Urban Phoenix Lifestyle

March | April 2014

Urban Phoenix

Specializing in Phoenix Lofts/Condos

ANNOUNCING… Kevin Owens was recently selected for two prestigious awards by local magazines: VOTED

“Best of Scottsdale REALTOR® – 2014”

as the Reader’s Choice and the Editor’s Pick in Scottsdale Living Magazine!

RECOMMENDED AS

“Top Luxury Real Estate Agent – 2014”

by InBusiness Magazine for success in luxury home sales!

Find out for yourself what it is like to work with Kevin Owens and contact him today!

KEVIN OWENS, REALTOR® Specializing in Phoenix Lofts/Condos

480.217.9184 kevin@fineAZliving.com www.fineAZliving.com

Urban Phoenix Market Update ADDRESS

SQFT

1 E Lexington Ave 411 One Lexington

BED BATH

SOLD PRICE

SOLD PER SQFT

CLOSE OF ESCROW

1,089 2 2

$263,000 $241.51

2/05/2014

1 E Lexington Ave 1101 One Lexington

1,261 2 2

$304,000 $241.08

12/13/2013

1 E Lexington Ave 901 One Lexington

1,297 2 2

$310,000 $239.01

12/31/2013

520 E Ames Pl Portland II

1,574 3 3.5 $321,472 $204.24

11/22/2013

1326 N Central Ave 210 Artisan Lofts

1,624 2 2

$350,000 $215.52

1/31/2014

1 E Lexington Ave 201 One Lexington

1,973 3 3

$368,000 $186.52

2/07/2014

208 W Portland St 655 Portland Place

1,354 2 2.5 $386,000 $285.08

12/30/2013

4326 N 25th St 105 Biltmore Lofts

1,888 3 2.5 $400,000 $211.86

11/25/2013

208 W Portland St 161 Portland Place

1,592 2 2

$407,500 $255.97

208 W Portland St 460 Portland Place

1,659 2 2

$460,000 $277.28

1/30/2014 11/01/2013

IF YOU LIKED 2013, YOU’LL PROBABLY ENJOY 2014!

By: Michael Orr | Director of Real Estate Studies at ASU & Principal of The Cromford Report

The recovery in Greater Phoenix’s housing market started in September 2011 and by the end of 2013 it has taken us all the way back to a normal balanced market. The most obvious impact has been a strong rise in pricing, in fact a greater percentage rise than any other metropolitan area in the USA over the last two years. A look back at 2013 when compared with 2011 shows us that:

The annual average price per sq. ft. rose by over 45% from $81.66 to $118.48 The annual average sales price increased 48% from $156,907 to $232,967 The annual median sales price jumped 62% from $110,000 to $176,000

Kris Pesic, Escrow Officer

28 years experience with Old Republic Title in Camelback Corridor

602.631.3706 direct | KPesic@ortc.com 2375 E Camelback Rd #180 | Phoenix, AZ 85016

Overall the Greater Phoenix housing market has returned to a normal balance. The highest demand areas tend to be closer to employment opportunities while demand is weaker in outlying areas. Most buyers are now on even ground when negotiating with sellers, and in some areas they have a distinct advantage over sellers as the average time on market starts to increase. Inventory is still some 15% below normal but with demand 20% below normal this is not currently a problem.

In the current market, there is no longer any strong upward pressure on home prices and 2014 is likely to see much less volatile movement than over the last two years.

THINKING OF SELLING? Call Kevin Owens today at 480.217.9184 For informational purposes only. Your real estate professional is not a mortgage lender; please contact your Mortgage Advisor for information about mortgage products and your eligibility for home financing. If your home is currently listed, this is not a solicitation for that listing. Owned and operated by NRT, LLC.

Produced by Desert Lifestyle Publishing • 480.460.0996 • www.DesertLifestyle.net ISSN-1939-943X

Elaborate Table Settings Step Up To The Plate

The Tax Man Cometh

Strategies To Reduce Your Tax Burden

Dessert Delight!

Virtu’s Chocolate Mousse Tiramisu

Urban Phoenix Market Update

From Kevin Owens, Loft / Condo Specialist

In Good Taste

Event Calendar

Virtù, Honest Craft 480.946.3477 | VirtuScottsdale.com

MARCH | APRIL 2014

CHOCOLATE MOUSSE TIRAMISU Setting the stage for a spring fete for friends and family? Whether it’s Easter, Passover, or simply a gourmet spring fling, set your table with flair this season. Jot down these ideas to make your meal the most memorable of the spring party season.

First, you’ll need to choose a color scheme. Spring’s trendiest hues this year include tranquil sky blues, vintage purples, and minty greens, often paired with contrasting pinky reds, vibrant yellows, and energetic spicy oranges. Neutral tans and subtle, elegant grays also play their part in the most elegant table settings of the season. Choose one or two soothing hues for a tranquil Easter brunch, or pick two opposing hues for an up-to-the-minute spring dinner party.

After you choose your hues, flowers are the next element of your table setting, and often the most fun to select. What type? What size? What vases? How many on the table? For an elegant look, pair soothing blue hydrangeas with bright purple tulips for a punch of spring color. Or get a tropical look by mixing bright yellow and orange blooms together with a softer more elegant gray or white. This will surely bring the look of sunshine to your table.

When selecting a vase, go elegant and subdued— think silver, white, or gold—if your flowers are bright

INGREDIENTS 1lb bittersweet chocolate 6 eggs (whites only) 1 c granulated sugar 1 c water 3 c heavy cream 1 package lady finger cookies 1 vanilla bean 4 c espresso 12-8oz mason jars FOR THE MOUSSE Melt chocolate over a double boiler until smooth and silky. In a small heavy sauce pot, place the sugar and water over medium heat and bring to the “softball stage” approximately 235-240 degrees. In the meantime, in a stand mixer, whisk the egg whites to a stiff peak. Once the egg whites are at stiff peaks, on a low speed, slowly drizzle the sugar water mixture into the egg whites to make a meringue. Set the meringue aside. Scrape the inside of the vanilla bean to get as much of the seeds as possible and mix with the cream.

Whisk the cream in a stand mixer until you are at stiff peaks as well. Fold the chocolate into the meringue carefully, incorporating thoroughly. Take the chocolate meringue and fold that into the whipped cream to create a silky chocolate mousse.

FOR THE TIRAMISU In the bottom of a mason jar spoon a layer of the mousse. Dip the ladyfingers in the espresso as you go or they will turn to mush! Place a dipped ladyfinger into the mason jar and top with more mousse. Repeat one more time and smooth out the top! Allow the mousse to set overnight and garnish with what you wish!

The Tax Man Cometh...

Is a refund on the horizon for you? Not many of us look forward to April 15—most commonly referred to as “Tax Day”. Several new tax laws took effect in 2013 that may impact your tax bill when you file your 2013 federal income taxes.

For those with taxable incomes of more than $450,000, the top statutory income tax rate on ordinary income has increased from 35% to 39.6% and the top statutory tax rate on long-term capital gains and qualified dividends has increased from 15% to 20%.

Because of this, income deferral strategies and investments that generate tax-free income have become even more valuable.

Let’s look at a few strategies that could help reduce your tax burden. As with all tax strategies, please consult a tax professional for advice regarding your particular situation.

1031 LIKE-KIND EXCHANGES: A 1031 exchange is a swap of one business or investment asset for another. A 1031 is not restricted to real estate, but that is what gets the most discussion. The 1031 exchange allows you to change the form of your investment without cashing out and recognizing a taxable capital gain. Therefore, your investment continues to grow tax deferred. For example, you can continue to roll over the gain from one piece of investment real estate to another—there is no limit on how many times you can do a 1031 exchange. Income taxes are avoided until you sell for cash.

Advice from a tax professional is crucial because there are specific rules you must be aware of.

TAX-DEFERRED ANNUITIES: Tax-deferred annuities can be valuable if you have exhausted other forms of tax-favored retirement savings, such as 401(k)s and IRAs. Invest a lump sum into the annuity and let it compound tax free for a long time—usually a decade or longer. When you do pull the money out, the profits are taxable as ordinary income.

LONG-TERM GROWTH SECURITIES: This is an investing concept where a security will appreciate in value for a relatively long period of time. Securities held for more than one year are taxed at a lower, long-term capital gains tax rate.

QUALIFYING INSTALLMENTS SALES: An installment sale is a sale of property where you receive at least one payment after the tax year of the sale. Installment sales can be a valuable tool to help sellers defer tax. But there is risk involved since the buyer may default on a future payment.

TAX-EXEMPT MUNICIPAL BONDS: Municipal bonds are issued by states, cities, and counties to raise funds. Interest income from holders of municipal bonds is often exempt from federal income tax and may also be exempt from state income tax.

and eye-catching. If the floral arrangement is more subtle, look for a bright, fun vase to show them off.

For an average size dining table, one substantial arrangement may be enough, but several smaller arrangements scattered down the center of the table is even more elegant and can be enjoyed by all your dining companions no matter where they are seated. While you’re thinking flowers, place a few arrangements throughout your home, say in the entryway, and in your living room to greet guests as they enjoy visiting your abode.

When selecting china and table linens, it’s best to make sure either one or the other is a neutral color.

Vibrant orange placemats and linen napkins will pair deliciously with pure white china and dazzling crystal and sparkling silverware, for example. Or look for bright, trendy china in say purple or green hues and pair these with classic white or gray linens for a very modern and current look. Patterned placemats, napkins, even napkin rings in your color scheme can elevate the look of your table setting in seconds flat.

The icing on the cake? Sparkling crystal wine and water glasses and gleaming silverware are the finishing touches that will set the stage for a spring affair to remember. Bon appétit!

44th Annual Scottsdale Arts Festival Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts | March 14-16 480.499.8587 | ScottsdalePerformingArts.org The Scottsdale Arts Festival has been recognized for its high-quality fine arts since 1971. The Festival showcases nearly 200 jury-selected artists from throughout the United States and Canada who work in painting, sculpture, glass and ceramics, jewelry, photography and more. Works of art are available for purchase directly from the artists and through the Festival’s online art auction.

Masters of Movement Orpheum Theatre | March 27-30 602.381.1096 | BalletAZ.org Masters of Movement features works by acclaimed modern day dance choreographers that push the boundaries of classical ballet. Alejandro Cerrudo, acclaimed choreographer from Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, presents Off Screen, with dance inspired by film scores.

It’s slinky and modern, with sexy steps and eccentric moves. Ib Andersen’s elegant and intricate masterpiece Symphonie Classique returns with costumes by Martin Pakledinaz, two-time Tony Award winning designer.

2014 Windsor Square Home and Garden Tour Windsor Square Historic District | March 30 602.619.4444 | WindsorSquarePhoenix.org Located at Central Avenue and Camelback Road in the central corridor of Phoenix, Windsor Square is one of the most sought-after historic neighborhoods in Arizona. The breathtakingly beautiful Windsor Square neighborhood is rich with history with many homes that are 60 to 75 years old. Started in 1929, the 260-home neighborhood is considered to be one of the first few suburbs of the city of Phoenix. The historic home and garden tour is a self-guided walking tour featuring 12 historic homes, a beautiful garden, plant societies and a beer garden.

Music in the Garden Desert Botanical Garden | April 4 480.481.8188 | DBG.org Situated at the base of a saguaro-lined butte, Music in the Desert Botanical Garden pairs great live local bands with the most enchanting venue in the Valley. Fabulous Food Fine Catering and Events provides a chef-attended station featuring weekly specials for an additional charge. The Patio Café will also be open during the concert with items for purchase from the café menu. A full cash bar, wine flights and wine by the bottle are available for purchase.

Scottsdale Culinary Festival Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts | April 8-13 480.945.7193 | ScottsdaleFest.org This festival draws more than 40,000 visitors looking to enjoy fabulous food, fun and festivities. No matter what kind of culinary experience you crave, there’s something for everyone! If you love great food, fine wine and boutique brews, the Scottsdale Culinary Festival is a priority on your itinerary. This six-day celebration of the culinary arts has something for everyone, from exquisite multi-course meals and wine-and-chocolate pairings to the Great Arizona Picnic.

In Good Taste

Event Calendar

Virtù, Honest Craft 480.946.3477 | VirtuScottsdale.com

MARCH | APRIL 2014

CHOCOLATE MOUSSE TIRAMISU Setting the stage for a spring fete for friends and family? Whether it’s Easter, Passover, or simply a gourmet spring fling, set your table with flair this season. Jot down these ideas to make your meal the most memorable of the spring party season.

First, you’ll need to choose a color scheme. Spring’s trendiest hues this year include tranquil sky blues, vintage purples, and minty greens, often paired with contrasting pinky reds, vibrant yellows, and energetic spicy oranges. Neutral tans and subtle, elegant grays also play their part in the most elegant table settings of the season. Choose one or two soothing hues for a tranquil Easter brunch, or pick two opposing hues for an up-to-the-minute spring dinner party.

After you choose your hues, flowers are the next element of your table setting, and often the most fun to select. What type? What size? What vases? How many on the table? For an elegant look, pair soothing blue hydrangeas with bright purple tulips for a punch of spring color. Or get a tropical look by mixing bright yellow and orange blooms together with a softer more elegant gray or white. This will surely bring the look of sunshine to your table.

When selecting a vase, go elegant and subdued— think silver, white, or gold—if your flowers are bright

INGREDIENTS 1lb bittersweet chocolate 6 eggs (whites only) 1 c granulated sugar 1 c water 3 c heavy cream 1 package lady finger cookies 1 vanilla bean 4 c espresso 12-8oz mason jars FOR THE MOUSSE Melt chocolate over a double boiler until smooth and silky. In a small heavy sauce pot, place the sugar and water over medium heat and bring to the “softball stage” approximately 235-240 degrees. In the meantime, in a stand mixer, whisk the egg whites to a stiff peak. Once the egg whites are at stiff peaks, on a low speed, slowly drizzle the sugar water mixture into the egg whites to make a meringue. Set the meringue aside. Scrape the inside of the vanilla bean to get as much of the seeds as possible and mix with the cream.

Whisk the cream in a stand mixer until you are at stiff peaks as well. Fold the chocolate into the meringue carefully, incorporating thoroughly. Take the chocolate meringue and fold that into the whipped cream to create a silky chocolate mousse.

FOR THE TIRAMISU In the bottom of a mason jar spoon a layer of the mousse. Dip the ladyfingers in the espresso as you go or they will turn to mush! Place a dipped ladyfinger into the mason jar and top with more mousse. Repeat one more time and smooth out the top! Allow the mousse to set overnight and garnish with what you wish!

The Tax Man Cometh...

Is a refund on the horizon for you? Not many of us look forward to April 15—most commonly referred to as “Tax Day”. Several new tax laws took effect in 2013 that may impact your tax bill when you file your 2013 federal income taxes.

For those with taxable incomes of more than $450,000, the top statutory income tax rate on ordinary income has increased from 35% to 39.6% and the top statutory tax rate on long-term capital gains and qualified dividends has increased from 15% to 20%.

Because of this, income deferral strategies and investments that generate tax-free income have become even more valuable.

Let’s look at a few strategies that could help reduce your tax burden. As with all tax strategies, please consult a tax professional for advice regarding your particular situation.

1031 LIKE-KIND EXCHANGES: A 1031 exchange is a swap of one business or investment asset for another. A 1031 is not restricted to real estate, but that is what gets the most discussion. The 1031 exchange allows you to change the form of your investment without cashing out and recognizing a taxable capital gain. Therefore, your investment continues to grow tax deferred. For example, you can continue to roll over the gain from one piece of investment real estate to another—there is no limit on how many times you can do a 1031 exchange. Income taxes are avoided until you sell for cash.

Advice from a tax professional is crucial because there are specific rules you must be aware of.

TAX-DEFERRED ANNUITIES: Tax-deferred annuities can be valuable if you have exhausted other forms of tax-favored retirement savings, such as 401(k)s and IRAs. Invest a lump sum into the annuity and let it compound tax free for a long time—usually a decade or longer. When you do pull the money out, the profits are taxable as ordinary income.

LONG-TERM GROWTH SECURITIES: This is an investing concept where a security will appreciate in value for a relatively long period of time. Securities held for more than one year are taxed at a lower, long-term capital gains tax rate.

QUALIFYING INSTALLMENTS SALES: An installment sale is a sale of property where you receive at least one payment after the tax year of the sale. Installment sales can be a valuable tool to help sellers defer tax. But there is risk involved since the buyer may default on a future payment.

TAX-EXEMPT MUNICIPAL BONDS: Municipal bonds are issued by states, cities, and counties to raise funds. Interest income from holders of municipal bonds is often exempt from federal income tax and may also be exempt from state income tax.

and eye-catching. If the floral arrangement is more subtle, look for a bright, fun vase to show them off.

For an average size dining table, one substantial arrangement may be enough, but several smaller arrangements scattered down the center of the table is even more elegant and can be enjoyed by all your dining companions no matter where they are seated. While you’re thinking flowers, place a few arrangements throughout your home, say in the entryway, and in your living room to greet guests as they enjoy visiting your abode.

When selecting china and table linens, it’s best to make sure either one or the other is a neutral color.

Vibrant orange placemats and linen napkins will pair deliciously with pure white china and dazzling crystal and sparkling silverware, for example. Or look for bright, trendy china in say purple or green hues and pair these with classic white or gray linens for a very modern and current look. Patterned placemats, napkins, even napkin rings in your color scheme can elevate the look of your table setting in seconds flat.

The icing on the cake? Sparkling crystal wine and water glasses and gleaming silverware are the finishing touches that will set the stage for a spring affair to remember. Bon appétit!

44th Annual Scottsdale Arts Festival Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts | March 14-16 480.499.8587 | ScottsdalePerformingArts.org The Scottsdale Arts Festival has been recognized for its high-quality fine arts since 1971. The Festival showcases nearly 200 jury-selected artists from throughout the United States and Canada who work in painting, sculpture, glass and ceramics, jewelry, photography and more. Works of art are available for purchase directly from the artists and through the Festival’s online art auction.

Masters of Movement Orpheum Theatre | March 27-30 602.381.1096 | BalletAZ.org Masters of Movement features works by acclaimed modern day dance choreographers that push the boundaries of classical ballet. Alejandro Cerrudo, acclaimed choreographer from Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, presents Off Screen, with dance inspired by film scores.

It’s slinky and modern, with sexy steps and eccentric moves. Ib Andersen’s elegant and intricate masterpiece Symphonie Classique returns with costumes by Martin Pakledinaz, two-time Tony Award winning designer.

2014 Windsor Square Home and Garden Tour Windsor Square Historic District | March 30 602.619.4444 | WindsorSquarePhoenix.org Located at Central Avenue and Camelback Road in the central corridor of Phoenix, Windsor Square is one of the most sought-after historic neighborhoods in Arizona. The breathtakingly beautiful Windsor Square neighborhood is rich with history with many homes that are 60 to 75 years old. Started in 1929, the 260-home neighborhood is considered to be one of the first few suburbs of the city of Phoenix. The historic home and garden tour is a self-guided walking tour featuring 12 historic homes, a beautiful garden, plant societies and a beer garden.

Music in the Garden Desert Botanical Garden | April 4 480.481.8188 | DBG.org Situated at the base of a saguaro-lined butte, Music in the Desert Botanical Garden pairs great live local bands with the most enchanting venue in the Valley. Fabulous Food Fine Catering and Events provides a chef-attended station featuring weekly specials for an additional charge. The Patio Café will also be open during the concert with items for purchase from the café menu. A full cash bar, wine flights and wine by the bottle are available for purchase.

Scottsdale Culinary Festival Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts | April 8-13 480.945.7193 | ScottsdaleFest.org This festival draws more than 40,000 visitors looking to enjoy fabulous food, fun and festivities. No matter what kind of culinary experience you crave, there’s something for everyone! If you love great food, fine wine and boutique brews, the Scottsdale Culinary Festival is a priority on your itinerary. This six-day celebration of the culinary arts has something for everyone, from exquisite multi-course meals and wine-and-chocolate pairings to the Great Arizona Picnic.

March | April 2014

Urban Phoenix

Specializing in Phoenix Lofts/Condos

ANNOUNCING… Kevin Owens was recently selected for two prestigious awards by local magazines: VOTED

“Best of Scottsdale REALTOR® – 2014”

as the Reader’s Choice and the Editor’s Pick in Scottsdale Living Magazine!

RECOMMENDED AS

“Top Luxury Real Estate Agent – 2014”

by InBusiness Magazine for success in luxury home sales!

Find out for yourself what it is like to work with Kevin Owens and contact him today!

KEVIN OWENS, REALTOR® Specializing in Phoenix Lofts/Condos

480.217.9184 kevin@fineAZliving.com www.fineAZliving.com

Urban Phoenix Market Update ADDRESS

SQFT

1 E Lexington Ave 411 One Lexington

BED BATH

SOLD PRICE

SOLD PER SQFT

CLOSE OF ESCROW

1,089 2 2

$263,000 $241.51

2/05/2014

1 E Lexington Ave 1101 One Lexington

1,261 2 2

$304,000 $241.08

12/13/2013

1 E Lexington Ave 901 One Lexington

1,297 2 2

$310,000 $239.01

12/31/2013

520 E Ames Pl Portland II

1,574 3 3.5 $321,472 $204.24

11/22/2013

1326 N Central Ave 210 Artisan Lofts

1,624 2 2

$350,000 $215.52

1/31/2014

1 E Lexington Ave 201 One Lexington

1,973 3 3

$368,000 $186.52

2/07/2014

208 W Portland St 655 Portland Place

1,354 2 2.5 $386,000 $285.08

12/30/2013

4326 N 25th St 105 Biltmore Lofts

1,888 3 2.5 $400,000 $211.86

11/25/2013

208 W Portland St 161 Portland Place

1,592 2 2

$407,500 $255.97

208 W Portland St 460 Portland Place

1,659 2 2

$460,000 $277.28

1/30/2014 11/01/2013

IF YOU LIKED 2013, YOU’LL PROBABLY ENJOY 2014!

By: Michael Orr | Director of Real Estate Studies at ASU & Principal of The Cromford Report

The recovery in Greater Phoenix’s housing market started in September 2011 and by the end of 2013 it has taken us all the way back to a normal balanced market. The most obvious impact has been a strong rise in pricing, in fact a greater percentage rise than any other metropolitan area in the USA over the last two years. A look back at 2013 when compared with 2011 shows us that:

The annual average price per sq. ft. rose by over 45% from $81.66 to $118.48 The annual average sales price increased 48% from $156,907 to $232,967 The annual median sales price jumped 62% from $110,000 to $176,000

Kris Pesic, Escrow Officer

28 years experience with Old Republic Title in Camelback Corridor

602.631.3706 direct | KPesic@ortc.com 2375 E Camelback Rd #180 | Phoenix, AZ 85016

Overall the Greater Phoenix housing market has returned to a normal balance. The highest demand areas tend to be closer to employment opportunities while demand is weaker in outlying areas. Most buyers are now on even ground when negotiating with sellers, and in some areas they have a distinct advantage over sellers as the average time on market starts to increase. Inventory is still some 15% below normal but with demand 20% below normal this is not currently a problem.

In the current market, there is no longer any strong upward pressure on home prices and 2014 is likely to see much less volatile movement than over the last two years.

THINKING OF SELLING? Call Kevin Owens today at 480.217.9184 For informational purposes only. Your real estate professional is not a mortgage lender; please contact your Mortgage Advisor for information about mortgage products and your eligibility for home financing. If your home is currently listed, this is not a solicitation for that listing. Owned and operated by NRT, LLC.

Produced by Desert Lifestyle Publishing • 480.460.0996 • www.DesertLifestyle.net ISSN-1939-943X

Elaborate Table Settings Step Up To The Plate

The Tax Man Cometh

Strategies To Reduce Your Tax Burden

Dessert Delight!

Virtu’s Chocolate Mousse Tiramisu

Urban Phoenix Market Update

From Kevin Owens, Loft / Condo Specialist