Sandra Wilken | Gainey Ranch Lifestyle

J U L Y J| U SUTG2U0S1T 7 2 0 1 7 U LA Y U|G A MARCH | APRIL 2017

GAIN

Lifestyle G A I N E Y

R A N C H

Cuba Calling The Island Opens Its Doors

Moving On Up

Phoenix Real Estate Market Update

Salty Sow

Brussels Sprout Caesar Salad If your home is currently listed, this is not a solicitation for that listing.

Produced by DLP Marketing • (480)460-0996 • DLPmarketing.com

JULY | AUGUST 2017

Night Lights Tour at Taliesin Taliesin West | Now through August 25 FrankLloydWright.org | 480.627.5375 The romance and history of Taliesin West comes to life during this magical evening tour. Taliesin West’s renowned fire-breathing dragon makes a guest appearance while Wright’s desert masterpiece glows warmly beneath the Arizona moon. Come celebrate the architect’s 150th birthday this summer.

The Little Mermaid Hale Centre Theater | July 8 - August 19 HaleTheatreArizona.com | 480.497.1181 Disney’s timeless darling comes to Arizona! Enjoy the classics like Under the Sea, Part of Your World, Kiss the Girl and more. Ariel defies her father and leaves to be part of the glorious world above the sea. She finds her prince and exciting new friends but at a price. Swim with Sebastian as he sings and dances on Hale Centre Theatre’s magical centre stage.

Fiddler on a Hot Tin Roof Herberger Theater | July 31 - August 10 HerbergerTheater.org | 602.252.8497 So, what’s to happen when roles are reversed, intentions slanted, and theatrical expectations challenged?

You have yourself a twisted, tilted, and terrific time! Featuring an often offbeat and off-kilter cast of characters, join TML Arts as they explore that which is theatrically askew and unusually unbalanced, in Fiddler on a Hot Tin Roof at Lunch Time Theater.

Starlight Train Ride Verde Canyon Railroad| August 5 VerdeCanyonRR.com | 800.293.7245 It’s not just the stars that come out to play in Verde Canyon. On a summer evening, the Verde Canyon Railroad departs the depot and rumbles through the Canyon, the low slant of sun bathing the high cliffs in soft golden hues. The train reaches the turn-around point of Perkinsville and the return trip offers a serene glimpse into the nocturnal wildlife set against a dazzling canvas of celestial bodies.

Science With a Twist Arizona Science Center | 3rd Fridays Through Nov. AZScience.org | 602.716.2000 Put a twist on your Friday night and join Arizona Science Center for the newest adults only event.

Science with a Twist is designed specifically for ages 21 and older with activities geared towards grownup fun and education. Each month is themed and includes a cash bar, music, live science demonstrations, hands-on activities, discounted tickets into the featured exhibition and more!

Real Estate Market Update

L

ooking at the overall U.S. housing market so far in 2017, experts believe that these factors are keeping the market strong:

1. Moderately rising mortgage rates 2. Low risk of a housing crash for most cities 3. Millennial buyers coming into their main home buying years 4. A trend towards government deregulation 5. Labor shortages pushing up costs of production and incomes 6. The economy continuing to grow – extending the longest positive business cycle in history In addition, experts think that housing shortages across the country will keep home prices high. Plus, the potential of higher interest rates could encourage real estate purchasers to move forward before mortgages get more expensive.

Phoenix is projected as the number one housing market for 2017 by Realtor.com, a national real estate website.

They are predicting Phoenix home prices to climb 5.9 percent, and sales to jump by 7.2 percent in 2017. That’s not the biggest projected price increase on its list of top 10 markets in 2017, but it’s the biggest sales increase. This makes sense since one of the Valley’s top selling points for buyers is more affordable home prices, particularly in the West region.

Phoenix has some other advantages in 2017 when compared to other markets. At the top of that list is that most other big U.S. real estate markets recovered faster than Phoenix, which was hit hard by the last recession and crash. As such, the Valley of the Sun has more room for improvement in prices than the likes of Denver and coastal markets that have already seen increases.

Statistics so far appear to be backing up the Realtor.com predictions.

According to the Arizona Multiple Listing Service (ARMLS), in first quarter 2017 the median sales price for homes listed in Maricopa County rose 6.096 percent from the same time in 2016. In addition, the number of home sales closed rose 12.4 percent from the same quarter last year. Another positive sign in the Maricopa County housing market is the lower number of days on market. It dropped to 54 days, compared to the national average of 105 days (per real estate website Zillow.com). Additionally, R.L. Brown reports that April single family building permits in the greater Phoenix area are up 8.8 percent from a year ago – a 9.0 percent gain over the same period in 2016.

Overall, Phoenix has gone from being one of the worst housing markets to one of the best in less than a decade.

REAL ESTATE

corner

colorful Cuba E

ver dreamed of traveling to Cuba? With its pristine white beaches, colorful and iconic yet aging architecture, and streets lined with classic 1950s American cars, Cuba is a travel destination for history buffs and artists alike. And now, for the first time in more than 50 years, traveling to this isolated island country in the Caribbean is possible once again. For years, American politicians have shunned the Communist country and its former leader, Fidel Castro, but recently policy changes have loosened travel restrictions. The result? A rare and perhaps fleeting opportunity for Americans to visit a culture long ago cut off from much of the world.

and is often described as an island lost in time because so little has changed since the 1950s when Cuba was essentially cut off from the outside world. Once you arrive on this beautiful and captivating island you will see traveling to Cuba is unlike most other travel destinations. For example, for the most part, access to the Internet is very limited except in the larger cities where travelers will need to seek out Internet cafes and high-end hotels for Wi-Fi. American credit and debit cards are typically not accepted in Cuba, making cash a must. However, you will need to exchange your U.S. dollars for Cuban Convertible Pesos (CUC), the only currency used on the island. Though you’re so close to Florida cell phones may not work, but if your carrier does offer phone service, be aware of high roaming charges.

There are several good tour companies that can help plan your trip, whether you’re going for the art, cuisine, music or history.

Ernest Hemingway’s home is a must for literary buffs and the Plaza Vieja is sure to delight with its colorful architecture. Though travel to Cuba does pose some challenges, its historic cities, museums, galleries, and beautiful beaches – not to mention the people – will surely make your efforts worthwhile.

Several airlines fly to the island, including American Airlines, JetBlue, Delta, and Southwest. Some travel restrictions for U.S. citizens still do exist. You cannot technically visit as a tourist, but will need to select from 12 categories authorized by the U.S. government. For example, you can select “educational activities,” or “religious activities,” or “family visit” for your reason for travel. You will need to maintain and provide an itinerary of your trip supporting your reason for visit. U.S. visitors will also need a passport, a visa, and health insurance valid in Cuba, which is included in the cost of your airfare.

Though only 200 miles from Miami, Cuba seems worlds away

IN GOOD TASTE

EVENTFUL

Brussels Sprout Caesar Salad INGREDIENTS 1 c Romaine, cut into 2” pieces ½ c Sliced brusselsprouts, blanched 2 tbsp Dried cranberries 2 tbsp Candied almonds ¼ c Freshly grated parmesan cheese 3 oz Caesar dressing

DIRECTIONS Mix everything well, season salad with fresh cracked pepper and more cheese if desired.

Salty Sow 602.795.9463 | SaltySow.com

JULY | AUGUST 2016

Night Lights Tour at Taliesin Taliesin West | Now through August 25 FrankLloydWright.org | 480.627.5375 The romance and history of Taliesin West comes to life during this magical evening tour. Taliesin West’s renowned fire-breathing dragon makes a guest appearance while Wright’s desert masterpiece glows warmly beneath the Arizona moon. Come celebrate the architect’s 150th birthday this summer.

The Little Mermaid Hale Centre Theater | July 8 - August 19 HaleTheatreArizona.com | 480.497.1181 Disney’s timeless darling comes to Arizona! Enjoy the classics like Under the Sea, Part of Your World, Kiss the Girl and more. Ariel defies her father and leaves to be part of the glorious world above the sea. She finds her prince and exciting new friends but at a price. Swim with Sebastian as he sings and dances on Hale Centre Theatre’s magical centre stage.

Fiddler on a Hot Tin Roof Herberger Theater | July 31 - August 10 HerbergerTheater.org | 602.252.8497 So, what’s to happen when roles are reversed, intentions slanted, and theatrical expectations challenged?

You have yourself a twisted, tilted, and terrific time! Featuring an often offbeat and off-kilter cast of characters, join TML Arts as they explore that which is theatrically askew and unusually unbalanced, in Fiddler on a Hot Tin Roof at Lunch Time Theater.

Starlight Train Ride Verde Canyon Railroad| August 5 VerdeCanyonRR.com | 800.293.7245 It’s not just the stars that come out to play in Verde Canyon. On a summer evening, the Verde Canyon Railroad departs the depot and rumbles through the Canyon, the low slant of sun bathing the high cliffs in soft golden hues. The train reaches the turn-around point of Perkinsville and the return trip offers a serene glimpse into the nocturnal wildlife set against a dazzling canvas of celestial bodies.

Science With a Twist Arizona Science Center | 3rd Fridays Through Nov. AZScience.org | 602.716.2000 Put a twist on your Friday night and join Arizona Science Center for the newest adults only event.

Science with a Twist is designed specifically for ages 21 and older with activities geared towards grownup fun and education. Each month is themed and includes a cash bar, music, live science demonstrations, hands-on activities, discounted tickets into the featured exhibition and more!

Real Estate Market Update

L

ooking at the overall U.S. housing market so far in 2017, experts believe that these factors are keeping the market strong:

1. Moderately rising mortgage rates 2. Low risk of a housing crash for most cities 3. Millennial buyers coming into their main home buying years 4. A trend towards government deregulation 5. Labor shortages pushing up costs of production and incomes 6. The economy continuing to grow – extending the longest positive business cycle in history In addition, experts think that housing shortages across the country will keep home prices high. Plus, the potential of higher interest rates could encourage real estate purchasers to move forward before mortgages get more expensive.

Phoenix is projected as the number one housing market for 2017 by Realtor.com, a national real estate website.

They are predicting Phoenix home prices to climb 5.9 percent, and sales to jump by 7.2 percent in 2017. That’s not the biggest projected price increase on its list of top 10 markets in 2017, but it’s the biggest sales increase. This makes sense since one of the Valley’s top selling points for buyers is more affordable home prices, particularly in the West region.

Phoenix has some other advantages in 2017 when compared to other markets. At the top of that list is that most other big U.S. real estate markets recovered faster than Phoenix, which was hit hard by the last recession and crash. As such, the Valley of the Sun has more room for improvement in prices than the likes of Denver and coastal markets that have already seen increases.

Statistics so far appear to be backing up the Realtor.com predictions.

According to the Arizona Multiple Listing Service (ARMLS), in first quarter 2017 the median sales price for homes listed in Maricopa County rose 6.096 percent from the same time in 2016. In addition, the number of home sales closed rose 12.4 percent from the same quarter last year. Another positive sign in the Maricopa County housing market is the lower number of days on market. It dropped to 54 days, compared to the national average of 105 days (per real estate website Zillow.com). Additionally, R.L. Brown reports that April single family building permits in the greater Phoenix area are up 8.8 percent from a year ago – a 9.0 percent gain over the same period in 2016.

Overall, Phoenix has gone from being one of the worst housing markets to one of the best in less than a decade.

REAL ESTATE

corner

colorful Cuba E

ver dreamed of traveling to Cuba? With its pristine white beaches, colorful and iconic yet aging architecture, and streets lined with classic 1950s American cars, Cuba is a travel destination for history buffs and artists alike. And now, for the first time in more than 50 years, traveling to this isolated island country in the Caribbean is possible once again. For years, American politicians have shunned the Communist country and its former leader, Fidel Castro, but recently policy changes have loosened travel restrictions. The result? A rare and perhaps fleeting opportunity for Americans to visit a culture long ago cut off from much of the world.

and is often described as an island lost in time because so little has changed since the 1950s when Cuba was essentially cut off from the outside world. Once you arrive on this beautiful and captivating island you will see traveling to Cuba is unlike most other travel destinations. For example, for the most part, access to the Internet is very limited except in the larger cities where travelers will need to seek out Internet cafes and high-end hotels for Wi-Fi. American credit and debit cards are typically not accepted in Cuba, making cash a must. However, you will need to exchange your U.S. dollars for Cuban Convertible Pesos (CUC), the only currency used on the island. Though you’re so close to Florida cell phones may not work, but if your carrier does offer phone service, be aware of high roaming charges.

There are several good tour companies that can help plan your trip, whether you’re going for the art, cuisine, music or history.

Ernest Hemingway’s home is a must for literary buffs and the Plaza Vieja is sure to delight with its colorful architecture. Though travel to Cuba does pose some challenges, its historic cities, museums, galleries, and beautiful beaches – not to mention the people – will surely make your efforts worthwhile.

Several airlines fly to the island, including American Airlines, JetBlue, Delta, and Southwest. Some travel restrictions for U.S. citizens still do exist. You cannot technically visit as a tourist, but will need to select from 12 categories authorized by the U.S. government. For example, you can select “educational activities,” or “religious activities,” or “family visit” for your reason for travel. You will need to maintain and provide an itinerary of your trip supporting your reason for visit. U.S. visitors will also need a passport, a visa, and health insurance valid in Cuba, which is included in the cost of your airfare.

Though only 200 miles from Miami, Cuba seems worlds away

IN GOOD TASTE

EVENTFUL

Brussels Sprout Caesar Salad INGREDIENTS 1 c Romaine, cut into 2” pieces ½ c Sliced brusselsprouts, blanched 2 tbsp Dried cranberries 2 tbsp Candied almonds ¼ c Freshly grated parmesan cheese 3 oz Caesar dressing

DIRECTIONS Mix everything well, season salad with fresh cracked pepper and more cheese if desired.

Salty Sow 602.795.9463 | SaltySow.com

J U L Y J| U SUTG2U0S1T 7 2 0 1 7 U LA Y U|G A MARCH | APRIL 2017

GAIN

Lifestyle G A I N E Y

R A N C H

Cuba Calling The Island Opens Its Doors

Moving On Up

Phoenix Real Estate Market Update

Salty Sow

Brussels Sprout Caesar Salad If your home is currently listed, this is not a solicitation for that listing.

Produced by DLP Marketing • (480)460-0996 • DLPmarketing.com