mcdowell mountain ranch lifestyle

Lock & Leave Options for Second Homeowners

Get Spicy!Vincent on Camelback’s Grilled Rack of Lamb

McDowell Mountain Ranch

Real Estate Report

Rare Stone Created in Nature Adds Glamour to Any Surface

Made in Italy

rsSeptember | October 2013

Angelica has been a leader in the mortgage industry for over 15 years. She was born in Sonoma CA, moved to Arizona in 2003 and became a proud McDowell Mountain Ranch home owner in 2005. As a Senior Loan Officer and Sales Manager for one of the top 10 Primary Residential Mortgage branches in the country, she embodies a level of passion and perfection that is valued by clients and colleagues alike. If you are looking to purchase a home or refinance, work with someone that is educated, dedicated, client focused and has a personal investment in the community you live in:

•Shehas15yearsofinvaluablemortgagelending experience•LicensedinbothArizonaandCalifornia•Workswiththearea’sTopRealEstateProfessionals•Loanclosingsin30daysorless•McDowellMountainRanchHomeownerandResident•FoundingmemberoftheCardonChildren’sMedical CenterandBannerHealthFoundationStar’softheSeason AdvisoryCouncil•2012AffiliateMemberoftheYear,ScottsdaleWomen’s CouncilofREALTORS•2013TreasurerforScottsdaleWomen’sCouncilofREALTORS

For a mortgage analysis call Angelica:

602.345.7403Your Premier McDowell Mountain Ranch Mortgage

Lender committed to creating customers for life

ANGELICA J. FRANCO

SalesManager

NMLS# 298954

Office: 602.345.7403

Cell: 707.529.9410

Email: [email protected]

Facebook: www.Facebook.com/AngelicaFrancoHomeLoans

www.ArizonaLoanPros.com

8665 E Hartford Drive, Suite 105, Scottsdale, AZ 85255

Programs, rates, terms and fees are subject to change without notice. NMLS# 3094, NMLS# 155389 Licensed by the Arizona Department

of Financial Institutions, AZ BK# 0902614

Summary of Current Real Estate Activity in McDowell Mountain Ranch Since June 15, 2013

Active Under Contract/Backups Pending Closed # Listings 35 6 21 45

List/Sold Volume $27,543,900 $5,077,900 $13,488,200 $26,510,000

List/Sold Low Price Avg High

$379,500$786,969$3,495,000

$379,000$846,317$1,450,000

$350,000$642,295$1,375,000

$345,000$589,111$1,310,000

List/Sold Low Price Per Avg Approx SF High

$180.76$238.41$556.44

$178.91$241.99$334.49

$189.13$237.31$314.14

$143.51$222.03$298.88

Approx SF Low Avg High

1,4303,1226,555

1,7443,3514,425

1,4512,6714,377

1,4512,6334,383

Days on Low Market Avg High

068180

3682265

041184

277477

Your Partner in Home Ownership in Scottsdale, AZAt Primary Residential Mortgage Inc. of Scottsdale, we strive to keep our residential

mortgage rates competitive. We will walk you through the mortgage loan process and help you secure the most favorable rate possible. Best of all we will take the time to

evaluate your credit history and financial standing to come up with a mortgage that works for your budget. We don’t want to see our clients make the same mistakes that so many

have made in recent years, so we take an open, honest approach to mortgages.

If you are ready to take on the responsibility of owning a home, Primary Residential Mortgage Inc. of Scottsdale will help you start the process

on the proper financial foot. Call Angelica today at 602.345.7403 and bring yourself one step closer to having a place to call your own.

Don’t let the sun set on your dreams. Call now to get pre-qualified for your dream home!

Ifyourhomeiscurrentlylisted,thisisnotasolicitationforthatlisting. Produced by Desert Lifestyle Publishing • 480.460.0996 • www.DesertLifestyle.net

Allinformationisdeemedreliablebutnotguaranteed.

Looking for that certain wow factor in your home? Look no further than travertine stone to make your entryway, floors, or kitchen and bathrooms sure to impress. This versatile stone is not only perfect for indoor rooms but for outdoor landscapes as well. Travertine tile is elegant, timeless, and durable. What more could you ask for in a stone? Travertine has been used for thousands of years in Italy and throughout the world. The Coliseum itself was built almost entirely from this stone mined from the nearby town of Tivoli, proof it has withstood the test of time. The Romans also used travertine to build baths, temples, aqueducts, and many other structures. No doubt, travertine weathers well and actually improves with age. Colors will not fade, which makes it a surprisingly good choice for outdoor projects such as patios and pool surrounds, as well as indoor settings. Once you and your designer have chosen travertine for your home, it’s good to know something about this stone before select-ing your pieces. Travertine is a natural stone formed in hot springs and limestone caves. The creamy tan and cream colors work well in different style homes from elegant to comfortable, much of this depending on the type of finish the stone is given. Different

finishes achieve varying aesthetics. A tumbled finish will achieve a rough and aged appearance; honed will give a matte finish through sanding; brushed will lend a worn texture; and polished will give the stone a glossy look, making it is less suitable for bathrooms and pool area because of its slipperiness. Travertine has characteristic holes within the stone made from the hot springs from which it is made. These holes can be left unfilled for a more natural, rustic look, or they can be filled. Of course, the holes also lend distinctness to certain pieces, which is exactly what some homeowners are searching for when building custom homes. Until recently, most of the world’s supply of travertine still came from Italy, but today major suppliers include Turkey, Iran, Mexico, and Peru. When time comes to choose your travertine tile, be sure to look over each individual piece when doing high-profile areas, as each tile can have a different appearance. For those who have the time, why not travel to the quarry itself to hand-select the most rare pieces? Your home will exude a tranquil, elegant look that is unlike any other home around.

LAMB:Ingredients:8 - 1-lb. racks of lambSalt and pepper to taste8 sprigs of dried rosemary

Trim lamb in portions of approximately 8 oz. per person. Grill over mesquite to desired temperature (rare - 3 minutes per side; medium - 6 minutes per side; well - 9 to 10 minutes per side). Add dried rosemary (one per portion) and flame. After rosemary is flamed, blow out at once and serve immediately so essence of rosemary is fresh.

SPICY BELL PEPPER JELLY:Ingredients:2 red bell peppers2 yellow bell peppers2 green bell peppers1/2 lb. sugar8 red serrano chilies

Slice or julienne peppers and chilies. Mix with sugar and set overnight in refrigerator. The next day, cook over low heat for approximately 10 to 15 minutes without adding any liquid. The peppers and chilies mixed with sugar will create their own liquid overnight. Proceed to cool and serve at room temperature.

Yields 8 servings

A second home can be a perfect get-away spot; however, the homeowner needs to be realistic about maintenance and security while they are away.

The Ideal Scenario | Lock and Leave: Many communities promote detached homes, townhomes or condominiums that do not have the bother of yard work, exterior maintenance or any of the other responsibilities that typically come with a traditional house. Known as a “lock and leave” property, the homeowner does not have to worry about lawn care or exte-rior maintenance because it is provided as part of the homeowner’s association (HOA) fees. Granted the HOA fees will usually be higher in these communities. But, the peace of mind is a valuable trade-off to consider. The HOA will be knowledgeable regarding vendors who provide quality services and are reliable. Plus, the HOA will oversee those vendors to ensure that

the work is done to an acceptable level. The monthly HOA fees at these communities may pay for a range of services including: the landscaping of both the front and back yards including trimming of bushes & shrubs in addition to cutting the grass, outside watering sprinkler system cost and maintenance, and often times exterior maintenance of the structure itself such as exterior paint and roofing. The community may also provide a higher level of security by providing a gated entrance – either manned or automatic gate. A security guard may make periodic rounds throughout the community as an added level of security.

Professional Home Manager | Home Concierge: If the second home is not in a “lock and leave” community, the homeowner should consider a professional home manager who will check the home outside (and

inside if desired) at periodic intervals or after any severe weather that may have caused damage in the area. The home manager reports status updates via e-mail or a secure website. The person monitoring the residence can quickly alert the property owner to a water leak, a heating or cooling issue or a refrigerator on the blink. The home concierge can also assist in getting repairs made or providing exterior maintenance by scheduling reliable vendors and by personally overseeing progress. Second homeowners want the flexibility to come and go as they please, yet have the reassurance that their investment is safe and taken care of when they are away. Both “lock and leave” communities and professional home management companies may provide just what the second homeowner is looking for.

Arizona Restaurant WeekParticipating Restaurants | September 21-29602.307.9134 | ArizonaRestaurantWeek.comGet out and explore the many great restaurants the valley has to offer! With great prices and restaurant selections this is a chance to delight your palate. This statewide affair offers foodies a wealth of dining opportunities and the chance to get outside their own neighborhood and try something new. From sizzling Southwestern and soothing comfort foods to five-star dining and international fare – it’s all on the table during Arizona Restaurant Week.

Mozart in SpainScottsdale Center for the Performing Arts | September 30480.499.8587 | ScottsdalePerformingArts.orgASU Concerts at the Center features performances by the faculty and students of the Arizona State University Herberger Institute School of Music. Pianist Walter Cosand performs music centering around the dual themes of Mozart and Spain, including selections from the opera Don Giovanni.

Phoenix Fashion WeekTalking Stick Resort | October 3-5480.850.7734 | TalkingStickResort.comDiscover the latest national and international fashion trends here in Scottsdale. This week brings world class innovation and fashion to the southwest! The organization’s mission is to bridge the gap between national and international designers and premier retailers and prestige fashion media. Phoenix Fashion Week’s ultimate goal is to garner global exposure for Arizona’s fashion industry.

Olive Harvest FestivalQueen Creek Olive Mill | October 12-December 15480.888.9290 | QueenCreekOliveMill.comEnjoy live music, wine tasting, and local product tasting on the weekends this fall. Squeeze in an Olive 101 tour for a chance to taste the fresh oil straight from the press! Experience the gourmet marketplace, where you will find a signature selection of extra virgin olive oils and vinegars, stuffed olives, and tapenades, as well as a line of bath and body products made with extra virgin olive oil.

Moondance GalaHeard Museum Phoenix | October 19602.346.8192 | Heard.org Celebrate one of the social season’s most exciting events. Enjoy cocktails, dinner, and dancing under the stars at the Heard Museum Phoenix. Proceeds from this annual benefit gala provide funding for the museum’s educational mission to educate the people about the arts.

SEPTEMBER | OCTOBER 2013

GRILLED RACK OF LAMB WITH SPICY BELL PEPPER JELLY

Vincent on Camelback602.224.0225 | VincentsOnCamelback.com

In Good Taste Event Calendar

Oh-So Elegant!

...the look of travertine

travertine time

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