Maricopa County By The Numbers
Vol. 4 Issue 3
March 2017 11/1/2016-12/1/2016
5,890 TOTAL #
CLOSED
$303,388
YEAR OF THE DRONE
98
67 AVG DAYS ON MARKET
[
Look Up!
AVG SOLD PRICE
LIST/SELL PRICE RATIO
Growing Home Value
A combination of design and diversity in your landscaping upgrade can increase a home’s value up to 12%, according to RealtorMag.Realtor.org.
[ UniquePhoenixHomes.com
Danielle O’Connell Residential Specialist 480.201.7466 danielleoconnell16@gmail.com HomeSmart | Elite Group 5225 N Central Ave Ste 104 | Phoenix, AZ 85012 Call Danielle today if you are thinking about a new home this spring! If your home is currently listed, this is not a solicitation for that listing.
Produced by DLP Marketing • (480)460-0996 • DLPmarketing.com
Big on Beauty The Art of the Bonsai
Roaring Fork’s
Huckleberry Cheesecake
A Glamorous History Visit the Hotel San Carlos
LOCAL VENUE
THE ZEN OF
BONSAI F
Hotel San Carlos
202 North Central Avenue | Phoenix
Consider if you will, the past list of famous guests who routinely stayed at the San Carlos when visiting the area. Leading man of the silver screen era, Clark Gable, often stayed in room 412, where he could watch the foot traffic on the street. Marilyn Monroe preferred room 326, as it was closest to the pool and the sun deck. The French Café at the San Carlos was considered the place to be seen during the early-to-mid 20th Century and many stars made it a point to come to the Café for a meal while in Phoenix. Although the San Carlos has had updated renovations, the atmosphere has not changed. If you’re looking to step back in time for a night, hunt some ghosts, or just enjoy the heart of the city at its finest, Hotel San Carlos is the place to go! Source: HotelSanCarlos.com
B
DRONES 101
y now we’ve all heard the story of a drone doing a flyby of someone’s home, peering down at the backyard, and taking pics of someone outside. Talk about invasion of privacy! But seriously, could that really happen? Turns out, if you’ve got some dough, all you need to do is log onto the Apple Store and select one of the drones for sale. Of course, most people looking for a drone are looking for new tech and robotics gadgets, not looking for spy technology.
The word bonsai in Japanese means “plant in a tray.” Though they appear to be dwarf trees, bonsai trees are not actually dwarf specimens at all, but trees that require meticulous care and
Also know as Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV), drones are beginning to go mainstream. According to the Federal Aviation Administration, drone sales are expected to jump from 2.5 million drones in 2016 to 7 million by 2020. Before long, drone capabilities will be at your doorstop. But there’s a lot more cool stuff you can do with a drone than just spying on your neighbors. Categorized under toys or games at most locations, drones are being marketed to kids and full-grown gamers and film junkies alike. What’s for sale? One of the less expensive drones online is the National Geographic Quadcopter Drone, at an affordable $49.99. Including more high-tech features is the Parrot Mini Drone Airborne Cargo, retailing at $99.95. With a mini camera on board to take aerial pics, this drone can be controlled with a one-finger swipe of your phone. On the other end of the price spectrum is the DJI Phantom 4 Camera Drone, retailing at $1,200. This drone is for the athlete or film-director-wannabe who can get aerial shots of him or herself biking, skiing, or acting out a movie script. With obstacle avoidance technology, this drone will dodge tree branches and telephone poles and can fly as much as several miles away. It even has the capability to turn itself around and head back home if the signal is lost. And it’s all controlled with an iPad or iPhone. If you’re thinking about trying out this newest technology, you have many price options. Drones can be purchased at Amazon, Wal-Mart, and many other retailers. Just remember, it’s not cool to invade someone’s privacy. Also, there are many codes and regulations in place on how high and how far you can fly your drone. Read up on all the dos and don’ts at FAA.gov/uas/ … and happy flying!
LIFEWISE
delicate pruning, cutting, clamping, defoliation, and stunting so that they remain small in stature. Bonsai trees can actually be any type of tree but to inherit its “old” look it is often taken from seeds of certain specimens or even as a graft from another bonsai tree. And bonsai are always grown in trays, usually shallow. Because of the intense time and care it takes to perfect the bonsai tree, it is an act that requires patience and provides a time of meditation for the gardener or artist. There are several types of traditional bonsai trees. The formal upright tree boasts a straight trunk with a tapering top. The informal upright bonsai exhibits slight curves. Slanting bonsai come out of the soil at an angle. The forest style includes many trees to appear as a tiny wooded wonderland. Becoming a true bonsai expert takes years of study and practice. But there’s no reason you can’t give it a try. A bonsai tree may be just the thing to transform your backyard oasis or a meditative space within your home. Today’s kits, which come with the proper soil, specimen seeds, and precise watering instructions, make growing your own bonsai plant easier than ever. Or pre-grown bonsai trees make great gifts for loved ones and can be purchased at florists or online at shops. Bonsai trees may indeed be small, but sharing their joy is sure to put a big smile on your face.
Huckleberry Cheesecake INGREDIENTS Crust
FLAVORFUL
The Hotel San Carlos is the only Phoenix historic boutique hotel that has been in continuous operation since 1928. Each of the 128 guest rooms has been individually decorated, and the history of Phoenix, Arizona awaits you at every turn.
or some of us, the movie The Karate Kid was the first time we learned of the art of the bonsai tree. Watching Mr. Miyagi and “Daniel san” learn about concentration and discipline while tending to the baby trees revealed a Zen gardening world many of us knew little about. But, of course, bonsai trees are nothing new. In fact, these little works of art have been around for thousands of years, tracing their roots to ancient China and Japan. These countries have celebrated bonsai trees in literary and visual works of art throughout recorded time, often serving as a status of wealth and social standing. There’s even a bonsai tree, known as the Sandai Shogun no Matsu, which has been cared for by Japanese emperors throughout time and is said to be 500 years old! Hard to believe that some us can’t even keep a common houseplant alive for more than a few months.
4 c Graham cracker crumbs 16 oz Unsalted butter, melted 3 tbsp Sugar
Filling 5 lb 5 c 4 c 8
Cream cheese Sour cream Granulated sugar Eggs
8 oz 4 tbsp 1 ¼ c 2 tsp
Egg yolks Vanilla extract Heavy cream Huckleberry purée
DIRECTIONS Crust
In a small bowl, combine graham crackers, butter and sugar. Press ¼ cup of mixture in each spring form pan. Bake at 300 degrees for 8 minutes. Cool and reserve.
Filling
In a mixer, beat sour cream, cream cheese and sugar for 30 seconds on low, then turn up to medium. In a separate container, combine vanilla, eggs, yolks, and heavy cream and whisk together. On medium speed, slowly add egg mixture to mixer. Scrape after half mixture is poured. Continue adding the rest of the egg mixture. Once it’s all incorporated, pour 6 ounces of mixture into a spring form pan. Drizzle Huckleberry puree into the cheesecake mixture and swirl it with a skewer. Wrap outside of each pan with aluminum foil. Pour hot water into spring form pans until its filled half way up. Place spring form pans into a preheated oven at 250 degrees and bake for one hour. Then crack the door open for one minute and turn off oven. Close oven and let stand in oven for one more hour. Cool and refrigerate. Yields 2 cheesecakes.
480.947.0795 | RoaringFork.com
LOCAL VENUE
THE ZEN OF
BONSAI F
Hotel San Carlos
202 North Central Avenue | Phoenix
Consider if you will, the past list of famous guests who routinely stayed at the San Carlos when visiting the area. Leading man of the silver screen era, Clark Gable, often stayed in room 412, where he could watch the foot traffic on the street. Marilyn Monroe preferred room 326, as it was closest to the pool and the sun deck. The French Café at the San Carlos was considered the place to be seen during the early-to-mid 20th Century and many stars made it a point to come to the Café for a meal while in Phoenix. Although the San Carlos has had updated renovations, the atmosphere has not changed. If you’re looking to step back in time for a night, hunt some ghosts, or just enjoy the heart of the city at its finest, Hotel San Carlos is the place to go! Source: HotelSanCarlos.com
B
DRONES 101
y now we’ve all heard the story of a drone doing a flyby of someone’s home, peering down at the backyard, and taking pics of someone outside. Talk about invasion of privacy! But seriously, could that really happen? Turns out, if you’ve got some dough, all you need to do is log onto the Apple Store and select one of the drones for sale. Of course, most people looking for a drone are looking for new tech and robotics gadgets, not looking for spy technology.
The word bonsai in Japanese means “plant in a tray.” Though they appear to be dwarf trees, bonsai trees are not actually dwarf specimens at all, but trees that require meticulous care and
Also know as Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV), drones are beginning to go mainstream. According to the Federal Aviation Administration, drone sales are expected to jump from 2.5 million drones in 2016 to 7 million by 2020. Before long, drone capabilities will be at your doorstop. But there’s a lot more cool stuff you can do with a drone than just spying on your neighbors. Categorized under toys or games at most locations, drones are being marketed to kids and full-grown gamers and film junkies alike. What’s for sale? One of the less expensive drones online is the National Geographic Quadcopter Drone, at an affordable $49.99. Including more high-tech features is the Parrot Mini Drone Airborne Cargo, retailing at $99.95. With a mini camera on board to take aerial pics, this drone can be controlled with a one-finger swipe of your phone. On the other end of the price spectrum is the DJI Phantom 4 Camera Drone, retailing at $1,200. This drone is for the athlete or film-director-wannabe who can get aerial shots of him or herself biking, skiing, or acting out a movie script. With obstacle avoidance technology, this drone will dodge tree branches and telephone poles and can fly as much as several miles away. It even has the capability to turn itself around and head back home if the signal is lost. And it’s all controlled with an iPad or iPhone. If you’re thinking about trying out this newest technology, you have many price options. Drones can be purchased at Amazon, Wal-Mart, and many other retailers. Just remember, it’s not cool to invade someone’s privacy. Also, there are many codes and regulations in place on how high and how far you can fly your drone. Read up on all the dos and don’ts at FAA.gov/uas/ … and happy flying!
LIFEWISE
delicate pruning, cutting, clamping, defoliation, and stunting so that they remain small in stature. Bonsai trees can actually be any type of tree but to inherit its “old” look it is often taken from seeds of certain specimens or even as a graft from another bonsai tree. And bonsai are always grown in trays, usually shallow. Because of the intense time and care it takes to perfect the bonsai tree, it is an act that requires patience and provides a time of meditation for the gardener or artist. There are several types of traditional bonsai trees. The formal upright tree boasts a straight trunk with a tapering top. The informal upright bonsai exhibits slight curves. Slanting bonsai come out of the soil at an angle. The forest style includes many trees to appear as a tiny wooded wonderland. Becoming a true bonsai expert takes years of study and practice. But there’s no reason you can’t give it a try. A bonsai tree may be just the thing to transform your backyard oasis or a meditative space within your home. Today’s kits, which come with the proper soil, specimen seeds, and precise watering instructions, make growing your own bonsai plant easier than ever. Or pre-grown bonsai trees make great gifts for loved ones and can be purchased at florists or online at shops. Bonsai trees may indeed be small, but sharing their joy is sure to put a big smile on your face.
Huckleberry Cheesecake INGREDIENTS Crust
FLAVORFUL
The Hotel San Carlos is the only Phoenix historic boutique hotel that has been in continuous operation since 1928. Each of the 128 guest rooms has been individually decorated, and the history of Phoenix, Arizona awaits you at every turn.
or some of us, the movie The Karate Kid was the first time we learned of the art of the bonsai tree. Watching Mr. Miyagi and “Daniel san” learn about concentration and discipline while tending to the baby trees revealed a Zen gardening world many of us knew little about. But, of course, bonsai trees are nothing new. In fact, these little works of art have been around for thousands of years, tracing their roots to ancient China and Japan. These countries have celebrated bonsai trees in literary and visual works of art throughout recorded time, often serving as a status of wealth and social standing. There’s even a bonsai tree, known as the Sandai Shogun no Matsu, which has been cared for by Japanese emperors throughout time and is said to be 500 years old! Hard to believe that some us can’t even keep a common houseplant alive for more than a few months.
4 c Graham cracker crumbs 16 oz Unsalted butter, melted 3 tbsp Sugar
Filling 5 lb 5 c 4 c 8
Cream cheese Sour cream Granulated sugar Eggs
8 oz 4 tbsp 1 ¼ c 2 tsp
Egg yolks Vanilla extract Heavy cream Huckleberry purée
DIRECTIONS Crust
In a small bowl, combine graham crackers, butter and sugar. Press ¼ cup of mixture in each spring form pan. Bake at 300 degrees for 8 minutes. Cool and reserve.
Filling
In a mixer, beat sour cream, cream cheese and sugar for 30 seconds on low, then turn up to medium. In a separate container, combine vanilla, eggs, yolks, and heavy cream and whisk together. On medium speed, slowly add egg mixture to mixer. Scrape after half mixture is poured. Continue adding the rest of the egg mixture. Once it’s all incorporated, pour 6 ounces of mixture into a spring form pan. Drizzle Huckleberry puree into the cheesecake mixture and swirl it with a skewer. Wrap outside of each pan with aluminum foil. Pour hot water into spring form pans until its filled half way up. Place spring form pans into a preheated oven at 250 degrees and bake for one hour. Then crack the door open for one minute and turn off oven. Close oven and let stand in oven for one more hour. Cool and refrigerate. Yields 2 cheesecakes.
480.947.0795 | RoaringFork.com
Julie Macpherson
I moved here from the UK in 2000 with my husband and daughter (yes, I am a Brit!). With my previous 18 years’ experience in the corporate world, I am well versed in integrity, diversity, quality, negotiating, budgets, deadlines and keeping projects on track. Real Estate has always been my true passion so becoming a Realtor in 2007 seemed a perfect fit. I really enjoy helping my clients in a variety of real estate transactions. I represent buyers and sellers of both residential and investment properties. I am also a certified Relocation Specialist. Having moved from the UK with my family I have had personal experience in the stress and challenges involved in such a big move, so I love being able to assist other families to transition across the globe or across the country. I am a member of the following Associations and have also achieved the status of Certified Home Marketing Specialist (CHMS): Member National Association of Realtors Member Arizona Association of Realtors Member Scottsdale Association of Realtors I am recognized as being one of the top producers in my office and am proud to say that I consistently receive customer service satisfaction awards, as customer service is a big priority for me. I hope this gives you a little bit of insight about me. I look forward to personally meeting you and helping you with your real estate needs. If you or anyone you know has any questions or just want some advice, don’t hesitate to call me. My goal is bringing buyers and sellers together and ensuring a successful and smooth transaction.
If you plan to buy, sell, or just have a question, feel free to call me!
Julie Macpherson 602.525.5565 Julie@azfabhomes.com www.azfabhomes.com 7221 E Princess Boulevard | Suite 117 | Scottsdale | 85255 If your home is currently listed, this is not a solicitation for that listing.
Produced by DLP Marketing • (480)460-0996 • DLPmarketing.com