Estrella Publishing - The Front Porch magazine
August 2021
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Catherine Uretsky Publisher & Editor
Christie Giannetto Al Uretsky Associate Editor Publisher & Sales Exec
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 © 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. Some content is provided by Brandpointe. 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.
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August 2021
Welcome to your August edition! August is upon us once again! This time last year, parents of school-aged children were wondering how they were going to navigate the myriad challenges that lay ahead as their children prepared to start school amidst a global pandemic. This year, things feel a little calmer and slightly more predictable, but there are still additional factors to consider as the first day of school approaches. Concerns about mask requirements, vaccinations, and virtual education options still abound, albeit not nearly at the level they did a year ago. For the most part, people seem relieved to be sending their children back to school in person this year and grateful for having weathered the 20-21 school year and survived.
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After coming through what was arguably the most challenging year of our lives and the lives of our children, it is more important than ever for us to go forth with kindness in our hearts. Decisions continue to be made according to each family’s
Estrella Publishing - The Front Porch magazine
individual needs. We must still show grace and support one another as we progress into the coming school year together. No doubt, we have all had busy summers as travel options have opened and we have been able to get together with people we may not have seen since 2019. Our family traveled to Michigan last month for a family reunion; it was wonderful to see and hug family members again. As we all settle in for the start of the new school year, consider reaching out to a neighbor or inviting a friend over for coffee. After all, one of the best things about Marley Park is the spirit of kindness and neighborly connections. We could all use a little extra kindness this year… and, in the word of James Barry, “Always be a little kinder than necessary.” See you on The Front Porch!
Christie Giannetto | Assistant Editor | The Front Porch Magazine
August 2021
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On Our Cover
Having moved to Marley Park at age 11, Chloe Caufield spent the second half of her “growing up” years here. Her family relocated from New Jersey, and she remembers being excited to move to “the Arizona neighborhood with all the trees and grass.” She says some of her best memories are of playing in the parks with her friends. She speaks fondly of the annual Halloween Pawstume Parade, which takes place at the park across from her parents’ house
every year, as well as the 4th of July parade, and her family’s tradition of driving through the neighborhood at Christmastime to see everyone’s lights and decorations. The second oldest of four kids, all of whom were homeschooled, Chloe took early enrollment community college courses while still in high school and attended Huntington University in Peoria after graduation. Last spring, she graduated summa cum laude, a year early, with a bachelor’s degree in Film Production. She is currently working at Huntington and exploring job opportunities in her field. When asked if she will stay in Arizona, she says she is open to going wherever the best employment opportunities lie, but even if she moves elsewhere in the future, Marley Park will always be home. Submitted by Christie Giannetto | Marley Park Homeowner Photo by Morgan Tillema | Morgan Tillema Photography
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August 2021
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Estrella Publishing - The Front Porch magazine
August 2021
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August 2021
Home Sweet Home While inventory levels continue to sit near historic lows, there are indications we may have hit the lowest point we will see. We are still not close to a balanced market, which would be a 6 months’ supply of homes for sale. However, we are seeing a slow but steady increase in homes coming up for sale. And that leaves many buyers and sellers wondering the same thing: what does that mean for me? If you’re a buyer, more inventory coming to market is a welcome sight. More supply means more options and less competition, which could mean fewer bidding wars. According to the latest Monthly Housing Market Trends Report, supply levels are continuing to increase, which is different from the typical summer market: “In June, newly listed homes grew by 5.5% on a year-over-year basis, and by 10.9% on a monthover-month basis. Typically, fewer newly listed homes appear on the market in the month of June compared to May. This year, growth in new listings is continuing later into the summer season, a welcome sign for a tight housing market.”
Estrella Publishing - The Front Porch magazine
If you are having trouble finding your next home, this news should give you the hope and motivation to keep your buying process moving forward. Experts project mortgage rates will begin increasing, which will make purchasing a home less affordable as time passes. You can still capitalize on today’s low interest rates, so stick with your search as more homes come to market. If you have been putting off selling your house, you shouldn’t wait much longer. The year’s month-over-month gains in homes for sale have helped buyers, but we are still very much in a sellers’ market. Of course, more homes are coming to market now, and more are expected in the coming months. Selling your house this summer gives you the chance to get ahead of the competition and maximize your sales potential before more homes are put up for sale in your neighborhood. The bottom line is more homes for sale means more options for buyers and more competition for sellers. Whether you are looking to buy or sell, connect with your local REALTOR® today to discuss your options and why it is still a good time to make your move. Submitted by Christie Giannetto | REALTOR® | Arizona Lifestyle Team | HomeSmart
August 2021
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Announcements
Kennedy Layne was born at 3:45 p.m. on June 14th, 2021 to Amanda and Steve Klunk. She weighed in at 5lbs 14oz and was 19.5 inches long. Welcome to Marley Park Kennedy!
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August 2021
Imani Anaya Rainbow was born at 7:46 a.m. on June 11th, 2021 to Paulina and Reck Mhango. Imani means faith, Anaya means God answers, and her big brother Roy chose Rainbow because he loves them. Imani weighed in at 8lbs 10oz and was 20.25 inches long. Welcome to Marley Park sweet girl!
Estrella Publishing - The Front Porch magazine
August 2021
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Home Again
“Bloom where you are planted.” This is a familiar quote that has always resonated with me at every stage in my life; from starting college, my first job, becoming a mom, and most recently reminiscing our move from Duluth, Minnesota. “Well, you better start looking for a new coat” my husband, a USAF pilot, muttered to me over the phone. These words are etched in my memory forever. The other spouses and I had anticipated this day for a long time. After years of pilot training, we were finally being given our first “real” assignment. We knew the options, had dreamed and discussed them over and over, but ultimately it would come down to a roll of dice (literally, each pilot rolled dice to determine where they were going next!). In case you are wondering, relying on a pair of dice to determine where you will live for the next three years is quite the anxiety inducer. The spouses, who had quickly become my closest friends in the last six months during our current training base in Arizona, all sat around
sipping Margaritas at our favorite Mexican restaurant. Just like that, the calls started coming in and tears of joy and shock rolled in as quickly as the phone calls. For me, it was one of those defining, pull up your bootstraps and slap a smile on moments. Unlike the other moves we had made in the military, this one would be more permanent (if you can even use that word regarding the military) and completely out of my comfort zone. “Duluth, Minnesota...Duluth, Minnesota...” I said the words in my mind over and over like a broken record. “45 degree below zero windchill, what?! Snow six months a year?” I thought to myself. This southern girl felt herself shudder as she researched her new home in the North. Four years have passed since that day and I am happy to say we not only survived but thrived during our time in Duluth. However, we are thrilled to be back living in Arizona again sans all winter apparel! I look forward to finding my place again in this beautiful community and I encourage you to “bloom where you are planted” with me! Submitted by Alexandra Malone | Marley Park Resident
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Call Today! Mike: (602) 402-7342 Megan (602) 882-5203
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August 2021
Pet of the Month Maisy is a two-year-old Siberian Husky and German Shepard mix. She and her sibling dog Zoey, own Marley Park residents, Richard and Carol Perry. Maisy had belonged to a neighbor’s family member who lived on a ranch in Payson, but the neighbor felt she needed more attention that what they could provide so they re-homed her with the Perry family in August of last year. Maisy and Zoey are both high spirited dogs and enjoy playing tug of war. When finally tired out, Maisy enjoys spending time resting on top of the Perrys’ vintage console stereo-radio in their home office. It’s a dog’s life at the Perry household.
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Estrella Publishing - The Front Porch magazine
August 2021
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Decorators Corner
It’s that time of year where we’re busy getting ourselves and our kids ready for the back-toschool rush. Whether your workspace is used for studying or working from home, now’s the best time to revive your home office and make it more inspiring than ever. Here are some tips to creating a beautiful and organized home office. Spaces can get messy throughout the summer months when our kids are home on summer vacation. Tidy up your work space by keeping the essentials (including inspirational objects) and getting rid of anything that doesn’t belong.
Organization is essential for a productive work day. Create a cleaner, cordless look with wireless keyboards, mouse and printer to reduce visual clutter. Invest in stylish storage. Just because it’s your workspace doesn’t mean it has to be all business. Keep office supplies and important documents tucked away in attractive bins or baskets. Include framed family photos, interesting objects and plants in your space to inspire and promote creativity. Use decorative lighting to soften your workspace and give it some personality. A beautiful table lamp with a dimmer option can elevate your office space and be easier on the eyes if you are burning the midnight oil. Submitted by Kasey Smith | Marley Park Resident
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August 2021
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WE WILL NOT BE UNDERSOLD! Estrella Publishing - The Front Porch magazine
August 2021
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Puzzles & Games How Many Apples?
The word ‘apples’ is hidden in the word search grid. Find the word and then record how many times it appears in the grid.
I found the word apples ___ times in the grid.
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August 2021
Samurai Sudoku
This samurai sudoku puzzle is a great way to engage the brain and help develop logic skills. There are 5 overlapping grids with one unique solution. Each of 4 corners are shaded. Samurai Sudoku Puzzle #07 To solve this Samurai puzzle use standard sudoku rules for every 9x9 grid: each digit from 1 to 9 can only appear once in every row, column and 3x3 box. Good Luck! This samurai sudoku puzzle is a great way to engage the brain and help develop logic skills. There are 5 overlapping grids with Solutions on our website www.EstrellaPublishing.com one unique solution. Each of 4 corners areare shaded. To solve this Samurai puzzle use standard sudoku rules for every 9x9 grid: each digit from 1 to 9 can only appear once in every row, column and 3x3 box.
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Samurai sudoku grid, symmetric, beginner No 7 Created: https://www.sudoku-puzzles-online.com
Estrella Publishing - The Front Porch magazine
August 2021
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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 2013!* COMING SOON
SOLD FOR $50K OVER LIST
UNDER CONTRACT
UNDER CONTRACT
UNDER CONTRACT
14590 W Georgia Dr
14748 W Surrey Dr
15217 W Georgia Dr
12359 N 152nd Dr
14955 W Alexandria Way
List Price....................$525,000 Sq Ft ...............................2,756 Lot Sq Ft..........................7,134 Homestead at Marley Park
Sold Price ..................$450,000 Sq Ft ...............................2,104 Lot Sq Ft..........................5,400 Amenities........................... Pool
List Price....................$450,000 Sq Ft ...............................2,266 Lot Sq Ft..........................8,946 Amenities..... Real Hardwood Floors
List Price....................$430,000 Sq Ft ...............................2,010 Lot Sq Ft..........................8,842 Amenities............... 3 Car Garage
List Price....................$360,000 Sq Ft ...............................2,092 Lot Sq Ft..........................4,483 Amenities ............... Bonus Room
SOLD FOR FULL PRICE
SOLD FOR $25K OVER APPRAISAL
SOLD FOR $15K OVER LIST
SOLD FOR $10K OVER LIST
SOLD FOR $30K OVER LIST
15171 W Andora St
15227 W Bloomfield Rd
12378 N 153rd Ln
14299 W Valentine St
15306 W Surrey Dr
List Price....................$415,000 Sq Ft ...............................2,607 Lot Sq Ft..........................5,176 Amenities..............Total Remodel
Sold Price ..................$520,000 Sq Ft ...............................2,929 Lot Sq Ft..........................7,680 Amenities ........................... Pool ..............................3-Car Garage
Sold Price ..................$335,000 Sq Ft ...............................1,353 Lot Sq Ft..........................7,483 Amenities ....... Amazing Backyard
Sold Price ..................$355,000 Sq Ft ...............................1,915 Lot Sq Ft..........................4,483 Amenities ................ Wood Floors Homestead at Marley Park
Sold Price ..................$430,000 Sq Ft ...............................2,022 Lot Sq Ft........................13,909 Amenities.................. Double Lot
SOLD FOR FULL PRICE
SOLD FOR FULL PRICE
SOLD
SOLD
SOLD
14973 W Alexandria Way
15145 W Alexandria Way
17425 W Willow Ave
15169 W Corrine Dr
14932 W Voltaire St
Sold Price ..................$350,000 Sq Ft ...............................1,915 Lot Sq Ft..........................4,483 Amenities ................ Wood Floors
Sold Price ..................$300,000 Sq Ft ...............................1,517 Lot Sq Ft..........................3,968
Homestead at Marley Park
Sold Price ..................$361,500 List Price....................$360,000 Sq Ft ...............................2,418 Lot Sq Ft..........................7,593 Amenities............... 3 Car Garage
Sold Price ..................$280,000 Sq Ft ...............................1,382 Lot Sq Ft..........................6,342 Amenities ...... Beautiful Backyard
Buyer Represented by Arizona Lifestyle Team Buyer Specialist.
Your Marley Park Neighbor and Real Estate Specialist *Information obtained from Arizona Regional Multiple Listing Service. Excludes new construction. As of 1/1/21.
Christie Giannetto | REALTOR® Arizona Lifestyle Team HomeSmart 602.740.2313 15543 N Reems Rd | Ste 139 Surprise AZ 85374 Christie@AZLifestyleTeam.com AZLifestyleTeam.com
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