RE/MAX Desert Vibe Spring 2022

SPRING 2022

.com

POWERED BY

Welcome

SPRING 2022

Things are heating up in the valley! We’re happy to welcome you all to the first quarterly edition of Desert Vibe magazine! We hope the past few months have been full of fun festivities, hikes, and everything our desert has to offer. In this magazine we have some great articles about nature, local events, and real estate that should be helpful for everybody this time of year.

2021 was a big year for RE/MAX, closing over 2 million transaction sides in a single year! On pages 10-11 you can see what this means for the company, and other big achievements at Sun Properties this past year.

Here in the Valley, the growing season never truly ends. We asked Rita Applegate of the Fountain Hills Community Garden for some pointers on operating a successful garden through the seasons. See her advice on pages 30-31.

The Home-Delivered Meals Program is an amazing service that works with Fountain View Village and volunteers to cook and deliver meals to those in need around Fountain Hills for only $6.50 per meal. Learn more about the Meal Program on pages 16-17.

For most Americans, your home is one of the largest components of your wealth portfolio. Luckily, we have in-depth tools for home valuation that can help you plan your estate, which we demonstrate on pages 22-23.

As a Dark Sky Community, Fountain Hills is known for its vibrant night skies.

We asked Vicky Derksen from Night Sky Tourist to give us the highlights of the celestial events visible over Arizona this year on pages 12-13.

The Dixie Mine is a classic hike in the East Valley, a must-see for newcomers and residents alike. On pages 26-27 we discuss the history of the Dixie Mine and what you will find when you get there.

If you’re a snowbird planning on leaving for the summer, you need to make sure your house is prepared to withstand the heat. We have some advice for summarizing your home on pages 20-21.

We’re also happy to announce that our new website, DesertVibe.com, is live!

On page [29] you can learn about what to expect when you visit the site for the first time.

Thank you all for your support and involvement in the community!

2

SUNPROPERTIESAZ.COM

MARKET

SCOTTSDALE 85259

Snapshot

1ST QUARTER

THE VERDES 85263

FOUNTAIN HILLS 85268

153

53

254

RESIDENTIAL SOLD 1st QTR RESIDENTIAL SOLD NOV 2020: 176

RESIDENTIAL SOLD 1st QTR RESIDENTIAL SOLD NOV 2020: 67

RESIDENTIAL SOLD 1st QTR RESIDENTIAL SOLD NOV 2020: 278

644

53

254

RESIDENTIAL SOLD Y-T-D 3.31.22 RESIDENTIAL SOLD Y-T-D 3.31.21: 176

RESIDENTIAL SOLD Y-T-D 3.31.22 RESIDENTIAL SOLD Y-T-D 3.31.21: 67

RESIDENTIAL SOLD Y-T-D 3.31.22 RESIDENTIAL SOLD Y-T-D 3.31.21: 278

189

70

312

NEW LISTINGS QUARTER 1, 2022 NEW LISTINGS QUARTER 1, 2021: 188

NEW LISTINGS QUARTER 1, 2022 NEW LISTINGS QUARTER 1, 2021: 77

NEW LISTINGS QUARTER 1, 2022 NEW LISTINGS QUARTER 1, 2021: 324

$1,359,653

$862,237

$899,531

AVG LIST PRICE 3.31.21 AVG LIST PRICE 3.31.21: $1,231,844

AVG LIST PRICE 3.31.21 AVG LIST PRICE 3.31.21: $742,499

AVG LIST PRICE 3.31.21 AVG LIST PRICE 3.31.21: $797,897

$1,227,987

$865,280

$786,782

AVG SALE PRICE Y-T-D 3.31.22 AVG SALE PRICE Y-T-D 3.31.21: $982,820

AVG SALE PRICE Y-T-D 3.31.22 AVG SALE PRICE Y-T-D 3.31.21: $702,686

AVG SALE PRICE Y-T-D 3.31.22 AVG SALE PRICE Y-T-D 3.31.21: $673,726

25%

22%

17%

1st QTR Y-T-D SALES PRICE INCREASE YOY SALES PRICE/FT INCREASE SINGLE: 30%

1st QTR Y-T-D SALES PRICE INCREASE YOY SALES PRICE/FT INCREASE SINGLE: 29%

1st QTR Y-T-D SALES PRICE INCREASE YOY SALES PRICE/FT INCREASE SINGLE: 24%

39

26

37

AVG DAYS ON MARKET QTR 1, 2022 AVG DAYS ON MARKET QTR 1, 2021: 54

AVG DAYS ON MARKET QTR 1, 2022 AVG DAYS ON MARKET QTR 1, 2021: 71

AVG DAYS ON MARKET QTR 1, 2022 AVG DAYS ON MARKET QTR 1, 2021: 67

4

SUNPROPERTIESAZ.COM

MARKET SNAPSHOT

What a Difference a Decade Makes The Valley of the Sun passed an important benchmark in late December when the 10th year anniversary of the “bottom of the market” occurred. If you like numbers, visit the Case-Shiller AZ-Phoenix Home Price Index presented by the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, where you’ll see that our local index peaked at 227 in June, 2006, and is currently at 307 in January 2022. Along the way, it fell to 101 in January 2012: https://fred.stlouisfed. org/series/PHXRNSA The historical perspective is fascinating, not to mention how it offends our senses: Did anyone ever believe we would be sitting where we are in 2022, just ten years after the ravages of such a devastating financial crisis? To be sure, the “financial crisis” was, in reality, more a crisis of over-optimism and unrealistic expectations. It was a crisis caused by over-building which was a result of overly aggressive lending practices.

Yet, only 10 years later, we are at the opposite end of the spectrum. Our country is under-built and our population underserved (by as much as 5 million homes by some estimates). Home prices have skyrocketed because of the shortage. Lending is available, but with a higher degree of accountability.

Overall, equity rates are extremely high, especially given the rise in values experienced over the past couple years. According to CoreLogic, a leading global property information, analytics and data-enabled solutions provider: “Because home equity is affected by home price changes, borrowers with equity positions near (+/- 5%) the negative equity cutoff are most likely to move out of or into negative equity as prices change, respectively. Looking at the fourth quarter of 2021 book of mortgages, if home prices increase by 5%, 141,000 homes would regain equity; if home prices decline by 5%, 183,000 would fall underwater. The CoreLogic HPI Forecast TM projects home prices will increase 5% from December 2021 to December 2022.”

As you’ll see in the “Market Snapshot” on Page 4, our market area is, during the first quarter 2022, still experiencing dramatic price increases that seem no less meteoric than 2020 or 2021. Regional economists have been saying for the past year that 2022 will see a moderation of price increases, due partly to this price resistance, but also because of rate increases. Time will tell.

In the meantime, at RE/MAX Sun Properties, we have strategies to help you navigate the difficulties of purchasing, selling and transitioning from your current home to your future dream home. We look forward to helping you maximize your real estate future.

SUNPROPERTIESAZ.COM

5

Local Events APRIL, MAY, and JUNE EVENTS

FOUNTAIN HILLS THEATER PRODUCTIONS

CONCERTS ON THE AVENUE

APRIL-JUNE

Listen to music float in the night air on Avenue of the Fountains with the evening concert series. The FREE concerts showcase some of the Valley’s best bands and a variety of music options to suit everyone’s taste. Yard games will also be spread throughout the Avenue and docents available for self-guided art walk tours. Sponsored by the Sonoran Lifestyle Team @ RE/MAX Sun Properties.

Through the spring and summer, the Fountain Hills Theater will be going strong! On the main stage you’ll be able to see the 60’s themed fun of “Suds” through April, a comedy show of biblical proportions with “Nunsense” in May, and a performance by the Youth Theater of Disney’s “Winnie the Pooh Kids” in June. Youth acting and singing classes will also continue throughout the season.

Fhtaz.org

CHIHULY IN THE DESERT DECEMBER 3 – JUNE 19

The beautiful landscapes of the Desert Botanical Gardens are adorned with the world-famous glass art by Dave Chihuly.

On April 19, May 3, and June 7, the Garden will be open until 10 PM for “Chihuly After Dark,” when you can see the glasswork glow brilliantly under the night sky.

DBG.org

APRIL 14, 21, 28 | 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM

Fh.az.gov

MOVIE IN THE PARK MAY 6

Bring on summer vacation with a fun evening at Four Peaks Park for all kids! Bring a picnic, but there will also be, food truck, and activities while a kids’ movie plays on a massive, stand-up screen. Sponsored by the Sonoran Lifestyle Team.

Fh.az.gov

PAYSON GARY HARDT MEMORIAL RODEO MAY 19-21

The Payson Rodeo is home to the world’s oldest continuous rodeo! At the Hardt Memorial Rodeo you can see Bareback Riding, Saddle Bronc Riding, Bull riding, Steer Wrestling, Tie Down Roping, Team Roping, Barrell Racing, Women’s Breakaway, Mutton Bustin’ and Jr. Steer Riding.

PaysonProRodeo.com

6

SUNPROPERTIESAZ.COM

FOUNTAIN HILLS HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION MAY 27

Celebrate the FHHS Class of 2022 at the Compass Amphitheater. Bring some chairs, blankets, and friends to support the graduating seniors on their big day!

FountainHillsSchools.org

PAIGE PRODUCTIONS SUMMER BREAK THEATER CAMP JUNE 13-17

“Acting, Improv & Comedy Skits” is an amazing camp for kids of all ages & experience levels. Students in this camp explore theater at their own pace. This is a great camp for shy kids, boys, future comedians, & any other student looking to try out a theater camp for the first time.

PaigeProductionsAZ.com

PRESCOTT RODEO DAYS JUNE 28 – JULY 4

Payson may have the oldest continuous rodeo, but Prescott has the oldest rodeo! From June 28th to July 4th, the “World’s Oldest Rodeo” rides again! Contestants tackle daring feats and prove their grit to tame the wild west by displaying courage and grit.

WorldsOldestRodeo.com

SUNPROPERTIESAZ.COM

4TH AT THE FOUNTAIN JULY 4

Celebrate Independence Day at the Fountain Park in one of the biggest events of the summer! Bring your friends and family to enjoy the town’s famous lakeside Fireworks Show with food trucks and other fun activities.

Fh.az.gov

FOR MORE COMMUNITY EVENTS AND INFO, CHECK OUT WWW.DESERTVIBE.COM/CALENDAR

7

Management Services

RESIDENTIAL AND SEASONAL RENTALS

In Fountain Hills, there is a great option for professional property management.

RE/MAX Sun Properties has managed over $40 million in residential property management since 2010.

RE/MAX Sun Properties Property Management Services are the perfect fit for clients who wish for their real estate investment to accomplish three goals: DAWN WOODS PROPERTY MANAGER DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS

480.837.9801

Maximize Income Potential Minimize Liability and Risk Manage for Increased Future Value

PROPERTY MANAGEMENT SERVICES 16704 E Ave of the Fountains #101 Fountain Hills, AZ Dawn@SunPropertiesAZ.com

Elma Bachman

Kristy Coup

Robbie Cole*

Cyndi Dunham

Pam Ehrlich

Pam Foster

Jonathan Ghrist

Anita Glenister*

Diane Graham

Rosa Janssen

*Unlicened Assistant

Toni LePoer

Guy Loisi

Michelle Campbell

Peggy Moran

Mike Nabers

Tina Nabers

Suzanne Nann

Peggy Rae

Merry Silbaugh

Debbie Stansell

Bobbi Turks

Denise Weinrich

SUNPROPERTIESAZ.COM

Dawn Woods

John Weil

Dori Wittrig

9

SPECIAL EVENT

RE/MAX GETS 2 MILLION TRANSACTION SIDES IN 2021 RE/MAX President and CEO Nick Bailey kicked off the RE/MAX R4® convention in Las Vegas, Nevada announcing the network’s recent growth and 2021 accomplishments.

Worldwide, RE/MAX agents closed over 2 million total transaction sides in 2021, becoming the first real estate brand to do so in a single calendar year.

RE/MAX agents also increased their productivity in every area last year, achieving an average of 16.3 sides per agent in the United States, 20.4 sides per agent in Canada, and 9.9 sides per agent globally.

“This company continues to be the company of firsts,” said Bailey.

“RE/MAX affiliates were the first to close more than 2 million transaction sides in a year because they weren’t focused on noise, they are focused on foundations.”

“Being successful in this business is all about relationships. The relationship an agent has with a buyer or seller, their Brokers/Owners, and the relationship they have with RE/MAX is the foundation that matters.

It’s one of the reasons I believe real estate is one of the greatest professions in the world.”

10

SUNPROPERTIESAZ.COM

RE/MAX Sun Properties had a great year in 2021 as well. Last year, the company led the local market with $177 million in local area sales volume. Additionally, Jami Kitchen, the RE/MAX Franchise Development Consultant for the Western Region, presented our Operations Manager, Dawn Woods the “Administrator of the Year” award! This is a huge award, given out to only five office administrators in the entire Western United States for excellent performance. This was just one of several awards earned by the members of our franchise over the course of last year.

Head to SunPropertiesAZ.com to learn more about what RE/MAX Sun Properties can do for you, or call us at 480-837-9801 to speak with one of our agents about listings in the area and strategies for getting your home sold.

RE/MAX Sun Properties Operations Manager, Dawn Woods was presented the “Administrator of the Year” award!

SUNPROPERTIESAZ.COM

11

NIGHT SKY

e e S o t s g Thin IN THE NIGHT SKY IN 2022

Vicky Derksen of Night Sky Tourist and the Fountain Hills Dark Sky Association is your local source for what goes on in the sky above our heads. We asked her for a brief rundown of this year’s best eclipses and meteor showers. Here’s a basic schedule of what to look forward to when you look up to the night sky this year in Arizona: • April 22-23: Lyrids Meteor Shower ... This shower will likely feature about 20 meteors per hour, coming mostly from the constellation Lyra.

• May 6-7: Eta Aquarids Meteor Shower ... This shower will feature about 60 meteors per hour, originating mostly from around the constellation Aquarius.

• May 16: Blood Moon Lunar Eclipse ... This total eclipse will be visible across all of North America and will cause the moon to gradually develop a dark, red color.

• July 28-29: Delta Aquarids Meteor Shower ... This shower will yield about 20 meteors per hour and will originate mostly from the constellation Aquarius.

• August 12-13: Perseids Meteor Shower ... This is one of the best showers of the year, likely reaching more than 60 meteors per hour. It will mostly yield meteors from around the constellation Perseus, but meteors can come from all over the night sky.

• October 7: Draconids Meteor Shower ... This shower will likely only produce about 10 meteors per hour, coming mostly from around the constellation Draco.

12

SUNPROPERTIESAZ.COM

• October 21-22: Orionids Meteor Shower ... This shower will yield about 20 meteors per hour, coming mostly from the constellation Orion.

• November 4-5: South Taurids Meteor Shower ... This is another minor meteor shower, letting out about 5-10 meteors per hour, coming from the constellation Taurus.

• November 8: Total Lunar Eclipse ... This total lunar eclipse will be visible across Asia, the Pacific Ocean, and the western United States. We may be able to see some of its dark red “Blood Moon” coloration, but likely not as much as during the May 16th eclipse.

• November 17-18: Leonids Meteor Shower ... This shower will put out about 15 meteors per hour, though the moon may block some of the smaller meteors this year.

• December 13-14: Geminids Meteor Shower ... Geminids is the big one. This shower can create up to 120 meteors per hour at its peak. The moon will be out during this year’s Geminids, but it will still be a good show.

• December 21-22: Ursids Meteor Shower ... This shower will be a minor one, creating about 5-10 meteors per hour. There will be no moonlight, so it should look great.

You can learn much more about what’s going on in the sky this year by listening to Vicky’s bi-weekly Night Sky Tourist Podcast at nightskytourist.com/podcast.

SUNPROPERTIESAZ.COM

13

CURATED LISTINGS ACHIEVE HIGHEST SALES PRICES! RECENT LISTINGS

Sold

15812 E THISTLE DR

FOUNTAIN HILLS $790,000 list $825,000 sold +$35,000 above list

SCOTTSDALE MOUNTAIN $875,000 list $925,000 sold +$50,000 above list

SCOTTSDALE RANCH $1,100,000 list $1,171,667 sold +$71,667 above list

14

13515 E SUMMIT DR

10285 E BELLA VISTA DR

SUNPROPERTIESAZ.COM

PEGGY MORAN

Realtor, CLHMS, RSPS, SFR

Find out how my marketing achieves record sales prices and what I’ll do for you by marketing your property with expert staging, top professional photographers, and RE/MAX global exposure. Don’t leave your dollars on the table!

Contact me today!

(480) 888-6474 www.PeggyMoranHomes.com Peggy@PeggyMoranHomes.com

Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist – Guild Member Resort and Second Home Property Specialist Professional Property Stager RE/MAX Hall of Fame 2021 RE/MAX “2020 Selling Agent of the Year”

SUNPROPERTIESAZ.COM

15

SENIOR CITIZENS

FOUNTAIN HILLS HOMEDELIVERED

Meals

Over the years, the demand for a meal delivery program in Fountain Hills has increased greatly. Luckily, an amazing volunteer-run service exists to satisfy this demand. Since 2001, Fountain Hills has had its very own Home-Delivered Meal Program (HDM) for senior citizens. This nonprofit service has changed the lives of thousands of Fountain Hills residents over the past two decades and continues to expand today.

Meals are prepared freshly every day by the staff of Fountain View Village, seven days a week, every day of the year, including holidays.

Every meal is delivered between 10:45 AM and 1:00 PM by local volunteers on regular delivery routes.

A meal costs $6.50, just enough to cover what Fountain View Village charges the Town. In the 2020-2021 fiscal year, HDM delivered 4,402 meals, and they are currently predicting over 4,500 meals delivered in the 2021-2022 fiscal year. The program was particularly beneficial during the height of the pandemic, delivering over 5,000 meals in 2020.

16

SUNPROPERTIESAZ.COM

Each meal comes in a 3-compartment aluminum container that contains a hot entrée, with a cold sack containing a salad, fruit, and dessert. Meals are kept in insulated bags during delivery to ensure a safe temperature is maintained. The meals vary daily, and the program can accommodate for dietary restrictions upon request.

To qualify for this program, a potential client needs to • be 80 years old or older, • be a caregiver for a physically or mentally impaired person, • be in recovery from a hospital stay and unable to prepare their own meals while recovering, • or have a physical condition that limits them from preparing their own meals.

Special thanks to Encore for More and iLoveFountainHills.com, not only for founding the program before it came under the Town, but also for paying for volunteer background checks and helping to keep the meals affordable with donations and other forms of support.

If you or a loved one is interested in signing up or donating to the Fountain Hills Home-Delivered Meals Program, head to fountainhillsaz. gov/190/Home-Delivered-Meals.

Donations to the program are greatly appreciated, as they help subsidize and maintain the cost of the meals for residents in need of assistance. They are also currently looking for new volunteers, so contact Jennifer Lyons or Nita Blose at the link above if you are interested.

SUNPROPERTIESAZ.COM

17

...a Tradition of Trust

Committed to Providing You Exceptional Service

What is Title Insurance?

Title insurance assures owners that they are acquiring clear title. It is designed to eliminate risk or loss caused by defects in title from the past. Title insurance provides coverage only for title problems which were already in existence at the time the policy was issued.

Why Fidelity National Title Agency?

• Named to the Fortune 500 on an annual basis • The only Fortune 500 company in its industry • Chosen by Forbes as one of The World’s Best Companies • Selected by Forbes as one of the Best Managed Companies in America • Named by Forbes to the Platinum 400: America’s Best Big Companies • 150 years of Title & Escrow Experience

FNTArizon a . c o m

info-fntarizona@fnf.com

480.214.4500

TINA NABERS Realtor, ABR, GRI, ePRO (602) 653-0142 Tina@TinaNabers.com www.TinaNabers.com

$599,900

16417 N CANYON DRIVE 3 BD | 2 BA | 1824 SQ FT | 1 CG Mountain views & privacy are yours from this lovely Yoder-built home on a quiet cul-de-sac. Main floor has a living room with a wood-burning fireplace, a dining area between the kitchen and living room, two bedrooms and a full bath. Downstairs features a large family room with wet bar, a master bedroom & bathroom, laundry, and garage. Large patio downstairs plus the covered balcony upstairs overlook the sparkling pool & the McDowell Mountain Preserve. Lots of room to roam on this large, 0.3-Acre private lot. Walk 2 minutes to the entrance of great biking & hiking trails up through the McDowell Mountains.

SUNPROPERTIESAZ.COM

19

SUMMER

SUMMERIZE YOUR

Home

It’s never too early to start preparing your home for the onslaught of scorching summer temperatures.

While those temperatures are great for lounging around the pool, they can be rough on your home and outdoor equipment. They also make you gulp hard when you see your power bill.

Stay one step ahead of the heat, especially if you plan to leave for the summer.

These simple steps will give you peace of mind so you can sail into summer without a sweat.

SERVICE YOUR A/C UNIT This is one of the most important things you can do in preparation for summer.

Schedule an appointment with a professional air company. They will check refrigerant levels, electrical components, motors, evaporator coils, condenser belts, and more. These maintenance checks can uncover potential issues early when they are still easy and cheap to repair. It will also give you peace of mind to know your unit is ready to get you through the triple-digit temps.

REGULARLY REPLACE AIR FILTER The single most important bit of A/C maintenance you can do yourself to extend the life of your unit and keep it 20

running efficiently is changing the air filter. During the summer, it needs to be replaced every month since the unit runs for hours every day.

FIX AIR DUCT LEAKS You pay a premium for cool air during the summer, so don’t let it escape through leaks before it has a chance to cool your home. If you have rooms that seem to feel stuffy or never really cool all the way, it could be a sign you have a leaky duct.

Other signs include increased energy bills without increased usage, faster dust buildup, and dirty ducts. Making repairs can save you hundreds of dollars every year and extend the life of your unit by not overworking it.

INCREASE INSULATION Insulation tends to compact over time, resulting in less coverage. This is particularly important around ductwork and pipes. Adding insulation is a messy job!

If you decide to do it yourself, be sure to use a respirator, not just a dust mask.

SUNPROPERTIESAZ.COM

difference on your electric bill. If you are gone for several hours every day, program those hours to raise the temperature by a few degrees, then have it return to your favorite temperature right before you’re due to be home. There is no sense in cooling an empty house all day. If you have pets, be sure to take them into consideration when setting your programs.

INSTALL CEILING FANS Ceiling fans help you feel cooler without turning the thermostat down by distributing the cool air. Bedrooms and living rooms are important areas to add ceiling fans and will help cut down the cost of your electric bill.

ADD A PROGRAMMABLE THERMOSTAT Programming a thermostat for the way you live in your home can make a big

SUNPROPERTIESAZ.COM

PREP WINDOWS AND DOORS Windows and doors are your home’s greatest weakness. Check for leaks by feeling for drafty air both inside and out.

Fill gaps with caulking or new weather stripping. Shade windows with reflective film, roller shades, window screens or sunscreen curtains.

ADD A PATIO MISTING SYSTEM A little spray of water can go a long way in turning a patio into a backyard oasis in the summer. With a misting system, you can enjoy more outdoor entertainment throughout the hottest parts of the year.

The summer heat and sun are harsh on our homes and power bill, but with some advance preparation, you won’t have to sweat it.

21

FINANCE

g n i u l a V

YOUR HOME FOR WEALTH PLANNING

If you’re like most Americans, your home may be one of the largest components of your wealth portfolio. And, like most of us, it’s easier to track the valuation of your financial and banking assets than it is the value of your home. Yet shouldn’t the value of your home be a known quantity when analyzing your total wealth?

If you’re a homeowner in Maricopa County, Arizona, you’ve been treated to some of the country’s best appreciation rates during the past decade.

For instance, the average annual sales price of homes in Fountain Hills in 2011 was $360,630. Only 10 years later in 2021, the average sale price of homes was $583,423, an increase of 62%. In 2021 alone, the appreciation rate was 18.72%, and in 2020 it was 22.68%. That’s a substantial increase in just a short time.

If you’re wondering what about your valuation, there are plenty of online valuation models. Yet an online model could never be accurate simply based on local algorithms, especially if you have a custom home in a view-oriented area with topography.

Sound familiar?

As your realtors at RE/MAX Sun Properties, we’re here to provide information in a detailed, professional report any time you need it. Perhaps you’re updating your portfolio of assets or working through some financial planning or estate planning. We can help.

Simply go online to sunpropertiesaz.com/do-you-know-the-value-of-your-home.

You’ll be asked some basic questions at the end of which you’ll receive an instant– and very preliminary– estimate.

22

SUNPROPERTIESAZ.COM

This will also notify us that you’re interested in an analysis, and that you wish to have more details. After that, we’ll give you a call, discuss any updates to your home since you purchased, then provide a detailed analysis based on your home’s amenities, features and comparison to other properties currently selling.

We consider ourselves to be realtor for life for our clients. We’re always here at our office on Avenue of the Fountains, ready to provide information for anything from vendor referrals to advice on which upgrades to your home might offer you the best return on investment.

Property Valuation is one way we can help you and your family make critical plans about your future. You may also reach us by phone at 480-837-9801.

SUNPROPERTIESAZ.COM

23

We know a thing or two, because we’ve seen a thing or two.

Scott Schlossberg, MBA

480.833.0194 928.684.7958 Email: sschlossberg@farmersagent.com 17100 E. Shea Blvd., Ste. 200, Fountain Hills 84 N. Valentine St., Wickenburg, AZ

THE SONORAN LIFESTYLE TEAM 480-837-1331 HomeTeam@SonoranLifestyle.com SonoranLifestyle.com

$1,400,000

A VIEW OF THE OLD SOUTHWEST! 16356 E. EMERALD DRIVE 6 BD | 5 BA | 4600 SQ FT | POOL | 3 CG | .93 ACRE LOT Beautifully updated interior, with Authentic Sante Fe-style! Mazatzal Mtns, Four Peaks and Fountain views.

Suited to single level living, main level includes a great room, dining, kitchen, primary suite, attached casita, plus 2 suited guest rms. Kitchen features granite cook island, gas cook-top, Sante Fe style cabinetry, walk-in pantry, SS appliances and sunny breakfast nook. Open living space has double sided masonry gas fireplace and Vega beams. Lower level has a media room/family space with fireplace and wet bar, 3 guest rooms.

SUNPROPERTIESAZ.COM

25

HIKING

y r o t s i H

OF THE DIXIE MINE

If you ask someone from Fountain Hills where to find the best hikes nearby, the Dixie Mine Trail will likely be high on their list of recommendations.

The trailhead begins at the end of Golden Eagle Boulevard, wanders through the gated Eagle’s Nest neighborhood, then enters McDowell Mountain Regional Park. The hike will take you through the quiet Sonoran Desert, meandering through a variety of landscapes before reaching the Dixie Mine site.

The mine was established in 1877 when mining scouts noticed a large amount of quartz in the area. It was originally owned by the Red Mountain Consolidation Copper Mines Company, with 21 claims on 420 acres in the Dixie Mining District of the McDowell Mountains.

By 1917, two tunnels were created. The primary tunnel was 300 feet long with a 240-foot vertical shaft.

The mine never produced enough value to continue operating. There was some copper oxide, silver, gold ore, and tin, but reports show that, other than the tin, it was all low quality.

26

SUNPROPERTIESAZ.COM

The mining site changed hands several times throughout the 20th century. When Maricopa County was working to create a county park in the 1970s, a judge ruled that the claims from the mine were economically deficient and granted the property to the newly created McDowell Mountain Regional Park.

Hikers can walk up the wash to the mine opening where there is an iron gate. A plaque is placed nearby with information about the site. Climb up the gravel hill above it to see the vertical shaft opening, which is covered with a sturdy iron grate.

Continue up the wash another 100 feet to find rock petroglyphs from three different time periods. The archaic petroglyphs of unrecognizable shapes date back about 800 years. The Hohokam petroglyphs from a later time are recognizable as stick figures representing animals, human forms, sunbursts, and water.

The historic markings are about 100 years old and are attributed to the ranching and mining period.

The historic markings are about 100 years old and are attributed to the ranching and mining period. For example, the marking “H.P. 1925” is believed to be the initials of Henry Pemberton, who ranched in the area between 1918 and 1925. Also visible is a petroglyph of the P-brand of the P-Bar Ranch that the Barksdale family operated from 1935 to the 1950s in the present-day Fountain Hills area.

The hike is about 4.3 miles round-trip. Be sure to bring $2.00 for the self-pay fee for entering McDowell Mountain Regional Park.

SUNPROPERTIESAZ.COM

27

Like it never even happened.®

SERVPRO® of North Central Mesa

480-553-7103 ServProNorthCentralMesa.com Independently Owned and Operated

.com

IS NOW ONLINE!

Your source for all the happenings in town is here ... DesertVibe.com is now online!

Desert Vibe is meant to serve as a central hub for all activity in Fountain Hills, East Scottsdale, and the Verdes.

Community Calendar: Events happening in the Fountain Hills area are catalogued here, from weekly sport meetups to FH Theater Productions to the Art Fair and beyond! The list is updated regularly and displayed chronologically with events.

Local Resources: This is your Fountain Hills almanac of local entertainment and dining. Here you can find a myriad of resources ... Fun things to do around the area and the best places to send your kids to school, business resources, and local nonprofit groups.

Stories: This is our blog, showcasing upcoming events, profiles of local public figures, and more. We keep this updated regularly, so if you’re looking for information about the next big town gathering, this is the place to go.

Live Here: Here you can find summaries of each of three communities, Fountain Hills, East Scottsdale, and the Verdes (Rio Verde, Tonto Verde, Vista Verde). If you’re thinking about moving to the area, or you’re trying to persuade a friend, be sure to visit these pages.

It’s all here, every day of the week! Check in and keep up to date!

SUNPROPERTIESAZ.COM

29

GARDENING

g n i n e d r a G

THROUGH THE SEASONS IN THE VALLEY

Welcome Spring! We’re well into the spring gardening season, when many valley residents garden in the spring only to give up in the summer. There is, however, another way. Gardening in the summer can be just as rewarding as in the spring.

We asked Rita Applegate, Garden Manager of the Fountain Hills Community Garden, for some advice on growing crops through the transition from the warm springs to the hot summers and beyond here in the Phoenix area.

Shade and Watering As the temperature increases, so does the amount of water and shade required to keep plants happy. To avoid sunburn on hot summer days, “you’re going to want a shade cloth with 50% coverage,” Rita recommends. Hotter temperatures also means that most crops will need more water to hold together during the summer. The average bed at the FH Community Garden will increase its watering from 10 minutes, twice a day to 15-30 minutes, twice a day.

30

Best Crops for a Summer Harvest Many of the crops planted in the spring take time to develop and need to survive through the summer to reach maturity. Snap peas, carrots, corn, cucumbers, melons, onions, pumpkins, summer squashes, and sunflowers are some good examples. When it comes to choosing between seeds and starters, Rita says “after May 15th, only plant seeds. This lets plants acclimate to their surroundings, especially for cantaloupe, watermelon, and squash.”

Protecting from Birds and Bunnies When it gets hotter, the birds and bunnies will have more motivation to tear up your garden for water and nutrients. Bird netting is a popular solution, but netting is known to accidentally trap and kill unsuspecting birds. Rita suggests a fabric called Tulle. Cover a garden bed with Tulle and leave a vent hole towards the top wide enough for bees and butterflies to safely travel through.

SUNPROPERTIESAZ.COM

Seeds Rita is a strong proponent of saving seeds. “Saving seeds promotes biodiversity and improves the hardiness of your plants over time.” By saving the seeds left by your best-performing plants, your chances of even better harvests next time increase greatly. Be sure to keep seeds in a cool, dry space in an air-tight container, like a mason jar or envelope.

Go to FountainHillsCommunityGarden.com for educational materials on desert gardening.

Refreshing Soil Rita typically harvests three times a year, so she revitalizes her soil three times a year. She prefers Kellogg Garden Organics’ Amend Garden Soil, along with mushroom compost and steer manure.

Minerals such as Azomite are vital for healthy plant growth in any irrigated bed. She also recommends fertilizing with an organic fertilizer like Happy Frog on the 1st and 15th of every month.

“HAPPY GARDENING! GARDENING IS WORK, BUT IT’S A GREAT THERAPY, THAT WILL FEED AND NOURISH YOU IN SO MANY GREAT WAYS.”  RITA APPLEGATE SUNPROPERTIESAZ.COM

31

.com