, the higher your ceilings will appear. Or hang flat blinds in a light color to make your walls appear longer and wider. 7. Have Fun With Accent Colors
Although your furniture and walls should follow a neutral palette, that doesn’t mean you can’t bring a splash of color into your decorating scheme. Skillfully placed throw pillows, vases or paintings in vibrant shades can attract attention to the best features. These seven easy decorating tips will help you make your home seem more spacious. You will enjoy the new feeling of space, and prospective buyers will find your home inviting and airy. Source: Sue Geurs, The Property Promoters.
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Low housing frustrates some homebuyers Available housing inventory has been picked over for many months, leaving properties that do not seem to suit buyers. “Now that summer is over, we should start to see some fresh inventory,” RE/MAX Sun Properties Realtor Lisa Murray blogged. “If you are a buyer, you should know that the inventory is low and the good ones still sell quickly and for a good price --- sometimes above the list price,” said Murray. On Oct. 1, Fountain Hills had 319 active residential listings; of that number, 177 were single-family homes and only 69 were listed under $400,000, according to Murray. In the luxury price category, 32 homes listing for more than $1 million were available.
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For the family in need of a home in move-in condition, the current market can be challenging, especially for relocating buyers who are looking at making a quick purchase --- thereby eliminating the short sale or foreclosure route. Sellers have been receiving an average of 97 percent of their list price, probably because of the lack of inventory, said Murray. The average closed sales price in September was $373,822 for a single-family residence. Realtors continue to tell prospective buyers that this is a great time if a person has cash or can obtain a loan. Fixed-rate mortgages have inched down to reach 60-year record lows. In the last week of September, the 30-year fixed-rate averaged a record
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low of 4.01 percent while the 15-year fixed-rate set a new record of 3.28 percent. Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage, a real estate firm that tracks market action in Fountain Hills, reported September year to date sales of 628 running 12.5 percent ahead of last year’s year-to-date of 558. Home values in Fountain Hills have declined by an average of 50 percent from 2005-06, compared to other parts of the Phoenix Metro Area that are down 65 percent. “Since the start of the housing decline in late 2007, investors, especially foreign investors, have been the dominant buyers of homes to either fix and
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12 / HOME
Housing (cont. from page 11)
flip or rent out,” observed Jay Butler, W.P. Carey School of Business professor emeritus. “While the local housing market is beginning to produce some positive movement, the surrounding economic environment continues with anemic job and economic growth that is forestalling consumer confidence,” he said. Beyond the impact of foreclosure activity, the absence of a strong moveup market, which Butler said is fundamental to a housing recovery, is limiting any growth in home prices. Property values have been dropping, as seen by the selling price per square foot. In September, the selling price per square foot of $114 was down 10.5 percent from the previous month’s $127 and 5.6 percent down from 120 in September 2010, according to Coldwell Banker’s monthly analysis of September 2011. A trend to watch is the average days on market (DOM) before a property sells. An upward trend in DOM tends
Fall 2011 to indicate a move more toward a buyer’s market; a downward move indicates more of a seller’s market. The Coldwell Banker analysis showed the September DOM was 111, down 12.6 percent from 127 days the previous month and up 2.8 percent from September 2010. The September 2011 DOM was at mid-level compared with September 2009 and 2010. Foreclosures Foreclosures coming on the market may need significant repairs but still hold opportunity for a large segment of buyers. Of the town’s 319 active residential listings on Oct 1, 25 were short sales and 15 lender-owned single-family homes, reported RE/MAX’s Murray. In the next 90 days, 159 properties have scheduled trustee sale dates. Some of those homes, however, might be under contract and will not actually be foreclosed, she said. The Verdes Sales in Rio Verde and Tonto Verde continue to outpace last year’s sales by doubling the number sold as of Sept. 1. Mike Moore of RE/MAX Sun Properties said the cost per square foot
for single family homes was $130.25. The average sale price was down to $340,729. The Cromford Report, a weekly local real estate analysis, showed a 12.8 percent increase in the price per
square foot when compared to last year at this time. One short sale and six bank-owned properties were listed. Moore said the inventory had declined to 56 homes and 18 town homes.
Fall is great time to plant October and November are optimal months for planting in the Desert Southwest. Rita Applegate, who works at Verde Valley Nursery in Fountain Hills, said October definitely is the “planting month” in this part of Arizona. “Every magazine will tell you that October is the best month to plant,” she said. Vegetables, herbs and flowers thrive this time of year. All sun-loving flowers add color and drama to the landscape. “Flowers such as petunias, geraniums, lantana, phlox, daisies, alyssum and snap dragons are just a few of the varieties to plant now,” Applegate said. “ Herbs do well in the desert, and particularly this time of year, she added. Oregano, basil, dill, tarragon, St. John’s wort, mint and other herbs can
be used throughout the fall and winter for seasoning. Some of the vegetables to plant now include tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, lettuce and cucumbers. “These are great this time of year,” Applegate said. “It’s not as easy for us to grow those types of vegetables in the summer because of the heat, but this time of year is really good.” October is also the time of year to overseed lawns and to sow wildflowers, Applegate said. “The lawns do well through the winter, and add that wonderful green we miss in the summer,” she said. “And sowing wildflower seeds can mean beautiful blooms in the spring.” Verde Valley Nursery, owned by John Rolf, is located at 12025 N. Saguaro Blvd. The nursery is stocked for fall planting, Applegate said.
Fountain View Village
Community within a community This year, Fountain View Village marks its 10th year. The Fountain Hills complex is a complete campus of care for senior living. Located at 16455 E. Avenue of the Fountains, the community features independent living, assisted living, memory care and skill nursing all on the same property. As the campus begins its second decade, Fountain View Village is undergoing a $3 million renovation expected to be completed in the first quarter of next year. The facelift includes a color scheme change, with new paint, carpet and furnishings in the common rooms, as well as remodeling of the Bistro (Hours are M-F 11:30am-2pm and the movie theater. The renovation at the skilled nursing center will include the resident rooms as well as the common areas. Fountain View Village is not only a facility for seniors. Rebecca Quinn, director of sales and marketing for the facility, emphasizes that it is “a community within a community.” “We are very much a part of Fountain Hills,” Quinn said. “We are involved in many of the community activities in Fountain Hills.”
Fountain View Village provided a bus and golf cart for Oktoberfest, held in late September in Fountain Hills. Later in October, for the third year in a row, the facility opens its doors to trick or treaters ages infant to 12 on Halloween. It provides blood pressure clinics for the O’Flynn Senior Center and donates to the senior center for its annual fall festival. They also prepare and package the meals for the towns meals on wheels program. The resident council frequently donates the proceeds from their gift shop (Open M-F 1-4pm) to the Extended Hands food bank “We really love being in this community, and we want to give back,” Quinn said. “It means a lot to everyone to be involved.” Fountain View Village recently received a “no deficiency rating” from the state. The rating is the equivalent to an A+ or 100 percent. “We earned this rating by working diligently in every area,” Quinn said. “We are very proud to have achieved this rating.” The local facility also has been named one of the top 10 retirement community’s in Arizona. “These honors are because of the
Fountain View Village hard work of our staff,” Quinn said. “These are people very dedicated to their work and their love for our residents.” Fountain View Village is the second largest employer in Fountain Hills, second only to the Fountain Hills Unified School District. Some 180 people are employed at the complex. Quinn said Fountain View Village can be thought of as a resource for information and activities. She said she is happy to answer questions from the public about Medicare benefits, longterm care policies and veterans’ benefits. “We have frequent speakers who come here and talk on a variety of top-
ics,” she said. A variety of programs and activities are offered every day. Residents have numerous choices and levels of involvement. The Village has a heated swimming pool, a fitness center, a pub and a movie theater. There also is a small restaurant open for lunch to the public. Fountain View Village also makes some of its space available to the public. There are several meeting and dining rooms that can be rented for private functions. For more information, call (480) 836-5000 or visit www.seniorlifestyle. com.
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Fall 2011
Focal Point Design
Economy creates new ways to do business The economy has created challenges for nearly everyone. Erin Hensel, owner of Focal Point Design has faced a number of trials in her business over the past two years. “It (the economy) has made us think of new ways to do business,” she said. “We have had to make adjustments, but in a way, it has been a good test. You find out what you can do in different ways.” Erin, whose business is almost 15 years old, spent her early years working primarily in new custom homes. She currently has custom home clients, but the bulk of her work has changed. “We are involved mostly in updating,” Erin said. “I say people are investing in themselves now. They are staying where they are and making improvements that way.” Erin said she is working on whole houses, as well as individual rooms. Often a client will redo one room completely then finish their homes on a budget by refreshing other rooms. “Paint, some different accessories, maybe some new furniture don’t cost
a lot of money but really help the look and feel of a home,” Erin said. Erin said her business has not slowed down much during this downturn. “We have continued growing,” she said. “I believe it has to do with the way in which we work with our clients.” Good, clear communication is imperative, she said. She works with clients who are not at home while their work is being done. “I work with a lot of out-of-state people,” Erin said. “I have to be able to let them know what is being done and how. The communication is so important to their comfort level and to getting their job done well.” Erin has repeat clients. “That really is a big deal to me,” she said. “It says that people were happy with what we did for them before, and they are ready to work with us again.” Focal Point Design continues its partnership with Hud’s Flooring, located in the space next door, to provide extensive floor coverings options. “Partnering with Hud’s has worked
out really well,” Erin said. “Their ‘client first’ business philosophy mirrors ours. It is a good partnership.” Erin works only with licensed contractors on the remodeling jobs. Projects include everything from a simple bathroom do-over to room additions. Her design studio provides “one stop shopping” in a boutique style for client remodeling needs. Focal Point can get any product carried by highend furniture stores in the Valley. “We can get the same items at very After
Before
competitive prices,” Erin said. “We offer the same quality with great prices, convenience and local community support of shopping in Fountain Hills.” The showroom, located at 16729 E. Palisades Blvd., Suite 104, is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Interior design is by appointment. Call (480) 836-7577. Erin is assisted in the office by Deanna Crandell, who is office and retail manager.
Roadrunner Custom Remodeling
Remodeling ‘in absentia’ wave of the future? There is just something incredible about leaving for the summer with an old outdated bathroom only to return to your winter home and see a brand new one. You completely bypass the mess and stress of a remodeling project. That is exactly what Linda and John Dasher, who winter in Fountain Hills from Iowa, experienced this summer. Patrick Benkowski CR, owner of Roadrunner Custom Remodeling, used today’s technology to keep the Dashers apprised of the remodeling work. As the work was being done, Ben-
Before
kowski was videotaping. He posted the project on youtube.com, enabling the Dashers to see the progress being made. The remodeling job was not only done to update the bathroom, but also to enlarge the master closet. “The bathroom took up a lot of the closet space,” according to Benkowski. “Linda wanted the closet bigger, so we were able to relocate a major control wall and make the changes she wanted.” Linda said she could not be happier with the finished product. “To leave town, have the work going on while you’re gone and return to find everything so perfect was just great,” she said. “We are so happy with the work.” She described the bathroom as “perfect” and the closet as “fantastic.” “Patrick is wonderful,” she said. “The work is phenomenal, and working with him is really, really the best.” Linda said she had no reservations about leaving her home in Roadrunner’s hands. “Patrick is completely trustworthy,” she said. “We have known him for eight or nine years, and we didn’t
hesitate to have his Company do the work while we were in Iowa. It worked out perfectly.” And it was fortuitous that while the bathroom work was being done at the Dashers’ a leak was discovered in the RO system in the kitchen. Repairs were made, and the Dashers could not tell anything had been amiss in their absence. “Patrick and Dan go way above and beyond expectations,” Linda said. “In fact, when we got home we discovered a leak in the water heater. Patrick’s workman fixed that for us after we got home. They are just wonderful about their professionalism. This has been a very pleasant experience.” Linda said they would hire Roadrunner for other projects “in a heartbeat.” The Dashers know Benkowski as a fellow Rotarian. They all belong to Four Peaks Rotary Club in Fountain Hills. Benkowski is a certified remodeler (CR) and served as president of the National Association of the Remodeling Industry, Greater Phoenix Chapter. He also is a member of the Fountain Hills Association of Licensed Contrac-
After tors. He maintains an A+ rating with the Central Arizona Better Business Bureau. Benkowski has a perfect record with the Arizona Registrar of Contractors with not a single complaint filed throughout the 10 + year history of the company. He has been in the remodeling business for 35 years and has lived in Fountain Hills for 11. He can be reached at (480) 8160788. Before and after photos, customer testimonials and other remodeling information are available online at www.roadrunnerremodeling.com.
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Fall 2011
Budget Blinds
Beauty meets function Arizona, and the Sonoran Desert in particular, can prove challenging when it comes to keeping a home cool enough in the summer or warm enough in the winter. Using window coverings provides a
great solution, and Budget Blinds has recently come up with a particularly good one, according to Gloria Guillermo, owner/operator of the Budget Blinds franchise serving Fountain Hills, the Verdes, North Scottsdale,
Budget Blinds’ Signature Series Eclipse is like having three shades in one.
Cave Creek, Anthem, Carefree and North Phoenix. The newest treatment--Signature Series Eclipse (as shown in the picture gracing the windows), is like having “three shades in one,” Gloria said. The cellular shade portion of the Eclipse provides added privacy as well as exceptional insulation from heat, cold and sound; while the sheer shade lets just the right amount of natural light in, allowing the ability to see out and enjoy our breathtaking desert views. “It really is a great piece for this area,” she said. “It works well in summer, winter, and pretty much the whole year round.” Budget Blinds continues to offer its customers a variety of tips and products to enhance the home without breaking the bank. “There are many things budgetconscious homeowners can do to polish the look of their homes and window treatments are a perfect example” said Gloria. She said eco-friendly products are also available through Budget Blinds’ own private label, Signature Series by Budget Blinds. These ‘green’ products are certified by Green Built Home, which reviews and certifies products and building materials as sustainable. Budget Blinds’ Signature Series products are manufactured in facili-
ties with eco-friendly practices, such as using sawdust to fire kilns and heat the factory, re-circulating water in cooling systems saving more than 90 million gallons annually and recycling 75 percent of the total waste in one of its plants. Budget Blinds North Scottsdale, based in Fountain Hills, began operation in 2006. Husband and wife Gene Ferma and Gloria Guillermo own the company which serves homeowners and businesses with complimentary in-home consultations, professional measuring & installation, and a rich selection of quality window treatments including shutters, blinds, draperies, shades awnings and window film. Budget Blinds works with leading window covering manufactures and offers its own private label of window treatments, “Signature Series by Budget Blinds.” Budget Blinds also has area rugs made from renewable resources. Additionally, the company sells rugs made using Nylon 6, a cradle-to-cradle program that recycles nylon rugs instead of depositing them in a landfill. For more information on Budget Blinds serving this area, call (480) 8374975 or visit www.budgetblinds.com/ NorthScottsdale
consign2design
Resale boutique features variety, affordability Let’s say you have been searching for that perfect lamp or unique accessory to finish your design project. And let’s say you have been all over town trying to find it. And then you remember: “consign2design,” a Scottsdale home furnishings consignment boutique that is likely to have exactly what you’re looking for. An upscale, fun shop located at 7342 E. Shea Blvd., Suite 11, in Scottsdale (next door to Harkins Shea 14 Theater), consign2design features vignettes to help shoppers find exactly what they are looking for – or to discover something they love just because it’s there. Owner Tracy Laasch, an interior designer who employs a staff of three other designers, said consigning unwanted furniture and accessories, is beneficial to both buyer and seller. “Consignment has become more and more popular with the soft economy,” Laasch said. “Buying all new furniture may not be practical. But with consignment, people can find wonderful pieces that are like new – but at half the cost. consign2design features full design services, including color consul-
tations, re-design using existing furnishings, custom window treatments and upholstery, along with home staging. In addition to her training with the American Institute of Interior Design in Fountain Hills Laasch is also a certified home staging specialist. The consign2design showroom has a personality all its own. It is designed to give shoppers decorating ideas, and the friendly staff is eager to help. People are encouraged to ask questions and get answers for their decorating projects. The staff, Laasch, Patty Hurtado Berg, Cathryn Marino and Ashley Walters, have created a friendly atmosphere that invites existing clients to return and new customers to become old friends. “We really go the extra mile for our customers,” Laasch said. “The loyalty we have from them reflects that.” As a result of that loyalty, consign2design receives new consignments daily. Laasch says the best way for consignment items to be considered is to bring in photos or send images of your furniture via their e-mail at consign2design@yahoo.com.
The staff appraises and price items using their design knowledge and experience, as well as researching items. consign2design’s contract is 90 days, with price adjustments every 30 days. After 90 days consign2design can either reduce prices further to sell, donate the item to charity or the consignor must pick the item up. Consigners choose the option at time of consignment to be paid either 50 percent cash or 60 percent in store credit for sold consignments. consign2design opened Jul 28, 2010, and expanded into an additional showroom space next door before its first anniversary. For more information, visit their website at www.consign2design.com or call (480) 970-7617. Store hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.
The staff at consign2design makes shopping there fun and informative. The designers include clockwise from left, Ashley Walters, Patty Hurtado Berg, Cathryn Marino and owner Tracey Laasch.
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Fall 2011
Fore Peaks Sales Group
Buying or selling – the appraisal is critical Whether you are buying or selling a house, you will want to consider the way an appraiser evaluates a home. If there is a loan involved in the transaction, the lender requires a current appraisal. Since an appraisal can become the deal breaker, it’s important to understand this step. “When you look at property through an appraiser’s eyes, you will look at it a little differently,” said Michelle Holcomb, designated broker for Fore Peaks Sales Group. In a declining market, the appraisers must be cautious in the evaluations. As a result, sellers, buyers and Realtors have often been frustrated with the results. To remedy some of the current problems, according to Holcomb, appraisers now have a data set available when doing home evaluations, resulting in a more universal approach to home appraisals. “Evaluations are becoming more consistent,” she said.
Michelle Holcomb Holcomb provided an example where sellers (and their Realtors) may disagree with the appraiser evalua-
tion. A backyard pool is generally thought to add value to a home. But there are criteria which will affect that value. What will the market’s reaction be to the existing pool? What is the condition of the pool? Is there functional obsolescence or is the pool up-to-date with mature landscaping, water features, or spa features? Holcomb stressed the importance of appraisals under nearly every circumstance of buying or selling. “There are times when a property is so well-priced that during a cash purchase an appraisal is not needed,” Holcomb said. “But appraisals almost always are a critical part of a real estate transaction.” Holcomb suggested the Website, www.useappraisalmanage.com, for good appraisal information. “There are lots of details and information available on the site that can help buyers and sellers,” she said. Holcomb said that contacting a
Realtor for a market analysis is a great way to begin gathering pricing information. “As Realtors, we don’t have the same training as appraisers. But a free market analysis from any Fore Peaks Realtor will provide valuable pricing data. Collecting as much information as possible during a real estate transaction improves the process, whether buying or selling. “Fore Peaks agents have the experience and sound sense of real estate values to provide you the data required to enable you to make good real estate decisions.” Holcomb recommends that buyers and sellers alike do plenty of research before entering in to a transaction. “Knowledge is power in this market,” she said. “The more you know, the better choices you can make.” Fore Peaks Sales Group is located at 16605 E. Palisades Blvd., #152, in Fountain Hills. Call (480) 836-6877, or visit www.forepeaks.com for additional information.
AZ Grassman
Artificial green lawn even prettier than ‘real’ A green lawn is a thing of beauty. But a green lawn made of living grass can be not so beautiful when you consider all it takes to maintain it: You must water, mow, rake, fertilize, weed, overseed, spray chemicals, etc. It is a long, vicious cycle. And if you opt for gravel, you face the never-ending challenge of weeds, usually requiring chemicals to really keep the unwanted plants under control. It’s not easy keeping gravel looking neat and it certainly is not very usable or attractive.
Dan Bjorkman, owner of AZGrassman, said the artificial turf is kid and pet friendly.
Dan Bjorkman, owner of AZGrassman in Fountain Hills, has an alternative to those scenarios. Dan’s artificial turf business provides choices for homeowners. Artificial turf has properties that give the look and enjoyment of a green lawn but without the hassles. And as an alternative to gravel, it is cleaner and much easier to maintain. “There’s no more dirt or mud, no more burnt grass,” he said. “The plush green look enhances the look and value of your home and yard.” Dan said taking care of real grass can be challenging in the Valley most noticeably when you own dogs and pets. “Real grass is a constant battle in Arizona,” Dan said. “It takes a lot of water to keep it growing and healthy. You have to fertilize it. You have to cut it. There is always maintenance.” Turf on the other hand is maintenance free. After it is installed you can sweep it or blow the leaves off of it. If you have pets, there no longer will be unsightly pet stains. The turf is pet and kid friendly. Used on professional football fields, it is cushiony enough to absorb falls. It also has a striking resemblance to the real thing. With a wide range of grass
types and colors, the appearance of the lawn looks authentic. Dan said turf is a great alternative to gravel, as well. “Gravel can be unsightly, and it requires chemicals to kill weeds,” he said. Turf pays for itself in three to five years in water savings alone, Dan said. To budget for the artificial lawn, calculate the square footage of the yard (multiply length by width) and estimate $4 to $7 per square foot for the turf and installation. An average installation takes one to two days. “The upfront cost to install turf is not a small fee,” Dan said. “But it pays for itself. And it is environmentally
Artificial grass looks like the real deal.
friendly. It is a completely green product and perfect for pets.” The turf is made from recycled materials. It uses no chemicals. Some communities, including Scottsdale, offer rebates to residents who remove their grass and opt for low or no water landscaping. AZGrassman has a new outdoor showroom in Fountain Hills featuring nine different lawns and putting greens at 16628 N. Saguaro Blvd. Call Dan for an appointment for an estimate or to see the showroom. For more information on AZGrassman, call (602) 448-6080, or register for a free quote by visiting www.azgrassman.com.
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Fall 2011
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