MIRAB
Broker’s Corner s I predicted in my last newsletter article, the high-end second home market took a bit of a break during the worst of the Covid A lockdown but has really caught fire since the middle of May. From January 1, 2020 through the present there have been 12 houses sold in the Mirabel Club for a total value of $27,270,000 which equates to an average of $420 per sq. ft. This is the exact same number of
houses that sold during the same timeframe last year but the total sales volume in 2019 was only $18,765,000 or $348 per sq. ft. The main difference is the upper end of the market and new spec construction sales have both been very solid this year with 50% of sales being over $2 million and 25% of the sales in 2020 being over $3 million. There have been only two lot sales so far this year but again the high-end has been the most active with one homesite selling for $840,000 and the other selling for $575,000. Demand seems to be coming mostly from parts of the country like California that were locked down the hardest and longest. Some of these people are moving here permanently to escape the crowds, high taxes and crazy cost of living. Others are seeking a safe-haven to bring their families to as we try to figure out what the “new normal” looks like. As we look back on the Covid nightmare once it is finally behind us, we can take solace in the fact that we live in one of the most desirable parts of the country. And I believe Mirabel is extremely well positioned to take advantage of this population growth. Below is a chart that will recap the 2020 home sales activity. As always, if you would like to discuss anything related to real estate feel free to contact me. Or better yet, stop by the gatehouse and say hi. Until next time ...
Bob Lomax
Owner/Designated Broker | Mirabel Properties
HOMES SOLD
Lot # House # Street Address SQFT 302 36931 102ND PL 6,482 297 10281 ANIKO DR 6,077 283 10053 MIRABEL CLUB DR 5,806 87 10963 WINTER SUN DR 4,358 339 9961 ALEKA WAY 5,777 149 10763 ADDY WAY 6,043 61 10656 WINTER SUN DR 5,518 236 36389 105TH PL 7,511 228 36452 105TH PL 4,759 144 10732 WILDCAT HILL RD 5,410 152 10714 ADDY WAY 6,286 183 37031 MIRABEL CLUB DR 3,366 TOTALS
Sold Price $3,575,000 $3,400,000 $3,250,000 $2,650,000 $2,600,000* $2,250,000 $1,900,000* $1,645,000* $1,625,000 $1,600,000 $1,500,000 $1,275,000 $27,270,000 *Has not closed yet
J U LY | A U G U S T 2 0 2 0
Summer Escape READING
PPSQFT $552 $600 $602 $608 $480 $372 $358 $219 $341 $296 $239 $379 $420
Broker’s Corner
BOB LOMAX
Hit the Road, Jack!
480.595.2545 OFFICE 480.595.9503 FAX 602.920.7192 MOBILE
Berry Vanilla Ice Cream Cake
For a list of available custom homes and homesites, contact Bob and Liz Lomax at 480.595.2545 OWNER/DESIGNATED BROKER MIRABEL PROPERTIES
All information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed.
www.Mirabel.com If your home is currently listed, this is not a solicitation for that listing.
Lifestyle MIRABEL
Produced by DLP Marketing • (480)460-0996 • DLPmarketing.com
Rediscovering the Road Trip GoodNes
Presented By Bob Lomax on Back Cover
JULY | AUGUST 2020 Virtual Community Sunset Sessions Carefree | Through July 24 Civana1.wpengine.com The Civana Wellness Resort and Spa is sharing its calming and healing energy via IGTV and Facebook Live with digital streaming of stunning Carefree sunsets from 6:15 – 7:45 p.m. Check in Fridays and Sundays by searching for @ CivanaResort on Instagram or Facebook and enjoy the view from the Civana Spa Deck.
Japanese Friendship Garden Livestream Phoenix | Weekdays Facebook.com/JFGPHX/live The Japanese Friendship Garden of Phoenix has launched a live streaming program allowing you to virtually tour the peaceful 3.5 acres of carefully crafted plants, streams and footbridges. Follow @JFGPHX on Facebook and Instagram as curators go live 4:30 – 7 p.m. weekdays.
Virtual 360 Art Tours Phoenix | Sundays-Saturdays HerbergerTheater.org/art-gallery The Herberger Theater Center Art Gallery has created 360-degree tours of two major exhibits, offering guests a unique virtual experience. “In Celebration of Women” features the work of 30 female artists from Arizona, ranging in mediums from photography to sculpture and painting. “Candid” highlights the work of 16 Arizona artists who captured moments of everyday life through the eyes of locals.
Tempe Festival of the Arts Tempe | Sundays-Saturdays TempeFestivaloftheArts.com The annual spring festival got cancelled in March, but art lovers can now browse the artists and booths virtually. Connect with the artists on social media, shop online and support the art community while you take note of which artists you can’t wait to see during the next in-person festival.
The Open Road E
ven before #StayAtHome was a thing and travel became tricky, an industry survey showed that 73% of Americans would rather hit the open highway, than they would an airport runway. That number will undoubtedly continue to climb as we seek new adventures beyond our homes, and behind the wheel.
MAKE A PLAN, STAN Road trips can be practical, adventurous and above all, memorable – especially if you prepare well. Most travelers take at least a few weeks to pull details together, including where to go, how to get there, what to bring, where to stay, and how much to spend. Taking your own vehicle can be more affordable than flying but statistics show that road trippers in 2019 actually took more vacations than alternative travelers, spending an average of $5,000 per year. To adhere to your budget and schedule, you’ll want to set your GPS, calculate your anticipated gas usage, reserve your accommodations, figure in fees for National Parks or destinations, and be sure to maintain a little cushion for that potential, spontaneous adventure!
START YOUR ENGINES… One of the perks of road travel is the flexibility. No need to worry about your suitcase going over the weight limit, or TSA giving your snacks undue scrutiny. Your car is your castle for the next three to 14 days. Sure, you’ll want to have plenty of water, but choosing road trip snacks is of the utmost importance. Nothing too messy, nothing too healthy, and plenty to share. A trail mix with a mélange of salty and sweet is always a winner, along with perennial favorites like jerky, candy, and chips. Not all highways are scenic and eventually boredom is a factor. Download your favorite music, audio books or podcasts ahead of time for those miles that lack a proper signal. Nostalgic travel games for young passengers can still be found at the iconic truck stop, or improvise with some license plate spotting, I Spy, or 20 questions. A schedule is important, however, make room for the unplanned and necessary detour to see the world’s largest ball of string or the International UFO Museum. After all, you’re collecting life-long memories with each mile covered.
SAFE TRAVELS!
Inside ASU Gammage Tempe | Sundays-Saturdays Facebook.com/ASUGammageFan Arizona State University’s Gammage Theater is giving visitors a backstage pass with weekly digital programming including master classes and lunch time talks on specific shows, performers and the craft that goes into creating shows. Past live videos are available on Facebook, so you can pick and choose which topics interest you most.
SUMMER BEACH READS W ith so much time spent at home recently, binging entire series, telecommuting to work, and scrolling social media, some of us are starting to feel the burnout of a digital overload. This summer is the perfect time put down the screens and pick up a beach read. This genre typically stays on the lighter side of literature, accessible and entertaining to large audiences. Even if you’re planning more of a staycation this summer, beach reads are a great escape for the mind and can be consumed poolside, on the couch with a cool drink nearby or anywhere you like to unwind. Grab a book, get comfortable and let your mind wander with these stories of humanity, mystery, and truth.
I’LL NEVER TELL – CATHERINE MCKENZIE If you’re in the mood for a classic murder-mystery, look no further. Five estranged siblings reunite at their family-run summer camp after the sudden death of their parents and are tasked with a chilling assignment before they can inherit the fortune left behind: unveil the killer responsible for a camp murder years ago. The catch? It might be one of them. Family tensions boil and loyalties are tested as the siblings question each other and their own recollections of the past. ITALY IS MY BOYFRIEND– ANNETTE JOSEPH Fans of the movie “Under the Tuscan Sun” will enjoy this travel memoir. The author recounts her journey of discovery through her time spent in Italy throughout 30 years, finding love, a new lease on life, and a feeling of home. Through all her ups and down with the country that has challenged her, comforted her, excited her, and entertained her, Joseph has developed a loving (if sometimes trying) relationship with Italy. Her book details the most life-changing adventures that
FLAVORFUL
EVENT CALENDAR
led to her finding her dream villa. THE MAN WHO MISTOOK HIS WIFE FOR A HAT: AND OTHER CLINICAL TALES – OLIVER SACKS Recounting some of the most interesting case studies he’s encountered, neurology professor and physician Oliver Sacks gives readers a glimpse inside the minds of patients with neurological disorders. Published in 1985, the book maintains its level of fascination more than 30 years later with tales of people who are unable to recognize familiar faces, cannot form new memories, and have completely forgotten the concept of objects and space existing to the left side of the body. If you’re worried the subject matter may be too clinical, fear not. Sacks breaks down the complex subject matter into easy digestible parts that dissect different brain functions through humanizing stories. KEY TO EVERYTHING – VALERIE FRASER LUESSE This coming-of-age story comes from a well-known Southern Living feature writer. A fifteen-year-old boy sets on out a bicycle journey from Savannah, Georgia to Key West, Florida in an attempt to understand his father, just returned from World War II. Along the way, he learns about himself, adulthood, and where he wants to focus the rest of his life. The story is sweet and full of southern charm and faith that gives a classic formula a unique spin.
Berry Vanilla Ice Cream Cake INGREDIENTS ½ cup 1 cup 1 cup 1 carton (1.5 qt) 1 (10.75 oz)
Sliced strawberries Fresh raspberries Fresh blueberries Vanilla bean ice cream, softened Frozen reduced-fat pound cake loaf
DIRECTIONS Slice pound cake in half lengthwise. Place on half in 8 x 4-inch loaf pan lined with plastic wrap, leaving a few inches of overhang. (Wrap and save other half for another use.) Top with half of the softened ice cream. Top with half of the blueberries and half of the raspberries. Top with remaining softened ice cream. Wrap plastic wrap overhang over ice cream. Freeze until firm (2 hours). Using plastic wrap overhang, lift cake from pan. Remove plastic wrap and place on platter. Top with remaining blueberries, raspberries and sliced strawberries.
LIFEWISE
GoodNes.com
JULY | AUGUST 2020 Virtual Community Sunset Sessions Carefree | Through July 24 Civana1.wpengine.com The Civana Wellness Resort and Spa is sharing its calming and healing energy via IGTV and Facebook Live with digital streaming of stunning Carefree sunsets from 6:15 – 7:45 p.m. Check in Fridays and Sundays by searching for @ CivanaResort on Instagram or Facebook and enjoy the view from the Civana Spa Deck.
Japanese Friendship Garden Livestream Phoenix | Weekdays Facebook.com/JFGPHX/live The Japanese Friendship Garden of Phoenix has launched a live streaming program allowing you to virtually tour the peaceful 3.5 acres of carefully crafted plants, streams and footbridges. Follow @JFGPHX on Facebook and Instagram as curators go live 4:30 – 7 p.m. weekdays.
Virtual 360 Art Tours Phoenix | Sundays-Saturdays HerbergerTheater.org/art-gallery The Herberger Theater Center Art Gallery has created 360-degree tours of two major exhibits, offering guests a unique virtual experience. “In Celebration of Women” features the work of 30 female artists from Arizona, ranging in mediums from photography to sculpture and painting. “Candid” highlights the work of 16 Arizona artists who captured moments of everyday life through the eyes of locals.
Tempe Festival of the Arts Tempe | Sundays-Saturdays TempeFestivaloftheArts.com The annual spring festival got cancelled in March, but art lovers can now browse the artists and booths virtually. Connect with the artists on social media, shop online and support the art community while you take note of which artists you can’t wait to see during the next in-person festival.
The Open Road E
ven before #StayAtHome was a thing and travel became tricky, an industry survey showed that 73% of Americans would rather hit the open highway, than they would an airport runway. That number will undoubtedly continue to climb as we seek new adventures beyond our homes, and behind the wheel.
MAKE A PLAN, STAN Road trips can be practical, adventurous and above all, memorable – especially if you prepare well. Most travelers take at least a few weeks to pull details together, including where to go, how to get there, what to bring, where to stay, and how much to spend. Taking your own vehicle can be more affordable than flying but statistics show that road trippers in 2019 actually took more vacations than alternative travelers, spending an average of $5,000 per year. To adhere to your budget and schedule, you’ll want to set your GPS, calculate your anticipated gas usage, reserve your accommodations, figure in fees for National Parks or destinations, and be sure to maintain a little cushion for that potential, spontaneous adventure!
START YOUR ENGINES… One of the perks of road travel is the flexibility. No need to worry about your suitcase going over the weight limit, or TSA giving your snacks undue scrutiny. Your car is your castle for the next three to 14 days. Sure, you’ll want to have plenty of water, but choosing road trip snacks is of the utmost importance. Nothing too messy, nothing too healthy, and plenty to share. A trail mix with a mélange of salty and sweet is always a winner, along with perennial favorites like jerky, candy, and chips. Not all highways are scenic and eventually boredom is a factor. Download your favorite music, audio books or podcasts ahead of time for those miles that lack a proper signal. Nostalgic travel games for young passengers can still be found at the iconic truck stop, or improvise with some license plate spotting, I Spy, or 20 questions. A schedule is important, however, make room for the unplanned and necessary detour to see the world’s largest ball of string or the International UFO Museum. After all, you’re collecting life-long memories with each mile covered.
SAFE TRAVELS!
Inside ASU Gammage Tempe | Sundays-Saturdays Facebook.com/ASUGammageFan Arizona State University’s Gammage Theater is giving visitors a backstage pass with weekly digital programming including master classes and lunch time talks on specific shows, performers and the craft that goes into creating shows. Past live videos are available on Facebook, so you can pick and choose which topics interest you most.
SUMMER BEACH READS W ith so much time spent at home recently, binging entire series, telecommuting to work, and scrolling social media, some of us are starting to feel the burnout of a digital overload. This summer is the perfect time put down the screens and pick up a beach read. This genre typically stays on the lighter side of literature, accessible and entertaining to large audiences. Even if you’re planning more of a staycation this summer, beach reads are a great escape for the mind and can be consumed poolside, on the couch with a cool drink nearby or anywhere you like to unwind. Grab a book, get comfortable and let your mind wander with these stories of humanity, mystery, and truth.
I’LL NEVER TELL – CATHERINE MCKENZIE If you’re in the mood for a classic murder-mystery, look no further. Five estranged siblings reunite at their family-run summer camp after the sudden death of their parents and are tasked with a chilling assignment before they can inherit the fortune left behind: unveil the killer responsible for a camp murder years ago. The catch? It might be one of them. Family tensions boil and loyalties are tested as the siblings question each other and their own recollections of the past. ITALY IS MY BOYFRIEND– ANNETTE JOSEPH Fans of the movie “Under the Tuscan Sun” will enjoy this travel memoir. The author recounts her journey of discovery through her time spent in Italy throughout 30 years, finding love, a new lease on life, and a feeling of home. Through all her ups and down with the country that has challenged her, comforted her, excited her, and entertained her, Joseph has developed a loving (if sometimes trying) relationship with Italy. Her book details the most life-changing adventures that
FLAVORFUL
EVENT CALENDAR
led to her finding her dream villa. THE MAN WHO MISTOOK HIS WIFE FOR A HAT: AND OTHER CLINICAL TALES – OLIVER SACKS Recounting some of the most interesting case studies he’s encountered, neurology professor and physician Oliver Sacks gives readers a glimpse inside the minds of patients with neurological disorders. Published in 1985, the book maintains its level of fascination more than 30 years later with tales of people who are unable to recognize familiar faces, cannot form new memories, and have completely forgotten the concept of objects and space existing to the left side of the body. If you’re worried the subject matter may be too clinical, fear not. Sacks breaks down the complex subject matter into easy digestible parts that dissect different brain functions through humanizing stories. KEY TO EVERYTHING – VALERIE FRASER LUESSE This coming-of-age story comes from a well-known Southern Living feature writer. A fifteen-year-old boy sets on out a bicycle journey from Savannah, Georgia to Key West, Florida in an attempt to understand his father, just returned from World War II. Along the way, he learns about himself, adulthood, and where he wants to focus the rest of his life. The story is sweet and full of southern charm and faith that gives a classic formula a unique spin.
Berry Vanilla Ice Cream Cake INGREDIENTS ½ cup 1 cup 1 cup 1 carton (1.5 qt) 1 (10.75 oz)
Sliced strawberries Fresh raspberries Fresh blueberries Vanilla bean ice cream, softened Frozen reduced-fat pound cake loaf
DIRECTIONS Slice pound cake in half lengthwise. Place on half in 8 x 4-inch loaf pan lined with plastic wrap, leaving a few inches of overhang. (Wrap and save other half for another use.) Top with half of the softened ice cream. Top with half of the blueberries and half of the raspberries. Top with remaining softened ice cream. Wrap plastic wrap overhang over ice cream. Freeze until firm (2 hours). Using plastic wrap overhang, lift cake from pan. Remove plastic wrap and place on platter. Top with remaining blueberries, raspberries and sliced strawberries.
LIFEWISE
GoodNes.com
MIRAB
Broker’s Corner s I predicted in my last newsletter article, the high-end second home market took a bit of a break during the worst of the Covid A lockdown but has really caught fire since the middle of May. From January 1, 2020 through the present there have been 12 houses sold in the Mirabel Club for a total value of $27,270,000 which equates to an average of $420 per sq. ft. This is the exact same number of
houses that sold during the same timeframe last year but the total sales volume in 2019 was only $18,765,000 or $348 per sq. ft. The main difference is the upper end of the market and new spec construction sales have both been very solid this year with 50% of sales being over $2 million and 25% of the sales in 2020 being over $3 million. There have been only two lot sales so far this year but again the high-end has been the most active with one homesite selling for $840,000 and the other selling for $575,000. Demand seems to be coming mostly from parts of the country like California that were locked down the hardest and longest. Some of these people are moving here permanently to escape the crowds, high taxes and crazy cost of living. Others are seeking a safe-haven to bring their families to as we try to figure out what the “new normal” looks like. As we look back on the Covid nightmare once it is finally behind us, we can take solace in the fact that we live in one of the most desirable parts of the country. And I believe Mirabel is extremely well positioned to take advantage of this population growth. Below is a chart that will recap the 2020 home sales activity. As always, if you would like to discuss anything related to real estate feel free to contact me. Or better yet, stop by the gatehouse and say hi. Until next time ...
Bob Lomax
Owner/Designated Broker | Mirabel Properties
HOMES SOLD
Lot # House # Street Address SQFT 302 36931 102ND PL 6,482 297 10281 ANIKO DR 6,077 283 10053 MIRABEL CLUB DR 5,806 87 10963 WINTER SUN DR 4,358 339 9961 ALEKA WAY 5,777 149 10763 ADDY WAY 6,043 61 10656 WINTER SUN DR 5,518 236 36389 105TH PL 7,511 228 36452 105TH PL 4,759 144 10732 WILDCAT HILL RD 5,410 152 10714 ADDY WAY 6,286 183 37031 MIRABEL CLUB DR 3,366 TOTALS
Sold Price $3,575,000 $3,400,000 $3,250,000 $2,650,000 $2,600,000* $2,250,000 $1,900,000* $1,645,000* $1,625,000 $1,600,000 $1,500,000 $1,275,000 $27,270,000 *Has not closed yet
J U LY | A U G U S T 2 0 2 0
Summer Escape READING
PPSQFT $552 $600 $602 $608 $480 $372 $358 $219 $341 $296 $239 $379 $420
Broker’s Corner
BOB LOMAX
Hit the Road, Jack!
480.595.2545 OFFICE 480.595.9503 FAX 602.920.7192 MOBILE
Berry Vanilla Ice Cream Cake
For a list of available custom homes and homesites, contact Bob and Liz Lomax at 480.595.2545 OWNER/DESIGNATED BROKER MIRABEL PROPERTIES
All information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed.
www.Mirabel.com If your home is currently listed, this is not a solicitation for that listing.
Lifestyle MIRABEL
Produced by DLP Marketing • (480)460-0996 • DLPmarketing.com
Rediscovering the Road Trip GoodNes
Presented By Bob Lomax on Back Cover