Southeast Valley Luxury Lifestyle presented by Renee Merritt

Southeast Valley Luxury

July | August 2013

The Merritt Group Luxury Collection

Southeast Valley Luxury Real Estate Specialists Renée Merritt is a luxury real estate professional specializing in high-end properties throughout the East Valley. She personally oversees every aspect of the transactions and strives in giving her clients 110% of her efforts, resulting in impeccable follow up, professional negotiation skills and the ability to successfully and smoothly help every one of her clients get to the closing table with the best experience possible. She is passsionate about real estate, and as a result, that passion has been a leading factor in her success as a trusted real estate advisor.

Featured Cover Property

If you’re considering selling, contact Renée today for a market valuation of your property & learn about the Power of Previews & her successful strategies for your home’s sale.

Renée Merritt, SFR Luxury REALTOR® Previews® Property Specialist Direct: 480.522.6135 ReneeMerritt71@gmail.com

www.ReneeMerritt.com We are here to make the lending experience a positive one! With today’s market you need a lender who can deliver on time and knows their way around the lending maze!

Erica McKitrick Mortgage Advisor

Jumbo Lending At Coldwell Banker Home Loans you will experience top notch customer service, 10+ years experienced Mortgage Advisor, competitive rates and fees and you will always be a person, not a number! We are a full service lender with conforming lending options as well as jumbo.

Call me today!

623.521.5497

for a mortgage evaluation!

Purchase and refinance options available.

Located in the Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage office at 4360 East Brown Road #105 Mesa, AZ 85205

NMLS# 249529/LO-0913019

3912 East Norcroft Circle 7,701 Sq. Ft. | 6 Bed | 5.5 Bath | Guest House | 6-Car Garage Offered at $1,350,00

Whitewing at Wiehl |4,011 Sq. Ft. | 4 Bed | 4.5 Bath| Sold for $742,500

Real Estate Activity in the Southeast Valley ADDRESS SUBDIVISION SQ. FT. BED BATH LIST

PRICE

Currently for Sale

1040 E Osborn Rd 1002 Crystal Point 2,718 2478 E Page Ave Whitewing At Wiehl 4,324 2476 E Park Ct Whitewing At Wiehl 4,030 0000 N Circle G Cir Circle G Riggs Ranch 4,400 2538 E Page Ct Whitewing At Wiehl 6,219 4250 W Earhart Way Stellar Airpark Estates 4,308 3922 E Northridge Cir Rosewood Estates 8,600 2562 E Birchwood Pl Circle G Riggs Homestead 7,800 4492 W Kitty Hawk Stellar Airpark Estates 5,853 4491 W Folley Pl Stellar Airpark Estates 5,790 4300 W Earhart Way Stellar Airpark Estates 8,131 1 E Oakwood Hills Dr Oakwood Hills 12,415

Sale Pending

3 5 5 4 5 3 5 6 5 4 5 11

2.5 4 4.5 4.5 5 4.5 8 7 6 5.5 7.5 10

SOLD PRICE

$750,000 $759,000 $784,500 $797,000 $1,000,000 $1,399,998 $1,525,000 $1,950,000 $2,250,000 $2,695,000 $2,950,000 $5,500,000

161 N Cardinal St Whitewing At Wiehl 4,760 6 3 $829,000 3912 E Norcroft Cir Rosewood Estates 7,710 6 5.5 $1,350,000 2455 N Maple Vista Estancia 7,105 5 5.5 $1,350,000

LIST/SOLD PRICE PER SQ. FT.

COE

$275.94 / NA $175.53 / NA $194.67 / NA $181.14 / NA $160.80 / NA $324.98 / NA $177.33 / NA $250.00 / Na $384.42 / NA $465.46 / NA $362.81 / NA $443.01 / NA

$174.16 / NA $175.10 / NA $190.01 / NA

Recently Sold 2466 E Park Ct 3731 E Halifax Cir

Whitewing At Wiehl 4,011 4 4.5 $765,000 $742,500 $190.73 / $185.12 6/10/13 Villa Rica 7,016 5 4.5 $1,450,000 $1,233,000 $206.67 / $175.74 4/25/13

All information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed. The properties on this list have been listed/sold by various members of the MLS. If your home is currently listed, this is not a solicitation for that listing.

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

ISSN-1939-9650

Get Smart!

Today’s Tech Takes Home Automation Beyond The Jetsons

Real Estate Market | A Mid-Year Update Chic & Dramatic| Ocean Prime’s Champagne Cocktail

Southeast Valley Real Estate Report

In Good Taste Featuring Ocean Prime 480.347.1313 OceanPrimePhoenix.com

BERRIES AND BUBBLES 1.25 oz. Belvedere Cytrus Vodka 1.5 oz. Sour Mix .75 oz. Crème Di Cassis Combine in chilled shaker filled with chipped ice. Shake gently and pour over dry ice in a martini glass. Top with a float of Champagne and berries that have been soaked in Grand Marnier and sugar. Serve immediately.

Event Calendar

the future is now.

Did I turn the thermostat down? Is the security alarm set? Did I forget to close the garage door? Just a few of the questions that will soon be moot once you make the jump and your get home fully wired. That’s right ... your home can soon be smarter than you!

So just what can today’s super-tech homes do for you and your family? One of the coolest new capabilities is the remote access to your home’s climate control. If you like to come home to a nice cool abode but don’t like the bill that comes from running the AC all day while you’re at work, you can turn on the AC right from your smart phone or computer.

This saves on your electric bill in spades.

Some experts estimate you can save up to 10 percent on your bill from using these new systems. And just imagine never again walking into a closed-up, stifling home upon returning from vacation or a long weekend! Where do we sign up?

Security is another highlight of today’s high-tech homes. With the touch of a button on your smart phone or computer, you can set the security system in your home to any desired level of protection.

you can see what’s going on in your home while you’re away or at work.

Have kids? Talk about having eyes in the back of your head! With installed cameras strategically placed throughout your home, you can remotely keep an eye on them in the yard, as they come in the front door from school, or just see what they’re doing in the kitchen with their friends while you run errands. And in the event that the security system is tripped, your home’s system can instantly send you photos or videos of the point of entry so you can be apprised of the situation.

Another great feature which enhances security and makes your life easier is the remote control of your home’s lighting.

Out later than you thought you’d be?

Turn on the front lights with the touch

of a button on your smart phone.

Want to make it appear as if

someone is home while you’re

away? Set up the system to

have lights go on and off in different rooms at specific times throughout the night.

Sounds like a smart home installation may be the smartest thing you can do for your family this year! And since the systems are wireless, installation is usually easy and quick!

IS YOUR HOME WIRED UP?

If the system gets tripped while you’re away, you’ll automatically know via email or texts telling you exactly what has occurred in your absence. Many systems can automatically detect fire, water damage, or broken glass, and instantly let the homeowner and authorities know. Carbon monoxide detection can also be added. And in

case of one of these emergencies, you’ll have direct contact to fire and police for a quick response. An added bonus? You could save up to 20 percent on your homeowner’s insurance when this type of security system is installed.

Many of today’s suppliers can also install indoor and outdoor cameras so

MID-YEAR HOUSING BYREPORT MICHAEL ORR The Greater Phoenix housing market was the first in the country to recover. Hitting its lowest point of $117,000 in April 2011, the monthly median sales price for single family homes in Maricopa County has rebounded explosively reaching $190,000 two years later in April 2013. That 62% jump indicates just how much the market has changed, but gives a misleading impression of increases in normal home values.

Back in April 2011 the majority of the market consisted of bank owned properties and short sales. In the summer of 2013, these have declined by two thirds and the majority of transactions are now between normal sellers and buyers.

Distressed properties often sell at discounts of 25% or more, so we have to allow for the change in the mix as well as the change in home values. If we look exclusively at normal transactions, median sales prices have increased by a more modest 13% from $180,000 to $204,000.

Now that we no longer have a large number of foreclosures, we have far fewer homes available for purchase. New home builders are ramping up production in areas such as the Southeast and Northwest Valleys, but are still at production levels that are down by 70% or more from the heights of 2005. Many existing homeowners are still trapped by negative equity and unwilling to consider selling until they can do so without having to bring cash to the close of escrow. The widely held myth that banks are hiding

large numbers of homes in a so-called “shadow inventory” has proven to be unfounded. As a result, buyers are facing many challenges mainly caused by the fact that they heavily outnumber sellers and therefore have to compete with each other.

Multiple bid situations are commonplace especially at the lower-end of the market. Here first-time home buyers compete with investors for anything that might work for them.

It is no good being too choosy because that will likely result in potential buyers getting nothing at all.

At the top end of the market, luxury sales are now at their highest volume since 2007. For homes over $1,000,000, prices dropped between 2007 and 2011 but much less than the rest of the housing market. Since the middle of 2011, the recovery of the luxury market has been much less spectacular, but no less welcome. The strongest upwards movements have been for the most affordable homes within the luxury areas. The price range between $500,000 and $1,500,000 is seeing strong demand, especially in areas that are close to shops and transportation. Arcadia, Paradise Valley and the southern parts of North Scottsdale are especially popular. The market slows down a little as we move up in price, but even the market above $3,000,000 has had a busy spring season.

There is little chance of supply increasing significantly in the near time but market pricing continually adjusts to move

JULY | AUGUST 2013 Birds ‘n Beer Rio Salado Audubon Center, July 18th & August 15th 602.468.6470 | RioSalado.Audubon.org Every 3rd Thursday of the month, stop by the Audubon Center for a happy-hour-type event and learn a thing or two about birds and other wildlife while enjoying a cold Four Peaks brew and other snacks and beverages.

Topics range from strange animal behaviors to natural oddities and often include live wildlife. Meet other professionals who care about Arizona’s natural space, or just find a new way to spend a summer evening with friends.

Bruno Mars in Concert US Airways Center, July 31st 866.976.9142 | USAirways.BoxOfficeTicketSales.com The Bruno Mars tour 2013 is finally here and you can see it live this summer. You’ll love the unique sound, incredible vocals, and the unbelievable energy that make Mars’ live music one-of-a-kind. The concert sets show off incredible stage design making the show more like an intimate event than an enormous concert.

Winter in July Phoenix Zoo, July 20th 602.273.1341 | PhoenixZoo.org Take a break from sweltering temps and enjoy a Saturday cooling down with over 20 tons of snow!

Besides the fun of watching your favorite zoo animals devour their frozen treats and romping in some snow, you’ll get to throw snowballs, cool off in the water play areas and even enjoy dancing, games and prizes with Radio Disney. A kid’s paradise for sure!

Easy Summer Dinner Party Kierland Commons Sur La Table, August 1st 800.243.0852 | SurLaTable.com Learn everything you need to pull off the perfect gathering from start to finish, from an amazing salad, all the way to a memorable dessert. They’ll walk you through simple entertaining tips and tricks that will have you throwing the backyard fete of the summer with confidence. With this very easy and amazing menu, plus some do-ahead secrets, you’ll host an enjoyable and memorable intimate dinner or all-out party!

the market towards a balance between supply and demand.

With prices increasing, too much competition, strict underwriting and appraisal difficulties, buyers are facing many obstacles. Now the prospect of rising interest rates is adding to their worries. This is likely to mean that the market will become less frenetic and price rises will slow down compared with the last two years.

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.

Movies at the Museum Phoenix Art Museum, August 4th 602.257.1222 | PhxArt.org Come for independent and classic cinema and documentaries relating to art, artists, and works on view in the Museum, usually followed by discussion.

In August, catch Second Skin. This documentary showcases how computer games’ virtual worlds are transforming the lives of ordinary people, profiling a couple who fall in love online, a man addicted to playing games for hours on end and a tight-knit Indiana gaming community.

In Good Taste Featuring Ocean Prime 480.347.1313 OceanPrimePhoenix.com

BERRIES AND BUBBLES 1.25 oz. Belvedere Cytrus Vodka 1.5 oz. Sour Mix .75 oz. Crème Di Cassis Combine in chilled shaker filled with chipped ice. Shake gently and pour over dry ice in a martini glass. Top with a float of Champagne and berries that have been soaked in Grand Marnier and sugar. Serve immediately.

Event Calendar

the future is now.

Did I turn the thermostat down? Is the security alarm set? Did I forget to close the garage door? Just a few of the questions that will soon be moot once you make the jump and your get home fully wired. That’s right ... your home can soon be smarter than you!

So just what can today’s super-tech homes do for you and your family? One of the coolest new capabilities is the remote access to your home’s climate control. If you like to come home to a nice cool abode but don’t like the bill that comes from running the AC all day while you’re at work, you can turn on the AC right from your smart phone or computer.

This saves on your electric bill in spades.

Some experts estimate you can save up to 10 percent on your bill from using these new systems. And just imagine never again walking into a closed-up, stifling home upon returning from vacation or a long weekend! Where do we sign up?

Security is another highlight of today’s high-tech homes. With the touch of a button on your smart phone or computer, you can set the security system in your home to any desired level of protection.

you can see what’s going on in your home while you’re away or at work.

Have kids? Talk about having eyes in the back of your head! With installed cameras strategically placed throughout your home, you can remotely keep an eye on them in the yard, as they come in the front door from school, or just see what they’re doing in the kitchen with their friends while you run errands. And in the event that the security system is tripped, your home’s system can instantly send you photos or videos of the point of entry so you can be apprised of the situation.

Another great feature which enhances security and makes your life easier is the remote control of your home’s lighting.

Out later than you thought you’d be?

Turn on the front lights with the touch

of a button on your smart phone.

Want to make it appear as if

someone is home while you’re

away? Set up the system to

have lights go on and off in different rooms at specific times throughout the night.

Sounds like a smart home installation may be the smartest thing you can do for your family this year! And since the systems are wireless, installation is usually easy and quick!

IS YOUR HOME WIRED UP?

If the system gets tripped while you’re away, you’ll automatically know via email or texts telling you exactly what has occurred in your absence. Many systems can automatically detect fire, water damage, or broken glass, and instantly let the homeowner and authorities know. Carbon monoxide detection can also be added. And in

case of one of these emergencies, you’ll have direct contact to fire and police for a quick response. An added bonus? You could save up to 20 percent on your homeowner’s insurance when this type of security system is installed.

Many of today’s suppliers can also install indoor and outdoor cameras so

MID-YEAR HOUSING BYREPORT MICHAEL ORR The Greater Phoenix housing market was the first in the country to recover. Hitting its lowest point of $117,000 in April 2011, the monthly median sales price for single family homes in Maricopa County has rebounded explosively reaching $190,000 two years later in April 2013. That 62% jump indicates just how much the market has changed, but gives a misleading impression of increases in normal home values.

Back in April 2011 the majority of the market consisted of bank owned properties and short sales. In the summer of 2013, these have declined by two thirds and the majority of transactions are now between normal sellers and buyers.

Distressed properties often sell at discounts of 25% or more, so we have to allow for the change in the mix as well as the change in home values. If we look exclusively at normal transactions, median sales prices have increased by a more modest 13% from $180,000 to $204,000.

Now that we no longer have a large number of foreclosures, we have far fewer homes available for purchase. New home builders are ramping up production in areas such as the Southeast and Northwest Valleys, but are still at production levels that are down by 70% or more from the heights of 2005. Many existing homeowners are still trapped by negative equity and unwilling to consider selling until they can do so without having to bring cash to the close of escrow. The widely held myth that banks are hiding

large numbers of homes in a so-called “shadow inventory” has proven to be unfounded. As a result, buyers are facing many challenges mainly caused by the fact that they heavily outnumber sellers and therefore have to compete with each other.

Multiple bid situations are commonplace especially at the lower-end of the market. Here first-time home buyers compete with investors for anything that might work for them.

It is no good being too choosy because that will likely result in potential buyers getting nothing at all.

At the top end of the market, luxury sales are now at their highest volume since 2007. For homes over $1,000,000, prices dropped between 2007 and 2011 but much less than the rest of the housing market. Since the middle of 2011, the recovery of the luxury market has been much less spectacular, but no less welcome. The strongest upwards movements have been for the most affordable homes within the luxury areas. The price range between $500,000 and $1,500,000 is seeing strong demand, especially in areas that are close to shops and transportation. Arcadia, Paradise Valley and the southern parts of North Scottsdale are especially popular. The market slows down a little as we move up in price, but even the market above $3,000,000 has had a busy spring season.

There is little chance of supply increasing significantly in the near time but market pricing continually adjusts to move

JULY | AUGUST 2013 Birds ‘n Beer Rio Salado Audubon Center, July 18th & August 15th 602.468.6470 | RioSalado.Audubon.org Every 3rd Thursday of the month, stop by the Audubon Center for a happy-hour-type event and learn a thing or two about birds and other wildlife while enjoying a cold Four Peaks brew and other snacks and beverages.

Topics range from strange animal behaviors to natural oddities and often include live wildlife. Meet other professionals who care about Arizona’s natural space, or just find a new way to spend a summer evening with friends.

Bruno Mars in Concert US Airways Center, July 31st 866.976.9142 | USAirways.BoxOfficeTicketSales.com The Bruno Mars tour 2013 is finally here and you can see it live this summer. You’ll love the unique sound, incredible vocals, and the unbelievable energy that make Mars’ live music one-of-a-kind. The concert sets show off incredible stage design making the show more like an intimate event than an enormous concert.

Winter in July Phoenix Zoo, July 20th 602.273.1341 | PhoenixZoo.org Take a break from sweltering temps and enjoy a Saturday cooling down with over 20 tons of snow!

Besides the fun of watching your favorite zoo animals devour their frozen treats and romping in some snow, you’ll get to throw snowballs, cool off in the water play areas and even enjoy dancing, games and prizes with Radio Disney. A kid’s paradise for sure!

Easy Summer Dinner Party Kierland Commons Sur La Table, August 1st 800.243.0852 | SurLaTable.com Learn everything you need to pull off the perfect gathering from start to finish, from an amazing salad, all the way to a memorable dessert. They’ll walk you through simple entertaining tips and tricks that will have you throwing the backyard fete of the summer with confidence. With this very easy and amazing menu, plus some do-ahead secrets, you’ll host an enjoyable and memorable intimate dinner or all-out party!

the market towards a balance between supply and demand.

With prices increasing, too much competition, strict underwriting and appraisal difficulties, buyers are facing many obstacles. Now the prospect of rising interest rates is adding to their worries. This is likely to mean that the market will become less frenetic and price rises will slow down compared with the last two years.

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.

Movies at the Museum Phoenix Art Museum, August 4th 602.257.1222 | PhxArt.org Come for independent and classic cinema and documentaries relating to art, artists, and works on view in the Museum, usually followed by discussion.

In August, catch Second Skin. This documentary showcases how computer games’ virtual worlds are transforming the lives of ordinary people, profiling a couple who fall in love online, a man addicted to playing games for hours on end and a tight-knit Indiana gaming community.

Southeast Valley Luxury

July | August 2013

The Merritt Group Luxury Collection

Southeast Valley Luxury Real Estate Specialists Renée Merritt is a luxury real estate professional specializing in high-end properties throughout the East Valley. She personally oversees every aspect of the transactions and strives in giving her clients 110% of her efforts, resulting in impeccable follow up, professional negotiation skills and the ability to successfully and smoothly help every one of her clients get to the closing table with the best experience possible. She is passsionate about real estate, and as a result, that passion has been a leading factor in her success as a trusted real estate advisor.

Featured Cover Property

If you’re considering selling, contact Renée today for a market valuation of your property & learn about the Power of Previews & her successful strategies for your home’s sale.

Renée Merritt, SFR Luxury REALTOR® Previews® Property Specialist Direct: 480.522.6135 ReneeMerritt71@gmail.com

www.ReneeMerritt.com We are here to make the lending experience a positive one! With today’s market you need a lender who can deliver on time and knows their way around the lending maze!

Erica McKitrick Mortgage Advisor

Jumbo Lending At Coldwell Banker Home Loans you will experience top notch customer service, 10+ years experienced Mortgage Advisor, competitive rates and fees and you will always be a person, not a number! We are a full service lender with conforming lending options as well as jumbo.

Call me today!

623.521.5497

for a mortgage evaluation!

Purchase and refinance options available.

Located in the Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage office at 4360 East Brown Road #105 Mesa, AZ 85205

NMLS# 249529/LO-0913019

3912 East Norcroft Circle 7,701 Sq. Ft. | 6 Bed | 5.5 Bath | Guest House | 6-Car Garage Offered at $1,350,00

Whitewing at Wiehl |4,011 Sq. Ft. | 4 Bed | 4.5 Bath| Sold for $742,500

Real Estate Activity in the Southeast Valley ADDRESS SUBDIVISION SQ. FT. BED BATH LIST

PRICE

Currently for Sale

1040 E Osborn Rd 1002 Crystal Point 2,718 2478 E Page Ave Whitewing At Wiehl 4,324 2476 E Park Ct Whitewing At Wiehl 4,030 0000 N Circle G Cir Circle G Riggs Ranch 4,400 2538 E Page Ct Whitewing At Wiehl 6,219 4250 W Earhart Way Stellar Airpark Estates 4,308 3922 E Northridge Cir Rosewood Estates 8,600 2562 E Birchwood Pl Circle G Riggs Homestead 7,800 4492 W Kitty Hawk Stellar Airpark Estates 5,853 4491 W Folley Pl Stellar Airpark Estates 5,790 4300 W Earhart Way Stellar Airpark Estates 8,131 1 E Oakwood Hills Dr Oakwood Hills 12,415

Sale Pending

3 5 5 4 5 3 5 6 5 4 5 11

2.5 4 4.5 4.5 5 4.5 8 7 6 5.5 7.5 10

SOLD PRICE

$750,000 $759,000 $784,500 $797,000 $1,000,000 $1,399,998 $1,525,000 $1,950,000 $2,250,000 $2,695,000 $2,950,000 $5,500,000

161 N Cardinal St Whitewing At Wiehl 4,760 6 3 $829,000 3912 E Norcroft Cir Rosewood Estates 7,710 6 5.5 $1,350,000 2455 N Maple Vista Estancia 7,105 5 5.5 $1,350,000

LIST/SOLD PRICE PER SQ. FT.

COE

$275.94 / NA $175.53 / NA $194.67 / NA $181.14 / NA $160.80 / NA $324.98 / NA $177.33 / NA $250.00 / Na $384.42 / NA $465.46 / NA $362.81 / NA $443.01 / NA

$174.16 / NA $175.10 / NA $190.01 / NA

Recently Sold 2466 E Park Ct 3731 E Halifax Cir

Whitewing At Wiehl 4,011 4 4.5 $765,000 $742,500 $190.73 / $185.12 6/10/13 Villa Rica 7,016 5 4.5 $1,450,000 $1,233,000 $206.67 / $175.74 4/25/13

All information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed. The properties on this list have been listed/sold by various members of the MLS. If your home is currently listed, this is not a solicitation for that listing.

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

ISSN-1939-9650

Get Smart!

Today’s Tech Takes Home Automation Beyond The Jetsons

Real Estate Market | A Mid-Year Update Chic & Dramatic| Ocean Prime’s Champagne Cocktail

Southeast Valley Real Estate Report