Saguaro Highlands Lifestyle

March | April 2013

Saguaro Highlands YOUR SAGUARO HIGHLANDS REAL ESTATE SPECIALIST

Dear Saguaro Highlands and Saguaro Estates Residents:

REAL ESTATE ACTIVITY IN

The Fine Homes Group is the premier luxury real estate group within Prudential Arizona Properties focusing on the high-end markets of Scottsdale, Paradise Valley, Carefree, and Cave Creek, Arizona.

We take pride in exceptional client service, marketing, negotiating, and exceeding expectations for our clients and everyone involved in our transactions.

We are full-time professionals and market experts with over 25 years of combined experience and are confident our work will speak for itself.

LESLEY MCGEE’S NEW LISTING FEATURED COVER PROPERTY

For the latest listings, simply search for “fine homes az”

Why We Love it Here!

Now available for download in the App Store.

6717 E Running Deer Trail 4500 Sq. Ft. | 3 Bed | 3.5 Bath | $849,499 Spacious 3 bedroom , 3.5 bath entertainer’s home. Two kitchen islands, Sub Zero, butler’s pantry with wine fridge, wet bar with fridge and freezer. Tile throughout all entertaining areas. Beautiful private backyard with extra-large covered patio, heated pool with two water features, spa, grass area and citrus trees.

Large 3-car garage with built-in cabinets. Excelling schools, community events and close to restaurants and shopping. Ready for quick close!

CONSIDERING SELLING?

Lesley McGee PRUDENTIAL TROON NORTH OFFICE

Cell: 480.203.6949 Lesley.McGee@PruAZ.com

Values have risen over the last 12 months – it’s a good time to sell. There are only TWO homes available for sale in all of Saguaro Highlands and I have a buyer specifically looking for a Saguaro Highlands property. Give me a call – your property may be just what they’re looking for!

Take Quick Action on an Appeal

Fresh & Light for Spring BLT Steak’s Tuna Tartare

Cover Property Presented by Lesley McGee

See Back Cover for Full Details

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

Tax Assessor Overvalued Your Property?

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

In Good Taste

Event Calendar

Featuring BLT Steak at the JW Marriott Camelback Inn Scottsdale Resort & Spa 480.905.7979

MARCH | APRIL 2013 La Cage Aux Folles Phoenix Theatre, March 13th – April 7th 602.254.2151 | PhoenixTheatre.com Some call it “The Birdcage,” others say it’s “A Menagerie of Crazies.” We call it worth the wait!

La Cage is a tuneful and touching tale of one family’s struggle to stay together, stay fabulous and above all else, stay true to themselves! With a glorious score of hummable melodies, written by Jerry Herman of Hello Dolly, Mame and Mack & Mabel fame, La Cage is an indisputable musical comedy classic.

TUNA TARTARE WITH AVOCADO AND SOY-LIME DRESSING 18 ounces fresh tuna, trimmed and cut into 1/8-inch dice 6 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 2 ripe Haas avocadoes, peeled and diced Toasted sliced ciabatta bread Crispy Shallots: Peanut oil for frying 3 tablespoons finely chopped shallots 2 tablespoons Wondra flour Fine sea salt Fry the Shallots: Pour the oil into a small saucepan to a depth of about 1 inch. Heat the oil until a small piece of shallot sizzles rapidly when added to the pan. Toss the shallots with the flour.

Carefully add the shallots to the oil and fry until golden brown, 30 to 60 seconds. Remove the shallots with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Season with a pinch of salt.

Dressing: 1-1/2 teaspoons wasabi powder 3 tablespoons reduced sodium (light) soy sauce 2 tablespoons white mirin 1 tablespoon mustard oil 1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar 1 teaspoon lime juice 1 teaspoon honey Freshly ground black pepper Make the Dressing: In a medium bowl, stir together the wasabi powder and 1 tablespoon water to make a smooth paste.

Whisk in the soy sauce, mirin, mustard oil, vinegar, lime juice and honey. Add black pepper to taste. Set aside.

Make the Tartare: Toss the tuna with the olive oil, salt and pepper to taste. Season the avocadoes with salt and pepper to taste.

To Serve: To mold the tuna into a disk, place a 3-inch tartlet ring or an empty tuna can with the top and bottom lids cut out on a chilled plate. Fill the ring with a layer of avocado and top with the diced tuna and fried shallots. Lift off the ring.

Drizzle the sauce around the tuna. Serve with the ciabatta or homemade potato chips.

Serves 6

Arizona. It’s a land brimming with treasures, both natural and man-made. It is a magical place, one of unending grandeur in which its beauties and mysteries continue to unfold for those exploring all of its offerings. Arizona’s great appeal is found in its stunning landscapes, its pleasant climate, a history rich with diverse cultures and a new modern influence able to satisfy the most sophisticated of personalities.

Natural Wonders

The land that is Arizona has been the topic of poets, scholars, photographers and others simply awe-inspired by its majesty. From the jaw-dropping Grand Canyon to the stunning red rocks of Sedona, the gorgeous sights of Arizona are beloved by residents and travelers from all parts of our globe. Perhaps the greatest charm of the Arizona landscape lies in its seemingly infinite diversity.

In less than a day’s travel, one can experience the sheer beauty of the Sonoran Desert’s surprising lushness as well as snow-covered pine trees blanketing mountain ridges. Famous destinations such as the Painted Desert, Monument Valley and Karchner Caverns give way to the equally stunning, albeit lesser known, treasures of winding canyon lands, vast plateaus, ancient volcanoes and saguaro-studded expanses of desert.

Fantastic Climate

In a haven that boasts a plentitude of sunshine, many can not resist the allure of such a lovely place to spend their lives. Arizona’s exceptionally clear skies lend themselves to dark, starry nights and magical, azure-blue days. Even the desert’s abundant dust contributes to Arizona’s famous sunsets as the descending sunlight reflects off of these minute particles in the air. Skies painted with blazing reds and oranges, and gorgeous purples and pinks are a nightly gift. Arizona’s low humidity allows even hot, desert air to cool significantly at night giving us pleasant temperatures in any season. With luxurious sunshine prevailing in each of the four seasons, Arizona is known as one of the most delightful places on earth.

In late February, the Maricopa County Assessor’s office will have mailed Notices of Value establishing the value of your property for tax year 2014. These values, in conjunction with the tax rates (established at a later date) will dictate the amount of property taxes you pay for the 2014 tax year. If your Full Cash Value is higher than your property’s market value, you can challenge the Assessor’s valuation.

With the recent passage of Proposition 117, now is the perfect time to make sure that the values set by the Assessor accurately reflect the market value of your property. Proposition 117 will alter the way the Maricopa County Assessor determines your property’s assessed value. Beginning in tax year 2015, your Limited Property Value (“LPV”) will determine both your primary and secondary taxes. As a result of Proposition 117, a property’s LPV can increase by no more than 5% per year.

Because the Full Cash Value will serve as a cap on how high your Limited Property Value can be, it is important that your assessment be reviewed THIS YEAR to grandfather in the lowest base starting value for next year when Proposition 117 takes effect.

Rich History

A place is molded by the people who have lived there. The cultures that have put their mark on Arizona have shaped it into what it is today. Arizona’s appealing character is a combination of Native American, Spanish and Mexican influences. As early American settlers migrated to Arizona in search of new opportunities and adventures, visions of frontier families, cowboys and gunfights pepper the images of our heritage.

Because of this vivid and varied history, Arizona offers world-class museums and archeologically-important discoveries.

Modern Culture

From the humble beginnings of an outback Western Territory, the metropolises of Arizona have grown into their own. Vibrant cities are bursting with stylish nightspots and luxurious resorts. World-class golf, spas and shopping are just steps away from restaurants offering cuisine for every palate. Dynamic performing arts and thought-provoking visual arts are at our daily disposal. Life in Arizona is as serene or as fast-paced as an individual desires.

Life in Arizona, for many, is a dream come true!

10 Tips To Challenge The Assessor’s Valuation: 1. Review your Notice of Value, which the Assessor will have mailed in February. Ask yourself, “Would I sell my home for the full cash value determined by the Assessor?” If your answer is “no,” then you probably should not appeal. Conversely, if you believe your assessed value is higher than the market value of your home, then you should consider filing an appeal.

A Step-By-Step Guide

TO APPEAL YOUR PROPERTY TAXES

2. File your appeal within 60 days of the mailing date on your Notice of Value.

3. Appeal forms (also known as “Petitions for Review”) are available at the Assessor’s Office or online at: www.maricopa.gov/assessor/ PropertyValueAppeals.aspx.

4. Attach to your petition “substantial information” that supports a reduction in the Full Cash Value of your property.

This could include a recent appraisal, documented sales of similar properties, information regarding the physical condition of your property, a location problem or adverse terrain features.

Call your neighborhood Realtor for help with comparable sales data.

5. Mark the box on the form requesting a meeting with the Assessor. At the meeting, you will find out why the Assessor believes your property is or is not overvalued.

6. If you do not achieve a reduction at the Assessor level, you can further appeal the value of your property to the State Board of Equalization.

7. File your appeal to the State Board within 25 days of the mailing date of the Assessor’s decision.

8. For information on appealing to the State Board, visit www.sboe.state.az.us.

9. Finally, if you do not achieve a reduction at the State Board level, you may appeal to Tax Court. Information on how to file your own small claims tax appeal can be found at: www.superiorcourt.maricopa.gov/SuperiorCourt/ TaxCourt/casePrep.asp.

10. File your appeal to Tax Court within 60 days of the mailing date of the State Board’s decision.

Information presented with the assistance of Attorneys at Law, Jennifer A. Prendiville and Bart Wilhoit of Mooney, Wright & Moore, PLLC. While they do not typically handle residential appeals, do contact them if you have a commercial or industrial property, or vacant land that you would like to appeal. AZStateTaxLaw.com

Agave on the Rocks Desert Botanical Garden, March 22nd 480.481.8188 | DBG.org Celebrate the essence of the margarita and the spirit of the Southwest at the 11th Annual Agave on the Rocks at the Desert Botanical Garden. Savor an evening of gourmet eats prepared by the Valley’s best restaurants and caterers and samba under the stars to vibrant Latin rhythms.

Aspen Santa Fe Ballet Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts, March 22nd – 23rd 480.499.8587 | AspenSantaFeBallet.com Aspen Santa Fe Ballet’s bold vision – top global choreographers, distinctive groundbreaking works, and virtuoso dancers – has fostered a jewel of a dance company in the American West and beyond. ASFB’s unique pioneering spirit arises from a paired set of home cities: Aspen, nestled high in the Rocky Mountains, and Santa Fe, gracing the majestic Southwestern plateau.

For 16 years, the company has served as a prestigious incubator and a showcase for choreographic invention to popular and critical acclaim.

6th Annual Dine With Your Dog PERA Club Tempe, April 13th 602.933.2663 | DineWithYourDog.org Woof, Wine and Dine! Don’t miss this “fur-filled” fundraiser. The evening includes a gourmet dinner with wine, a gourmet canine dinner for your pooch, a fashion show highlighting the latest trends in Canine Couture, raffle, vendors, doggie activities and more.

Benefiting the PetSmart Paws Can Heal animal-assisted therapy program, this magical evening will help many in need, including Phoenix Children’s Hospital patients.

Monterey Jazz Festival 55th Anniversary Celebration Mesa Arts Center, April 26th 480.644.6500 | MesaArtsCenter.com Monterey is the longest consecutively running jazz festival in the world. Celebrate the Festival’s legacy expanding the boundaries of live jazz presentation, an All-Star Jazz Collaboration. This 55th Anniversary Tour reflects Monterey’s “traditional-untraditionalist” attitude, jazz-with-a-purpose exuberance, and joyful fun that continues to be the hallmark of the Festival to this day.

In Good Taste

Event Calendar

Featuring BLT Steak at the JW Marriott Camelback Inn Scottsdale Resort & Spa 480.905.7979

MARCH | APRIL 2013 La Cage Aux Folles Phoenix Theatre, March 13th – April 7th 602.254.2151 | PhoenixTheatre.com Some call it “The Birdcage,” others say it’s “A Menagerie of Crazies.” We call it worth the wait!

La Cage is a tuneful and touching tale of one family’s struggle to stay together, stay fabulous and above all else, stay true to themselves! With a glorious score of hummable melodies, written by Jerry Herman of Hello Dolly, Mame and Mack & Mabel fame, La Cage is an indisputable musical comedy classic.

TUNA TARTARE WITH AVOCADO AND SOY-LIME DRESSING 18 ounces fresh tuna, trimmed and cut into 1/8-inch dice 6 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 2 ripe Haas avocadoes, peeled and diced Toasted sliced ciabatta bread Crispy Shallots: Peanut oil for frying 3 tablespoons finely chopped shallots 2 tablespoons Wondra flour Fine sea salt Fry the Shallots: Pour the oil into a small saucepan to a depth of about 1 inch. Heat the oil until a small piece of shallot sizzles rapidly when added to the pan. Toss the shallots with the flour.

Carefully add the shallots to the oil and fry until golden brown, 30 to 60 seconds. Remove the shallots with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Season with a pinch of salt.

Dressing: 1-1/2 teaspoons wasabi powder 3 tablespoons reduced sodium (light) soy sauce 2 tablespoons white mirin 1 tablespoon mustard oil 1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar 1 teaspoon lime juice 1 teaspoon honey Freshly ground black pepper Make the Dressing: In a medium bowl, stir together the wasabi powder and 1 tablespoon water to make a smooth paste.

Whisk in the soy sauce, mirin, mustard oil, vinegar, lime juice and honey. Add black pepper to taste. Set aside.

Make the Tartare: Toss the tuna with the olive oil, salt and pepper to taste. Season the avocadoes with salt and pepper to taste.

To Serve: To mold the tuna into a disk, place a 3-inch tartlet ring or an empty tuna can with the top and bottom lids cut out on a chilled plate. Fill the ring with a layer of avocado and top with the diced tuna and fried shallots. Lift off the ring.

Drizzle the sauce around the tuna. Serve with the ciabatta or homemade potato chips.

Serves 6

Arizona. It’s a land brimming with treasures, both natural and man-made. It is a magical place, one of unending grandeur in which its beauties and mysteries continue to unfold for those exploring all of its offerings. Arizona’s great appeal is found in its stunning landscapes, its pleasant climate, a history rich with diverse cultures and a new modern influence able to satisfy the most sophisticated of personalities.

Natural Wonders

The land that is Arizona has been the topic of poets, scholars, photographers and others simply awe-inspired by its majesty. From the jaw-dropping Grand Canyon to the stunning red rocks of Sedona, the gorgeous sights of Arizona are beloved by residents and travelers from all parts of our globe. Perhaps the greatest charm of the Arizona landscape lies in its seemingly infinite diversity.

In less than a day’s travel, one can experience the sheer beauty of the Sonoran Desert’s surprising lushness as well as snow-covered pine trees blanketing mountain ridges. Famous destinations such as the Painted Desert, Monument Valley and Karchner Caverns give way to the equally stunning, albeit lesser known, treasures of winding canyon lands, vast plateaus, ancient volcanoes and saguaro-studded expanses of desert.

Fantastic Climate

In a haven that boasts a plentitude of sunshine, many can not resist the allure of such a lovely place to spend their lives. Arizona’s exceptionally clear skies lend themselves to dark, starry nights and magical, azure-blue days. Even the desert’s abundant dust contributes to Arizona’s famous sunsets as the descending sunlight reflects off of these minute particles in the air. Skies painted with blazing reds and oranges, and gorgeous purples and pinks are a nightly gift. Arizona’s low humidity allows even hot, desert air to cool significantly at night giving us pleasant temperatures in any season. With luxurious sunshine prevailing in each of the four seasons, Arizona is known as one of the most delightful places on earth.

In late February, the Maricopa County Assessor’s office will have mailed Notices of Value establishing the value of your property for tax year 2014. These values, in conjunction with the tax rates (established at a later date) will dictate the amount of property taxes you pay for the 2014 tax year. If your Full Cash Value is higher than your property’s market value, you can challenge the Assessor’s valuation.

With the recent passage of Proposition 117, now is the perfect time to make sure that the values set by the Assessor accurately reflect the market value of your property. Proposition 117 will alter the way the Maricopa County Assessor determines your property’s assessed value. Beginning in tax year 2015, your Limited Property Value (“LPV”) will determine both your primary and secondary taxes. As a result of Proposition 117, a property’s LPV can increase by no more than 5% per year.

Because the Full Cash Value will serve as a cap on how high your Limited Property Value can be, it is important that your assessment be reviewed THIS YEAR to grandfather in the lowest base starting value for next year when Proposition 117 takes effect.

Rich History

A place is molded by the people who have lived there. The cultures that have put their mark on Arizona have shaped it into what it is today. Arizona’s appealing character is a combination of Native American, Spanish and Mexican influences. As early American settlers migrated to Arizona in search of new opportunities and adventures, visions of frontier families, cowboys and gunfights pepper the images of our heritage.

Because of this vivid and varied history, Arizona offers world-class museums and archeologically-important discoveries.

Modern Culture

From the humble beginnings of an outback Western Territory, the metropolises of Arizona have grown into their own. Vibrant cities are bursting with stylish nightspots and luxurious resorts. World-class golf, spas and shopping are just steps away from restaurants offering cuisine for every palate. Dynamic performing arts and thought-provoking visual arts are at our daily disposal. Life in Arizona is as serene or as fast-paced as an individual desires.

Life in Arizona, for many, is a dream come true!

10 Tips To Challenge The Assessor’s Valuation: 1. Review your Notice of Value, which the Assessor will have mailed in February. Ask yourself, “Would I sell my home for the full cash value determined by the Assessor?” If your answer is “no,” then you probably should not appeal. Conversely, if you believe your assessed value is higher than the market value of your home, then you should consider filing an appeal.

A Step-By-Step Guide

TO APPEAL YOUR PROPERTY TAXES

2. File your appeal within 60 days of the mailing date on your Notice of Value.

3. Appeal forms (also known as “Petitions for Review”) are available at the Assessor’s Office or online at: www.maricopa.gov/assessor/ PropertyValueAppeals.aspx.

4. Attach to your petition “substantial information” that supports a reduction in the Full Cash Value of your property.

This could include a recent appraisal, documented sales of similar properties, information regarding the physical condition of your property, a location problem or adverse terrain features.

Call your neighborhood Realtor for help with comparable sales data.

5. Mark the box on the form requesting a meeting with the Assessor. At the meeting, you will find out why the Assessor believes your property is or is not overvalued.

6. If you do not achieve a reduction at the Assessor level, you can further appeal the value of your property to the State Board of Equalization.

7. File your appeal to the State Board within 25 days of the mailing date of the Assessor’s decision.

8. For information on appealing to the State Board, visit www.sboe.state.az.us.

9. Finally, if you do not achieve a reduction at the State Board level, you may appeal to Tax Court. Information on how to file your own small claims tax appeal can be found at: www.superiorcourt.maricopa.gov/SuperiorCourt/ TaxCourt/casePrep.asp.

10. File your appeal to Tax Court within 60 days of the mailing date of the State Board’s decision.

Information presented with the assistance of Attorneys at Law, Jennifer A. Prendiville and Bart Wilhoit of Mooney, Wright & Moore, PLLC. While they do not typically handle residential appeals, do contact them if you have a commercial or industrial property, or vacant land that you would like to appeal. AZStateTaxLaw.com

Agave on the Rocks Desert Botanical Garden, March 22nd 480.481.8188 | DBG.org Celebrate the essence of the margarita and the spirit of the Southwest at the 11th Annual Agave on the Rocks at the Desert Botanical Garden. Savor an evening of gourmet eats prepared by the Valley’s best restaurants and caterers and samba under the stars to vibrant Latin rhythms.

Aspen Santa Fe Ballet Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts, March 22nd – 23rd 480.499.8587 | AspenSantaFeBallet.com Aspen Santa Fe Ballet’s bold vision – top global choreographers, distinctive groundbreaking works, and virtuoso dancers – has fostered a jewel of a dance company in the American West and beyond. ASFB’s unique pioneering spirit arises from a paired set of home cities: Aspen, nestled high in the Rocky Mountains, and Santa Fe, gracing the majestic Southwestern plateau.

For 16 years, the company has served as a prestigious incubator and a showcase for choreographic invention to popular and critical acclaim.

6th Annual Dine With Your Dog PERA Club Tempe, April 13th 602.933.2663 | DineWithYourDog.org Woof, Wine and Dine! Don’t miss this “fur-filled” fundraiser. The evening includes a gourmet dinner with wine, a gourmet canine dinner for your pooch, a fashion show highlighting the latest trends in Canine Couture, raffle, vendors, doggie activities and more.

Benefiting the PetSmart Paws Can Heal animal-assisted therapy program, this magical evening will help many in need, including Phoenix Children’s Hospital patients.

Monterey Jazz Festival 55th Anniversary Celebration Mesa Arts Center, April 26th 480.644.6500 | MesaArtsCenter.com Monterey is the longest consecutively running jazz festival in the world. Celebrate the Festival’s legacy expanding the boundaries of live jazz presentation, an All-Star Jazz Collaboration. This 55th Anniversary Tour reflects Monterey’s “traditional-untraditionalist” attitude, jazz-with-a-purpose exuberance, and joyful fun that continues to be the hallmark of the Festival to this day.

March | April 2013

Saguaro Highlands YOUR SAGUARO HIGHLANDS REAL ESTATE SPECIALIST

Dear Saguaro Highlands and Saguaro Estates Residents:

REAL ESTATE ACTIVITY IN

The Fine Homes Group is the premier luxury real estate group within Prudential Arizona Properties focusing on the high-end markets of Scottsdale, Paradise Valley, Carefree, and Cave Creek, Arizona.

We take pride in exceptional client service, marketing, negotiating, and exceeding expectations for our clients and everyone involved in our transactions.

We are full-time professionals and market experts with over 25 years of combined experience and are confident our work will speak for itself.

LESLEY MCGEE’S NEW LISTING FEATURED COVER PROPERTY

For the latest listings, simply search for “fine homes az”

Why We Love it Here!

Now available for download in the App Store.

6717 E Running Deer Trail 4500 Sq. Ft. | 3 Bed | 3.5 Bath | $849,499 Spacious 3 bedroom , 3.5 bath entertainer’s home. Two kitchen islands, Sub Zero, butler’s pantry with wine fridge, wet bar with fridge and freezer. Tile throughout all entertaining areas. Beautiful private backyard with extra-large covered patio, heated pool with two water features, spa, grass area and citrus trees.

Large 3-car garage with built-in cabinets. Excelling schools, community events and close to restaurants and shopping. Ready for quick close!

CONSIDERING SELLING?

Lesley McGee PRUDENTIAL TROON NORTH OFFICE

Cell: 480.203.6949 Lesley.McGee@PruAZ.com

Values have risen over the last 12 months – it’s a good time to sell. There are only TWO homes available for sale in all of Saguaro Highlands and I have a buyer specifically looking for a Saguaro Highlands property. Give me a call – your property may be just what they’re looking for!

Take Quick Action on an Appeal

Fresh & Light for Spring BLT Steak’s Tuna Tartare

Cover Property Presented by Lesley McGee

See Back Cover for Full Details

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

Tax Assessor Overvalued Your Property?

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