Arrowhead Dec 09

December 2009

Unparalleled Luxury in Arrowhead Ranch!

Purchase a Home Now at Builder Cost Plus 5%

NOW OFFERING 1/2 TO 3/4 - ACRE LOTS! SINGLE-LEVEL HOMES, 2,700 - 5,800 SQ. FT. BASEMENT & CASITA OPTIONS CUSTOM HOMES ALSO AVAILABLE PRICES STARTING IN THE MID-$500’S

Spectacular Spec Home Now Available!

5,014 sq. ft. - 3,056 on main level, 1,958 in the basement Popular Aquila floorplan • 5 bedrooms | 5.5 baths | 3-car garage Media room & game room • Extra-large laundry room Buyer still has time to select flooring, cabinetry, countertops and more!

Your Property Taxes Appealing Your Assessment

Deliciously Decadent RE/MAX Professionals

www.NatesHomes.com • www.NatesLuxuryHomes.com • NateM@remax.net 602.430.5226 Cell

Sales Office: 623.939.4900

www.TheReserveAtEagleHeights.com Each office independently owned and operated.

Produced by Desert Lifestyle Publishing • 480.460.0996 • www.DesertLifestyle.net

Wildfish’s Godiva Chocolate Cake

The Reserve at Eagle Heights: Exquisite New Construction at Unbelievable Prices

DECEMBER 2009

Featuring Wildfish Seafood Grille 7135 E. Camelback Rd • Scottsdale 480.994.4040 or wildfishseafoodgrille.com Amid the hustle and bustle of the holiday season it’s important to take time out to reflect and focus on what really matters — being thankful for family, friends, good health, and happiness. Why not skip one trip to the mall and instead spend your time celebrating the season with real meaning. Here are a few fun and memorable ideas.

GODIVA CHOCOLATE CAKE Ingredients: 1/2 lb. dark Godiva chocolate 5 ea. eggs 1 tsp. vanilla extract 6 oz. sugar 3 oz. butter

Share your voice

Skip hosting the usual Christmas party at your house and organize a caroling soiree instead. It may sound old-fashioned, but that’s why it will be a hit. Besides, in Arizona, it will actually be fun since it’s not freezing cold! Invite a few families and friends and assign each one a caroling party task: One brings cocoa, one totes the cookies, and another chooses and hands out caroling lyrics. Perhaps all can wear a themed color or matching hat and scarves. Pick a designated meeting spot and select a few houses to visit (hint: head to homes where you know you’ll be well received). Your singing experience will create long-lasting memories that no regular holiday party can match.

Procedure: 1. Melt chocolate and butter in a sauce pan. Allow to cool slightly.

2. Whisk eggs and sugar, then add vanilla extract.

3. Slowly add egg mixture to chocolate.

4. Divide batter into four lightly buttered and floured eight-ounce baking dishes.

5. Bake at 375 degrees for approximately 18 minutes.

Allow to cool slightly.

6. Invert cake into a soup bowl, serve with your favorite vanilla ice cream.

7. Garnish with chocolate sauce if desired.

Serves Four

Skip the sweaters

Tired of giving the same old gifts for Hanukkah? Instead, select presents with real meaning. For grandparents, pre-load digital photo frames with cute shots of the grandkids.

For spouses, give IOUs or coupons for “free time” or back rubs. For friends and coworkers, donate money in their name to a charity they care deeply about. These gifts will mean more and last longer than any piece of clothing or trendy gadget.

They never see or set foot in your house, which is why the number can often be far from your expectations. The Assessor’s Office notes that “although properties may look alike on the surface there may be subtle differences. In mass appraisal those [differences] are not always obvious, even though they result in different values.”

Because the Assessor values more than 1.3 million homes, it’s not surprising that some may not be accurate. If you feel your home falls into this category, it’s time to appeal. And you can do so within 60 days of receiving what’s called the Notice of Value. Be on the lookout for this Notice of Value postcard, which must be mailed out to you from the County Assessor no later than March 1.

Look for the words “Full Cash Value,” or the assessor’s opinion of the market value of your property. If you think this number is greater than the actual market value of the property, you can appeal.

According to the Arizona State Board of Equalization, you may appeal the Full Cash Value to the County Assessor where your property is located. Don’t forget, you must file your appeal within 60 days after the card was mailed to you; the filing deadline is printed on the card.

Prefer to meet face to face? You may ask to meet with the County Assessor’s office

Calling all couples: Want to remember the season in a really romantic way?

Get bundled up with your sweetie and camp out in the desert for an unforgettable and truly unique way to celebrate Christmas Eve together. Don’t forget some ornaments to adorn the nearby mesquite tree with and a chilled bottle of champagne for your tranquil celebration.

a list & check it twice Have a house-building party Make Here’s a gift-giving idea from the heart.

Got kids? If you promised them this year you’d build a giant gingerbread house from scratch, don’t disappoint! Instead, turn this time-taxing dilemma into a fun fete. Invite like-minded moms and tots over and ask each to bring essential gingerbread house parts — gumdrops, candy canes, licorice, and other sweet treats. You provide the gingerbread recipe and building directions and, of course, the oven. Assemble the houses together and each guest will bring their very own gingerbread house home with them.

The Property Tax Appeal Process So you just got your tax assessment in the mail and you don’t agree with it.

Perhaps the county has determined your home’s “Full Cash Value” is more than you purchased it for a few months ago — and that means more tax dollars coming out of your wallet. But where does this Full Cash Value number come from, how is it different from the “Assessed Value,” and how can you appeal it? While the language is a bit confusing (see sidebar for some insight), appealing your tax assessment shouldn’t be too difficult.

First, it’s good to know how your property taxes are determined. Here’s the scoop: The Assessed Value divided by 100, times the tax rate (set in August of each year) determines your property taxes that are billed in September. But how is the Market Value or Full Cash Value of your home determined by the Maricopa County Assessor’s office? The assessor’s office uses “a combination of information, including previous sales in the neighborhood, distance from major intersections or areas zoned differently, topography, view, livable square footage, lot size and components, just to name a few.” (See www.maricopa. gov/assessor for more details.)

Basically, the office uses a computer to analyze aforementioned set details to determine a market value of your home.

Christmas Eve under the stars

Write down every person who you truly value and love. Find some holiday-themed note paper and jot down 10 reasons these people have a special place in your heart.

Mention nice things they’ve done for you or someone else, attributes they have that you admire, or just write down that you think they’re cute! Present them with the list over the holidays and rest assured that they will treasure this list more than any gift they receive all season long. Except, of course, that new iPhone!

Learning the Lingo

and submit written evidence that supports your appeal. The assessor must reply with a decision on or before August 15. If you’re not satisfied with the outcome, further appeals are possible (see www.sboe.state. az.us/howto.php for more details).

Good luck!

In Arizona, you need to understand a few terms in order to interpret your property taxes, which are billed in September: • Full Cash Value: Full Cash Value (FCV), according to the Maricopa County Assessor’s office, is a reflection of the market value of your property and consists of land and improvements. It’s used to compute secondary taxes (bonds, budget overrides, and special districts such as fire, flood control, and other limited purpose districts).

• Limited Property Value: “Limited Property Value (LPV) is used to compute primary taxes for the maintenance and operation of school districts, cities, community college districts and counties,” according to the Maricopa County Assessor’s office. The LPV is calculated according to a statutory formula mandated by the Arizona State Legislature and cannot exceed Full Cash Value.

• Assessed Value: This is the monetary amount which a property is entered on the assessment roll for purposes of computing the tax levy.

“Assessed value equals full cash value multiplied by the assessment ratio,” says the office’s website. “May be higher or lower than market value, or based on an assessment ratio that is a percentage of market value.”

Tempe Fall Festival of the Arts Mill Avenue District, Dec. 4th- 6th 602.997.2581 or tempefestivalofthearts.com If you missed out on in spring, make sure to head over to Mill Avenue for the annual Fall Festival. More than 600 artists exhibit their beautifully crafted works of wood, pottery and jewelry to name a few. The streets are filled with live entertainment and the smell of delicious food adds to the ambiance. Eat, drink and be merry!

Little House on the Prairie Gammage Auditorium, Dec. 8th- 13th 480.965.3434 or asugammage.com Based on the wonderful literature of Laura Ingalls Wilder, this inspirational story shares the struggles and triumphs of early America. Actress Melissa Gilbert, who played Laura for 10 years on the television series, joins the cast as Ma. Share in the joy and spirit of this pioneering family as they set out in their covered wagon.

Holiday Festival of Trees The Camelback Inn, Dec. 12th 602.230.2041 or azfestivaloftrees.com Looking for a black-tie celebration to put you in the holiday spirit? This wonderful gala is presented by the Foundation for Burns and Trauma and includes a live tree auction, a silent auction, gourmet dinner and entertainment. Proceeds benefit this wonderful foundation as well as Children’s Burn Camp and Forever Courage House.

Mazelpalooza W Scottsdale, Dec. 24th 480.634.4900 or mazelpalooza.com Young Jewish Phoenix is once again hosting the celebration noted as “The Place to be Christmas Eve.” Drink specials will be available all night and a video DJ will spin all your favorite top-40 hits. Dance the night away, all in support of the Council for Jews with Special Needs. This event is open to everyone over the age of 21.

Phoenix Coyotes vs. Los Angeles Kings Glendale Arena, Dec. 26th 623.772.3200 or coyotes.nhl.com Come out and support our home hockey team as they skate their way to victory over the Los Angeles Kings. Cheer on these great athletes, including goalie Ilya Bryzgoval, who was named the first Star of the Week in October by the NHL. Joel McHale Dodge Theatre, Dec. 31st 602.379.2800 or livenation.com Known for his hilarious quick wit and humor as the host of The Soup, Joel McHale never fails to make you laugh. Now is your chance to see him live on New Years Eve and experience his side-splitting humor first hand. McHale has recently signed on as the role of Jeff on the new hit comedy Community, co-starring with comedic legend Chevy Chase.

DECEMBER 2009

Featuring Wildfish Seafood Grille 7135 E. Camelback Rd • Scottsdale 480.994.4040 or wildfishseafoodgrille.com Amid the hustle and bustle of the holiday season it’s important to take time out to reflect and focus on what really matters — being thankful for family, friends, good health, and happiness. Why not skip one trip to the mall and instead spend your time celebrating the season with real meaning. Here are a few fun and memorable ideas.

GODIVA CHOCOLATE CAKE Ingredients: 1/2 lb. dark Godiva chocolate 5 ea. eggs 1 tsp. vanilla extract 6 oz. sugar 3 oz. butter

Share your voice

Skip hosting the usual Christmas party at your house and organize a caroling soiree instead. It may sound old-fashioned, but that’s why it will be a hit. Besides, in Arizona, it will actually be fun since it’s not freezing cold! Invite a few families and friends and assign each one a caroling party task: One brings cocoa, one totes the cookies, and another chooses and hands out caroling lyrics. Perhaps all can wear a themed color or matching hat and scarves. Pick a designated meeting spot and select a few houses to visit (hint: head to homes where you know you’ll be well received). Your singing experience will create long-lasting memories that no regular holiday party can match.

Procedure: 1. Melt chocolate and butter in a sauce pan. Allow to cool slightly.

2. Whisk eggs and sugar, then add vanilla extract.

3. Slowly add egg mixture to chocolate.

4. Divide batter into four lightly buttered and floured eight-ounce baking dishes.

5. Bake at 375 degrees for approximately 18 minutes.

Allow to cool slightly.

6. Invert cake into a soup bowl, serve with your favorite vanilla ice cream.

7. Garnish with chocolate sauce if desired.

Serves Four

Skip the sweaters

Tired of giving the same old gifts for Hanukkah? Instead, select presents with real meaning. For grandparents, pre-load digital photo frames with cute shots of the grandkids.

For spouses, give IOUs or coupons for “free time” or back rubs. For friends and coworkers, donate money in their name to a charity they care deeply about. These gifts will mean more and last longer than any piece of clothing or trendy gadget.

They never see or set foot in your house, which is why the number can often be far from your expectations. The Assessor’s Office notes that “although properties may look alike on the surface there may be subtle differences. In mass appraisal those [differences] are not always obvious, even though they result in different values.”

Because the Assessor values more than 1.3 million homes, it’s not surprising that some may not be accurate. If you feel your home falls into this category, it’s time to appeal. And you can do so within 60 days of receiving what’s called the Notice of Value. Be on the lookout for this Notice of Value postcard, which must be mailed out to you from the County Assessor no later than March 1.

Look for the words “Full Cash Value,” or the assessor’s opinion of the market value of your property. If you think this number is greater than the actual market value of the property, you can appeal.

According to the Arizona State Board of Equalization, you may appeal the Full Cash Value to the County Assessor where your property is located. Don’t forget, you must file your appeal within 60 days after the card was mailed to you; the filing deadline is printed on the card.

Prefer to meet face to face? You may ask to meet with the County Assessor’s office

Calling all couples: Want to remember the season in a really romantic way?

Get bundled up with your sweetie and camp out in the desert for an unforgettable and truly unique way to celebrate Christmas Eve together. Don’t forget some ornaments to adorn the nearby mesquite tree with and a chilled bottle of champagne for your tranquil celebration.

a list & check it twice Have a house-building party Make Here’s a gift-giving idea from the heart.

Got kids? If you promised them this year you’d build a giant gingerbread house from scratch, don’t disappoint! Instead, turn this time-taxing dilemma into a fun fete. Invite like-minded moms and tots over and ask each to bring essential gingerbread house parts — gumdrops, candy canes, licorice, and other sweet treats. You provide the gingerbread recipe and building directions and, of course, the oven. Assemble the houses together and each guest will bring their very own gingerbread house home with them.

The Property Tax Appeal Process So you just got your tax assessment in the mail and you don’t agree with it.

Perhaps the county has determined your home’s “Full Cash Value” is more than you purchased it for a few months ago — and that means more tax dollars coming out of your wallet. But where does this Full Cash Value number come from, how is it different from the “Assessed Value,” and how can you appeal it? While the language is a bit confusing (see sidebar for some insight), appealing your tax assessment shouldn’t be too difficult.

First, it’s good to know how your property taxes are determined. Here’s the scoop: The Assessed Value divided by 100, times the tax rate (set in August of each year) determines your property taxes that are billed in September. But how is the Market Value or Full Cash Value of your home determined by the Maricopa County Assessor’s office? The assessor’s office uses “a combination of information, including previous sales in the neighborhood, distance from major intersections or areas zoned differently, topography, view, livable square footage, lot size and components, just to name a few.” (See www.maricopa. gov/assessor for more details.)

Basically, the office uses a computer to analyze aforementioned set details to determine a market value of your home.

Christmas Eve under the stars

Write down every person who you truly value and love. Find some holiday-themed note paper and jot down 10 reasons these people have a special place in your heart.

Mention nice things they’ve done for you or someone else, attributes they have that you admire, or just write down that you think they’re cute! Present them with the list over the holidays and rest assured that they will treasure this list more than any gift they receive all season long. Except, of course, that new iPhone!

Learning the Lingo

and submit written evidence that supports your appeal. The assessor must reply with a decision on or before August 15. If you’re not satisfied with the outcome, further appeals are possible (see www.sboe.state. az.us/howto.php for more details).

Good luck!

In Arizona, you need to understand a few terms in order to interpret your property taxes, which are billed in September: • Full Cash Value: Full Cash Value (FCV), according to the Maricopa County Assessor’s office, is a reflection of the market value of your property and consists of land and improvements. It’s used to compute secondary taxes (bonds, budget overrides, and special districts such as fire, flood control, and other limited purpose districts).

• Limited Property Value: “Limited Property Value (LPV) is used to compute primary taxes for the maintenance and operation of school districts, cities, community college districts and counties,” according to the Maricopa County Assessor’s office. The LPV is calculated according to a statutory formula mandated by the Arizona State Legislature and cannot exceed Full Cash Value.

• Assessed Value: This is the monetary amount which a property is entered on the assessment roll for purposes of computing the tax levy.

“Assessed value equals full cash value multiplied by the assessment ratio,” says the office’s website. “May be higher or lower than market value, or based on an assessment ratio that is a percentage of market value.”

Tempe Fall Festival of the Arts Mill Avenue District, Dec. 4th- 6th 602.997.2581 or tempefestivalofthearts.com If you missed out on in spring, make sure to head over to Mill Avenue for the annual Fall Festival. More than 600 artists exhibit their beautifully crafted works of wood, pottery and jewelry to name a few. The streets are filled with live entertainment and the smell of delicious food adds to the ambiance. Eat, drink and be merry!

Little House on the Prairie Gammage Auditorium, Dec. 8th- 13th 480.965.3434 or asugammage.com Based on the wonderful literature of Laura Ingalls Wilder, this inspirational story shares the struggles and triumphs of early America. Actress Melissa Gilbert, who played Laura for 10 years on the television series, joins the cast as Ma. Share in the joy and spirit of this pioneering family as they set out in their covered wagon.

Holiday Festival of Trees The Camelback Inn, Dec. 12th 602.230.2041 or azfestivaloftrees.com Looking for a black-tie celebration to put you in the holiday spirit? This wonderful gala is presented by the Foundation for Burns and Trauma and includes a live tree auction, a silent auction, gourmet dinner and entertainment. Proceeds benefit this wonderful foundation as well as Children’s Burn Camp and Forever Courage House.

Mazelpalooza W Scottsdale, Dec. 24th 480.634.4900 or mazelpalooza.com Young Jewish Phoenix is once again hosting the celebration noted as “The Place to be Christmas Eve.” Drink specials will be available all night and a video DJ will spin all your favorite top-40 hits. Dance the night away, all in support of the Council for Jews with Special Needs. This event is open to everyone over the age of 21.

Phoenix Coyotes vs. Los Angeles Kings Glendale Arena, Dec. 26th 623.772.3200 or coyotes.nhl.com Come out and support our home hockey team as they skate their way to victory over the Los Angeles Kings. Cheer on these great athletes, including goalie Ilya Bryzgoval, who was named the first Star of the Week in October by the NHL. Joel McHale Dodge Theatre, Dec. 31st 602.379.2800 or livenation.com Known for his hilarious quick wit and humor as the host of The Soup, Joel McHale never fails to make you laugh. Now is your chance to see him live on New Years Eve and experience his side-splitting humor first hand. McHale has recently signed on as the role of Jeff on the new hit comedy Community, co-starring with comedic legend Chevy Chase.

December 2009

Unparalleled Luxury in Arrowhead Ranch!

Purchase a Home Now at Builder Cost Plus 5%

NOW OFFERING 1/2 TO 3/4 - ACRE LOTS! SINGLE-LEVEL HOMES, 2,700 - 5,800 SQ. FT. BASEMENT & CASITA OPTIONS CUSTOM HOMES ALSO AVAILABLE PRICES STARTING IN THE MID-$500’S

Spectacular Spec Home Now Available!

5,014 sq. ft. - 3,056 on main level, 1,958 in the basement Popular Aquila floorplan • 5 bedrooms | 5.5 baths | 3-car garage Media room & game room • Extra-large laundry room Buyer still has time to select flooring, cabinetry, countertops and more!

Your Property Taxes Appealing Your Assessment

Deliciously Decadent RE/MAX Professionals

www.NatesHomes.com • www.NatesLuxuryHomes.com • NateM@remax.net 602.430.5226 Cell

Sales Office: 623.939.4900

www.TheReserveAtEagleHeights.com Each office independently owned and operated.

Produced by Desert Lifestyle Publishing • 480.460.0996 • www.DesertLifestyle.net

Wildfish’s Godiva Chocolate Cake

The Reserve at Eagle Heights: Exquisite New Construction at Unbelievable Prices