Clearwater Hills Lifestyle | Wendy Walker

MARCH | APRIL 2015

C L E A R WAT E R H I L L S

Wendy Walker Fine Properties

#1 Agent For Coldwell Residential Brokerage in Arizona 2013

Happy Spring and Cheers to a Healthy and Prosperous 2015!

With our high season in full swing, we are definitely beginning to see an increase in the real estate activity. While the last quarter of 2014 was quiet, we began to see a surge of activity during the last week of December and it has carried on through our January activities. Luxury prices in November and December were down a bit and December 2014 inventory was at its highest level compared with December 2013 and 2012.

However, December 2014 sales were up 28% from December 2013.

sweet sailing Above deck

The internet still continues to be a huge gateway for folks considering a home in Arizona: with the top states of viewers coming from California, Minnesota, Illinois and Texas.

With the increased activities in The Valley of The Sun this Spring, our warm temps, continued low interest rates and the loosening up of more creative financing options...most economists are predicting that our 2015 outlook is quite favorable and that Arizona will continue to chase the recovery.

Who You Work With Matters All information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed.

WendyWalkerFineProperties.com

Wendy Walker

602.468.8888 Direct Wendy@WWFineProperties.com

If you plan to buy a new home this year, consider these reasons: • Mortgage rates are low.

• Home financing is available in loan amounts up to $6 million, working with a Wells Fargo Private Mortgage Banker.

Richard E McDowell Private Mortgage Banker

480.348.5016 Direct | 480.323.5074 Cell | 866.675.1016 Fax 8601 N Scottsdale Rd, Suite 100, Scottsdale, AZ 85253

www.wfhm.com/richard-mcdowell | richard.mcdowell@wellsfargo.com NMLSR ID 134250 Information is accurate as of date of printing and is subject to change without notice. Wells Fargo Home Mortgage is a division of Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.© 2011 Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. All rights reserved. NMLSR ID 399801. 105351-12/13.

If your home is currently listed, this is not a solicitation for that listing.

Equity Title Biltmore Office

3125 E Lincoln Drive, Phoenix, AZ 85016

602.956.5141 Our experience makes the difference!

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

Cover Photography | Liana Harrison of Eclipse Photography and Marketing

adventures

Homeownership Tax Breaks

More Green In Your Wallet!

Union Barrelhouse’s PB&J Grilled Cheese

Exquisite European Retreat

4529 E Clearwater Parkway Paradise Valley, AZ 85253 Offered at $1.995m Exclusively By

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.

MARCH | APRIL 2015

C L E A R WAT E R H I L L S

Wendy Walker Fine Properties

#1 Agent For Coldwell Residential Brokerage in Arizona 2013

Happy Spring and Cheers to a Healthy and Prosperous 2015!

With our high season in full swing, we are definitely beginning to see an increase in the real estate activity. While the last quarter of 2014 was quiet, we began to see a surge of activity during the last week of December and it has carried on through our January activities. Luxury prices in November and December were down a bit and December 2014 inventory was at its highest level compared with December 2013 and 2012.

However, December 2014 sales were up 28% from December 2013.

sweet sailing Above deck

The internet still continues to be a huge gateway for folks considering a home in Arizona: with the top states of viewers coming from California, Minnesota, Illinois and Texas.

With the increased activities in The Valley of The Sun this Spring, our warm temps, continued low interest rates and the loosening up of more creative financing options...most economists are predicting that our 2015 outlook is quite favorable and that Arizona will continue to chase the recovery.

Who You Work With Matters All information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed.

WendyWalkerFineProperties.com

Wendy Walker

602.468.8888 Direct Wendy@WWFineProperties.com

If you plan to buy a new home this year, consider these reasons: • Mortgage rates are low.

• Home financing is available in loan amounts up to $6 million, working with a Wells Fargo Private Mortgage Banker.

Richard E McDowell Private Mortgage Banker

480.348.5016 Direct | 480.323.5074 Cell | 866.675.1016 Fax 8601 N Scottsdale Rd, Suite 100, Scottsdale, AZ 85253

www.wfhm.com/richard-mcdowell | richard.mcdowell@wellsfargo.com NMLSR ID 134250 Information is accurate as of date of printing and is subject to change without notice. Wells Fargo Home Mortgage is a division of Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.© 2011 Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. All rights reserved. NMLSR ID 399801. 105351-12/13.

If your home is currently listed, this is not a solicitation for that listing.

Equity Title Biltmore Office

3125 E Lincoln Drive, Phoenix, AZ 85016

602.956.5141 Our experience makes the difference!

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

Cover Photography | Liana Harrison of Eclipse Photography and Marketing

adventures

Homeownership Tax Breaks

More Green In Your Wallet!

Union Barrelhouse’s PB&J Grilled Cheese

Exquisite European Retreat

4529 E Clearwater Parkway Paradise Valley, AZ 85253 Offered at $1.995m Exclusively By