Live Beautifully | February 2019

20 19

When it comes to the North Scottsdale lifestyle and area real estate, The Luckys are proud to be the eminent source for their clients.

F E B R UA R Y

With 100s of millions of dollars in sales under their belts,

Lisa | Matt | Laura

The Luckys are honored to be reputed as the most proficient and skilled in the industry.

602.320.8415 | Lucky@RussLyon.com View more luxury listings at LisaLucky.com

In This Issue

View the Video on LisaLucky.com!

With near-perfect weather in Scottsdale right now, dining al fresco on the patio at your favorite restaurants is a given. Now, how about taking your outdoor meal up a notch with a delightful picnic? You can enjoy some gourmet eats while basking in the warm sun, all while taking in the gorgeous landscapes Scottsdale is famous for.

COMMUNITY CONNECTION ________________ Spotlight On: Military Assistance Mission REAL ESTATE CORNER ________________ Home Renovations That Don’t Always Increase Your Property’s Value

offered at

$780,000 ________ MLS #5859624

This stunning and impeccably remodeled Saddleback at Troon Village home features custom touches and dramatic views as soon as you walk in the front door. The inviting entryway ushers you inside and the centerpiece fireplace draws the eye to the vaulted ceilings and the walls of

YOUR HOME ________________ Home Décor Trends for 2019

Saddleback at Troon Village 2 Bed + Den + Loft

windows. The remodeled kitchen has beautiful dark

2 Bath

wood custom cabinetry, stainless-steel appliances, gas

2,600 SQ FT

cooktop, large center island with bar seating, and graniteslab countertops. The minimal-maintenance backyard is a paradise with a full landscape remodel, corner pool with fire and water features, covered patio with built-in heaters, built-in BBQ equipped with burners and sink, lounge

AROUND TOWN ________________ Scottsdale Events to Enjoy in February NEW & NOTEWORTHY ________________ People, Places & Things to Know About FEATURED PROPERTY ________________ Stunning Views in Saddleback at Troon Village

PROVISION PERFECTION

Life is a

Picnics just scream for food that’s pretty, portable and with a touch of gourmand to make it extra special. We love stopping in at AJ’s Fine Foods which stocks just about anything you’d need for a picnic. You could stop by the deli to grab a wood-fired brick oven pizza, salads or sandwiches. We love The Caprese, made with fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, onions, basil, EVOO and balsamic on ciabatta; or The European with prosciutto, swiss, spring mix, caramelized onions and a fig preserve on a baguette.

PICNIC!

Or, simply browse the aisles of this upscale grocer for a plethora of picnic-ready snacks such as caviar, specialty olives, charcuterie boards and a self-serve antipasto bar.

Grab a bottle of wine, some sparkling water and a variety of decadent mini-desserts and you’re good to go.

We also love The Herb Box at DC Ranch Marketplace. You can place your to-go order from the regular menu or they have a little market where you can pick up delicious premade salads, fresh fruit or sandwiches. While The Herb Box offers over a dozen spectacular wraps, sandwiches and salads, we love their signature bowls for a picnic because

HEAVENLY SITES Now that your basket is filled with yummy eats and drinks, where are the best places in North Scottsdale, you may wonder? You can’t ever go wrong with the iconic Pinnacle Peak. You can choose to scale the 1.75-mile-long trail to the summit to dine surrounded by fantastic Valley views. Or, simply set up camp at the base of the peak where you’ll find picnic tables, plenty of shady alcoves and restrooms.

We also recommend the George “Doc” Cavalliere park on Alma School Road north of Jomax. This charming little park (just 34 acres in size) tends to be less crowded and offers designated picnic areas, two ramadas and a playground to keep kids happily entertained. Perhaps the best feature for picnickers is the expanse of green artificial turf – ideal for spreading out your picnic blanket and lounging (or even dozing) in the full sun of a glorious winter afternoon.

area to soak in the Arizona sun and panoramic views including the McDowell Mountains and Four Peaks.

11523 E Ranch Gate Road | Scottsdale, AZ 85255

they travel well. Try the Sweet Potato Avocado Baja Bowl with cotija cheese, black beans, onions, quinoa, rosemary-poblano roasted sweet potatoes, Tabasco fried shallots, blackened shrimp and a jalapeno avocado dressing.

CORPORATE OFFICE:

CONTACT:

The Luckys North Scottsdale 7669 East Pinnacle Peak Road, Suite 110 Scottsdale, AZ 85255

602.320.8415 Lucky@RussLyon.com LisaLucky.com

1. Adding a Swimming Pool – While it seems that most homes in our area have a swimming pool, the cost of installing one generally outweighs the value that it will add to your home when it’s time to list. Additionally, keep in mind that not every potential homebuyer wants the expense and maintenance of a pool.

2. Investing in Renovations That Aren’t Universally Appealing – Fabulous new lighting fixtures, designer paint and flooring, expensive window treatments; these can be tricky if you go too trendy or stylistic. Instead of focusing on what you would like, compel yourself to choose what is generally appealing to a broad target market. Bear in mind too, that not all “improvements” will actually give the home any additional resale value.

3. Spending Too Much on Materials and Too Little on Installation – When it comes to the materials and the installers you choose, buy well and hire well. Sometimes homeowners spend the bulk of their budget on the most expensive materials they can afford, assuming it will translate to a higher ROI. But if it’s installed with poor craftsmanship, even the finest materials can fall flat.

4. Not Knowing When to Stop Upgrading – Don’t feel that you need to upgrade every facet of your home. The key here is to find the 20% of the upgrades that will add 80% of the value.

5. Completing Renovations That Don’t Match the Neighborhood – The bulk of a home’s value is determined by comparables within the neighborhood. Even if you spend $75,000 to build a separate guest casita, if other homes in the area don’t have one, it will not add a dollarto-dollar value to your bottom line.

SPOTLIGHT ON:

AzMam.org WHAT THEY DO: With a multitude of programs and giving initiatives, Military Assistance Mission (MAM) provides financial and moral support to Arizona’s active duty military, their families and post-9/11 Purple Heart recipients. Financial support includes paying for items such as rent, mortgage, car payments and insurance, and utilities for their lowest-ranked service members.

Military Assistance Mission offers programs such as: • Financial Assistance • GIGG – This GI Gap Grant helps transitioning active duty and reserve service members with financial aid for the gap in between service and college while waiting for the first GI Bill payment to come in.

• Seats for Soldiers – The Arizona Cardinals and the Arizona Diamondbacks provide specials seats and recognition at a game.

• Ticket Program • Sanderson Ford Classroom – MAM holds free classes for service members, veterans and their spouses with a variety of topics from financial guidance and tax preparation, to resumé writing, car maintenance, and more.

• Back 2 School – Every summer MAM organizes a drive to collect school supplies for military children in Arizona to ensure that they are able to go to school in the fall with the same supplies as their civilian classmates.

• Operation Holiday Open House • Holiday for Heroes • Work for Warriors – MAM partners with, and helps facilitate employment, with veteran-friendly companies whose goal is to hire heroes.

Military Assistance Mission (MAM) provides financial and moral support to Arizona’s active duty military, their families and post-9/11 Purple Heart recipients.

6. Refinancing Before Completing the Renovations – Some homeowners end up needing to refinance for cash out to complete the projects with a plan to do the work, then refinance with a higher appraisal amount.

However, if the renovations aren’t finished when the appraiser comes out to the property, the loan will not fund.

Wondering what the right choices are in making improvements to your home? Luckily, we are experts at advising you on what improvements will be beneficial and which ones to stay away from. Call on us for a free, no-obligation consultation on your AL individual property! 602.320.8415

RE E S TAT E

corner

HOW CAN YOU HELP? Volunteer, donate, sponsor, or support events such as: • Tour of Duty Charity Ride – this year on March 9th • Golf Classic • Chips 4 Troops Casino Night – this year on March 15th • Freedom Breakfast

Home Décor Trends

new

& NOTEWORTHY

WHAT’S IN & WHAT’S OUT THIS YEAR

As with anything, trends for the home come and go.

If you’re curious about what the style-statements are this year and what is now considered passé, read on for some highlights on what you’ll be seeing (and what might be screaming “dated!”).

OUT: Although it’s had quite a resurgence since its heyday in the 1970s, the boho, macramé, batik style that’s been popular the last few years is over. Ikat and tribal-patterned textiles and wallpapers are looking tired and old. Instead, look for fresh geometric or floral prints.

IN: Dark, sultry bathrooms that evoke a luxurious and indulgent experience are making their way into homes across the Valley. Think richly painted walls in hues of navy, charcoal gray and even black. Dark woods, inky granites and even dark-hued sinks, toilets and bathtubs combine to set a romantic and sumptuous ambiance.

OUT: Gray everything. Not that gray is completely out, but the style that that has been so, so popular wherein entire rooms, if not entire homes, are decked out in neutral grays has been so overdone that it’s now finally died off. What’s taking the place of gray? We’re moving back to tones of beiges and browns.

color, to daring patterns and materials, we’re going to see more and more personality in our kitchens this year.

OUT: Letter art. You know, the big and bold words hung on walls and filling up Pinterest boards all over the nation. From “EAT” or “Farmhouse” in the kitchen to “Live, Laugh, Love” in a bedroom, this too is a trend that has hit its peak.

IN: Light wood for floors. The rich, dark stains and wood grains have given way to a more open and airy style. Think maple, birch, beech or white oak. Here too, you’ll see more creamy and beigey tones rather than grays.

COASTAL CHIC The team behind Steak 44 and Dominick’s Steakhouse recently opened the sleek and sexy Ocean 44 in the former Harkin’s Camelview space on Goldwater Boulevard. Expect the same upscale vibe and experience you’ve come to expect from these restauranteurs but with a distinct coastal feel.

With intimate dining areas, seating for large groups, a lively bar and a spectacular glass-enclosed exposition kitchen; Ocean 44 promises to deliver the highest-quality seafood and prime-grade steaks as the stars of the menu. Ocean44.com

OUT: Accent walls. Whether painted a different color than the other walls in the room, or perhaps wallpapered while the other walls aren’t, this trend which has been popular for over a decade is definitely looking dated now.

IN: Bold kitchen backsplashes. Here is where your sense of individuality and style can pop through in even neutral-toned kitchens. From bright splashes of

• Hats for Heroes

FEBRUARY 13 | AlicesTable.com

FEBRUARY 22 | DesignForDogs.org

FEBRUARY 24 | EventBrite.com

Gal-Entine’s Flower Arranging

Design for Dogs 2019

Make it about you this Valentine's Day! Head to the Sorso Wine Room at

Design for Dogs is a custom doghouse design + build competition, silent

Scottsdale Chorus Harmony Golf Classic

the Scottsdale Quarter for an evening of floral arranging fun! Grab your girls

auction, and most importantly, a fundraiser! Hosted by Facings of America since

and unleash your creative side while sipping some wine. You’ll be guided

2015, this dog-centric architectural event showcases one-of-a-kind doghouse

Come out and support your Scottsdale Chorus, the six-time

step-by-step in creating your floral masterpiece by an instructor and at the

creations by local architects, interior designers and builders. This family-

end of the night, you’ll bring home your handmade creation in a stylish

friendly event has something for everyone...food, music, beer and wine tasting,

vase along with your new flower tips and tricks! Food and beverages will be

local vendor booths, a puppy kissing booth, AND...some lucky winners will go

available for purchase.

home with cool, new custom homes for their furry friends!

Sweet Adelines International Gold Medal Champions, at their 8th annual golf event – this year at Top Golf in Scottsdale.

There’ll be two rounds of golf games, a buffet dinner, raffle prizes and entertainment by the chorus. Sponsorship packages, individual tickets and dinner-only options are available.

IT’S BEEN BREWING That’s right, you may have noticed construction on a spacious, two-level building at the corner of Hayden and Northsight. Sure enough, Arizona craft brewer State Forty Eight, located in Surprise, has opened a brewery and restaurant to serve their Scottsdale fans – State Forty Eight Lager House. With a focus on lagers and barrel-aged brews, and an elevated pub-style menu, patrons can get a taste of their popular locally made suds. State48Brewery.com

February

Many homeowners understand that they may need to invest in some home improvements before they put their property on the market.

However, it’s wise to understand which improvements will be a good return on your investment, and which ones may be a waste of money.

Here, we’ve outlined why some renovations may be a mistake:

2019

Home Renovations That Don’t Always Increase Your Property’s Value

1. Adding a Swimming Pool – While it seems that most homes in our area have a swimming pool, the cost of installing one generally outweighs the value that it will add to your home when it’s time to list. Additionally, keep in mind that not every potential homebuyer wants the expense and maintenance of a pool.

2. Investing in Renovations That Aren’t Universally Appealing – Fabulous new lighting fixtures, designer paint and flooring, expensive window treatments; these can be tricky if you go too trendy or stylistic. Instead of focusing on what you would like, compel yourself to choose what is generally appealing to a broad target market. Bear in mind too, that not all “improvements” will actually give the home any additional resale value.

3. Spending Too Much on Materials and Too Little on Installation – When it comes to the materials and the installers you choose, buy well and hire well. Sometimes homeowners spend the bulk of their budget on the most expensive materials they can afford, assuming it will translate to a higher ROI. But if it’s installed with poor craftsmanship, even the finest materials can fall flat.

4. Not Knowing When to Stop Upgrading – Don’t feel that you need to upgrade every facet of your home. The key here is to find the 20% of the upgrades that will add 80% of the value.

5. Completing Renovations That Don’t Match the Neighborhood – The bulk of a home’s value is determined by comparables within the neighborhood. Even if you spend $75,000 to build a separate guest casita, if other homes in the area don’t have one, it will not add a dollarto-dollar value to your bottom line.

SPOTLIGHT ON:

AzMam.org WHAT THEY DO: With a multitude of programs and giving initiatives, Military Assistance Mission (MAM) provides financial and moral support to Arizona’s active duty military, their families and post-9/11 Purple Heart recipients. Financial support includes paying for items such as rent, mortgage, car payments and insurance, and utilities for their lowest-ranked service members.

Military Assistance Mission offers programs such as: • Financial Assistance • GIGG – This GI Gap Grant helps transitioning active duty and reserve service members with financial aid for the gap in between service and college while waiting for the first GI Bill payment to come in.

• Seats for Soldiers – The Arizona Cardinals and the Arizona Diamondbacks provide specials seats and recognition at a game.

• Ticket Program • Sanderson Ford Classroom – MAM holds free classes for service members, veterans and their spouses with a variety of topics from financial guidance and tax preparation, to resumé writing, car maintenance, and more.

• Back 2 School – Every summer MAM organizes a drive to collect school supplies for military children in Arizona to ensure that they are able to go to school in the fall with the same supplies as their civilian classmates.

• Operation Holiday Open House • Holiday for Heroes • Work for Warriors – MAM partners with, and helps facilitate employment, with veteran-friendly companies whose goal is to hire heroes.

Military Assistance Mission (MAM) provides financial and moral support to Arizona’s active duty military, their families and post-9/11 Purple Heart recipients.

6. Refinancing Before Completing the Renovations – Some homeowners end up needing to refinance for cash out to complete the projects with a plan to do the work, then refinance with a higher appraisal amount.

However, if the renovations aren’t finished when the appraiser comes out to the property, the loan will not fund.

Wondering what the right choices are in making improvements to your home? Luckily, we are experts at advising you on what improvements will be beneficial and which ones to stay away from. Call on us for a free, no-obligation consultation on your AL individual property! 602.320.8415

RE E S TAT E

corner

HOW CAN YOU HELP? Volunteer, donate, sponsor, or support events such as: • Tour of Duty Charity Ride – this year on March 9th • Golf Classic • Chips 4 Troops Casino Night – this year on March 15th • Freedom Breakfast

Home Décor Trends

new

& NOTEWORTHY

WHAT’S IN & WHAT’S OUT THIS YEAR

As with anything, trends for the home come and go.

If you’re curious about what the style-statements are this year and what is now considered passé, read on for some highlights on what you’ll be seeing (and what might be screaming “dated!”).

OUT: Although it’s had quite a resurgence since its heyday in the 1970s, the boho, macramé, batik style that’s been popular the last few years is over. Ikat and tribal-patterned textiles and wallpapers are looking tired and old. Instead, look for fresh geometric or floral prints.

IN: Dark, sultry bathrooms that evoke a luxurious and indulgent experience are making their way into homes across the Valley. Think richly painted walls in hues of navy, charcoal gray and even black. Dark woods, inky granites and even dark-hued sinks, toilets and bathtubs combine to set a romantic and sumptuous ambiance.

OUT: Gray everything. Not that gray is completely out, but the style that that has been so, so popular wherein entire rooms, if not entire homes, are decked out in neutral grays has been so overdone that it’s now finally died off. What’s taking the place of gray? We’re moving back to tones of beiges and browns.

color, to daring patterns and materials, we’re going to see more and more personality in our kitchens this year.

OUT: Letter art. You know, the big and bold words hung on walls and filling up Pinterest boards all over the nation. From “EAT” or “Farmhouse” in the kitchen to “Live, Laugh, Love” in a bedroom, this too is a trend that has hit its peak.

IN: Light wood for floors. The rich, dark stains and wood grains have given way to a more open and airy style. Think maple, birch, beech or white oak. Here too, you’ll see more creamy and beigey tones rather than grays.

COASTAL CHIC The team behind Steak 44 and Dominick’s Steakhouse recently opened the sleek and sexy Ocean 44 in the former Harkin’s Camelview space on Goldwater Boulevard. Expect the same upscale vibe and experience you’ve come to expect from these restauranteurs but with a distinct coastal feel.

With intimate dining areas, seating for large groups, a lively bar and a spectacular glass-enclosed exposition kitchen; Ocean 44 promises to deliver the highest-quality seafood and prime-grade steaks as the stars of the menu. Ocean44.com

OUT: Accent walls. Whether painted a different color than the other walls in the room, or perhaps wallpapered while the other walls aren’t, this trend which has been popular for over a decade is definitely looking dated now.

IN: Bold kitchen backsplashes. Here is where your sense of individuality and style can pop through in even neutral-toned kitchens. From bright splashes of

• Hats for Heroes

FEBRUARY 13 | AlicesTable.com

FEBRUARY 22 | DesignForDogs.org

FEBRUARY 24 | EventBrite.com

Gal-Entine’s Flower Arranging

Design for Dogs 2019

Make it about you this Valentine's Day! Head to the Sorso Wine Room at

Design for Dogs is a custom doghouse design + build competition, silent

Scottsdale Chorus Harmony Golf Classic

the Scottsdale Quarter for an evening of floral arranging fun! Grab your girls

auction, and most importantly, a fundraiser! Hosted by Facings of America since

and unleash your creative side while sipping some wine. You’ll be guided

2015, this dog-centric architectural event showcases one-of-a-kind doghouse

Come out and support your Scottsdale Chorus, the six-time

step-by-step in creating your floral masterpiece by an instructor and at the

creations by local architects, interior designers and builders. This family-

end of the night, you’ll bring home your handmade creation in a stylish

friendly event has something for everyone...food, music, beer and wine tasting,

vase along with your new flower tips and tricks! Food and beverages will be

local vendor booths, a puppy kissing booth, AND...some lucky winners will go

available for purchase.

home with cool, new custom homes for their furry friends!

Sweet Adelines International Gold Medal Champions, at their 8th annual golf event – this year at Top Golf in Scottsdale.

There’ll be two rounds of golf games, a buffet dinner, raffle prizes and entertainment by the chorus. Sponsorship packages, individual tickets and dinner-only options are available.

IT’S BEEN BREWING That’s right, you may have noticed construction on a spacious, two-level building at the corner of Hayden and Northsight. Sure enough, Arizona craft brewer State Forty Eight, located in Surprise, has opened a brewery and restaurant to serve their Scottsdale fans – State Forty Eight Lager House. With a focus on lagers and barrel-aged brews, and an elevated pub-style menu, patrons can get a taste of their popular locally made suds. State48Brewery.com

February

Many homeowners understand that they may need to invest in some home improvements before they put their property on the market.

However, it’s wise to understand which improvements will be a good return on your investment, and which ones may be a waste of money.

Here, we’ve outlined why some renovations may be a mistake:

2019

Home Renovations That Don’t Always Increase Your Property’s Value

20 19

When it comes to the North Scottsdale lifestyle and area real estate, The Luckys are proud to be the eminent source for their clients.

F E B R UA R Y

With 100s of millions of dollars in sales under their belts,

Lisa | Matt | Laura

The Luckys are honored to be reputed as the most proficient and skilled in the industry.

602.320.8415 | Lucky@RussLyon.com View more luxury listings at LisaLucky.com

In This Issue

View the Video on LisaLucky.com!

With near-perfect weather in Scottsdale right now, dining al fresco on the patio at your favorite restaurants is a given. Now, how about taking your outdoor meal up a notch with a delightful picnic? You can enjoy some gourmet eats while basking in the warm sun, all while taking in the gorgeous landscapes Scottsdale is famous for.

COMMUNITY CONNECTION ________________ Spotlight On: Military Assistance Mission REAL ESTATE CORNER ________________ Home Renovations That Don’t Always Increase Your Property’s Value

offered at

$780,000 ________ MLS #5859624

This stunning and impeccably remodeled Saddleback at Troon Village home features custom touches and dramatic views as soon as you walk in the front door. The inviting entryway ushers you inside and the centerpiece fireplace draws the eye to the vaulted ceilings and the walls of

YOUR HOME ________________ Home Décor Trends for 2019

Saddleback at Troon Village 2 Bed + Den + Loft

windows. The remodeled kitchen has beautiful dark

2 Bath

wood custom cabinetry, stainless-steel appliances, gas

2,600 SQ FT

cooktop, large center island with bar seating, and graniteslab countertops. The minimal-maintenance backyard is a paradise with a full landscape remodel, corner pool with fire and water features, covered patio with built-in heaters, built-in BBQ equipped with burners and sink, lounge

AROUND TOWN ________________ Scottsdale Events to Enjoy in February NEW & NOTEWORTHY ________________ People, Places & Things to Know About FEATURED PROPERTY ________________ Stunning Views in Saddleback at Troon Village

PROVISION PERFECTION

Life is a

Picnics just scream for food that’s pretty, portable and with a touch of gourmand to make it extra special. We love stopping in at AJ’s Fine Foods which stocks just about anything you’d need for a picnic. You could stop by the deli to grab a wood-fired brick oven pizza, salads or sandwiches. We love The Caprese, made with fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, onions, basil, EVOO and balsamic on ciabatta; or The European with prosciutto, swiss, spring mix, caramelized onions and a fig preserve on a baguette.

PICNIC!

Or, simply browse the aisles of this upscale grocer for a plethora of picnic-ready snacks such as caviar, specialty olives, charcuterie boards and a self-serve antipasto bar.

Grab a bottle of wine, some sparkling water and a variety of decadent mini-desserts and you’re good to go.

We also love The Herb Box at DC Ranch Marketplace. You can place your to-go order from the regular menu or they have a little market where you can pick up delicious premade salads, fresh fruit or sandwiches. While The Herb Box offers over a dozen spectacular wraps, sandwiches and salads, we love their signature bowls for a picnic because

HEAVENLY SITES Now that your basket is filled with yummy eats and drinks, where are the best places in North Scottsdale, you may wonder? You can’t ever go wrong with the iconic Pinnacle Peak. You can choose to scale the 1.75-mile-long trail to the summit to dine surrounded by fantastic Valley views. Or, simply set up camp at the base of the peak where you’ll find picnic tables, plenty of shady alcoves and restrooms.

We also recommend the George “Doc” Cavalliere park on Alma School Road north of Jomax. This charming little park (just 34 acres in size) tends to be less crowded and offers designated picnic areas, two ramadas and a playground to keep kids happily entertained. Perhaps the best feature for picnickers is the expanse of green artificial turf – ideal for spreading out your picnic blanket and lounging (or even dozing) in the full sun of a glorious winter afternoon.

area to soak in the Arizona sun and panoramic views including the McDowell Mountains and Four Peaks.

11523 E Ranch Gate Road | Scottsdale, AZ 85255

they travel well. Try the Sweet Potato Avocado Baja Bowl with cotija cheese, black beans, onions, quinoa, rosemary-poblano roasted sweet potatoes, Tabasco fried shallots, blackened shrimp and a jalapeno avocado dressing.

CORPORATE OFFICE:

CONTACT:

The Luckys North Scottsdale 7669 East Pinnacle Peak Road, Suite 110 Scottsdale, AZ 85255

602.320.8415 Lucky@RussLyon.com LisaLucky.com