Carefree Foothills Lifestyle | Carmen Thomas

In the real estate market, buyers and sellers need a relentless qualified advocate to guide them through every stage of the process.

Past careers in customer service, retail, and small business ownership, has given me unique experiences and insights needed to successfully navigate that process. This ensures the sale of your home or the purchase of a lifetime - transpire smoothly.

As a Certified Master Negotiator and Second Home Specialist, clients benefit from my Negotiation skills, and an ability to facilitate the buying or selling of second homes used for vacation, investment, or retirement.

If you are selling a home, your primary concern is to obtain the highest value in the shortest amount of time given the market conditions. The insights, knowledge, market analysis, and my commitment detail, ensure clients receive a marketing program optimally designed for success.

Sensational Surroundings With Far Reaching Views

MARCH | APRIL 2015

Dedicated to Exceptional Real Estate Services

CAREFREE FOOTHILLS

AVAILABLE

3700 Never Mind Trail | Carefree | MLS# 5191053

Enjoy unobstructed views of the Continental Mountains and beyond from this rare 4.6 acre parcel on the north slope of Black Mountain. Large building envelope for single level home. Access from private gate and private road. Previously approved 3D Model, and house plans are available.

AVAILABLE

sweet sailing Above deck adventures

As a Scottsdale native, my familiarity of the many niche neighborhoods that exist within the “Valley of the Sun”, provide yet another unique perspective that benefit my clients.

Whether you are selling or buying, from the modest to the luxurious, my commitment to excellence leads to one thing - delighted clients!

Merit Crossing | 4 Bed | 6.5 Bath | 9,412 SQFT | $4,699,000

A NEW NORMAL FOR THE REAL ESTATE MARKET? Many sellers and new home developers were disappointed with the 2014 real estate market, but according to Michael Orr, Principal of the Cromford Report, it was merely a normal and rather uneventful period for Metro Phoenix. In this volatile market, normal and uneventful felt a little strange.

Compared to the previous year, 2014’s numbers were as follows: • The annual average price per sq. ft. rose by 8% from $118.48 to $128.11 • The annual average sales price increased 7% from $232,967 to $249,746

Carmen Thomas REALTOR®

Resort and Second Home Specialist Master Certified Negotiator

480.231.0777

Carmen.Thomas@russlyon.com CarmenThomasRealtor.com

• The annual median sales price gained 9% from $176,000 to $192,000 Sales volumes were lower in 2014, especially for single-family homes, with an increasing trend towards condos, townhomes and mobile homes. In stark contrast to the rest of the market, high end luxury homes had a second consecutive excellent year, buoyed by a rising stock market and availability of jumbo financing at very attractive terms to well qualified borrowers.

Unemployment is declining and job growth improving, which will probably shift demand gradually away from renting and towards ownership. As a result, Orr speculates that it’s very likely 2015’s demand will be higher than 2014. The Greater Phoenix housing market has entered a period of stability with a normal balance between buyers and sellers.

– Michael Orr is the Director of Real Estate Studies at ASU & Principal of The Cromford Report

For the most effective marketing to successfully sell your Carefree Foothills property call Carmen at 480.231.0777.

Know The Name.... Trust the Service All information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed. The properties on this list have been listed/sold by various members of the MLS. If your home is currently listed, this is not a solicitation for that listing.

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

Homeownership Tax Breaks

More Green In Your Wallet!

Union Barrelhouse’s PB&J Grilled Cheese

Real Estate Market Report Presented By Carmen Thomas

come sail away...

In Good Taste Union Barrelhouse Modern Ale UnionBarrelhouse.com | 480.946.7258

Totally over the crowded cruise scene?

Bored with running to and from the same old beaches? Have we got a new vacation idea for you! Why not charter your own private yacht to cruise you and your crowd around the Caribbean? Or maybe meander about the Mexican Riviera in a catamaran with a few of your favorite friends? Yachting gives you a luxurious vacation experience unlike any other, all tailored to your specific needs and desires... without all the people. Sounds divine, doesn’t it?

Whether you’re heading to the Virgin Islands or going south of the border to ole Mexico, chartering a yacht gives you several options to make the most of your time off. Charter companies can help you plan your trip, from what type of yacht to travel in to what you’ll see and eat along the way.

PB&J GRILLED CHEESE PB&J INGREDIENTS 8 sour dough bread slices (1/2 inch thick) 1tbsp butter 1lb triple cream Brie, sliced ¼ inch thick

1/2 lb red wine poached pears 1 c bacon jam 8 oz wild arugula salt and pepper to taste

RED WINE POACHED PEARS INGREDIENTS 2 bosc pears 1 c red wine

2 cinnamon sticks 2 whole cloves

POACHED PEARS DIRECTIONS Slice pears 1/4 inch thick. Bring wine, cinnamon, and cloves to a simmer in a small sauce pan. Once simmering, add pears to the pan and turn off the heat. Allow the pears to steep in the wine, while cooling. Reserve for later.

The first decision after choosing a destination and getting your air transportation set is to pick the type of yacht in which to sail. Choices include catamarans, monohulls, and motor yachts. Most travelers select the catamaran for its speed, spaciousness, and smooth ride (seasickness is not really an issue on a cat), though those looking for a true, more romantic sailing experience may opt for the monohull. For larger groups who want the ultimate in luxury, motor yachts are the optimal choice. Next, you’ll need to decide if you simply want to charter a captain to cruise you around to all the hot spots or if you want a personal chef and extended crew along, too.

With your own private staff, you have someone aboard to take you to all the top destinations and secret hideaways.

BACON JAM INGREDIENTS 1lb thick cut pepper bacon, 1 yellow onion, diced cut into lardons 1 c red wine vinegar 1/2 c brown sugar 1/2 c maple syrup

Event Calendar MARCH | APRIL 2015

Want to snorkel? Your crew will have the equipment right there on board and know where to see the best marine life. And, you’ll not pay extra add-on fees as you do when coming ashore from a large cruise ship, battling the throngs.

And when it comes to dining, forget the buffet-style food cooked up for thousands.

On board a charter yacht, you pick out what you want to eat and when you want to eat it.

Eggs Benedict and mimosas at sunrise on your own private deck? Done. Margaritas post snorkel? No problem. Lobster and champagne at sunset. Now we’re talking.

For discerning travelers looking for the ultimate in privacy, service, and special memories, chartering a yacht may be just what the doctor ordered. Happy yachting!

BACON JAM DIRECTIONS Heat a small sauce pan over medium heat. Cook bacon until completely rendered and crisp. Add onion to the pan and cook until completely soft. Deglaze with red wine vinegar and reduce by half. Add sugar and maple syrup into the pan and cook for approximately 15 minutes or until thick. Puree using a food processor and cool completely.

Reserve for later.

PB&J DIRECTIONS Heat a nonstick pan or griddle over medium heat. Spread butter on one side of each slice of bread. Place bread in the pan with the buttered side down. Place sliced Brie on one slice of the bread. Place ¼ cup of bacon jam on the other side of the bread. Cook until the bread is golden and the cheese is melted. While the cheese is melting, mix the arugula with 1 teaspoon of bacon jam, salt and pepper, reserve. Once the cheese is melted, place sliced pears on the melted cheese. Place the dressed arugula on top of the pears. Put the top slice of bread with the bacon jam on the arugula to form the sandwich. Slice in half and serve.

Serves 4

TAX TIPS FOR HOMEOWNERS

Going “green” may provide some more green in your wallet come tax refund time. Some of the energy efficiency deductions that were available to homeowners in 2013 have expired. But, there are some deductions still available that you can take advantage of.

Homeowners have two more years (through 2016) to take advantage of a 30% credit for installing alternative-energy

equipment such as solar hot-water heaters, solar electric equipment, geothermal heat pumps and wind turbines.

With residential energy efficiency deductions you don’t just write-off the cost of the system itself, in some cases you may also include the cost of labor and installation. And a tax credit is actually better than a deduction. Deductions reduce your taxable income. With a tax credit, you get a dollar-for-dollar reduction in your tax liability. Use IRS Form 5695 to claim these credits.

There may also be other tax rebates or tax credit programs available. Using the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE) you can research to learn about any incentives available to you.

Some other tax credits or deductions homeowners should be aware of are: • MORTGAGE INTEREST. Unless the size of your home loan exceeds $1 million, all of your interest is deductible. This includes interest on your primary residence as well as a second home.

• MORTGAGE POINTS. Fortunately, come tax filing time, taxpayers can deduct all of the mortgage points they paid that year. Homeowners who paid points to refinance their mortgages or take out a home equity loan or line of credit are also eligible for the deduction.

• REAL ESTATE TAXES. A tax deduction on a tax may seem a bit like an oxymoron, but this deduction is designed to keep income tax from being spent on property tax.

• PROFIT ON THE SALE OF YOUR HOME. This exemption keeps homeowners from paying capital gains on the sale of their home. If you had a profit of $250,000 as an individual or $500,000 as a couple that profit falls within the tax free limit as long as you have lived in the home for at least two years before selling it.

• SELLING COSTS. Sellers can itemize costs incurred from selling their home. Marketing and realtor fees, closing fees, repairs and capital improvements can all be deducted.

Consult your tax advisor or accountant for the particulars of your situation and which of these may apply.

VIVA: Valley Kids Foundation Benefit Scottsdale Waterfront | March 14 VIVA2030.SplashThat.com VIVA is one of the premier fundraising events for Valley philanthropists, the 21st Annual Viva: A Valley Kids Foundation Benefit is an extravagant semi-formal event that features games, live entertainment, food, dancing, and more. Guests will indulge in fare from a selection of the top valley eateries as well as a premium selection of beer, wine and spirits. All proceeds from your generous donations are directly applied to programs served by the Valley Kids Foundation 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Your dedication allows the non-profit organization to continue improving the lives of children in need in our community.

Agave on the Rocks Desert Botanical Garden | March 27 DBG.org | 480.941.1225 Celebrate Sonoran roots at the 13th Annual Agave on the Rocks, a deliciously fun evening. Sample gourmet cuisine prepared by renowned Valley restaurants and caterers, listen to fabulous music and sip refreshing margaritas. Make sure to stop by the tequila sampling station where guests are invited to try a taste of the evenings featured tequilas.

AZ Wine and Dine Scottsdale Quarter | April 2 AZWineandDine.com | 602.604.0729 AZ Wine & Dine will showcase Arizona’s premier chefs, restaurants, resorts, fine wines and craft beer. The top chefs from renowned restaurants and resorts will offer culinary delights while rocking jazz beats fill the Arizona night sky.

Boutique wines and craft beers will be paired with each dish to ensure a palate-pleasing experience in a fun, festive atmosphere. This event is designed to raise the awareness of the quality of life benefits that Arizona’s tourism industry provides its residents and a portion of the proceeds benefit the educational efforts of the Arizona Lodging & Tourism Association.

2nd Annual Carefree Days Festival Carefree Town Garden Center | April 10-12 MagicBirdFestivals.com | 480.332.4257 Celebrate springtime with arts and crafts, wine and craft beer tasting. Shop handcrafted art and crafts created by the regions most talented artisans as well as some select imports and other uniquely mastered items. You will find beautiful paintings, sculptures, and jewelry of all varieties, home decor, crafts, and more. Plus enjoy food trucks and live entertainment in the Sanderson Lincoln Pavilion!

Art After Work Tempe Center For The Arts | April 29 Tempe.gov | 480.350.2880 Art teacher Laura Hukill leads a fun, laid-back class that requires no art experience. Participants relax during a friendly night of art making with enough guidance to ensure that everyone leaves with a lovely painting. April’s painting is Matisses’s The Goldfish. Goldfish are thought to be creators of good luck and positive outcomes in new endeavors.

This painting is all about bright colors, off perspectives and tranquility.

come sail away...

In Good Taste Union Barrelhouse Modern Ale UnionBarrelhouse.com | 480.946.7258

Totally over the crowded cruise scene?

Bored with running to and from the same old beaches? Have we got a new vacation idea for you! Why not charter your own private yacht to cruise you and your crowd around the Caribbean? Or maybe meander about the Mexican Riviera in a catamaran with a few of your favorite friends? Yachting gives you a luxurious vacation experience unlike any other, all tailored to your specific needs and desires... without all the people. Sounds divine, doesn’t it?

Whether you’re heading to the Virgin Islands or going south of the border to ole Mexico, chartering a yacht gives you several options to make the most of your time off. Charter companies can help you plan your trip, from what type of yacht to travel in to what you’ll see and eat along the way.

PB&J GRILLED CHEESE PB&J INGREDIENTS 8 sour dough bread slices (1/2 inch thick) 1tbsp butter 1lb triple cream Brie, sliced ¼ inch thick

1/2 lb red wine poached pears 1 c bacon jam 8 oz wild arugula salt and pepper to taste

RED WINE POACHED PEARS INGREDIENTS 2 bosc pears 1 c red wine

2 cinnamon sticks 2 whole cloves

POACHED PEARS DIRECTIONS Slice pears 1/4 inch thick. Bring wine, cinnamon, and cloves to a simmer in a small sauce pan. Once simmering, add pears to the pan and turn off the heat. Allow the pears to steep in the wine, while cooling. Reserve for later.

The first decision after choosing a destination and getting your air transportation set is to pick the type of yacht in which to sail. Choices include catamarans, monohulls, and motor yachts. Most travelers select the catamaran for its speed, spaciousness, and smooth ride (seasickness is not really an issue on a cat), though those looking for a true, more romantic sailing experience may opt for the monohull. For larger groups who want the ultimate in luxury, motor yachts are the optimal choice. Next, you’ll need to decide if you simply want to charter a captain to cruise you around to all the hot spots or if you want a personal chef and extended crew along, too.

With your own private staff, you have someone aboard to take you to all the top destinations and secret hideaways.

BACON JAM INGREDIENTS 1lb thick cut pepper bacon, 1 yellow onion, diced cut into lardons 1 c red wine vinegar 1/2 c brown sugar 1/2 c maple syrup

Event Calendar MARCH | APRIL 2015

Want to snorkel? Your crew will have the equipment right there on board and know where to see the best marine life. And, you’ll not pay extra add-on fees as you do when coming ashore from a large cruise ship, battling the throngs.

And when it comes to dining, forget the buffet-style food cooked up for thousands.

On board a charter yacht, you pick out what you want to eat and when you want to eat it.

Eggs Benedict and mimosas at sunrise on your own private deck? Done. Margaritas post snorkel? No problem. Lobster and champagne at sunset. Now we’re talking.

For discerning travelers looking for the ultimate in privacy, service, and special memories, chartering a yacht may be just what the doctor ordered. Happy yachting!

BACON JAM DIRECTIONS Heat a small sauce pan over medium heat. Cook bacon until completely rendered and crisp. Add onion to the pan and cook until completely soft. Deglaze with red wine vinegar and reduce by half. Add sugar and maple syrup into the pan and cook for approximately 15 minutes or until thick. Puree using a food processor and cool completely.

Reserve for later.

PB&J DIRECTIONS Heat a nonstick pan or griddle over medium heat. Spread butter on one side of each slice of bread. Place bread in the pan with the buttered side down. Place sliced Brie on one slice of the bread. Place ¼ cup of bacon jam on the other side of the bread. Cook until the bread is golden and the cheese is melted. While the cheese is melting, mix the arugula with 1 teaspoon of bacon jam, salt and pepper, reserve. Once the cheese is melted, place sliced pears on the melted cheese. Place the dressed arugula on top of the pears. Put the top slice of bread with the bacon jam on the arugula to form the sandwich. Slice in half and serve.

Serves 4

TAX TIPS FOR HOMEOWNERS

Going “green” may provide some more green in your wallet come tax refund time. Some of the energy efficiency deductions that were available to homeowners in 2013 have expired. But, there are some deductions still available that you can take advantage of.

Homeowners have two more years (through 2016) to take advantage of a 30% credit for installing alternative-energy

equipment such as solar hot-water heaters, solar electric equipment, geothermal heat pumps and wind turbines.

With residential energy efficiency deductions you don’t just write-off the cost of the system itself, in some cases you may also include the cost of labor and installation. And a tax credit is actually better than a deduction. Deductions reduce your taxable income. With a tax credit, you get a dollar-for-dollar reduction in your tax liability. Use IRS Form 5695 to claim these credits.

There may also be other tax rebates or tax credit programs available. Using the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE) you can research to learn about any incentives available to you.

Some other tax credits or deductions homeowners should be aware of are: • MORTGAGE INTEREST. Unless the size of your home loan exceeds $1 million, all of your interest is deductible. This includes interest on your primary residence as well as a second home.

• MORTGAGE POINTS. Fortunately, come tax filing time, taxpayers can deduct all of the mortgage points they paid that year. Homeowners who paid points to refinance their mortgages or take out a home equity loan or line of credit are also eligible for the deduction.

• REAL ESTATE TAXES. A tax deduction on a tax may seem a bit like an oxymoron, but this deduction is designed to keep income tax from being spent on property tax.

• PROFIT ON THE SALE OF YOUR HOME. This exemption keeps homeowners from paying capital gains on the sale of their home. If you had a profit of $250,000 as an individual or $500,000 as a couple that profit falls within the tax free limit as long as you have lived in the home for at least two years before selling it.

• SELLING COSTS. Sellers can itemize costs incurred from selling their home. Marketing and realtor fees, closing fees, repairs and capital improvements can all be deducted.

Consult your tax advisor or accountant for the particulars of your situation and which of these may apply.

VIVA: Valley Kids Foundation Benefit Scottsdale Waterfront | March 14 VIVA2030.SplashThat.com VIVA is one of the premier fundraising events for Valley philanthropists, the 21st Annual Viva: A Valley Kids Foundation Benefit is an extravagant semi-formal event that features games, live entertainment, food, dancing, and more. Guests will indulge in fare from a selection of the top valley eateries as well as a premium selection of beer, wine and spirits. All proceeds from your generous donations are directly applied to programs served by the Valley Kids Foundation 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Your dedication allows the non-profit organization to continue improving the lives of children in need in our community.

Agave on the Rocks Desert Botanical Garden | March 27 DBG.org | 480.941.1225 Celebrate Sonoran roots at the 13th Annual Agave on the Rocks, a deliciously fun evening. Sample gourmet cuisine prepared by renowned Valley restaurants and caterers, listen to fabulous music and sip refreshing margaritas. Make sure to stop by the tequila sampling station where guests are invited to try a taste of the evenings featured tequilas.

AZ Wine and Dine Scottsdale Quarter | April 2 AZWineandDine.com | 602.604.0729 AZ Wine & Dine will showcase Arizona’s premier chefs, restaurants, resorts, fine wines and craft beer. The top chefs from renowned restaurants and resorts will offer culinary delights while rocking jazz beats fill the Arizona night sky.

Boutique wines and craft beers will be paired with each dish to ensure a palate-pleasing experience in a fun, festive atmosphere. This event is designed to raise the awareness of the quality of life benefits that Arizona’s tourism industry provides its residents and a portion of the proceeds benefit the educational efforts of the Arizona Lodging & Tourism Association.

2nd Annual Carefree Days Festival Carefree Town Garden Center | April 10-12 MagicBirdFestivals.com | 480.332.4257 Celebrate springtime with arts and crafts, wine and craft beer tasting. Shop handcrafted art and crafts created by the regions most talented artisans as well as some select imports and other uniquely mastered items. You will find beautiful paintings, sculptures, and jewelry of all varieties, home decor, crafts, and more. Plus enjoy food trucks and live entertainment in the Sanderson Lincoln Pavilion!

Art After Work Tempe Center For The Arts | April 29 Tempe.gov | 480.350.2880 Art teacher Laura Hukill leads a fun, laid-back class that requires no art experience. Participants relax during a friendly night of art making with enough guidance to ensure that everyone leaves with a lovely painting. April’s painting is Matisses’s The Goldfish. Goldfish are thought to be creators of good luck and positive outcomes in new endeavors.

This painting is all about bright colors, off perspectives and tranquility.

In the real estate market, buyers and sellers need a relentless qualified advocate to guide them through every stage of the process.

Past careers in customer service, retail, and small business ownership, has given me unique experiences and insights needed to successfully navigate that process. This ensures the sale of your home or the purchase of a lifetime - transpire smoothly.

As a Certified Master Negotiator and Second Home Specialist, clients benefit from my Negotiation skills, and an ability to facilitate the buying or selling of second homes used for vacation, investment, or retirement.

If you are selling a home, your primary concern is to obtain the highest value in the shortest amount of time given the market conditions. The insights, knowledge, market analysis, and my commitment detail, ensure clients receive a marketing program optimally designed for success.

Sensational Surroundings With Far Reaching Views

MARCH | APRIL 2015

Dedicated to Exceptional Real Estate Services

CAREFREE FOOTHILLS

AVAILABLE

3700 Never Mind Trail | Carefree | MLS# 5191053

Enjoy unobstructed views of the Continental Mountains and beyond from this rare 4.6 acre parcel on the north slope of Black Mountain. Large building envelope for single level home. Access from private gate and private road. Previously approved 3D Model, and house plans are available.

AVAILABLE

sweet sailing Above deck adventures

As a Scottsdale native, my familiarity of the many niche neighborhoods that exist within the “Valley of the Sun”, provide yet another unique perspective that benefit my clients.

Whether you are selling or buying, from the modest to the luxurious, my commitment to excellence leads to one thing - delighted clients!

Merit Crossing | 4 Bed | 6.5 Bath | 9,412 SQFT | $4,699,000

A NEW NORMAL FOR THE REAL ESTATE MARKET? Many sellers and new home developers were disappointed with the 2014 real estate market, but according to Michael Orr, Principal of the Cromford Report, it was merely a normal and rather uneventful period for Metro Phoenix. In this volatile market, normal and uneventful felt a little strange.

Compared to the previous year, 2014’s numbers were as follows: • The annual average price per sq. ft. rose by 8% from $118.48 to $128.11 • The annual average sales price increased 7% from $232,967 to $249,746

Carmen Thomas REALTOR®

Resort and Second Home Specialist Master Certified Negotiator

480.231.0777

Carmen.Thomas@russlyon.com CarmenThomasRealtor.com

• The annual median sales price gained 9% from $176,000 to $192,000 Sales volumes were lower in 2014, especially for single-family homes, with an increasing trend towards condos, townhomes and mobile homes. In stark contrast to the rest of the market, high end luxury homes had a second consecutive excellent year, buoyed by a rising stock market and availability of jumbo financing at very attractive terms to well qualified borrowers.

Unemployment is declining and job growth improving, which will probably shift demand gradually away from renting and towards ownership. As a result, Orr speculates that it’s very likely 2015’s demand will be higher than 2014. The Greater Phoenix housing market has entered a period of stability with a normal balance between buyers and sellers.

– Michael Orr is the Director of Real Estate Studies at ASU & Principal of The Cromford Report

For the most effective marketing to successfully sell your Carefree Foothills property call Carmen at 480.231.0777.

Know The Name.... Trust the Service All information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed. The properties on this list have been listed/sold by various members of the MLS. If your home is currently listed, this is not a solicitation for that listing.

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

Homeownership Tax Breaks

More Green In Your Wallet!

Union Barrelhouse’s PB&J Grilled Cheese

Real Estate Market Report Presented By Carmen Thomas