gainey ranch nov. 10

IT’S TIME TO MAKE YOUR NEXT MOVE As you know, Gainey Ranch is a great place to

live, and right now – it’s a great time to buy! Values

in Gainey Ranch have never been so good. Sandra

Wilken Luxury Properties has had great success listing

and selling the homes of our clients who are moving

into assisted-living residences like Sagewood and

Silverstone. We have a comprehensive and effective

marketing strategy that gets your home sold for a fair

and competitive price, so you can enjoy your new

residence!

Arizona is on sale! With a record number

of foreclosures and trustee sales, there is an

unprecedented opportunity to buy! And, who doesn’t

like a good bargain? It’s time to take advantage of

the deals! SWLP has six Certified Distressed Property

Experts (CDPE) to help you understand the process

of buying and selling short sales and/or buying

bank-owned property.

Right now, we all have to look at the glass as half

full. SWLP finds the best values on properties

throughout the Valley for our Buyers. We also help our

Sellers maintain their values when listing their homes.

Let us help you find the right property, or sell your

current home! We are here to help you, your friends

and your family. Call us!

Listings in bold represent properties with a status change, recently reduced or new to the market. All information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed.

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

CURRENTLY FOR SALE:Address Sq. Ft. / Bed / Bath List Price7222 E. Gainey Ranch Rd. #210 1695 / 2 / 2 $425,0007400 E Gainey Club Drive #128 1990 / 3 / 3 $445,0008989 N. Gainey Center Dr. #148 2113 / 3 / 3 $550,0007283 E. Vaquero Dr. 1693 / 2 / 2 $595,00010140 N. 78th Pl. 4598 / 4 / 3.5 $815,0007878 E. Gainey Ranch Rd. #28 3064 / 2 / 2.5 $818,0007425 E. Gainey Ranch Rd. #48 3515 / 3 / 2.5 $865,000 9881 N. 79th Way 3721 / 4 / 4 $895,00010065 N. 78th Pl. 3022 / 3 / 3 $895,0009853 N. 79th Pl. 5216 / 5 / 5.5 $990,0007878 E. Gainey Ranch Rd. #11 4318 / 4 / 3.5 $1,299,9009905 N. 78th Pl. 4230 / 4 / 3.5 $1,595,000 7475 E. Gainey Ranch Rd. #31 4325 / 3 / 4.5 $1,775,000 7475 E. Gainey Ranch Rd. #4 4431 / 4 / 3.5 $1,895,0007475 E. Gainey Ranch Rd. #21 5703 / 5 / 4.5 $1,995,0007785 E. Vaquero Dr. 8020 / 5 /5.5 $2,675,000

SALE PENDING:Address Sq. Ft. / Bed / Bath List Price7400 E. Gainey Club Dr. #116 1818 / 2 / 2 $424,0007222 E. Gainey Ranch Rd #202 1695 / 2 / 2 $449,000

SOLD BY SWLP IN THE LAST 12 MONTHS:Address Sq. Ft. / Bed / Bath Sold Price7700 E. Gainey Ranch Rd. #222 1392 / 2 / 2 $300,0007222 E. Gainey Ranch Rd. #119 1656 / 3 / 3 $440,0007525 E. Gainey Ranch Rd. #202 2757 / 3 / 2.5 $550,0007878 E. Gainey Ranch Rd. #48 2963 / 2 / 3 $690,0007878 E. Gainey Ranch Rd. #45 3307 / 2 / 2.5 $700,000 7878 E. Gainey Ranch Rd. #11 4318 / 4 / 3.5 $850,00010005 N. 78th Pl. 3704 / 2 / 3 $865,000 7525 E. Gainey Ranch Rd. #158 2878 / 3 / 2.5 $875,0007878 E. Gainey Ranch Rd. #60 4742 / 4 / 3.5 $1,350,000 9894 N. 79th Pl. 4463 / 5 / 5.5 $1,800,0007475 E. Gainey Ranch Rd. #3 4313 / 4 / 5 $2,100,000

FEATURED COVER PROPERTY

WWW.SANDRAWILKEN.COM

Sandra Wilken Luxury Properties continues to have the best values and most home sales in GAINEY RANCH

SANDRA WILKENPresident & Designated Broker

Phone: [email protected]

8777 N GAINEY CENTER DRIVE • SUITE 178SCOTTSDALE, AZ 85258

† All statistics from Cromford Report and reflect actual data from ARMLS (Arizona Regional Multiple Listing Service.

†† The real estate market is cyclical and real estate values go up and down. SWLP does not guarantee real estate values.

November 2010

THE ULTIMATE MAN SPACEA Customized Dream Garage

Star PowerActivist Athletes Score Big for Philanthropy

Autumn-Inspired CuisineSeason 52’s Polenta with Mushrooms

Gainey Ranch’sReal Estate Report

85026PERMIT 1441

NORTH MEADOW - PRICED TO SELL! $1,595,0009905 N. 78TH PLACE

Built in 2005, this is the newest home built on Gainey Ranch! 4 bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms, 4,230 square feet. Designed by Mark Candelaria, this house

has all of the latest finishes, high-end appliances and a Crestron Home Automation System. Master bedroom, guest room and office are downstairs. Incredible backyard

with salt water pool and spa, outdoor kitchen, golf course and mountain views.

A Midsummer’s Night DreamSymphony Hall, November 5th – 7th602.381.0184 | BalletAZ.orgMarvel as these graceful dancers bring Ib Anderson’s version of Shakespeare’s fun-loving comedy to life. This hilarious tale will have you laughing as the dancers interpret quarreling fairies and mistaken identities with many love-story twists. Accompanied by The Phoenix Symphony, the performance promises to be a cultural delight.

A McNight to Remember Arizona Biltmore, November 6th602.798.5097 | RMHCPhoenix.comAn evening of distinction and philanthropy will be on hand as you join Ronald McDonald House Charities of Phoenix in celebrating 25 years of helping nearly 30,000 families in need. Fine dining, lively entertainment and wonderful live and silent auctions are all in store at this elegant event.

Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars DinnerBLT Steak, November 11th480.905.7979 | BLTScottsdale.comFoodies and gourmands know not to miss one of the last Wine Dinner Series events of the year featuring Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars. You’ll meet with and hear winemaker Nicki Pruss as she speaks of her proprietary blends and recommended pairings. The fabulous five-course menu prepared by Chef de Cuisine Marc Hennessy is accompanied with inspired pairings as well.

Walk for Lupus NowKiwanas Park, November 14th602.870.7622 | Lupus.orgHelp the Lupus Foundation of America raise funds for research in finding a cure and provide support for those affected by this disease. Choose between the 2-mile run or the 2-mile Family Fun Walk where even the little ones and dogs can join in the fun. All entries will include an event t-shirt and even the dogs are outfitted with a festive bandana!

Cirque du Soleil: AlegriaUS Airways, November 17th – 21st602.379.2000 | CirqueDuSoleil.comMeaning “jubilation” in Spanish, Alegria tells a tale of power and evolution throughout time. Kings, fools, beggars and old aristocrats are presented through these impressive performers. Stunning sets are a Cirque mainstay as are the skillful artists performing hand balancing, synchronized trapeze and fire-knife dancing – just to name a few mouth-dropping acts.

ArtFest of ScottsdaleScottsdale Civic Center Plaza, November 21st – 22nd480.968.5353 | 888ArtFest.comCheck out Downtown Scottsdale as it is transformed during this popular holiday tradition. ArtFest features 200 artists from across the country showcasing their unique arts and crafts perfect for a one-of-a-kind gift. Live music and tempting food wares keep your toes tapping and tummies full while you browse.

NOVEMBER 2010

HERB POLENTA WITH ROASTED MUSHROOMS

Featuring Seasons 52602.840.5252 | Seasons52.com

LET’S FACE IT: Our garage takes up an awful lot of the total square footage of our home. Leaving this space hum-drum and average (think concrete floors and white walls) actually seems like a lot of wasted space, not to mention a missed opportunity to wow friends and potential homebuyers. But just what can you do to spice up your garage? The question is: What CAN’T you do? Imagine a sports-themed garage decked out in team colors, with full-size game-day murals, right down to glass-encased collectible team jerseys on display. Or perhaps a nod to the Art Deco, classic automobile era with 1950s-style gas pumps and vintage signage and collectables. Maybe a sexy, high-tech design with metallic paints, custom finishes and mind-blowing audio and visual enhancements is more your style.Creating a luxury garage environment is the specialty of Valley company GarageMahals. The stuff of dreams for auto enthusiasts, today’s high-end garages are becoming more and more of a reality for homeowners. GarageMahals offers three levels of garage customization. The Prestige Class package includes a metallic floor coating, rolling door storage, custom trim, paint scheme, and lighting.

The Luxury Class package offers professional-grade metal cabinets “theming” around a specific concept or style, complete with fixtures or facades, and heating and air conditioning installation. For those who are truly ga-ga over their garage, GarageMahals offers the Signature Class, which is often centered around a client’s extensive auto collection. These private museum and showplaces often include a wet bar, a lounge area with a restroom, and an entertainment system. Now that’s a party in your garage! With studies showing that potential homebuyers consider the garage to be as important as a formal living or dining room, it makes sense to consider investing in your garage not only to enjoy it now, but also to reap the benefits later at resale time. Read on as Michael Rhodig, owner of GarageMahals, offers insight into what other homeowners are doing to their new favorite space in their home. (Check out some more of his suped-up spaces at GarageMahals.com.)

Q: Why do clients like to customize their garages? What do they use them for?A: Our clients like to create a unique space to

display their autos. They also like to create a unique space for entertaining. And they like to have a beautiful place to greet them when they arrive home. Most people never use their front door. We come and go from our garages. Why not have a garage that is just as nice as the rest of the house, but more unique and with an automotive theme?

Q: Can you describe some of the options you offer to clients in terms of designs? A: All of my garages are custom creations for each client. However, there are some common techniques we use to create a GarageMahals environment. For example, garage door hardware is hidden behind a system of columns and covers. Only the face of the garage door is visible and that is usually covered with a decorative surface. When in the

up position, the door disappears into a drop-ceiling cover. I use a lot of custom impact-resistant wall surfaces. I usually end up creating a new material for each garage, or using a similar material in a different way.

Q: How can customizing a garage add value and interest to your home at resale time? A: The “wow” factor of a custom garage environment will create an unforgettable impression on the potential buyer. People become fascinated with having such a unique and interesting space, rather than just another garage, and this creates value.

ATHLETE: LARRY FITZGERALDOn the field: Star wide receiver for the Arizona CardinalsOff-the-field charities: The Larry Fitzgerald First Down Fund; The Carol Fitzgerald Memorial FundWhat they do: In 2004, Larry established the Larry Fitzgerald First Down Fund to support children and their families. During the past six years, the Fund has given money for computer equipment, vision care, and other activities to support youth. The Carol Fitzgerald Memorial Fund was established by Fitzgerald’s father, renowned sports reporter Larry Fitzgerald, Sr., to honor Larry Jr.’s mom who passed away in 2003 from breast cancer. Cool component: One especially fun way that Larry raises money: At Morton’s Celebrity Waiter Night, held annually. Fitzgerald and fellow Arizona Cardinals

trade in their helmets and uniforms for waiter aprons. The for-charity event held at the steakhouse also includes a live and silent auction. Proceeds benefit cancer and AIDS research.To learn more: LarryFitzgerald11.com

ATHLETE: BRANDON WEBBOn the field: Starting pitcher for the Arizona DiamondbacksOff-the-field charity: Brandon Webb’s K Foundation What they do: Established in 2004, this pitcher’s charitable arm aims to improve the lives of critically and chronically ill children throughout Arizona by providing daily support and life-changing experiences. Since its inception, the K Foundation has raised more than $450,000 and impacted the lives of nearly 100,000 Arizona children.

Cool component: The Brandon’s Locker program, launched in 2007. Three lockers located at area hospitals are filled with toys and comfort items and are made available to sick children and their families. The lockers contain notebook computers, video game systems, and other activities which help to entertain the kids while spending time at the hospital. The Field of Dreams program provides critically and chronically ill children with dream vacations and fantasy sports-related experiences, such as seats at Diamondbacks games. To learn more: BrandonWebb.org

ATHLETE: GRANT HILLOn the court: Veteran forward for the Phoenix SunsOff-the-court charities: The Tamia & Grant Hill Foundation (formerly the Grant Hill Foundation; Hill is married to Grammy-

Award-nominated Tamia Hill); and the Grant and Tamia Hill Athletic Scholarship Endowment Fund. There are so many charities Grant is involved in that we can’t list them all!What they do: Through their foundation, the Hills have donated their time and money to charities, schools, scholarships, non-profit organizations, and churches. Most of their donations support children’s and educational charities. The couple established a scholarship fund at Duke University, Grant’s alma mater, to provide financial aid for a Duke basketball player each year. Cool component: Grant has also lent his name and face to several PSAs, including a National Safe Kids Campaign, a Prevent Teen Pregnancy campaign and an AmeriCorps campaign. To learn more: GrantHill.com

INGREDIENTS

PROCEDUREArrange prepared polenta shapes in a baking dish. Spoon mushroom mix over the polenta. Top generously with goat cheese and parmesan cheese. Roast in 350º oven until cheese is browned. Garnish with thyme. Serves: 8

Polenta

ProcedurePre-heat oven to 350º with only the lower shelf in oven. Place onions, garlic, thyme and olive oil in an oven-safe sauce pot. Cook over medium heat for 8-10 minutes until onions soften. Whisk in hot water and milk. Cover and bring to a boil over high heat. Whisk in polenta. Keep whisking until polenta has “bloomed” and becomes think and bubbly. Cover pot and bake for 25-30 minutes. Remove polenta from oven. Whisk in cheese, parsley, salt and pepper. Carefully pour polenta into ungreased Pyrex baking dish. Refrigerate covered for four hours. On large cutting board invert Pyrex pan to remove polenta. Cut into triangles. Pan roast or grill polenta shapes until browned.

Mushroom Mix

ProcedurePreheat oven to 350º with middle rack. Mix olive oil, salt, pepper, dry herbs and balsamic vinegar in a medium bowl. Add mushrooms and garlic and toss to coat evenly. Spread evenly onto cookie sheet. Roast in oven for 15 minutes. Remove mushrooms and mix with broth.

1 cup onion, diced1 tsp. extra virgin olive oil2 Tbs. garlic, minced4 cups water, hot2 cups milk, 2%1 1/4 cup polenta (corn meal)

1 1/2 tsp. thyme, dry2 Tbs. parsley, washed, chopped3 Tbs. parmesan cheese, grated2 Tbs. goat cheese, crumbled1 Tbs. kosher salt1/4 tsp. fresh black pepper, ground

prepared polenta (recipe below)mushroom mix (recipe below)1/2 cup goat cheese, crumbled

1/2 cup parmesan cheese, gratedfresh thyme sprigs to garnish

1 lb. cremini mushrooms, quartered1 lb. portobello mushrooms, cut in wedges2 Tbs. extra virgin olive oil2 tsp. kosher salt

1/4 tsp. fresh ground black pepper1/2 tsp. thyme or sage, dry2 Tbs. balsamic vinegar3 Tbs. garlic, minced1/2 cup vegetable or chicken broth

WHAT’S EVEN BETTER THAN AN ALL-STAR ARIZONA ATHLETE? How about an all-star athlete that gives back to his community and raises money to help fight against disease and poverty?

We’re so honored that these pros call Arizona home — which is why we’ve decided to highlight them and their causes. Go on, why not contribute to these charities and be a part of this positive movement? You’ll be proud to be part of such good work.

Arizona Cardinal Larry Fitzgerald