SALESOFFICEHOURSOFOPERATIONMonday-Sunday•10am-5pmCongratulationstoMindiCarmackpurchasingLot#77andM

Congratulations to Mindi Carmack purchasing Lot #77 and Mr. and Mrs. Leiphon purchasing Lot #65.

January 2009

SALES OFFICE HOURS OF OPERATION

Monday - Sunday • 10 am - 5 pm

623.939.4900

PEREGRINE MODEL Beautiful single-level estate with 1427 sq. ft. basement.

Complete with 3 bedrooms plus an office and 3 1/2 baths. Over 4800 sq. ft. of superior craftsmanship. Base prices for new construction begin at $639,900.

OSPREY MODEL Stunning single-level estate with over 5800 sq. ft. with a full basement. Includes 4 bedrooms plus den and 3 1/2 baths. Standard amenities include Beechwood cabinets and granite counter tops.

Base prices for new construction begin at $669,900.

KESTRAL MODEL Gorgeous single-level courtyard home includes separate casita with full bath. Choose from 3 unique elevations, the Colonial, Hacienda or Mission. Base prices for new construction begin at $609,900.

Introducing the Aquila Model!

Arizona Ski Destinations

Today’s Mortgage Lending Guidelines What Does It Take To Obtain Financing?

NATE MARTINEZ, RE/MAX Professionals 7111 W. Bell Road, Suite 101 • Glendale, AZ 85308 www.NatesHomes.com www.NatesLuxuryHomes.com 602.942.7000 office • 800.284.1158 toll free 602.430.5226 cell • 602.532.7352 fax NateM@remax.net

Winter Fun!

Fabulous 2991 sq. ft. home has 4 bedrooms and 3 ½ baths. Options include a 3 or 4 car garage, office casita and spacious basement with additional bedrooms, a game room and media room! Base prices for new construction begin at $499,900.

www.TheReserveAtEagleHeights.com.

Produced by Desert Lifestyle Publishing • 480.460.0996

Stick-To-Your-Ribs Cuisine

Roka Akor’s Lamb Cutlets

Arrowhead’s

Hot Real Estate Listings If your home is currently listed, this is not a solicitation for that listing.

Each office independently owned and operated.

Featuring Roka Akor 7299 N. Scottsdale Rd. • Scottsdale 480.306.8800 • www.rokaakor.com

where to find powder right here in arizona.

LAMB CUTLETS IN KOREAN SPICES Lamb 4 x 4 bone rack of lamb 3 1/2 oz. gochujang (red pepper) paste 2 Tbsp. sake 2 tsp. soy sauce 2 Tbsp. mirin (Japanese rice wine) 1/2 tsp. dried chilli powder 1 Tbsp. crushed garlic 1 Tbsp. crushed ginger 5 drops sesame oil

Arizona Snowbowl • Flagstaff, AZ arizonasnowbowl.com • 928.779.1951 Located on the scenic San Francisco Peaks in the Coconino National Forest, the Arizona Snowbowl is just minutes from Flagstaff and only two hours from Phoenix. Both skiers and snowboarders will find plenty of challenging terrain on the 32 trails that encompass the resort. Covering 777 acres and with a vertical drop of 2,300 feet, Arizona Snowbowl is a top pick for those looking for some snowy action! And with four chairlifts running, skiers can head back up for multiple runs in shorter time.

Flagstaff is famous for its many sunny days which lend to great skiing conditions. Plus, guests at Snowbowl are treated to spectacular scenery as you can actually catch a glimpse of the North Rim of the Grand Canyon from the top of the mountain.

In addition to the opportunities for downhill skiers and snowboarders, Arizona Snowbowl’s proximity to the Kachina Peaks Wilderness also offers excellent trails for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.

A full-service rental facility serves the needs of thousands of skiers a year. There’s even a repair shop in which guests can have their gear maintained in top condition.

Butcher the rack into individual cutlets. Trim/clean the bones.

Whisk the sake, soy sauce and mirin into the gochujang paste until smooth. Add the dried chilli powder, crushed garlic, crushed ginger and sesame oil into the paste for a marinade.

Marinate each cutlet individually with the paste and store refrigerated for 12 hours. Grill to desired doneness, turning once.

Sesame Cucumber 1 large continental cucumber, cut into batons 3/4 cup goma (ground sesame) paste 4 Tbsp. toasted sesame seeds 2 Tbsp. castor sugar 1 Tbsp. ginger juice 1 cup dashi soup stock 2 1/2 Tbsp. rice vinegar 2 1/2 Tbsp. sesame oil 1 Tbsp. soy sauce Whisk together goma paste, sesame seeds, sugar, juice, dashi stock, vinegar, sesame oil and soy sauce to make a smooth paste. Coat cucumber batons with 6 Tbsp. of sesame mixture and toss to coat evenly. Keep remaining mix in fridge for up to two weeks.

To Serve: Plate lamb cutlets with a stack of sesame tossed cucumber. Serves 4.

Let us never forget the beauty and wonder that is Arizona. For instance, the fact that there are a multitude of ski resorts within our state borders is simply unimaginable to many. Snow skiing? In the desert? You bet!

While most people think of rattlesnakes, blazing sun and dry, cracked earth when they visualize Arizona, those in the know are well aware of Arizona’s varied and diverse bio zones.

If you’re already a ski bum, or are willing to don a pair and give it a whirl, check out these ski destinations that are right in our own backyard!

Might this be your first time on skis? Or is this the year you’re going to take up boarding? Snowbowl offers several instructional programs for beginners to advanced. Inquire about their specialty children’s programs and their one-on-one personal coaching.

and rentals are available for cross-country and snowshoeing too.

Lastly, inquire about their horse-drawn sleigh rides. With the jingle of the bells, the soft whinny of the horse, and a lap blanket to stay warm, it may be the perfect ending to a rousing day on the slopes.

Sunrise Park Resort • Greer, AZ sunriseskipark.com • 928.735.7669 Owned and operated by the White Mountain Apache Tribe, Sunrise Park Resort offers a scenic escape into Arizona’s winter-time wilderness. Located in Greer, this skiing destination is just a four- to five-hour drive from Phoenix and Tucson.

Many Arizonans are hooked on Sunrise, and with three mountains and 65 runs, it’s obvious that Sunrise offers recreational opportunities for every member of the family. Skiers and snowboarders alike won’t want to miss the Sunrise Express High Speed Detachable Quad Chairlift. This lift anchors the ten lifts on Sunrise Mountain and transports more than 16,000 skiers per hour!

For both snowboarders and skiers, Sunrise offers a terrain park where you can bone up on your freestyle skills. Near the Sunrise Day Lodge, the terrain park features plenty of fun features such as a snow half pipe, implanted wood and metal rails, and a special event area with jumps ranging from beginner to advanced.

The Sunrise Ski School offers personal, specialized instruction for all levels and ages. Don’t want to invest in all the necessary ski gear this year? The Sunrise Rental Shop rents everything from bibs, pants and jackets to hats and gloves. And of course, this is the place to get your complete ski package ­– skis, boots and poles.

Cross-country enthusiasts have over 13 miles of groomed trails to explore. Lessons

Mt. Lemmon Ski Valley • Mt. Lemmon, AZ 520.576.1321 The very existence of Mt. Lemmon Ski Valley tends to break from traditional convention.

Imagine a downhill skiing destination within an hour’s drive from sun-drenched Tucson. As the southernmost ski area in the entire United States, Mt. Lemmon is almost an oddity in an otherwise hot and dry desert.

However, don’t be fooled into thinking that Mt. Lemmon is anything less than a skier’s delight.

Mt. Lemmon itself reaches 9,157 feet to its summit. Ski runs are typically open from mid-December to early April, depending on snowfall. Be sure to call ahead for a ski report.

From the chair lift, skiers and snowboarders catch scenic views of the Santa Catalina Mountains, the city of Tucson, the San Pedro Valley, the Reef of Rocks, even the distant mountains near Globe and Phoenix.

Mt. Lemmon Ski Valley offers equipment rentals and instruction. Private and group lessons are available. If you’re planning a multiple-day excursion, there is plenty of lodging within the nearby village of Summerhaven.

Getting hungry? Fuel those multiple ski runs with a meal from the snack bar or their signature restaurant, The Iron Door.

While smaller than Northern Arizona’s ski destinations, Mt. Lemmon Ski Valley offers the combination of fabulous weather, scenic runs and the opportunity to snow ski and sun bathe all in the same afternoon!

MORTGAGE LENDING: Has the Flow of Money Stopped?

Today’s mortgage lending environment is quite different than it was just a couple of years ago.

Before the “mortgage meltdown” of 2007, lenders were eager to grant mortgages to almost anyone.

Borrowers with little or nothing down, poor credit scores, no proof of employment or income, and little or no reserves in the bank found themselves the proud owners of a home.

However, the mortgage malaise that has affected our global economy in epic proportions has changed the lending landscape for borrowers – perhaps forever. It seems the greatest misconception among homebuyers and borrowers is the opinion that banks have stopped lending and that chances of obtaining a mortgage are slim-tonone. While the days of easy, no-questions-asked lending are over, the truth of the matter is that mortgage loans are still readily available and rates continue to be favorably low.

Now is the time to buy. While the economy is widely expected to be down in 2009, housing sales are expected to be on the rise. Arizona real estate values have fallen significantly over the past two years. Many homes listed for sale today are listed at prices not seen since 2003. A sharp increase in home buying in 2008 has many economists predicting that we are at, or nearing, market bottom. Savvy buyers are taking notice and buying up well-priced homes. In fact, isn’t the best time to buy anything is when it’s on sale?

So you’re ready to make a real estate purchase

but are unsure about acquiring a loan. Let’s talk here about the mortgage industry and what prospective borrowers can expect in our current conditions.

The majority of mortgage lenders now want at least 10% down for primary homes financed with conventional loans under $417,000. Jumbo loans above $417,000 now commonly require at least a 20% down payment. However, there are still a few jumbo loan programs available with just 10% down to the strongest credit and income applicants.

FHA, VA and special government program loans are examples of low-down options that are still available today. For homes priced under $279,000, a homebuyer can buy a home with as little as 3% down with an FHA loan. Eligible veterans can purchase a home for $417,000 or less with as little as zero down through the VA loan program. And in many rural Arizona farm cities there are zerodown loans available through a special USDA Guaranteed Rural Housing program for homes priced under $417,000.

Construction and lot loans are harder to secure in today’s market. There were just a handful of banks in Arizona lending in this sector and many of those banks have pulled out of the market.

Obtaining financing for your construction or lot loan is still possible though. A down payment of 20%-30%, very good credit and strong reserves are typically necessary at this time.

If you are ready to buy but do not have the

down payment required, a high enough credit score or an acceptable debt-to-income ratio, do you have to give up your dream of purchasing that home? Not necessarily. There are options available to help potential homebuyers.

Private lending is making a comeback in today’s market. While banks are tightening up their lending requirements, some borrowers are securing mortgage loans through private lending institutions.

However, private money loans do come at a price with interest rates ranging from 7%-12% depending on the risk analysis. But it is a viable option for many.

Another strategy for the credit challenged is to work with a credit restoration company before attempting to apply for a mortgage. These companies analyze your credit report to identify errors and provide strategies to improve your credit score. With a credit restoration company the worse the credit, the more they can help. By optimizing your credit score you will improve your options for lower down payments and lower interest rates.

Many fortunes have been made in real estate during times of economic downturns. After years of dropping home prices it appears that astute home buyers are really getting excited about the deals to be had. And despite the troubles in the mortgage industry, mortgage lenders are still making loans.

JANUARY 2009 The Lion King ASU Gammage Auditorium, Jan. 2nd – Feb. 8th 480.965.5062 or asugammage.com This Broadway musical has been wowing spectators with its story of a young lion prince who experiences tragedy and learns invaluable life lessons. Before your eyes, the entire Savannah is brought to life through amazing costumes, dancing and a musical score like no other.

The Lion King is the winner of five Tony Awards including Best Costume Design and Best Musical.

Tostitos Fiesta Bowl University of Phoenix Stadium, Jan. 5th 480.350.0900 or fiestabowl.org Debuting in 1972, the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl has become one of the most popular bowl games in college football.

Many pre-game activities will be held at the stadium including a cheerleader-led pep rally and marching bands. Charged-up spectators, spectacular weather and a good, old-fashioned game of football make this one of the Valley’s sources of pride every year.

PF Changs’ Rock ‘n Roll Marathon Wesley Bolin Memorial Plaza, Jan. 18th 800.311.1255 or rnraz.com As one of the most popular racing events in the nation, this marathon and half-marathon draws tens of thousands of participants every year – over 30,000 in 2008. With over 70 bands (and a promise of live music every mile), cheerleaders and dance squads to motivate you, this is one event that puts the “fun” in run. Be sure to check out the big act headliner concert the night of the race as well as the Arizona Health and Fitness Expo, with over 100 exhibits, that takes place the two days prior to the race.

Winemaker Dinner Series Bourbon Steak at the Fairmont Scottsdale, Jan. 21st 480.513.6002 or localwineevents.com Imagine a wine lover’s specially prepared dinner in one of the Valley’s top-rated restaurants. This month’s Winemaker Dinner Series is hosted by DeLille Cellars owner Jay Soloff. Savor award-winning wine carefully paired with a delectable four-course meal created by world-renowned chef, Michael Mina.

Carnivale!

Phoenix Art Museum, Jan. 23rd 602.307.2040 or friendsofeuropeanart.org The Phoenix Art Museum brings Venice to life with Carnivale! Guests are invited to don traditional costumes and masks similar to those worn at 16th century Italian masquerades. This one-of-a-kind event includes festive food, drinks, and live music from Arizona’s party band Snake Eyes. Attendees will have an opportunity to bid on unique artwork and antiques.

The Promise Ball The Phoenician Resort, Jan. 24th 602.224.1800 or jdrf.org Over the past eight years, The Promise Ball has raised more than $11 million to fund the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. Guests will enjoy an elegant cocktail party, dinner, silent and live auctions and headlining entertainment. President and CEO of the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl, John Junker, will be honored this evening. Individual tickets as well as sponsorships for this event are available.