Sonoran Foothills Lifestyle

Kelli Grant

January | February 2013

Your Sonoran Foothills Real Estate Specialist Happy New Year, neighbors! As we start the year 2013, let’s take a quick review of 2012. A shortage of homes for sale, record low interest rates and affordable purchase prices caused bidding wars in 2012.

ARIZONA RANKED #1 in the nation for gains in home prices.

Home prices in Phoenix area rebounded at the highest rate of any metro area in the country during the past year. Across the nation, prices increased in 18 of 20 cities over the 12-month period.

In Phoenix, prices jumped 20.4% over that stretch to lead all cities, Standard & Poor’s/Case-Shiller reported. FORECLOSURE DISCOUNTS HAVE VANISHED IN PHOENIX. “The smallest foreclosure discount is found in places where competition for homes is so high, people there are willing to pay the same amount for a foreclosure re-sale that they would for a non-distressed home simply to take advantage of historic affordability,” says Stan Humphries, Zillow’s chief economist.

The smallest foreclosure discounts can be found in: Las Vegas (0%); PHOENIX (0%); and Sacramento (0.7%).

LESS PHOENIX-AREA HOMES HAVE UNDERWATER MORTGAGES. Slightly less than half of homeowners throughout metro Phoenix are now underwater on their mortgages, according to a report by Zillow in November. About 45% of Valley homeowners were underwater during the third quarter – a 13% drop from the two previous quarters when slightly more than half were underwater. Check with your mortgage company to see if you qualify to have your PMI (Private Mortgage Insurance) removed from your monthly payment. One of my clients saved over $200/month! Call Patrick to see if you can refinance at a lower interest rate and reduce your monthly payment.

www.SonoranFoothillsCommunity.com www.facebook.com/SonoranFoothillsCommunity

Call or Text: (602) 799-5420 KelliGrant@85085RealEstate.com www.PhoenixHomeResource.com PLATINUM PREMIER REALTY

Patrick Obluck

Teamwork . Empowerment . Positivity . Excellence

HAPPY NEW YEAR! One of my resolutions for 2013 is my commitment to create awareness of local charities. I started working with a group called North Valley Community Outreach. Our goal is to host events that will benefit local groups here in our little part of the desert. Our first event was a wine tasting with the proceeds helping the Foothills Food Bank. Our next event is coming up in a few weeks and proceeds will benefit a local horse rescue.

Visit Facebook.com/AZNVCO and like the page for more information on this and other events.

Like our page and list your favorite local charity for a chance to win a $50 gift certificate to Vino 100.

Pinnacle Capital mortgage corporation Patrick Obluck Mortgage Banker | MLO #197206 Cell 480.231.2354 www.LoanManAZ.com 34406 N 27th Dr., Suite 140 Phoenix, Arizona 85085 NMLS - 322405 | AZ BKBR-0116448 Licensed by the Department of Corporations under the California Residential Mortgage Lending Act

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

Kelli Grant is proud to be a Preferred Realtor helping W.L. Gore employees buy homes and relocate to the area from all over the country every month.

Real Estate Status as of December 16th: 18 ACTIVE LISTINGS / 23 PENDING SALES IN SONORAN FOOTHILLS. Year-to-Date, 95 properties sold in 2012 through MLS. 12 properties closed sale between Oct 16th and Dec 16th at an average of $108.49/sq ft compared to the overall annual average of $99.88. If you are thinking of selling, contact me for a complimentary Value Analysis. As a neighbor and neighborhood real estate expert, we can discuss your options and a proactive strategy to sell your property for the highest amount possible.

Sonoran Foothills REAL ESTATE ACTIVITY IN

ADDRESS SQ. FT. / YEAR BUILT LIST PRICE LIST PRICE

BED / BATH PER SQ. FT. NEW LISTINGS SINCE OCT 20, 2012 32417 N 23rd Ave 2,274 / 4 / 3 2005 $199,000 $ 87.51 2227 W Calle Del Sol 2,161 / 4 / 2 2004 $245,500 $113.60 2248 W Via Caballo Blanco 2,160 / 4 / 3 2004 $265,000 $122.69 2410 W Aloe Vera Dr 2,739 / 4 / 2.5 2004 $320,000 $116.83 1727 W Aloe Vera Dr 3,841 / 5 / 3.5 2006 $379,900 $98.91 2003 W White Pine Dr 3,197 / 4 / 2.5 2005 $430,000 $134.50 31621 N 19TH Ave 3,374 /4 / 3.5 2005 $450,000 $133.37 1825 W Dusty Wren Dr 3,297 / 4 / 2.5 2007 $525,000 $159.24 1815 W Calle Escuda 5,121 /5 / 4.5 2005 $599,000 $116.97 SALE PENDING 2391 W Jake Hvn 2,092 / 3 / 2.5 2004 $150,000 2322 W Jake Hvn 2,092 / 3 / 2.5 2005 $199,900 2208 W Via Caballo Blanco Ave 2,537 / 4 / 2.5 2004 $225,000 2012 W Calle Marita 2,993 / 4 / 3.5 2004 $280,000 2422 W Aloe Vera Dr 2,670 / 4 / 3 2005 $305,000 2338 W Aloe Vera Dr 4,242 / 4 / 3.5 2004 $309,900 2320 W Horsetail Trl 3,020 / 4 / 3 2005 $339,000 2422 W Sienna Bouquet Pl 3,886 / 5 / 3.5 2004 $343,900 1729 W Bramble Berry Ln 3,550 / 5 / 3.5 2006 $349,900 2018 W Whisper Rock Trl 3,537 / 4 / 2.5 2006 $359,900 2333 W Horsetail Trl 4,091 / 5 / 3.5 2005 $390,000 1709 W Calle Marita -- 3,374 / 4 / 3.5 2006 $419,750 32307 N 18th Ave 3,126 / 5 /2.5 2006 $425,900 1541 W Silentcove Ln 3,177 / 5 / 4 2009 $449,900 32613 N 15th Ln 3,313 / 4 / 2.75 2008 $575,000 ADDRESS SQ. FT. / YEAR BUILT SOLD PRICE

BED / BATH RECENTLY SOLD 31509 N 19TH Ave 3,402 / 4 / 3.5 2005 $430,000 2248 W Oyer Ln 2,537 / 5 / 3 2004 $261,500 2318 W Jake Hvn 1,882 / 3 / 2.5 2005 $169,000 1509 W Calle Escuda - 3,232 / 4 / 3 2006 $440,000 2311 W Dusty Wren Dr 2,274 / 3 / 2.5 2005 $199,000 2324 W Dusty Wren Dr 1,882 / 3 / 2.5 2005 $180,000 2004 W Calle Del Sol 3,197 / 3 / 3 2004 $360,000 2447 W Jake Hvn 1,882 / 3 / 2.5 2004 $165,000 1816 W Bramble Berry Ln 2,960 / 4 / 2.5 2007 $278,915 1812 W Aloe Vera Dr 2,476 / 4 / 2.5 2008 $295,000 31706 N 15th Gln 4,664 / 6 / 4 2006 $585,000

Ideas to Freshen Up Your Interior Design

$71.70 $95.55 $88.69 $93.55 $114.23 $73.06 $112.25 $88.50 $98.56 $101.75 $95.33 $124.41 $136.24 $141.61 $173.56 SOLD PRICE PER SQ. FT. $126.40 $103.07 $89.80 $136.14 $87.51 $95.64 $112.61 $87.67 $94.23 $119.14 $125.43

Properties on this list have been listed/sold by various participants in the MLS.

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

Valley Real Estate

What Does 2013 Have in Store?

COE

10/24/2012 10/29/2012 11/9/2012 11/13/2012 11/15/2012 11/19/2012 11/19/2012 11/28/2012 11/28/2012 11/30/2012 12/11/2012

Signature Cuisine from a Venerable Valley Favorite

LON’s at The Hermosa’s Pork Tenderloin

Sonoran Foothills Real Estate Report

In Good Taste

Event Calendar

Featuring LON’s at The Hermosa 602.955.7878 | HermosaInn.com/lons

JANUARY | FEBRUARY 2013 PF Chang’s Rock ‘n Roll Marathon Series Phoenix, Scottsdale and Tempe, January 20th RunRockNRoll.com Celebrating its 10th year in the Valley, this marathon and 1/2 marathon event has a brand-new course for 2013 and a new twist for non-runners: a Bike Tour. Bicycle participants can ride the marathon course in a non-timed event. Kids can participate in the one-mile fun run and there are tons of volunteering and people-watching opportunities to make this event one for everyone!

Pork Tenderloin with Sweet Potato Mash, Prickly Pear Braised Red Cabbage and Port Wine Sauce PORK 2 whole pork tenderloins, trimmed, reserve trimmings salt and black pepper Procedure Brown the pork tenderloin in a hot pan and place in a 350 degree oven for 12 minutes.

Allow to rest outside the oven for five minutes before slicing.

SWEET POTATO MASH 2 large sweet potatoes, cut into small pieces 1 1/8 tsp. cinnamon 1/4 lb. butter pinch of salt Procedure Boil and mash potatoes. Mix in the cinnamon and butter.

BABY GREEN BEANS 1/4 lb. baby green beans, cleaned 1 Tbs. butter salt and black pepper Procedure In a large pot of rapidly boiling salted water, cook green beans until tender.

Strain and toss with butter, salt and pepper.

PRICKLY PEAR BRAISED RED CABBAGE 1/2 head chopped red cabbage 1/2 cup prickly pear puree 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar 1/2 large yellow onion, chopped 1/4 lb. apple-smoked bacon, chopped small 2 Tbs. canola oil Procedure In a large pot with a cover, brown the bacon in the canola oil. Add onions and cook until translucent on low heat. Add cabbage, prickly pear puree and balsamic vinegar. Cover and cook on low heat until tender. This will take about 1 to 1 1/2 hours.

PORT WINE SAUCE reserved pork scraps 4 Tbs. chopped shallots 2 sprigs thyme 1 cup ruby red port wine 2 cups veal stock Procedure In a small sauce pot, brown pork scraps on high heat.

Add the shallots and sauté until translucent. Add port and reduce it over medium heat by half. Add veal stock and heat to a simmer.

Reduce sauce until it lightly coats the back of a spoon.

To Plate On a large dinner plate spread sweet potato mash in a circle.

Next place cabbage right in the middle of the mash. Slice pork and place it around the cabbage. Add green beans right over the top. Sauce lightly and enjoy.

Serves: four

Making a home unique, special, and personally intuitive are challenges every

By Debra May Himes, ASID, LEED AP homeowner encounters whether the home is 1,500 square feet or 15,000 square feet.

Often, a home needs just a touch of glamour, or special visual interests, to take it from “nice” to “knock-out!”

No matter the size of the home or space, there will always be common issues to contend with. For example, how to bring interest to that space? What will make a home or space stand apart from another one? How should large spaces be fashioned to feel more intimate? How can smaller spaces feel larger?

Designing a home or space properly can also be quite an investment. If and when a homeowner decides to sell the property, the home should stand alone from the other choices on the market. Creating fascinating and compelling details is optimum, in that those remarkable elements and appealing design choices hopefully will remain in the memories of those who are viewing your home.

In many instances, a touch of drama is a great way to create interesting spaces. The trick though, is to understand exactly what that means and how to achieve it. For larger spaces, there is usually a bit of a stronger challenge, but properly designing the space will certainly include focusing on at least one area in the room to add that touch of drama.

Fireplaces, interesting art, important pieces of furniture, beautiful views and conversation areas will help determine those focal points.

The opposite will be true when designing smaller spaces. In this case the challenge is usually to make the space feel larger. The best way to achieve this may be to simplify.

For a smaller space, this may be achieved by determining a focal point in the room and addressing it with something that will demand attention when someone enters the space.

When incorporating some drama, you might take a cue from current design trends.

For color, the “new neutral” is definitely gray - not an icy gray, but more of a warm gray.

That gray is being paired with all sorts of other fashionable hues such as yellow, apple green, and purple.

As we look back upon 2012 and forward to 2013, we see that the Phoenix housing market is well underway with a healthy, managed recovery. In fact, Phoenix continues to lead the nation in its recovery and we expect 2013 to show an even brighter outlook than 2012.

We still have a long-term supply shortage for residential homes, although it has eased considerably at the bottom end of the market compared with the spring of last year.

Due to the usual dip in higher-end homes sales volumes, pricing tends to be a little weaker during the summer. This was still true in September when prices were only slightly higher than in August, July or June. However the comparison with the summer of 2011 is stark. Average price per sq. ft. was up over 23% since September 2011 and now that we are moving into the cooler months, prices are resuming their advance with greater speed.

Many cities have seen very large increases in average pricing over last year. This has encouraged more sellers to enter the market and we are seeing a significant increase in supply in most areas. Investor purchases are down from the peak in July and August and will probably decline further.

Investors (as opposed to speculators) tend to react to rising prices by reducing their appetite for additional homes.

Most homes below $250,000 that are priced realistically are still attracting a large number of offers within a short time, and offers will often exceed the asking price. It is still much quieter in the luxury market and active adult sector but prices are firming here as we enter the season when

Organic shapes versus geometric or linear lines are on-trend now and can be seen in furnishings, fabrics and even wall décor. Wall panels in all sorts of materials, shapes and patterns are a way to make a big impact. Check out InterlockingRock panels by ModularArts.com for inspiration.

A statement headboard in the Master Bedroom is another sure way to create drama.

These headboards can be upholstered in all sorts of gorgeous fabrics, crafted from wood or even made out of leather-upholstered large mosaic pieces.

Often, the use of interesting texture is all that’s necessary. A simple wall or other mundane architectural element can be absolutely transformed with the application of materials such as stone, metal, tiles, crystals...the options are as limitless as your imagination!

Now, get your imagination working on overdrive and plan to put a little panache in your home’s design as well!

Debra May Himes, Principal of Debra May Himes Interior Design & Associates, LLC can be reached at 480.497.2699 and DMHDesign.com.

snowbirds return to the Valley.

With the current stability in pricing, appraisals have had a chance to catch up, so recently appraisals have tended to come closer to current market value. With renewed price escalation, we expect low appraisal issues will reemerge during the first quarter.

The situation for the average home buyer remains fairly difficult despite extremely low interest rates and still-cheap prices by any historical standard. This is because the number of homes for sale is still well below normal and well-funded investors are still here in sufficient numbers to make very serious competition with multiple all-cash offers with few strings attached. Many ordinary buyers continue to come away empty handed after submitting 10 or more offers.

Investors are focused primarily on the lower price ranges, where the rental return on investment is highest. So prices have continued to move higher for homes below $250,000.

After moving backwards for a while in 2012, the upper-end of the market is starting to show renewed signs of life.

Now that cooler weather has returned we anticipate stronger pricing to be reported albeit on weaker sales volumes. In a normal market, rising prices tend to reduce demand and so inhibit sales volume. We saw the opposite behavior in 2004 and 2005 when strong price gains drew in an increased number of buyers in a frenzy of speculation.

Today’s market is relatively well-behaved. Investors are risking their own money rather than borrowed funds, so risk is being more carefully managed.

We believe that 2013 will continue to be a year in which home prices rise and demand remains strong.

Author and statistician Michael Orr is the Director of Real Estate Studies at ASU’s W.P. Carey School of Business, and Principal of The Cromford Report.

Tosca Symphony Hall, January 25th – 27th 602.266.7464 | AZOpera.com Opulent sets evoke the palaces and cathedrals of 19th century Rome in this production of Puccini’s beloved opera, while soprano Jill Gardner lends her rich voice and insightful performance to the role of Tosca. Baritone Gordon Hawkins, a Valley resident renowned worldwide, provides powerhouse vocals as Scarpia. Sung in Italian with English subtitles.

Waste Management Phoenix Open TPC Scottsdale, January 28th – February 3rd 602.870.0163 | WMPhoenixOpen.com Golf, spectators, corporate sponsorships, local celebrities, schmoozing, flirting, eating, drinking, sunshine, 16th hole, charity, Bird’s Nest…wait, we did mention golf, right? As you know, the PGA’s most popular spectator event once again graces the Valley. No matter if you’re truly a golf aficionado or simply like to be where the action is, the annual Phoenix Open is one great way to spend a week or a weekend.

War Horse Gammage, February 5th – 10th 480.965.3434 | ASUGammage.com You saw the Academy-Award nominated film, now see this beautiful tale of courage, loyalty and friendship live on stage. This powerfully moving and imaginative drama, filled with stirring music, is a show of phenomenal inventiveness that is currently playing to packed houses in London, New York and Toronto. At its heart are astonishing life-sized puppets that bring to life breathing, galloping, charging horses strong enough for men to ride.

Corks & Cactus Desert Botanical Garden, February 23rd – 24th 480.481.8188 | DBG.org Who wouldn’t want to spend a gorgeous Arizona evening sipping libations in a tranquil, scenic setting? Corks & Cactus blends boutique wines, gourmet concessions and desert beauty into a delightful event. Enjoy sampling from 40 different wines each day, listening to live local entertainment and food items available for purchase from Fabulous Food Fine Catering and Events.

In Good Taste

Event Calendar

Featuring LON’s at The Hermosa 602.955.7878 | HermosaInn.com/lons

JANUARY | FEBRUARY 2013 PF Chang’s Rock ‘n Roll Marathon Series Phoenix, Scottsdale and Tempe, January 20th RunRockNRoll.com Celebrating its 10th year in the Valley, this marathon and 1/2 marathon event has a brand-new course for 2013 and a new twist for non-runners: a Bike Tour. Bicycle participants can ride the marathon course in a non-timed event. Kids can participate in the one-mile fun run and there are tons of volunteering and people-watching opportunities to make this event one for everyone!

Pork Tenderloin with Sweet Potato Mash, Prickly Pear Braised Red Cabbage and Port Wine Sauce PORK 2 whole pork tenderloins, trimmed, reserve trimmings salt and black pepper Procedure Brown the pork tenderloin in a hot pan and place in a 350 degree oven for 12 minutes.

Allow to rest outside the oven for five minutes before slicing.

SWEET POTATO MASH 2 large sweet potatoes, cut into small pieces 1 1/8 tsp. cinnamon 1/4 lb. butter pinch of salt Procedure Boil and mash potatoes. Mix in the cinnamon and butter.

BABY GREEN BEANS 1/4 lb. baby green beans, cleaned 1 Tbs. butter salt and black pepper Procedure In a large pot of rapidly boiling salted water, cook green beans until tender.

Strain and toss with butter, salt and pepper.

PRICKLY PEAR BRAISED RED CABBAGE 1/2 head chopped red cabbage 1/2 cup prickly pear puree 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar 1/2 large yellow onion, chopped 1/4 lb. apple-smoked bacon, chopped small 2 Tbs. canola oil Procedure In a large pot with a cover, brown the bacon in the canola oil. Add onions and cook until translucent on low heat. Add cabbage, prickly pear puree and balsamic vinegar. Cover and cook on low heat until tender. This will take about 1 to 1 1/2 hours.

PORT WINE SAUCE reserved pork scraps 4 Tbs. chopped shallots 2 sprigs thyme 1 cup ruby red port wine 2 cups veal stock Procedure In a small sauce pot, brown pork scraps on high heat.

Add the shallots and sauté until translucent. Add port and reduce it over medium heat by half. Add veal stock and heat to a simmer.

Reduce sauce until it lightly coats the back of a spoon.

To Plate On a large dinner plate spread sweet potato mash in a circle.

Next place cabbage right in the middle of the mash. Slice pork and place it around the cabbage. Add green beans right over the top. Sauce lightly and enjoy.

Serves: four

Making a home unique, special, and personally intuitive are challenges every

By Debra May Himes, ASID, LEED AP homeowner encounters whether the home is 1,500 square feet or 15,000 square feet.

Often, a home needs just a touch of glamour, or special visual interests, to take it from “nice” to “knock-out!”

No matter the size of the home or space, there will always be common issues to contend with. For example, how to bring interest to that space? What will make a home or space stand apart from another one? How should large spaces be fashioned to feel more intimate? How can smaller spaces feel larger?

Designing a home or space properly can also be quite an investment. If and when a homeowner decides to sell the property, the home should stand alone from the other choices on the market. Creating fascinating and compelling details is optimum, in that those remarkable elements and appealing design choices hopefully will remain in the memories of those who are viewing your home.

In many instances, a touch of drama is a great way to create interesting spaces. The trick though, is to understand exactly what that means and how to achieve it. For larger spaces, there is usually a bit of a stronger challenge, but properly designing the space will certainly include focusing on at least one area in the room to add that touch of drama.

Fireplaces, interesting art, important pieces of furniture, beautiful views and conversation areas will help determine those focal points.

The opposite will be true when designing smaller spaces. In this case the challenge is usually to make the space feel larger. The best way to achieve this may be to simplify.

For a smaller space, this may be achieved by determining a focal point in the room and addressing it with something that will demand attention when someone enters the space.

When incorporating some drama, you might take a cue from current design trends.

For color, the “new neutral” is definitely gray - not an icy gray, but more of a warm gray.

That gray is being paired with all sorts of other fashionable hues such as yellow, apple green, and purple.

As we look back upon 2012 and forward to 2013, we see that the Phoenix housing market is well underway with a healthy, managed recovery. In fact, Phoenix continues to lead the nation in its recovery and we expect 2013 to show an even brighter outlook than 2012.

We still have a long-term supply shortage for residential homes, although it has eased considerably at the bottom end of the market compared with the spring of last year.

Due to the usual dip in higher-end homes sales volumes, pricing tends to be a little weaker during the summer. This was still true in September when prices were only slightly higher than in August, July or June. However the comparison with the summer of 2011 is stark. Average price per sq. ft. was up over 23% since September 2011 and now that we are moving into the cooler months, prices are resuming their advance with greater speed.

Many cities have seen very large increases in average pricing over last year. This has encouraged more sellers to enter the market and we are seeing a significant increase in supply in most areas. Investor purchases are down from the peak in July and August and will probably decline further.

Investors (as opposed to speculators) tend to react to rising prices by reducing their appetite for additional homes.

Most homes below $250,000 that are priced realistically are still attracting a large number of offers within a short time, and offers will often exceed the asking price. It is still much quieter in the luxury market and active adult sector but prices are firming here as we enter the season when

Organic shapes versus geometric or linear lines are on-trend now and can be seen in furnishings, fabrics and even wall décor. Wall panels in all sorts of materials, shapes and patterns are a way to make a big impact. Check out InterlockingRock panels by ModularArts.com for inspiration.

A statement headboard in the Master Bedroom is another sure way to create drama.

These headboards can be upholstered in all sorts of gorgeous fabrics, crafted from wood or even made out of leather-upholstered large mosaic pieces.

Often, the use of interesting texture is all that’s necessary. A simple wall or other mundane architectural element can be absolutely transformed with the application of materials such as stone, metal, tiles, crystals...the options are as limitless as your imagination!

Now, get your imagination working on overdrive and plan to put a little panache in your home’s design as well!

Debra May Himes, Principal of Debra May Himes Interior Design & Associates, LLC can be reached at 480.497.2699 and DMHDesign.com.

snowbirds return to the Valley.

With the current stability in pricing, appraisals have had a chance to catch up, so recently appraisals have tended to come closer to current market value. With renewed price escalation, we expect low appraisal issues will reemerge during the first quarter.

The situation for the average home buyer remains fairly difficult despite extremely low interest rates and still-cheap prices by any historical standard. This is because the number of homes for sale is still well below normal and well-funded investors are still here in sufficient numbers to make very serious competition with multiple all-cash offers with few strings attached. Many ordinary buyers continue to come away empty handed after submitting 10 or more offers.

Investors are focused primarily on the lower price ranges, where the rental return on investment is highest. So prices have continued to move higher for homes below $250,000.

After moving backwards for a while in 2012, the upper-end of the market is starting to show renewed signs of life.

Now that cooler weather has returned we anticipate stronger pricing to be reported albeit on weaker sales volumes. In a normal market, rising prices tend to reduce demand and so inhibit sales volume. We saw the opposite behavior in 2004 and 2005 when strong price gains drew in an increased number of buyers in a frenzy of speculation.

Today’s market is relatively well-behaved. Investors are risking their own money rather than borrowed funds, so risk is being more carefully managed.

We believe that 2013 will continue to be a year in which home prices rise and demand remains strong.

Author and statistician Michael Orr is the Director of Real Estate Studies at ASU’s W.P. Carey School of Business, and Principal of The Cromford Report.

Tosca Symphony Hall, January 25th – 27th 602.266.7464 | AZOpera.com Opulent sets evoke the palaces and cathedrals of 19th century Rome in this production of Puccini’s beloved opera, while soprano Jill Gardner lends her rich voice and insightful performance to the role of Tosca. Baritone Gordon Hawkins, a Valley resident renowned worldwide, provides powerhouse vocals as Scarpia. Sung in Italian with English subtitles.

Waste Management Phoenix Open TPC Scottsdale, January 28th – February 3rd 602.870.0163 | WMPhoenixOpen.com Golf, spectators, corporate sponsorships, local celebrities, schmoozing, flirting, eating, drinking, sunshine, 16th hole, charity, Bird’s Nest…wait, we did mention golf, right? As you know, the PGA’s most popular spectator event once again graces the Valley. No matter if you’re truly a golf aficionado or simply like to be where the action is, the annual Phoenix Open is one great way to spend a week or a weekend.

War Horse Gammage, February 5th – 10th 480.965.3434 | ASUGammage.com You saw the Academy-Award nominated film, now see this beautiful tale of courage, loyalty and friendship live on stage. This powerfully moving and imaginative drama, filled with stirring music, is a show of phenomenal inventiveness that is currently playing to packed houses in London, New York and Toronto. At its heart are astonishing life-sized puppets that bring to life breathing, galloping, charging horses strong enough for men to ride.

Corks & Cactus Desert Botanical Garden, February 23rd – 24th 480.481.8188 | DBG.org Who wouldn’t want to spend a gorgeous Arizona evening sipping libations in a tranquil, scenic setting? Corks & Cactus blends boutique wines, gourmet concessions and desert beauty into a delightful event. Enjoy sampling from 40 different wines each day, listening to live local entertainment and food items available for purchase from Fabulous Food Fine Catering and Events.

Kelli Grant

January | February 2013

Your Sonoran Foothills Real Estate Specialist Happy New Year, neighbors! As we start the year 2013, let’s take a quick review of 2012. A shortage of homes for sale, record low interest rates and affordable purchase prices caused bidding wars in 2012.

ARIZONA RANKED #1 in the nation for gains in home prices.

Home prices in Phoenix area rebounded at the highest rate of any metro area in the country during the past year. Across the nation, prices increased in 18 of 20 cities over the 12-month period.

In Phoenix, prices jumped 20.4% over that stretch to lead all cities, Standard & Poor’s/Case-Shiller reported. FORECLOSURE DISCOUNTS HAVE VANISHED IN PHOENIX. “The smallest foreclosure discount is found in places where competition for homes is so high, people there are willing to pay the same amount for a foreclosure re-sale that they would for a non-distressed home simply to take advantage of historic affordability,” says Stan Humphries, Zillow’s chief economist.

The smallest foreclosure discounts can be found in: Las Vegas (0%); PHOENIX (0%); and Sacramento (0.7%).

LESS PHOENIX-AREA HOMES HAVE UNDERWATER MORTGAGES. Slightly less than half of homeowners throughout metro Phoenix are now underwater on their mortgages, according to a report by Zillow in November. About 45% of Valley homeowners were underwater during the third quarter – a 13% drop from the two previous quarters when slightly more than half were underwater. Check with your mortgage company to see if you qualify to have your PMI (Private Mortgage Insurance) removed from your monthly payment. One of my clients saved over $200/month! Call Patrick to see if you can refinance at a lower interest rate and reduce your monthly payment.

www.SonoranFoothillsCommunity.com www.facebook.com/SonoranFoothillsCommunity

Call or Text: (602) 799-5420 KelliGrant@85085RealEstate.com www.PhoenixHomeResource.com PLATINUM PREMIER REALTY

Patrick Obluck

Teamwork . Empowerment . Positivity . Excellence

HAPPY NEW YEAR! One of my resolutions for 2013 is my commitment to create awareness of local charities. I started working with a group called North Valley Community Outreach. Our goal is to host events that will benefit local groups here in our little part of the desert. Our first event was a wine tasting with the proceeds helping the Foothills Food Bank. Our next event is coming up in a few weeks and proceeds will benefit a local horse rescue.

Visit Facebook.com/AZNVCO and like the page for more information on this and other events.

Like our page and list your favorite local charity for a chance to win a $50 gift certificate to Vino 100.

Pinnacle Capital mortgage corporation Patrick Obluck Mortgage Banker | MLO #197206 Cell 480.231.2354 www.LoanManAZ.com 34406 N 27th Dr., Suite 140 Phoenix, Arizona 85085 NMLS - 322405 | AZ BKBR-0116448 Licensed by the Department of Corporations under the California Residential Mortgage Lending Act

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

Kelli Grant is proud to be a Preferred Realtor helping W.L. Gore employees buy homes and relocate to the area from all over the country every month.

Real Estate Status as of December 16th: 18 ACTIVE LISTINGS / 23 PENDING SALES IN SONORAN FOOTHILLS. Year-to-Date, 95 properties sold in 2012 through MLS. 12 properties closed sale between Oct 16th and Dec 16th at an average of $108.49/sq ft compared to the overall annual average of $99.88. If you are thinking of selling, contact me for a complimentary Value Analysis. As a neighbor and neighborhood real estate expert, we can discuss your options and a proactive strategy to sell your property for the highest amount possible.

Sonoran Foothills REAL ESTATE ACTIVITY IN

ADDRESS SQ. FT. / YEAR BUILT LIST PRICE LIST PRICE

BED / BATH PER SQ. FT. NEW LISTINGS SINCE OCT 20, 2012 32417 N 23rd Ave 2,274 / 4 / 3 2005 $199,000 $ 87.51 2227 W Calle Del Sol 2,161 / 4 / 2 2004 $245,500 $113.60 2248 W Via Caballo Blanco 2,160 / 4 / 3 2004 $265,000 $122.69 2410 W Aloe Vera Dr 2,739 / 4 / 2.5 2004 $320,000 $116.83 1727 W Aloe Vera Dr 3,841 / 5 / 3.5 2006 $379,900 $98.91 2003 W White Pine Dr 3,197 / 4 / 2.5 2005 $430,000 $134.50 31621 N 19TH Ave 3,374 /4 / 3.5 2005 $450,000 $133.37 1825 W Dusty Wren Dr 3,297 / 4 / 2.5 2007 $525,000 $159.24 1815 W Calle Escuda 5,121 /5 / 4.5 2005 $599,000 $116.97 SALE PENDING 2391 W Jake Hvn 2,092 / 3 / 2.5 2004 $150,000 2322 W Jake Hvn 2,092 / 3 / 2.5 2005 $199,900 2208 W Via Caballo Blanco Ave 2,537 / 4 / 2.5 2004 $225,000 2012 W Calle Marita 2,993 / 4 / 3.5 2004 $280,000 2422 W Aloe Vera Dr 2,670 / 4 / 3 2005 $305,000 2338 W Aloe Vera Dr 4,242 / 4 / 3.5 2004 $309,900 2320 W Horsetail Trl 3,020 / 4 / 3 2005 $339,000 2422 W Sienna Bouquet Pl 3,886 / 5 / 3.5 2004 $343,900 1729 W Bramble Berry Ln 3,550 / 5 / 3.5 2006 $349,900 2018 W Whisper Rock Trl 3,537 / 4 / 2.5 2006 $359,900 2333 W Horsetail Trl 4,091 / 5 / 3.5 2005 $390,000 1709 W Calle Marita -- 3,374 / 4 / 3.5 2006 $419,750 32307 N 18th Ave 3,126 / 5 /2.5 2006 $425,900 1541 W Silentcove Ln 3,177 / 5 / 4 2009 $449,900 32613 N 15th Ln 3,313 / 4 / 2.75 2008 $575,000 ADDRESS SQ. FT. / YEAR BUILT SOLD PRICE

BED / BATH RECENTLY SOLD 31509 N 19TH Ave 3,402 / 4 / 3.5 2005 $430,000 2248 W Oyer Ln 2,537 / 5 / 3 2004 $261,500 2318 W Jake Hvn 1,882 / 3 / 2.5 2005 $169,000 1509 W Calle Escuda - 3,232 / 4 / 3 2006 $440,000 2311 W Dusty Wren Dr 2,274 / 3 / 2.5 2005 $199,000 2324 W Dusty Wren Dr 1,882 / 3 / 2.5 2005 $180,000 2004 W Calle Del Sol 3,197 / 3 / 3 2004 $360,000 2447 W Jake Hvn 1,882 / 3 / 2.5 2004 $165,000 1816 W Bramble Berry Ln 2,960 / 4 / 2.5 2007 $278,915 1812 W Aloe Vera Dr 2,476 / 4 / 2.5 2008 $295,000 31706 N 15th Gln 4,664 / 6 / 4 2006 $585,000

Ideas to Freshen Up Your Interior Design

$71.70 $95.55 $88.69 $93.55 $114.23 $73.06 $112.25 $88.50 $98.56 $101.75 $95.33 $124.41 $136.24 $141.61 $173.56 SOLD PRICE PER SQ. FT. $126.40 $103.07 $89.80 $136.14 $87.51 $95.64 $112.61 $87.67 $94.23 $119.14 $125.43

Properties on this list have been listed/sold by various participants in the MLS.

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

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