Saguaro Highlands Lifestyle

November | December 2011

YOUR SAGUARO HIGHLANDS REAL ESTATE SPECIALIST A Saguaro Highlands resident since 2003, Lesley has set her focus on being the preferred Real Estate Agent for the Saguaro Highlands/Saguaro Estates Community. And she has done just that. As a specialist in the Saguaro Highlands neighborhood, Lesley is your top choice when it comes time to sell your home. With unsurpassed industry knowledge and tremendous experience working with buyers and sellers in North Scottsdale, Lesley excels within her field on many levels. Count on her to properly price, market and sell your home. And put yourself in her capable hands in finding your next purchase.

A continuous member of the Social Committee for Saguaro Highlands, Lesley understands and appreciates the unique aspects of the neighborhood, its residents and its appeal to potential buyers interested in this very desirable community.

Professionally, The Ray Group team has an extensive background in marketing luxury properties in North Scottsdale. Their local market knowledge, extensive realtor network and Fine Homes International marketing plan make Lesley and The Ray Group the perfect choice for your real estate needs.

www.LesleyMcGee.PruAZ.com

REAL ESTATE ACTIVITY IN

Featured Cover Property

Add Richness & Warmth

EXCLUSIVE NEW LISTING COMING SOON.

CALL FOR DETAILS!

ADDRESS Currently for Sale 6419 E Greythorn Dr

Lesley McGee THE RAY GROUP | PRUDENTIAL TROON NORTH OFFICE

Cell: 480.203.6949 Lesley.McGee@PruAZ.com

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

SQ. FT. / BED / BATH

LIST PRICE

3,809 / 3 / 2.5

$699,000

Sale Pending 6558 E Running Deer Trl 27547 N 65th St 27600 N 66th Way 27597 N 67th Way

3,923 / 3 / 3 4,063 / 5 / 5.5 3,730 / 3 / 2.5 4,322 / 4 / 4.5

$460,000 $599,000 $599,900 $999,999

Sold in 2011 6419 E Greythorn Dr 6416 E Greythorn Dr 6509 E Greythorn Dr 6630 E Blue Sky Dr 6527 E Greythorn Dr 6585 E Oberlin Way 27798 N 67th Pl

3,809 / 3 / 2.5 3,469 / 3 / 3.5 3,730 / 3 / 2.5 4,166 / 5 / 3.5 4,320 / 3 / 4 5,061 / 4 / 3.5 4,044 / 4 / 3.5

$499,000 $550,000 $624,900 $599,900 $839,000 $899,000 $929,900

SOLD PRICE

Listing Your Home During the Holidays Is it Wise? $499,000 $550,000 $550,000 $648,550 $799,000 $890,000 $910,000

Properties in bold/green have been listed/sold by Lesley McGee.

Information gathered from ARMLS. All information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed.

Properties on this list have been listed/sold by various members of the MLS.

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

A Delicious Holiday Delight Seasons 52’s Roasted Bosc Pears

Saguaro Highlands’

Real Estate Report

to embrace all those who enter, and add a dramatic dimension that flat walls can never emulate.

Trained and seasoned artisans can apply these products in hues of every spectrum of the rainbow. The use of metallic paints, plasters, waxes, and glazes are becoming increasingly popular and the possibilities for the use of metallics are seemingly endless. For instance, waxes can be applied as topcoats to other finishes such as an existing Venetian plaster which results in added depth and character.

Featuring Seasons 52 602.840.5252 | Seasons52.com

ROASTED BOSC PEARS

NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2011

take your home from dull to dramatic!

INGREDIENTS

Custom faux finishes in your home can add that extra bit of sophistication; a sense of opulence that ties everything in your home together beautifully. “It’s like the finishing touch of a holiday bow on a festively wrapped gift,” says Cindy Leech, co-owner with Carol Rollins, of CC Custom Finishes (www.CCCustomFinishes.com). Known for their exquisite custom wall finishes featured in some of today’s top lifestyle and décor magazines, Leech and Rollins have transformed many homes from “so-so” to spectacular!

Some of the more common faux painting finishes are: MARBLE FAUX FINISH – This is used to make walls and furniture look like real marble. This can be done using either plaster or glaze techniques.

WOOD FAUX FINISH – This technique is often used to imitate exotic or hard-to-find wood varieties.

STRI – This comes from the French word meaning “stripe” or “streak.” It is referred to as a negative glaze technique.

SILK FAUX FINISH – Replicates the appearance of silk.

RAGGING – A glazing technique using twisted or bunched up rags to create a textural pattern.

BRICK FAUX FINISH – The look of brick and also stones are a popular style in Old World decor.

TROMPE L’OEIL – French for “trick the eye,” this is an art technique involving extremely realistic imagery in order to create the illusion that the depicted objects appear in three dimensions.

The applications range from small powder rooms to virtually every wall, ceiling, nook and cranny of a spacious estate. When artisans execute this specialized finish, the transformation is amazing. The smooth or textured walls of your home will allow the light and shadow of the room

4 bosc pears 1 1/2 tsp. extra virgin olive oil 1/4 tsp. kosher salt 1/8 tsp. fresh ground pepper PROCEDURE • Preheat oven to 400°.

• Wash pears and cut them in half. Pat dry.

• Toss pears with olive oil and salt and pepper in bowl.

• Lay pears on baking dish skin-side down, cut-side up.

• Roast pears in 400º oven for 15 minutes.

• Rotate tray.

• Continue cooking 15 minutes until soft and caramelized.

• Top with chutney or cranberry relish for added holiday touch.

Serves 4

Rich gold, bronze and copper metallic plasters and glazes can add authenticity to Tuscan and Old World interiors giving your home that “lived-in” look of an aged European estate. Metallic pewter, charcoal, silver, lime, or even purple can create a gorgeous shimmering background for contemporary, industrial, and modern settings.

An entry way is the perfect place to use metallics.

The minute your guests enter your home, their eyes are drawn upward by the rich depth and dramatic presence of the ceiling. Tray ceilings adorned with metallic finishes will “wow” visitors as the soft flickering reflections created by a gorgeous chandelier shimmers in movement.

Small powder rooms can be transformed into amazing “eye candy” that will be the envy of all who enter.

Even the smallest of rooms can appear larger due to the reflective qualities of the metallic products. Leech adds, “Often, guests will be so intrigued by what they see, they can’t help but touch the walls!”

Because kitchens are inarguably the heart and soul of a home, use wall finishes to turn your kitchen into the most celebrated room of the house. Plain range hoods can morph into a pleasing aged copper or bronze finish.

A stencil motif along a backsplash or accent wall gives added vibrancy to the background finish and an island or bar looks magnificent with a rough, aged plaster with patches of monotone or metallic highlights.

In addition to amazing walls and ceilings, faux finishing can be used for furniture and accessories. Leech notes, “We have made use of metallic products to enhance lamps, vases, pots, statues, mirrors, tables, and cabinetry.

Phoenix Heart Ball The Phoenician, November 19th 602.414.5347 | PhoenixHeartBall.org In its 52nd year in the Valley of the Sun, this premier fundraising event brings black tie and ball gowns together for a “Passion with Purpose.” Proceeds help fund the prevention of cardiovascular disease through education as well as other research and programs of the American Heart Association. A lively cocktail reception, followed by dinner and dancing round out the beautiful evening.

Often it’s in the smallest of items or details that create the biggest impact.”

If your home isn’t making the statement you had hoped, perhaps the relatively simple renovation achieved with wall finishes is just what your interiors need!

Shopping, entertaining, parties, decorating the house, charity work and so much more. For many of us, the holidays are already overloaded with seasonal obligations. Who in their right mind would add “sell house” to their already busy list?

Well, it’s not such a bad idea after all. Consider this: Year in and year out, the real estate market begins to slow after Halloween and doesn’t start picking up again until late January. In fact, it’s not unheard of for home sales to be down 30% or so from December to January.

Many people will take their home off of the market during this time, which leaves a fantastic opportunity to really stand out from your competition. With fewer homes available for sale, your home will receive more attention. With a reduced number of listings and condensed inventories, you’ll have more buyers’ agents that want to show your home to their clients. Additionally, many people that list their home during the holidays find that they receive better attention not only from agents, but lenders, appraisers, title companies and home inspectors.

Those professionals aren’t as busy this time of year either.

Besides having fewer homes for sale, there are also fewer buyers. But don’t let that overly concern you. Buyers who are shopping for a home during the holidays tend to be

more

NKF Cadillac Golf Classic Whirlwind Golf Club, November 18th 602.840.1644 | AZKidney.org Take a swing at kidney disease and receive the opportunity to advance to the golf championships at Pebble Beach. Raising over $6 million nationally each year for the National Kidney Foundation, this premier amateur golf event for charity begins with a shotgun start and includes lunch, cocktail reception and silent auction.

motivated. These buyers are serious, and you’re less likely to be contacted by those that are “only looking.” Plus, with many families having vacation days and time off work, it’s a great opportunity for typically busy people to find time for house hunting.

We have another advantage here in our market. Many of our neighbors as well as homeowners from across the city entertain out-of-town houseguests for the holidays.

What a great opportunity to present your home to people that may very likely decide (or have already decided) to move here!

Lastly, isn’t your home always beautiful and inviting during the holidays? You’ve cleaned and decorated and put on all the finishing touches indoors and out. Having potential buyers view your home during this warm and welcoming season allows them to better picture their own family life in the appealing environment you’ve created.

So don’t hesitate to list during the holidays – it just might work to your advantage!

Thanksgiving Day Classic Peoria Sports Complex, November 24th 602.954.8341 | ArizonaRoadRacers.com Before you sit down to your annual turkey feast, begin your day with a great race while helping a great cause. Choose from among a 10-mile, 5K and 1-mile fun run. Proceeds benefit Peoria Pantry and will help to purchase shoes, socks and underwear for those in need. Plus, this year, unwrapped toys can be brought to add to the donated items. Gobble, gobble!

The Wizard of Oz Orpheum Theater, December 8th – December 11th 602.262.7272 | Orpheum-Theater.com This holiday season, there is truly no place like home.

The entire family can enjoy the travels down the Yellow Brick Road in this lavish production featuring breathtaking special effects, dazzling choreography and classic songs. Whether you most love the munchkins or the flying monkeys, don’t miss your chance to travel Over the Rainbow and experience Oz live on stage.

Las Noches de Las Luminarias Desert Botanical Garden, December 8th – 30th 480.481.8188 | DBG.org The Valley’s best holiday event comes to life at the Garden with more than 8,000 hand-lit luminaria bags and 10 musical groups performing nightly. New this year, explore the Garden’s newest exhibition, David Rogers’ Big Bugs. These 11 enormous, whimsical bug sculptures will be on display and are sure to create quite a buzz this holiday season.

58th Annual Fashion Show and Luncheon Arizona Biltmore Resort and Spa, December 10th 602.235.9554 | BoardOfVisitors.org As one of the venerable charitable events in the Valley, the Board of Visitors Fashion Show and Luncheon raises over $100,000 each year for local charities. Join approximately 1000 fashionable guests at this festive afternoon event and see how the significance of family and philanthropy is deeply woven throughout this organization and in our community.

to embrace all those who enter, and add a dramatic dimension that flat walls can never emulate.

Trained and seasoned artisans can apply these products in hues of every spectrum of the rainbow. The use of metallic paints, plasters, waxes, and glazes are becoming increasingly popular and the possibilities for the use of metallics are seemingly endless. For instance, waxes can be applied as topcoats to other finishes such as an existing Venetian plaster which results in added depth and character.

Featuring Seasons 52 602.840.5252 | Seasons52.com

ROASTED BOSC PEARS

NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2011

take your home from dull to dramatic!

INGREDIENTS

Custom faux finishes in your home can add that extra bit of sophistication; a sense of opulence that ties everything in your home together beautifully. “It’s like the finishing touch of a holiday bow on a festively wrapped gift,” says Cindy Leech, co-owner with Carol Rollins, of CC Custom Finishes (www.CCCustomFinishes.com). Known for their exquisite custom wall finishes featured in some of today’s top lifestyle and décor magazines, Leech and Rollins have transformed many homes from “so-so” to spectacular!

Some of the more common faux painting finishes are: MARBLE FAUX FINISH – This is used to make walls and furniture look like real marble. This can be done using either plaster or glaze techniques.

WOOD FAUX FINISH – This technique is often used to imitate exotic or hard-to-find wood varieties.

STRI – This comes from the French word meaning “stripe” or “streak.” It is referred to as a negative glaze technique.

SILK FAUX FINISH – Replicates the appearance of silk.

RAGGING – A glazing technique using twisted or bunched up rags to create a textural pattern.

BRICK FAUX FINISH – The look of brick and also stones are a popular style in Old World decor.

TROMPE L’OEIL – French for “trick the eye,” this is an art technique involving extremely realistic imagery in order to create the illusion that the depicted objects appear in three dimensions.

The applications range from small powder rooms to virtually every wall, ceiling, nook and cranny of a spacious estate. When artisans execute this specialized finish, the transformation is amazing. The smooth or textured walls of your home will allow the light and shadow of the room

4 bosc pears 1 1/2 tsp. extra virgin olive oil 1/4 tsp. kosher salt 1/8 tsp. fresh ground pepper PROCEDURE • Preheat oven to 400°.

• Wash pears and cut them in half. Pat dry.

• Toss pears with olive oil and salt and pepper in bowl.

• Lay pears on baking dish skin-side down, cut-side up.

• Roast pears in 400º oven for 15 minutes.

• Rotate tray.

• Continue cooking 15 minutes until soft and caramelized.

• Top with chutney or cranberry relish for added holiday touch.

Serves 4

Rich gold, bronze and copper metallic plasters and glazes can add authenticity to Tuscan and Old World interiors giving your home that “lived-in” look of an aged European estate. Metallic pewter, charcoal, silver, lime, or even purple can create a gorgeous shimmering background for contemporary, industrial, and modern settings.

An entry way is the perfect place to use metallics.

The minute your guests enter your home, their eyes are drawn upward by the rich depth and dramatic presence of the ceiling. Tray ceilings adorned with metallic finishes will “wow” visitors as the soft flickering reflections created by a gorgeous chandelier shimmers in movement.

Small powder rooms can be transformed into amazing “eye candy” that will be the envy of all who enter.

Even the smallest of rooms can appear larger due to the reflective qualities of the metallic products. Leech adds, “Often, guests will be so intrigued by what they see, they can’t help but touch the walls!”

Because kitchens are inarguably the heart and soul of a home, use wall finishes to turn your kitchen into the most celebrated room of the house. Plain range hoods can morph into a pleasing aged copper or bronze finish.

A stencil motif along a backsplash or accent wall gives added vibrancy to the background finish and an island or bar looks magnificent with a rough, aged plaster with patches of monotone or metallic highlights.

In addition to amazing walls and ceilings, faux finishing can be used for furniture and accessories. Leech notes, “We have made use of metallic products to enhance lamps, vases, pots, statues, mirrors, tables, and cabinetry.

Phoenix Heart Ball The Phoenician, November 19th 602.414.5347 | PhoenixHeartBall.org In its 52nd year in the Valley of the Sun, this premier fundraising event brings black tie and ball gowns together for a “Passion with Purpose.” Proceeds help fund the prevention of cardiovascular disease through education as well as other research and programs of the American Heart Association. A lively cocktail reception, followed by dinner and dancing round out the beautiful evening.

Often it’s in the smallest of items or details that create the biggest impact.”

If your home isn’t making the statement you had hoped, perhaps the relatively simple renovation achieved with wall finishes is just what your interiors need!

Shopping, entertaining, parties, decorating the house, charity work and so much more. For many of us, the holidays are already overloaded with seasonal obligations. Who in their right mind would add “sell house” to their already busy list?

Well, it’s not such a bad idea after all. Consider this: Year in and year out, the real estate market begins to slow after Halloween and doesn’t start picking up again until late January. In fact, it’s not unheard of for home sales to be down 30% or so from December to January.

Many people will take their home off of the market during this time, which leaves a fantastic opportunity to really stand out from your competition. With fewer homes available for sale, your home will receive more attention. With a reduced number of listings and condensed inventories, you’ll have more buyers’ agents that want to show your home to their clients. Additionally, many people that list their home during the holidays find that they receive better attention not only from agents, but lenders, appraisers, title companies and home inspectors.

Those professionals aren’t as busy this time of year either.

Besides having fewer homes for sale, there are also fewer buyers. But don’t let that overly concern you. Buyers who are shopping for a home during the holidays tend to be

more

NKF Cadillac Golf Classic Whirlwind Golf Club, November 18th 602.840.1644 | AZKidney.org Take a swing at kidney disease and receive the opportunity to advance to the golf championships at Pebble Beach. Raising over $6 million nationally each year for the National Kidney Foundation, this premier amateur golf event for charity begins with a shotgun start and includes lunch, cocktail reception and silent auction.

motivated. These buyers are serious, and you’re less likely to be contacted by those that are “only looking.” Plus, with many families having vacation days and time off work, it’s a great opportunity for typically busy people to find time for house hunting.

We have another advantage here in our market. Many of our neighbors as well as homeowners from across the city entertain out-of-town houseguests for the holidays.

What a great opportunity to present your home to people that may very likely decide (or have already decided) to move here!

Lastly, isn’t your home always beautiful and inviting during the holidays? You’ve cleaned and decorated and put on all the finishing touches indoors and out. Having potential buyers view your home during this warm and welcoming season allows them to better picture their own family life in the appealing environment you’ve created.

So don’t hesitate to list during the holidays – it just might work to your advantage!

Thanksgiving Day Classic Peoria Sports Complex, November 24th 602.954.8341 | ArizonaRoadRacers.com Before you sit down to your annual turkey feast, begin your day with a great race while helping a great cause. Choose from among a 10-mile, 5K and 1-mile fun run. Proceeds benefit Peoria Pantry and will help to purchase shoes, socks and underwear for those in need. Plus, this year, unwrapped toys can be brought to add to the donated items. Gobble, gobble!

The Wizard of Oz Orpheum Theater, December 8th – December 11th 602.262.7272 | Orpheum-Theater.com This holiday season, there is truly no place like home.

The entire family can enjoy the travels down the Yellow Brick Road in this lavish production featuring breathtaking special effects, dazzling choreography and classic songs. Whether you most love the munchkins or the flying monkeys, don’t miss your chance to travel Over the Rainbow and experience Oz live on stage.

Las Noches de Las Luminarias Desert Botanical Garden, December 8th – 30th 480.481.8188 | DBG.org The Valley’s best holiday event comes to life at the Garden with more than 8,000 hand-lit luminaria bags and 10 musical groups performing nightly. New this year, explore the Garden’s newest exhibition, David Rogers’ Big Bugs. These 11 enormous, whimsical bug sculptures will be on display and are sure to create quite a buzz this holiday season.

58th Annual Fashion Show and Luncheon Arizona Biltmore Resort and Spa, December 10th 602.235.9554 | BoardOfVisitors.org As one of the venerable charitable events in the Valley, the Board of Visitors Fashion Show and Luncheon raises over $100,000 each year for local charities. Join approximately 1000 fashionable guests at this festive afternoon event and see how the significance of family and philanthropy is deeply woven throughout this organization and in our community.

November | December 2011

YOUR SAGUARO HIGHLANDS REAL ESTATE SPECIALIST A Saguaro Highlands resident since 2003, Lesley has set her focus on being the preferred Real Estate Agent for the Saguaro Highlands/Saguaro Estates Community. And she has done just that. As a specialist in the Saguaro Highlands neighborhood, Lesley is your top choice when it comes time to sell your home. With unsurpassed industry knowledge and tremendous experience working with buyers and sellers in North Scottsdale, Lesley excels within her field on many levels. Count on her to properly price, market and sell your home. And put yourself in her capable hands in finding your next purchase.

A continuous member of the Social Committee for Saguaro Highlands, Lesley understands and appreciates the unique aspects of the neighborhood, its residents and its appeal to potential buyers interested in this very desirable community.

Professionally, The Ray Group team has an extensive background in marketing luxury properties in North Scottsdale. Their local market knowledge, extensive realtor network and Fine Homes International marketing plan make Lesley and The Ray Group the perfect choice for your real estate needs.

www.LesleyMcGee.PruAZ.com

REAL ESTATE ACTIVITY IN

Featured Cover Property

Add Richness & Warmth

EXCLUSIVE NEW LISTING COMING SOON.

CALL FOR DETAILS!

ADDRESS Currently for Sale 6419 E Greythorn Dr

Lesley McGee THE RAY GROUP | PRUDENTIAL TROON NORTH OFFICE

Cell: 480.203.6949 Lesley.McGee@PruAZ.com

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

SQ. FT. / BED / BATH

LIST PRICE

3,809 / 3 / 2.5

$699,000

Sale Pending 6558 E Running Deer Trl 27547 N 65th St 27600 N 66th Way 27597 N 67th Way

3,923 / 3 / 3 4,063 / 5 / 5.5 3,730 / 3 / 2.5 4,322 / 4 / 4.5

$460,000 $599,000 $599,900 $999,999

Sold in 2011 6419 E Greythorn Dr 6416 E Greythorn Dr 6509 E Greythorn Dr 6630 E Blue Sky Dr 6527 E Greythorn Dr 6585 E Oberlin Way 27798 N 67th Pl

3,809 / 3 / 2.5 3,469 / 3 / 3.5 3,730 / 3 / 2.5 4,166 / 5 / 3.5 4,320 / 3 / 4 5,061 / 4 / 3.5 4,044 / 4 / 3.5

$499,000 $550,000 $624,900 $599,900 $839,000 $899,000 $929,900

SOLD PRICE

Listing Your Home During the Holidays Is it Wise? $499,000 $550,000 $550,000 $648,550 $799,000 $890,000 $910,000

Properties in bold/green have been listed/sold by Lesley McGee.

Information gathered from ARMLS. All information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed.

Properties on this list have been listed/sold by various members of the MLS.

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

A Delicious Holiday Delight Seasons 52’s Roasted Bosc Pears

Saguaro Highlands’

Real Estate Report