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November 2017
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Published by Estrella Publishing LLC, PO Box 6962, Goodyear AZ 85338. Additional copies and article reproductions can be obtained for a fee by contacting info@EstrellaPublishing.com
Catherine Uretsky, Publisher and Editor 623.594.9283 info@EstrellaPublishing.com Al Uretsky, Publisher and Sales Executive 623.594.9283 info@EstrellaPublishing.com All contents Š 2010-present day Estrella Publishing LLC. All Rights Reserved. Reproduction in any form, in whole or part, without written permission from Estrella Publishing LLC is prohibited. Estrella Publishing accepts freelance contributions, there is no guarantee that materials will be used or returned. Estrella Publishing is not responsible for the views of contributing writers and assumes no responsibility for errors appearing within. Opinions expressed are those of the writers and not necessarily those of the Publisher or Advertisers. Estrella Publishing reserves the right to restrict all advertisement to their proper classification and to edit or reject any copy at its sole discretion. Neither this publication nor Estrella Publishing is an agent of or in any way affiliated with the associated Developer nor Homeowners Association, or any of their respective affiliates. This publication has not been approved by, sponsored by, or endorsed by the associated Developer nor Homeowners Association in any way.
Catherine Uretsky Publisher & Editor
Christie Giannetto Assistant Editor
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Al Uretsky Publisher & Sales Exec
November 2017
Welcome to your November edition! November is one of my favorite months in Arizona. My husband and I were married in November… not least because of the gorgeous weather this time of year! November brings lots of reasons to be thankful, starting with Veterans Day on the 11th. Be sure to check this month’s events calendar for details about the Veterans Day Parade in Surprise and the Veterans Spaghetti Dinner being put on by Boy Scout Troop 194 that evening. Both events are a perfect opportunity to teach our children about our country’s heroes and the sacrifices made so that we can enjoy our freedoms in the United States of America. With the weather being so nice, this month is also a great time
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to take a walk to the Veterans Commemorative Plaza of the West Valley located at the corner of N Founders Park Blvd and W Pershing St, just outside the Marley Park Heritage Campus. The VCP is the West Valley’s only all service members memorial. Anyone can purchase a paver for the VCP, either to honor or in memory of a specific service member or as a general sponsorship in honor of all veterans. We have pavers for both of my grandfathers at the VCP and our kids love finding them and talking about our family’s military history. Of course, November also brings us Thanksgiving…the perfect time to pause, breath, and reflect on all of blessing of life. If you don’t have extended family in town, you’re invited to join us for the annual Marley Park Community Thanksgiving pot luck. You can
find the information in the events calendar and more details on page 11. Our family will be there and we would love to have you join us! I’ll leave you with a seasonally appropriate quote, but one that can truly be applied all year long! “Gratitude can transform common days into thanksgivings, turn routine jobs into joy, and change ordinary opportunities into blessing.” ~Williams Arthur Ward See you on The Front Porch!
Christie Giannetto | Assistant Editor | The Front Porch Magazine
November 2017
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On Our Cover Veterans Day is a day set aside in our country to honor the men and women who have served or are serving in our military. According to Boy Scout Scoutmaster Chad Larkin, “The best way to say ‘Thank you’ to our veterans is to feed them!” To honor veterans, the local Boy Scout Troop 194 will sponsor the Veterans Spaghetti Dinner event on November 11, 2017 from 5:00 – 7:30 PM in Marley Park. All military personnel (Veterans, Active, or Retired) are invited to a FREE spaghetti dinner. The cost for other family members is a recommended $5.00 donation per person. Residents of Marley Park and the surrounding communities are invited to attend. The intention of the Boy Scout Troop is to create an annual event to honor the men and women of our military. The Troop has already contributed to the Marley Park community with its annual Patriotic Pancake Breakfast celebrating the 4th of July holiday. To find out more information
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about the Veterans Spaghetti Dinner or the Boy Scouts, contact Chad Larkin, aztroop194@gmail. com, 480-812-5971, or website www. tribesoftroop194@ gmail.com. At the Veterans Spaghetti Dinner, the Veterans Commemorative Plaza (VCP) committee will have information on purchasing a veteran or sponsorship paver for the memorial. The VCP is open to the public. An engraved paver for the VCP is a perfect gift for any occasion. For more information on purchasing a paver, please contact Bill Adams, billandespy@ cox.net, 623444-9877.
say, ‘Thank you’. Because of their actions, you live in a country with many freedoms. All Americans should remember that ‘freedom is not always free’. Submitted by Bill Adams | Marley Park Resident
Remember, anytime you see a veteran, shake their hand and
November 2017
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November 2017
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November 2017
November Events Nov 1st AZ History & Culture Speaker Series Wild, Weird, Wicked AZ 1600 N Civic Center Plaza 11am-12pm | Free
Nov 9th
Lunchtime Theater Series Los Tres Tenores Northwest Regional Library Register at mcldaz.org/events/ 2pm | $10 Entry
Nov 4th
Marley Park Community Garage Sale 7am-12pm
Nov 11th
Veterans Day Parade Surprise Recreation Campus 9:30am | Free
Nov 4th
Pokémon Party Northwest Regional Library Register at mcldaz.org/events/ Ages 7-12 1-2:30pm | Free
Nov 11th
Veterans Spaghetti Dinner MP Heritage Pool House 5-7:30 pm | $5 donation Free for all military personnel Open to the Public
Mondays
Tai Chi Club Marley Park Pool House 9:30am-10:30am | Free Open to Marley Park Residents
Nov 12th
Second Sundays in the Park The Jeff Gordon Show Surprise Community Park 2pm-4pm | Free
Nov 7th
Election Day! Special Bond Election Ballot Drop-Off Surprise City Hall 6am-7pm
Nov 17th
Teen Rec Night Neon Party Sierra Montana Rec Center Grades 6th–8th 7-10pm | $5 entry
Nov 8th
Yoga Club Marley Park Pool House 6:30pm-7:30pm | Free Open to Marley Park Residents
Nov 18th
Surprise Super Swap Meet Surprise Aquatic Center 8am-1pm | Free
Nov 23rd
Marley Park Community Thanksgiving Pot Luck Register at MarleyPark.com 12:00pm | Free Open to Marley Park Residents and their guests
Nov 25th
Small Business Saturday Text ShopSurprise to 85100 for local discounts
Submissions of original artwork are being accepted and considered for publication in our “Artists’ Corner.” If you are an artist, please email a high-quality photo of your work to Christie@ AZLifestyleTeam.com. Submissions will be considered for publication in future issues of this magazine so they can be shared with the greater Marley Park community!
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November 2017
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HOME SWEET HOME
UNDER CONTRACT by Christie Giannetto
If you’re not sure what your home’s assessed Limited Property Value (as opposed to Full Cash Value) is, you can find it on your property tax bill or you can contact me and I’ll be happy to look it up for you in the Maricopa County Public Tax Records (as a REALTOR®, I have this information at my fingertips).
15399 W Eugene Ter | Marley Park Lot Size: 7,800 | Sq Ft: 2,733
As a long-time resident of Marley Park, I can say with no hesitation, that the extra cost of the CFD tax is well worth every penny for the benefits and improved lifestyle that living in Marley Park brings. Submitted by Christie Giannetto | REALTOR® | Arizona Lifestyle Team | HomeSmart
CO UN NT DE RA R CT
As of the last CFD report in May
The tax for the Marley Park CFD 2017 is the same as it was in 2016, a levy rate of $3.7025 per $100 of the assessed Limited Property Value (LPV) of each residence. $3.44 of that amount goes toward debt service and $.30 (the legal maximum) goes toward operations/maintenance. The maximum allowable rate is currently $4.4605 and the Marley Park CFD predicts it will be levying the maximum rate by 2020.
If you are interested in learning more about the Marley Park CFD, an informational meeting, open to all residents, is held each May at the Heritage Club. You can get more information regarding CFDs, ask representatives of DMB Associates and the City of Surprise questions, and see the following year’s tentative budget. Look for the date of the next meeting in The Front Porch group on Facebook and on the community calendar at MarleyPark.com after the first of the year.
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The Marley Park Community Facilities District (or Marley Park CFD) is a separate political entity (with the Mayor and City Council serving as its Board of Directors) established at Marley Park’s founding to finance the installation, operation, and maintenance of public improvements such as roads, water and sewer facilities, flood control, and drainage projects. At that time the Marley Park CFD was authorized bonding authority in the amount of $80 million (with up to $40 million available to reimburse the developer, DMB).
(a new one will come out this fall), DMB has been reimbursed $13.5 million for infrastructure in Marley Park. An additional $9.3 million for installed infrastructure is awaiting reimbursement.
CO UN NT DE RA R CT
When purchasing a home in Marley Park a buyer signs what feels like a million pieces of paperwork, one of which is a disclosure acknowledging that they are buying property which is part of a community facilities district (CFD). If you check the property tax statement for your home which was created in September for tax year 2017, you will see an amount designated for the “Marley Park CFD.”
15145 W Alexandria Way | Marley Park Lot Size: 3,968 | Sq Ft: 1,517
13578 N 149th Dr | Marley Park Lot Size: 6,657 | Sq Ft: 1,766
As a neighborhood specialist and resident of Marley Park, I believe that a real estate agent who lives and works within the community has the best chance of finding the right buyer for your home. Representing the buyers of these three properties has truly been a pleasure, and I am looking forward to welcoming three new residents to Marley Park. If you're considering selling, contact me today. Several of my current buyer clients are waiting for the right property to come on the market and your home could be just what they are looking for.
YOUR MARLEY PARK NEIGHBOR & REAL ESTATE SPECIALIST Contact me today for a FREE home value analysis!
602.740.2313 AZLifestyleTeam.com
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Christie Giannetto | REALTOR® Arizona Lifestyle Team HomeSmart 15543 N Reems Rd | Ste 139 Surprise AZ 85374 Christie@AZLifestyleTeam.com
November 2017
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November 2017
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THE BUG GUY Weeds are commonly identified as unwanted plants but also complex plants that produce tens of thousands of seeds and can even be harmful to your health. What most people don’t know is that weeds actually attract pests including snakes, scorpions and rodents.
Because most insects tend to hide under cool, damp, shaded areas, certain weeds, such as the London Rocket, would provide a more than sufficient living environment. Mice are attracted to these comfy homes, especially since they provide a flourishing food source. Because mice are omnivorous, they not only eat vegetation, they also like meaty insects like crickets and centipedes. Yes, it’s a vicious cycle. Mice are attracted to the vegetation and insects, snakes are attracted to mice, and scorpions are attracted to other small insects such as crickets etc.
herbicide. Although it is most effective, certain landscapers are not licensed to use a pre emergent herbicide. This may be why you continue seeing weeds after treatment. Make sure you confirm with your weed control company that they do use a post and pre-emergent when treating.
It’s All About Timing. It’s also important to know the best time to take action. Annual grassy weeds such as bluegrass and crabgrass grow, produce seed and die within one season. They return the following year if this cycle is not interrupted. Treating your weeds before they germinate is an ideal way to prevent weeds from popping up. So, when is the right time?
Rain, Rain, Go Away! You guessed it! When it rains, it causes the soil to drop in temperature. When it reaches 50 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit, you are most likely to see weed activity. Weeds usually pop up right after the fall season or right after spring when it rains the most. Due to these temperatures, now is the perfect time to treat your home with post and preemergent herbicides. Contact your local Pest and Weed Control Company to review their process. Remember, not all landscapers are licensed in this area so it’s important to make sure your company is licensed to use pre-emergent for the best results. Aaron Workman | Greenleaf Pest Control
Now that we have established weeds are more than just unwanted plants and ideal homes for pests, we can talk about preventing them. The most effective course of action consists of using a post and pre emergent
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November 2017
Giving Thanks My husband and I moved to Marley Park during the summer of 2013. The home we purchased had been a HUD foreclosure…so it was a mess. By Thanksgiving, we were barely unpacked and still working on some pretty big projects to get our home into what most people would consider “livable” condition. Our kids were 13-months and 3-years old at the time. The idea of cooking a Thanksgiving meal for our family was a little daunting! Thankfully (pun intended), we were invited to the annual Marley Park Community Thanksgiving pot luck. It was the perfect solution to allay the holiday stress and allow us to enjoy a traditional Thanksgiving meal while getting to know some of our wonderful new neighbors. The Community Thanksgiving pot luck tradition was started by a former Marley Park resident. This will be our family’s fourth year attending and my third year organizing the event. My husband and I have lived in Arizona for 21 and 17 years, respectively, but the holidays are always a
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reminder that we aren’t natives and have no family in the area. I have truly enjoyed planning the Community Thanksgiving pot luck and providing a warm and welcoming place for other Marley Park residents who have no family nearby with whom to share the holidays.
the kids play on the lawn. The Community Thanksgiving pot luck offers a chance to make new friends, connect with old ones and try your neighbors’ signature variations of traditional Thanksgiving fare. The pot luck sign-up can be found in The Front Porch group on Facebook.
Whether you are new to Marley Park or a long-time resident, if you find yourself wondering what you’ll be doing on Thanksgiving this year or wishing you had extended family close by with whom to enjoy the celebration, then please consider joining us on Thursday, November 23rd at the Marley Park Heritage Club. Doors open at 12 noon and dinner will be served at 1 p.m. After dinner, the adults can lounge on the patio with dessert and enjoy the beautiful Arizona fall weather while
However you spend Thanksgiving this year, I wish you and yours a harvest of blessings, good health, and good times. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving Day! Submitted by Christie Giannetto | Marley Park Resident
November 2017
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Peace On Earth Give thanks in all circumstances.
That is a tall order and quite a challenge. The book, The Hiding Place, by Corrie ten Boom, gave me a whole new understanding of this scripture. “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (I Thessalonians 5:1618) Corrie’s family were Christians who sheltered Jews during Hitler’s reign. They were caught and placed in labor camps along with the Jewish people. Corrie and her sister shared space in a dorm room with many other women. As they laid down on their bunk, they discovered the bedding was infested with fleas. As they prayed before bed, Corrie’s sister gave thanks for the fleas. Corrie refused even when her sister told her that it was God’s will for them to give thanks for everything.
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The sisters had managed to smuggle a Bible into the camp, something for which Corrie did give thanks, and they, together with the other women, read from the Bible and shared each evening. They were amazed that the guards never came in to break up the group or to confiscate the Bible. Later, Corrie’s sister was sick and Corrie tried to get the guard to enter the room to help, but the guard would not enter because of the fleas. The fleas had protected the women and their secret! Corrie finally gave thanks for the fleas. We often consider those things for which we are thankful during the Thanksgiving season. This year we are particularly aware of people within our own nation who have lost everything in the hurricanes and or through senseless violent acts. We gain perspective and realize just how blessed we are. And when we compare our ‘stuff’ with people around the world, we realized we live in abundance.
These perspectives help each of us to really consider what is truly important in our lives. May we give thanks for our families, our friends, our places of worship, God’s grace and love, our health, jobs, and our freedoms and rights. Let’s give thanks for these before listing our belongings and homes. This perspective can eliminate our constant desire to covet what others have. May we take joy in the beauty of creation and the laughter of shared fun and the ability to speak and hear. May we give thanks for those things we’ve taken for granted. May we not overlook our blessings. And in all of that, may our thankfulness spill out in our giving to help others. Our blessings are not our own. They are for sharing. Let’s be intentional about sharing this season. Submitted by Valerie Fairchild | Pastor of Spirit Song church in Vistancia
November 2017
Pet of the Month November Pet Photo Winner, Nonolo, owner of Marley Park residents, Robin and Kenneth McDaniel. Nonolo’s hobbies include sleeping, eating, and working on increasing his purr volume.
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Artist’s Corner “LIFE” by Marley Park resident Keli Lara, drawn with Prisma colored pencils. Keli graduated from The Tucson Art Center and has been a Graphic Designer for over twenty years. She lives with her two sons and two adorable pugs.
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November 2017
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November 2017
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Yum Yum
Scalloped corn has been a Thanksgiving staple in my family for as long as I can remember. My mom was given this recipe by a friend…and I copied it onto a purple piece of notepad paper sometime in my twenties. I keep it, dog-eared and grease stained, in the seldom used cabinet above
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the microwave with a handful of other favorite recipes that I’ve been making since before the internet became a source for recipes. I get this one down every year at Thanksgiving and it’s always a hit!
cheese. Pour into 1.5-quart baking dish. Bake for 40 minutes. Sprinkle remaining cheese on top and bake for an additional 20 minutes. Serves eight.
Ingredients:
This recipe is very easy to double or triple for large crowds. If you’re taking it to a friend or family member’s house for Thanksgiving, take the extra cheese separately and bake it for the last 20 minutes at your destination just before serving. (You may need an extra 10 minutes if the dish has cooled during transport.) It’s done when a cake tester comes out clean.
17oz can creamed corn 16oz can corn (drained) 2 eggs (beaten) ½ cup butter ¼ cup sour cream 1 – 8.5oz box of Jiffy corn muffin mix 1 tsp dried onion 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese Instructions:
Pro tips:
Submitted by Christie Giannetto | Marley Park Resident
Preheat oven to 350º. Mix all ingredients, except ½ cup
November 2017
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November 2017
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Puzzles & Games Sudoku for November Numbers from 1-9 must appear only once in each row, column and box. Good Luck! Solution is on our website www.EstrellaPublishing.com
8 3 9
5
5
7
5 6
2
7
6
7
9 8
6
Break the code to solve the list of Thanksgiving words. Two letters have been provided for you. Solution is on our website www.EstrellaPublishing.com
4 6
3
Thanksgiving Cryptogram
9
2 7
6
7
8
5
3
2
9 4
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5 4 6
November 2017
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Business Directory
HOUSEHOLD SERVICES 602.832.5717 Al’s Plumbing 623.882.8700 Arrowhead AC & Sprinkler Repair 251.422.4977 Aud Jobs Handyman Services Before & After Plumbing & Drain Cluff Mechanical Heating & AC 623.594.9283 Cranmore Carpet Cleaning Garza Electric Green Leaf Pest Control 623.824.1357 Proficient Pest Service LANDSCAPING/POOL CARE 480.282.5869 Advant-Edge Landscaping 623.386.1940 Jackrabbit Nursery 623.974.1966 Moorea Pool Care 623.806.4645 623.556.1576 PHOTOGRAPHY 623.594.9615 Desert Petals Photography 623.888.3079 REAL ESTATE HomeSmart - C Giannetto 623.535.9777 602.368.8413 RETAIL 623.977.0707 Budget Blinds of Goodyear 623.544.1334 Foot Solutions 623.889.6000 Pure Patio 623.826.3726 Steel Shield Security Doors
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November 2017
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SOLD IN MARLEY PARK
by
Christie Giannetto
You are invited to contact me today for a FREE home value analysis 602.740.2313
More homes sold in Marley Park than any other agent since October 2013!* JUST LISTED
UNDER CONTRACT
UNDER CONTRACT
UNDER CONTRACT
SOLD
14760 W Surrey Dr
15399 W Eugene Ter
15145 W Alexandria Way
13578 N 149th Dr
14781 W Surrey Dr
List Price....................$245,000 Sq Ft ...............................1,764 Lot Sq Ft..........................5,400 Price Sq Ft ........................$139
List Price....................$319,000 Sq Ft ...............................2,773 Lot Sq Ft..........................7,800 Price Sq Ft ........................$115
List Price....................$245,000 Sq Ft ...............................1,517 Lot Sq Ft..........................3,968 Price Sq Ft ........................$162
List Price....................$245,000 Sq Ft ...............................1,766 Lot Sq Ft..........................6,657 Price Sq Ft ........................$139
Sold Price ..................$235,000 Sq Ft ...............................1,764 Lot Sq Ft..........................5,400 Price Sq Ft ........................$142
Buyer represented by Christie Giannetto
Buyer represented by Christie Giannetto
Buyer represented by Christie Giannetto
SOLD
SOLD
SOLD
REPRESENTED BUYER
SOLD FOR OVER LIST PRICE
15197 W Larkspur Dr
12730 N 154th Ln
12730 N 154th Ln
3283 N 153rd Ln
13609 N 150th Ave
Sold Price ..................$281,000 Sq Ft ...............................2,022 Lot Sq Ft..........................8,784 Price Sq Ft ........................$141
Sold Price ..................$260,000 Sq Ft ...............................2,085 Lot Sq Ft..........................6,600 Price Sq Ft ........................$128
Sold Price ..................$260,000 Sq Ft ...............................2,085 Lot Sq Ft..........................6,600 Price Sq Ft ........................$128
Sold Price ..................$245,000 Sq Ft ...............................1,988 Lot Sq Ft..........................5,714 Price Sq Ft ........................$123
Sold Price ..................$292,000 Sq Ft ...............................2,548 Lot Sq Ft..........................8,100 Price Sq Ft ........................$114
UNDER CONTRACT IN 1 DAY
REPRESENTED BUYER
SOLD FOR 98% OF LIST PRICE
UNDER CONTRACT IN 6 DAYS
NEW BUILD
13213 N 153rd Ln
15220 W Bloomfield Dr
13514 N 149th Ave
15211 W Wethersfield Rd
12787 N 145th Dr
Sold Price ..................$250,000 Sq Ft ...............................1,909 Lot Sq Ft..........................6,961 Price Sq Ft ........................$130
Sold Price ..................$325,000 Sq Ft ...............................3,505 Lot Sq Ft..........................6,600 Price Sq Ft ..........................$93
Sold Price ..................$245,800 Sq Ft ...............................2,092 Lot Sq Ft..........................4,615 Price Sq Ft ........................$120
Sold Price ..................$270,000 Sq Ft ...............................1,907 Lot Sq Ft..........................6,599 Price Sq Ft ........................$143
List Price....................$369,788 Sq Ft ...............................3,031 Lot Sq Ft..........................9,620 Price Sq Ft ........................$122
Arizona Lifestyle Team represented both Buyer and Seller.
Buyer represented by AZ Lifestyle Team member Alexis Kelleher
Your Marley Park Neighbor and Real Estate Specialist *Information obtained from Arizona Regional Multiple Listing Service. Excludes new construction. As of 8/1/17.
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Christie Giannetto | REALTOR® Arizona Lifestyle Team HomeSmart 602.740.2313 15543 N Reems Rd | Ste 139 Surprise AZ 85374 Christie@AZLifestyleTeam.com AZLifestyleTeam.com
November 2017