Winfield Feb. 10

STEVE KLEMOW YOUR WINFIELD REAL ESTATE EXPERT A BANNER YEAR FOR SALES 2009 turned out to be the third best year on record for overall sales in Greater Phoenix. Approximately 93,000 properties closed escrow. That degree of volume only lags behind our “boom years” of 2004 and 2005. It was a huge increase over 2008 – about 55% higher than the 60,000+ properties that sold that year.

Inventory levels have dropped significantly over the last year.

At the end of 2009, the overall supply of homes was about 3.5 months, compared to 8.75 months at the end of 2008.

The overwhelming majority of those sales have been in the lower price points, namely $400,000 and under.

HOME VALUES STABILIZING The increase in sales volume has been coupled with a stabilization and improvement in pricing. Home values hit a bottom-low in April of 2009 but have rallied with a year-end 14.8% increase.

Annual appreciation has risen to -6% from a record low of -44.5% in April 2009. If pricing stays at its current level or better, the annual appreciation will turn positive in the first quarter of 2010.

BUYERS ARE COMING According to a Barclays global survey, investors are planning to put more into real estate than what they plan to invest in stocks and bonds. Twice as many people with at least $800,000 to invest plan to increase their purchasing of real estate than those that plan to reduce it. Barclays’ survey predicts that real estate investment will rise to an average of 30% of these investors’ portfolios.

And why not? Investors are seeing better rates of return on purchases in 2009 and 2010 than any year since prior to 2000.

Further, real estate has outperformed the DOW, S&P 500 and NASDAQ since 1990, even after the price adjustments we’ve experienced.

My company, Realty Executives, continues to remain the number one brokerage in the Valley, with the most homes sold in 2009. As a real estate professional with 28 years of experience and a Winfield specialist, I can accurately advise you of the best course of action and bring you the very best results.

Steve Klemow is “the specialist in the Winfield community.”

My clients in Winfield benefit from my experience as an original homeowner in our community. My trustworthiness, experience, and my results-oriented marketing skills have created my proud track record of Winfield sales.

Feel free to drop into my Open Houses and say “Hello”!

602.908.9155

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

February 2010

FEATURED PROPERTY

7971 E. Russet Sky Dr. • 3020 Sq. Ft. | 4 Bed | 4.5 Bath • $695,000 One of the best locations in the luxury section of Winfield. Last phase with south-facing backyard and incredible views to 75-acre Winfield boulder mountain preserve. Natural area open space behind home with tons of privacy. Backyard features boulder waterfall feature into heated pool and spa, raised patio with fire pit and views clear across to Black Mountain!

Custom BBQ and seating area make this one of the best view backyards not to be missed!!

Granite countertops on the breakfast bar and in IMMACULATE condition – original owners rarely used home. Guest casita, flagstone courtyard, so many upgrades. Winfield offers resort style clubhouse, social programs, 8 tennis courts (2 clay), fitness center, cafe and heated pool, spa, steam rooms and much more!

What’s Cooking in Kitchen Trends?

Think Contemporary!

A SAMPLING OF REAL ESTATE ACTIVITY IN Address CURRENTLY FOR SALE 7244 E. Crimson Sky Trl. 7334 E. Evening Glow Dr. 7447 E. Quien Sabe Way 7386 E. Quien Sabe Way 7488 E. Crested Saguaro Ln. 7320 E. Russet Sky Dr. 7308 E. Crimson Sky Trl. 7386 E. Soaring Eagle Way 7489 E. Soaring Eagle Way 7273 E. Soaring Eagle Way 7298 E. Sunset Sky Cir. 7261 E. Soaring Eagle Way 7398 E. Soaring Eagle Way 7337 E. Crimson Sky Trl. 7480 E. Sunset Sky Cir. 7427 E. Evening Glow Dr. 7315 E. Sunset Sky Cir. 7299 E. Eagle Feather Rd. 33667 N. 79th St. 33655 N. 78th Pl. 33473 N. 74th Way 33641 N. 79th Way 33667 N. 78th Pl. 33639 N. 79th St. 7971 E. Russet Sky Dr. 7982 E. Evening Glow Dr. 7670 E. Shooting Star Way 7787 E. Soaring Eagle Way 7717 E. Soaring Eagle Way 7941 E. Soaring Eagle Way SALE PENDING 7946 E. Soaring Eagle Way 7605 E. Soaring Eagle Way SOLD 33560 N. 75th Way

Sq. Ft. / Bed / Bath

List Price

2128 / 2 / 2 2060 / 2 / 2 1986 / 3 / 2 1520 / 2 / 2 2001 / 2 / 2 2060 / 2 / 2.5 1734 / 2 / 2 2443 / 3 / 2 2503 / 3 / 2 2503 / 3 / 3 2182 / 3 / 2 2419 / 3 / 3 2443 / 3 / 2 2182 / 2 / 2 1756 / 2 / 2 2287 / 2 / 2.5 2182 / 3 / 2 2503 / 3 / 3 2823 / 3 / 3.5 2810 / 3 / 3.5 2061 / 2 / 2 2974 / 4 / 4.5 2778 / 3 / 3.5 3187 / 3 / 3.5 3020 / 4 / 4.5 2734 / 3 / 3.5 3715 / 4 / 3.5 3768 / 4 / 3.5 5280 / 4 / 5.5 5832 / 4 / 5

$350,000 $350,000 $389,900 $390,000 $395,000 $400,000 $419,000 $439,000 $445,000 $450,000 $450,000 $480,000 $480,000 $490,000 $500,000 $519,900 $529,900 $534,000 $540,000 $580,000 $580,000 $595,000 $600,000 $629,000 $695,000 $699,000 $699,900 $1,590,000 $1,799,900 $1,880,000

4273 / 4 / 5 3753 / 3 / 3.5

4613 / 5 / 4.5

$810,000 $1,590,000 Sold Price $600,000

All information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed. The properties in blue/bold are listings of Steve Klemow. Other listings are by various participants in the MLS.

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

Real Estate Negotiations Keeping Emotions at Bay

An Irresistible Appetizer

Modern Steak’s Seared Scallops Winfield’s

Hot Real Estate Listings

contemporary cabinetry and furniture in Phoenix have gained momentum,” says Rosenthal.

“The new condos and lofts that are being built [in the area] really cater to a more contemporary look. The architecture of the buildings is much more modern looking. And the trend has taken hold in more traditional communities as well.” But is it possible to put a redesigned contemporary kitchen in a Tuscan style home? Yes, says Rosenthal, by mixing a combination of materials so the styles blend. The result is a fresh, eclectic look.

Featuring Modern Steak 7014 E. Camelback Rd. Scottsdale • 480.423.7000 or foxrc.com

Day Boat Scallops with Clementine Vinaigrette & Roasted Salsify 2-3 lbs. Day Boat Scallops

1/4 lb. Watercress Leaves for Garnish Clementine Vinaigrette (see recipe below) Roasted Salsify (see recipe below) CLEMENTINE VINAIGRETTE: 1 1/2 cups Clementine Juice

1/3 cup Champagne Vinegar 3 Tbs. Honey 1/2 cup Oil Blend Salt to taste

1. Combine Clementine juice, Champagne vinegar, honey and salt in a sauce pan. Bring to a simmer.

2. Reduce to a syrup consistency. Cool in an ice bath.

3. Add the syrup to a blender and slowly add the oil to emulsify.

ROASTED SALSIFY: 2 lbs. Salsify 1. Peel salsify with a vegetable peeler and cut into 2-inch segments.

2. Lightly toss salsify in extra virgin olive oil and kosher salt.

3. Roast in a 375 degree oven until caramelized and tender.

4. Let cool at room temperature.

TO ASSEMBLE THE DISH: 1. Sear the scallops in a small amount of olive oil until caramelized and cooked to desired degree of doneness.

2. Heat the salsify in a small amount of olive oil.

3. Place scallops on the plates, drizzle the Clementine vinaigrette over the scallops.

4. Place a few watercress leaves atop the scallops.

Serves 4-6

Wondering what’s new for contemporary kitchen design in 2010 and beyond? Does stainless steel still reign supreme for appliances (the answer is yes!), what woods are all the rage (think dark and exotic), and what are the hottest trends in our not-so-hot economy (two words: cabinet refacing)? Who better to speak with than Allan Rosenthal of European Design in Scottsdale. Rosenthal is well-known in our area for amazing contemporary interiors … see the cover photo for proof.

A MOVEMENT TOWARDS CONTEMPORARY A change in overall style is definitely afoot, says Rosenthal, who sees a shift away from the once-popular Tuscan style toward a more contemporary look. “The last couple of years,

TODAY’S HOT TRENDS More specifically, Rosenthal sees a trend toward darker materials and exotic woods for kitchen cabinetry. Some examples include block-mottled Makore, flat-cut Wenge, Bubinga, Swiss Pearwood, figured Anigre, block-mottled Anigre, and Claro Walnut. More linear woods include rift-sawn white Oak, which is available in a man-made “green” material; rift-sawn Wenge; Macasar Ebony, also available in a man-made “green” material; quartered Ash; ribbon Sapele; and Kosipo. That said, environmentally safe green designs are also getting people’s attention.

As for appliances, stainless steel is still popular, with beautiful stainless faucets and fixtures getting fancier than ever. Integrated appliances—when the refrigerator and dishwasher disappear into the cabinetry and the fronts are all flush—are also in demand. “We’ve done kitchens where it’s hard to tell a refrigerator is a refrigerator,” adds Rosenthal.

For countertops, granite is still a mainstay, but the more eco-friendly and cost-effective concrete is gaining in popularity, especially in today’s economy. “People are looking for alternatives and looking for things that are environmentally friendly,” says Rosenthal.

“Concrete is definitely an option for that. You’d be amazed at what can be done with concrete. You can do an integrated sink and an integrated dish-drying area and it’s a seamless look. Even though it’s an older material, concrete has a futuristic look. The designers mix glass and color into the concrete. What they do with it is mind boggling.”

Rosenthal will also incorporate lighting into his cabinetry, with under-cabinet lighting being very popular. “We’ve also done a lot of light bridges that run across the upper cabinetry and around the whole room,” he says. “That really adds a lot of character and shows off the wood. It gives a three-dimensional look to the exotic woods.”

AMAZING TRANSFORMATIONS One final trend Rosenthal is seeing? A lot of people are remodeling in preparation of listing their property to sell. “We’re getting a lot of calls for kitchens,” he says. “We can take an existing kitchen and reface it. We’ve transformed kitchens that just looked unbelievably bad and used the existing boxes and put new fronts and sides on them and the transformation is amazing.”

Keep Emotions Suppressed & Negotiations on Track!

Selling your home can be a nerve-wracking experience.

After all, your home is more than stucco and stones to you.

It’s the place you’ve spent holidays and perhaps raised children. It’s the place you’ve decorated and loved for many years. Now it’s time to sell your nest and the potential buyers are trying to nickel and dime their way to a rock-bottom price. In your eyes, the listing price is fair if not undervalued.

It’s hard not to get emotional. On the flip side, if you’re the home buyer and you’ve finally found the house of your dreams, it’s hard not to let your emotions ruin the negotiations as well. After all, you don’t want to let this one get away. You also don’t want to overpay. On either side of the negotiating table, it’s important not to tie your emotions to this business transaction.

Both home sellers and home buyers need to be careful not to let their feelings interfere with the negotiating process.

Emotions can often cause small, easily settled disputes to escalate into deal-breakers. Feelings of anger, fear, agitation, distrust, disappointment or disrespect may arise in a real estate transaction from either party. When people feel that their interests are threatened, or that their wishes are not being heard, it’s human nature to want to lash out in response.

However, it’s almost always best to keep emotions at bay. One of the first steps to managing your emotions is to acknowledge them. Discuss these feelings with your Realtor.

Trying to suppress your strong emotions completely may only lead to resentment. By letting your Realtor understand your feelings, he or she is better prepared to negotiate with the other party in a calm manner while working on your behalf.

If a party sees that the opposing side is overcome with emotions, it’s sometimes best to acknowledge this and let the other side express their feelings. A good negotiator is able to recognize anger issues before they erupt and to make small concessions in order to build trust and defuse the anger. Let the other party know that you empathize with their concerns whether you agree with them or not. The point is to provide reassurance and keep the negotiations on track.

While negative emotions can impact negotiations, so can positive emotions. Feelings of pride, joy, satisfaction and appreciation increase the likelihood that both parties will reach their goal of a win-win outcome. Let the positive emotions you feel take center stage in your negotiating. It breeds respect and the desire to work things out with the other party.

While deep in the negotiation process, it’s often easy to lose sight of your goal – to buy or sell the property at a fair price. Don’t get emotionally caught up in little things. As the saying goes, “pick your battles.” Don’t allow negative feelings to overcome logic. Is it really better that you made your point by refusing to fix a frivolous line-item on the inspection report if it means

FEBRUARY 2010 The Sleeping Beauty Symphony Hall, Feb. 11th – 14th 602.381.5155 or balletaz.org This romantic fairytale is brought to life as the beauty and grace of Ballet Arizona’s dancers bring enchantment to this wonderful story. The Sleeping Beauty has been dazzling audiences for more than 100 years, both with its timeless choreography and unforgettable score by Tchaikovsky.

Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show WestWorld, Feb. 11th – 21st 480.515.1500 or scottsdaleshow.com Since 1955 this local show has grown from just 50 to nearly 2400 horses. Owners, trainers, breeders and equine-loving spectators come from all over the world to watch and participate in this top-notch event. In addition to the competition, educational demonstrations and a shopping bazaar make this an annual must-do for many!

Mary Poppins ASU Gammage Auditorium, Feb. 11th – 28th 480.965.5062 or asugammage.com Relive this Disney classic story live. The tale begins as the magical nanny Mary Poppins floats down from the sky to bring joy and fun back into the Banks’ lives.

Including many familiar songs we all know and love such as A Spoonful of Sugar and the impossible word Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious, this wonderful musical will leave you happily humming and tapping your toes.

Phoenix Home and Garden’s Arizona Style Showplace Scottsdale Quarter, Feb. 12th – 14th 480.664.3960 or phgmag.com/azstyle Celebrating their 30th anniversary, Phoenix Home and Garden magazine brings Arizona Style to you with this exciting three-day event. Guests will explore 70,000 square feet of inspiring design, home and garden exhibitions and showcases. Gather innovative ideas and listen to seminars throughout the day as experts highlight trends and trade secrets for creating inviting spaces in and around your home.

Enchanted Kingdom Luncheon and Fashion Show Arizona Biltmore, Feb. 20th 480.922.8212 or childhelp.org Be a part of this magical afternoon all in support of a heart-warming cause. Begin with many fun activities such as photos in Cinderella’s horse-drawn carriage and a treasure chest raffle. Later sit down to a fabulous lunch and children’s fashion show. Childhelp Wings is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping victims of child abuse and at-risk children by providing prevention, treatment and community outreach.

your home is back on the market? And finally, remember to keep a level head. No matter how you might be feeling, work to close the transaction successfully. Truly, that’s the most important thing here.

Phoenix Suns vs. LA Clippers US Airways Center, Feb. 26th 602.379.7867 or usairwayscenter.com Cheer on our own Phoenix Suns as they slam-dunk their way into victory against the LA Clippers. The Suns have started this season with a bang, so let’s help them to continue this streak and play their way into the NBA Championship. Go Suns!

contemporary cabinetry and furniture in Phoenix have gained momentum,” says Rosenthal.

“The new condos and lofts that are being built [in the area] really cater to a more contemporary look. The architecture of the buildings is much more modern looking. And the trend has taken hold in more traditional communities as well.” But is it possible to put a redesigned contemporary kitchen in a Tuscan style home? Yes, says Rosenthal, by mixing a combination of materials so the styles blend. The result is a fresh, eclectic look.

Featuring Modern Steak 7014 E. Camelback Rd. Scottsdale • 480.423.7000 or foxrc.com

Day Boat Scallops with Clementine Vinaigrette & Roasted Salsify 2-3 lbs. Day Boat Scallops

1/4 lb. Watercress Leaves for Garnish Clementine Vinaigrette (see recipe below) Roasted Salsify (see recipe below) CLEMENTINE VINAIGRETTE: 1 1/2 cups Clementine Juice

1/3 cup Champagne Vinegar 3 Tbs. Honey 1/2 cup Oil Blend Salt to taste

1. Combine Clementine juice, Champagne vinegar, honey and salt in a sauce pan. Bring to a simmer.

2. Reduce to a syrup consistency. Cool in an ice bath.

3. Add the syrup to a blender and slowly add the oil to emulsify.

ROASTED SALSIFY: 2 lbs. Salsify 1. Peel salsify with a vegetable peeler and cut into 2-inch segments.

2. Lightly toss salsify in extra virgin olive oil and kosher salt.

3. Roast in a 375 degree oven until caramelized and tender.

4. Let cool at room temperature.

TO ASSEMBLE THE DISH: 1. Sear the scallops in a small amount of olive oil until caramelized and cooked to desired degree of doneness.

2. Heat the salsify in a small amount of olive oil.

3. Place scallops on the plates, drizzle the Clementine vinaigrette over the scallops.

4. Place a few watercress leaves atop the scallops.

Serves 4-6

Wondering what’s new for contemporary kitchen design in 2010 and beyond? Does stainless steel still reign supreme for appliances (the answer is yes!), what woods are all the rage (think dark and exotic), and what are the hottest trends in our not-so-hot economy (two words: cabinet refacing)? Who better to speak with than Allan Rosenthal of European Design in Scottsdale. Rosenthal is well-known in our area for amazing contemporary interiors … see the cover photo for proof.

A MOVEMENT TOWARDS CONTEMPORARY A change in overall style is definitely afoot, says Rosenthal, who sees a shift away from the once-popular Tuscan style toward a more contemporary look. “The last couple of years,

TODAY’S HOT TRENDS More specifically, Rosenthal sees a trend toward darker materials and exotic woods for kitchen cabinetry. Some examples include block-mottled Makore, flat-cut Wenge, Bubinga, Swiss Pearwood, figured Anigre, block-mottled Anigre, and Claro Walnut. More linear woods include rift-sawn white Oak, which is available in a man-made “green” material; rift-sawn Wenge; Macasar Ebony, also available in a man-made “green” material; quartered Ash; ribbon Sapele; and Kosipo. That said, environmentally safe green designs are also getting people’s attention.

As for appliances, stainless steel is still popular, with beautiful stainless faucets and fixtures getting fancier than ever. Integrated appliances—when the refrigerator and dishwasher disappear into the cabinetry and the fronts are all flush—are also in demand. “We’ve done kitchens where it’s hard to tell a refrigerator is a refrigerator,” adds Rosenthal.

For countertops, granite is still a mainstay, but the more eco-friendly and cost-effective concrete is gaining in popularity, especially in today’s economy. “People are looking for alternatives and looking for things that are environmentally friendly,” says Rosenthal.

“Concrete is definitely an option for that. You’d be amazed at what can be done with concrete. You can do an integrated sink and an integrated dish-drying area and it’s a seamless look. Even though it’s an older material, concrete has a futuristic look. The designers mix glass and color into the concrete. What they do with it is mind boggling.”

Rosenthal will also incorporate lighting into his cabinetry, with under-cabinet lighting being very popular. “We’ve also done a lot of light bridges that run across the upper cabinetry and around the whole room,” he says. “That really adds a lot of character and shows off the wood. It gives a three-dimensional look to the exotic woods.”

AMAZING TRANSFORMATIONS One final trend Rosenthal is seeing? A lot of people are remodeling in preparation of listing their property to sell. “We’re getting a lot of calls for kitchens,” he says. “We can take an existing kitchen and reface it. We’ve transformed kitchens that just looked unbelievably bad and used the existing boxes and put new fronts and sides on them and the transformation is amazing.”

Keep Emotions Suppressed & Negotiations on Track!

Selling your home can be a nerve-wracking experience.

After all, your home is more than stucco and stones to you.

It’s the place you’ve spent holidays and perhaps raised children. It’s the place you’ve decorated and loved for many years. Now it’s time to sell your nest and the potential buyers are trying to nickel and dime their way to a rock-bottom price. In your eyes, the listing price is fair if not undervalued.

It’s hard not to get emotional. On the flip side, if you’re the home buyer and you’ve finally found the house of your dreams, it’s hard not to let your emotions ruin the negotiations as well. After all, you don’t want to let this one get away. You also don’t want to overpay. On either side of the negotiating table, it’s important not to tie your emotions to this business transaction.

Both home sellers and home buyers need to be careful not to let their feelings interfere with the negotiating process.

Emotions can often cause small, easily settled disputes to escalate into deal-breakers. Feelings of anger, fear, agitation, distrust, disappointment or disrespect may arise in a real estate transaction from either party. When people feel that their interests are threatened, or that their wishes are not being heard, it’s human nature to want to lash out in response.

However, it’s almost always best to keep emotions at bay. One of the first steps to managing your emotions is to acknowledge them. Discuss these feelings with your Realtor.

Trying to suppress your strong emotions completely may only lead to resentment. By letting your Realtor understand your feelings, he or she is better prepared to negotiate with the other party in a calm manner while working on your behalf.

If a party sees that the opposing side is overcome with emotions, it’s sometimes best to acknowledge this and let the other side express their feelings. A good negotiator is able to recognize anger issues before they erupt and to make small concessions in order to build trust and defuse the anger. Let the other party know that you empathize with their concerns whether you agree with them or not. The point is to provide reassurance and keep the negotiations on track.

While negative emotions can impact negotiations, so can positive emotions. Feelings of pride, joy, satisfaction and appreciation increase the likelihood that both parties will reach their goal of a win-win outcome. Let the positive emotions you feel take center stage in your negotiating. It breeds respect and the desire to work things out with the other party.

While deep in the negotiation process, it’s often easy to lose sight of your goal – to buy or sell the property at a fair price. Don’t get emotionally caught up in little things. As the saying goes, “pick your battles.” Don’t allow negative feelings to overcome logic. Is it really better that you made your point by refusing to fix a frivolous line-item on the inspection report if it means

FEBRUARY 2010 The Sleeping Beauty Symphony Hall, Feb. 11th – 14th 602.381.5155 or balletaz.org This romantic fairytale is brought to life as the beauty and grace of Ballet Arizona’s dancers bring enchantment to this wonderful story. The Sleeping Beauty has been dazzling audiences for more than 100 years, both with its timeless choreography and unforgettable score by Tchaikovsky.

Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show WestWorld, Feb. 11th – 21st 480.515.1500 or scottsdaleshow.com Since 1955 this local show has grown from just 50 to nearly 2400 horses. Owners, trainers, breeders and equine-loving spectators come from all over the world to watch and participate in this top-notch event. In addition to the competition, educational demonstrations and a shopping bazaar make this an annual must-do for many!

Mary Poppins ASU Gammage Auditorium, Feb. 11th – 28th 480.965.5062 or asugammage.com Relive this Disney classic story live. The tale begins as the magical nanny Mary Poppins floats down from the sky to bring joy and fun back into the Banks’ lives.

Including many familiar songs we all know and love such as A Spoonful of Sugar and the impossible word Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious, this wonderful musical will leave you happily humming and tapping your toes.

Phoenix Home and Garden’s Arizona Style Showplace Scottsdale Quarter, Feb. 12th – 14th 480.664.3960 or phgmag.com/azstyle Celebrating their 30th anniversary, Phoenix Home and Garden magazine brings Arizona Style to you with this exciting three-day event. Guests will explore 70,000 square feet of inspiring design, home and garden exhibitions and showcases. Gather innovative ideas and listen to seminars throughout the day as experts highlight trends and trade secrets for creating inviting spaces in and around your home.

Enchanted Kingdom Luncheon and Fashion Show Arizona Biltmore, Feb. 20th 480.922.8212 or childhelp.org Be a part of this magical afternoon all in support of a heart-warming cause. Begin with many fun activities such as photos in Cinderella’s horse-drawn carriage and a treasure chest raffle. Later sit down to a fabulous lunch and children’s fashion show. Childhelp Wings is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping victims of child abuse and at-risk children by providing prevention, treatment and community outreach.

your home is back on the market? And finally, remember to keep a level head. No matter how you might be feeling, work to close the transaction successfully. Truly, that’s the most important thing here.

Phoenix Suns vs. LA Clippers US Airways Center, Feb. 26th 602.379.7867 or usairwayscenter.com Cheer on our own Phoenix Suns as they slam-dunk their way into victory against the LA Clippers. The Suns have started this season with a bang, so let’s help them to continue this streak and play their way into the NBA Championship. Go Suns!

STEVE KLEMOW YOUR WINFIELD REAL ESTATE EXPERT A BANNER YEAR FOR SALES 2009 turned out to be the third best year on record for overall sales in Greater Phoenix. Approximately 93,000 properties closed escrow. That degree of volume only lags behind our “boom years” of 2004 and 2005. It was a huge increase over 2008 – about 55% higher than the 60,000+ properties that sold that year.

Inventory levels have dropped significantly over the last year.

At the end of 2009, the overall supply of homes was about 3.5 months, compared to 8.75 months at the end of 2008.

The overwhelming majority of those sales have been in the lower price points, namely $400,000 and under.

HOME VALUES STABILIZING The increase in sales volume has been coupled with a stabilization and improvement in pricing. Home values hit a bottom-low in April of 2009 but have rallied with a year-end 14.8% increase.

Annual appreciation has risen to -6% from a record low of -44.5% in April 2009. If pricing stays at its current level or better, the annual appreciation will turn positive in the first quarter of 2010.

BUYERS ARE COMING According to a Barclays global survey, investors are planning to put more into real estate than what they plan to invest in stocks and bonds. Twice as many people with at least $800,000 to invest plan to increase their purchasing of real estate than those that plan to reduce it. Barclays’ survey predicts that real estate investment will rise to an average of 30% of these investors’ portfolios.

And why not? Investors are seeing better rates of return on purchases in 2009 and 2010 than any year since prior to 2000.

Further, real estate has outperformed the DOW, S&P 500 and NASDAQ since 1990, even after the price adjustments we’ve experienced.

My company, Realty Executives, continues to remain the number one brokerage in the Valley, with the most homes sold in 2009. As a real estate professional with 28 years of experience and a Winfield specialist, I can accurately advise you of the best course of action and bring you the very best results.

Steve Klemow is “the specialist in the Winfield community.”

My clients in Winfield benefit from my experience as an original homeowner in our community. My trustworthiness, experience, and my results-oriented marketing skills have created my proud track record of Winfield sales.

Feel free to drop into my Open Houses and say “Hello”!

602.908.9155

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

February 2010

FEATURED PROPERTY

7971 E. Russet Sky Dr. • 3020 Sq. Ft. | 4 Bed | 4.5 Bath • $695,000 One of the best locations in the luxury section of Winfield. Last phase with south-facing backyard and incredible views to 75-acre Winfield boulder mountain preserve. Natural area open space behind home with tons of privacy. Backyard features boulder waterfall feature into heated pool and spa, raised patio with fire pit and views clear across to Black Mountain!

Custom BBQ and seating area make this one of the best view backyards not to be missed!!

Granite countertops on the breakfast bar and in IMMACULATE condition – original owners rarely used home. Guest casita, flagstone courtyard, so many upgrades. Winfield offers resort style clubhouse, social programs, 8 tennis courts (2 clay), fitness center, cafe and heated pool, spa, steam rooms and much more!

What’s Cooking in Kitchen Trends?

Think Contemporary!

A SAMPLING OF REAL ESTATE ACTIVITY IN Address CURRENTLY FOR SALE 7244 E. Crimson Sky Trl. 7334 E. Evening Glow Dr. 7447 E. Quien Sabe Way 7386 E. Quien Sabe Way 7488 E. Crested Saguaro Ln. 7320 E. Russet Sky Dr. 7308 E. Crimson Sky Trl. 7386 E. Soaring Eagle Way 7489 E. Soaring Eagle Way 7273 E. Soaring Eagle Way 7298 E. Sunset Sky Cir. 7261 E. Soaring Eagle Way 7398 E. Soaring Eagle Way 7337 E. Crimson Sky Trl. 7480 E. Sunset Sky Cir. 7427 E. Evening Glow Dr. 7315 E. Sunset Sky Cir. 7299 E. Eagle Feather Rd. 33667 N. 79th St. 33655 N. 78th Pl. 33473 N. 74th Way 33641 N. 79th Way 33667 N. 78th Pl. 33639 N. 79th St. 7971 E. Russet Sky Dr. 7982 E. Evening Glow Dr. 7670 E. Shooting Star Way 7787 E. Soaring Eagle Way 7717 E. Soaring Eagle Way 7941 E. Soaring Eagle Way SALE PENDING 7946 E. Soaring Eagle Way 7605 E. Soaring Eagle Way SOLD 33560 N. 75th Way

Sq. Ft. / Bed / Bath

List Price

2128 / 2 / 2 2060 / 2 / 2 1986 / 3 / 2 1520 / 2 / 2 2001 / 2 / 2 2060 / 2 / 2.5 1734 / 2 / 2 2443 / 3 / 2 2503 / 3 / 2 2503 / 3 / 3 2182 / 3 / 2 2419 / 3 / 3 2443 / 3 / 2 2182 / 2 / 2 1756 / 2 / 2 2287 / 2 / 2.5 2182 / 3 / 2 2503 / 3 / 3 2823 / 3 / 3.5 2810 / 3 / 3.5 2061 / 2 / 2 2974 / 4 / 4.5 2778 / 3 / 3.5 3187 / 3 / 3.5 3020 / 4 / 4.5 2734 / 3 / 3.5 3715 / 4 / 3.5 3768 / 4 / 3.5 5280 / 4 / 5.5 5832 / 4 / 5

$350,000 $350,000 $389,900 $390,000 $395,000 $400,000 $419,000 $439,000 $445,000 $450,000 $450,000 $480,000 $480,000 $490,000 $500,000 $519,900 $529,900 $534,000 $540,000 $580,000 $580,000 $595,000 $600,000 $629,000 $695,000 $699,000 $699,900 $1,590,000 $1,799,900 $1,880,000

4273 / 4 / 5 3753 / 3 / 3.5

4613 / 5 / 4.5

$810,000 $1,590,000 Sold Price $600,000

All information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed. The properties in blue/bold are listings of Steve Klemow. Other listings are by various participants in the MLS.

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

Real Estate Negotiations Keeping Emotions at Bay

An Irresistible Appetizer

Modern Steak’s Seared Scallops Winfield’s

Hot Real Estate Listings