gardening in cooler tempsTransition Your Yard for Fall/Winter

sushi scottsdale styleGeisha A Go Go’s Tuna & Crab Tartar

contemporary southwestdesignOrganic • Regional • Modern

Arizona HomeownerSeptember / 2009

Produced by Desert Lifestyle Publishing • 480.460.0996If your home is currently listed, this is not a solicitation for that listing.

WENDY KIRTLAND Office: 480.473.5427 • Fax: 480.624.3654

Wendy.Kirtland@RussLyon.com23733 N. Scottsdale Rd. #200 • Scottsdale, AZ 85255

Source: ARMLS. Information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed.

Jan. 09 Feb. 09 Mar. 09 Apr. 09 May 09 Jun. 09 July 09

Residential Home SalesMetropolitan Phoenix

4,742 5,476 7,628 8,552 9,290 9,348 9,107

You, a co-purchaser (excluding spouse) or someone you know may qualify for this unprecedented tax credit, but the deadline to purchase that home is closing in on us. You must purchase before and close by December 1, 2009. If you are planning to purchase a home with a new mortgage you need to count on 45 to 60 days to close on the property. The lenders are anticipating a mad dash prior to the expiration of this tax credit. This will increase the time for them to process your loan. Based on this you should identify your property and make your offers before the end of September so you don’t get caught in the last minute rush.

How do you know if you qualify?• DidyoupurchaseahomethatclosedafterApril8,2008or beforeDecember1,2009?• Isthishomeyourprincipalresidenceandnotasecondhome orinvestmentproperty?

The law defines “first-time home buyer” as a buyer who has not owned a principal residence during the three year period prior to the purchase. For married taxpayers, the law tests the homeownership history of both the home buyer and his/her spouse.

The credit:• Reducesataxpayer’staxbillorincreaseshisorherrefund, dollarfordollar.• Isfullyrefundable,meaningthecreditwillbepaidouttoeligible taxpayers,eveniftheyowenotaxorthecreditismorethanthe taxowed.

As of June 1, FHA lenders can loan first-time buyers up to $8,000 on a short-term basis for use on closing and some down payment costs. When buyers get their tax credit checks from the IRS, they pay back the lender. FHA buyers will still need to make down payments of at least three and a half percent of the purchase price of the house from their own resources or gifts from relatives. But they can use the cash advances from the lenders on closing costs, mortgage insurance premiums and to buy down their interest rates.

For more information on the tax credit call Wendy today at (480) 215-0959.

The Clock is Ticking…ON THE FIRST-TIME HOME BUYER TAX CREDIT

Median Home Price Avg. Days on MarketJanuary ..................... $130,000 ...........................112February .................... $127,900 ...........................121March ........................ $120,000 ...........................125April .......................... $118,000 ...........................120May ........................... $121,500 ...........................117June .......................... $130,000 ...........................113July ........................... $130,000 ...........................108

January-July 2009 Sales StatisticsSingle-Family Homes / Metro Phoenix

Source: ARMLS. Information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed.

Rank Month Sales1 June 2005 10,2522 Aug. 2005 10,0313 June 2004 10,0194 March 2005 9,9875 May 2005 9,890

Rank Month Sales6 April 2005 9,6007 July 2005 9,3948 June 2009 9,3489 May 2009 9,29010 Sept. 2005 9,213

Top Ten Months for Residential SalesMetropolitan Phoenix

Statistics gathered from ARMLS.

Do you know about YOUR WAY HOME AZ available to Arizona residents?

The Arizona Department of Housing (ADOH) will offer 22 percent in purchase assistance to qualified homebuyers

purchasing an eligible foreclosed home in the state. ADOH provides help in the form of a deferred second

mortgage loan for purchase assistance. There are eligibility qualifications of the borrower such as income, debt-to-income

ratios and home purchase price limits on the home. Call Wendy at (480)215-0959 for additional details of these

programs or for any of your real estate questions.

WendyisaREALTOR®,CDPE(CertifiedDistressedPropertyExpert),aForeclosure,ShortSaleandREOSpecialistandan

ABR(AccreditedBuyer’sRepresentative).

Event CalendarSeptember 2009

Phoenix CooksWestin Kierland Resort & Spa, Sept. 5th 602.374.6024 or phoenixcooks.comThis is the ultimate culinary dream come true! Three performance-kitchen stages will showcase the talents of several remarkable chefs from over 50 restaurants and resorts. Participate in an interactive cooking session with a top chef and learn healthy variations of your favorite dishes. Or, simply kick back, have a drink and indulge in all the great food. Proceeds benefit the Phoenix Children’s Hospital.

Healing FieldTempe Beach Park, Sept. 11th – 14th 480.967.2001 or tempe.gov/lakeStroll down Tempe’s Healing Field in remembrance of those who died during the tragic events of September 11, 2001. 3,000 American flags are placed in honor of the heroism, strength and unity of Americans on this infamous day in our country’s history. What a perfect opportunity to unite again as a community, remember the fallen, and stand strong in the face of those who wish to harm us.

So Long to Summer FestFreestone Park Ballfield Complex, Sept. 12th480.503.6871 or ci.gilbert.az.us/parksHead over to Gilbert to bid adieu to summer. The City of Gilbert coordinates this yearly event and provides activities for the entire family to enjoy. Listen to live music, try your hand (and feet) at wall climbing, and let the kids enjoy the inflatable bounces and slides. A colorful fireworks display will round out the celebration!

Walk for Homeless FamiliesWesley Bolin Memorial Park, Sept. 19th 602.275.7852 or umom.orgHolding their first-ever Walk for Homeless Families, UMOM is encouraging people to step out for some fun physical activity and raise funds and awareness for the ever-growing needs of Arizona’s homeless families. You can register as a group or independent walker and can choose the 5K or 10K course. If walking isn’t your style, join the event as a volunteer or to simply cheer on others.

2009 Arizona Restaurant WeekVarious restaurants in the Valley, Sept. 19th – 26th 602.307.9134 or arizonarestaurantweek.comShowcasing the many culinary gems here in the Valley, Arizona Restaurant Week returns with a bang! During this seven-day promotion, scores of Valley restaurants will feature a special three-course menu featuring some of their signature dishes at $29 per person or $59 a couple. Restaurants participating in this event include Bloom, Arrowhead Grill and Tarbell’s. Treat yourself to a fabulous meal, while supporting our local restaurant industry!

Legally BlondeASU Gammage, Sept. 22nd – 27th480.965.3434 or asugammage.com Based on the hit movie, Legally Blonde has been transformed into a hilarious and uplifting musical. Elle is determined to prove herself when her boyfriend dumps her for someone “more serious” and decides to attend the most “serious” university around, Harvard Law. Legally Blonde has only been running for two years and has already been nominated for six Tony Awards!

Featuring Geisha A Go Go7150 E. 6th Ave. • Scottsdale • 480.699.0055 or geishaagogo.com

Loc

al F

lavo

r!

Your Home

Tuna and Crab TartarIngredients:2 oz. chopped raw tuna1 oz. crab meat1/4 oz. soy sauce (lite)1/4 oz. sesame oilpinch of Japanese chili powderpinch of white sesame seedsJapanese rice crackers

Directions:1. In a small mixing bowl combine first six ingredients and mix well.

2. Plate and serve with Japanese rice crackers.

Serves one.

The allure of the desert’s spectacular sunsets, sky-reaching saguaros and breathtaking mountainous peaks has lured many architects over the years from all parts of the country to the Valley of the Sun. The emergence of Contemporary Southwest vernacular design in Arizona is largely the result of our unique environment. In most cases, it is the desert itself that inspires the work of architects and interior designers when transforming a concept or project to this popular design style. The new millennium solidified the stature of Contemporary Southwest architecture which focuses on the use of elements existing in nature coupled with simplicity of design. This style combines several regional influences including Pueblo, Anasazi, and Spanish Colonial. The emphasis is on using materials that evolve into the actual design elements.

EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED Tony Sutton of EST EST Interior Design brings the unexpected to his designs. Contemporary Southwest design allows you to break from the traditional using a contemporary interpretation of Old World influences. It is organic, blending nature and history with the modern world. Homes designed in this style tend to freeform around the natural terrain. Sutton likes to mix things up creatively. Contemporary allows him to develop unexpected variations on the expected, but without radical change. Sutton says, “There is no dominant design style right now….we’ve branched away from Tuscan. I like to work with a contemporary interpretation of many design styles. Arizona is great for that as it’s a melting pot and collision of cultures.”

INSIDE/OUT The incredible flora and fauna of the desert is perfect for bringing the inside outside and vice versa, an important focus in Contemporary Southwest design. As a natural native backdrop or incorporated into the actual living space, the light and colors of the Sonoran desert become one with the design and materials in the construction of the home. Sutton often does his design research by browsing botanical books to incorporate the natural elements of the desert into his work. The spirit of the surroundings should blend into the design of the home, as the environment is a key element. This type of home is integrated with the naturalness of the outside creating an indoor/outdoor setting. The beauty and climate of the Arizona desert make it an ideal place for this lifestyle.

Those Pesky Pests Even animal lovers get annoyed when the local rabbits and birds feast on their new plants and seeds. Don’t get mad. Get building. Keep the rabbits out with sturdy wire cages anchored several inches deep around your plants/garden. Keep the birds away with fencing, netting and screening over newly seeded wildflowers, vegetables and annuals. If your desert environment includes hungry javelinas, attempt to grow plants and flowers in containers that are too high for them to reach.

As the earth tilts on its axis, fall officially starts September 22nd and winter December 22nd, at least in our hemisphere. Fall, for some, may just be a transition time from summer into winter but in the world of gardeners each season stands on its own. Landscaping in Arizona is unique. Although many might argue that we don’t experience four seasons in our climate, the truth is that your landscaping does need transitional care to take it from hot weather to cold weather.

Fall The extreme heat of the desert summer starts to subside in the fall making it the perfect time to prepare plants for the winter. This is when you tuck your flowers and plants to bed for the winter. If done right, your spring landscaping will emerge beautifully.

•TimetoPlant - add organic amendments to prepare soil - plant spring bulbs - sow seeds of cool-season vegetables (carrots, green onions, peas), wait on lettuce until cooler temps arrive - aerate, seed and fertilize lawns with winter grass

•TimetoWater - heavily irrigate trees and plants - as temps cool off, increase duration of watering but reduce frequency - reduce watering of landscape plants as it gets cooler and cooler, to acclimate them for winter temps

•TimetoCare - stop fertilizing rose bushes, cover with eight inches soil and prune back to 36 inches tall - prune trees and shrubs after leaves turn in early fall, fertilize hardy landscape plants - stop fertilizing cold-tender plants (hibiscus, citrus, bougainvillea) and deciduous fruit trees - as night temps hit 50, bring potted plants inside

Winter Desert dwellers benefit from beautiful weather right through the winter months. However, we do get cold temps at night and even an occasional frost. Take the necessary precautions and your landscape will survive the season.

•TimetoPlant - if weather is mild, continue to plant wildflowers from seed - provide color with flowering annuals (petunia, pansy, viola, calendula)

•TimetoWater - cut back on watering until warmer temps arrive - only water as needed

•TimetoCare - cover cold-sensitive plants (citrus, bougainvillea, tender perennials) - use the newer hi-tech frost cloth which allows in more light - keep cacti from frost damage: columnar cacti – cover growing points with Styrofoam cups. Saguaros, barrels, cardons – cover top of plant with frost cloth. Large cacti – use propane heaters at base - wait until January/February to prune deciduous trees and shrubs - wait until March to cut back tender plants (lantana, bird of paradise)

Event CalendarSeptember 2009

Phoenix CooksWestin Kierland Resort & Spa, Sept. 5th 602.374.6024 or phoenixcooks.comThis is the ultimate culinary dream come true! Three performance-kitchen stages will showcase the talents of several remarkable chefs from over 50 restaurants and resorts. Participate in an interactive cooking session with a top chef and learn healthy variations of your favorite dishes. Or, simply kick back, have a drink and indulge in all the great food. Proceeds benefit the Phoenix Children’s Hospital.

Healing FieldTempe Beach Park, Sept. 11th – 14th 480.967.2001 or tempe.gov/lakeStroll down Tempe’s Healing Field in remembrance of those who died during the tragic events of September 11, 2001. 3,000 American flags are placed in honor of the heroism, strength and unity of Americans on this infamous day in our country’s history. What a perfect opportunity to unite again as a community, remember the fallen, and stand strong in the face of those who wish to harm us.

So Long to Summer FestFreestone Park Ballfield Complex, Sept. 12th480.503.6871 or ci.gilbert.az.us/parksHead over to Gilbert to bid adieu to summer. The City of Gilbert coordinates this yearly event and provides activities for the entire family to enjoy. Listen to live music, try your hand (and feet) at wall climbing, and let the kids enjoy the inflatable bounces and slides. A colorful fireworks display will round out the celebration!

Walk for Homeless FamiliesWesley Bolin Memorial Park, Sept. 19th 602.275.7852 or umom.orgHolding their first-ever Walk for Homeless Families, UMOM is encouraging people to step out for some fun physical activity and raise funds and awareness for the ever-growing needs of Arizona’s homeless families. You can register as a group or independent walker and can choose the 5K or 10K course. If walking isn’t your style, join the event as a volunteer or to simply cheer on others.

2009 Arizona Restaurant WeekVarious restaurants in the Valley, Sept. 19th – 26th 602.307.9134 or arizonarestaurantweek.comShowcasing the many culinary gems here in the Valley, Arizona Restaurant Week returns with a bang! During this seven-day promotion, scores of Valley restaurants will feature a special three-course menu featuring some of their signature dishes at $29 per person or $59 a couple. Restaurants participating in this event include Bloom, Arrowhead Grill and Tarbell’s. Treat yourself to a fabulous meal, while supporting our local restaurant industry!

Legally BlondeASU Gammage, Sept. 22nd – 27th480.965.3434 or asugammage.com Based on the hit movie, Legally Blonde has been transformed into a hilarious and uplifting musical. Elle is determined to prove herself when her boyfriend dumps her for someone “more serious” and decides to attend the most “serious” university around, Harvard Law. Legally Blonde has only been running for two years and has already been nominated for six Tony Awards!

Featuring Geisha A Go Go7150 E. 6th Ave. • Scottsdale • 480.699.0055 or geishaagogo.com

Loc

al F

lavo

r!

Your Home

Tuna and Crab TartarIngredients:2 oz. chopped raw tuna1 oz. crab meat1/4 oz. soy sauce (lite)1/4 oz. sesame oilpinch of Japanese chili powderpinch of white sesame seedsJapanese rice crackers

Directions:1. In a small mixing bowl combine first six ingredients and mix well.

2. Plate and serve with Japanese rice crackers.

Serves one.

The allure of the desert’s spectacular sunsets, sky-reaching saguaros and breathtaking mountainous peaks has lured many architects over the years from all parts of the country to the Valley of the Sun. The emergence of Contemporary Southwest vernacular design in Arizona is largely the result of our unique environment. In most cases, it is the desert itself that inspires the work of architects and interior designers when transforming a concept or project to this popular design style. The new millennium solidified the stature of Contemporary Southwest architecture which focuses on the use of elements existing in nature coupled with simplicity of design. This style combines several regional influences including Pueblo, Anasazi, and Spanish Colonial. The emphasis is on using materials that evolve into the actual design elements.

EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED Tony Sutton of EST EST Interior Design brings the unexpected to his designs. Contemporary Southwest design allows you to break from the traditional using a contemporary interpretation of Old World influences. It is organic, blending nature and history with the modern world. Homes designed in this style tend to freeform around the natural terrain. Sutton likes to mix things up creatively. Contemporary allows him to develop unexpected variations on the expected, but without radical change. Sutton says, “There is no dominant design style right now….we’ve branched away from Tuscan. I like to work with a contemporary interpretation of many design styles. Arizona is great for that as it’s a melting pot and collision of cultures.”

INSIDE/OUT The incredible flora and fauna of the desert is perfect for bringing the inside outside and vice versa, an important focus in Contemporary Southwest design. As a natural native backdrop or incorporated into the actual living space, the light and colors of the Sonoran desert become one with the design and materials in the construction of the home. Sutton often does his design research by browsing botanical books to incorporate the natural elements of the desert into his work. The spirit of the surroundings should blend into the design of the home, as the environment is a key element. This type of home is integrated with the naturalness of the outside creating an indoor/outdoor setting. The beauty and climate of the Arizona desert make it an ideal place for this lifestyle.

Those Pesky Pests Even animal lovers get annoyed when the local rabbits and birds feast on their new plants and seeds. Don’t get mad. Get building. Keep the rabbits out with sturdy wire cages anchored several inches deep around your plants/garden. Keep the birds away with fencing, netting and screening over newly seeded wildflowers, vegetables and annuals. If your desert environment includes hungry javelinas, attempt to grow plants and flowers in containers that are too high for them to reach.

As the earth tilts on its axis, fall officially starts September 22nd and winter December 22nd, at least in our hemisphere. Fall, for some, may just be a transition time from summer into winter but in the world of gardeners each season stands on its own. Landscaping in Arizona is unique. Although many might argue that we don’t experience four seasons in our climate, the truth is that your landscaping does need transitional care to take it from hot weather to cold weather.

Fall The extreme heat of the desert summer starts to subside in the fall making it the perfect time to prepare plants for the winter. This is when you tuck your flowers and plants to bed for the winter. If done right, your spring landscaping will emerge beautifully.

•TimetoPlant - add organic amendments to prepare soil - plant spring bulbs - sow seeds of cool-season vegetables (carrots, green onions, peas), wait on lettuce until cooler temps arrive - aerate, seed and fertilize lawns with winter grass

•TimetoWater - heavily irrigate trees and plants - as temps cool off, increase duration of watering but reduce frequency - reduce watering of landscape plants as it gets cooler and cooler, to acclimate them for winter temps

•TimetoCare - stop fertilizing rose bushes, cover with eight inches soil and prune back to 36 inches tall - prune trees and shrubs after leaves turn in early fall, fertilize hardy landscape plants - stop fertilizing cold-tender plants (hibiscus, citrus, bougainvillea) and deciduous fruit trees - as night temps hit 50, bring potted plants inside

Winter Desert dwellers benefit from beautiful weather right through the winter months. However, we do get cold temps at night and even an occasional frost. Take the necessary precautions and your landscape will survive the season.

•TimetoPlant - if weather is mild, continue to plant wildflowers from seed - provide color with flowering annuals (petunia, pansy, viola, calendula)

•TimetoWater - cut back on watering until warmer temps arrive - only water as needed

•TimetoCare - cover cold-sensitive plants (citrus, bougainvillea, tender perennials) - use the newer hi-tech frost cloth which allows in more light - keep cacti from frost damage: columnar cacti – cover growing points with Styrofoam cups. Saguaros, barrels, cardons – cover top of plant with frost cloth. Large cacti – use propane heaters at base - wait until January/February to prune deciduous trees and shrubs - wait until March to cut back tender plants (lantana, bird of paradise)

gardening in cooler tempsTransition Your Yard for Fall/Winter

sushi scottsdale styleGeisha A Go Go’s Tuna & Crab Tartar

contemporary southwestdesignOrganic • Regional • Modern

Arizona HomeownerSeptember / 2009

Produced by Desert Lifestyle Publishing • 480.460.0996If your home is currently listed, this is not a solicitation for that listing.

WENDY KIRTLAND Office: 480.473.5427 • Fax: 480.624.3654

Wendy.Kirtland@RussLyon.com23733 N. Scottsdale Rd. #200 • Scottsdale, AZ 85255

Source: ARMLS. Information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed.

Jan. 09 Feb. 09 Mar. 09 Apr. 09 May 09 Jun. 09 July 09

Residential Home SalesMetropolitan Phoenix

4,742 5,476 7,628 8,552 9,290 9,348 9,107

You, a co-purchaser (excluding spouse) or someone you know may qualify for this unprecedented tax credit, but the deadline to purchase that home is closing in on us. You must purchase before and close by December 1, 2009. If you are planning to purchase a home with a new mortgage you need to count on 45 to 60 days to close on the property. The lenders are anticipating a mad dash prior to the expiration of this tax credit. This will increase the time for them to process your loan. Based on this you should identify your property and make your offers before the end of September so you don’t get caught in the last minute rush.

How do you know if you qualify?• DidyoupurchaseahomethatclosedafterApril8,2008or beforeDecember1,2009?• Isthishomeyourprincipalresidenceandnotasecondhome orinvestmentproperty?

The law defines “first-time home buyer” as a buyer who has not owned a principal residence during the three year period prior to the purchase. For married taxpayers, the law tests the homeownership history of both the home buyer and his/her spouse.

The credit:• Reducesataxpayer’staxbillorincreaseshisorherrefund, dollarfordollar.• Isfullyrefundable,meaningthecreditwillbepaidouttoeligible taxpayers,eveniftheyowenotaxorthecreditismorethanthe taxowed.

As of June 1, FHA lenders can loan first-time buyers up to $8,000 on a short-term basis for use on closing and some down payment costs. When buyers get their tax credit checks from the IRS, they pay back the lender. FHA buyers will still need to make down payments of at least three and a half percent of the purchase price of the house from their own resources or gifts from relatives. But they can use the cash advances from the lenders on closing costs, mortgage insurance premiums and to buy down their interest rates.

For more information on the tax credit call Wendy today at (480) 215-0959.

The Clock is Ticking…ON THE FIRST-TIME HOME BUYER TAX CREDIT

Median Home Price Avg. Days on MarketJanuary ..................... $130,000 ...........................112February .................... $127,900 ...........................121March ........................ $120,000 ...........................125April .......................... $118,000 ...........................120May ........................... $121,500 ...........................117June .......................... $130,000 ...........................113July ........................... $130,000 ...........................108

January-July 2009 Sales StatisticsSingle-Family Homes / Metro Phoenix

Source: ARMLS. Information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed.

Rank Month Sales1 June 2005 10,2522 Aug. 2005 10,0313 June 2004 10,0194 March 2005 9,9875 May 2005 9,890

Rank Month Sales6 April 2005 9,6007 July 2005 9,3948 June 2009 9,3489 May 2009 9,29010 Sept. 2005 9,213

Top Ten Months for Residential SalesMetropolitan Phoenix

Statistics gathered from ARMLS.

Do you know about YOUR WAY HOME AZ available to Arizona residents?

The Arizona Department of Housing (ADOH) will offer 22 percent in purchase assistance to qualified homebuyers

purchasing an eligible foreclosed home in the state. ADOH provides help in the form of a deferred second

mortgage loan for purchase assistance. There are eligibility qualifications of the borrower such as income, debt-to-income

ratios and home purchase price limits on the home. Call Wendy at (480)215-0959 for additional details of these

programs or for any of your real estate questions.

WendyisaREALTOR®,CDPE(CertifiedDistressedPropertyExpert),aForeclosure,ShortSaleandREOSpecialistandan

ABR(AccreditedBuyer’sRepresentative).