Rio Verde July 09

It’s Cool to be HotResort “Staycations” Rock!

Relief for Homebuyers: Government Programs Offer AssistanceMuddle it Up!: deseo’s Refreshing Summer Cocktail

Rio Verde Foothills’ Hot Real Estate Listings

INVENTORY WAYDOWN ON HOMES!!!

HOMES - We now only have 163 homes active on the market. There are 55 homes under contract.

LAND - We have 302 active lots on the market. There are 11 lots under contract. These are the lots that have sold and closed in the last 30 days:

30010 N. 164th St. 1.1 acres $37,95017400 E. Barwick 1 acre $45,00017400 E. Barwick 1 acre $45,00017000 E. Maya Way 2 acres $65,000N. 161st Street 1.14 acres $75,00026601 N. 175th St. 1.2 acres $175,00028020 N. 174th St. 5 acres $212,000

GET IN ON THE ACTION!!!!

July 2009

Bonnie Burke, PCRE/MAX Excalibur8510 E. Shea Blvd. #100Scottsdale, AZ 85260RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

Bonnie Burke, PCABR, CDPE, CLHMS, CRS, E-PRO, GRI

Integrity Based, Service DrivenRE/MAX Excalibur

8510 E. Shea Blvd. #100Scottsdale, AZ 85260

480.720.8001 Cell [email protected]

www.BonnieBurke.com

Address Sq. Ft. / Bed / Bath Days On Market List Price NEW LISTINGS SINCE LAST PUBLICATION:16430 E. Ranch Rd. 1,783 / 5 / 3 10 $294,90029509 N. 140th St. 2,421 / 4 / 2 20 $325,90013609 E. Monument Dr. 3,479 / 4 / 3 16 $345,00016506 E. Desert Vista Trails 3,884 / 6 / 4.5 8 $410,00017518 E. Montgomery Rd. 3,248 / 4 / 4.5 30 $414,900 14328 E. Ranch Rd. 4,100 / 5 / 5.5 29 $475,00015406 E. Cavedale Dr. 3,634 / 4 / 3.5 24 $739,00034219 N. 140 Way 4,100 / 4 / 3 27 $800,00014317 E. Lowden Ct. 4,733 / 6 / 4 4 $1,080,00014322 E. Lowden Ct. 5,500 / 5 / 5 3 $1,299,000PENDING SALES SINCE LAST PUBLICATION:14318 E. Casey Ln. 1,887 / 3 / 2 52 $227,000 28517 N. 146th Pl. 2,511 / 4 / 2.5 755 $249,90031612 N. 172nd St. 2,340 / 3 / 3 19 $259,90027126 N. 141st St. 2,709 / 4 / 2 41 $329,90016432 E. Duane Ln. 3,543 / 5 / 3.5 121 $341,90014541 E. Gamble Ln. 4,246 / 4 / 5 117 $345,50016228 E. Gamble Ln. 3,463 / 4 / 4 203 $347,00016206 E. Gambit Trl. 3,503 / 4 / 3.5 59 $347,90028012 N. 172nd Pl. 3,639 / 5 / 3.5 40 $349,90016103 E. Bobwhite Way 3,307 / 4 / 4 15 $363,90013820 E. Old Paint Trl. 3,565 / 5 / 4 114 $369,90014215 E. Dale Ln. 3,796 / 4 / 3.5 35 $375,90034609 N. 140th St. 2,776 / 3 / 3.5 47 $380,00029714 N. 152nd St. 4,273 / 5 / 3.5 2 $388,50029808 N. 166th Way 3,980 / 4 / 3.5 450 $399,00013809 E. Villa Cassandra Dr. 3,585 / 5 / 4 113 $399,00028423 N. 139 St. 3,390 / 4 / 2.5 248 $400,00014526 E. Peak View Rd. 3,206 / 5 / 3.5 174 $400,00015340 E. Skinner Dr. 4,388 / 5 / 4.5 53 $400,00015320 E. Skinner Dr. 2,806 / 5 / 3 13 $410,00026719 N. 156th St. 2,869 / 4 / 3.5 100 $425,00030015 N. 166th Pl. 4,462 / 5 / 4 26 $449,90029620 N. 142nd Pl. 3,368 / 5 / 3.5 133 $469,00031714 N. 144th St. 4,520 / 5 / 5 9 $475,20014606 E. Dale Ln. 3,304 / 4 / 2 115 $480,00029526 N. 158th St. 3,828 / 5 / 3 201 $499,00027921 N. 153rd St. 5,744 / 4 / 5 4 $500,00028616 N. 150th St. 2,300 / 4 / 2 221 $599,00032105 N. 140th St 3,709 / 4 / 4 307 $625,00013624 E. Brookhart Way 3,996 / 5 / 3.5 10 $625,00014223 E. Cavedale Rd. 4,558 / 4 / 4.5 139 $749,00015117 E. Saguaro Vista Ct. 4,690 / 4 / 3.5 478 $969,90031107 N. Visado Ct. 6,550 / 5 / 5 204 $1,450,000SOLD SINCE LAST PUBLICATION: DOM LIST PRICE SOLD PRICE16907 E. Madre Del Oro Dr. 4,148 / 4 / 5 8 $165,000 $200,00016648 Lone Mountain Rd. 3,398 / 4 / 3.5 49 $259,900 $225,00029113 N. 144th St. 2,015 / 3 / 2.5 129 $250,000 $256,50029713 N. 164 St. 3,597 / 4 / 3 48 $304,900 $289,90013706 E. Cascolote 2,608 / 4 / 3 155 $315,000 $290,00014211 E. Peakview Rd. 2,849 / 3 / 2 61 $340,900 $300,50029202 N. 146th St. 2,755 / 4 / 2 40 $329,900 $304,50034310 N. 139th Pl. 4,637 / 5 / 4.5 118 $309,900 $307,50028321 N. 156th Pl. 3,817 / 4 / 3 305 $399,000 $312,00029905 N. 166th Way 3,500 / 4 / 3.5 20 $345,000 $325,00028521 N. 139th Pl. 3,082 / 4 / 2.5 9 $349,900 $351,60016127 E. Bobwhite Way 3,500 / 5 / 4 83 $374,900 $370,00029245 N. 144th St. 2,760 / 3 / 2 407 $370,000 $370,00028707 N. 156 Pl. 3,259 / 4 / 3.5 24 $394,735 $380,00028903 N. 148th St. 2,540 / 4 / 3 44 $399,900 $400,00033208 N. 140th St. 3,580 / 5 / 4 227 $404,000 $404,00028705 N. 136th St. 4,220 / 4 / 4 56 $459,000 $450,00014521 E. Desert Vista Trl. 3,758 / 5 / 5.5 24 $464,000 $512,00016912 E. Desert Vista Trl. 4,200 / 4 / 4.5 384 4995,000 $700,00031208 N. 176th St. 4,752 / 5 / 3.5 155 $749,900 $775,00014047 E. Lowden Ct. 5,331 / 5 / 5.5 154 $885,000 $885,000

All information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed. The properties on this list have been listed/sold by various participants in the MLS.

If you know of anyone who is not receiving this brochure and would like to, please have them call me

and I will be happy to add them on the mailing list.

If your home is currently listed, this is not a solicitation for that listing. Produced by Desert Lifestyle Publishing • 480.460.0996 ISSN-1939-9421

WickedASU Gammage, July 1st - 26th480.965.3434 or asugammage.comLong before Dorothy drops in, Wicked is the “untold story” of the Witches of Oz. Beautiful and popular Glinda the good witch meets Elphaba. Smart and mysterious, Elphaba with emerald-colored skin is known for her wicked ways. This creative new addition to the classic Wizard of Oz story just may have you sympathizing with that horrible witch who antagonizes poor Dorothy! This captivating musical is winner of 15 major awards, including three Tony Awards and a Grammy for Best Musical Show Album. Don’t miss this one!

Summer Spectacular ArtwalkDowntown Scottsdale, July 9th480.377.9366 or scottsdalegalleries.com Presented by the Scottsdale Gallery Association, this yearly art extravaganza is a great alternative to hiding indoors during our steamy July! Take a stroll while enjoying fabulous artist demonstrations, gallery show openings and live music. Make your mouth happy with all the delicious fare sampled from renowned area restaurants. It’s culture, cuisine and creativity all rolled into one!

Monsoon MadnessQueen Creek Founder’s Park, July 11th480.358.3700 or queencreek.orgWhat better way to beat the summer heat than slippin’ and slidin’ into this wet and muddy event! Bring the family out to soar down the inflatable water slide, glide along the 100-foot soap and slide, and of course you can’t miss Queen Creek’s signature Monsoon Mudslide. Once you’ve thoroughly worn yourself out, grab a bite to eat from a diverse selection of food vendors.

Winter in JulyPhoenix Zoo, July 18th602.273.1341 or phoenixzoo.orgChill out at the Phoenix Zoo as they bring in tons of snow for the animals as well as zoo visitors to enjoy. As part of a regular behavioral enrichment program, the zoo will dump fresh snow in the exhibits and treat the animals with frozen goodies and iced snacks! What fun for everyone! Arrive early, as the snow fun is scheduled for 7 am-11 am.

Phoenix Mercury vs. Minnesota LynxUS Airways Center, July 22nd602.514.8333 or wnba.com/mercuryWho says girls can’t play sports? Not only do these ladies know how to play, they know how to win with two Conference Championships under their belts. Cheer on these women as they battle it out against the Minnesota Lynx and be entertained during half time by the Hip Hop Squad and Scorch the lovable mascot. Before the game the Lexus Club offers Wine Down Wednesday with wine tastings and specials.

Cirque du Soleil presents SaltimbancoJobing.com Arena, July 29th - Aug 2nd623.772.3100 or jobingarena.comLike most Cirque du Soleil performances, the beauty and artistry of Saltimbanco is indescribable. This signature Cirque du Soleil show borrows from theatre, dance and music to introduce the audience to the heart of this dreamlike city. Fifty highly talented performers work in tandem to present a show like no other. Whether you’re a Cirque veteran or new to the art, audiences are sure to be amazed.

JULY 2009

There is some excellent news in mid-2009 for first-time homebuyers and those seeking refinance assistance. Earlier this year our government created several programs to help solve our national housing problems. The government’s initial effort was to help decrease the inventory of homes on the market by giving first-time homebuyers an added incentive to purchase a new home. A tax credit is now available for up to $8,000 for first-time homebuyers purchasing a primary home through December 1st of 2009. The fine print of the initiative reads that the tax credit is equal to 10% of the home’s purchase price not to exceed $8,000. When you combine the low down payment financing options offered by FHA and other loan programs, the tax credit essentially reimburses all or part of the homebuyer’s down payment. The program does have some income

restrictions. Single taxpayers with incomes up to $75,000 and married couples with incomes up to $150,000 qualify for the full tax credit. Incomes above those levels receive a benefit phase-out to the point where single taxpayers with incomes above $95,000, and married couples with incomes above $170,000 will not receive any tax credit. The homebuyer does need to be a first-time homebuyer. However, the law defines a “first-time home buyer” simply as a buyer who has not owned a primary residence during the three-year period prior to the purchase. The second program the government authorized this year is the Making Home Affordable initiative. This program is designed to help two segments of existing homeowners lower their monthly mortgage payments. The first part of the program is designed to help homeowners who have an existing Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac loan refinance even if they have little to no equity. The program allows for the existing first mortgage to be as high as 105% of the current appraisal value on the home. The program does not allow for the consolidation of a second mortgage, but it does ignore the existence of a second

mortgage when calculating equity in the property. This is a tremendous opportunity for people to lower their interest rates and change over to a fixed-rate loan program even if they are upside down on their home. The second part of the Making Home Affordable initiative focuses on individuals who are struggling to make their mortgage payments. Qualifying loans do not have to be a Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac loan. If a homeowner is paying more then 31% of their income towards their mortgage payment, this program is designed to modify the loan’s interest rate to a low fixed-rate that brings it down to the 31% income level. The catch is that the homeowner’s mortgage company decides whether or not they will modify the mortgage. There are no guarantees. However, the government is offering financial incentives to lenders to modify loans that qualify under the Making Home Affordable guidelines. While these new loan programs do not help everyone desiring to buy a home or lower an existing mortgage

payment, they are certainly a step in the right direction to reducing foreclosures and attracting homebuyers. For more information on these programs, contact your Realtor. They can refer you to a qualified mortgage lender to further assist you.

ARIZONA BILTMORE RESORT & SPAarizonabiltmore.com • 602.955.6600Considered the Grande Dame of Valley resorts, this Frank Lloyd Wright inspired property is a favorite of celebrities and US presidents. With an enviable location right in the heart of Phoenix, guests enjoy golf, spa, dining and spectacular service.Great for: Families/Couples/Girlfriend GetawaysNightly rate: $109Kids’ programs: $35 half day, $65 full daySummer Specials: Stay 3 nights get 1 night free; $25 food/spa credit; 30% off salon/spa; 2 kids eat free.

ARIZONA GRAND RESORTarizonagrandresort.com • 602.438.9000With a recent $52 million renovation, this property offers tons of fun in their signature Oasis Water Park. With an eight-story tower with three slides and a wave pool, pool parties are all the rage!Great for: FamiliesNightly rate: $129 (Sun - Wed)Kids’ programs: half day is freeSummer Specials: Stay 2 nights, get a $50 resort credit.

THE BOULDERS RESORTtheboulders.com • 480.488.9009Bon Appetit magazine rates this as one of the top 12 romantic hotels in the US. With two renowned golf courses and the famous Golden Door Spa, guests will be pampered among the striking beauty of the Sonoran Desert.Great for: Couples/Golfers

Nightly rate: $99 Sun - Mon, $129 Fri - SatKids’ programs: NoneSummer Specials: Stay 3 nights at $129/night, get 4th night free; 25% off golf weekdays after noon; 40% off second spa treatment (same person, same day).

FAIRMONT SCOTTSDALEfairmont.com/scottsdale • 480.585.4848This family-friendly resort offers activities galore as well as luxury and serenity. Golfers will enjoy the course home to the FBR Open, spa-goers love the Willow Stream Spa. Kids enjoy the National Geographic Explorer Camp, teen hang-out and dive-in movies.Great for: Families/Couples/Guy’s RetreatsNightly rate: $199 Kids’ programs: $49 half day, $79 full day Summer Specials: $100 food/beverage credit.

FOUR SEASONS RESORTfourseasons.com/scottsdale • 480.515.5700At the foothills of Pinnacle Peak, this Southwestern-style property offers astonishing views with unparalleled service. Notably, kids’ programs are complimentary! Great for: Families/CouplesNightly rate: $195 - $250Kids’ programs: FreeSummer Specials: Stay 2 nights get a $100 food/beverage credit.

HOTEL VALLEY HOhotelvalleyho.com • 480.248.2000With a location in trendy downtown Scottsdale,

guests can easily meander on over to the area’s shopping, art galleries, dining and nightlife. Be there or be square.Great for: Cool Hipsters Nightly rate: $99 Sun - Thurs, $129 Fri - Sat Kids’ programs: NoneSummer Specials: Session Saturdays with DJ PBody poolside, Free Sundays.

INTERCONTINENTAL MONTELUCIA RESORT & SPA icmontelucia.com • 480.627.3200With architecture and ambiance inspired by Andalusia in southern Spain, this lush resort offers an opulent setting with awe-inspiring views of Camelback Mountain. Dine at Prado, enjoy the Joya Spa, and lounge fashionably at the Kasbah Pool.Great for: Couples/Spa AddictsSummer specials include one Standard Room:Culinary Experience: $195 with $100 food creditPoolside Relaxation: $195 with poolside cabana and $50 food creditUltimate Everything: $495 with unlimited spa, dining, welcome cocktail and treats

JW MARRIOT DESERT RIDGE RESORT & SPAjwdesertridgeresort.com • 480.293.5000In north Phoenix, this huge property impresses with multiple dining, recreation and spa options. Famous for their Lazy River and waterslide, golf packages and proximity to shopping/ entertainment.Great for: FamiliesNightly rate: $159 - $339Kids’ programs: $30 half day, $65 full day

Summer Specials: Unlimited golf for two at Wildfire, breakfast buffet and 20% off retail starting at $249; Nickelodeon Kids packages offer entertainment and dive-in movies.

THE PHOENICIANthephoenician.com • 480.941.8200Luxuriate in AAA Five-Diamond accommodations and amenities at the foot of Camelback Mountain. Dine at Il Terrazzo, pamper yourself at the infamous Center for Well-Being and golf to your heart’s content with their summer golf special.Great for: Luxury Travelers/GolfersNightly rate: $149Kids’ programs: $45 half day, $75 full daySummer Specials: Unlimited golf $199 for 2, breakfast/lunch to go.

ROYAL PALMS RESORT & SPAroyalpalmshotel.com • 602.840.3610As a member of Historic Hotels of America, this resort rich in design and Old World charm is a beacon for travelers looking for romance. T. Cook’s, their highly acclaimed restaurant, and Alvadora Spa never disappoint.Great for: Romantic GetawaysNightly rate: $189 Kids’ programs: NoneSummer Specials: Summer Stay and Play credits - 1 night $50, 2 nights $100, 3 nights $200, 4 nights $250, 5+ nights $300.

MUDDLE MELON

Featuring deseo at the Westin Kierland Resort & Spa

6902 E. Greenway Pkwy. • Scottsdale480.624.1000 or kierlandresort.com

Ingredients:

6 1-inch cubes watermelon

1 lime wedge

6 mint leaves

1 1/2 oz Bacardi Grand Melon Rum or

Smirnoff Watermelon Vodka

1/2 oz lime juice

1/2 oz simple syrup

Preparation:

In a tall glass, combine watermelon, lime and

mint. With a muddler, smash until all juices are

extracted from fruit. Add ice and remainder of

ingredients. Shake and serve.

*Muddling releases the flavors of an ingredient

by gently crushing it in the bottom of a glass.

Muddle devices can be wooden or silicone-

tipped and are usually found at any retail outlet

that specializes in kitchen gadgetry or bar

accessories.

We are so fortunate to live in a resort town. Surrounded by some of the nation’s most luxurious hotel playgrounds, Valley residents might be apt to spend their summer vacation right here. Why trek off away to other locales when our own backyard has so much to offer? With most sun worshipers vacationing in the desert in the winter, the summer means more vacancies for Valley of the Sun resorts resulting in sometimes ridiculously low rates (as much as 2/3 less) in June, July and August. Why don’t you stick around and enjoy fabulous pools, pampering spa treatments, world-renowned golf courses and exquisite meals. The desert is the place to be this summer…at a resort, that is. We’ve listed some hotel hot spots in the Valley. Most summer specials are available now through Labor Day. Rates are subject to change based on availability, so confirm when you call. All information is deemed reliable but please confirm with the property you’re interested in.